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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-1997-09-17PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES September 17, 1997 In attendance were: Susan Blumenthal, Chair; John Efroymson; Pam Mackesey; Jane Marcham; Sara Shenk; Roey Thorpe; Pat Vaughan and Alan J. Cohen, Mayor Staff: H. Matthys Van Cort, Director of Planning & Development; JoAnn Cornish; and Doug Foster Members of the Public: Tony Egner; Tracy Farrell; Fay Gougakis; Allen Lambert; Art Shull and Cynthia Yahn Agenda Review An item was added to the agenda concerning large parties. It was suggested that the City’s zoning ordinance be amended to control large outdoor gatherings on private property. An Executive Session was already added to the agenda. Public Comment on Any Planning Issues: Allen Lambert commented on the Rollersports Park and suggested that the City try to analyze the cost effectiveness of the proposed facility. What is the opportunity cost for building this facility, and how many people will be served for this level of expenditure? Fay Gougakis said she was in favor of the Rollersports Park, but she is concerned that it will be too noisy for Stewart Park. There was a brief discussion regarding the Rollersports Park. Mayor Alan Cohen stated that the total cost of the project would be between $80,000 to $100,000 with $65,000 from the City. The proposed grant, which was discussed later in the meeting, will supplement what can be built in the facility with City funds and may reduce the local share. Blumenthal said that the site near the Youth Bureau had been selected after an extensive site search by unanimous consent of those involved and that Common Council has subsequently approved this selected site. Mayor Cohen stated that landscaping would mitigate noise from the facility. Mackesey and Marcham also stated that they had concerns about the noise. Director’s Report Matthys Van Cort, Director of Planning and Development, reported on an open space inventory that is being prepared by an intern in the Department of Planning and Development. This inventory will include open space owned by the City both in and outside the City, including park and non-park facilities. It will also include recreational open space owned by Cornell University, Ithaca College, Ithaca City School District and surrounding jurisdictions. c:\laserfiche\planning\planning and econ dev committee\2000 and before planning and eco dev committee\minutes\1997\091797.doc - 1 - 1. Possible Applications for Funding Under the Clear Air/Clean Bond Water Act: Van Cort briefly explained the two programs from which applications were being made and the three projects which might be funded under these programs. JoAnn Cornish presented detailed information on each of the three projects. A. Authorization to apply for funding for the Cascadilla Boat Club Facility in Cass Park - Herb Gottfried, Vice President of Cascadilla Boat Club, spoke to the Committee stating that the Club served all muscle-powered boat activities. The Boat Club needs a new facility because they had run out of storage in their existing location. In addition, the existing Cascadilla Boat Club facility is located in Stewart Park necessitating that rowers go north into the lake beyond the lighthouse which is very difficult and even impossible on windy days, causing safety concerns for boaters.. The Flood Control Channel is sheltered and, therefore, is a better site for rowing. They have tried other sites including the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDoT) site. They are presently housed in the Waste Water Treatment Plant while the Stewart Park building is undergoing renovations. Mr. Gottfried said that rowing has become an increasingly popular activity and that the relocation of the Cascadilla Boat Club facility was an element in the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan. Mr. Gottfried recognizes that there is limited public access to the proposed site due to intermittent bus service. The Boat Club was considering providing a water taxi so that people walking from the east side of the Flood Control Channel could be ferried over to the new facility. Parking for the facility would be adjacent to the new building in an existing parking lot, and construction of the facility would require removal of one large cottonwood tree. The building would be constructed off the ground so that it would not be affected by high lake levels. It would have a metal roof like the Farmers’ Market and wood siding. The estimated cost for the building is approximately $250,000.00 of which $125,000.00 would be raised by the club with the remaining $125,000.00 being requested from New York State. The club is willing to construct the building and immediately donate it to the City. They would continue to do day-to-day maintenance on the building. B. Authorization to apply for additional funding needed to construct the proposed Rollersports facility in Stewart Park - Cornish described the proposed facility and the process by which the Engineering Division, Planning and Development Department, and representatives from the skateboard community have come up with the current design. Mayor Cohen said the proposed grant would allow the construction of the full facility; whereas, without the additional money the facility might be too small and therefore, not used. It was noted that in order for the application to be submitted, an environmental review must be completed. Staff has prepared an Long Environmental Assessment Form (LEAF) for the project and is recommending a negative declaration. No negative impacts were identified, other than previously known such as noise and visual impacts. c:\laserfiche\planning\planning and econ dev committee\2000 and before planning and eco dev committee\minutes\1997\091797.doc - 2 - C. Authorization to apply for funding needed to construct the proposed Cayuga Inlet Trail - Rick Manning described the proposed Cayuga Inlet Trail, which is a component in the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan. He suggested that the attractiveness of the trail could be enhanced by the use of unique site furnishings which could be provided by local artists. Manning stated that there is a lot of public support for this project and he is asking for $20,000.00 in state funding for the project