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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-16 - CPC Meeting Minutes Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Committee June 16, 2008 Approved August 26, 2008 Present : Sue Poelvoorde-Chair, John Wertis, Heather Filiberto, Rod Hawkes, Roxanne Marino, Sue Ritter, David Tyler and Liz Thomas . Absent: Bob Weatherby and Bob Brown. Ms . Poelvoorde called the meeting to order at 7 : 12 p .m . Ms . Filiberto made the MOTION to approve the minutes from August 20, 2007 . Ms. Marino seconded. The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion (those not present at the August 20 meeting did not vote) . Ms . Filiberto made the MOTION to approve the minutes from January 10, 2008 . Mr. Wertis seconded. The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion (those not present at the January 10 meeting did not vote) . Mr. Tyler made the MOTION to approve the minutes from March 3 , 2008 . Ms . Ritter seconded. The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion (those not present at the March 3 meeting did not vote) . Ms . Marino made the MOTION to approve the minutes from March 17 , 2008 . Ms . Poelvoorde seconded. The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion (those not present at the March 17 meeting did not vote) . Mr. Wertis made the MOTION to approve the minutes from May 27, 2008 . Mr. Hawkes seconded. The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion (those not present at the May 27 meeting did not vote) . The committee discussed whether to seek new members to fill the 3 vacant seats . As the task is well along and will be completed in five months, it would be difficult for new members to get up to speed and participate in a meaningful way, but the committee recommended that Ms. Thomas, the liaison to the town board, should investigate the necessity of new members and then begin to search for them if need be. The committee continued to review and edit the draft policy areas, objectives and action strategies to get them to Bergmann so that they will be available for the next public workshop . Changes made to the plan may be seen in the attached pages . The committee discussed setting the next public meeting/workshop date. The consensus of the group was to try for July 10th . The purpose of the meeting would be to present the latest version of the Land Use Plan and the policy areas, objectives and action strategies that have been developed from the public workshops in April . Ms Poelvoorde made a MOTION to approve July 10th as the meeting date. Ms. Ritter seconded . The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion. A discussion of possible locations for the meeting followed . Mr. Hawkes made a MOTION to approve the following list of location choices : 1st choice : Racker Center 2nd choice : Trumansburg Elementary School 3rd choice : Fire Hall. Ms . Poelvoorde seconded . The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion. Lastly, the committee discussed the time for the public meeting. Ms. Filiberto made a MOTION to approve 7 : 00 p .m. to 9 : 00 p .m. Ms . Poelvoorde seconded. The vote was unanimous to APPROVE the motion. The committee then discussed the options available for publicizing the meeting. Mr. Tyler noted Comprehensive Plan 2 06/ 16/2008 that if the map is used in any publicity, it should be in color or not at all. Ms . Filiberto agreed; she does not believe the map should be used at all because it would require too much explanation. Mr. Tyler suggested that a small committee of three take care of publications . Ms . Thomas will check with the Town Board to see if postage will be paid if the committee does a mailing like it did for the April workshops . Ms. Marino will check with Tammy at the Trumansburg Village Hall to see if we can use the bulk mail number. Ms. Ritter will check with Marsha to see if there is an updated list of residents . A postcard could be used. The largest obstacle is time . Space on a postcard/mailer is a problem as well (striking a balance between cost and content) . The next meeting is June 24, 2008 , the regularly scheduled meeting date. Meeting adjourned at 9 : 24 p .m. Respectfully submitted, Ben Carver Clerk s Comprehensive Plan 3 06/ 16/2008 Policy Area #1 - Environment and Natural Resources The Town of Ulysses is defined by a rich diversity of natural features and open spaces. The abundance of fields, woodlands, wetlands, waterfalls, gorges, and lakeshore contribute greatly to the quality of life here, and serve as important habitat for plants and wildlife. Residents have expressed a strong desire to preserve the quality of these natural features and resources. To do so the Town will strive to employ sound development practices, proper zoning guidelines, and community stewardship to reduce or eliminate the degradation of these valuable resources. OBJECTIVE #1 f Preserve and protect the town 's natural and environmental resources. ACTIONS A. Develop and implement an Open Space Plan. B . Investigate and implement various mechanisms to protect and preserve environmentally sensitive areas such as steep