BUCKINGHAM POND PARK
TREE/SHRUB/WILDFLOWER
PLANTING PLAN 2011

Buckingham Pond Park is sorely in
need of a carefully crafted tree, shrub
and wildflower plan, to beautify the
park, to control shoreline erosion, to
provide habitat for birds and animals
and to provide for long term management,

Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectday
County Soil and Water Conservation
Districts (SWCD) each offer annual
tree/shrub sales where young planting
stock can be obtained at reasonable
costs. Also bagged compost/ wood chips.

Consult the following links for what is
available, costs, quantities, order and
pick dates/locations:

http://www.albanycounty.com/uploadedFiles/2011-swcd-SpringTreeAndShrubSale.pdf

http://rensselaer-county.com/pdfs/2011ArborGreen.pdf

http://www.schenectadycounty.com/T_and_S_2008_Order_Form_f1lVr.pdf.file

Compare offerings and select those that

are most suitable for Buckingham Pond

Park.

Neighbors who participate in this park

planting management plan can use some

of the stock in their own yards, as well

as share it with neighbors who want to

improve their properties.

Do not be dismayed by the small size

of the plants. They are easier to handle

plant and establish. They grow quickly.

The park planting plan can serve to

improve the park and entire neighborhood.

Albany County SWCD orders must be

made by March 18. Schenectady County

SWCD, April 15 and Rennselaer County

SWCD, April 28.

Among the trees that should be considered

are:  White Flowering Dogwood, Red Pine

Sawtooth Oak, Dawn Redwood, Black Hills

Spruce, Canaan Fir,  and Austrian Pine
(salt, air pollution tolerant)

Shrubs include: Juneberry (Serviceberry)
Witch Hazel, Spicebush, Rose of Sharon
Lilac, Forsythia, American Cranberry.

Stream Co Willow and Red Osier Dogwood
are excellent to control shoreline erosion.

I have some Forsythia, Red Osier Dogwood
Lilac and American Cranberry plants/roots
which I would be happy to donate.

The Buckingham Pond Conservancy group
which has adopted Buckingham Pond Park
is meeting this coming Sunday, March 6.

http://www.buckinghampondconservancy.org/annual-meeting-be-held-sun-36-100-pm

Hopefully, they will prepare a park
planting plan and utilise some of the
plants available from the aforementioned
swcd sources.

                                              Joe Sullivan

POND PARK WALK 11-6-10

Mick, Paddy, Margaret and me took a walk
around the pond park this day.

The Conservancy group is holding a clean up
day, Sunday, Nov 7.  Best wishes. Much work
to do. Beware of the ticks. Be sure the insurance
question is resolved.

The BPCNA has never sponsored such events
because of the liability issue.

Carl and Jack did a great job of maintaining
the pond park over the past season.

However, much park work that needs to be
done is beyond the capabilities of Carl, Jack
and the conservancy volunteers.

The City has planted a few willows along
the North shore of the pond and shored up
most of the bulkheads along the foot path
South shore between Euclid and Lenox and
softened the steep slope of the footpath at
Lenox.

The dead tree overhanging the foot path
at that location still presents a hazard.

The two Red Dogwood plants would have
been better placed on the pond side of
the path, to minimize shore-path erosion.

More Red Twig Dogwoods need to be
planted along the  bulkheaded path to
reduce the severe erosion evident there.

Look carefully at the section where
Red Twig Dogwoods exist, and note how
they act to stabilize the bank as opposed
to the section of foot path that is bulk-
headed.

Severe erosion of the foot path entrance
at the foot of  Euclid will not be corrected
by simply adding more powdered gravel/

Observe that gravel has simply been
deposited as a small delta where water
run off enters the pond below.

The wooded path between Lenox and
Holmes Dale needs much work. Vines
strangling trees need to be cut.

Leaves need to be raked away from the
foot path because they are slippery
and harbor ticks.

Brush along the paths needs to be cut
back for the same reason.

Some lighting and a blue light emergency
call phone box should be added in this
section, perhaps at the foot of Lenox.

The sector along Raft's Way from
Holmes Dale to Milner also needs
work.

