Waterfront usage design concept plans for Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove, Pennsauken Township, New Jersey

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Township of Pennsauken
Waterfront District Management Plan

FISH HOUSE COVE
TIPPI-N"S POND.
FISH HOUSE COVE AND
TI11IN'1 POND
WATERFRONT USAGE DESIGN CONCEPT
PLANS FOR TIPPIN'S POND AND FISH
HOUSE COVE

Dec 1981

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMA-M)N Cy--NTEV-

HD nship of Pennsauken
266 den County, New Jersey
.N5
R65
1981 A
Rogers, Golden & Halpern

WATERFRONT USAGE DESIGN CONCEPT PLANS FOR
TIPPIN'S POND AND FISH HOUSE COVE,
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY

U - S . DEP@ARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413

Prepared f or
The Township of Pennsauken,
Camden County, New-Jersey

by
Rogers, Golden & Halpern
Philadelphia, Pa.

Of CS%-. Library

Draft Concept Plan and Slide Presentation (Task B.a and B.b) December, 1981
of the Waterfront District
Management Plan: Fish House Cove
and Tippin's Pond

Project Support

This is the Waterfront Usage and Design Concept Plan Report (Task B) of the
Waterfront District Management Plan for Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond. This
report is one product of a planning and design study done for the Township of
Pennsauken by Rogers, Golden & Halpern with funds awarded to the township by a
Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP) Grant from the New Jersey Department of
Energy.

Credits and Acknowledgements

John Rogers of RG&H was partner in charge of this project. Robert W. Pierson, Jr.
was project manager. This report and the sketch plan graphic that accompany it
were written and drawn by Tim Baird, ASLA, and produced by Valerie Smith. The
slides were taken by Mr. Baird and Kim Tomlinson. RG&H acknowledge the
contribution of ideas to the sketch plan by John Bolton, Chairman of the Pennsauken
Waterfront Management Committee, who lead a site visit to Fish House Cove and
Tippin's Pond one windy day in October.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Schematic Concept Design 1
Tippin's Pond I
Fish House Cove 3
Slide Presentation Listing 5
Tippin's Pond 5
Fish House Cove 6

LIST OF DRAWINGS
(on file at the Township office)

Fish House Cove
Draft Concept Plan: Fish House Cove
Cross section for Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond
On grade path at wood's edge
Boardwalk through wild rice
Board walk at water's edge

Tippin's Pond
Draft Concept Plan: Tippin's Pond
Alternative pedestrian connection
On grade path through woods adjacent to pond
On grade path at water's edge

WATERFRONT USAGE AND DESIGN CONCEPT PLAN FOR
TIPPIN'S POND AND FISH HOUSE COVE
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY

The purpose of this report is to describe the concept plan for the recreational
use of Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove in Pennsauken Township and to list the
slides of these two sites prepared for a slide presentation. Based on township review
and comment on the concept plan, Rogers, Golden & Halpern will prepare a
subsequent report on the final concept plan.

SCHEMATIC CONCEPT DESIGN

The concept design for Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove is divided into
separate plans, but the site should be considered as one. The plan for Tippin's Pond
will provide for limited active recreation, while the plan for Fish House Cove calls
for recreation of a more passive nature. The two sites complement each other with
their very different natural features, providing the setting for very different kinds of
recreational uses. Connecting the two sites hv a_path system is important as a way
to limit access points and auto m obile/bicycle parking and to create a continuous park
encompassing both areas.

The purpose of these plans is to explore all reasonable possibilities for utilizing
the recreational resources through sound site design, which makes these resources
available to people of all ages, colors, socioeconomic classes, and physical conditions.
These plans are intentionally ambitious and assume that site development will
proceed in stages as funds become available. In reading the description below, one
should refer to the accompanying sketches in plan view and cross section.

Tippin's Pond

The Tippin's Pond site will become the primary entrance and access point or
gateway to the entire park. The pond is a resource that lends itself to active
recreation such as boating, fishing, and skating, while at the same time it acts as an
esthetic focal point that reflects the surrounding vegetation as the seasons change.
In providing active recreation and automobile/bicycle parking, this area complements

the more passive feeling of Fish House Cove and also relieves the pressure of overuse
and active recreation present in the cove.

The primary public access point occurs near the intersection of the railroad
tracks and Cove Road. A landscaped parking lot of porous material provides space
for 20 cars and 10 bicycles. The pedestrian path begins here with a park map and
description with park regulations. The path at this point is wide enough f or
emergency and service vehicles necessary to support the boating concession. Just
beyond the concession the path joins a pedestrian underpass beneath the railroad
tracks that leads to the cove side of the park. The path continues around the
perimeter of the lake and moves from lake edge to wooded area adjacent to the lake;
this presents the park user with numerous spatial and visual experiences. The path
also leads people to the various use areas such as the picnic grove at the top of the
escarpment near the old Tippin's home site. This picnic grove gives extended views
across the lake because of its topographic location.

As one follows the main path around the lake, another picnic area in the wooded
area adjacent to the lake is encountered. Entry to the area could be by another
access point located in the Merchantville Ave right-of-way off River Road. This
additional parking and access point would alleviate the burden of walking longer
distances to picnic tables.

At the end of the path is a small remote picnic area for people who want to
walk to the less active side of the lake. Between these two picnic areas is a fishing
dock or pier accessible by a boardwalk. If fishing is to become a viable form of
recreation here, restorative measures must be taken in order to create a healthy
growing medium for the aquatic ecosystem. The final plan will address these and
other implementation tasks.

Utilizing the existing recreational resources will be done with minimal environ-
mental impact through the careful placement of only those supportive facilities and
site furnishings necessary to support the activities desired. A boathouse and dock
will be needed when it is decided to encourage boating as a park use. An ampitheatre
in the natural "bowl" of the southwest corner of the lake could be used for
educational and entertainment activities such as campfire programs, while doubling
as a warming area with fire rings for the winter ice skaters. A fishing platform or

pier would congregate fishermen, thus alleviating bank erosion. The circulation of
people in the park would be made possible through a continuous path system, two
access points and parking areas for automobiles and bicycles, and a complete sign
graphics system consisting of directional and interpretative signs.

The following uses are proposed for Tippin's Pond: -

Walking for pleasure
Jogging
Birding
Picnicking
Fishing
Rowboating/Canoeing
Nature study
Ice skating

Fish House Cove

The major objective of the design for Fish House Cove is to enhance the
existing wildlife habitat while providing amenities that will allow people to enjoy and
study the natural systems of this freshwater marsh,. Care must be taken to ensure
that the encroachment by man does not interfere with the natural systems being
studied and enjoyed.

While the major entry will be through the pedestrian underpass from Tippin's
Pond, there is also the possibility of entering the site by way of a new access road
parallelling the existing Texaco road. At the end of this road is a boat launch and
parking area with a connection to the path and boardwalk system that traverses the
Fish House Cove site.

The recreational use of the cove is primarily passive, with the users' experience
being manipulated by different spatial and visual sequences providing varying
aesthetic and educational viewpoints. These sequences are created by the changing
height of the boardwalk, the placement of the path and/or boardwalk through both
wooded areas and the various zones of marsh vegetation, and the change from an at-
grade gravel path to elevated boardwalk. Views from land across the water, from

water to land, and variations of these two are created through the siting of the
boardwalk and path. Spatial enclosure is achieved through vegetation and the
topographic relief of the railroad embankment. Observation and teaching platforms
provide resting areas as well as places for nature study, especially birding. A covered
birding blind is a possibility at the edge of the railroad embankment. The actual
location of this feature will depend on field checking of -existing conditions. Although
picnicking could be enjoyed at any of the observation and sitting areas along the
boardwalk, there is a picnic grove under the trees at grade near the pedestrian
underpass.

The path/boardwalk system is "U'l-shaped with two termini, thus keeping
observers on the edges of the cove and not in the middle where more disruptions of
wildlife would occur. One terminus is an observation and teaching platform with
capacity to accommodate small classes and to provide shelter from rain and sun. The
other is a gravel-paved observation plaza at the end of Fishers Point. While the
majority of the cove users are expected to use the path and boardwalk system for
nature study and wildlife observation, it is also possible that fishing could take place
here.

As in Tippin's Pond, a sign graphics program, especially interpretive signs,
should be developed to lead users through the park experiences. The signs should
enhance our sensory perception (touch, smell, sight, sound) of the natural environ-
ment. The placement of an interpretive braille sign system on the trail is
recommended.

The following uses are proposed for Fish House Cove:

Walking for pleasure
Birding
Picnicking
Fishing
Nature study

SLIDE PRESENTATION LISTING

A 35 mm slide presentation for Fish House Cove and for Tippin's Pond was
prepared by Rogers, Golden & Halpern for Pennsauken Township based on photographs
taken during a site visit. with John Bolton, Chairman of the Waterfront Management
Committee, and on colored graphics prepared for the Planning and Engineering
Report (Task A.b) and the Draft Concept Plan (Task B.a). Below is a descriptive
listing of the slides included in each presentation--one for Fish House cove, the other
for Tippin's Pond. The numbers in the lists correspond to numbers found on the
accompanying slides.

Tippin's Pond

Site Visit

T. I Trail leading from Cove Road parking area to edge of Tippin's Pond
T.2 View across Tippin's Pond from western edge
T.3 View from western corner of Tippin's Pond along southern edge
T-4 View from old Tippin's house site toward River Road
T.5 View from old Tippin's home site toward the tracks
T.6 View from old Tippin's home site across Tippin's Pond
T.7 Railroad underpass on Tippin's Pond side
T.8 View south along railroad corridor between Tippin's Pond and Fish House
Cove

Colored Figures from Planning and Engineering Report
T.9 Vegetation (Fig. 3)
T.10 Historical places (Fig. 6)
TA I Land use (Fig. 8)
T.12 Zoning (Fig. 11)
T.13 Land ownership (Fig. 13)
T.14 Utilities (Fig. 15)
T.15 Circulation and parking (Fig. 16)
T.16 Constraints to recreational use (Fig. 18)

Draft Concept Plan

T.17 Draft concept plan
T.18 Draft concept plan detail
T.19 Alternative pedestrian connection
T.20 On grade path through woods adjacent to pond
T.21 On grade path at water's edge

Fish House Cove

Site Visit

F. I View of Fish House Cove from railroad embankment
F.2 View of woods along foot of rail embankment, foot house cove
F.3 View from east corner of marsh of Fish House Cove
F.4 Fill area along eastern edge of Fish House -Cove
F.5 View west across Fish House Cove marsh
F.6 View of willow forest and rafted debris in eastern corner of Fish House
Cove marsh
F.7 View of Fish House Cove from eastern edge looking south toward marsh
F.8 View south across Fish House Cove at edge of marsh
F.9 View of Fisher Point from eastern edge of Fish House Cove
F.10 View east across Fish House Cove from approach to Petty Island bridge
Colored Figures from Planning and Engineering Report
F-11 Regional setting of Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond
F.12 Vegetation (Fig. 2)
F.13 Flood hazard (Fig. 4)
F.14 Historical places (Fig. 5)
F-15 Land use (Fig. 7)
F.16 History of filling in Fish House Cove (Fig. 9)
F.17 Zoning
F.18 Land ownership
F.19 Utilities
F.20 Constraints to recreational use

Draft Concept Plan

F.21 Draft concept plan
F.22 Draft concept plan legend
F.23 Draft concept plan detail
F.24 Cross section for both Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond
F.25 On grade path at wood's edge
F.26 Boardwalk through wild rice
F.27 Boardwalk at water's edge

FINAL CONCEPTUAL PLANS FOR
THE RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF
TIPPIN'S POND AND FISH HOUSE COVE

Prepared for
The Township of Pennsauken,
Camden County, New Jersey

by
Rogers, Golden & Halpern
Philadelphia, Pa.

Final Conceptual Plans (Task C) January,1982
of the Waterfront District
Management Plan: Fish House Cove
and Tippin's Pond

Project Sup port

This is the Final Concept Plan Report (Task C) of the Waterfront District Management
Plan for Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond. This report is the final product of a
planning and design study done for the Township of Pennsauken by Rogers, Golden &
Halpern with funds awarded to the township by a Coastal Energy Impact Program (CEIP)
Grant from the New Jersey Department of Energy.

