Restoration of the Troy Spring

2010
Project Plan

Friends of the Troy Spring

64 Spring Ave., Troy New York
10/15/2010
BACKGROUND:

The Troy Spring located at 64 Spring Avenue in Troy, New York has provided a wonderful
source of potable water for the residents of the City and surrounding communities dating back to
the late 1700’s. Today, it is estimated approximately 100,000 visits are made annually by users
who have come to enjoy the refreshing properties of its water coupled with lively discourse
found among its beneficiaries.

The last major improvement to the spring was begun in 1958 through the generosity of the
Children of the late Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chuckrow and the efforts of family friend and local
mason, Dominick Capano. The project was completed in 1967.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Located on the eastern side of Spring Avenue about 1000ft. north of the intersection with Walker
Drive (Little League), the Spring is situated on approximately a ½ acre parcel ( including a
100’x 50’ parking lot) owned by the City of Troy. Year-round public access, landscaping, &
refuse pick-up is provided by the City of Troy as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. It is noted that
the City of Troy makes no gurantee nor takes any responsibility for the quality of the water.

Figure 1 Figure 2

A three-sided, pre-cast, masonry retaining wall approximately (15ft x 12ft x 12ft) in length and
2.5ft in height is located at the base of the east slope of the Spring Avenue ravine. The ravine is
cut into shale and covered with clay hardpan. Six – 1 inch steel pipes protrude out approximately
6 inches through the masonry wall providing access to the water behind the retaining wall. The
flow rate taken during February 2009 approximates .5 GPM.

The following is a list of issues considered during preliminary design:

1. The deteriorating condition of the retaining wall... cracking & crumbling as illustrated
in Figure 3.

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 Figure 3

2. The additional stress being put on pipes by users who are placing the neck of 5 gallon
containers directly on the pipe in order to fill the container. The current layout is
designed to handle containers ≤ 18 inches in height. Design alternatives considered
making adjustments to the height of the pipe from the ground to handle containers up
to 24 inches or changing the pipe configuration to prevent containers from being
braced on the pipe during the fill-up.

3. Alternatives to improve water flow rates. The flow rate may be currently inhibited by
infiltration of fine sand, and clay behind the wall.

4. Alternatives to improve access for the elderly and handicapped. This included
improvements in the walkway (slope & surface), installation of handrails, and the
designation of a handicapped parking area.

5. Alternatives to mitigate potential sources of contamination identified in the Sanitation

Survey Report (see http://www.troyspring.org/html/project_news.html).

6. Alternatives to improve drainage & landscape; damage to the vegetation by vehicles

backing down to the spring along with tree root damage in the parking lot as
illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4
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PROJECT GOAL:

The goal is to replace the existing retaining wall and extend the useful life of the spring for
another 50 years; improve access for the elderly and the handicapped; mitigate potential safety
issues. The design is sensitive to the local environment. The planned improvements will protect
and enhance this special resource ensuring a lasting legacy for the community.

PROJECT APPROACH:

The project is organized into three phases: Planning, Design, and Operations. Figure 5 provides a
timeline for the project.

Key to the project is the recruitment of qualified volunteers to provide the necessary engineering
and fund raising expertise to accomplish the goals of the project. Jim Besha, Albany Engineering
Corporation and Troy Geologist Bill Skeritt provided advice and assistance with developing the
Initial Project Proposal and conducting the Sanitation Survey. Dave Austin, a local web site
developer, launched the web page and maintains the site. This has provided a platform for
keeping the community informed on project progress along with the ability to solicit public
comments.

Troy architect, Chico Christopher, TAP, Inc. developed the Design Plans for the foundation wall
and the water collection system in consultation with Ben Marra, Marra Engineering PLLC, and
RPI hydrologist Chip Kilduff. The Preliminary Plan Sheet is included below under Preliminary
Design. Located on the cover of this proposal is a rendering of the proposed restoration drawn
by local artist, Dahl Taylor. A copy of the proposal will be reviewed with city officials and also
be made available for public comment. Any required modifications to the design will be
incorporated in the Final Plan Sheet(s) and submitted with the Building Permit Application
during the 1st quarter of 2011.

Public outreach to date has been accomplished through a combination of the Internet along with
attendance at various community events and meetings. A sign was erected at the spring to inform
users of the restoration effort and provide the web address (www.troyspring.org). During
December 2009, a community account was opened with the Pioneer Bank in Troy for personal
donations. Mr. Ben Chuckrow, Great Grandson of Joseph Chuckrow, is a project advisor
providing counsel and assistance with fundraising efforts. It is anticipated that funds and
construction materials will be raised as part of an awareness campaign that will include a
combination of the internet, newspaper, phone, and person to person outreach. The potential for a
public grant is also being explored.

A contractor will be selected in consultation with the project design team and advisors, Troy City
Officials and community leaders. Construction is expected to be started during the summer of
2011 and completed by September 2011.

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 Project Work Plan

Restoration of the Troy Spring

2009 2010 2011

No. Task 1st QTR 2nd QTR 3rd QTR 4th QTR 1st QTR 2nd QTR 3rd QTR 4th QTR 1st QTR 2nd QTR 3rd QTR 4th QTR

1.0 Planning
1.1 Project Proposal
1.2 Develop Internet Site
1.3 Soil Report
1.4 Sanitation Survey Report
1.5 Establish Volunteer/Funding Goals

2.0 Design
2.1 Preliminary Plan Sheets
2.2 Final Plan Sheets
2.3 City Building Permit Approval

3.0 Operations
3.1 Establish Financial & Reporting Controls
3.2 Community Outreach
3.3 Recruit Volunteers
3.4 Conduct Fundraising
3.5 Award Construction Contract
3.6 Construction
3.7 Ribbon Cutting

Figure 5 - Timeline: September 2010

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

Two design alternatives were considered for the retaining wall: (1) an above grade masonry
block wall, and (2) a below grade poured concrete masonry wall. Based on the soil and slope
conditions, alternative 2 was selected and is detailed below in Plan Sheet A1 (Figure 6). This
design improves the stability of the structure, provides a solid foundation for installing the walk
grates, and will increase the useful life of the restoration.

Preliminary tests which included digging above the spring and along the side of the retaining
wall did not provide conclusive evidence as to the point of origination and flow pattern. More
aggressive water and soil tests were discounted due to the potential to disrupt the current
operation of the spring. A number of accounts given by users have suggested that the water is
collected to the rear of the retaining wall and brought forward into a distribution box located on
the backside of the wall and then dispensed through the six pipes. An attempt to locate original
design plans with the City Planning and Water Departments along with the family of Mr. Capano
proved unsuccessful.

Our approach is to leave the current water collection system in place and only replace the
retaining wall. However uncertainty over the condition of the existing collection system; the
impact of site excavation and removal of the existing retaining wall have required the need to
prepare for a possible replacement of the water collection system. Accordingly, Plan Sheet A1
listed below in Figure 6 also provides the details for replacing the water containment system. It
should be noted that Plan Sheet A1 is preliminary and may need to be modified to meet actual
field conditions.

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Figure 6 - Plan Sheet A1
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BUDGET

The following cost estimate, as detailed in Figure 7 below, was prepared to assist with the
development of a budget and provide a basis for fund-raising.

Restoration of the Troy Spring

Cost Estimate
October 2010

------- ($000) -------

Item Labor Material Total

1 Construction of the foundation wall w/concrete footing and drainage features 9 3 12

2 Excavation of site including water mitigation, site safety measures, backfill 5 2 7

3 Installation of stone veneer, end caps, and memorial plaques 5 2 7

4 Installation of sidewalks and curbing 2 2 4

5 Landscaping 1 1
21 10 31

Bill of Materials

QTY Item

5 cy footing concrete
4 cy wall concrete
4 cy side walk concrete ( colored) w/ sealer
24 4 ft. #4 bars w/ 90 degree bends
13 20 ft. # 4 bars
175 Sq ft wall stone (bluestone)
42 ft cap stones 16 in wide
10 bags motar
5 cy sand
lanscape shrubs/plants
2 4 ft. by 8 ft. green floor grate

Equipment, forms, stamps, tools to be supplied by the contractor.

Figure 7 - Project Cost Estimate

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