Leaves have to be raked off the path
and brush cut.

Undergrowth needs to be cut
around the conifers so that they
can mature, particularly the
Hemlocks.

The Hemlocks might better be
transplanted to more open sites
where they can fully develop.

The Milner foot path area has
been a target of vandals, particularly
the flower pots and nylon line of
the foot bridge.

The upended drain pipe to nowhere
is still visible Southeast of the foot
bridge.

Severe erosion of the foot path slope
at Berkshire needs correction.

Foot paths, in general have a number
of wet, slippery spots which are a hazard
in frosty/wet weather.

Application of  coarse, not powdered
bluestone is the solution.

A complete park tree/shrub inventory
and plan are needed. Planting more
flowering trees, willows and flowering
colorful bushes are needed.

These items can be obtained at a very
reasonable price from the Spring
Soil and Water Conservation District
plant sales sponsored by local counties.

                                        Joe Sullivan

MUCHO DOG POOP
AROUND THE POND
PARK

Took Mick and Paddy around
the pond park this morning.

Disgraceful! Piles of dog poop
along the paths, particularly
the wooded section between
Eucild and Holmes Dale, and
Rafts Way - South side.

Who is responsible?  More and
more people are parking in
the traffic semi circle foot of
Colonial, North side, and walking
their dogs around the pond paths.

Offenders should be caught and
sentenced to labor in the pond
park - cleaning up dog poop,
cutting brush and vines, picking
up litter, planting trees, flowering
shrubs and more.

Maybe time has come to eliminate
parking at pond park because
outsiders are coming in and trashing
our park?

                                 Joe Sullivan

POND WALK

Margaret, Mick, Paddy and me went for
a walk around the pond this morning.

A lovely late summers day under the
spell of a Canadian air mass.

The Red Dogwoods planted in the dry
shady area at the foot of Lenox, south
side, appear to be surviving.

They would be better sited on the
shore of the footpath where they
would help stabilize bank erosion.

The vines are still uncut, strangling
the trees along the wooded path from
Lenox to Holmes Dale.

Willow plantings should be made to
beutify the pond park and help stem
shore/bank erosion/collapse.

A young willow on the Milner Ave
footpath is being strangled by vines.

Flowers have been ripped off from
the flower pot.

Flowers planted earlier in the year
by the children's play area are
dying of thirst in the dry raised
compost beds.

The two Hemlocks along Rafts way
are suffering from lack of cutting
the brush which is choking them.

Nevertheless, the pond park looks
good along Berkshire, and is
pleasant place for a stroll or jog.

Many neighbors were out and about.

                                    Joe Sullivan

WALKS AROUND THE POND
PARK WITH PADDY AND MICK

Took the boys for separate walks around
the pond park this morning.

A bright, cooler day. Jack and Carl were
hard at work on the North shore grass.

The City graded the path down to the pond
Lenox at Berkshire South side. Makes it
safer for walkers. However, the dead tree
overhanging the path, where it joins the pond
is a remaining hazard.

The vines still need to be cut from trees
and the brush cleared around the Hemlocks
South Side between Lenox and Milner.
Maybe, the summer help will be assigned
these chores?

The weeds and brush along the wooded
path- Lenox to HolmesDale are nicely
trimmed, making it less likely for walkers
dods and joggers to have ticks hitch rides.

Vandals have cut more of the nylon lines
on the Milner foot bridge. Also, ripped off
flower plants from the pots at either end.

Grafitti has appeared here and there.

The children's play area is well maintained
as are the picnic areas around the traffic
parking semi-circle at the foot of Colonial
North side.

Water quality is better, accept for some
algae bloom concentrated at the pond East
End.

Water erosion is evident at several locations
along the path, in particular, the Milner Ave
footpath, Berkshire North side and at the
crosswalk, Berkshire at Euclid, South side.
The latter has ruts which pose turned ankle
hazards, if pedestrians are not careful.

All in all, things are ok. People are just
trying to savor the summertime which is
fleeting in these parts.

Joe Sullivan

WALK AROUND POND
WITH PADDY

A lovely morning. Jack and Carl are working
hard to get the park in shape.

