HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PEDC-2021-04-21
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
City of Ithaca
Planning & Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street
04-21-2021 Planning and Economic Development Committee Meeting
Minutes
Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Cynthia
Brock, Stephen Smith, Donna Fleming, and
Laura Lewis
Committee Members Absent: Alderperson
Other Elected Officials Attending: None
Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Planning and
Development Department; Jennifer Kusznir,
Senior Planner; Nick Goldsmith,
Sustainability Coordinator; Ari Lavine, City
Attorney; and Deborah Grunder, Executive
Assistant
Others Attending: PUD - Craig Modisher and Noah Demarest,
Stream Collaborative; Linc Morse, 407
Holding, LLC.
Community Gardens – Dan Hoffman, Marty
Hiller, and Sheryl Swink
IECS – Ian Shapiro
Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1) Call to Order/Agenda Review
No changes were made to the agenda.
2) Public Comment
No one signed up for public comment.
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
3) Special Order of Business
a) PUD Presentation – Cliff Street Retreat
Noah Demarest and Linc Morse provided a presentation of this project. No
changes to setbacks, etc. or any other zoning requirements so there is no
need for variances. The title might change.
Incodema will start their move on Monday, April 26th.
Alderperson Fleming asked for a picture of where the trail is going down to
Cass Park.
This still has to be configured. David Nutter has offered his assistance in
coming up with it.
Alderperson Fleming also asked who they might see using this facility.
Linc Morse commented that this might be a very good alternative of a typical
hotel. A guest would be able to bike right out of their back door to all
waterfront amenities.
Noah Demarest that they see local groups, etc. renting for meetings, etc.
The space is flexible to accommodate different size groups.
Alderperson Lewis stated she really likes this project. She also had a
question as to how people would get down from the steep slope to the
waterfront trail, etc.
Noah Demarest also stated that the length of the building will follow along it
and connect with the Black Diamond Trail.
Alderperson Lewis asked about changing up the rooms to accommodate
different size families.
She also asked about parking. Demarest stated they have no plans to seek
more parking spaces for this project.
Linc Morse further stated that they will have biking stations in the hope people
will take advantage of this type of transportation.
The use of TCAT buses was also discussed. Perhaps that area could be a
bus stop.
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
4) Action Items (Voting to Send onto Council)
a) Cliff Street Retreat PUD – Approval in Concept and Permission to
Circulate
Alderperson Brock wanted to say that she thinks there is a lot of interest in this
project. There's a lot of excitement to see. As Laura mentioned the reuse of this
facility for multiple uses, she really appreciates that. Lincoln was immediately
responsive when I reached out to him and asked him to meet with adjacent
residents to discuss the project.
She has always found him and his team to be incredibly accommodating and
actively listening to the concerns that people have raised as they have
mentioned. She thinks that there's incredible excitement about the idea of
having a local gathering place. She thanked the project group for their thorough
thought of what is needed or requested by the West Hill community. She is very
happy to circulate this.
Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Smith. Carried
unanimously.
An information session will be held and this will come back to this committee
next month.
TO: Planning and Economic Development Committee
FROM: Jennifer Kusznir, Senior Planner
DATE: April 9, 2021
RE: Planned Unit Development Application for 407 Holding, LLC to be located at 407 Cliff Street
On March 18, 2021, the City of Ithaca received the enclosed application from 407 Holding, LLC, for a Planned
Unit Development (PUD) project to be located at 407 Cliff Street.
According to § 325-12 Planned unit developments (PUD), properties located within the City’s Planned Unit
Development Overlay District (PUDOD), may apply to the Common Council for consideration to establish a PUD
in order to permit uses not explicitly allowed by the underlying zoning if they offer communitywide benefits. The
PUD legislation states that the Common Council will consider the application for any PUD on the following
criteria, among others:
1. Does the project further the health and welfare of the community?
2. Is the project in accordance with the City Comprehensive Plan?
3. Does the project create at least one long-term significant community benefit?
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
The proposed project involves the repurposing of the 25,297 SF building located at 407 Cliff Street, from
industrial/manufacturing space into long stay and short stay residential use, along with a small conference and
meeting room function, office spaces, maker spaces, and retail space along the street.
The proposal includes the following elements:
• Residential Development—13 one-bedroom units, for short- and long-term rental.
• Office Space—3438 SF of area, divided into approximately 6 offices, a break room, and 2
meeting rooms.
• Retail Space — 3900 SF total, potentially divided into 1-6 separate spaces.
• Light Industrial Spaces— 2 “maker spaces” at 1200 SF each.
• The lobby and lounge area are approximately 2000 SF, with an 840 SF conference room.
The applicant notes that this project will result in the following potential community benefits resulting from this
project:
• Pedestrian connection between Cass Park/Children’s Garden/Black Diamond Trail and
the West Hill Community, via a walking path up the hill (contingent on City approval)
• An opportunity for retail space and maybe a small cafe, which is sorely missing from
the West Hill community currently. This may help with limiting car traffic down the hill
into the City further.