Credits and Acknowledgements

John Rogers of RG&H was partner in charge of this project. Robert W. Pierson, Jr. was
project manager. This report was written by Mr. Pierson and Tim Baird (ASLA). The
final concept plan graphics were prepared by Mr. Baird with assistance from Kim
Tomlinson and Joan Santucci- M cCusker. Grace Witham assisted in report production.
RG&H acknowledges the contribution of ideas to the final concept plan by John Bolton,
Chairman of the Pennsauken Waterfront Management Committee and Kenneth Carruth,
Planning and Zoning Coordinator for the Township. Additional review and comment were
received from Ms Geraldine Fenner-McNulty of the New Jersey Department of Energy
and during a public meeting on the draft plan.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Changes to the Draft Plan I
Tippin's Pond I
Fish House Cove 2
Schematic Concept Design 3
Tippin's Pond 4
Fish House Cove 9
Impacts and their Mitigation 18
Environmental Tradeoffs 19

Alternatives 21

Waterfront Sites for Future Studies 21
Preliminary Site Development Cost Estimate 26
Design Concept Standards 28

Appendix A: Land Acquisition for a Public Park at
Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond
Appendix B: CEIP Grant Application for Fish House Cove

LIST OF FIGURES

1. Final conceptual plan for Tippin's Pond
2. On grade path at water's edge of Tippin's Pond
3. On grade path through woods adjacent to Tippin's Pond
4. Plan cross section of Tippin's Pond
5. Final conceptual plan for Fish House Cove
6. On grade path at wood's edge: Fish House Cove
7. Boardwalk through wild rice: Fish House Cove
8. Boardwalk at water's edge: Fish House Cove
9. Plan cross section of Fish House Cove
10. Alternative alignment of boardwalk in Fish House Cove
11. Boardwalk

12. Picnic table

13. Litter basket
14. Park sign
15. Bollard
16. Bollard light
17. Path paving
18. Parking area paving
19. Wheel stop
20. Bench
21. Potential waterfront sites for future study

LIST OF TABLES

I . Environmental impacts and mitigation measures for Tippin's Pond
and Fish House Cove
2. Preliminary site development cost estimate

LIST OF PLANS AND SLIDES
(on file at the Township office)

Final Concept Plan: Fish House Cove
Final Concept Plan: Tippin's Pond

FINAL CONCEPTUAL PLANS FOR RECREATIONAL USE OF

TIPPIN'S POND AND FISH HOUSE COVE

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to present and discilss the final conceptual plans for
the recretional use of Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove, along the Delaware River
waterfront in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. The final plans are a revised version of
the draft conceptual plans prepared by Rogers, Golden & Halpern. The draft concept
plan presented all reasonable possibilities for utilizing the recreational resources through
sound site design, which makes these resources available to people of all ages, colors,
socioeconomic classes, and physical conditions. The revisions are based on review of the
draft plans by Pennsauken Township officials, discussions between RG&H, New Jersey
Department of Energy officials, and the township, and comments made by members of
the Waterfront Management Committee and citizens at a public meeting held to review
the draft plan on January 14, 1982.

Following the final conceptual plans, this report will present design concept
standards for various park facilities, give preliminary cost data for park development,
and discuss potential waterfront park sites for future study in Pennsauken along the
Delaware River and Pennsauken Creek. Appendix A presents discussion of each parcel
needed for the Fish House Cove-Tippin's Pond Park.

CHANGES TO THE DRAFT PLAN

The final concept plans for the recreational use of both Tippin's Pond and Fish
House Cove are generally the same as the draft plans presented in a previous report.
Several important changes were made, however. In each case, the change suggested
during draft plan review reduces the overall intensity of possible activities so that the
final plan, overall, projects a more passive use of both sites. The changes suggested and
action taken are listed below.

Tippin's Pond

Boating is not an appropriate activity due to the size of the pond. It was felt that
boating should not be intentionally supported by a boat house, dock, and renting of boats.

If boating by persons carrying in their own boats becomes a problem, this activity can be
regulated by ordinance. Thus, the boat house is eliminated. The adjacent boat dock is
retained to serve as a fishing pier.

There should be more parking available adjacent to Tippin's Pond. This suggestion
was made in anticipation of a heavier demand for parRing than the 33 planned spaces.
Those spaces, if filled, would bring anywhere from 75 to 120 people, which may prove
stressful to the park over the long term. The conclusion was to increase the parking
spaces by 7 at the River Road entrance and to monitor the condition of the park and
parking space usage to determine if more parking spaces are warranted at some future
time. Along the mercantile avenue right-of-way, there is ample area to add parking
spaces if needed.

Fish House Cove

The picnic areas at the foot of the cove near the underpass should be removed. This
suggestion was made and followed, since it was thought that picknicing is not an activity
appropriate to a wildlife sanctuary. Eliminating the picnic tables here will also decrease
litter and other maintenance problems on the cove side.

The boardwalk along the Texaco facility out to Fisher's Point should be terminated
before the boat launching area. This change was suggested for several reasons. First, the
expense of such a long span of boardwalk would be considerable and perhaps prohibitive.
Second, public access so close to the hazardous materials in the Texaco tank farm
presents a potential safety hazard. Third, security and maintenance problems and
expenses could be significant.

The boat launching ramp near the Texaco facility should be limited to use of
emergency rescue personnel and their watercraft. The public should not have access to
the boat launching area near the Texaco facility. The boat launching ramp should be
limited to use by police and fire water rescue personnel and their watercraft.
Accordingly, the size of this area has been reduced.

Public access to the cove by way of a grade crossing of the railroad tracks at Cove
Road should be eliminated. For reasons of public safety it was suggested that public

access to the cove across the tracks be removed from the plan. The more logical design
solution for access is by way of the old underpass at Tippin's Pond.

Emergency motor vehicle access to the boat launching ramp should use the road
connecting the Texaco facility with Cove Road. Anticipating an arrangement with
Texaco, emergency vehicles do not need a separate rc4d connecting Cove Road to the
boat launching site.

The boardwalk along the southwestern edge of the cove may be too long. For
reasons of cost, security, maintenance, or environmental impact during construction,
another boardwalk alignment may be appropriate. A shorter boardwalk alignment is
discussed below.

SCHEMATIC CONCEPT DE51GN

The concept design for Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove is divided into separate
plans, but the site should be considered as one. The plan for Tippin's Pond will provide
for limited active recreation, while the plan for Fish House Cove calls for recreation of
a more passive nature. The two sites complement each other with their very different
natural features, providing the setting for very . different kinds of recreational uses.
Connecting the two sites by a path system is important as a way to limit access points
for automobile/bicycle parking and to create a continuous park encompassing both areas.

There are several reasons for considering the two sites as one. First, the two sites
are related by access. Visitors to the cove arriving by automobile, bicycle, or foot will
first enter the Tippin's Pond area where car and bike parking will be provided. Access to
the cove is by foot through an underpass beneath the railroad tracks. This arrangement
achieves several objectives. By using the underpass, pedestrians are kept from crossing
the tracks, thus assuring a safe transition from the pond to the cove. In addition,
automobiles are not allowed to intrude either visually or as a disturbance to wildlife in
the cove.

solely to wildlife observation, the pond site serves as an area immediately adjacent
where other trip related activities can occur: gathering point before and after trips to
the cove, pretrip lecture site, places to eat a picnic lunch, a pleasurable walk around a
much more intimate natural setting that are offered by the open expanses of the cove.
Without the pond and the facilities on its shores, trips to the cove would be much more
limiting and access would be difficult or detrimental to ihe sanctuary nature of the cove.

Tippin's Pond

The Tippin's Pond site will become the primary entrance and access point or
gateway to recreational opportunities of the pond and the cove. The pond is a resource
that lends itself to several recreational activities such as picnicking, fishing, and skating,
while at the same time its surface acts as an esthetic focal point that reflects the
surrounding vegetation as the seasons change. In providing active recreation and
automobile/bicycle parking, this area complements the more passive feeling of Fish
House Cove and also serves as a convenient "staging area" for visits to the cove and for
visit-related activities such as picnics and outdoor lectures. This relationship of the two
sites helps to relieve the pressure of overuse on the cove, whose role as a wildlife
sanctuary is more fragile than the more active recreational purposes of the pond. The
main features of the concept plan for recreational use of Tippin's Pond are shown in
Figure 1. The description below will generally follow a main path counterclockwise
around the pond, starting with the main entrance off Cove Road.

The primary public access point occurs near the intersection of the railroad tracks
and Cove Road. A landscaped parking lot of porous material provides space for 20 cars
and 10 bicycles. Buses for school trips could also park here. The pedestrian path begins
here with a park map and description with park regulations. The path at this point is
wide enough for emergency and park maintenance vehicles. As the path emerges along
the pond's northwestern edge, there is a short side path leading to a T-shaped fishing
pier. Just beyond the fishing pier, the path joins a pedestrian underpass beneath the
railroad tracks that leads to the cove side of the park. The underpass is now filled and
would have to be opened to provide pedestrian access to the cove. A gate at the
underpass can be used by the township to block access to the cove during particular
times of year or at night if necessary.

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As the path turns around the western corner of the pond, there is an amphitheater
consisting of semicircular bench seating facing the pond. The amphitheater can be used
for performing art groups, campfires or lectures on cove wildlife in the warmer months,
and as a skate changing area in the winter. A fire ring located near the pond's edge will
contain fires to warm skaters. The lake should be lighted with one or two 20 foot high
standards with flood lights to extend the usage of the pa7rk to hours after dark, especially
for winter skating. These light standards should be located along the southern bank of
Tippin's Pond near the fire ring. A side path at the edge of the amphitheater leads up to
a plateau, the former Tippin's house site, where a picnic area overlooks the pond. The
home site should be marked with a historical sign to denote importance to the area. A
restroom in the woods near the picnic area is close to sewer and water'hookups.

The paths planned from the main parking area to the picnic area and restrooms on
the plateau and through the underpass to the cove boardwalks will be barrier free and the
surface suitable for handicapped visitors.

The path continues around the perimeter of the lake and moves from lake edge to
the wooded area adjacent to the southwest edge of the lake presenting the park user with
numerous spatial and visual experiences (see Figures 2 and 3). As one follows the main
path around the lake, a second picnic area in the wooded glen adjacent to the lake is
encountered.
M

The second public access point to the cove and pond is from another parking area
for twenty cars just off River Road on the Merchantville Avenue right-of-way. It can be
expanded along the right-of-way if more spaces are needed. Path's from the parking area
lead down the escarpment to the pond's edge to join the perimeter path along the
southern corner of the pond. In this area, erosion control measures such as mechanical
slope stabilization and planting are planned to stop or reduce local but severe erosion of
A the escarpment.

At the end of the main path on the pond's northeastern edge is a third picnic spot in
a remote area for people who want to walk to the less active side of the lake. Between
the last two picnic areas is a second fishing pier accessible by a boardwalk across a low-
A lying marshy area. This marsh area serves to filter storm water from two storm drains
emptying into Tippin's Pond from the drainage area beyond River Road. The natural
wet-adapted vegetation here can be supplemented by additional plantings and perhaps by

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Utilizing the existing recreational resources will be done with minimal environ-
mental impact through the careful placement of only those facilities and site furnishings
necessary to support the activities desired. The activiiies supported fit reasonably well
into the natural environment of the pond. They include:

o picnicking
o ice skating
o nature study
o birding
o jogging
o walking for pleasure.
o fishing

These activities, using the facilities provided, are of an intensity and scale that are
compatible with the carrying capacity of the pond and its immediate uplands.

A cross section of the plan for Tippin's Pond:is shown in Figure 4.

Fish House Cove

The passive recreational use of the cove is manipulated by different spatial and
visual sequences providing varying aesthetic and educational viewpoints. These se-
quences are created by the changing height of the boardwalk, the placement of the path
and/or boardwalk through both wooded areas and the various zones of marsh vegetation,

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Figure 5

and the change from an at-grade gravel path (Figure 6) to elevated boardwalk (Figure 7).
Views from land across the water, from water to land (Figure 8), and variations of these
two are created through the siting of the boardwalk and path. Spatial enclosure is
achieved through vegetation and the topographic relief of the railroad embankment.
Observation and teaching platforms provide resting areas as well as places for nature
study, especially birding. A covered birding blind is la' possibility at the edge of the
railroad embankment. The actual location of this feature will depend on field checking
of existing conditions. Along the boardwalk and paths and on the platforms, there are
various seating areas for visitors to rest or from which to observe the marsh. A cross
section of the plan for Fish House Cove is shown in Figure 9.
The path/boardwalk system is 11-Ull-shaped with two termini, thus keeping observers
on the edges of the cove and not in the middle where more disruptions of wildlife would
occur. One terminus is an observation and teaching platform with capacity to
accommodate small classes and to provide shelter from rain and sun. The other is a
smaller observation deck near the boat launch. While the majority of the cove users are
expected to use the path and boardwalk system for nature study and wildlife observation,
it is also possible that fishing may take place here.

If it is determined that the boardwalk as it appears in Figure 5 is too costly due to
its length, an alternative, shorter alignment could be selected that achieves a similar
variety of visual experiences, but may intrude into the center of the marsh. Such
alternative boardwalk/path alignment is shown in Figure 10. Note that the open water
experience is achieved by an extension of the boardwalk from the northeast shore and
that the locations of the observation decks are changed.

As in Tippin's Pond, a sign graphics program, especially interpretive signs, should
be developed to lead users through the park experiences. The signs should enhance our
sensory perception (touch, smell, sight, sound) of the natural environment. The
placement of an interpretive braille sign system on the trail is recommended.

The following uses are proposed for Fish House Cove:

o walking for pleasure
o birding
o nature study
o fishing

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Figure 10 Alternative alignment of boardwalk in Fish House Cove

Impacts and Their Mitigation

The impacts to be expected from development and use of Tippins Pond are mostly
positive since the plan incorporates features that correct existing problems found on the
site. There may be minor erosion problems as paths,' amphitheater seats and picnic
tables are installed. Installation of fishing piers will require disturbance of the pond
bottom resulting in brief water turbidity. Both these effects will be highly localized and
transitory. Negative impacts associated with park use are not difficult to anticipate
since the site has been used for many of the planned activities over the years. Use
impacts that may occur will be associated with heavier participation in these same
activies. Vandalism, littering, breaking of tree branches for winter fires, overfishing and
trampling of understory vegetation are some of these impacts. One off-site impact may
be the use of Cove Road for overflow parking during periods of high park use. Since this
road receives heavy use by large trucks with hazardous loads, parking controls may have
to be implemented.

