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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15_FINAL FEAF Narrative Ulysses Comprehensive Plan 2045TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 1 The Ulysses Town Board has reviewed and accepted Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for this action. The Town Board completed a coordinated review under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Regulations and received no objections to its designation as Lead Agency. The Town Board designated itself as the lead agency and, under the provisions of Part 617 of the SEQR Regulations, has given a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the impacts likely to result from the proposed Action. The proposed action being considered, the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan as a policy document, does not include physical development. Development patterns described in the future land use plan and throughout the document do not occur suddenly and may not occur at all. Future actions will occur independently of this plan and each other, are under varied ownership, occur in uncommon locations, and are not induced by the current action. Additionally, future actions do not share common impacts. As a result, an analysis of the Comprehensive Plan’s physical impacts on development patterns is considered speculative. The State Environmental Quality Review Process will occur as future actions are applied for or as approvals are sought. Analyzing and reviewing physical projects results in a more accurate environmental review process. These reviews will be no less protective of the environment. The following analysis identifies the expected impacts the plan will have on the community, based on the criteria in the FEAF Part 2 and the supporting reasoning. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 2 1. Impact on Land Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no impact on land. Future development will be required to meet all Town and NYS development standards. The Comprehensive Plan includes policy guidance that development should not jeopardize environmentally sensitive landscapes (e.g., Steep Slopes). The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and others, and received no comments regarding impacts on land. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 2. Impact on Geological Features The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation identifies a number of Unique Geologic Features in the Town of Ulysses, including Taughannock Falls State Park and Taughannock Falls Park Road. Additionally, Tompkins County has identified a number of Unique Natural Areas such as Hart Woods, Waterburg Wetland, Smith Woods, Iradell Wetland, Taughannock Gorge, Willow Creek Glen and Lake Slopes, Maplewood Glen and Lake Slopes, and Glenwood Ravine and Lake Slopes. The draft Comprehensive Plan includes a detailed discussion of these areas. It also includes goals to proactively preserve and protect these areas, and to promote public access to them as protected ecotourism resources. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, such as Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding impacts on geological features. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 3 3. Impacts on Surface Water Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no impact on surface water. Future development will be required to meet all Town and NYS development standards, including preparing a stormwater pollution protection plan (SWPPP) or securing wetland permits, if applicable. The Comprehensive Plan includes a goal to proactively preserve and protect the natural and environmental resources in Ulysses (e.g., wetlands, woodlands, lakeshore, etc.). The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and others, and received no comments regarding impacts on surface water. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 4. Impact on Groundwater Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no impact on groundwater. The Future Land Use Plan envisions some residential uses in areas currently without water and sewer services, therefore necessitating the use of private wells and on-site wastewater treatment systems. This is similar to existing development patterns in the current adopted comprehensive plan and does not represent a policy change. However, the draft 2045 Comprehensive Plan also envisions extending water and sewer services in some areas to reduce demand for on-site water/sewer services. The plan further intends to focus residential development in areas with existing or planned services, thereby minimizing groundwater usage. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 4 Future development will be required to meet all Town and NYS development standards, including subdivision and/or site plan approval from the Town Planning Board, which will consider the availability and impact of services. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, such as the Town Planning Board, Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and numerous others. The Town received no comments about impacts on groundwater. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 5. Impact on Flooding Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no impact on flooding. Future development will be required to meet all Town and NYS development standards, including securing floodplain development permits, where applicable. The Comprehensive Plan includes an objective and associated policies to reduce the impacts of flooding throughout Ulysses. The plan also includes a separate policy to identify lands subject to flooding and restrict housing development within those areas. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and numerous others, and received no comments about impacts on flooding. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 6. Impacts on Air and Climate Because this action involves no state-regulated air emissions, there will be no impact on air. Further, the plan includes a climate change chapter that addresses policies to prepare for climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 5 Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 7. Impact on Plants and Animals Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no impact on plants and animals. Future development will be required to meet all Town, NYS, and Federal development standards, including permits for impacts to endangered, threatened, or protected species and their habitats. Development will also utilize the IPac tool to evaluate future impacts. The Comprehensive Plan noted that there are threatened and endangered flora and fauna in the Town. As a result, it includes the following policy: Work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to learn about threatened and endangered species and to share resources and measures that can be taken to protect these species during future development. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and others, and received no comments regarding impacts on plants and animals. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 8. Impact on Agricultural Resources The proposed action, the adoption of a municipal plan, may impact agricultural resources through policies related to agricultural operations and land management. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “yes.” a. The proposed action may impact soil classified within soil group 1 through 4 of the NYS Land Classification System. Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on agricultural soils. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 6 Most of the Town of Ulysses consists of Prime Farmland in soil groups 1 through 4. In the Future Land Use Plan, the majority of the Town is within the Agricultural & Natural Resources Lands, Resource Conservation, Low-Density Residential, or Rural Residential future land use categories. These categories are intended to protect and conserve agricultural uses or minimize impacts. The Comprehensive Plan states that “The Town is committed to preserving and enhancing the agricultural land base, promoting economic activities, and marketing support for a strong agricultural industry.” Further, the plan includes an objective to keep farmland active and productive. Where future development is proposed, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts on agricultural lands. The Planning Board will review for these impacts where applicable. The plan also includes a policy to allow conservation subdivisions as a way to preserve farmland. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding impacts on agricultural soils. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” b. The proposed action may sever, cross, or otherwise limit access to agricultural land (includes cropland, hayfields, pasture, vineyard, orchard, etc.). Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on agricultural access. The Comprehensive Plan states that “The Town is committed to preserving and enhancing the agricultural land base, promoting economic activities, and marketing support for a strong agricultural industry.” Further, the plan includes an objective to keep farmland active and productive. Where future development is proposed on these lands, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts. The Planning Board will review for these impacts, where applicable. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 7 The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding impacts on agricultural soils. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” c. The proposed action may result in the excavation or compaction of the soil profile of active agricultural land. Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on excavation or compaction of agricultural soils. The Comprehensive Plan states that “The Town is committed to preserving and enhancing the agricultural land base, promoting economic activities, and marketing support for a strong agricultural industry.” Further, the plan includes an objective to keep farmland active and productive. Where future development is proposed on these lands, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts. The Planning Board will review for these impacts, where applicable. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding impacts on agricultural soils. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” d. The proposed action may irreversibly convert agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, either more than 2.5 acres if located in an Agricultural District, or more than 10 acres if not within an Agricultural District. Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct conversion of agricultural lands. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 8 In the Future Land Use Plan, the majority of the Town is within the Agricultural & Natural Resources Lands, Resource Conservation, Low-Density Residential, or Rural Residential future land use categories. These categories are intended to protect and conserve agricultural uses or minimize impacts. The Comprehensive Plan states that “The Town is committed to preserving and enhancing the agricultural land base, promoting economic activities, and marketing support for a strong agricultural industry.” It further states, “The Town should apply strict regulatory measures for the conversion of these [Agricultural and Natural Resource Designated] lands away from agriculture and natural resource uses...” Additionally, the plan includes an objective to keep farmland active and productive. Where future development is proposed on these lands, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts. The Planning Board will review for these impacts, where applicable. The plan also includes a policy to allow conservation subdivisions to preserve farmland. Further, the plan directs future development to currently developed nodes and corridors within the Town, such as the Hamlet of Jacksonville and the Route 96 Corridor, to minimize the conversion of agricultural lands. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and numerous others, and received no comments about impacts on agricultural land conversion. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” e. The proposed action may disrupt or prevent installation of an agricultural land management system Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on agricultural land management systems. The Comprehensive Plan states that “The Town is committed to preserving and enhancing the agricultural land base, promoting economic activities, and marketing TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 9 support for a strong agricultural industry.” Further, the plan includes an objective to keep farmland active and productive. Where future development is proposed on these lands, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts. The Planning Board will review for these impacts, where applicable. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding impacts on agricultural land management systems. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” f. The proposed action may result, directly or indirectly, in increased development potential or pressure on farmland. Because this action involves no changes to development regulations and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct increase in development potential on farmland as a result of this action. In the Future Land Use Plan, the majority of the Town is within the Agricultural & Natural Resources Lands, Resource Conservation, Low-Density Residential, or Rural Residential future land use categories. These categories are intended to protect and conserve agricultural uses or minimize impacts. Many low-density and rural residential parcels already exist on the ground and are reflected on the Future Land Use Map. Future development, like medium-density residential, is concentrated along State Route 96, on Cold Springs Road, and around the Village. This development pattern follows existing water infrastructure. Organizing development along this corridor prevents housing from sprawling/developing onto productive agricultural lands. Additionally, concentrating development potential in these areas will relieve development pressure on farmland. The Comprehensive Plan states that “The Town is committed to preserving and enhancing the agricultural land base, promoting economic activities, and marketing support for a strong agricultural industry.” It further states, “The Town should apply strict regulatory measures for the conversion of these [Agricultural and Natural Resource TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 10 Designated] lands away from agriculture and natural resource uses.” Additionally, the plan includes an objective to keep farmland active and productive. Where future development is proposed, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts to these lands. The Planning Board will review for these impacts, where applicable. The plan also includes a policy to allow conservation subdivisions as a way to preserve farmland. Further, the plan directs future development to currently developed nodes and corridors within the Town, such as the Hamlet of Jacksonville, and the Route 96 Corridor, to minimize the conversion of agricultural lands The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding impacts on agricultural land conversion. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” g. The proposed project is not consistent with the adopted municipal Farmland Protection Plan. The Town of Ulysses Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan recognizes that development is occurring within the Route 96 Corridor South, Lakefront, Village Edge, Agricultural core, and Hamlet areas. The Town of Ulysses Agriculture Farmland Protection Plan suggests development to occur around the Village Edge and Hamlet. The Lakefront continues to develop while remaining limited between Dubois Road and Route 89. Many parcels within the Route 96 corridor are already developed and may not be in the Agricultural District. The Comprehensive Plan provides goals and objectives supporting the preservation of farmland through land use policies and education. Both plans support and discuss the right-to-farm law and cluster or conservation subdivision policies. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 11 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on aesthetic resources. The Future Land Use Plan designates areas around scenic or aesthetic resources as Parks and Open Space, to preserve them. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and nearby municipalities, and received no comments regarding impacts on aesthetic resources. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 10. Impact on Historic and Archaeological Resources Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on Historic and Archaeological Resources. The plan includes a section, Built Environment, with numerous goals and policies relating to the preservation of historic resources. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and nearby municipalities, and received no comments regarding impacts on aesthetic resources. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 12 11. Impact on Open Space and Recreation Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct loss of Open Space and Recreation resources. The plan includes an element, Community Well-Being, with numerous goals, objectives, and policies relating to increasing and enhancing recreation and open space resources. The Town coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and nearby municipalities, and received no comments regarding impacts on aesthetic resources. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 12. Impact on Critical Environmental Areas Based on the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s DECinfo Locator, there are no Critical Environmental Areas in the Town of Ulysses. The draft Comprehensive Plan includes recommendations to consider local adoption of Critical Environmental Areas to protect them from future development. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 13. Impact on Transportation. The proposed action, the adoption of a municipal plan, may impact transportation systems through policies related to land use and transportation networks. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “yes.” TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 13 a. Projected traffic increase may exceed capacity of existing road network. As part of this action, there are no projected traffic increases. Future development projects are required to create a traffic impact analysis, where appropriate. Where future development is proposed, the zoning and subdivision codes include protections to minimize impacts on road networks, and the Planning Board will review for these impacts, where applicable. Based on medium-density housing development patterns and uses (single-family, two- family, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units), the project may add some additional vehicles to the road network. However, the plan includes alternative transportation options, such as walking, biking, and transit, to reduce vehicle miles traveled per household. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Transportation, and numerous others, and received no comments about transportation impacts. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” b. The proposed action may result in the construction of paved parking area for 500 or more vehicles. Because this action involves no changes to development regulations and includes only the adoption of a policy document, it will not result in the construction of a paved parking area. Future development is not envisioned to create large-scale housing or commercial development resulting in a parking area of 500 or more. The Comprehensive Plan states that the Town should encourage shared parking. The Town also does not have minimum parking requirements, which results in excessive parking. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 14 The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Transportation, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding transportation impacts. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” c. The proposed action will degrade existing transit access. Existing transit service, such as TCAT, is limited in Ulysses. Development patterns will not degrade existing access to established roads or bus services. The future land use envisions development nearby existing TCAT routes and stops to increase transit access. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Transportation, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding transportation impacts. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” d. The proposed action will degrade existing pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. The Comprehensive Plan identified ways to improve pedestrian and bicycle accommodations and road safety. Transportation objective T-O-1.1 states, “Support and provide additional opportunities for people to utilize alternative modes of transportation, including public transit, bicycles, and walking. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Transportation, and numerous others, and received no comments about transportation impacts. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” e. The proposed action may alter the present pattern of movement of people or goods. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 15 The proposed action will not change how people and goods travel through the area. New development isn’t expected to change the road network. Likewise, there are no significant commercial or industrial developments. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, the New York State Department of Transportation, and numerous others, and received no comments regarding transportation impacts. Therefore, the Town Board determines there will be “no to small impact.” 14. Impact on Energy Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on energy usage. Impacts on energy will be evaluated on a project by project basis in the future and will be subject to SEQR as necessary. These projects will also be reviewed by the local utility agency for impacts and required investments in the energy infrastructure. The Comprehensive Plan includes a policy to improve energy efficiency in existing residences and commercial buildings. The plan also includes climate change and resiliency, with an objective related to sustainable development practices, such as recycling strategies (CR-O-3.2). A number of policies are directed towards energy efficiency and renewable energy. Additionally, by encouraging infill development or development around existing developed areas, there will be less energy consumed and less need to expand infrastructure. There are no proposed large energy users in the plan. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 16 15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light. Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on noise, odor, and light. Generally, noise, odor, and light levels will not change from current levels. The Comprehensive Plan does not contemplate major industrial or commercial users and potential impacts from them. Blasting is not foreseen or included in the Comprehensive Plan. Future impacts on noise, odor, and light will be evaluated on a project by project basis in the future and will be subject to SEQR as necessary. They will further be subject to Town regulations, such as zoning, which provides standards for outdoor lighting to reduce glare and light trespass. The Environmental and Natural Resource policy, EN-P- 1.1.7, recommends adopting design standards for commercial and residential properties to preserve dark skies. Also, zoning requires Planning Board review in certain instances, which would evaluate impacts to noise, odor, and lighting. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 16. Impact on Human Health. Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on human health from exposure to sources of contaminants. Additionally, there are no known remediation sites in the Town. Future development will be subject to compliance with applicable SEQR regulations, including consideration of chemical applications, and subject to necessary environmental permits. Therefore, the Town Board has checked “no.” 17. Consistency with Community Plans. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 17 The proposed action is the adoption of a new land use plan. This new plan’s future land use components are generally consistent with the currently adopted future land use plan and align with existing land use patterns. Upon assessment of the existing Ulysses Land Use and Land Cover map (Figure LR-2), State Route 96 and Cold Springs Road are occupied by residential housing. This indicates that housing patterns exist at these locations and are not unrealistic to current land use conditions or the Future Land Use Map. The lakeshore and conservation areas are recognized in this Comprehensive Plan and continue to preserve low-density housing, agriculture, or environmental conservation. Parkland is also recognized and protected. Agriculture continues to be preserved throughout the Town. According to the Comprehensive Plan, the 2024 population of Ulysses was 4,894. A 5% increase results in 245 additional people. The Comprehensive Plan will not cause the population to grow by more than 5%, as much of this growth is baked into regional housing demand. The Comprehensive Plan attempts to accommodate existing housing demand and shifts development patterns to minimize impacts from the new population. It does this by favoring new housing in locations with existing infrastructure, minimizing the need to extend infrastructure into new land. An analysis was done by the Town Planner comparing existing zoning uses with the uses included in the Future Land Use Plan. There were no new uses that did not fit into the existing zoning code. The development patterns in the adopted 2009 and proposed 2045 Future Land Use Plans are generally similar. The Lakeshore and Conservation categories have stayed relatively the same when comparing the maps. The Conservation Character Area is also recognized on both maps in the north-western section of Ulysses. Parkland continues to be protected. Similar to the 2009 Future Land Use Plan, housing is focused around the Village of Trumansburg and the Hamlet of Jacksonville. Although housing isn’t an obvious use in the 2009 Future Land Use Plan, the Agricultural land use allows single-family and cluster residential development as appropriate. In developing the Comprehensive Plan, the Town considered adopted local, county, and regional land use plans and attempted to incorporate them into the Comprehensive Plan to ensure consistency. The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan encourages nodal development to avoid housing sprawl. The Town’s Comprehensive Plan encourages nodal development, particularly around the Hamlet of Jacksonville. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 18 This action, adopting the Comprehensive Plan, will not cause secondary development impacts because there are no first-order development impacts. Therefore, the Town board has checked “no.” 18. Consistency with Community Character. Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on community character. Existing facilities, structures, and areas of historic importance will not be replaced or eliminated, as the plan recognizes hamlets and historically sensitive sites in the Future Land Use Plan. Additionally, a plan chapter is dedicated to the built environment and historic preservation. The development patterns envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan would reduce the demand for community service. This is done by minimizing service area expansion for police, fire, and school busing. The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with interested agencies, including Tompkins County, Trumansburg and Ithaca School Districts, and numerous others, and received no comments about impacts on community services. The Housing chapter thoroughly discusses the importance of affordable housing and provides many related goals and objectives. For example, H-G-1 includes making sure housing opportunities are accessible, attractive, and affordable for all income levels. The Comprehensive Plan will not interfere with the use and enjoyment of public resources because it envisions their protection, enhancement, and expansion. The Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the architectural scale and character of the Jacksonville and Waterburg hamlets. It further preserves the existing natural landscape as much as possible. Therefore, the Town board has checked “no.” TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 19 19. Impacts on Disadvantaged Communities Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on disadvantaged communities. According to the New York State Disadvantaged Community Assessment Tool, there are no disadvantaged communities in Ulysses. The plan includes a section, Housing, which discusses accessible, affordable, and inclusive housing for all demographics. It also discusses engaging historically underrepresented communities when implementing land use and housing policies. There are numerous Housing goals, objectives, and policies that discuss housing for various demographics and fair and equal housing for all. Therefore, the Town board has checked “no.” 20. Future Physical Climate Risk Because this action involves no physical changes and includes only the adoption of a policy document, there will be no direct impact on human or ecological communities. Based on FEMA flood mapping, the plan will not impact 100-year or 500-year floodplains. Additionally, the plan addresses reducing flood impacts through plan policy. The plan includes a section, Climate and Resiliency, which discusses climate change and its respective impacts on natural resources and the broader community. The plan includes policies to prepare for climate change, identify vulnerable ecological and social populations, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Town received a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Smart Communities Grant and dedicated an entire comprehensive plan chapter to climate change. Throughout the plan, sustainability policies are incorporated. TOWN OF ULYSSES TOWN BOARD STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (EAF) PART 3 EVALUATION OF THE MAGNITUDE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT IMPACTS AND DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE Town of Ulysses Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan Impact on Community Review June 30, 2026 20 The Town Board coordinated a review of this draft with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which was identified as a potential lead agency. The Board did not receive comments about climate change from them. Therefore, the Town board has checked “no.”