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HomeMy WebLinkAboutProtection of Six Mile Creek Natural Area SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE January 8, 1996 Mayor Alan Cohen 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: PROTECTION OF SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA (Somero-Pakkala parcel) Dear Alan: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee has been involved for many years with efforts to increase the protection of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area through acquisition of certain key properties adjacent to land currently owned by the City (or through purchase/ donation of conservation easements preventing development) . At this time, the City has a strategy to achieve this objective. Five parcels (or parts of parcels) downstream of the Upper Reservoir have been identified as substitute parkland, to be acquired to replace land to be alienated on Inlet Island. Eight other parcels (or parts of parcels) have been identified by the Board of Public Works and Common Council as important for acquisition/protection for water supply purposes . The Planning Department is undertaking negotiations with these landowners . Four other parcels (or portions thereof) have been recommended for purchase, using funds set aside for this purpose by Common Council, in 1989 and subsequently. All of the above parcels are shown on the attached map (a multi-color version of which will be provided to you by Doug Foster within the next few days) . One of the latter four parcels (SM-03) is currently on the market and has been identified as critical for acquisition, due to its proximity to the gorge and Lower Reservoir. This parcel, known as the Somero-Pakkala property, consists of approximately 7 .5 acres . The City's appraisal of this property indicates it is worth about $5,000 . It is assessed at several times that amount. According to Doug Foster, the City has offered the owners the appraised amount; they insist upon the assessed amount. Our committee is very frustrated with the slow progress of these negotiations . We have passed the following resolution intended to move the process along. Page 2 Six Mile Creek January 8, 1996 -------------------- RESOLUTION: "In light of the environmental value of the Somero-Pakkala parcel, now under consideration for purchase by the City of Ithaca, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommends to the Mayor of the City of Ithaca: 1. That the City consider making a compromise purchase offer and/or that the City approach the owners of the Somero-Pakkala parcel and discuss the receipt by owners of a tax-deductible contribution in exchange for a purchase price less than the assessed valuation. 2 . That the City exhaust other strategies to minimize the differential between the City's offer and the owner's asking price. 3. That the City request a non-binding legal opinion from the Town of Ithaca regarding road access for the parcel in question. " We hope that you can work with the appropriate entities in City government and bring these negotiations to a speedy and successful conclusion. If you have questions or if we can be of assistance, please feel free to contact us . incerely yours, 7 DANIEL L. HOFF Chairperson enc. cc: Doug Foster CITY OF ITHACA - NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION February 28, 1999 Cathy Valentino `- Supervisor, Town of Ithaca µ a 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca,New York 14850 RE: Sincebaugh Parcel, Six Mile Creek Area Dear Cathy: As we have discussed on the phone and at our informal meeting on February 2',a 40-acre property adjacent to the South Hill Recreationway,owned by John Sincebaugh,is now for sale on the open market. This is a parcel that the Town and City have identified as needing protection, in order to preserve the character of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area,a greenway appreciated by citizens in both municipalities. At its meeting on February 8`h,the Natural Areas Commission adopted the enclosed resolution concerning the Sincebaugh parcel_As you will see,it asks both the Town and the City to take timely action on the Sincebaugh property. When we met on February 2°.,you indicated that the Town would be able to take up the issue of placing the entire property within the conservation zoning district,as the Town's Park,Recreation& en Space Plan calls for. I would appreciate it if you could let me know when this issue will be on the agenda of the appropriate Town committee or board,so that Natural Areas Commission members and others who are interested can participate in the discussion. I am told,by the way,that the City will soon commission its own appraisal of the property. Thank you for your willingness to consider this important matter. Sincerely yours, DAN HOFFMAN 