• An opportunity for a community gathering space.
• The mix of uses all contained in an existing building creates a diversified workforce
opportunity that would not be seen with a purely residential infill project, which is all
that is currently allowed under the R-3a zoning. This can be an economic engine for
the West Hill neighborhood.
• These much quieter retail and residential uses are a better fit for this neighborhood
than the existing light industrial use.
• There will not be tractor trailer trucks coming to this site multiple times a week/day,
like there is currently, since we are moving away from Light Industrial use. 3
• The new mix of uses for the building should at least be maintained, if not increase the
tax revenue for the County and City of Ithaca. Again, an economic engine located in
the West Hill neighborhood.
• Including non-industrial uses will require investigation and cleaning of the site of any
potential environmental contaminants to meet the standards for unrestricted
residential. The new walkway will provide a protected accessible path to each of the
new retail storefronts.
• The careful removal of invasive species to encourage more native plants along the
adjacent city-owned property will also be a part of this project.
• Improved dark-sky compliant exterior lighting which would not be required for
another industrial user.
• Energy efficiency improvements will be made to the building’s envelope and
mechanical systems reducing overall carbon footprint which would not otherwise be
needed/required for another industrial user.
The application has been reviewed by staff for completeness and has been found to be satisfactorily complete for
distribution and review. If the committee agrees, this application will be circulated for comments and a public
information session will be held, in accordance with the PUD requirements. If you have questions or require
additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
b) Carpenter Park Land Swap and Community Gardens Lease
ORDINANCE __ -2021
Moved by Alderperson Lewis; seconded by Alderperson Smith. Carried unanimously.
Alderperson Brock asked about deeding this property to the community gardens. She stated she
provided wording for the maintenance plan.
Lisa Nicholas and JoAnn Cornish discussed this and determined that there already is a maintenance
policy in the City ordinance so there is no need for another maintenance policy.
An Ordinance to Exchange Lands for and Lease Exchanged Lands to the Ithaca Community Gardens .
Marty Hiller stated that the change in the maintenance policy is new to their group so they would have
to look at that before agreeing to anything.
Conditions are building permits needed by CMC and conditions are required for storage of plants, etc.
She further stated it is her understanding that the PUD would have to be completed before this land
swap takes place.
Deputy Director Lisa Nicholas stated that her understanding is correct.
City Attorney Ari Lavine stated that is correct.
Any grading of the property will be done after the site-plan review process is done.
Dan Hoffman reminded everyone that the gardens already have an ongoing lease. The gardens enter
into this lease with the hope that it would be more secure.
Alderperson Brock asked about the change in the term of years for this lease.
Alderperson Brock would like to review the leases currently with the Hanger Theatre, the Childrens’
Garden and the Farmers Market to compare.
Attorney Lavine stated that could be done, but also wanted to state that the City has every right to
provide these areas at a minimal fee or no fee at all.
Hiller responded to Alderperson Brock regarding comparing the leases to other City leases. She
doesn’t think there is a comparison.
Alderperson Brock moved to change the term of the lease to 25 years. No one seconded. The
motion failed.
WHEREAS, presently before Common Council is a proposal requesting that the City release its rights
to the Tax Map Parcel 36.-1-3.4, which is described in a deed recorded on July 17, 1991 as Book 663,
page 144 (“City Swap Parcel”), in exchange for the now-privately held parcel owned by CMC at Ithaca,
Inc. (“CMC Swap Parcel”); and
WHEREAS, also before Common Council is a proposal from Ithaca Community Gardens, Inc. (“ICG”)
requesting that the City lease to ICG the City’s rights to the CMC Swap Parcel upon acquisition to
continue the operation and maintenance of community gardens; and
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
WHEREAS, the City Swap Parcel will facilitate CMC’s development of its site into a medical office
building, 2 mixed-use commercial and multi-family buildings, and one affordable housing residential
building, and the CMC Swap Parcel will afford the City and ICG with long-term security for the
community gardens location; and
WHEREAS, in consideration for the City’s release of the City Swap Parcel in exchange for deeded
rights to the CMC Swap Parcel, the City and CMC have negotiated an agreement that CMC will pay the
City $82,355.00, which the parties agree represents fair value for the differential in value between the
Swap Parcels; and
WHEREAS, General Municipal Law §96 affirms that a municipality’s holding of land for community
gardening uses is a valid exercise of municipal powers, and it is generally agreed that community
gardening is a valuable public benefit for City residents; and
WHEREAS, the City is interested in entering into a 30-year lease for $1 per year with ICG in exchange
for ICG’s continued commitment to provide affordable community garden plots, especially for City
residents and low-income residents, and to remain responsible for all utilities, other amenities, and
responsibilities associated with the site; and
WHEREAS, the City Charter requires approval by three-fourths of the Common Council to authorize
divestment or lease of real property; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent and Purpose. The Common Council makes the following findings of fact:
A. The consideration offered by CMC is adequate to release the City’s interests in the City
Swap Parcel in exchange for the CMC Swap Parcel.