However, they need help for the bigger jobs
like spreading coarse bluestone on the paths
cutting vines and brush that are strangling
trees along the South side and West end of
the park.

Cutting hazardous dead trees and limbs is
a job for the City Parks Department.

Vandals have begun to cut the nylon lines
on the Milner Ave footbridge. Won't be long
before the rest are cut and stolen.

I have forsythia, red dogwood and lilac plants
to donate to the park. Mentioned that to Jack
and Carl today, when Paddy and me met
them along the path.

Planting willows along the North shore, as
well as Red Dogwoods would stabilize the
shore which is eroding badly.

One of the officers of the newly formed
Buckingham Pond Conservancy, who lives
on, Berkshire Drive, opposite the pond
contunues to apply lawn treatments which
run off across the road and into the pond
contributing to the algae bloom evident
there.

Joe Sullivan

A WALK AROUND
BUCKINGHAM PARK

Took Mick and Paddy for a walk around the
pond.

The algae bloom has been pushed to the
East end of the pond by the wind. Colder
temperatures have also reduced the bloom
for now. Later the City will apply copper
sulfate,

The paths need to be resurfaces with coarse
bluestone.

The North shore of the pond exhibits severe
slumping and erosion. Red Dogwoods and
Willows ,as well as other bushes and trees
that tolerate wet conditions and reduce
erosion, need to be planted.

The Danger Keep Off The Ice signs remain
nailed to the trees. Evidence that the City
has paid scant attention to the park.

Litter is in evidence, in the water at the
pond East end, and along the wooded
sections, South side from Euclid to Milner.
Along the Western side of the park
bordered by Davis Ave, also.

Many dead trees and limbs remain uncut
posing a hazard to pedestrians and pets
especially the large tree at the foot of
the path below Lenox, South side.

The vines and brush remain uncut
along the Southern and Western sections
choking trees.

The leaves and brush along the wooded
path between Euclid and Holmes Dale
South shore, need to be raked/cut. Also
the section from Holmes Dale to Milner.
Ticks lie in wait for unwary passersby.

Lots more needs to be done, as indicated
in earlier posts, this blog.

Joe Sullivan

THACHER PARK NOT OUT
OF THE WOODS YET

As long as the state legislature is in town
we are not safe.

The weekend outing in the park was
cancelled. Perhaps, organizers found
it hard to get a crowd on Palm Sunday
weekend, and when Spring break is
in full sway.

Cautious observers would not count on
Thacher Park, and other parks and
historical sites being spared.

The Governor and State Legislature are
avoiding dealing with the budget shortfall
until after November 2 when they hope to
be returned to office by the voters.

Even if they are not reelected a lame duck
Governor and State Legislature can be very
dangerous.

In either case, they might pass a budget
that includes big tax increases and still close
Thacher and other parks/historical sites.

So, Thacher supporters - beware and alert.

*********

Margaret, Mick, Paddy and me spent both
weekend days roaming the woods. The snow
was gone from most fields and open spaces.
However, in the woods, the snow was still
a foot or more deep. However, it was still
possible to walk, without snowshoes, and
without breaking through the surface snow
which was still frozen enough to support
our weight.

Saturday, was sunny, and the nicer of the
two days. Sunday , South winds were gusting
to 25-30 knots, and we had to be on the look
out for falling branches/trees.

Nevertheless, we went to walk in the woods
because, in all probability the weather will
warm significantly later this week, and that
will be the last of the snow, unless we have
a Nor'Easter or a few lighter snowfalls in
April.

So, our winter Transhumance is coming to
and end. It was one of our best winters ever.

Come Spring and Summer we will have to be
content with lowland walks and occasional
journeys to the uplands of Delaware County.

Our focus is now toward growing vegetables
and flowers.

I planted potatoes, turnips, lettuce, spinach
swiss chard, broccoli, beets and parsley in
mid March during before the pleasant
weather arrived with Spring.

Carrots, parsnips are next to be planted
followed by pole beans, summer squash
and cherry tomatoes when the weather
warms.

The raspberries are mowed and we are
looking forward to a good harvest July
through September.

The Fall planted garlic is emerging.