273-6933 <dth306 @aol.com> cc: Town Board members Town Planning Board members Jonathan Kanter, Town Planning Director Mayor Alan Cohen Douglas Foster, City Planning Dept. Natural Areas Commission members CITY OF ITHACA -- NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION Resolution on Sincebaugh Property in Six Mile Creek Natural Area WHEREAS, the property owned by John Sincebaugh, in the Town of Ithaca and in the vicinity of Juniper Drive and the South Hill Recreationway, is located within the area that has been referred by the City and Tc:-n of Ithaca as the Six Mile Creek Natural Area; and WHEREAS, the Sincebaugh property has long been identified by the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee as a parcel that should be protected from development, in order to preserve the existing natural character of the area; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has created a capital project for the acquisition of property in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, which account now contains approximately $200,000.00; and WHEREAS, with its current zoning designation (half R-30, half conservation district) , the Sincebaugh parcel could be developed with up to 25 homes; and WHEREAS, the Sincebaugh parcel apparently includes two sections of the Recreationway, which would allow unrestricted motor vehicle crossings between any new homes and Kendall Avenue and/or Juniper Drive and cause potential conflicts between such motor vehicles and other uses of the Recreation Way; and WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca's "Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan," adopted in December, 1997, calls for the entire Sincebaugh parcel to be placed in the conservation district and included in the Town's Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program; and WHEREAS, the Sincebaugh property is now being offered for sale on the open market; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Natural Areas Commission finds the acquisition of the Sincebaugh property to be the highest priority for land protection in the Six; Mile Creek Natural Area, and urges that the following actions be taken: 1. That the Town of Ithaca implement the "Park, Recreation & Open Space" Plan by placing the entire Sincebaugh property in the conservation district zone. 2. That the Town of Ithaca cooperate with the City of Ithaca to purchase the Sincebaugh property, in order to provide it with permanent protection from development. 3. That the City of Ithaca secure an appraisal of the current market value of the Sincebaugh property, as soon as possible. 4. That the City of Ithaca explore means to offer the seller the possibility of tax benefits through donation of part or all of the value of the property to a tax-exempt entity for the purpose of permanent protection from development. 5. That the City of Ithaca enter into timely, serious negotiations with the seller or his agents for purchase of the property, at a price at or below its market value, using funds from the Six Mile Creek capital project and any other available sources. Approved unanimously, February 8, 1999 s Natural Areas Commission RESOLUTION, approved unanimously 5/10/99: SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA PROTECTION PLAN and PURCHASE OF SINCEBAUGH PARCEL FROM CITY CAPITAL FUND WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca and County of Tompkins have all repeatedly recognized the Six Mile Creek watershed as a unique natural environment deserving special protection; and WHEREAS, several important steps have been taken to protect the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, by acquiring properties or conservation easements within the designated corridor and applying protective zoning to parts of it; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca maintains a capital fund for the acquisition of property in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, which fund currently has a balance of approximately $222,500; and WHEREAS, other monies for the protection of land (and water quality) in the Six Noe Creek Natural Area could be sought, on the basis of a comprehensive protection plan; now therefore it is RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca's Natural Area Commission proposes the attached "Protection Plan" for the Six Mile Creek Natural Area (within the City and Town of Ithaca), identifying 6 parcels(or parts of parcels)as"high priority" for acquisition,through "bargain sale" with tax benefits to the seller, where feasible, or for protection by conservation easements, 19 parcels (or parts of parcels) as "medium priority" and 12 parcels(or parts of parcels) as"lower priority;" and it is fin they RESOLVED, that the Commission finds the so-called "Sincebaugh" parcel (SM-15), which is currently for sale, served by water