There are no known historical or archeological resources of state significance on
the Tippin's Pond site. The old Tippins Pond house, of local historical interest,
unfortunately burned down several years ago. The:re is an old house adjacent to the Pond
on Cove Road which once served as a stagecoach stop in colonial times. Park
development and use is compatible and complementary to this structure and its setting.

For Fish House Cove, development consists of construction of paths, boardwalks
with several seating areas, a birding blind and observation decks at either end of the
boardwalks. Impacts associated with construction of the paths and birding blind at the
foot of the railroad embankment are cutting vegetation for the path right-of-way, and
some erosion that may occur before path aggregate is placed.

The largest impact of the entire plan for both sites will be the distrubance to the
marsh that will occur in placing piles for the boardwalk and observation decks. During
construction, a path 10-12 feet wide along the boardwalk right-of-way will be disturbed
by pile driving equipment resulting in destruction of much of the vegetation in this path
and suspension of organic marsh muck soils in the the tidal waters.

Impacts associated with the use of the cove are limited to littering, noise and other
human annoyances perceived by wildlife.

There are no known specific historical or archeological sites in the Cove area. The
Cove area is known as the home of Chief Tamane (seventeenth century) but no specific
site is assigned. Preservation of the Cove and its mari,h as. a wildlife sanctuary is fully
consistent with the previous Indian presence in the area.

There are a number of mitigating measures included in the plans to develop Tippins
Pond and Fish House Cove for recreational use that will either reduce impacts associated
with plan implementation or correct problems now in evidence. Table I lists these
impacts and planned mitigation measures.

Environmental Trade-Offs

As indicated earlier, short term impacts associated with construction and
installation of park facilities are likely to be highly localized and fade rapidly after the
construction phase. The most serious impact will be the disturbance of the marsh and
waters of Fish House Cove associated with the installation of pilings to support the
boardwalks, although this too is expected to heal itself 'within a full growing season as
marsh vegetation from adjacent areas invade the d isturbed areas.

Long term impacts will develop gradually over time with more intensive use of
facilities occurring as more people become familiar with the park. Long term negative
impacts include gradual destruction of understory vegetation and damage to park
facilities. The possibility of long term overuse, however, is somewhat self limiting in the
design. Only 40 parking spaces are provided, so that visitors from outside the immediate
neighborhood are denied convenient access to the park if those 40 parking spaces are
filled. Pedestrian access is limited to visitors from the immediate neighborhood who
could be expected to look'after the park and monitor its condition.

Short and long term impacts that are unavoidable must be balanced against the
recreational opportunities that this park will offer to New Jersey citizens. Located as
they are in a heavily resident ial/ind ustr ial area, Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove
provide a rare opportunity for urban dwellers to experience a variety of natural settings
within a relatively short distance.

IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURE MITIGATION MEASURE DESCRIPTION

Water pollution from storm water Marsh vegetation filter; porous The area below two storm water outfalls near River Road will be
runoff entering Tippin's Pond surfaces. planted in marsh vegetation. Site preparation will include minor
clearing, creation of a small sedimentation pool and grade level
barriers to direct storm water through the planted vegetation before
it emerges at the pond's edge. Gravelled parking areas and paths
will reduce direct runoff to the pond from these park facilities.

Erosion of escarpment above Erosion control structures, bank Areas of severe erosion will be terraced and planted with a cover
south west edge of pond stabilization, paths with steps to species. Pedestrian access to these areas will be blocked. Path
descend escarpment alignment and construction will avoid areas of steep slopes or
include railroad tie stepping where necessary.

Bank erosion Fishing piers Fishing piers will attract fisherman from nearby banks thus decreas-
ing bank erosion caused by foot traffic.

Foot traffic damage to forest Well marked paths. Construction of well marked paths along the more heavily used
understory trails will concentrate pedestrian traffic on these so that forest
understory is protected.

Noise, dumping of litter, visual Dense planting along River Road; A dense planting of sound absorbing and armored species along River
intrusion of River Road traffic. litter baskets Road at the top of the embankment will reduce several existing
impacts at once: traffic noise will be reduced, traffic will not be
visible in winter time and persons attempting to dump trash down
the embankment will be discouraged by an armored species such as
Pyrocanthus. Placement of litter baskets near picnic tables, amphi-
theater, fishing piers, park entrance and along the paths and
boardwalks will reduce park littering. Controlled access to the
parking area off River Road will prevent dumping near the old
Tippins house site.

Trash at several spots on site Clean up Park development will include trash clean up activities.
Collected trash can be placed in dumpsters for landfill disposal;
a backhoe may have to be used to remove, grade, or bury
dumped fill and aggregate.

Vandalism Well built facilities The simple park facilities and accessories are specifically designed
to resist damage from misuse or vandalism (see Figures 11-20).

Destruction of marsh vegetation Reestablishing marsh vegetation Rock filled gabions can be placed across the scarred area to retard
by pile driving equipment beneath boardwalk; retard edge tidal velocities that scour edges and to trap plant debris. Over time
erosion native marsh species will be better able to invade the scarred areas
to reestablish the marsh cover.

Disturbance of cove wildlife by Signage Signs placed at the cove entrance will request vistors not to disturb
human presence the wildlife of the cove by unnecessary noise and quick movements.

Table 1. Environmental Impacts and mitigation measures for Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove

Alternatives

Due to the uniqueness of Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove in Pennsauken
Township, there are really no alternative sites in the township that could provide such a
rich variety of natural experiences at the water's edge. Less development of
recreational facilities for the two areas than that planned is possible but would not be
too much of an improvement in access to recreational opportunities than that which the
site currently provides. A more ambitious plan would result in more intense use of the
site either through addition of more facilities of the same type proposed or addition of
facilities for more active recreation. In either case, a more ambitious plan would
increase the use potential of the site and its attendant impacts. The draft plan did
consider several more active recreational features for both sites that were subsequently
eliminated in the Final Concept Plan since it was thought that use of these features
could run counter to the objectives to conserve the natural setting of the two sites.
These alternatives are discussed in the second major section of this report. The plan
selected has built on traditional informal use patterns at the pond and has balanced a
reasonably complete set of site-compatible recreational uses against possible long term
impacts so that monitoring of park use and condition over the years can determine
whether or not corrective measures should be taken to reduce impacts or whether
expansion of facilities is possible.

Due to the uniqueness of these sites, either separately or together, there are not
other means of meeting the project objectives significantly different from the plan as
proposed.

WATERFRONT SITES FOR FUTURE STUDY

The waterfront recreational plans for Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond presented
in this report are part of an overall concept of a waterfront park system for Pennsauken
Township that is made possible by the Waterfront Management Area regulations in the
township zoning code (sec. 126.701.1). Except for water-related uses and development
deriving economic benefit from direct access and proximity to the waterfront, all
development proposed for the Pennsauken waterfront along the Delaware River and
other natural streams must be setback 200 feet from the mean high water level in
residential areas and 100 feet in commercial and industrial zones. This setback

requirement is intended to create pedestrian access in a continuous corridor along the
waterf ront.

There are a number of sites along the Delaware River and Pennsauken Creek that
bear attention by the Township in the future for the purpose of creating a waterfront
park system. These sites are shown in Figure 21. Each-.:site.as numbered in the figure is
described in terms of its location, approximate size, ownership and potential use.

1. Path along the Delaware River. This path to the south of Fish House Cove
would connect to the planned boardwalk of the cove and terminate at the
Pennsauken Township-Camden County boundary on 36th Street. This land is
owned by the Vineland Construction Corporation.

2. Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond. Located on the Delaware River, the cove
and its access point through Tippin's Pond are the subject of this study.
Currently, a grant application to New Jersey Department of Energy's Coastal
Energy Impact Program is being made for land acquisition and park
development (See Appendix B). The total site area is about 150 acres, only 12
acres of which is presently owned by the township. The State owns the
largest parcel, a 123 acre lot that comprises the cove. These and other
parcels of critical importance to this project are discussed in Appendix A.

3. Hiking/bik.ing trail along the Conrail right-of-way. Although not a waterfront
alignment a trail along the railroad up to Delair would connect Tippin's Pond
to the waterfront north of Delair as described under site 5 below. This right-
of-way is owned by Conrail and several individuals.

4. Historic Griffith Morgan House. Located in the Delair section of
Pennsauken, the Griffith Morgan house is the oldest residential structure in
Camden County. It was recently restored by the Griffith Morgan Committee
of the Pennsauken Historical Society. The township could give this old
structure a park setting by acquiring land between it and the Delware for
waterfront recreational uses, including restoration of the beach at Delair.

5. Site for planned waterfront community development. The township is
currently looking into purchasing a several hundred acre tract of land from

Figure 21. Potential waterfront sites for future study Path along the
Delaware River

Fish House Cove and
Tippin's Pond waterfront
park (planning underway)

Hiking/biking trail
along rail ROW

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5 community development
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Park with boat dock on Pennsauken Creek
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t -N Park on Pennsauken Creek

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Camden. This large tract, used by Camden as a well field, lies along the
Delaware between Delairand the mouth of the Pennsauken Creek. Portions
of this site could be sold for development according to a master plan with
residential and commericial uses focussing on various waterfront recreational
opportunities including a public marina and a boat launching area, set in a
continuous linear park along the Delaware.

6. Path along Pennsauken Creek. A continuous path could be established along
Pennsauken Creek from the route 537 bridge in the southeast corner of the
township to its mouth where it could tie into the planned waterfront
community discussed above. This path would be located on the 200 foot
waterfront buffer strip established by the Waterfront District Area
regulations. There are many properties along this creekfront alignment.

7. Park with boat dock on Pennsauken Creek. The township owns a six-acre
property along Pennsauken Creek just north of the intersection of routes 130
and 73. This site could be developed as a park with boat docking facilities
and picnic areas for use by boaters arriving on Pennsauken Creek.

8. Park on Pennsauken Creek. There is another approximate six-acre parcel
owned by the township along Pennsauken Creek less than a half mile
upstream from the park -w ith-boat-dock site discussed above. The potential
of this property for park purposes could be evaluated.

9. Ski slope on completed landfill. One section of the the Pennsauken landfill
along River Road is completed and sealed. The topographic relief created
could be put to recreational use by creating a ski slope and developing ski
support facilities. This site's relatively limited potential for other land uses
makes it a good candidate for a recreational use such as skiing. Although
not physically part of a waterfront park its use as a ski slope offers a
seasonal and recreational contrast to waterfront activities.

The concept of a waterfront park system begins with a broad definition of system
components which the above list begins to do. All but the last form a continuous linear
pattern along the Delaware River and Pennsauken Creek waterfronts. Along the

Delaware, only the waterfront between Delair and Fishers Point is excluded due to the
petroleum transfer operations of Texaco and Amerada Hess Corporations.

Selection of the next system component for more detailed study could be made in
several ways:

0 extend the system stepwise from the Fish Ho use Cove/Tippin's Pond park.

0 select the next system component on the basis of current township ownership-

0 focus on several key components of the system to create a logic for
eventually connecting them.

The last criterion appears to be the best of these three as a strategy. Following
this strategy, we recommend that two sites for future study be selected that are well
distributed along the waterfront and will of themselves focus considerable attention on
the Pennsauken waterfront. This approach points to the planned waterfront community
development (5) along the Delaware near Delair as one site and the park with boat dock
(7) along the Pennsauken Creek as the other. Although ambitious and complex, the
planned waterfront development concept provides an excellent forum for public debate
on the use of Pennsauken's waterfront and on the township's role as the creator of the
waterfront's destiny. The park with boat dock site (7) is also a high profile project
although in a much more limited sense than the planned waterfront development.
Current township ownership of site 7 also favors its selection. As water quality in the
Delaware River continues to improve there will be more demand for docking facilities in
park settings that owners of small boats can reach this site and the Borough-Dover House
for a holiday picnic or outing. These two sites complement each other well with respect
to boat users.

After plans for sites 5 and 7 are prepared and development is assured, a much more
compelling case can be made to connect them to each other and to Fish House
Cove/Tippin's Pond with other system components.

While plans for sites 5 and 7 are progressing towards implementation, development
applications for properties elsewhere in the waterfront management area may be
recevied for township review and approval. The township should be prepared for these

with precise ideas on design treatment of the waterfront buffer areas provided for by
ordinance. Our second recommendation for future study is that such design guidelines be
developed, made public by ordinance or resolution, and used to judge proposals for
waterfront development.

PRELIMINARY SITE DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATE

As part of the final concept plan a cost estimate for the major components of the
park facilities discussed under Schematic Concept Design has been developed. This
estimate, shown in Table 2 gives separate costs under earthwork, paving, structures,
furnishings and planting. The unit basis for the cost estimate is given followed by the
number of units and the unit cost which includes materials, labor and equipment
operation. The totals listed on the right are the summed products of the units required
and the costs per unit.