All the planting beds have been insulated
with straw and leaves to protect the crops
from frosty weather than can occur until
mid May.

The flowers include the usual perennials
Daffodils, Tuips, Iris, Coreopsis, Coneflower
Bee Balm, Astibile, Roses, Native and Asian
Lillies, Yarrow, Lambs Ears and Black-Eyed
Susans; as well as annuals including Celosia
Cosmos, Blue Batchelor Buttons, Butterfly
Bushes and Marigolds.


Joe Sullivan

BUCKINGHAM POND PARK

The trees have not begun to leaf out, yet.

Dead trees, many of them large, stand out
clearly, particularly when looking South
across the pond from the North Shore.

Many pose a hazard to people and pets
who use the wooded paths on that side
of the pond on windy days.

Dead trees are also clearly visible in the
wooded Western side of the park bordered
by Davis Ave.

Now is the time to remove the dead trees
decayed limbs, vines and underbrush that is
strangling the younger trees.

The newly formed Buckingham Pond
Conservancy should have it's members
marking vines and underbrush to be
cut and cleared, with orange ribbons.

Young trees that form the next generation
of mature trees, should be marked with
green ribbons.

Dead or severely decayed trees that present
a hazard to people and pets using the paths
should be marked with red ribbons.

Ideally, this should have been done before
the weather turned warmer and the ticks
beneath the leaves began to hatch. Howver
previous posts on this site have been ignored
as have other specific recommendations to
improve Buckingham Pond Park.
(See numerous posts in the archives of this
site)


Members of the Conservancy and city
workers who tend to the above tasks
should be alert to the presence of ticks
when working in the woods.

Additionally, leaves and brush should be
cleared from alongside paths so that ticks
do not hitch rides on people and pets, who
bring them back to homes and yards, thus
spreading the risk of Lyme Disease and
other diseases carried by ticks.

Joe Sullivan

SAVE THACHER PARK UPDATE

Read: http://lonerangeralbany.blogspot.com/

Joe Sullivan

KEEP THACHER PARK OPEN

Read posts Feb 18 and 14 on:

http://lonerangeralbany.blogspot.com/


Joe Sullivan

BUCKINGHAM POND PARK
DEPLORABLE CONDITION

Took a walk through the park yesterday
with Mick.

The dead tree overhanging the footpath
Lenox at pond, South side, is still there
endangering any walkers or joggers who
venture down the path in windy weather.

Litter everywhere along the southern and
western margins of the park. Vines and
underbrush strangling young trees.

The useless drain pipe at the Milner Ave
foot bridge remains upended.

Footpaths are wet and slippery, particularly
at the pond East end, and South side, because
the City did not apply coarse bluestone to
promote better drainage and safer footing.

Signs posted on trees, North side of pond
invite skaters to make use of the cleared
ice surfaces. Observe the ice is not safe
for skating!

Fear not, because the Buckingham Pond
Conservancy Steering Committee is on the
job - holding a meeting 2 pm, Sunday
January 31 to provide an update on the
fledgling group's achievents in 2009, to
adopt by laws and elect officers and a
board of directors.

http://buckinghampondconservancy.org/

The group alleges to be non-partisan
when the organizers are not - they had
Corey Ellis signs on their lawns and cars
and opposed Mayor Jennings for reelection.

They also by-passed the existing Buckingham
Pond/Crestwood Neighborhood Association
which is responsible for rezoning the pond
and shoreline Land Conservation (park land)
in 1994, and for working with Mayor Jennings
to achieve many pond park improvements
in subsequent years, including the new lighting
and improvements on the Milner Ave footpath
and bridge, and working with the APD to rid
the pond park of underage drinking parties and
drug dealers.



Moves which compromise the ability of
the Buckingham Pond Conservancy to
effectively achieve it's professed pupose
"To coordinate ...protecting, preserving
and enhancing Buckingham Pond and it's
surrounding greenspace."...in cooperation
with governmental agencies...
neighborhood associations"
(click on proposed by laws link
go to Mission and Purpose.)

Support the opponent of the Mayor and
by pass the existing Buckingham Pond
Crestwood Neighborhood Association -
two strikes!