and sewer and zoned for up to 25 house lots, to be by far the most vulnerable to development - which development would have an extremely negative impact on the character of the Natural Area- and therefore the number one priority for acquisition; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Commission strongly urges Common Council to designate sufficient monies from the Six Mile Creek capital fund to purchase and protect the entire Sincebaugh parcel, at a reasonable price, even if doing so leaves less than enough money remaining to purchase other high or medium priority parcels; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Commission urges Common Council to ensure that replacement monies for the Six Mile Creek capital fund be actively sought from potential sources such as the NYS Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act as well as sale of surplus property outside the designated boundary of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Commission urges the Town of Ithaca to cooperate in the implementation of the Protection Plan; in addition to contributing to the cost of property acquisition in the Town, the Town could modify the conservation district now in place to enhance the buffer along the south side of the Recreation Way, by expanding its width to at least 200 feet and preventing the clearcutting of vegetation therein, in order to maintain the natural character along that portion of the Recreation Way. PROPOSED NAC RESOLUTION ON ACCESS TO SIX MILE CREEK GORGE FROM DOWNTOWN WHEREAS,one of the purposes for which the City of Ithaca maintains the Six Mile Creek Natural Area is for low-impact recreation by its citizens;and WHEREAS,the extension of the Six Mile Creek gorge and waterway into the downtown Ithaca area presents a unique opportunity for direct pedestrian access to the entire gorge and Natural Area,and its many attractions,from the Ithaca Commons and vicinity,thus increasing the vitality of the downtown commercial center and enhancing public appreciation of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area;and WHEREAS,the most logical,direct access to the Six Mile Creek Natural Area from the area of the Ithaca Commons and Green Street is through the area known as the Wilcox Press site;and WHEREAS,the City apparently owns a corridor through the Wilcox Press site,from East State Street to the City property upstream of the site,although most of this corridor does not run along the creek wall and apparently does not connect to the south side of Green Street,as would be most desirable;now therefore it is RESOLVED,that the City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission hereby endorses the creation of an attractive, safe pedestrian corridor,connecting the Six Mile Creek Natural Area already under City ownership to(the sidewalks of)East State Street and East Green Street;to the extent practical,the corridor should run along the wall of the creek;and it is further RESOLVED,that the NAC urges the City to acquire,negotiate for or assert the necessary property rights to provide such a corridor,before pending plans for renovation or reconstruction of the Wilcox Press facility are implemented;and it is further RESOLVED,that the NAC urges the City to investigate the feasibility of constructing attractive,safe,low- impact pedestrian bridges that would allow for the development of a continuous,safe trail in the gorge from State/Green Street to Giles Street(at Van Natta's dam),and, if feasible,to allocate sufficient funds therefor in the long-range budget for natural areas. Submitted by Dan Hoffman 5/10/99 C-1 S- S- CONFIDENTIAL SIX NILE CREEK NATURAL AREA — Proposed Protection Plan p. 1 Property Listed by Location NORTH SIDE OF SIX NILE CREEK, east to west Parcel Owner Size Est. Value Est.Total Number Description (Acres) Per Acre Value ---------------- ------- --------- --------- In Ci SM-31 *** Wilcox Press/Dickinson 0-3? ? ' 0-? Access corridor from City may own part Green/State St SM-32 * Ithacare, Inc .35 2,000 11000 # From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-33 ** Valentine Assoc. 1.75 2,000 3,500 From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-34 ** Paul/Carol Steiger .75 2,000 1,500 From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-35 * Litzenberg .1 2,000 1,000 # From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-36 * Lucente .1 500 11000 # Tiny in-holding (50x100) SM-37 * McKinney .1 500 1,000 # Tiny in-holding (50x100) In Town, west of Burns Road SM-20 ** F. Paoangeli 1.25 5,000 6,250 SM-36 ' Commonland 5-7? X X Protected as set-aside? SM-19 *** Daniel Scheraga 3 5,000 15,000 SM-14 *** Carl Lowe 5 5,000 25,000 SM-16 ** Six Mile Creek vineyard 20? [5,000] [100,000] [PDR list - Town] SM-22 Betsy Cleveland 15? X X Conservation easement in place; public access not needed? In Town, East of Burns Road SM-09 * Nut Tree Assoc 16 3,000 48,000 SM-10 * Robt Rightmyer 15 3,000 45,000 *** = High priority for protection ** = Medium priority for protection * = Lower priority for protection # = Suggested minimum purchase price NOTE: All estimates of value are "ballpark" guesses taking into account location, topography and access, but not based on appraisals or other professional opinions. 