slopes, wetlands, Unique Natural Area, mature forests and important wildlife habitats . C . Prepare a Scenic Resources Inventory for the Town of Ulysses that builds on efforts already completed as part of the Tompkins County Scenic Resources Study to identify scenically important areas, and implement measures to protect and preserve areas that are determined to possess important visual qualities . D . Enact zoning regulations to protect the Cayuga Lake waterfront and ensure development that is consistent with the lakefront 's existing character and compatible with the natural environmental features . E. Apply for legislative authority under Section 46a of the NYS Navigational Law to enact regulations concerning boathouses, moorings, and docks on Cayuga Lake with in the Town. F. Encourage and assist interested landowners in participating in a conservation easement program to protect unique and sensitive environmental features/resources on their property, and explore other incentive opportunities that provide for long term protection of important resources on private land. G. Revisit establishing a Conservation Advisory Council . OBJECTIVE #2 Protect existing water resources and maintain water quality. ACTIONS A. Protect streams in the Town with buffer zones, setbacks, or other protection mechanisms such as a stream protection overlay zone. B . Ensure that effective Town-wide stormwater management and erosion and sediment control regulations are in place, and that there are sufficient resources to effectively enforce the regulations ; at a minimum the regulations need to ensure that rates of runoff from new development are no greater than pre-development rates, and erosion control measures effectively prevent sediment from entering streams and road side ditches during construction and other soil disturbing activities. C . Establish appropriate buffer zones around the perimeter of all wetlands (as defined by the Army Corp of Engineers and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation) and prohibit development within this buffer. D . Limit development in and near floodplains . Comprehensive Plan 4 06/ 16/2008 E . Initiate regular periodic water quality testing for major creeks and streams to ensure protection of Cayuga Lake quality. F . Initiate a program to identify failing septic systems with a priority to those locations with the largest impact on lake water quality. Policy Area #2 - Sustainable Land Use and Development Sustainable growth and development shall be encouraged through the implementation of sound land use planning principles . The rural landscape is an important attribute of the community; the preservation of this landscape must be balanced by thoughtful residential and commercial growth that is focused around targeted development nodes . The Town will support development patterns that conserve its unique natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and strive to enhance land values within the Town. OBJECTIVE #1 Provide a high quality-of-life for all residents through proactive planning that supports the goals of the local community, complements the existing rural character of the Town, and protects the value of natural and environmental resources ACTIONS A. Use the Future Land Use Plan to guide officials ' decision-making as it relates to future development. B . Update the Town's Zoning Law to ensure consistency with the future land use plan. C . Incorporate architectural design guidelines or standards into the Town 's Zoning Law to ensure new commercial and mixed land use development is consistent with the vision of the Town. Utilize the results of the Community Character Survey to aid in codifying the design standards for inclusion in the updated Zoning Law. Include architectural review as part of the site plan review process for all commercial and mixed use development that occurs in the Town. D . Recognize and enforce the existing NYS Property Maintenance Code; incorporate Town-specific property maintenance criteria into local laws as needed E . Prepare a Special Area Nan for Jacksonville in order to define how the hamlet may be developed as new uses are proposed. The plan should consider locations for new roadways, as well as a strategy for dedicating new roadway rights of way. Design guidelines specific to the hamlet should be established in order to create a unique sense of place that is considerate of the existing historic context. Streetscape and pedestrian amenities such as sidewalks, pedestrian-scale lighting, pavers, and landscaping should be identified that would highlight the hamlet within the overall Town. F. Explore intermunicipal cooperation with adjoining municipalities . OBJECTIVE #2 Limit future commercial development to designated areas defined on the Future Land Use Plan. ACTIONS A. Promote redevelopment and reuse of existing vacant buildings using mechanisms such as streamlined site plan review and approval for types of development the town seeks to encourage. B . Encourage clustering of commercial development to protect open space, scenic views, Comprehensive Plan 5 06/ 16/2008 transportation corridors and agricultural lands in accordance with the Future Land Use Plan. C . Require a viewshed analysis to be completed for all new non-residential construction projects in order to preserve and protect scenic resources and open space characteristics . Develop mechanisms such as the establishment of an intermunicipal land use zone that encompasses some area of interface of the Town and the Village of Trumansburg, to promote intermunicipal cooperation and ensure that commercial and mixed use development in the Town and the Village of Trumansburg are consistent with the Comprehensive Plans of both municipalities. OBJECTIVE #3 Enhance the existing roadway system and provide additional opportunities for people to utilize alternative modes of transportation, including public transit, bicycles, and walking. ACTIONS A. In areas of the Town designated for higher density use, examine the existing roadway layout and identify opportunities to make new connections within the system that would encourage denser or cluster development . B . Promote the use of public transit in the Town by creating park-and-ride lots along Route 96 to provide direct and easy access for potential users. C . Determine the feasibility of creating a park-and-ride lot in the hamlet of Jacksonville as part of the redevelopment of this area. A park-and-ride lot in a multi-use node, such as Jacksonville, may promote the increased use of public transit and reduce the number of personal vehicles being utilized. Any future park-and-ride proposals should be coordinated with Tompkins County Area Transit early in the process to ensure proposed plans are appropriate with their short- and long-term objectives . i D . Coordinate with regional transportation agencies, such as New York State Department of Transportation, Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, to monitor changes to roadways, transit routes, and usage. Address any changing needs as they become apparent. E. Promote safe bicycling routes along roadways in the Town— use recommendations of local and state and national bicycling coalitions as guidelines, as appropriate for the type of roadway. Create designated bicycle routes in the Town. F. Where appropriate install sidewalks connecting adjacent Village and Town commercial areas . Require new developments to include sidewalk networks to connect to commercial and mixed use areas . OBJECTIVE #4 Identifyalternative energy sources and energy-reduction techniques to assist the Town to reduce its energy consumption for the benefit of current and future generations of residents . ACTIONS A. Work with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to identify funding opportunities for feasibility analysis and funding assistance associated with small-scale renewable energy projects. These may include windpower, biofuel, geothermal, and methane recapture for residential, commercial, and agricultural uses . . B . Evaluate existing Town facilities to identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption through LEED (spell out) and green building technology upgrades. Comprehensive Plan 6 06/ 16/2008 C . Implement measures to reduce net energy consumption by Town buildings, vehicles, and other facilities . Consider adopting an emissions reduction target similar to those of Cities for Climate Protection (name?) . D. Encourage the location of research and development companies that conduct work associated with renewable energy resources to locate in the Town, as defined on the Future Land Use Map . Of particular relevance would be companies that are focused on energy programs associated with agricultural communities and natural resources . E . Adopt appropriate zoning regulations to allow small scale residential and commercial on site alternative energy generation. F . Explore opportunities to promote or allow alternative energy development to provide the town with its own energy source. OBJECTIVE #5 Plan for adequate and varied options in housing to meet the needs of current and future residents . ACTIONS G. Locate high-density housing, such as apartments, senior housing complexes, and townhomes, in multi-use centers with proximity to goods, services, employment, and public transportation. H. Promote the development of affordable housing by designating areas in the Town for smaller lots . I. Work with Tompkins County and other stake holders to identify funding mechanisms to promote affordable housing. J. Require developers seeking to build major residential subdivisions in the Town to allocate a portion of their development as affordable housing. K. Examine regional housing trends and develop strategies to meet emerging needs . L. Incorporate land use tools into the Zoning Law that encourages the clustering of residential development to existing rural character and conserve municipal services . M . Require a viewshed analysis for all new housing developments of eight or more units in order to preserve and protect views across existing open space and agricultural lands . OBJECTIVE #6 Note : the edits discussed in for this section at the May 8 meeting are not incorporated (Sue added them to her computer file so I