B. The City affirms that community gardening is a valuable public benefit to the City.
C. The City desires to continue providing its lands for community gardening purposes, as
leased by ICG, and this land swap between the City and CMC affords long-term
stability for community gardens within the City of Ithaca.
Section 2. Approval and Execution of Deed. The Common Council authorizes and directs the Mayor,
on the advice of the City Attorney, to execute such documents as necessary to effect the exchange of
the City Swap Parcel for the CMC Swap Parcel including payment to the City of $82,355, and to effect
the lease of lands to ICG under a lease substantially similar to the lease included herewith.
Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication as provided in
the City Charter.
LEASE AGREEMENT FOR ITHACA COMMUNITY GARDENS
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT is entered into this ____ day of _______ of 2021, by and
between the CITY OF ITHACA, a municipal corporation, duly organized and existing under
and by virtue of the laws of the State of New York, with offices at 108 E. Green Street, Ithaca,
NY 14850, hereinafter referred to as "LESSOR" and/or “City,” and ITHACA COMMUNITY
GARDENS, INC., a not-for-profit corporation, duly organized and existing under and by virtue
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
of the laws of the State of New York, with an address at Post Office Box 804, Ithaca, NY
14851, hereinafter referred to as “LESSEE” and/or “ICG.”
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca’s Comprehensive Plan (2015) includes a bold
commitment to making community gardens available to all City residents who wish to use
them, and to enhancing food security for City residents; and
WHEREAS, New York State, through its policies and programs, encourages and
supports the development and facilitation of community gardens on public lands; and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Community Gardens (the largest in Tompkins County, with
more than 160 plots) has been in continuous operation since 1976; and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Community Gardens is now operated by Ithaca Community
Gardens (ICG), a NYS not-for-profit entity, incorporated in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Ithaca Community Gardens strives to ensure diversity among its
gardeners, and has many low-income gardeners who reside or work in the City, as well as
many refugee families, maintaining plots at the Ithaca Community Gardens; and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Community Gardens has leased land initially from New York
State Electric & Gas since 1983, and since 1986 from the City of Ithaca, at an affordable cost,
in exchange for its commitment to maintain and operate the Ithaca Community Gardens at that
site, for the benefit of City of Ithaca residents, especially those in financial need or without
other access to land suitable for growing food; and
WHEREAS, the remainder of the Carpenter Business Park, now owned by CMC at
Ithaca, Inc. (“CMC”) an affiliate of Cayuga Medical Center and surrounding the Ithaca
Community Gardens, is slated to be developed, by Park Grove Realty (PGR), for a CMC
medical facility, an affordable housing facility, and mixed-use (commercial/residential)
purposes; and
WHEREAS, CMC and PGR have asked that a portion of the City land now leased by
ICG (that is “developable”) be exchanged, by the City, for certain (“non -developable”) land
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
within Carpenter Business Park now owned by CMC, that is of comparable size and food
gardening utility, and that would be leased by the City to ICG; and
WHEREAS, ICG has reached agreement with CMC and PGR as to certain of the terms
of such an exchange, including renewed infrastructure of the Gardens to be provided by PGR,
that would compensate ICG for the costs required as a result of the Gardens reconfiguration,
contingent upon the City’s approval of said exchange as well as a new, long-term lease
acceptable to ICG, and terminable by the City only in the event of ICG’s default; it is now
therefore agreed that
THIS NEW LEASE, between LESSEE and LESSOR - superseding all prior such leases
- is intended to recognize said land exchange and the reconfigured boundaries of the
Ithaca Community Gardens, and to provide said Gardens with enhanced security and land
tenure, in recognition of the substantial and unique value that LESSEE and said Gardens
contribute to the City and its residents, and consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE ONE: LEASED PREMISES
LESSOR shall lease to LESSEE the premises more particularly described in Schedule
“A,” hereinafter referred to as the “Leased Premises” or the “Premises,” attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference, together with all the rights, privileges, easements and
appurtenances thereunto belonging or attaching, including the right of quiet enjoyment, subject
to the provisions, conditions and covenants contained in this Lease Agreement.
-- NEED NEW LEGAL DESCRIPTION of reconfigured City land, based on new survey
-
ARTICLE TWO: TERM OF LEASE
LESSOR hereby leases the Premises to LESSEE for an initial term (the “Initial Term”)
commencing upon transfer by deed of certain lands presently owned by CMC to the City as
described in the Land Swap Agreement dated ___ of 2021, hereby incorporated as Schedule
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
“E,” and ending on December 31, 2050, which term may be renewed or extended by agreement
of the parties or their successors or assigns as follows:
(a) This Lease will automatically renew for one renewal term of twenty (20) years upon
timely satisfaction of both of the following conditions:
i. LESSEE submits to LESSOR written notice of renewal at least 2 years and six months prior to
the expiration of the Initial Term provided for herein in a format substantially similar to the
notice attached as Schedule “D,” and
ii.after receiving such timely notice, LESSOR does not, by the date one year and nine months
prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, notify LESSEE of its determination of non-renewal;
or
(b) After the end of the renewal term, or in the event LESSEE fails to submit timely notice
as indicated in paragraph (a) above and LESSOR has not otherwise notified LESSEE of its
determination of non-renewal, the Lease shall renew on an annual term, and LESSOR may
terminate the lease upon no less than 9 months’ notice prior to the termination of the then-
current annual term.