5/20/99 I CONFIDENTIAL SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA — Proposed Protection Plan p. 2 Property Listed by Location SOUTH SIDE OF SIX MILE CREEK, east to west Parcel Owner Size Est. Value Est.Total Number Description (Acres) Per Acre Value ------ ---------------- ---- --------- --------- In City SM-41 * Berg/Yelensky (was Raponi) .5 2,000 1,000 No-build 100' buffer north of Rec Way SM-42 * Smith/Dennis .25 2,000 11000 # No-build 100' buffer north of Rec Way In Town, west of Burns Road SM-13 ** Apgar 2-3.35 5,000 10-16,000 Both sides of Rec Way? SM-43 ** Therm (3 parcels) 5? 3,000 15,000 45 No-build 100-200' ease- ment south of Rec Way SM-46 * Martin .25 5,000 2,000 No-build 100-200' ease- ment south of Rec Way SM-15+ *** Sincebaugh 42.3 3,500+? 140,000+? SM-21 * Terapka/Stewart 65? 500 32,500 Conservation easement in place; purchase for public access SM-01 ** Wm Farrell 5 2,000 10,000 Both sides of Rec Way SM-51 ** Various (10 parcels) 15? 2,000 30,000 60 No-build buffer south of Rec Way (+100-1501 ) SM-61 * Chris Davies 9? 3,000 27,000 North of Rec Way, along tributary SM-08 *** Chris Davies 3? 3,000 9,000 Adjacent to reservoir In Town, East of Burns Road: SM-07 * Willis Hilker 15 [3,000] [45,000] [PDR list - Town] SM-05 *** Ann Silsbee 19? 3,000 57,000 *** = High priority for protection ** = Medium priority for protection * = Lower priority for protection # = Suggested minimum purchase price NOTE: All estimates of value are "ballpark" guesses taking into account location, topography and access, but not based on appraisals or other professional opinions. 5/20/99 CONFIDENTIAL SIX MILE cmm NATURAL AREA — Proposed Protection Plan p. 3 Property Listed by Priority Parcel Owner Size Estimated Number Description (Acres) Value ------ ---------------- ---- --------- HIGH PRIORITY PARCELS (6) SM-15 *** Sincebaugh 42.3 140,000(+?) SM-31 *** Wilcox Press/Dickinson 0-3? 0-? Access corridor from City may own part Green/State St SM-08 *** Chris Davies 3? 9,000 Adjacent to reservoir SM-19 *** Daniel Scheraga 3 15,000 SM-14 *** Carl Lowe 5 25,000 SM-05 *** Ann Silsbee 19 57,000 246,000+? MEDIUM PRIORITY (19) SM-13 ** Apgar 2-3.35 6-10,000 Both sides of Rec Way? SM-51 ** Various (10 parcels) 15? 30,000 60 No-build buffer south of Rec Way (+100-150' ) SM-01 ** Wm Farrell 5 10,000 North of Rec Way SM-20 ** F. Paoangeli 1.25 6,250 SM-33 ** Valentine Assoc. 1.75 3,500 From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-34 ** Paul/Carol Steiger .75? 1,500 From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-43 ** Therm (3 parcels) 5? 15,000 45 No-build 100-200' ease- ment south of Rec Way SM-16 ** Six Mile Creek vineyard 20? [100,000] [PDR list - Town) -------------- 72,250-76,250? [+ PDR] NOTE: All estimates of value are "ballpark" guesses taking into account location, topography and access, but not based on appraisals or other professional opinions. 5/20/99 I 3 CONFIDENTIAL SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA — Protection Plan p. 4 Property Listed by Priority Parcel Owner Size Estimated Number Description (Acres) Value ------ ---------------- ------- --------- LOWER PRIORITY (12) SM-34 * Lucente 50x100 1,000 Tiny in-holding SM-35 * McKinney 50x100 1,000 Tiny in-holding SM-41 * Berg/Yelensky (was Raponi) .5 1,000 No-build 100' buffer north of Rec Way SM-42 * Smith/Dennis .25 1,000 No-build 100' buffer north of Rec Way SM-46 * Martin .25 2,000 No-build 100-200' ease- ment south of Rec Way SM-61 * Chris Davies 9? 27,000 SM-32 * Ithacare, Inc .35 1,000 From gorge rim to City land along creek SM-35 * Litzenberg .1 1,000 From gorge rim to City land along creek . SM-21 * Terapka/Stewart 65? 32,500 Conservation easement in place; purchase for public access SM-09 * Nut Tree Assoc 16 48,000 SM-10 * Robt Rightmyer 15 45,000 SM-07 * Willis Hilker 15 [45,000] [PDR list - Town] 160,500? [+ PDR] Other SM-36 Commonland 5-7? X Protected as set-aside? SM-22 Betsy Cleveland 15? X Conservation easement in place; public access not needed? TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE OF PROPERTY TO BE PROTECTED High Priority (6) 246,000+? Medium Priority (19) 72,250-76,250 [+PDR] Lower Priority (12) 160,500 [+PDR] -------------- 478,750-482,750+? [+PDR] NOTE: All estimates of value are "ballpark" guesses taking into account location, topography and access, but not based on appraisals or other professional opinions. 5/20/99 WWI. ,. ���R nc� _i�+.°'�� .'�.�3:=o 'j"f� �' Rl / .