didn 't copy the details down) Preserve and protect the town 's rural characteristics and agricultural lands . ACTIONS H. Prepare a Farmland Protection Plan to identify important agricultural lands in the Town. Develop specific strategies for protecting and maintaining high quality agricultural land for agricultural uses, and for preserving the rural landscape . I. Consider the implementation of land conservation efforts to protect the character of the community. Various mechanisms and available and should be studied for how they may be effectively utilized in the Town. Land conservation programs include conservation easements, land-banking, transfer of development rights, purchase of development rights, and state or federal open space conservation programs, such as "Forever Green". Comprehensive Plan 7 06/ 16/2008 J. Preserve the existing character of the community by protecting rural roadways ; they directly contribute to the overall aesthetic of the Town. K. Allow for cluster development in agricultural areas where residential development is appropriate as it will provide for residential growth while preserving the rural and open space character and farmlands within the Town. Cluster development will allow for the maintenance of large tracts of open space and agricultural land. Policy Area #3 - Local Economy The Town of Ulysses will balance the needs of its residents and the environment with the benefits afforded by practical economic development practices that build on the unique characteristics of the community. We shall promote a diversified economy that builds on established local industries, including agricultural production, tourism, and small-business development. We acknowledge the potential for new industries in the Town that are consistent with the ideals and principles of the community. OBJECTIVE #1 Understand the role of agriculture in the local economy and support the businesses of local farmers . ACTIONS L. Prepare a farmland protection plan. M. Cooperate in a public information campaign on behalf of local farmers to educate area residents about the specific needs, obstacles, and opportunities associated with local farm businesses . N. Develop a local agriculture committee to identify issues, environmental concerns, land use conflicts, and other potential sustainability concerns that may impact the presence of agricultural uses in the Town. 0 . Identify key agricultural lands and identify opportunities to ensure future farming on lands . P . Support the active involvement of area farmers in the Trumansburg Farmers Market. The Town should coordinate with the Village to assist with the administration of the Farmers Market to ensure its continued success as a marketplace for local farmers . Q . Support CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) opportunities . OBJECTIVE #2 Diversify the local economy and promote economic growth by supporting and promoting tourism-based opportunities . ACTIONS G. Encourage small tourism-based businesses within the Town in designated mixed use hamlets. Appropriate neighborhood-scale uses which will benefit the local tourism industry may include bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and specialty boutique stores . H. Coordinate with regional tourism agencies and organizations to promote tourism in the Town and develop partnerships for future tourism-based initiatives . OBJECTIVE #3 Identify an appropriate balance between limiting new development in the Town and creating a business-friendly environment. Comprehensive Plan 8 06/ 16/2008 ACTIONS N. Market the Town's accessibility and capabilities for high speed internet access as an attractor for businesses that have the ability to work remotely, or to employees who have the ability to work remotely from their main business office in another location. (make sure Town has complete coverage of high-speed internet.) O . Create an inventory of potential properties in the Town that are appropriate for new development or redevelopment (excluding potential single family lots) . These properties should be in areas designated on the Future Land Use Plan that allow for commercial, office, research & development, major residential subdivision, or mixed uses. Identify infrastructure needs . Reach out to appropriate development interests . P . Work with Trumansburg Chamber of Commerce and other countywide economic development organizations to identify opportunities . Q . Work with TCAD (Tompkins County Area Development) to access regional and statewide economic development loan funds . Policy Area #4 - Community Services Community programming seeks to provide safe, healthy, and enjoyable ways for residents of the Town to enjoy the natural, cultural, and historic resources which contribute to the overall landscape of the Town. We shall seek to identify and provide appropriate opportunities for all age groups to actively participate in the local community. Municipal and public services shall be provided in a planned and orderly fashion which seeks to enhance the rural character of Ulysses . OBJECTIVE #1 I Maintain unique park and recreation facilities for the continued