Lessons Learned and Short Term Planning
Superintendent David Quattrone introduced the presentation by reviewing actions and adjustments made after Hurricane Irene. Facilities improvements included replacing wood doors with fiberglass, installing a gym floor with a greater capacity to withstand a water event, and putting more first floor furniture - desks, chairs, cabinets - on wheels. On the operational side, the school has updated its planning and preparation. External resources, including trucks and manpower, have been lined up to assist with any relocation efforts. The District has also practiced its protocols for moving material to the second floor in the event of a flood. Quattrone cautioned that such plans were always contingent on specific circumstances, and the timing of a particular storm might make it necessary to modify or abandon a particular strategy.
Longer Term Approaches
Harold Porr, Village Administrator, introduced the proposed project which would install detention tanks and a pumping station on school property. After the flood of 2007, Board of Education members approached Village officials, seeking a joint, more comprehensive plan to minimize the damage of future storms. Building on their earlier studies, the firm of Folchetti & Associates was engaged to update its analysis and develop a mitigation plan. Four years later, with additional data from Hurricane Irene, FEMA is prepared to support the initial stages of the project.
Paul Pelusio, of Folchetti & Associates, explained the main features of the plan.The storage tanks would be located under the school's athletic field, with a small pumping station located somewhere on school property. The system would not eliminate flooding altogether, but it would detain water, offering protection to the parking lot and the first floor of the school. The relief would mitigate the effects of flooding up to the "100-year mark."
The Board of Education posed a number of questions aimed at ensuring that the impact of future floods on the school was minimized. There were related questions about management and responsibility for the pumping system, the impact of County initiatives, using current data, and impact on school operations. In addition, James Ryan and colleagues from John Meyer Consulting have conducted an independent assessment of the plan on behalf of the Board. Ryan confirmed that the overall approach was a "proven and effective" methodology and commented on the several issues affecting the school directly, including pump location, field restoration, and the impact of construction. It is expected that these issues can be addressed and resolved during the design phase of the project.
For the Folchetti presentation, click here.