ARTICLE THREE: RENT
For and in consideration of the leasing aforesaid, LESSEE hereby covenants and agrees
to pay to LESSOR, as and for rent for the Leased Premises, the sum of $1 per year, which sum
is hereby acknowledged by LESSOR to have been paid in advance for the entire term of this
lease, at the time of execution of this Lease Agreement. As and for additional consideration,
the substantial and unique value of which is acknowledged by LESSOR, LESSEE agrees to
operate, maintain and oversee a public community garden program for the City of Ithaca and
its residents, as described in ARTICLE FOUR hereof, for the term of this Lease, utilizing the
Leased Premises. LESSEE shall be solely responsible for payment of any and all fees or bills
associated with utility use, assessments or taxes which may be imposed upon the Leased
Premises.
ARTICLE FOUR: USE AND MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES
a) LESSEE agrees that gardening operations shall not resume on the Leased Premises
after its infrastructure is renewed by PGR until the garden plot layout, one bay of each storage
shed, and both compost areas have been installed in accordance with the approved site plan.
All fencing to be installed by LESSEE must be completed within six months after gardening
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
resumes. LESSEE’s failure to comply with this subparagraph (a) shall constitute default under
the terms of this Lease.
b) LESSOR affirms the public benefit provided to residents of the City of Ithaca by the
existence and operation of the Community Gardens at the Leased Premises. LESSEE
covenants and agrees that it will, during the period of this lease, reasonably continue to use
said Premises and any buildings and improvements situated thereon for public community
gardens as that term is defined in the Ithaca City Code, and to operate, maintain and oversee
the Community Gardens, as a benefit for the City of Ithaca, with participation open to the
general public, specifically for but not limited to City residents and low-income gardeners, and
to provide outreach to and accessibility for low income gardeners. In addition, the Premises
will be open during daylight hours to visits by members of the general public, with reasonable
posted regulations designed to protect the tools, materials, and garden plots of duly registered
gardeners and LESSEE’s materials, tools and improvements.
c) LESSEE further covenants and agrees that at all times during the lease term:
1. The Premises, including the buildings and improvements situated thereon or connected
therewith and all appurtenances thereto and equipment thereof, shall be kept by LESSEE at its
own expense in good repair and in a clean and safe condition and in conformity with the
requirements of all municipal, county, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, in a manner
consistent with the Maintenance Policy attached hereto as Schedule B, recognizing that as part
of the ordinary operations of the Community Gardens the Premises may be used for all aspects
of gardening including winter gardening and allowing plants to go to seed;
2. All health, police, zoning, fire, building, subdivision, and other regulations shall, in all
respects, be fully complied with by LESSEE and, in particular, that at the end of the growing
season the Premises will be appropriately cleaned and winterized, also in a manner consistent
with the attached Maintenance Policy; and
3. LESSEE will not remove or permit to be removed any existing building or improvement
from the Premises except with the consent of LESSOR or as provided for in this Lease (such as
is shown in the approved site plan, or at termination of the lease term).
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
d) It is hereby agreed that the attached Schedule B (“Maintenance Policy”) may be
modified or amended by written agreement of LESSEE and the Mayor and Planning Director
of the City of Ithaca, on behalf of LESSOR. If at any time, LESSOR determines that LESSEE
does not meet the standards of maintenance as described in this lease, then and in that event,
LESSOR shall so inform LESSEE in writing. LESSEE shall have sixty (60) days thereafter to
either correct said deficiency or deficiencies or submit a plan along with a request for
additional time if needed, such additional time not to be unreasonably withheld by LESSOR.
e) LESSEE agrees to provide a gardener membership plan ensuring that City residents
and low-income gardeners that wish to garden on the Leased Premises have an opportunity to
do so, within the constraints imposed by the total number of garden plots available. Such a plan
shall be incorporated into this Lease by reference and LESSEE shall provide to LESSOR a
copy of any updates or amendments to the plan.
ARTICLE FIVE: IMPROVEMENTS
It is understood and agreed that in the event that LESSEE shall construct, erect or
install buildings and structures or landscaping upon the Premises during the term of this Lease
Agreement, or any extension thereof, such buildings shall be used solely for the purposes set
forth in ARTICLE FOUR hereof. With the exception of the structures shown in the site plan
attached hereto as Schedule C, ICG’s installation or construction of any additional structures
with a footprint larger than 250 square feet shall require the approval of the Common Council
of the City of Ithaca, which approval may be granted based on a map showing the proposed
location and approximate size of the structure. Any other improvements proposed by LESSEE
shall be subject to City of Ithaca site plan review, if applicable.