which is to be supplemented by a $15,000.00 City in-kind contribution and a $5,000.00 City capital contribution. Questions and answers on all three projects followed the presentations. In response to a question from Efroymson, Cornish explained that the three projects do not compete with each other but are in competition by category with all projects statewide. There is no allocation for each local government. Cornish said that the state representatives seemed very eager to assist Ithaca in making these applications. Mackesey was concerned that the boating facility would be a precedent for other groups that wanted to use Cass Park. Marcham inquired about the membership fee for the Cascadilla Boat Club. Van Cort said that the legal arrangement by which the building would be constructed and the Club would operate in the building could include any protections the City might want regarding membership, dues, etc. Gottfried explained that the annual $110 membership fee includes safety classes, 30 hours of training, and use of the boats. Cornish explained that the site proposed for the building is currently open space occasionally is used for overflow parking. The building is to be approximately 100’ x 96’. This proposal has not yet gone to the Board of Public Works (BPW). Gottfried stated that the Boat Club had done an extensive site search including discussions with NYSDoT regarding their facility on the Flood Control Channel. NYSDoT will not relocate unless an alternative site is found. In response to a question, Cornish stated that the building will be approximately two stories in height and will be of the same architectural style as the Farmers’ Market. Blumenthal said that she felt it was very important that this building be attractive since it is an important civic building in a public area, and that the Planning and Development Board complete site plan review on the project. Mackesey stated she favors working with the Boat Club but is concerned that this construction would take place without a policy regarding such undertakings in parks. Blumenthal said the Parks Commission had endorsed the proposal with the condition that aesthetics be reviewed by the City. Cornish said the boathouse would be one of the activities that people would pass when using the Cayuga Inlet Trail and the Black Diamond Trail. Shenk inquired if the boathouse would include restroom facilities as well as rows or canoes for rent by the public. c:\laserfiche\planning\planning and econ dev committee\2000 and before planning and eco dev committee\minutes\1997\091797.doc - 3 - Regarding the Cayuga Inlet Trail, Manning explained applications were going both to the EPA and to New York State for bond act money and he doubted that both would be funded. The Youth Bureau will be responsible for maintenance of the Rollersport Facility. Lights are not planned for this facility at this time, and it will probably be utilized anytime there is dry pavement and natural light. It was agreed that the exact dimensions of the boating facility as well as plans and elevations be required before City approval be given. One of the Committee members asked that the Youth Bureau and the BPW be given an opportunity to comment on the facility for the boating facility. Staff will prepare a budget for the Rollersport Facility and, with assistance by Herb Gottfried, will prepare an LEAF for the boathouse. The votes on each of the facilities were as follows: Rollersport Facility =6 Yes, unanimous Cayuga Inlet Trail = 6 Yes, unanimous Cascadilla Boat Club Facility = 5 Yes; Mackesey No 2. Lansing Instruments’ Request to Purchase Land - Art Shull and Tony Egner appeared before the committee. Shull presented a plan under which his company, Lansing Instruments, could buy a small strip of city-owned land which had been acquired as part of a larger parcel for DPW expansion. Shull stated that he had been talking with the former owner for a long time when the City purchased the land. Previously Shull had requested to buy the entire parcel from the City. The difference between this request and his previous request is that it is for far less land. Shull has also acquired the former site of the Montessori School which will provide his company with additional parking. After a brief discussion, the Committee voted to approve the sale, contingent upon a favorable comment by the BPW. Passed unanimously c:\laserfiche\planning\planning and econ dev committee\2000 and before planning and eco dev committee\minutes\1997\091797.doc - 4 - c:\laserfiche\planning\planning and econ dev committee\2000 and before planning and eco dev committee\minutes\1997\091797.doc - 5 - 3. Natural Areas Commission Doug Foster explained that Dan Hoffman had been asked to draft a proposal for the formation of a Natural Areas Commission. Mayor Cohen said that it was his understanding that Bill Gray has some concerns regarding the authority of the BPW to act within the watershed under the proposal. Gray recommends that no committee jeopardize the BPW’s ability to act quickly in case of maintenance or an emergency. After some discussion, the committee directed Doug Foster to work with Mariette Geldenhuys and Bill Gray to draft the appropriate proposal. The committee directed that particular attention be paid to the authority of the BPW, the DPW and the proposed commission. Passed unanimously 4. Resident Parking Permit System Chair Blumenthal introduced the proposal for a Resident Parking Permit System. Pat Vaughan explained the work that has been done to date by staff and elected officials which included the formation of a subcommittee to act as a client during the drafting of the appropriate local laws. Mackesey stated she would like to have a larger area included in the Resident Parking Permit System. It was explained that enlarging the area would require an action by the State Legislature and Governor. It was suggested that the faculty and staff at Belle Sherman School be consulted during the drafting of the Resident Parking Permit System regulations. 5. Added Agenda Item: Large Parties in R Zones - It was suggested that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to require a special permit for large outdoor parties in R Zones. The criteria for the permit could include adequate parking, etc. The committee requested that this proposal be investigated by the City Attorney.