According to the table, the major cost component is for construction of the 6 foot
wide boardwalk as shown in Figure 10. This cost could be reduced in several ways one of
which is to shorten the total length. Soil tests may also indicate other cost reductions.
One area of uncertainty is in the costs to open the pedestrial underpass. Excavation may
reveal that the whole tunnel may have to be replaced which would be more expensive
than what is shown.

Table 2. Preliminary site development cost estimate

Item Unit No. of units Cost/unit Cost

Site preparation $ 5,000
Boardwalks, 6 ft wide sq ft 21,000 $ 4.60 96,600
Observation decks/fishing
piers sq ft 6,860 4.60 31,560
Piles, 10 in diameter,
30 ft long if 21,000 10.00 210,000
Outdoor furniture
Picnic tables ea. 15 600.00 9,000
Litter baskets ea. 5 300.00 1,500
Amphitheater benches, 8 f t ea. 40 250.00 10,000
Bollards ea. 6 50.00 300
Park sign ea. 2 1,000.00 2,000
Light standards ea. 2 1,000.00 2,000
Path lights ea. 6 400.00 2,400
Chain link fence,
6 ft high, 9 gage if 700 14.60 10,220
Landscaping
Shade trees 2-2Y2 in caliper ea. 8 275.00 2,200
Flowering trees 8-10 ft ea. 65 65.00 4,230
Evergreen buffer planting I
42-48in ea. 30 100.00 3,000
Seeding, fertilizing,
mulching sq ft 37,800 .02 760
Cattail filter planting sq ft 500 .50 250
Path paving, crushed stone if 2:660 3.00 7,980
Path paving, bituminous if 1,270 4.60 5,840
Parking area paving,
crushed stone sq yd 3,400 4.50 15,300
Parking area paving,
bituminous sq yd 90 7.00 630
Concrete boat ramp cu yd 20 320.00 6,400
Restroom facilities and
structure L.S. -- -- 15,000
6-in sanitary sewer if 100 5.00 500
Excavation for pedestrian
underpass cu yd 500 .70 350
Bird blind sq ft 600 15.00 9,000
Shoring and ramp for
pedestr ian underpass L.S. - -- 40,000
Gate ea. 1 700.00 700
18-in RCP storm sewer if 400 16.00 6,400
Site development cost 499,120
Engineering fee (8%) 39,930
SUBTOTAL 539,050
Contingency (10%) 53,900
TOTAL 592,950

DESIGN CONCEPT STANDARDS

The facilities built for an urban park must be rugged and blend with the natural
environment of the park. On the following pages are sketches of 10 park structural
components that are required by the concept plan for Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove.
The boardwalk, picnic table, park sign, and bencl-@- are of sturdy bolted timber
construction is a style that fits the usual context of these two sites.

The structural components include:

0 Boardwalk Fig. 11
0 Picnic table Fig. 12
0 Litter basket Fig. 13
0 Park sign Fig. 14
0 Bollard Fig. 15
0 Bollard light Fig. 16
0 Path paving Fig. 17
0 Parking area paving Fig. 18
0 Wheel stop Fig. 19
0 Bench Fig. 20

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APPENDIX A. LAND ACQUISITION FOR A PUBLIC PARK AT
FISH HOUSE COVE AND TIPPIN'S POND

Public ownership or control of ten parcels of land is crucial to the
success. These parcels are shown in Figure A-1. Parcels I I and 12 are now
owned by the township. In the discussion that follows each of these parcels
as numbered in Figure A-1, is identified by@ Tax Map Block and Lot Number
and by current ownership. The role of each parcel in the project is discussed
and the level of township control of the parcel needed to achieve the project
purposes are set forth.

Parcel I

Lot 12 Block I is owned by the State of New Jersey. This parcel
comprises most of what is referred to as Fish House Cove. It is roughly
half marsh and half open water with some fill on its eastern edge.
After the Township obtains control of Parcels 1-5, I-5A and 1-5B, it
can apply for a riparian conveyance to this parcel. Case law holds that
the state must obtain market value for the conveyance for the use
intended. The Tidelands Council, recently, has not given riparian grants
so it is likely that a lease or license must be sought by the Township.
The plan places boardwalks, seating areas and observation platforms on
this parcel for nature observation and instruction.

Pennsauken Township's plans to create a wildlife sanctuary in Fish
House Cove and visitor access and support facilities around Tippin's
Pond.

Parcels 2 and 3

Lots 5 and 5B, respectively, Block I are owned by Joseph Cramer or his
estate. Acquisition is critical. These parcels and parcel 4 are the
immediate upland parcels to Fish House Cove (parcel 1). The township
must have a controlling interest in these in order to apply for a riparian
conveyance for Fish House Cove. One strategy might be to solicit a
gift of the parcels from Mr. Cramer for tax advantages.
A path and birding blind are called for by the plan on Parcel 2.

Parcel 4

Lot 5A, Block 1, is owned by the State of New Jersey. It is one of three
adjacent parcels upland to Fish House Cove. Township ownership of
this upland parcel is necessary in order for the township to apply for a
riparian conveyance to the adjacent areas of the cove. The township
should request transfer of title from the State to the township for this
parcel. Since this parcel is upland and not submerged land, it is not
dedicated to the support of the public schools. Therefore, the State
could convey title to the township for far less than market value.

A-1

Parcel 5

Lot 13A, Block 1, is owned by Paragon Oil Co. (Texaco). This parcel is
needed to provide access to Fish House Cove since it is immediately
adjacent to the underpass leading to the cove from Tippin's Pond and
connects to Parcels I and 2. Trails and a nature observation deck on
this parcel are called for by the recreation plan.

Parcel 6

Lot 13, Block I is owned by Paragon Oil Co. (Texaco). If purchase is
not feasible, an easement is needed to provide waterfront access for a
municipal emergency boat launch (Fire and Police Departments). This
facility would consist of an access road on the existing private road
that eventually joins Cove Road, and a boat launching site in the
northwestern corner of the parcel. Use of easements on this parcel
would be limited to township personnel for emergency purposes only and
not to the general public.

Parcel 7

Lot 14, Block I is owned by Paragon Oil Company (Texaco). An
easement for vehicle access by township emergency personnel along the
existing road that joins Cove Road is called for by the plan.
Parcel 8.
Lot 6, Block I is owned by Conrail. The wide portion of this parcel near
Cove Road and adjacent to township-owned Lot 5, Block 516 is needed
for parking off Cove Road and for access to Fish House Cove via the
underpass. Acquisition, easement or long term lease is recommended.
Part of an agreement with Conrail should consider:

� a survey to determine portion of parcel to be used
� placement of fencing all along both sides of the tracks to Mer-
chantville Ave. to discourage pedestrians crossing tracks
� maintenance of sight line for trains, trucks at Cove Road
intersection with tracks.

Another portion of this parcel is needed to provide access to Fish House
Cove under the tracks by clearing out an old underpass near the western
corner of Tippin's Pond. An agreement with Conrail should specify use
of the underpass (pedestrian, pond overflow conduit), and supervision of
its reopening, including structural inspection.

Parcel 9

Lot 9, Block 516 is owned by Richard Tippin. It is needed to provide
parking off River Road and path access to Fish House Cove from the
parking area. A picnic area and restroom facilities at the back of this
lot for use by cove visitors is included in the recreation plan. Acquisi-
tion is recommended.

A-2

Parcel 10

Lot 4A, Block 516 is owned by John Tomlin. There is an inhabited
single family residential structure on this parcel. Part of this parcel
could be used for visitor parking. The house can be preserved.
Acquisition of this parcel is recommended.
Parcels I I and 12 shown in Figure A-1 are owned by the township. Both
parcels are integral parts of the plan for recreation use of and access to the
cove. Paths from two parking areas to the pedestrian underpass leading to
the cove are located on Parcel 11, an eleven acre tract consisting of Tippin's
Pond, its banks and adjacent woods. Parcel 12, with frontage on Cove Road,
will be used as one of two park entrances and parking areas according to the
recreational plan for the cove.

A-3

APPENDIX B. COASTAL ENERGY IMPACT PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR
FISH HOUSE COVE: LAND AQUISITION AND WATERFRONT PARK DEVELOPMENT
JANUARY 29,1982

January 29, 1982

Ms Geraldine Fenner-McNulty
CEIP Program
Room 204
New Jersey Department of Energy
101 Commerce Street
Newark, NJ 07102

Dear Ms Fenner-McNulty:
On behalf of our client, Pennsauken Township, Rogers, Golden & Halpern is pleased
to submit this application to the New Jersey Department of Energy for a CEIP grant to
acquire land and develop recreation facilities along the Delaware River at Fish House
Cove.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Pierson, Jr.

Rogers, Golden & Halpern 1427 Vine St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19102 (215) 563-4220

CEIP APPLICATION FOR FISH HOUSE COVE

Table of Contents

1. General Information I
H. Introduction 2
Ill. Elements of Project 7
IV. Implementation 18
V. Budget 18
VI. Additional Information 20
Appendix A. Letters in support of this project and the
Waterfront Management Area

List of Figure:g

Figure 1. Regional setting of Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond
Figure 2. History of filling in Fish House Cove
Figure 3. Energy-related land use in the vicinity of Fish House Cove
Figure 4. Parcel property map-for waterfront park development
Figure 5. Concept design plan of recreational facilities for
Fish House Cove
Figure 6. Concept design plan of access and support facilities for
cove visitors at the Tippin's Pond site
Figure 7. Cross section of the concept plan for Fish House Cove

CEIP APPLICATION FORM
(submit 1.5 copies)
State "Not Applicable" if appropriate
Attach additional pages if necessary

1. GENERAL INFOMAZION

F-Ish House-Cove: Land Acquisition and
Township of Pennsauken, Camden County Waterfront-iark Development
Applicant's Name (Agency) Title of Project

Municipal Building
5605 North Crescent Blvd. Area of Impact Pennsauken Township
N,T 08110 Fish House Cove and
Address Area of Study adjoining lands

Type -and Amount of Funds Requested:
Mr. Kenneth Carruth $ 337180. _(b)
Contact Person Amount of Match
2,aoUe(609) / 665-1000 Camp .osition of $ 505770L-
Match Green Acres 500.1
(A/C) Local share 10%
Total $ 842,950.

PROJECT SUX11A.RY_

Due to energy-related development and other industrial uses along the Delaware River waterfront
of Camden County, public access to the waterfront is very Limited and opportunities to provide access
are being lost. This project, the creation of a wildlife sanctuary in Fish House Cove, represents a
unique opportunity to provide public access to the Delaware waterfront and, just as important, to set
aside as open space the last remnant of freshwater tidal marsh along the Delaware River in Camden
County.
This project is urgent due to the possibility that public or private actions could forclose access to
or recreational use of the cove. Recently the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority proposed a
sewer interceptor alignment that eliminates safe, convenient, barrier-free public access to the cove,
destroys a section of the site vegetation, and interferes with natural drainage pat-terns.
The entire site for this project consists of Fish House Cove, the main portion of which is owned by
the state, and an area known as Tippin'3 Pond, through which access to the cove is planned. The
location of the project site is shown on Figure 1, below.
This project will be accomplished in two phases: land acquisition and park development. Land
acquisition will focus on ten key parcels in and around Fish House Cove to secure both the cove and the
land around Tippin'3 Pond that is important to provide access and recreational support facilities for
cove visitors. The park development phase will result in detailed specifications for passive recreational
facilities in the park and their construction. Facilities planned include boardwalks and observation
decks on the cove portion of the site, and parking, access trails to the cove, picnic area.S, amphitheater
and restroom3 at TlppiTV3 Pond.

Authorized signature

Title MaVor of Pennsauken Township

Date January 29, 1982

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Figure 1. Regional Setting of Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond (1"=2000').

INTRODUCTION

A. What problem/topic needs to be studied and why?
Public access to the Delaware River waterfront in Camden County has
been dramatically reduced over the years due to industrial development and
the extensive filling of valuable tidal wetlands that made this development
possible. The Delaware waterfront in Pennsauken Township was once a rich
recreational resource, used as a summer vacation. spot with cottages, sandy
beaches and boardwalks. Fishing, swimming, and boating were among the
activities enjoyed. But since the beginning of this century a rich natural
heritage has been abandoned to industrial progress. Figure 2 documents the
loss of the tidal marshes along the Delaware River in Pennsauken Township.
It is the objective of this proposal to restore public access and passive
recreational activities to the Pennsauken waterfront along the Delaware
River and at the same time preserve the last remaining remnant of the once
extensive freshwater tidal marshes along the Delaware in Camden County,
an area known locally as Fish House Cove. Figure I above shows the
regional setting of Fish House Cove and an adjacent site, Tippin's Pond, that
provides direct and convenient access to Fish House Cove.

B. What energy facilities or energy activities are addressed by this project?
Much of the industrial development in the are of Fish House Cove are
energy facilities and activities related to these facilities. Figure 3 shows
land use patterns around the cove. From the Delaware River railroad bridge
north of the site to the north edge of the cove, the f illed land is owned and
used by the Amerada Hess and Paragon (Texaco) oil companies for fossil fuel
storage and transfer operations. Together these two energy-related firms
occupy nearly 100 acres of filled tidal wetlands and nearly 5,000 feet of
frontage on the Delaware River and on the northern edge of Fish House
Cove.