ARTICLE SIX: WATER, SEWERAGE, AND PARKING
LESSEE shall be responsible for construction, repair, replacement and maintenance of
any water or sewer lines on the premises or between the existing City utility main and the
Leased Premises, for use by LESSEE, in accordance with LESSOR's engineering criteria. In
particular, LESSEE shall be responsible for the installation, maintenance and testing of
backflow protection device(s); the winterization of all such water and sewer lines and
appurtenances; and for the scheduling of seasonal turn on and shut off of water. LESSEE shall
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
be responsible for payment for all utilities used on the Leased Premises. LESSOR shall have
no responsibility for developing parking areas for use by LESSEE, and LESSEE shall be solely
responsible for maintenance and repair of any parking areas developed by LESSEE.
ARTICLE SEVEN: INSURANCE
LESSEE shall keep the improvements insured against liability and fire or other hazards
and, except as otherwise provided for in this article, shall save LESSOR harmless and
indemnified at all times against any loss, damage, penalties, costs and expenses, judgments and
decrees, by reason of a failure so to do in any respect or by reason of any violation of any of
the laws, rules or regulations above referred to, or by reason of any accident, loss, wrong,
injury, or damage to person, life or property in or about said Premises, including but not
limited to for any negligence of LESSEE in the making of any improvements to the Premises,
or by reason of any use which may be made of the Premises or the buildings and improvements
thereon, or by reason of any act or thing done or omitted to be done or by reason of anything
happening in connection with or upon the Premises or in any building situated thereon or
improvement connected therewith, or by reason of the failure of LESSEE in any respect fully
to carry out and perform any of the covenants, agreements, provisions or undertakings in this
lease on its part to be performed. Proof of insurance and the inclusion of LESSOR as an
additional insured in all such policies of insurance shall be provided in writing to LESSOR.
LESSEE shall maintain liability insurance coverage upon the Leased Premises, in the
initial, minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate and
shall ensure that the City of Ithaca is named as an additional insured on such policy. The
minimum amount of required coverage shall be subject to reasonable, periodic adjustment by
the City, upon prior written notice to LESSEE of at least 6 months.
LESSEE shall provide written documentation to City that required coverage is in place,
at the time of execution of this lease agreement, at least annually thereafter, within a month
after the annual insurance renewal date, or at other times upon request.
LESSEE shall keep the Premises insured as provided for herein, the amount of
insurance coverage shall be as reasonably approved by the LESSOR, and proof of insurance
and the inclusion of LESSOR as an additional insured in all such policies of insurance shall be
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
provided in writing to LESSOR. It is mutually covenanted and agreed by and between the
parties hereto that the proceeds of any and all policies of fire insurance covering any building
or buildings at any time situated upon the Premises shall be used as a trust fund towards the
repair, reconstruction, building or rebuilding of such building or buildings, unless the parties
agree otherwise in writing.
ARTICLE EIGHT: DEFAULT
Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, LESSEE’s right to occupy the Premises
may be terminated by LESSOR prior to the end of the demised term of this Lease Agreement
under any one of the following conditions:
a) If LESSEE shall, at any time during the term of this lease, fail in the performance or
permit the violation of any of the covenants, conditions, terms or provisions of this Lease
Agreement, including but not limited to the attached maintenance policy, or such superseded
policy approved by the Mayor and Director of Planning and Development, which, on the part
of LESSEE, are or ought to be observed, performed, or fulfilled and, except where a specific
time is herein provided for the performance of any covenant or condition, when such default is
not cured within sixty (60) days after notice and demand have been given by LESSOR (except
that the City may impose a reasonably shorter period for failures or violations related to life
safety matters); or
b) If, during the demised term, LESSEE shall be adjudicated bankrupt or make a
general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall take the benefit of any insolvency act,
or if a temporary or permanent receiver or trustee in bankruptcy is appointed for LESSEE’s
property and such appointment for a temporary receiver is not vacated and set aside within
ninety (90) days from the date of such appointment, or in the event of any attempted transfer or
other devolution of the interest (or any part thereof) of LESSEE, to any other person or
corporation, by reason of the acts and things hereinabove last enumerated; or
c) If LESSEE shall fail to use said Premises for the purposes of a public community
garden, as hereinbefore described in ARTICLE FOUR, for one full year during the term of this
Lease, unless such failure is the result of an act of nature (such as a major flooding event) or
any act of the City of Ithaca, or any other governmental entity, or NYSEG, pursuant to the
easements held by such entities; or
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
d) If, at any time during the term of this Lease, LESSEE or its successor or assignee
shall cease to be or cease to operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a not-for-profit corporation.