Strike 3 comes with the Membership
provision which restricts "Neighborhood
Member" to "Each adult resident within
one half mile (0.5 mi) of the pond" while
providing that a "Voting Member" shall
be any adult (18+) who contributes dues"
in a given fiscal year. Fiscal years begin
each April 1.

These provisions exclude the residents
of the Crestwood sector of the neighborhood
and are contrary to the practices of the
existing Buckingham Pond/Crestwood NA
where no dues are charged and all
neighborhood residents may participate in
the association.

In addition, the half mile geographic
provision for "Neighborhood Member"
completely disregards the established
Western and Eastern boundaries of the
Buckingham Pond/Crestwood NA which
have been in place for more than 22 years
thereby allowing residents and members
of other neighborhood associations and
neighborhoods, who pay dues, to make
decisions that impact residents of this
neghborhood. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

The four conservancy working groups
are entirely unnecessary and the
descriptions of their responsibilities are
muddled, redundant and conflicting.

We only need ONE Buckingham Pond
Committee of this Neighborhood Association.

If residents sincerely desire to protect
and improve the pond park, they can
volunteer to serve on this Association
committee.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel.
Review the postings on this site over
the years which present needed actions
pertaining to the pond park.

For example:

Friday, November 27, 2009

BUCKINGHAM POND PARK REPORT NOVEMBER 27, 2009
To begin: there is a high wind warningposted four our area
-http://weather.aol.com/severe-weather-alerts/ny/nyc001/nyz052

So?There are a number of dead, ordecaying trees and tree limbs
overhanging the paths posing a hazard to walkers, their pets and
joggers.Most notably, the South side of the pond park:
1. a large dead tree over the path at the foot of Lenox,
2. another dead tree leaningtoward the footpath at the foot of Lenox,
3. several overhanging the wooded footpath from Lenox to Holmes Dale
in particular one at the HolmesDale entrance to the footpath
4. several overhanding, or liable to fall across the footpath from
Holmes Dale to Milner Ave.This is not a new condition. Scroll back
to earlierpark reports on this site, and you will read numerous posts
calling attention to this. Also, complete agendas of what improvements
and remedial actions are needed in Buckingham Pond Park.

Mick, Paddy and me took a traverse around the pond park, today, and
observed the above conditions , as well as others ,that need attention.
1. The dangerous, dead trees and limbs, noted above need immediate
attention by the City of Albany.
2. So do the footpaths, which become slippery when wet, posingfall
hazards to those who usethe paths.This, too, is a job for the City of
Albany.Crushed coarse, bluestone needs to be trucked in and spread over the footpaths.Particularly slippery sections are found at the pond East end, the
pond, South side and pond North side.This problem as been posted, again
and again on this site this year and last.In response, the City did attempt to
rectify theslip hazard butspread the wrong material - powdered gravel
which only worsened the hazard.
3. The wooded areas of the pond park particularly the South and West
sections, need to have active management which promotes the long term
health of those wooded areas. a) cut, remove vines strangling trees
b) remove dead trees and limbs thatpose a hazard
c) cut the brush around young trees so that they may mature - particularly
the young Hemlocks and other conifers, pond park South side between
Colonial and Milner.
4. Repositioning the drain pipe that runs into the small holding pond at the
Milner Ave footbridge.Observe end of the drain pipe is elevated upward so
that it is useless, except for collecting rainfall.
5. The childrens play area, North side, needs protection of a metal guard rail
or row of large rocks to prevent out of control, speeding vehicles on Berkshire
from crashing into the play area.
6. The pond shoreline needs to be stabilized through a program of planting
trees and bushes that thrive in wet conditions, while stabilizing the banks.
These include Willows, Red Osier Dogwoods, and others.
See past pond park posts this site for the last several years.
7. The park picnic tables need to be properly preserved and maintained.
The City of Albany has the ability and obligation to make the above
improvements to the pond park.

Residents of this neighborhood payhigher property taxes than many
Downtown neighborhoods, while we receive less than our fair share of police
presence to deter crime control speeding traffic, etc.