use and enjoyment of residents and visitors of the Town of Ulysses . ACTIONS I. Prepare a Recreation Master Plan to determine programming needs and current deficiencies as they relate to programming and facility availability for all sectors of the Town's population. J . Work with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to promote and market Taughannock Falls State Park and its amenities as a desirable destination for residents and visitors . K. Continue to support the development of the Black Diamond Trail as a multi-use recreational, health, and open space amenity within the Town of Ulysses. Work with the Village of Trumansburg to ensure the trail is continued to the Village. L. Publicize the Town's unique areas and recreational and cultural opportunities through brochures, maps, websites, and articles. OBJECTIVE #2 Provide social and recreational programs for all age groups of the Town' s population. ACTIONS R. Explore the feasibility of creating a community center within the Town, which is a dedicated space for community events, meetings, and programming. A community center could provide facilities for youth programs, senior programs, adult education, meeting space, and community recreational facilities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and pools . A feasibility study to identify potential costs Comprehensive Plan 9 06/ 16/2008 and tax implications for such a facility should be developed. Sharing facilities and associated costs with the Village should be considered. S . Expand community educational and recreational programs for all age groups within the Town through the Trumansburg Central School District. Coordinate efforts to allow for the utilization of school facilities for community programs for students, adults, and seniors . T. Identify underutilized buildings and facilities within the Town that could be used for recreational and social programming. U. Host a workshop/meeting with identified municipal leaders in neighboring communities and local organizations to discuss what opportunities exist for joint programming. [ [Reword : (need more input)] ] V. Engage local seniors and active senior groups to identify the need for expanded programs, services, and facilities . Deficiencies specific to this population segment should be examined, including housing options, food services, transportation availability, and social programming. W. Encourage sporting events within the Town such as the Cayuga Lake triathlon. Work with the School District to share use of fields and facilities . OBJECTIVE #3 Coordinate the delivery of utilities in Ulysses while preserving and protecting the rural character of the community. ACTIONS G. Prepare a Water Needs Study to determine what areas are in need of municipal water. H. Prioritize future public water service to target areas which are proposed for a higher density of development in order to prevent potential "rural sprawl", particularly on large parcels of agricultural and undeveloped land. I. Consider the consolidation of water service between the Town and Village of Trumansburg as a way to share costs and maintenance responsibilities . J. Work with Village and Town of Ithaca to provide sewer services to higher density areas near the municipal boundaries . OBJECTIVE #4 Coordinate the delivery of public services in Ulysses to ensure the needs of residents and visitors are being addressed. ACTIONS R. Support the Village of Trumansburg Fire Department. Recruit volunteers from throughout the Town and foster cooperation among other regional departments . S . Promote cooperation among police enforcement agencies within the Town, including the Village of Trumansburg Police Department, Tompkins County Sheriff, New York State Police, and New York State Parks Police. T. Meet with Village officials to discuss the potential for consolidating the Highway services of the Town and Village of Trumansburg in order to improve the efficiency of service delivery and reduce costs to local taxpayers . Comprehensive Plan 10 06/ 16/2008 U. Explore grants from the State to help offset costs of merging Village and Town Services . V. Evaluate the cost effectiveness of community clean-up days and create a logistical plan. Provide information about how and where to properly dispose of items that cannot be included in normal trash including brush, tires, hazardous waste, etc . If cost effective, institute this plan. W. Organize roadside and creek clean up days in the spring to clean up accumulated litter. f OBJECTIVE #5 Create a cohesive pedestrian and bicycle network throughout the Town of Ulysses that offers a safe and welcoming environment for users. ACTIONS D . Circulate and make readily available the Tompkins County Bike Suitability Map so potential users are aware of current conditions on roadways throughout the Town, including their appropriateness for accommodating bike traffic . E. Identify roadways in the Town that may be suitable for on-road bicycle lanes . As improvements are made to the identified roadways, incorporate appropriate bicycle facilities . Focus on creating improvements that are linked and provide access