To the south of the cove on Petty Island, City Service Corporation,
another energy-related industry, operates a fuel storage and transfer opera-
tion. Proposed for Petty Island is an oil processing operation. Other indus-
trial and transportation land uses adjoin Fish House Cove on its remaining
boundaries.

C. What are the impacts of B? How likely are the impacts to occur? What
region will the impacts affect? Over what time frame will the impacts
occur?

The impacts of the energy related facilities in the immediate area of
Fish House Cove are noise, water and air pollution, lack of public access and
use of the cove waterfront and the potential for final preemption of public
access.

FISH HOUSE COVE FISH @HOUSE COVE
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Figure 2. History of Filling in Fish House Cove (approximate scale P=26001.

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FISH HOUSE, COVEJ ENERGY-RELATED LAND USE AROUND FISH HOUSE COVE
ED Paragon Oil Co. Atlantic Richfield Corp.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (Texaco) ED
PENNSAUKEN TX)WNSHIP Amerada Hess Corp. Other Industrial Uses
WATERFRONT DISTMCT MANAG@E@ PROGRAM or Ownership
ROGERS. GOLD & HALPERN Cities Service Corp. [EE]Railroad Corridor
PH9_ADELPHK PENNSYLVANIA

Figure 3

Cities Service, Amerada Hess, and Texaco all hold NPDES permits to
discharge contaminated wastewater to the Delaware River. Tidal fluctua-
tions introduce large volumes of polluted river water into the cove every
day. Truck and tanker traffic and from tank farm fuel transfer operations
introduces hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates
into the air. Recent earth moving operations on the Hess properties are a
source of fugitive dust. These activities also contribute to elevated noise
levels on the waterfront. Such impacts are-current and can be expected to
continue as long as oil is an energy source. There is always the potential for
severe damage to the cove marsh environment from oil spills into the
Delaware River from fuel transporting or transfering operations. Through
the efforts of NJ Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, air and water quality in the Delaware
River area is gradually improving. As these improvements occur, more and
more people will be able to use the waterfront for an increasing variety of
recreational experiences.

A continuation of trends toward increased industrial use of the
Delaware River waterfront, including energy-related facilities, would even-
tually foreclose any further opportunity for public use of this common
resource, as more and more waterfront is developed. This impact will be
felt piecemeal, all along the navigable portion of the Delaware River, but is
particularly acute in urban areas where public demand for waterfront
recreation and nature study is high but such opportunities are so limited.
Fish House Cove is a waterfront site that is subject to pressures for
increased industrialization of the waterfront. A major OCS find of gas or
oil within range of the Delaware River channels could significantly increase
demand for park waterfront, as onshore support facilities are built or
displace other industrial uses.
Other actions, either public or 'private, could result in loss of public
access to these undeveloped waterfront areas--such as Fish House Cove--
that have survived in a natural state. Actions to cut off access to
waterfront areas could happen at any time. A recently proposed public
action currently threatens the township's plan to provide access to Fish
House Cove. Several years ago, an oil company illegally began filling the
marsh of Fish House Cove. See Section E below for a fuller discussion of
these actions..

D. Which of the impacts in C. will this project address?
There are two impacts addressed by this project. First, public access
to the Delaware River waterfront in a passive recreational setting will be
created and thus prevent any subsequent actions which could preclude
access. Second, the project will protect the last freshwater tidal marsh in
Camden County from possible filling and industrial development.
In addition, public access limited to emergency personnel for river
rescue purposes is provided in this project.

How urgent is the undertaking of this project at this time?
The project to protect the cove and the pond and to provide recrea-
tional opportunities on these sites is quite urgent. The longer that opening
of public access to the Delaware waterfront in Pennsauken Township is
delayed, the more likely is it that private and government actions will
preclude public access. A case in point for Fish House Cove happened very
recently, when the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA)
announced plans to run a 4811 regional sewer interceptor along the western
edge of Tippin's Pond parallel to the railroad tracks. See Support Document
9. If built as originally planned, the interceptor will eliminate safe, barrier-
free public access to the Fish House Cove via Tippin's Pond. Alternative
access to the cove is either dangerous--grade crossing at Cove Road--or
costly and impractical--a pedestrian bridge over the tracks. Besides
invalidating a logical design solution to public access for the cove, this
alignment for the sewer interceptor implies other serious impacts on the
Fish House Cove-Tippin's Pond park.
� Removal of a 40 foot wide swath of vegetation along the pipe
alignment will ruin the special sense of enclosure provided by the pond
environment. Some of the plants imperiled are large old trees, the
loss of which would be tragic to the park setting and would take years
to replace.
� Replacement of the vegetation with fill to cover the pipe and a rip-rap
surface will be a major visual intrusion into the pond environment.
� Runoff from the pipe cover will be much greater than that occurring
with natural vegetation. This runoff containing chemicals spilling
f rom passing tank cars and used for railroad right-of-way maintenance
would be collected and directed'to Tippin's Pond, leading to degrada-
tion of pond water quality.
0 Placement of a linear feature along the western edge of the pond may
have an impact on pond drainage to the cove by altering groundwater
flow lines with unforeseen consequences to the pond hydrology and
water quality. The township is now taking appropriate steps to get
CCMUA to change the sewer alignment in order to avoid these
impacts.

In spite of its identification as valuable marsh wildlife habitat, the
marsh of Fish House Cove was nearly lost several years ago when Texaco
illegally began filling the marsh from its western boundary to the cove.
Only alert Camden County officials saved the cove from further destruction
by notifying New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection who
ordered Texaco to immediately cease filling operations. See Support
Document 10.

Fish House Cove was saved from final destruction several years ago
when plans for the Cam den- Burlington Expressway were scuttled. The
alignment for this highway was set to go right through the marsh in the cove
parallel to the shore.

Another reason for urgency concerns riparian rights. There are three
parcels immediately upland to the cove, two of which are in private
ownership, the third being owned by the state of New Jersey. Upland
owners have the right to apply for riparian conveyances, either a grant,
lease or license for ownership and/or use of the riparian lands of the cove.
Private owners of the parcels upland to the cove could apply for a riparian
conveyance at any time. Thus it is important for the Township to obtain
public ownership of the immediate uplands to Fish House Cove before
private owners of these uplands apply for a.riparian conveyance to portions
of the cove.

For these reasons, the present project to acquire land and to provide
access and recreational facilities for Fish House Cove is urgent.

F. List all past and on-going studies that you are aware of which address the
same and/or similar topics. How will this study differ from these other
studies?

There is an extensive record of public concern for Fish House Cove
and Tippin's Pond in the form of special studies, township committee
actions, public meetings, and the creation of concept plans for the protec-
tion and recreational use of these complementary sites.

Special studies

1. CCEA (Camden County Enviroamental Agency). 1980. Potential
Environmental Impacts of Energy Facilities and Other Development on
Fish House Cove, Delaware River, Camden County, New Jersey. Final
Report. Prepared for the New Jersey Department of Energy with the
assistance of WAPORA, Inc.

2. Environmental Analysis, Inc. 1975. Natural Resource Inventory,
Pennsauken Creek and Tippin's Pond. Prepared for the Pennsauken
Township Environmental Commission.

3. Rogers, Golden & Halpern, 1981. Planning and Engineering Report for
Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond. Prepared for Pennsauken Township
under a coastal Energy Impact Program grant from the New Jersey
Department of Energy.

4. Rogers, Golden & Halpern, 1981. Waterfront Usage Design Concept
Plan for Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove. Prepared for Pennsauken
Township under a coastal Energy Impact Program grant from the New
Jersey Department of Energy.

5. Rogers, Golden & Halpern, 1982. Final Conceptual Plans for the
Recreational Use of Tippin's Pond and Fish House Cove. Prepared for
Pennsauken Township under a Coastal Energy Impact Program grant
from the New Jersey Department of Energy.

6. Tyrawski, John M., 1979. Shallows of the Delaware River, Trenton,
New Jersey to Reedy Point, Delaware. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Philadelphia District.

7. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1979. Delaware River Dredging
Disposal Study Stage I Reconnaissance Report.

8. U.S.F.W.S (Fish and Wildlife Service). j957. A Detailed Report on Fish
and Wildlife Resources in Relation -to Channel Dredging for the
Delaware River, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Trenton, New Jersey,
Project. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife.

9. Fichter, Jack, 1975. Our Pennsauken. The Pennsauken Bicentennial
Commission, Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Township Actions

1. Creation by ordinance of the Waterfront Management Area in which
land and water uses along the Pennsauken waterfront are controlled
(Ordinance 80-35, adopted December 10, 1980: see Support Document
6).

2. Enactment of a resolution requiring environmental review by Environ-
mental Commission of any land use change occurring in Fish House
Cove Study Area (Resolution 82-52, adopted January 13, 1982).

3. Appointment of the Pennsauken W-aterfront Management Committee.

4. Application for grant monies to plan for the preservation of waterfront
marsh and access to the waterfront.

5. Selection of consultant to develop plan for preservation and recrea-
tional use of Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond (see Support Documents
3, 4 and 5).

6. Purchase of key parcels of land on or near the site of the project (see
Figure 4).

7. Instrumental in obtaining citation of Vineland Construction Company
for various violations at a landfill operation adjacent to Fish House
Cove.

8. Held public awareness program with media coverage, focusing on
waterfront preservation (see Support Document 7).

Public meetings

1. Public meeting to discuss the draft concept plan for Fish House Cove
and Tippin's Pond; Pennsauken Municipal Building 8:00 PM; January 14,
1982.

2. Monthly public meetings of Waterfront Management Committee for
over 3 years to develop plans for protection and enhancement of the
Pennsauken waterfront with particular emphasis on Fish House Cove.

This record of studies and local concern and involvement directed
toward the preservation of Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond represents a
continuum of interest in these sites over the past decade. Of particular
importance is the explicit recognition in the Pennsauken land use ordinances
of a Waterfront Management Area, an overlay zone to the zoning ordinance
which reserves undeveloped and abandoned waterfront areas for water-
related uses, particularly recreation. This provision of the zoning ordinance
to control future development of the waterfront was enacted in order to:

0 ensure preservation of the natural environment
0 prevent negative impacts on physical, economic, social, and
aesthetic elements of the environment
0 ensure that a reasonable portion of the waterfront will be used for
public open space to further public health, safety and general
welfare
0 enhance the attractiveness of waterfront developments
0 provide public access to the Delaware River and other natural
stream waterf ronts

The Waterfront Management Area in Pennsauken was proposed by the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) according to
guidelines of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S.
Department of Commerce. A letter- from NJDEP commended the Penn-
sauken Township Planning Board for its initiative in seeing the waterfront
management area concept transformed to a meaningful ordinance. This
letter is reproduced in Appendix A.

The township's Waterfront Management Committee provides an oppor-
tunity for citizens and township officials to work together to plan for the
waterfront areas, particularly to create an extensive waterfront park
system for the township. The NJDOE-CEIP sponsored reports cited above
were prepared under the supervision of this committee. The concept plans
prepared in this NJDOE-CEIP study form the basis of this project.

The current project is a logical outgrowth of the previous studies and
differs from them by proposing to acquire the land necessary to preserve
Fish House Cove, to provide public access to the cove via Tippin's Pond, and
to develop access and recreational facilities consistent with the natural
environment of the area.

ELEMENTS OF PROJECT

A. What is the purpose of the project?

The purpose of this project is threefold:

0 to acquire land necessary to preserve Fish House Cove as a wildlife
sanctuary and necessary for access to the cove.

0 to provide public access to Fish House Cove by way of Tippin's
Pond.

0 to develop limited facilities in Fish House Cove for nature observa-
tion and supporting recreational facilities at Tippin's Pond for use
by visitors to the cove.

These objectives combine to assure that Fish House Cove and public access
to it are preserved for present and future generations as an exceptional
natural enclave in a large urban area.

B. Outline the work to be performed under this project. Use additional space if
necessary.

The work to be done under this project is divided into two phases: land
acquisition and park development. The tasks necessary to accomplish the
land acquisition phase are:

1.1 Perform title search on properties to be acquired
1.2 Do outbound survey of properties
1.3 Conduct appraisal of properties
1.4 Negotiate for control of properties
1.5 Purchase or lease properties, or obtain easements

The tasks that will be performed in this project during the Park
Development phase are:

2.1 Develop detailed construction designs and specifications
2.2 Obtain permits
2.3 Prepare documents for bidding on construction
2.4 Review proposals
2.5 Select contractors and award contract
2.6 Construct park facilities
2.7 Supervise and review construction for contract compliance

Land Acquisition

Public ownership or control of ten parcels of land is crucial to the
success of this project. These parcels are shown in Figure 4. Parcels I I and
12 are now owned by the township. In the discussion that follows each of
these parcels as numbered in Figure 4, is identified by Tax Map Block and
Lot Number and by current ownership. The role of each parcel in the
project is discussed and the level of township control of the parcel needed to
achieve the project purposes are set forth.