Buckingham Pond Park receives much less attention than Washington and
Lincoln Parks. As long as residents do not press the city for more police
presence and more improvementsto Buckingham Pond Park- expect little
or no change.

Call Mayor Jennings on his weeklyFriday Radio show b9-10 am, WDGJ
1300 AM - call in line # 476 1300. That will get results you need regarding
the above and any other neighborhood concerns you may have.

Now, with hard times here, citizens have to be expected to pitch in and help.
All neighborhood residents have been drafted into our neighborhood watch
insructed to call the APD,and/or NYS Anti Terror Hotline, when they spot
suspicious individuals, groups and behaviors.
See earlier posts for those telephone numbers.Residents around the pond
with a view of the pond ,particularly the parking lot at the footof Colonial
North side, have the responsibility of calling the APD when they see people
dumping household and other trash in park barrels ,see people feeding the ducks/geese ,vandalizing the park, littering or engaging in drug trades.

The newly formed Buckingham Pond Conservancy which purports to be
"working for the future of a small pond and a few acres of land"
and lists a steering committee of a dozen neighborhood residents has to get
to work!

Here are some tasks to work on:
1. Rake the leaves off the footpaths,pond South side Lenox to Milner.
Leaves are slippery and harbor ticks which pose a health hazard to
people and pets.
2. Rake the leaves off the grassy section at Milner Ave, South side.
The leaves will only kill the grass.They also harbor ticks.
3. Place stakes with bright orange ribbon marking slippery spots on
footpaths that require coarse ,crushed bluestone application by the City.
4. Place bright orange ribbons on trees and limbs that pose hazards over
footpaths.
5. Place bright orange ribbons on vines that are strangling trees
preventing them from maturing or killing them.
6. Find the useless upended drain pipe and mark it with a stake
and orange ribbon.
7. Read and download, all the prior posts on this site for the past
several years which identify pond park problems and present detailed
needed actions.

There is no need for the Conservancy to reinvent the wheel - that is
if participants are really sincere in their stated objective.
Just get to work and follow through on what has already been presented
on this site.

Joe Sullivan
posted by J P Sullivan 10:52 AM

or

Friday, March 27, 2009

PLANT A TREE/SHRUB THIS SPRING
The City of Albany Spring Tree ProgramOrder dead line is
Tues, Mar 31.
http://albanyny.gov/_files/Tree%20Planting%202009%20-%204%20page.pdf

The Albany SWCD Tree/Shrub sale order deadline was: March 20.
However, it maystill be possible to order stock by calling765-7923.
The newly forming Buckingham Pond Conservancy group missed an
opportunityto get reasonably priced tree/shrub stock that could improve
the pond park's visual beauty, stabilize bank erosion and offer food and
shelter for wildlife.

Trees: Black Alder, Hybrid Poplar, Canaan Firand Sycamore.
Shrubs: Silky Dogwood.Pond Habitat Conservation Pacs including
2 each of: Red Osier Dogwood/ButtonbushNinebark/Sycamore/Black
Alder.
Flowering T&S Pacs including 2 each of American Mtn Ash/Juneberry/
Spicebush,Sand Cherry/White Flowering Dogwood.

However, all is not lost, there are 2 other SWCD T&S sales still available.
Schenectady County 399-6980. Order deadline: April 17.
Stock included: Burning Bush/LilacRose of Sharon, White Flowering
Dogwood,Witch Hazel and Spicebush.
Rensselaer County 271-1740. Order deadline; April 30.Stock included:
Austrian Pine, Pagoda Flowering Dogwood, Rugosa Rose, LilacWinter
Berry Holly, Rose of Sharon, America Cranberry and Manchu Cherry.
Any and all of the above would be welcome additions to the pond park
as well a neighborhood yards. Obtaining and planting the above would
be of much more long term benefit to improving the pond park, than th
e trash/litter clean up which the Conservancy group has scheduled for
April.

The neighborhood association does notsponsor clean ups because of the
liabilityrisk.

Joe Sullivan

posted by J P Sullivan

None of the organizers of the "conservancy"
have been active on the Association Pond
Park Committee since 1994.

Their motives for creating this
"conservancy" must be questioned.