In any of the events enumerated above, LESSOR may at its option, and upon sixty (60)
days’ notice (or additional notice) in writing, served as provided in ARTICLE TEN hereof,
terminate this Lease, and this Lease and the term thereof shall automatically cease and
terminate at the expiration of said sixty (60) day period; and it shall be lawful for LESSOR, at
its option, to enter the Premises or any part thereof and to have, hold, repossess and enjoy the
said Premises, and LESSOR shall have the right to recover the said Premises and to remove all
persons therefrom by summary proceedings or by any other legal action or proceedings.
ARTICLE NINE: TERMINATION
LESSEE may terminate this lease at any time by giving a minimum of thirty (30) days
written notice to LESSOR.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles Two and Eight above, this lease shall not be
terminated for any reason by LESSOR without action of the City of Ithaca Common Council,
preceded by written notice to LESSEE of the intention to hold a final vote on such action.
ARTICLE TEN: NOTICES
Any notice which may be required under the terms of this Lease shall be given in
writing, personally to:
For LESSOR: Mayor, City of Ithaca
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
and
Attorney for the City
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York l4850
and
For LESSEE: Ithaca Community Gardens, Inc.
P.O. Box 804
Ithaca, New York 14851
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
and
ithacagardensboard@gmail.com
or any subsequent address supplied by LESSOR or LESSEE.
Notice to LESSEE of non-renewal, intention to conduct a final vote on non-renewal, or
any defaults which may result in lease termination, shall be delivered by certified mail, return
receipt requested.
ARTICLE ELEVEN: ASSIGNMENT
It is hereby covenanted and agreed by and between the parties hereto that LESSEE may
not sell, convey, or assign its interest in the Premises and in any structures or improvements
thereon, to a successor or any other party, without the written consent of LESSOR. Such
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by LESSOR if said proposed successor or assignee
is a local, not-for-profit entity with the capacity to operate and maintain the Community
Gardens in a manner similar to that provided by LESSEE or is a fiscal sponsor of LESSEE for
tax purposes. The approval of one assignment by LESSOR shall not constitute approval for
any subsequent assignment.
ARTICLE TWELVE: SURRENDER OF PREMISES; DISPOSITION OF
IMPROVEMENTS
Upon the termination of this Lease, as a result of default (per ARTICLE EIGHT) or
upon its expiration (the expiration of the Initial Term or any renewal term, per ARTICLE
TWO, if applicable), LESSEE covenants and agrees to surrender the Premises, peaceably and
at once, and to deliver up the same to LESSOR, subject to the remaining provisions of this
Article. LESSEE shall be entitled – but not required – to remove from the Premises any
improvements LESSEE has made to said Premises, including but not necessarily limited to any
structures (e.g., sheds, fencing, gazebo) and the topsoil from the gardens (defined as the top
eight inches of soil), provided that a relocation site requires topsoil. Any such removal must
occur prior to said termination date, must be complete (i.e., without leaving debris, hazards, or
holes in the ground) and shall be at LESSEE’s sole cost.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN: CONDEMNATION
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
If any person or corporation, municipal, public, private or otherwise, shall, at any time
during the term of this lease, lawfully condemn and acquire title to the Premises or any portion
thereof, or to any building or the appurtenances now or hereafter erected thereon, or to any
easement therein, in or by condemnation proceedings pursuant to any law, general, special or
otherwise, then, in that case, LESSOR shall be entitled to and shall receive the entire award or
payment therefor; and LESSEE shall assign and does hereby assign and transfer to LESSOR
such award or payment as may be made therefor. LESSOR, in any event, shall be entitled to
receive any and all awards or payments made for any buildings and the appurtenances which
shall be so taken or for any damages thereto, free, clear and discharged of every claim of every
kind whatsoever by or on the part of LESSEE, except as hereinafter specifically provided, and
such award or payment is hereby transferred and assigned to LESSOR by LESSEE; and
LESSEE hereby further agrees that for the purpose of obtaining such award or payment, and
for all other purposes, all the buildings and improvements now standing upon the Premises are
the sole and absolute property of LESSOR and that in no event and under no circumstances
shall LESSEE be entitled to receive or retain any award or payment or any part thereof except
as hereinafter specifically provided. Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained to the
contrary, if LESSEE shall have commenced or completed the erection of a new building or
buildings or other improvements and such condemnation takes place after the commencement
or completion of the said new building or buildings, then LESSOR agrees to pay LESSEE out
of the condemnation award or payment when paid, a sum equal to the amount awarded or paid
in condemnation as the value of such building or improvements. If, in the condemnation
proceeding, the value of the land and of the buildings and other improvements are not
separately determined, then the value of the building or other improvements shall be
determined by arbitration. LESSOR agrees to give LESSEE notice of any condemnation
proceedings immediately upon knowledge of such proceedings.
ARTICLE FOURTEEN: NON-DISCRIMINATION
It is mutually understood and agreed that LESSEE, in the employment of its agents,
contractors and/or employees, shall not discriminate against any employee, applicant for
employment, subcontractor, supplier of materials or services or program participant because of
actual or perceived age; creed; color; disability; domestic violence victim status; ethnicity;
familial status; gender; gender identity or expression; height; immigration or citizenship status;
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
marital status; military status; national origin; predisposing genetic characteristics; race;
religion; sex; sexual orientation; socioeconomic status; or weight.and any construction contract
entered into by LESSEE shall contain such a nondiscriminatory clause. LESSEE is committed
to ensuring that the opportunity to secure and maintain a plot at its Community Gardens is
available to those with a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) on terms
otherwise comparable to those applicable to gardeners without a disability.