Parcel I

PARCELS TO BE ACQUIRED, LEASED,
OR EASEMENT OBTAINED
Parcel Lot Block Owner Area (in acres)
I T-2 7- Ttate-of New Jersey 122.59
2 5 1 Joseph Cramer 0.3 approx. 0
3 55 1 Joseph Cramer 0.4 approx.
4 5A I State of New Jerse 0.3 approx. 10 1, SE
5 13A I Paragon Oil Co. 0.52 12
6 13 1 Paragon Oil Co. 10.1 %
7 14 1 Paragon oil Co 9.8 WWI
8 6 1 Conrail Corp. (;a/,.!I) 20.8 approx. '44
9 9 516 Richard Tippin 2.07
10 4A 516 John Tomlin V,' 0.6 approx.
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Parcels owned by Township of Pennsauken %@doo
1 6 316 11.15
12 5 516 0.3 approx.
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FIIII OUSE COVE

Dela"re River

PARCEL PROPERTY MAP
FISH HOUSE COVE This map shows parcels to be acquired, leased or easement
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY obtained for wa terfront park development.
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP V Parcel Number: see table above and text for parcel
WATERFRONT DISTRICT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM characteristics and proposed use
ROGERS. GOLD N & @ERN Shoreline (approximate high tide)
PHILADELPH PENNSYLVANIA Property Lines
Figure 4

the state must obtain market value f or the conveyance for the use
intended. The Tidelands Council, recently, has not given riparian grants
so it is likely that a lease or license must be sought by the Township.
The plan places boardwalks, seating areas and observation platforms on
this parcel for nature observation and instruction.

Parcels 2 and 3

A path and birding blind are called for by the plan on Parcel 2.

Parcel 4

Parcel 5

Lot 13A, Block 1, is owned by Paragon Oil Co. (Texaco). This parcel is
needed to provide access to Fish House Cove since it is immediately
adjacent to the underpass leading to the cove from Tippin's Pond and
connects to Parcels 1 and 2. Trails and a nature observation deck on
this parcel are called for by the recreation plan.

Parcel 6

Parcel 7

Lot 14, Block I is owned by Paragon Oil Company (Texaco). An
easement for vehicle access by township emergency personnel along the
existing road that joins Cove Road is called for by the plan.

Parcel 8

Lot 6, Block I is owned by Conrail. The wide portion of this parcel near
Cove Road and adjacent to township-owned Lot 5, Block 516 is needed
for parking off Cove Road and for access to Fish House Cove via the
underpass. Acquisition, easement or long term lease is recommended.
Part of an agreement with Conrail should consider:

0 a survey to determine portion of parcel to be used

0 placement of fencing all along both sides of the tracks to Mer-
chantville Ave. to discourage pedestrians crossing tracks

0 maintenance of sight line for trains, trucks at Cove Road
intersection with tracks.

Parcel 9

Lot 9, Block 516 is owned by Richard Tippin. It is needed to provide
parking off River Road and path access to Fish House Cove from the
parking area. A picnic area and-restroom facilities at the back of this
lot for use by cove visitors is included in the recreation plan. Acquisi-
tion is recommended.

Parcel 10

Parcels I I and 12 shown in Figure 4 are owned by the township. Both
parcels are integral parts of the plan for recreation use of and access to the
cove. Paths from two parking areas to the pedestrian underpass leading to
the cove are located on Parcel 11, an eleven acre tract consisting of Tippin's
Pond, its banks and adjacent woods. Parcel 12, with frontage on Cove Road,
will be used as one of two park entrances and parking areas according to the
recreational plan for the cove.

Park Development

After appropriate interest in the parcels 1-10 discussed above has been
obtained, either through fee simple purchase, easement, or long term lease,
the applicant proposes to produce detailed construction plans and specifica-
tions, prepare documents for bidding, advertise, review, and select propo-
sals, and then to construct various park facilities including parking for
motor vehicles and bicycles, access paths to the cove, boardwalks and

nature observation decks in the cove, and picnic areas, amphitheater, and
restrooms for use by cove visitors.

The concept design plan of these facilities is shown in Figures 5 and 6.
Figure 5 illustrates the concept design for the cove part of the plan while
Figure 6, at a larger scale, shows the access and support facilities for cove
visitors at the Tippin's Pond site.

The concept design for Tippin's Pond -and Fish House Cove is divided
into separate plans, but the site should be considered as one. The plan for
Tippin's Pond will provide for passive recreation, while the plan for Fish
House Cove calls for recreation of a very restricted nature. The two sites
complement each other with their very different natural features, providing
the setting for different kinds of recreational uses. Connecting the two
sites by a path system is important as a way to limit access points and
automobile/bicycle parking and to create a continuous park encompassing
both areas.

There are several reasons for considering the two sites as one. First,
the two sites are related by access. Visitors to the cove arriving by
automobile, bicycle, or foot will first enter the Tippin's Pond area where car
and bike parking will be provided. Access to the cove is by foot through an
underpass beneath the railroad tracks. This arrangement achieves several
objectives. By using the underpass, pedestrians are kept from crossing the
tracks, thus assuring a safe transition from the pond to the cove. In
addition, automobiles are not allowed to intrude either visually or as a
disturbance to wildlife in the cove.- .--

The second reason the sites complement each other so well is that the
very passive recreational activities appropriate to a wildlife sanctuary in
the cove are naturally separated by* the rail embankment from the more
active recreation that can take place around the pond. Since visitors to the
cove will not want to limit their visit solely to wildlife observation, the pond
site serves as an area immediately adjacent where other trip related
activities can occur: gathering point before and after trips to the cove,
pretrip lecture site, places to eat a picnic lunch, a pleasurable walk around a
much more intimate natural setting that are offered by the open expanses of
the cove. Without the pond and the facilities on its shores, trips to the cove
would be much more limiting and access would be difficult or detrimental to
the sanctuary nature of the cove.

Tippin's Pond

The Tippin's Pond site will become the primary entrance and access
point or gateway to recreational opportunities of the pond and the cove.
The pond Js a resource that lends itself to several recreational activities
such as picnicking, fishing, and skating, while at the same time its surface
acts as an esthetic focal point that reflects the surrounding vegetation as
the seasons change. In providing for these activities and for automobile/bi-
cycle parking, this area complements the more passive feeling of Fish House
Cove and also serves as a convenient "staging area" for visits to the cove
and for visit-related activities such as picnics and outdoor lectures. This
relationship of the two sites helps to relieve the pressure of overuse on the

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RECREATIONAL AREA
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP woop oa'@m W)
WATERFRONT DISTRICT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

ROGERS,, GOLDEN & HALPERN
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA INAL
6mm 4
0 100 ft. 200 ft. 4001t.
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Figure 6

cove, whose role as a wildlife sanctuary is more fragile than the more active
recreational purposes of the pond. The main features of the concept plan
for recreational use of, Tippin's Pond are shown in Figure 6 above. The
description below will generally follow a main path counterclockwise around
the pond, starting with the main entrance off Cove Road.
The primary public access point occurs near the intersection of the
railroad tracks and Cove Road. A landscap@-d parking lot of porous material
provides space for 20 cars and 10 bicycles. Buses for school trips to the
cove could also park here. The pedestrian path begins here with a park map
and description with park regulations. The path at this point is wide enough
for emergency and park maintenance vehicles. As the path emerges along
the pond's northwestern edge, there is a short side path leading to a T-
shaped fishing pier. Just beyond the fishing pier, the path joins a pedestrian
underpass beneath the railroad tracks that leads to the cove side of the
park. The underpass is now filled and would have to be opened to provide
pedestrian access to the cove.

As the path turns around the western corner of the pond, there is an
amphitheater consisting of semicircular bench seating facing the pond. The
amphitheater can be used for performing art groups, campfires or.lectures
on cove wildlife or as a meeting point before or after group trips to the
cove. A side path at the edge of the amphitheater leads up to a plateau, the
former Tippin's house site, where a picnic area overlooks the pond and
restrooms are located for use by park visitors.
The path continues around the perimeter of the lake and moves from
lake edge to the wooded area adjacent to the southwest edge of the lake.
The path also leads people to the various use areas such as the picnic grove
at the top of the escarpment near the old Tippin's home site. This picnic
grove gives extended views across the lake because of its topographic
location. As one follows the main path around the lake, a second picnic area
in the wooded glen adjacent to the lake is encountered.
The second public access point to the cove and pond is from another
parking area just off River Road on the Merchantville Avenue right-of-way.
This area should be built to park 20 cars and can be expanded along the
right-of-way if more spaces are needed. Paths from the parking area lead
down the escarpment to the pond's edge to join the perimeter path along the
southern corner of the pond. In this area, erosion control measures such as
mechanical slope stabilization and planting are planned to stop or reduce
local but severe erosion of the escarpment.
At the end of the main path on the pond's northeastern edge is a third
picnic spot in a remote area for people who want to walk to the less active
side of the lake. Between the last two picnic areas is a second fishing pier
accessible by a boardwalk across a low lying marshy area. This marsh area
serves to filter storm water from two storm drains emptying into Tippin's
Pond from the drainage area beyond River Road. The natural wet-adapted
vegetation here can be supplemented by additional plantings and perhaps by
a minimal confinement structure that would assure the full benefit to the
pond of runoff-filtering capabilities of the marsh.

Utilizing the existing recreational resources will be done with minimal
environmental impact through the careful placement of only those facilities
and site furnishings necessary to support the activities desired. The
activities supported fit reasonably well into the natural environment of the
pond. They include:

0 access to Fish House Cove
0 outdoor lectures on the cove's history and ecology
0 picnicking
0 nature study
0 birding
0 jogging
0 walking for pleasure
0 f ishing.
These activities, using the facilities provided, are of an intensity and scale
that are compatible with the carrying capacity of the pond and its
immediate uplands.

Fish House Cove

The major objective of the design for Fish House Cove is to preserve
and enhance the wildlife habitat while providing select facilities that will
allow people to enjoy and study the natural systems of this freshwater tidal
marsh, unique along the Delaware River in Camden County. Care must be
taken to ensure that the encroachment by man does not interfere with the
natural systems being studied and-.vnjoyed. The plan presented below
attempts to achieve this by allowing strictly passive nature observation type
activities in the type of facilities provided--a boardwalk, paths, and nature
observation decks. A sketch of the final concept plan for recreational use
of Fish House Cove is presented in Figure 5.
The passive recreational use of the cove is manipulated by different
spatial and visual sequences providing varying aesthetic and educational
viewpoints. These sequences are created by the changing height of the
boardwalk, the placement of the path and/or boardwalk through both wooded
areas and the various zones of marsh vegetation, and the change from an at-
grade gravel path to elevated boardwalk. Views from land across the water,
from water to land, and variations of these two are created through the
siting of the boardwalk and path. Spatial enclosure is achieved through
vegetation and the topographic relief of the railroad embankment. Observa-
tion and teaching platforms provide resting areas as well as places for
nature study, especially birding. A covered birding blind is a possibility at
the edge of the railroad embankment. The actual location of this feature
will depend on field checking of existing conditions. Along the boardwalk
and paths and on the platforms, there are various seating areas for visitors
to rest or from which to observe the marsh. A cross section of the plan for
Fish House Cove is shown in Figure 7.
The path/boardwalk system is "U'l-shaped with two termini, thus
keeping observers near on the edges of the cove and not in the middle where
more disruptions of wildlife would occur. One terminus is an observation
and teaching platform near the emergency boat launch with capacity to

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accommodate small classes and to provide shelter from rain and sun. The
other is a smaller observation deck. While the majority of the cove users
are expected to use the path and boardwalk system for nature study and
wildlife observation, it is also possible that fishing may take place.

As in Tippin's Pond, a sign graphics program, especially interpretive
signs, should be developed to lead users through the park experiences. The
signs should enhance visitors' sensory perception (touch, smell, sight, sound)
of the natural environment. The placement of an interpretive braille sign
system on the trail is recommended.

The following uses are proposed for Fish House Cove:

0 walking for pleasure
0 birding
0 nature study
0 f ishing.

C. What project start date is preferred? How flexible is the start date?

The project start date for the land acquisition phase is during the
summer of 1982. The construction phase, including detailed designs and
specifications can begin during the spring of 1983. These dates are flexible
for about 3 months either way based on commitments given by Pennsauken
Township officials and members of the Waterfront Management Committee.

D. What is the project duration?

The land acquisition phase is expected to take 7 months; the construc-
tion phase, a year, for a total elapsed time of about 19 months.

E. What will be the work products, deliverables, or service resulting from this
project? Who will be able to use these deliverables and for what purposes?
The results of this project will be the preservation of a waterfront
wildlife sanctuary in a heavily industrialized reach of the Delaware River
and public access and support facilities for visitors to the wildlife sanctuary.
An additional product of this project is an emergency boat launching ramp
for use by township rescue personnel and access to that ramp.
It is intended that the general public visit the wildlife sanctuary in Fish
House Cove and make use of the support facilities and newly created access
to the Delaware waterfront provided in this project for the purposes of
outdoor recreation and nature education.

F. Who will conduct the work for this project? If the work is to be divided
among several parties, allocate the tasks in B to each party.

This project will be carried out under the overall administration and
supervision of Pennsauken Township. Many of the tasks listed in B above

will be performed for the Township by as yet unselected firms or individuals
with special expertise in:

0 title search
0 land survey
0 property appraisal
0 structural engineering
0 landscape architecture
0 planning and permit aplications
0 facility construction

Description ResponsibUity

Land Acquisition

Task 1. 1 Do title search on contractorg to be selected
properties to be acquired
Task 1.2 Do outbound survey of contractor, to be selected
properties
Task 1.3 Conduct appraisal of two DOT approved appraisers,
properties to be selected
Task 1.4 Negotiate for control of Township of Pennsauken staff,
properties
Task 1.5 Purchase, lease properties Township of Pennsauken staff
to obtain easements and project lawyer, to be
selected

Detailed Design and Construction of Park

Task 2. 1. Develop detailed construc-' contractor, to be selected
tion designs and specifica-
tions
Task 2.2. Obtain permits Township staff
Task 2.3. Prepare documents for Township staff
bidding
Task 2.4. Review proposals Township staff
Task 2.5. Select contractors and Township Committee
award contract
Task 2.6. Construct facilities Contractor(s), to be selected
Task 2.7. Supervise and review Township staf f
construction for contract
compliance

I . If a consultant or university has already been selected f or a portion of
the work, specify by name, indicate why they are best for this job, and
supply samples and citations of the consultant's or university's work in
this area.

Not applicable.

2. If a portion of the work is to be performed in-house, provide samples
and citations of previous in-house work, on similar topics is possible.
Give the names and qualifications of the personnel performing the
work.

The two Pennsauken Township staff members who will work in adminis-
trative capacity on this project are Kenneth Carruth, Administrative
Officer and William R. Buffington, Assessor for the Township. A brief
resume of each follows.

Kenneth Carruth

Occupation: Administrative Officer, Planning and Zoning- 2 years
Memberships: Pennsauken Township Planning Board - 4 years
Executive Director, Business, Industry and Government
Council for the Township of Pennsauken
New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Broker - Broker of
Record
Kenneth Carruth Associates, Inc.
Member of the National Association of Realtors
Member of New Jersey State Association of Realtors
Member of Burlington County Board of Realtors
Education: Associates Degree of Engineering - Spring Garden Insti-
tute of Technology

William R. Buffington

Occupation: Assessor of Pennsauken Township - 19 years

Memberships: New Jersey State Association of Assessors
Past President of Camden County Association of
Assessors

Education: Real Property I and II - Rutgers University
Real Property Administration I and 11 - Rutgers Univer-
sity

Mr. Buffington also served as Director of Economical Development for
the Township of Pennsauken.

G. Are any research facilities and equipment, including computers, required for
the conduct of the project? If so, what facilities will be used?

Not applicable.

H. Is industry or government cooperation required or desirable for the success
of the project? If so, show evidence that industry or government will
cooperate. (Letters of- support or cooperation furnish the strongest evi-
dence).

Letters of support for this project, and for the Waterfront Management
District with which plans for Fish House Cove are consistent, have been
received from the following individuals and agencies:
1. Mayor and Township Committee, Towns hip of Pennsauken
2. Pennsauken Environmental Commission
3. Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders
4. Camden County Environmental Agency
5. Camden County Municipal and County Services
6. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
7. Pennsauken Township Engineer: Richard A. Alaimo Association of
Engineers

These letters are reproduced in Appendix A to this application.
Township staff and members of the Waterfront Management Committee
have opened communications with Texaco Oil Company over the past
several years concerning mutual interest in the Fish House Cove and
emergency access to it across Paragon (Texaco)-owned land. These discus-
sions are continuing.

I. Describe how this project is consistent with the New Jersey Coastal Zone
Management Plan.

This project is explicitly consistent with and supported by the New
Jersey Coastal Zone Management Plan. Part III of the Coastal Management
Program (August 1980) is entitled "Description of the New Jersey Coastal
Zone: Affected Environment." In this part of the program, the boundary of
New Jersey's Coastal Zone is delineated and visions for the future of
specific parts of the coastal zone are suggested based on the eventual
implementation of coastal zone policies. In the section that discusses the
Camden Region (p. 329), the following statements are made:
The preservation of the few remaining areas (along river waterfronts)
still relatively open and undisturbed in the Region will also be a goal of
the Coastal Program. These include the lower reaches of Big Timber
Creek, the marina area on the Cooper River, and Fisherman's Cove,
which could be maintained as natural areas for carefully managed
recreational activities.

Representatives from the Bureau of Coastal Planning and Development
indicate that the Fisherman's Cove refered to is Fish House Cove. Thus,
New Jersey's Coastal Management Program suggests a use for the cove that
is identical with the township's own current plans for its preservation and
use.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION

A. How will the study result in mitigation measures? What problems will the
mitigation measures address?
This CEIP application has shown the long-term trends that have led to
the destruction of natural areas along Pennsauken's Delaware River water-
front and their subsequent use by energy-related and other industrial
facilities and to the disappearance of public access to waterfront areas.
Recent examples of each of these--a planned sewer interceptor precluding
public access to the cove and Texaco's illegal filling of the cove's marsh--
were given in Section ILE above.
The Fish House Cove project mitigates the impacts upon public access
to the Pennsauken waterfront and the destruction of valuable tidal wetland
along the Delaware River waterfront in Pennsauken by preserving the cove
as a wildlife sanctuary, and by providing public access to the cove where
none currently exists.

B. Does the applicant have the authority to implement the mitigation
measures? If so, cite the authority. If not, who has the authority and how
will the applicant assure the implementation of the mitigation measures?
Pennsauken Township has the authority to purchase land and to con-
struct facilities upon it. The mitigation measures planned--creation of
public access to the Delaware River wiiterfront in Pennsauken and preserva-
tion of a remnant freshwater tidal marsh are within the authority of
Pennsauken Township to implement. The township is empowered to nego-
tiate for purchase of property for public purposes and to apply its power of
eminent domain to these purposes. Through its authority to enter into
contractual arrangements for planning, design, and construction projects,
Pennsauken Township has the legal capacity to implement this project.

V. BUDGET

A. Show the budget for this study using the following categories: Not
applicable. Project cost estimate follows.

Land Acquisition Costs by Parcel (refer to Figure 44
Parcel Number Conveyance Estimated Market Value
I riparian grant $ 51,500
2 fee simple purchase 10,000
3 fee simple purchase 12,500
4 fee simple purchase 1,000
5 fee simple purchase 30,000
6 easement 16,000
7 ea sement 4,000
8 fee simple purchase 55,000
9 fee simple purchase 35,000
10 fee simple purchase 35 000
TOTAL $250:000

Preliminary Project Cost Estimate for Fish House Cove Wildlife Sanctuary
and Recreational Area

Item Unit No. of units Cost/unit Cost

Site preparation L.S. - -- $ 5,000
Boardwalks, 6 ft wide sq ft 21,000 $ 4.60 96,600
Observation decks/fishing
piers sq ft 69860 4.60 31,560
Piles, 10 in diameter,
30 f t long I f 21,000 10.00 210,000
Outdoor furniture
Picnic tables ea. 15 600.00 9,000
Litter baskets ea. 5 300.00 19500
Amphitheater benches, 8 ft ea. 40 250.00 10,000
Bollards ea. 6 50.00 300
Park sign ea. 2 19000.00 2,000
Light standards ea. 2 19000.00 29000
Path lights ea. 6 400.00 29400
Chain link fence,
6 f t highq 9 gage I f 700 14.60 109220
Landscaping
Shade trees 2-2Y2 in caliper ea. 8 275.00 2,200
Flowering trees 8-10 ft ea. 65 65.00 4t230
Evergreen buffer planting
42-48 in ea. - 30 100.00 31000
Seedingf fertilizing,
mulching sq ft 37,800 .02 760
Cattail filter planting sq ft 500 .50 250
Path paving, crushed stone if 2 -@ 660 3.00 79980
Path paving, bituminous I f 1,270 4.60 5,840
Parking area paving,
crushed stone sq yd 39400 4.50 15,300
Parking area paving,
bituminous sq yd 90 7.00 630
Concrete boat ramp cu yd 20 320.00 69400
Restroom facilities and
structure L.S. -- -- 15,000
6-in sanitary sewer if 100 5.00 500
Excavation for pedestrian
underpass cu yd 500 .70 350
Bird blind sq ft 600 15.00 9,000
Shoring and ramp for
pedestrian underpass L.S. - -- 40,000
Gate ea. 1 700.00 700
18-in RCP storm sewer if 400 16.00 6,400

Site development cost 499,120
Engineering fee (8%) 39,930
SUBTOTAL 539,050
Contingency (10%) 53.L900
592,950
Land acquisition 250,000
TOTAL $842.2950

B. Are there other sources of funding for this project? If so, what are they?
It is anticipated that this project will be funded in part by Green Acres
Acquisition and Development Grants from its local Assistance Program.
According to the Green Acres fund sharing formula, the following contribu-
tion to project costs is anticipated:

Phase I Phase 2
Land Acquisition Park Development
CEIP grant 40% 40%
Green Acres grant 50% 50%
Local sources 10% 10%
100% 100%
Pennsauken Township is currently applying to the Green Acres Program for
a Land Acquisition Grant. A Preapplication Meeting (Step 2) between Green
Acres staff, Pennsauken Township staff, and the township consultant on this
project was held on January 4, 1982 at the Green Acres office in Trenton.
During this meeting, Green Acres staff encouraged the township to proceed
with a formal application. The entire project concept was seen as qualifying
for both the Green Acres Land Acquisition and Development Grant Pro-
grams.

VI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Please attach responses to any -additional questions posed at the pre-
application conference.

There were no questions posed at the pre-application conference.

B. Please attach any additional materials which might assist the Allocation
Committee in its consideration of this application.
The following documents are submitted in support of this application:
1. CCEA (Camden County Environmental Agency). 1980. Potential
Environmental Impacts of Energy Facilities and Other Development on
Fish House Cove, Delaware River, Camden County, New Jersey. Final
Report. Prepared for the New Jersey Department of Energy with the
assistance of WAPORA, Inc.
2. Environmental Analysis, Inc. 1975. Natural Resource Inventory,
Pennsauken Creek and Tippin's Pond. Prepared for the Pennsauken
Township Environmental Commission.
3. Rogers, Golden & Halpern, 1981. Planning and Engineering Report for
Fish House Cove and Tippin's Pond. Prepared for Pennsauken Township
under a coastal Energy Impact Program grant from the New Jersey
Department of Energy.

6. Pennsauken Township Zoning Regulations defining and controlling land
use in the Waterfront Management Area; and a map of this area in and
around Fish House Cove.

7. News Release on "Back to the Beaches Day." Public Focus on the
Pennsauken Waterf ront.

8. Fichter, Jack; October, 1981. Perspective on the Pennsauken Water-
front. Prepared for Rogers, Golden & Halpern.

9. Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, November, 1981.
Excerpts from the plan for the Delaware Basin District II Interceptor
System.

10. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, July 18, 1978.
Letter to Texaco to cease illegal filling of Fish House Cove.

VII. FOR PROJECTS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
AND SERVICES ONLY

Not applicable.

APPENDIX A. LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT
AND THE WATERFRONT MANAGEMENT AREA

1. Mayor and Township Committee, Township of Pennsauken
2. Pennsauken Environmental Commission
3. Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders
4. Camden County Environmental Agency
5. Camden County Municipal and County Services
6. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
7. Pennsauken Township Engineer: Richard A. Alaimo Association of Engineers

Township Committee CAMDEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
Theresa R. Brown, Township Clerk-
Carl R. Bierbach. MaYor X William H. Brush. Administrafor
John Philip Maroccia. Esq., Deput@y MaYor John F. Strazzullo, Solicitor
John E.Jacobs D.S. DiMaio, Treasurer
Hugh G. O*Connell 46@' 1892 Municipal Building
William Orth
5605 N. Crescent Boulevard
INCORPORATED 1892 Pennsauken. New Jersev 08110

(609) 665-1000

January 27, 1982

Mr. John Bolton
Waterfront Management Committee
5605 North Crescent Blvd.
Pennsauken, N.J. 08110

Re: Grant Proposal for Acquisition and Development
of Fish House Cove and Tippons Pond - Pennsauken

Dear John:

This letter will confirm the support of the Township Committee
for the above referenced project.
As you are aware, the Township Committee has a strong commitment
to preserve and protect, for the good of the public, lands along the
Delaware River, Pennsauken Creek and CooperRiver. For this reason, a
Waterfront Management Ordinance was adopted by the Township of Pennsauken
and your Committee was formed. 'In addition, a Resolution establishing
the Official Inventory of Natural Resources for the Township of Pennsauken
was approved and we feel that these steps demonstrate our commitment to
practical and recreational utilization of our waterfront in an effort to
preserve the asthetic and natural environment.

We commend both you and your Committee on your diligence and
efforts in working towards the approval of the Coastal Energy Imput Grant
to preserve, protect and provide utilization to the benefit of the general
public, this most important natural resource in our Community. You may
be assured of continued cooperation by the Township Committee in whatever
direction deemed necessary to assure this project's success.
We wish you continued success in your efforts.