I have not been invited to any meetings
of the "conservancy" group, but am ready
and willing to address them.

I invite any participants in this group
as well as any interested neighborhood
residents to volunteer for a single pond
park committee under the auspices of
the Buckingham Pond/Crestwood
Neighborhood Association..

Our Association boundaries are:
Western Ave (N), S Manning Blvd (E)
NYS Thruway (S) and Rte 85 (W).

Buckingham Pond Park is the center
piece of our Neighborhood Association.

Participation in the established
Buckingham Pond/Crestwood NA will
best further the maintenance and
improvement of Buckingham Pond
Park.

We have several other committees
to serve on, including:

1. Neighborhood Security

2. Emergency/Disaster Preparedness

3. Traffic/Pedestrian Safety

We have accomplished much to
benefit the neighborhood in past years:


ABOUT THE ASSOCIATIONHISTORY

The Buckingham Pond/Crestwood Neighborhood Association
(BPCNA) was established in the mid-1980's.
Joseph P Sullivan organized the Association and has served
continuously as President.

BPCNA Boundaries: (N) Western Ave, (E) South Manning Blvd
(S) NYS TW (Whitehall Road)(W) Rte 85

ASSOCIATION GOALS:
(1) To protect, maintain and improve the residential integrity,
environment and quality of life in thisneighborhood
(2) To interact with city, county, state and federal governments
public and private schools/collegeschurches, synagogues, and
neighborhood businesses to achieve the above goals.
(3) To interact , and cooperate, with other neighborhood groups,
regarding issues of mutual concern.

ASSOCIATION ACHIEVEMENTS:
are many. Just a few include:
Rezoning Albany Muni Golf Course and Buckingham Pond/shore
as Land Conservation (Park Land) in 1994.
Defeat of two attempts to site a big box store Krum Kill Rd at
New Scotland Ave(1999-2000).
DEC clean up of Boopsie Brownfield site, corner of Whitehall Rd
and New Scotland Ave,( 1997-98).
Defeat of two attempts to site a third middle school in the
neighborhood (1999-2000).
Restoration of Crestwood Plaza as a neighborhood retail-service
center (1997-2004).
Creation of Conifer tree buffer and 1 acre greenspace at
Buckingham Mews NE corner of New Scotland Ave and Krum Kill Rd
and green space at SW corner of South Manning Blvd and
New Scotland Ave (1980's).
Defeat of two attempts to rezone residential dwelling ,NW corner
of South Manning Blvd and New Scotland Ave ,as commercial (1995-96)
Defeat of two attempts to site a 100 ft cell phone tower in an R-1B
residential zoned neighborhood on Whitehall Rd (2004-2005).
Defeat of proposed 12 story apartment tower and parking garage
on 7.5 acre wooded parcel,containing 2 small wetlands and a tributary
of the Normans Kill,located on Krum Kill Rd (2004).

We will better serve our neighborhood
by being united, rather than divided and
working a cross purposes.

In invite all neighborhood residents to
participate in your neighborhood association.
It works, when you do!

Thank you.

Joe Sullivan
BPCNA President

Tel/Fax 438 5230

BUCKINGHAM POND PARK
REPORT NOVEMBER 27, 2009

To begin: there is a high wind warning
posted four our area-
http://weather.aol.com/severe-weather-alerts/ny/nyc001/nyz052

So?

There are a number of dead, or
decaying trees and tree limbs
overhanging the paths posing a
hazard to walkers, their pets
and joggers.

Most notably, the South side of
the pond park:
1. a large dead tree over the path
at the foot of Lenox,

2. another dead tree leaning
toward the
footpath at the foot of Lenox,

3. several overhanging the
wooded footpath
from Lenox to Holmes Dale
in particular one at the Holmes
Dale entrance to the footpath,

4. several overhanding, or liable
to fall across the footpath from
Holmes Dale to Milner Ave.

This is not a new condition.
Scroll back to earlier
park reports on this site, and you
will read numerous posts calling
attention to this.
Also, complete agendas of what
improvements
and remedial actions are
needed in Buckingham Pond Park.

