The Town of Shandaken is undertaking a Local Flood Analysis (LFA) for the hamlet of Chichester. The initiative is led by the Chichester Flood Advisory Committee (ChiFAC). This committee was formed to create a comprehensive plan to mitigate flood risks in the area, similar to other completed LFAs in Phoenicia, Mt. Tremper and Pine Hill. The engineering firm carrying out the LFA and supporting the town’s flood committee is SLR Consulting. The studies began in March 2026 and will conclude within a year. You can view the study area here.
This webpage will be used to post announcements and distribute documents to the public.
Public Meetings
Three public meetings are planned to share study results and obtain input from residents.
Public Meeting #1 – Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 am
The first meeting on April 25, at Town Hall will introduce the project to residents. The Flood Advisory Committee (FAC) and SLR will give a brief overview of the LFA process and begin gathering information by providing large format maps for residents to identify their properties and explain flooding issues they have experienced. What are your experiences with flooding? Do you have suggestions? The town and SLR want to hear from you!
Public Meeting #2 – September 2026
After receiving public input at Public Meeting #1, SLR will model and test mitigation solutions and present initial findings to residents at Public Meeting #2. The second public meeting of the LFA process is another chance to provide input before the project concludes.
Public Meeting #3 – December 2026
SLR will present the LFA study findings in draft form to the Town Board and residents during the third public meeting. Attendees will hear about the outcomes, what actions the town can take to mitigate flooding in Chichester, as well as potential funding assistance for actions.
The Local Flood Analysis Process
The Town of Shandaken is currently undertaking a Local Flood Analysis (LFA) for the hamlet of Chichester to address flooding issues. The initiative is led by the Chichester Flood Advisory Committee (ChiFAC), which was formed to create a comprehensive plan to mitigate flood risks in the area, similar to other completed LFAs in Phoenicia, Mt. Tremper, and Pine Hill. The iterative process of LFAs is as follows:
LFA Planning Phase I – Flood Engineering Analysis
Consultant hired and leads FAC through process:
- Consultant meets with FAC to discuss flood issues and sites
- Data collection and field verification (technical advisors contribute)
- Public Meeting #1 – Ask public to identify flood issues and potential solutions
- Hydraulic model established and calibrated (technical advisors review work)
- Consultant evaluates mitigation alternatives with hydraulic model
- Consultant presents modeling results to FAC (iterative until FAC satisfied)
LFA Planning Phase II – Feasibility Analysis
- Public Meeting #2 – Present initial results to Town Board and public to obtain input
- Consultant and FAC select mitigation actions for refined feasibility analysis
- Consultant develops conceptual designs, benefit-cost analysis for selected actions & determines feasibility
- Consultant and FAC develop implementation plan for effective and feasible actions
- Public Meeting #3 – Present final results to Town Board and public
- Consultant and FAC finalize the LFA Report
- Town accepts (not adopts) LFA Report and begins LFA implementation