`�3'T �r X � {{ "5k e�{. • sF lot r • .s, waR' � � #s ..� « z ,��' a � ` � '� �"�✓ �$ f MY 0 Op r r Rte, �� �."°� `` �" �.3 z � '�5 - �, •�� � . 7' x• V� aya Any- Ty a 33 I Psi 9 m pulp Y: -2­3 Yom \ . ro +� Pau to a.k AAA \ k: a. r City of Ithaca NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION 306 Giles Street Ithaca,New York 14850 November 17,2000 Norma W. Schwab, Esq. City Attorney, City of Ithaca '10 8 East Green Street Ithaca,New York 14850 Re: POTENTIAL LAND EXCHANGE—705 GILES STREET Dear Norma: I am in receipt of the materials you sent regarding the above-referenced matter. I had previously discussed the matter with Bill Gray and received the annotated survey map from him as well. The Natural Areas Commission discussed this topic at its meeting on November 13, 2000. The Commission voted unanimously(with one abstention)to endorse the exchange of lands as shown on the survey map (copy enclosed). Commission members felt that the wooded land proposed to be conveyed to the City would be a useful addition to the existing natural area and that conveyance of already developed land, closer to Giles Street,to the private owners,would not constitute any kind of degradation of the natural area. Commission members strongly preferred and recommended the suggested exchange, rather than a sale of City land without equivalent acquisition. (Please note that I abstained from voting on this matter because Attorney Jim Salk, also of my law office,represents the buyers.) By copying this letter to the Mayor and Acting Mayor,I am assuming that the Commission's recommendation will be passed on to the Board of Public Works and Common Council, as appropriate. The Commission appreciates being consulted on this matter. Sincerely yours, DANIEL L. HOFFMAN ChairpVrson Enc. cc: Mayor Alan Cohen Acting Mayor Paulette Manos William J. Gray, Superintendent of Public Works City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission "' 306 Giles r ---_ Ithaca, NY 14850 February 27, 2003 Community Beautification c/o Cooperative Extension 615 Willow Avenue Ithaca NY 14850 Dear Community Beautification program: I am writing as Chairperson of the City of Ithaca's Natural Areas Commission. The Commission has discussed the beautification grant application prepared by Commission member Zev Ross for upgrading the appearance of the entrance to the Mulholland Wildflower Preserve at Six Mile Creek. I am pleased to report that the Commission is unanimously and enthusiastically in support of this application. The Six Mile Creek Natural Area,which the Commission helps to oversee, is an important destination for both tourists and community members, for reflection,recreation and the appreciation of Ithaca's natural beauty. However, with public access and use comes the responsibility for maintaining attractive entrances, safe walking trails and a clean environment. In order to restore the Six Mile Creek Natural Area and enhance visitors' experience, the Natural Areas Commission has organized a series of four Saturday event during the Spring and Summer of 2003,where volunteers will help with important clean-up, trail maintenance, beautification and conservation projects. This grant application, in particular, is requesting funds to help beautify the Natural Area and Wildflower Preserve's main entrance and parking lot, off Giles Street. Those who have visited the Wildflower Preserve recently, through this entrance, have undoubtedly noticed that the informational kiosk is falling apart and the trash receptacles are rusting out. In addition, we believe that this main entrance would be significantly enhanced by adding tasteful wooden planters filled with native wildflowers. This very modest grant from the Community Beautification program would provide the funds necessary to install the planters, fix up the kiosk and replace or paint the rusted trash cans. I strongly encourage you to fund this important project that will benefit the community for years to come. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 273-6933 (home) or 273-2202 (work). Thank your for your efforts and your consideration. Sincerely, DANIEL L. HOFFMAVCrpperson Cc: Carolyn K. Peterson(Common Council liaison) 1AMayor Alan J. Cohen TRUE WALSH & MILLER, L Attorneys at Law i 1 � Peter J.Walsh The Commons ounsel Sally T.True 202 East State Street,7"Floor R.James Miller Ithaca,New York 14850 F instein John Moss Hinchcliff a .Cook Elena Salerno Flash Stephen Yal -Loehr Rosanne Mayer . � Roger B. ovocool George R.Pfann,Jr. — ✓� David A.Tyler Telephone:(607)2734200 Hilary T.Fraser Telecopier.