to public destinations. • F . Identify roadways in the Town where pedestrian paths or sidewalks could be feasibly incorporated. G. Require all new developments in multi-use hamlets to have identifiable connections to other uses within the hamlet area. [ [same as objective below?] ] H. As new development occurs in Jacksonville, other hamlets, and zoned mixed use areas , create a series of pedestrian connections that provide access to all goods and services, transit locations, and housing that is accessible to all users . Policy Area #5 - Community Identity Town residents are proud of the established community identity for Ulysses as a desirable place to live and recreate in the Finger Lakes region. As a rural bedroom community for the City of Ithaca we recognize that the Town and Village of Trumansburg offer unique opportunities for small business owners, residents, and visitors . The Town seeks to honor its agricultural heritage and rural settlement pattern and celebrate its natural beauty and resources. OBJECTIVE #1 Promote the cultural and historical resources within the Town ACTIONS A. Actively support fundraising and other efforts of the Ulysses Philomathic Library in order to maintain the facility as a valuable educational and community resource . B . Actively support fundraising and other efforts of the Ulysses Historical Society in order to maintain the facility as a valuable educational and community resource. C . Actively support fundraising and other efforts of the Cayuga Nature Center in order to maintain the facility as a valuable educational and community resource. Comprehensive Plan 11 06/ 16/2008 D . Create a detailed inventory of architectually and historically significant structures in the Town. E. Creat an action plan for identifying historic sites of public interest and creatin an interpretive signage program to educate residents and visitors about local history. This should be done by a volunteer committee working in conjunction with the Ulysses Historical Society and Town Historian. F. New development and structures should maintain the historic and rural character of Ulysses where appropriate. G Create a volunteer group to lead scheduled historic architectural tours of significant structures in the town. Invite owners of historic structures to participate by opening their homes of buildings to tour groups . H . Create a volunteer group to lead scheduled agricultural tours of farms in the town. Invite farmers to participate by opening their farms to tour groups . I. Create a volunteer group to lead scheduled tours of significant natural areas in the town. Invite landowners to participate by welcoming tour groups on their land, where necessary. J. Develop appropriate mechanisms or incentives to ensure existing historic buildings, structures, and resources in the Town are preserved and protected. K. Create and host a number of annual special events , in addition to current programming, that draw\residents and visitors to the Town and showcase the unique attribute and amenities . L. [ [Tie into the Finger Lakes Wine Trail . ] ] M . [ [Implement an outdoor lighting ordinance] ] OBJECTIVE #2 Enhance the assets that make the Town of Ulysses a unique and desirable place to live while solidifying the identity of the Town as a part of the greater Finger Lakes region. ACTIONS A. Install community signage and landscaping improvements at key gateways into the Town, including the northern and southern ends of Routes 89 and 96 . This signage, landscaping, and other streetscape elements should have a cohesive and consistent design to help solidify a designated identity for the Town. B . Revise the existing sign ordinance to ensure consistent and aesthetic sign design. C . Revise the existing outdoor lighting ordinance to prevent light pollution. D . Include landscaping requirements for new commercial and residential developments where appropriate . Create incentives to landscape existing structures . Provide assistance in landscape planning. E . Market the Town to the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and local media to promote the Town's assets and attributes to residents and visitors. Local resources that may be marketed include Taughannock Falls State Park, Black Diamond Trail, scenic views, the lakeshore, and agricultural lands. F. Market the opportunity for outdoor activities including cycling, running, cross country skiing, sledding, hiking, swimming, boating, birding, camping, Comprehensive Plan 12 06/ 16/2008 snowmobiling, etc . G Reinvigorate and promote the annual Trumansburg Fair, the only fair in Tompkins County and, perhaps, one of a very few remaining town fairs in New York State. H. Promote the Trumansburg Fair Grounds as a resource for regional events and help promote the various existing events taking place at the fairgrounds. LPromote the Route 89 scenic byway, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Home, the Highland Conference Center, the town 's bed & breakfasts and other inns, the Ithaca Yacht Club, the Cayuga Nature Center, the Girl Scout Camp, the Ulysses Historical Society and Museum, the Grassroots Festival .