ARTICLE FIFTEEN: TAXES
If, during the term of this Lease, the tax assessor of Tompkins County determines that
the Leased Premises are not tax exempt, this lease shall be deemed void, unless LESSEE
agrees to pay – and in fact does timely pay – any taxes levied upon the Premises. In the event
that this Lease is deemed void for that reason, the parties shall attempt in good faith to re-
negotiate the Lease terms.
ARTICLE SIXTEEN: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
a) Waivers of Lien. LESSEE covenants and agrees that LESSEE will not make any
contract or agreement, either verbal or written, for labor, services, materials or supplies in
connection with any improvements at any time situated upon the Premises without securing in
such contract or agreement a waiver or waivers of lien against LESSOR's interest in the
Premises; and it is expressly understood and agreed, and notice is hereby given, that no
persons, firms, or corporations furnishing labor, materials or services for the construction,
reconstruction, alteration or addition to any building at any time during the term hereof situated
upon the Premises shall have any lien upon LESSOR's interest in the Premises and that any and
all liens upon LESSEE's estate and interest in the Premises and the buildings and
improvements situated thereon shall be subject to the prior rights of LESSOR under the terms
and provisions of this Lease Agreement, and no authority is given by this Lease to LESSEE,
expressly or impliedly, to bind LESSOR for the payment of any money in connection with the
construction, repairing, alterations, additions or reconstruction work on the Premises, nor is
there any authority given LESSEE by this lease, directly or indirectly, to permit any
mechanic’s lien, materialman's lien, or contractor’s lien to arise against LESSOR's interest in
the Premises or the buildings or improvements thereon, and LESSEE expressly agrees that it
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
will keep and save the Premises, and LESSOR, harmless from all costs and damages arising
from any such liens or lien of any character created through any act or anything done by
LESSEE.
b) Title. LESSOR represents and warrants that it is the owner in fee of the Premises, as
described in Schedule “A,” attached hereto, free of all liens and encumbrances.
c) Severability. In the event that any term, condition, clause or provision of this
agreement shall be deemed null and void, the remaining terms, conditions, clauses and
provisions of this lease agreement shall remain in full force and effect, unless the rights of
either party are materially affected by the deletion of such term, condition, clause or provision,
in which case either party may elect within 90 days after the date of the notification to declare
said Lease null and void in its entirety.
d) Hours of Operation. Notwithstanding any apparently contrary stipulation in the
Ithaca City Code (except for time limitations on the use of power equipment), gardening -
related activity at the Premises may occur at any time between dawn and 10:00 pm.
ARTICLE SEVENTEEN: RIGHT TO INSPECT
LESSOR shall have the right to inspect any part of the Premises without notice at any
time.
THIS AGREEMENT supersedes and replaces any other such lease or agreement
previously executed by the parties hereto and shall be binding upon the parties and their
successors or assignees in title.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have placed their hands and seals as of
the date(s) set forth below.
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
CITY OF ITHACA
Date: _____________________________ By: ______________________________
Svante Myrick, Mayor
ITHACA COMMUNITY GARDENS,
Inc.
Date: __________________________ By: ______________________________
Martha Hiller, President
STATE OF NEW YORK )
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) ss:
On this ______ day of _________, 2021, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public
in and for said State, personally appeared SVANTE L. MYRICK, personally known to me or
proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is
subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his
capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person of which the
individual acted, executed the instrument.
_______________________________
Notary Public
STATE OF NEW YORK )
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) ss.:
On this ______ day of ____________, 2021, before me, the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for said State, personally appeared MARTY HILLER, personally known to me or
proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is
subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that she executed the same in her
capacity, and that by her signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person of which the
individual acted, executed the instrument.
_______________________________
Notary Public
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
SCHEDULE A
-- MUST BE REVISED --
The Premises leased to Ithaca Community Gardens, Inc., by the City of Ithaca, pursuant
to a Lease Agreement executed in 2021 between said parties, consist of the following:
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, situate in the City of Ithaca, County of
Tompkins and State of New York, shown as “Parcel A” and “Parcel B” (both of which are also
denoted as “Community Gardens”) on a survey map entitled “Survey Map - Carpenter
Business Park, Third Street and New York State Route 13, City of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York,” dated 6/1/2001 and as revised on 2/15/02, more particularly bounded and
described as follows:
PARCEL A: Commencing at a pin set in the southeasterly boundary of lands reputedly
of the Norfolk Southern Railroad, where said boundary intersects with a northeasterly line of
premises (demarcated as 'Parcel F' on the above-referenced survey map) conveyed by Building
Links, Inc., to Templar, LLC, by deed dated February 20, 2002, which deed was recorded on
February 22, 2002, in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office in Liber CD2504 of deeds at page
965, said point of beginning being located 691.28 feet southwesterly from a pin set in the
southerly line of Third Street Extension; running thence North 34 degrees 41 minutes 32
seconds East a distance of 419.10 feet to a point in said boundary of lands of the Norfolk
Southern Railroad; running thence southerly on a curve to the left, an arc distance of 65.82
feet, with a chord running South 4 degrees 4 minutes 54 seconds West for a chord distance of
65.60 feet, along the westerly line of a roadway known as Carpenter Circle; running thence
South 4 degrees 7 minutes 11 seconds East a distance of 85.80 feet along said line; running
thence on a curve to the right, an arc distance of 97.88 feet, with a chord running South 15
degrees 54 minutes 37 seconds West for a chord distance of 95.90 feet, along said line; running
thence South 35 degrees 56 minutes 24 seconds West a distance of 203.2 feet to a point marked
by a pin set in said line; running thence North 56 degrees 14 minutes 08 seconds West a
distance of 113.65 feet to the point or place of beginning.
PARCEL B: Commencing at a point 0.2 feet easterly of a chain link fence dividing
what is demarcated on the above-referenced survey map as “Parcel B” and 'Parcel H' from
New York State Route 13, which point is located South 33 degrees 47 minutes 32 seconds
West a distance of 247.00 feet, approximately along said chain link fence, from the intersection
of New York State Route 13 with a southeasterly boundary of land reputedly of Benjamin;
running thence South 33 degrees 47 minutes 32 seconds West a distance of 228.30 feet to a
point marked by an iron pin; running thence North 56 degrees 11 minutes 5 seconds West a
distance of 196.92 feet to a point marked by an iron pin set in the easterly line of a roadway
known as Carpenter Circle; running thence North 35 degrees 56 minutes 24 seconds East along
said line for a distance of 201.00 feet to a point; running thence on a curve to the left, an arc
distance of 139.83 feet along said line, with a chord running North 15 degrees 54 minutes 37
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
seconds East for a chord distance of 137.00 feet, to a point marked with an iron pin; running
thence South 30 degrees 54 minutes 28 seconds East a distance of 264.72 feet to the point or
place of beginning.
Being a portion of the premises conveyed to the City of Ithaca by deed from the New
York State Electric and Gas Corporation dated February 21, 1986 which deed was recorded in
the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office on March 13, 1986 in Liber 615 of Deeds at page 797.
TOGETHER WITH the right of access to and along the street commonly known as
Carpenter Circle, for the purpose of providing access (from Third Street) by the public to the
premises leased from the City of Ithaca by Project Growing Hope, Inc., which right was
retained when said street was conveyed by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency to Building
Links, Inc.
SUBJECT TO rights retained by the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation in
the aforesaid deed for permanent easement and rights of way upon, over, across and under the
above described premises as more particularly set forth in the aforementioned deed from the
New York State Electric & Gas Corporation to the City of Ithaca.
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
SCHEDULE B
Maintenance Policy
SCHEDULE C
Site Plan
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
SCHEDULE D
LEASE RENEWAL NOTICE
Must be mailed on or before June 30, 2048
To City Clerk and City Attorney:
Pursuant to Article 2 of the Community Gardens Lease between Ithaca Community Gardens,
Inc. and the City of Ithaca, executed on , 2021, this notice serves to notify the City
that the Initial Term of the Community Gardens Lease ends on December 31, 2050. Absent the
City’s notice of non-renewal, as described in this Lease Renewal Notice and in Article 2 of the
Lease, the Lease and all terms and conditions shall automatically renew for a 20-year renewal
term ending December 31, 2070.
If the City intends to take a final vote regarding non-renewal of the lease, it shall provide prior
written notice to Ithaca Community Gardens, Inc. by certified mail. We would also greatly
appreciate it if the City could provide earlier informal notice of any public deliberations
leading up to such a vote. If the City decides not to renew the lease, the City shall notify Ithaca
Community Gardens, Inc. in writing by certified mail no later than March 31, 2049.
SCHEDULE E
Land Swap Agreement
Approved at the
January 19, 2022 PEDC Meeting
c) Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Update
Chair Murtagh stated that we have seen this before, but a few changes have
been suggested.
Nick Goldsmith provided the plan for the Town.
The City and the Town are in agreement with the dates of April 26, 2021 and
May 10, 2021.
We met with Cornell.
He outlined the changes made since last month’s meeting. He opened it up to
questions.
JoAnn Cornish stated that it will be up to the property owner to reporting.
Alderperson Brock asked whether there are penalties.
Goldsmith stated that there will be penalties.
Alderperson Brock asked for the source about the lighting table.
Moved by Lewis; seconded by Smith. Carried unanimously.
5) Review and Approval of Minutes
a) No Minutes Available
6) Adjournment
Moved by Alderperson Lewis; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.