Mick, Paddy and me took a traverse
around the pond park, today, and
observed the above conditions , as
well as others ,that need attention.

1. The dangerous, dead trees and
limbs, noted above need immediate
attention by the City of Albany.

2. So do the footpaths, which
become slippery when wet, posing
fall hazards to those who use
the paths.

This, too, is a job for the City of
Albany.
Crushed coarse, bluestone needs
to be trucked in and
spread over the footpaths.
Particularly slippery
sections are found at the pond
East end, the pond, South side
and pond North side.

This problem as been
posted, again and again
on this site this year and last.
In response, the
City did attempt to rectify the
slip hazard but
spread the wrong material -
powdered gravel
which only worsened the hazard.

3. The wooded areas of the
pond park particularly the South
and West sections, need to have
active management which
promotes the long term health
of those wooded areas.

a) cut, remove vines strangling trees

b) remove dead trees and limbs that
pose a hazard

c) cut the brush around young trees
so that they may mature - particularly
the young Hemlocks and other conifers
pond park South side between Colonial
and Milner.

4. Repositioning the drain pipe that runs
into the small holding pond at the Milner
Ave footbridge.
Observe end of the drain pipe is elevated
upward so that it is useless, except for
collecting rainfall.

5. The childrens play area, North side
protection
of a metal guard rail or row of large
rocks to prevent out of control, speeding
vehicles on Berkshire from
crashing into the play area.

6. The pond shoreline needs to be
stabilized through a program of
planting trees and bushes
that thrive in wet conditions, while
stabilizing the banks. These include
Willows, Red Osier Dogwoods, and
others.
See past pond park posts this site
for the last several years.

7. The park picnic tables need to be
properly preserved and maintained.

The City of Albany has the ability
and obligation to make the above
improvements to the pond park.

Residents of this neighborhood pay
higher property taxes than many
Downtown neighborhoods, while
we receive less than our fair share of
police presence to deter crime control
speeding traffic, etc.
Buckingham Pond Park receives
much less attention
than Washington and Lincoln Parks.

As long as residents do not press the
city for more
police presence and more improvements
to Buckingham Pond Park- expect little
or no change.

Call Mayor Jennings on his weekly
Friday Radio show
9-10 am, WDGJ 1300 AM -
call in line # 476 1300.
That will get results you need regarding
the above
and any other neighborhood concerns
you may have.

Now, with hard times here, citizens
have to be expected to pitch in and help.

All neighborhood residents have been
drafted into
our neighborhood watch, insructed
to call the APD,
and/or NYS Anti Terror Hotline, when
they spot
suspicious individuals, groups and
behaviors. See earlier posts for those
telephone numbers.

Residents around with a view of the
pond
particularly the parking lot at the foot
of Colonial pond North side, have the
responsibility of calling
the APD when they see people
dumping household and other trash
in park barrels ,see people feeding the
ducks/geese ,vandalizing the park
littering or engaging in drug trades

The newly formed
Buckingham Pond Conservancy
which purports to be "working for
the future of a small pond
and a few acres of land" and lists a
steering committee of a dozen
neighborhood residents
has to get to work!

Here are some tasks to work on:

1. Rake the leaves off the footpaths,
pond South side Lenox to Milner.
Leaves are slippery and
harbor ticks which pose a health
hazard to people and pets.

2. Rake the leaves off the grassy
section at Milner Ave, South side.
The leaves will only kill the grass.
They also harbor ticks.

3. Place stakes with bright
orange ribbon marking
slippery spots on footpaths that
require coarse ,crushed bluestone
application by the City.

4. Place bright orange ribbons
on trees and limbs that pose
hazards over footpaths.

5. Place bright orange ribbons
on vines that are
strangling trees, preventing
them from maturing
or killing them.

6. Find the use upended
drain pipe and mark it
with a stake and orange ribbon.

7. Read and download, all the
prior posts on this
site for the past several years
which identify pond park problems
and present detailed needed actions.


There is no need for the
Conservancy to reinvent
the wheel - that is, if participants
are really sincere in their stated
objective.
Just get to work and follow through
on what has already been presented
on this site.


Joe Sullivan