HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2023-12-19Approved on: XXXX
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC)
Minutes – December 19, 2023
Commission Member Present: Ed Finegan, Chair
David Kramer, Vice Chair
Stephen Gibian, Member
Susan Stein, Member
Katelin Olson, Member
Avi Smith, Member
Janet Smith, Member
Absent:
Common Council Members Present: Kris Haines-Sharp, Common Council Liaison
City Staff Present:
Bryan McCracken, Hist. Pres. and Neighborhood
Planner & Secretary, ILPC
Marjorie McLain, Administrative Assistant
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The regular monthly meeting of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission was held in the
Conference Room on Second Floor of City Hall and also conducted remotely using
videoconferencing technology. Virtual participation in public meetings is authorized by Part
WW of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 of New York State and Local Law 2022-05. The
proceedings were livestreamed on the City of Ithaca Public Meetings channel on YouTube and a
recording is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SAzf05j_cU&list=PLfplo_VA57eo3g_kXLZ3SKSop7C-
uS_Md&index=3
Chair E. Finegan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and read the Public Notice.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST
Chair E. Finegan opened Public Comment.
Leslie Sandman, 310 Fall Creek Drive – The speaker expressed his continued frustration with the
sidewalk improvement project along the 300 block of Fall Creek Drive in the Cornell Heights
Historic District. He specifically noted the installation of new railings along the sidewalk in front
of 316 Fall Creek Drive and questioned whether ILPC approval was granted for the
improvement.
Approved on: XXXX
There being no further members of the public appearing and wishing to speak, and no written
comments submitted to be read aloud, Chair E. Finegan closed Public Comment.
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. 200 Highland Ave, Cornell Heights Historic District-Proposal to Construct a Two- and
One-Half Story, Wood-Framed Addition on the North Elevation.
Mike Barnoski, architect, presented the proposed revisions to the design for the addition at the
subject property. Major revisions included repositioning the addition on the lot to
accommodate the landscape improvements requested by the Planning and Development Board,
incorporating a raised walkway over the partially recessed basement connector between the
historic residence and the addition, and the relocation of the front porch steps to the south side of
the porch on the primary façade.
Commission members questioned the necessity of the raised platform between the historic
residence and the addition, noting that this design element significantly diminishes the two
buildings’ presentation as two separate structures.
K. Olson expressed concerns with the overall concept for the project. The proposed addition is
clearly intended to be a standalone building, but due to zoning restrictions in this neighborhood,
the project was pushed in this direction. In her opinion, the project does not meet the guidelines
for new construction in historic districts outline in the Landmarks Ordinance and the Secretary of
the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Upon a verbal request by Charlie O’Connor, owner of Modern Living Rentals, the Commission
and the property owner mutually agreed to extend the review period for the project for another
60 days. On a motion by J. Smith, seconded by S. Stein, consideration of the application was
tabled to allow the applicant additional time to evaluate the feasibility of removing the raised
platform between the historic residence and the addition.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The October 17, 2023, meeting minutes were approved unanimously without modifications.
IV. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
• Tentative 2024 ILPC Meeting Schedule – B. McCracken presented the tentative
schedule for ILPC meetings in 2024 and requested feedback on the proposed dates,
particularly conflicts with any holidays or events.
• Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Board and Commission Members –
Deadline December 29, 2023 – B. McCracken reminded Commission members that
the State-required annual Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Boards and
Commission Members is due by the end of the year and instructed them to submit
their certificates of completion to City of Ithaca Human Resources by the deadline.
Approved on: XXXX
D. Kramer left the meeting at 7:01 PM
• Update: 300 Fall Creek Drive Sidewalk Project – B. McCracken gave a brief
update on the Fall Creek Drive Sidewalk Improvement Project, and the members
discussed L. Sandman’s comments. S. Stein outlined her conflict of interest and
recused herself for the discussion of this item.
V. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by S. Stein, seconded by A. Smith, the meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:20
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner