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Home My WebLink AboutMN-COW SPECIAL TOPICS WORK SESSION-2024-09-11Date: Location: Wednesday September 11, 2024 108 E Green Street Council Chambers 3rd Floor 9-11-2024 Common Council COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SPECIAL TOPICS MEETING MINUTES VOTING RECORD 1.Call To Order 1.1 Emergency Evacuation Notice 2.Public Hearing 2.1 Public Hearing- Sidewalk Improvement District Assessment Roll Hearing Attendance Record of Voting Members Name Present Absent/Excused 1st Ward - Kayla Matos X 1st Ward - Phoebe Brown X 2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen X 2nd Ward - Kris Haines-Sharp X 3rd Ward - David Shapiro X 3rd Ward - Pierre Saint-Perez X 4th Ward - Tiffany Kumar X 4th Ward - Patrick Kuehl X 5th Ward - Margaret Fabrizio X 5th Ward - Clyde Lederman X Mayor - Robert Cantelmo X Also Present: Alderperson Shapiro is excused. Discussion Summary: The September 11th, 2024, Special Topics Committee Of The Whole meeting was called to order at 6:00pm. A moment of silence was given in observance of the September 11th. Timestamp 1:20 YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=_sv4HD5Ul4Q&list=PLfplo_VA57eoynrqxkGvi11vxHlwByjZw&index=4&t=1s Discussion Summary: No reading of the Emergency Evacuation Notice due to no members of the public being present. Before opening up the Public Hearing Mayor Cantelmo reviewed the agenda; there were no additions, deletions, or changes to the agenda. Timestamp 1:56- 2:18 Mayor Cantelmo requested a motion to adopt the previous meeting minutes from the August 14th, 2024, Special Meeting of Common Council. Timestamp 2:24- 2:44 3.Review and Approval of Minutes 3.1 8-14-2024 Common Council Special Meeting Minutes Discussion Summary: The public hearing was opened following the approval of the minutes. There was no one from the public present to offer comments. The Mayor asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Mayor Cantelmo noted to the public that there will be a second public hearing for the Sidewalk District Workplan. Timestamp 2:57-3:43 Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to open public hearing to discuss the Sidewalk Improvement District Assessment Roll. Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to close the public hearing. Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Moved By: Kayla Matos 4.General Order Of Business/Special Topics 4.1 Proposed Rezone of Portions of the R-U District 4.2 Southside Zoning- Update 4.3 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Updates 4.4 Downtown Plan Adoption Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to Adopt the August 14th 2024 Common Council Meeting Minutes. Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Discussion Summary: Slideshow presentation presented by Megan Wilson and Jared Lane. There was a Q&A for council to address questions, concerns and comments. Mayor Cantelmo weighed in on the conversation to provide more clarification on the item. No objection from Council on staff following the action items outlined in their memo for next steps Timestamp 3:58- 21:25 Discussion Summary: Slideshow presentation was presented to Council on the Southside Zoning changes. Q&A for council to address questions and concerns. No objections from Council to move forward with next steps. Timestamp 22:14- 58:40 Discussion Summary: Slide show presentation on Accessory Unit Dwelling Unit updates presented by Megan Wilson and Nikki Cerra. Staff will proceed with next steps. Q&A from Council to address questions and comments. Timestamp 58:49- 2:14:29 Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint Perez requested a 5 Minute recess before starting the presentation. Timestamp 2:15:04-2:19:49 Slideshow presentation presented to Council by Yamila Fournier and Lisa Nicholas. Timestamp 2:20:36-2:32:24 Alderperson Lederman moved to Circulate and set an October 9th hearing date, second by Alderperson Kuehl. Alderperson Saint Perez suggested setting the hearing to November 12th Public Hearing. Discussion on Motion Timestamp 2:47:13- 2:58:05 Alderperson Kuehl moved to amend the original motion to set a new hearing date of November 13th. Timestamp 2:58:11- 3:01:10 The Planning Board indicated they may not be ready by October 9th for a Public Hearing. Mayor Cantelmo advanced an amendment that moves for council to publicly notice a hearing date once staff is ready to finalize for a public hearing. Timestamp 3:01:18- 3:02:00 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Moved to take a 5 Minute Recess Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Council will publicly notice a hearing on the downtown plan once staff communicates that they have had appropriate time to finalize this for a public hearing. Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Move to Amend motion to set hearing an October 9th hearing; Set November 12th Public Hearing. Vote Failed 4-6 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Moved By: Patrick Kuehl Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Move to Amend the original motion and set a new hearing date to November 13th Vote Failed 5-5 4.5 Statement Resolution - Equal Rights Amendment 5.Meeting Wrap-Up Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Discussion Summary: Council will enter into an Executive Session to discuss Short-hand Personnel. There will be no vote coming from this Executive Session, meeting will then adjourn. Timestamp 3:02:35 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kris Haines-Sharp Motion Summary: Motion to Move into Executive Session to discuss Short-hand Personnel. Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Robert Cantelmo X Adopted 10-9-2024Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk City of Ithaca Date: Time: Location: Watch Online: Wednesday September 11, 2024 6:00 PM 108 E Green Street Council Chambers 3rd Floor https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings 9-11-2024 COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SPECIAL TOPICS AGENDA 1. Call To Order 1.1. 2. Public Hearing 2.1. 3. Review and Approval of Minutes 3.1. 4. General Order Of Business/Special Topics 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 5. Meeting Wrap-Up Emergency Evacuation Notice Public Hearing- Sidewalk Improvement District Assessment Roll Hearing 8-14-2024 Common Council Special Meeting Minutes Proposed Rezone of Portions of the R-U District Southside Zoning- Update Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Updates Downtown Plan Adoption Announcements Next Meeting Meeting Adjourned No Public Comments Not all meetings have a Public Comment segment. The City of Ithaca wants to hear from you! You are encouraged to share your thoughts with Common Council using the options below: To Submit Written Comments please use the link below. https://tinyurl.com/mr9kdhw8 *Written comments submitted will be compiled and entered into the record. 1 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:Emergency Evacuation Notice ITEM #:1.1 MEMORANDUM 2 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Department of Public Works Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:Public Hearing- Sidewalk Improvement District Assessment Roll Hearing ITEM #:2.1 MEMORANDUM A Public Hearing to receive feedback from the public on the Sidewalk Improvement District Assessment. 3 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:8-14-2024 Common Council Special Meeting Minutes ITEM #:3.1 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: Approval of 8-14-2024 Common Council Special Meeting Minutes 4 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Megan Wilson Deputy Director of Planning & Development DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:Proposed Rezone of Portions of the R-U District ITEM #:4.1 MEMORANDUM Proposal to rezone portions of the R-U district located near Cornell University to the U-1 district. ATTACHMENTS: RU Work Session Memo to Council.pdf 5 M E M O R A N D U M Date: September 4, 2024 To: Common Council From: Jared Lane, Planner Megan Wilson, Deputy Director of Planning & Development RE: Proposal to Rezone Portions of the R-U District to U-1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Planning staﬀ has been approached by property owners in the Residential University (R-U) zoning district about a possible rezoning of the area to better reﬂect the buildings and uses adjacent to the Cornell University campus in this area. Planning staﬀ has done an assessment of the properties in this area (see attached map) and found that several are not in compliance with present use and area regulations. Staﬀ recommends rezoning these parcels to University (U-1) to bring these properties into conformance with zoning regulations that are consistent with the existing uses and built environment. PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS The Planning Division is committed to zoning reform that implements the City’s comprehensive plan, simpliﬁes our zoning code, and brings nonconforming properties into conformance. This can involve either changing the regulations themselves or rezoning properties to a diﬀerent district with more appropriate regulations Staﬀ analyzed 16 properties within the R-U district to assess use, lot size, building lot coverage, and yard setback. More than half of the properties were nonconforming to the district’s regulations. All properties would be in full compliance if they were rezoned to the adjacent U-1 district. This change would align the zoning regulations to reﬂect the existing uses and built form of these parcels and ensure that any future redevelopment is compatible with the existing character of the area, as outlined in Plan Ithaca. KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED More than half of the properties in the identiﬁed area, as shown on the attached map, are nonconforming to the use and/or area requirements of the R-U zoning district. This creates challenges for property owners who wish to make alterations or additions to their properties, particularly for nonconforming uses. In addition, any new development in this area may be diﬀerent to existing buildings in terms of size, massing, and setback requirements. Staﬀ recommends that Common Council amend the zoning district boundaries to include the identiﬁed parcels in the adjacent U-1 district. The U-1 district regulations are consistent with the existing student housing, fraternities/sororities, oﬃces, and community centers already located in this area. 6 QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL •Does Common Council support the proposal to rezone the selected properties from R-U to U-1? BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING This proposal is an amendment to the zoning code and is budget-neutral to the City. PUBLIC FEEDBACK If Common Council would like to move this proposal forward, the proposed rezoning would be circulated for public comment. A public hearing would then be held at the next work session. NEXT STEPS •Circulate the draft amendment for comments. •Hold public hearing at October 9, 2024 work session. •Consider ﬁnal adoption at the November 6, 2024 Common Council meeting. STRATEGIC THEME Review this document and indicate which of the strategic themes your issue relates to: Community Development & Economic Vitality 7 UNIVERSITY AVE STEWART AVE LAKE ST MCGRAW PL N WILLARD WAY WILLARD WAY WEST AVE GOTHICS WAY CAMPUS HILL APT DRIVEWAY Proposed U-1 Rezoning September 2024 Legend Proposed U-1Existing Zone R-2a R-3a R-U U-1 Historic Districts City Boundary Parks 0 220 440110 Feet ¯ Prepared by City of Ithaca Planning DivisionData Source: City of Ithaca GIS ProgramPrepared on September 4, 2024 8 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Megan Wilson Deputy Director of Planning DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:Southside Zoning- Update ITEM #:4.2 MEMORANDUM 9 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning & Economic Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Megan Wilson Deputy Director of Planning & Development DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Updates ITEM #:4.3 MEMORANDUM Updates - The City of Ithaca is considering an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance which would facilitate the development of ADUs and streamline the process of creating these units, an important middle housing type, in residential areas. 10 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council COW Special Topics FROM:Yamila Fournier DATE:September 11, 2024 RE:Downtown Plan Adoption ITEM #:4.4 MEMORANDUM The Planning Department will provide an overview of the Draft Downtown Plan and request permission to circulate for comments and will request a date for a Public Hearing. ATTACHMENTS: 09.04.24 Memo re CC permission to Circ_Yamila Fournier.pdf 11 1 | P a g e To: Planning & Development Board From: Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning & Development Re: Recommendation for Circulation and Setting Public Hearing for Draft Downtown Plan Date: September 4, 2024 The purpose of this memo is to provide information about the Draft Downtown Plan and to request permission to circulate for comments and to request a date for a Public Hearing. At the September 11, 2024, Common Council Committee of the Whole Special Topics Work Session, staff will provide an overview of the plan, the Council’s role in comprehensive planning, the adoption process and timeline, and will answer questions. Please have a look at the draft plan before the 9/11/24 meeting. At that meeting City Staff will request permission to circulate the Draft Downtown Plan. Additionally, City staff will request a date for a public hearing. The plan can be found here: https://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/17013/FINAL-DRAFT- Downtown-Plan-for-Circulation For your information and reference, provided below is the estimated process and timeline for the Downtown Plan adoption: •August 16, 2024 – Planning Board receives the Draft Plan for review. •September 3, 2024 – Presentation to the Planning Board •September 2024 – Planning Board members review the plan and prepare for discussion •September 11, 2024, Planning Staff present the plan to Common Council and request permission to circulate for comments •September 24, 2024, the Planning Board (with the assistance of staff) develops a recommendation to Common Council regarding adoption •Planning Staff provide received Planning Board comments to Common Council along with the Planning Board’s recommendation •October 9 or November 12, 2024, Common Council holds a public hearing. •Based on the comments received, Council may vote to refer the Plan for adoption at the next meeting with/without amendments •November 6 or December 4, 2024 Council considers adoption of the Plan Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information. CITY OF ITHACA 108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Lisa Nicholas, AICP, Director Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6565 E-Mail: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org 12