Very truly yours,

Carl R. Bierbach
Mayor
mdk Pennsauken Township

ol Tettnaukett
CAMDEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

Township Committee
Theresa R. Brown, Township Clerk
Carl R. Bierbach, MaYor William H. Brush. Administrator
John Philip Maroccia, Esq.. Depim, MaYor John F. Strazzullo. Solicitor
John E. Jacobs ..A D.S. DiMaio, Treasurer
Hugh G. O'Connell 2
William Orth Municipal Building
5605 N. Crescent Boulevard
INCORPORATED 1892 Pennsauken, New Jersey 08 110
(609) 665-1000

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

January 27, 1982

Mr. Kenneth Carruth
Administrative Officer
Planning & Zoning
Township of Pennsauken
5605 North Crescent Blvd.
Pennsauken, N.J. 08110

RE: Grant Proposal for Acquisition and Development
of Fish House Cove and Tippons Pond - Pennsauken

Dear Mr. Carruth:

This letter will confirm our support of the above referenced
proposal to be submitted to the New Jersey,Department of Energy and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Coastal Zone
Management. Your project is a worthy effort in that it emcompasses all
aspects of practical and recreational utilization of the sight, while
preserving the asthetic and natural resources for the future. We would
very much like to see funding approved from the State and Federal Govern-
ment to implement this project.

As you are aware, the Township of Pennsauken has passed a Reso-
lution presented by the Environmental Commission, establishing the Official
Inventory of Natural Resources for the Community, of which both Fish House
Cove and Tippons Pond are included.

The proposed project is an excellent example of a way to preserve
our natural resources and also provide access and utilization of these
areas to the benefit of the people of our State. You can continue to
count on the support and assistance of the Environmental Commission as
needed.

Very-truly yours,,

Richard Wesley
Chairman
Pennsauken Environmental Commission
mdk

BOARD OF airznenl C,
CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
Court llouse. Ca.,721fleM,

IOSEPH 1, ROBERTS, Ir.

Freeholder Director
January 21, 1982

The Honorable Carl BElierbach
Mayor of Pennsauken
Municipal Building
5605 N. Crescent Blvd.
Pennsauken, NJ 08110

Dear Mayor Bierbach:
I would like to take this opportunity to express my ardent support
for the awarding of the Coastal Energy Impact Program grant to
the Township of Pennsauken. Proper management of Pennsauken's
littoral land along the Delaware River is both vital and a
necessary measure for serving the community. The development and
maintenance of the land will encompass all aspects of practical
and recreational utilization of the land while preserving the
asthetic and natural ecological balance. In addition to these goals,
the proposed project is a fine example of careful, well-couched
planning with vast community and lo-al government support. With
such a background, this project is guaranteed to be a major success.
The people of Camden County support the Pennsauken project and
would be pleased to see funding support from the State. if I
can be of any further assistance in the fruition of this proposal,
please do not hesitate to contact me.

Very truly yours,

k1_1
Joseph Roberts, Jr.
Freeholder Director

JJR/Dff/mmp

-7
ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY Camden Countv'-*
%Ir
ims Administration Bui1ding
JOAN BATORY 0
Dfrec;or 600 'Market Street
jer.
08101
Camden, '9979
(609)75-,-

January 25, IL982

Edward J. Linky, AssIt. Director
Division of Planning, Policy and
Resource Application
N.J. Dept. of Energy
101 Commerce St.
Newark,, N.J. 07102

Re: Grant proposal for acquisition and development
of open space in the vicinity of Fish House
Cove and Tippen's Pond, Pennsauken, N.J.

Dear Mr. Linky:

This letter will confirm our sup
.port of the above-
referenced proposal tendered to your office by the
officials of Pennsauken Township. Their proposal
is in full concert with all existing county plans
for the area, and will serve fill those plans
to 'ful"
in large measure if granted by your Agency.

Our office has offered its services to the Township
in a technical and advisory capacity to insure the
appropriate application of funds should they be
awarded to this project.

Very truly yours,
JOA BATOR@4
Director

JB:co
xc: @J. Springlo; Municipal and County Services

CO
Camden County%
Joseph E. Benton, Jr.
Director MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY SERVICES
600 iVarket Street, Camden, New Jersey 08102

January 25' 1982

Mr. Kenneth W. Carruth
Administrative Assistant
Planning & Zoning Coordinator
Township of Pennsauken
Municipal Building
5605 N. Crescent Blvd.
Pennsauken, NJ 08110

Dear Mr. Carruth:

My office is pleased to endorse your project providing
the restoration of Fish House Cove. As you are aware
from our previous meetings and conversations, my staff
and myself are quite enthusiastic about your efforts
and will continue to provide any assistance that you
might require.

I wish you continued success in your efforts.

Sincerely,

J0 eph E. Be Jr.
L,@i rector, Mu cipal and
County Services

JEB/sa
:@J@epih E
jrector.

May 28, 1980

Mr. Herb Kolins
Chairman, Pennsauken Planning Board
3912 Sharon Terrace
Pennsauken, New Jersey 08110

Dear Mr. Kolins:

I have reviewed the proposed addition to the Pennsauken zoning
ordianance for a waterfront management district, in response to your
request. Let we begin by commending you, tor your initiative and
complemending you on your work on the Waterfront Management District
section of your zoning ordinance.

In this letter I will outline some preliminary comments,
reserving additional comments until we receive a map of the area
concerned, and a copy of the entire zoning ordinance. Secondary
comments will include reference to specific treatment of wetlands
and flood plain areas, I must stress that our review is based only
on consistency the Proposed New Jersey Coastal Management
Program which will be the policies of th State of New Jersey. Our
analysis should not be considered to be advice regarding what is
legally permissible or required In your zoning ordinance.

Please note that any reference to Coastal Resource and Develop-
ment Policies is discussion of the policies proposed as Admini-
strative Rules in the Proposed New Jersey Coastal Management Program
and Draft Environmetal Impact Statement, May 1980, and a final
drafting of the ordinance and statement of consistency between the
ordinance and the N.J. Coastal management Program should await
publication of the final document, expected in September 1980.

In general, the management district should reflect the special
nature of the waterfront zone. I am enclosing a copy of Toledo,
Ohio's Overlay losing District for the waterfront as an example. in
Toledo's case, they placed certain additional restrictions upon uses
in the waterfront district, applied in addition to the requirements
in more traditional zones.

Mr. Herb olins
May 28, 198O
Page 2

The following comments refer to Paragraphs A-E fo Section 708-A
of the Zoning Ordinance.

1) A preamble describing the purposes of the district should be'
inserted before paragraph A# such ass

Purposes

In order that the future development of the Township of Penn-
sauken waterfront be controlled to ensure the preservation of
the environment and to prevent negative impacts on the phy-
sical, social and aesthetic elements of the environment, to
ensure that a reasonable portion of the waterfront will be used
for public open space in order that the public health, safety
and, general welfare be furthered, to enhance the attractiveness
of all of Pennsauken for environmentally sensitive development&
and to provide for public access to the Delaware River water-
front, the Township of Pennsauken has created this Waterfront
Management District.

The Township desires to ensure management of development of the
waterfront while ensuring the conservation and environmental
protection of that area and to take full advantage of modern
design, construction, technology and planning methods to
strengthen and sustain its enonomic potential, while incor-
porating a variety of uses which art mutually compatible with
each other and the natural enviornment, with special emphasis
on the conservation and protection of the waterfront and its
unique physical attributes.

The objectives of the Waterfront Management District are to
encourage innovative use of open space, commercial and indus-
trial development to achieve more efficient use of the water-
front under a comprehensive plan rather than as separate
unrelated parts. Such comprehensive control should produce
well designed development that will have a beneficial effect
upon Pennsauken's waterfront, and indirectly on the rest of
Pennsauken as well.

A statement of purpose such as this will help to justify the
formation of this management district.

2) In paragraph A, use regulations should be divided into
permitted and conditionally acceptable uses. Any other uses will be
considered prohibited within the district. All uses are subject to
the Regulations specified in Paragraphs B and C, as revised, In
sections of the waterfront where no filling has occurred to date
all uses should be water dependent. Water dependent is defined as
development that must have direct access to the body of water along
which It is proposed in order to function. This definition in
explained in greater detail on page 79 of the Proposed Coastal
Management Program.

May 28, 1980
Page 3

You have already listed some examples of water-dependent uses
in parts 1, 2 and 3 of Paragraph A. in areas where filling has
already occurred, "water-related" development or development that
benefits economically from direct access to the water body along
which it is proposed in permitted. This definition is explained in
futher detail'on page 79 of the Proposed Coastal Mangement Program.
Once these areas have been defined and mapped, further examples of
permissible uses may be included. Certain uses may be permitted in
the filled areas which are not appropriate in the natural areas.

Parts 4 and 5 of Paragraph A show examples of water-related
uses; which will be permitted in any areas that have been filled in
the past, but not in more natural areas.

This differentiation between filled and natural areas is based
upon the Filled water's Edge Policy on page 98 of the Proposed
Coastal Management Program* The rationale states that developmenent
of filled water's edge areas is preferable to development, of rela-
tively undisturbed shoreline areas. Therefore,, only those uses
which are considered water dependent are permitted in natural
areas.

3) Paragraphs B and C should be combined as a single regula-
tion section. These regulations will apply to any use within the
waterfront management district.

The following is proposed to replace paragraphs B and C

REGULATIONS

1) Any use within the district will be prohibited unless
water discharged or returned to the stream has a chemical,
physical and bacteriological quality equal to or better
than that in the stream at the point of discharge, and
further provided that any use or activity which is or may
be noxious or offensive by reason of odor dust, fumes,
smoke, gas, vibration, glare, noise or radiation, or which
constitutes or may constitute a public hazard by reason of
fire, explosion or otherwise, shall not be permitted,
2) The maximum height of buildings or other structures in the
District shall be a maximum of thirty (30) feet.
3) Any building within a Flood Hazard area and the flood
fringe as defined by the Flood Hazard Control Act (N.J.S.A.
58:16A-50 et seg.) and by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, as delineated by DEP should meet regulations
s pecified in the State Flood Plain Law (N.J.A.C. 7:l3-1.2
et seq.) Where Flood hazard areas have not been delin-
eated, the inland boundary shall be the ten-foot contour
line and the seaward boudnary , the high water line.
Certain land uses are prohibited under this law. (Also
see Coastal Policy 7:7E-8.23)

Mr. Herb Kolins
May 28, 1980
Page 4

4) All other area and yard coverage requirements shall be
applied as in other districts of the township where
similar uses are permitted.
4) In paragraph E, rather than specifying a maximum amount of
coverage in the regulations, a minimum amount of open space may be
required. In addition, all public access, not just pedestrian
access, should be discussed.

The following is proposed:

"At least 70 percent of the gross area of each development must
provide for public park and other open space or recreational
use. Some portion of the open space lands shall be contigious
to the Delaware River, so that all waterfront development must
contribute to too creation of a continuous publicly accessible
path along the waterfront. Where this is not directly feasible
or practicqal, the developer shall provide an inland route to
connect the paths from adjoining properties. This path shall
be broad enough to allow a variety of activities such as
walking, biking, jogging and viewing the River.

Some addition& you may wish to make are:
1) A maximum percent of the waterfront land to be devoted to
certain types of uses, such as commercial uses, etc.
2) A provision that no use with negative impacts on the
waterfront will be permitted.
3) A legal description of the waterfront District.

For further guidance in refining this portion of the ordinance#
you may also want to review the zoning ordinance of West New York,
New Jersey in addition to that of Toledo, Ohio. For more informa-
tion contact Mr. Joshua Siegel, the Planning Consultant for West
New York at (212) 964-8330. An I mentioned earlier, we will be able
to make further specific comments arc suggest additional restric-
'-ions after reviewing the map of the district.
I hope these comments are helpful. After we receive a map and
zoning ordinance, we will be happy to meet with you to provide more
detailed comments.

Mr. Herb Kolins
May 28, 1980
Page 5

Since I will be out of the office for much ot the first half of
June, please feel free to call Barbara Kauffman (609) 292-9760, the
urban planner in the bureau who prepared most of these comments, I
hope to see you at the public hearing on the Coastal Management
Program on June 12. Sincerely,

John R. Weingart

JRW/BN/vp
cc: Mr. John J. Boltan
Mrs. Joan Zane
Ms. Barbara Kauffman
Mr, Allan Campbell
Mr. Neil Yoskin
bcc: Mr. Dennis Davidson, with incoming

RINARO A. ALAIMO AHOCIATION ff MIVR@ -
200 HIGH STREET - MOUNT HOLLY, NEW JERSEY 08060
TELEPHONE: 609-267-8310

January 25, 1982

State of New Jersey
Department of Energy
101 Commerce Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102 Re: Pennsauken Township
Tippins Pond and Fish House
Cove
C.E.I.P. Project
Our File No. C-38015

Lo Whom It May Concern:

As Pennsauken Township's Engineer, our office endorses the
direction in which the Township is proceeding regarding the
improvement and future utilization of the Tippins Pond and
Fish House Cove areas within Pennsauken Township. We believe that
more of the State's natural resources-should be conserved and at
the same time allow the residents of the State to enjoy their natural
beauty. The Tippins Pond and Fish House Cove project is an example
of a positive step in that direction and will benefit not only the
people of Pennsauken Township but also all of the residents of the
State of New Jersey.

Very truly yours,

RICHARD A. ALAIMO
ASSOCI OF NGINEERS

W
Ric4Ard A. Alaimo, P.E.
Pr--@--ident
J-
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RAA:JDT:pjn

DATE DUE

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GAYLORDINo. 2333 PRINTED IN J S A

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