The purpose of this section is to regulate land uses within or adjacent
to a stream corridor or waterbody to protect water quality, habitat
and biodiversity, and scenic resources, and to reduce the risk of
damage from flooding. It is important to note that the entire Quassaick
Creek Watershed, which originates in Ulster County, and drains the
northeastern portion of Orange County, flows through the City of Newburgh
to the Hudson River. It is therefore imperative to the protection
of public health, safety, and welfare to appropriately manage development
adjacent to this critical resource. The primary goals of the WPO are
to:
(1) Promote the ecological health, biodiversity and natural habitats
of the creeks, stream corridors and waterbodies with the City of Newburgh
by:
(a)
Maintaining and restoring riparian buffer vegetation;
(b)
Minimizing stream channel constraints; and
(c)
Other best management practices.
(2) Provide for responsible development of parcels adjacent to the City's
creeks, streams and waterbodies.
(3) Protect public health and welfare by preserving water quality, filtering
pollution and sediments and reducing the risk of damage from flooding.
(4) Enhance the aesthetic character of the City's creeks, streams and
waterbodies, which are a source of civic pride.
(5) Promote public access to the shores of the creeks, streams and waterbodies.
(6) Reorient development to feature the streams, creeks and waterbodies
and allow the public to use the shores and the water resources for
passive and active recreation.
(7) Promote public awareness of the vital ecological and historic value
of the mapped waterbodies of the City of Newburgh.