(607)272-6694 Laurie M.Johnston E-mail:dat@twmlaw.com twmlaw.com WWW: http://www.twn-daw.corrd Suzanne V.Reine September 6, 2000 Mr. William Gray Superintendent of Public Works City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca,NY 1850 Re: 705 Giles Street(City of Ithaca Tax Parcels 110-5-1 110-5-2 110-5-11 and 110-5-12) Dear Mr. Gray: Referencing my letter to you of June 22, 2000, I am writing to follow up on the matter of a proposed swap of land between the'City and the current owners of 705 Giles Street. I am sure you are in the process of reviewing our formal request for this exchange of property but would appreciate being advised when we should expect a response from your office. Thanking you for your consideration, Very truly yours, David A. Tyler DAT/sbm pc: '-Patricia Dunn, Acting City Atty. Allen T. Fulkerson James A. Salk, Esq. Robert C. Mulvey, Esq. George J. Gesslein Donald J. Lucente H A3309=3Ngm.la't.wpd City of Ithaca NO � NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION 131� O c j 306 Giles Street Ithaca,New York 14850 November 17,2000 Norma W. Schwab,Esq. City Attorney, City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: POTENTIAL LAND EXCHANGE—705 GILES STREET Dear Norma: I am in receipt of the materials you sent regarding the above-referenced matter. I had previously discussed the matter with Bill Gray and received the annotated survey map from him as well. The Natural Areas Commission discussed this topic at its meeting on November 13, 2000. The Commission voted unanimously(with one abstention)to endorse the exchange of lands as shown on the survey map(copy enclosed). Commission members felt that the wooded land proposed to be conveyed to the City would be a useful addition to the existing natural area and that conveyance of already developed land, closer to Giles Street,to the private owners, would not constitute any kind of degradation of the natural area. Commission members strongly preferred and recommended the suggested exchange, rather than a sale of City land without equivalent acquisition. (Please note that I abstained from voting on this matter because Attorney Jim Salk, also of my law office,represents the buyers.) By copying this letter to the Mayor and Acting Mayor, I am assuming that the Commission's recommendation will be passed on to the Board of Public Works and Common Council,as appropriate. The Commission appreciates being consulted on this matter. Sincerely yours, 9DANIEL L. HOFFMAN Enc. Chairpmon cc: Mayor Alan Cohen Acting Mayor Paulette Manos William J. Gray, Superintendent of Public Works BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE December 6, 2000 NOTES PRESENT: Commissioners Beach, Gutenberger, Jenkins, Leonardo, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray and Assistant Superintendent Ferrel. Comm. Leonardo chaired the meeting. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. 1. Natural Areas Commission Report on 705 Giles Street Land Swan This item is a continuation from a previous meeting. The property at 705 Giles Street was recently purchased and found that a portion of the structure is on city land. The homeowner is proposing a land swap of.125 acres to clear up the deed and survey. The Natural Areas Commission responded in writing to the board that they are not opposed to the proposed land swap. Discussion followed concerning the advantages of selling the property as opposed to swapping the land. Attorney's Jim Salk and David Tyler were present representing the previous and current owners. They explained that the current owner is not in a position to purchase additional land. They noted that the land swap will allow the survey and deed to show the current actual land use. The consensus of the board was to swap the land. A resolution will be presented at the next regular meeting. 2. Request for Reduction of Water and Sewer Bill— 119E Buffalo Street Dr. Richard Maxwell was present to address the board concerning the water and sewer bill received for 119 East Buffalo Street. He explained that a reading was taken from the inside meter, which apparently does not match the outside meter. He noted that it appears the previous owner did not have a reading in the past 10 years. They purchased the property about a year ago and feel that they should not be responsible for the previous owner's water usage. Supt. Gray noted that there is generally an inside reading every few years. He added that Asst. Supt. Fabbroni issued a memo outlining a process to reduce the bill. Discussion followed and it was agreed to vote on a resolution to reduce the bill at the next meeting. 3. Linn Street/Terrace Place Water, Sewer and Gas Mains Supt. Gray indicated that he would prefer Asst. Supt. Fabbroni be present for this discussion. He reviewed the letter submitted by Mr. LaCapra who feels the new water service installed should not be at his expense. Supt. Gray told the board that during the recent street reconstruction, new services were installed. This is a routine process in which the property owner saves expense of excavation costs. Mr. LaCapra argued in his letter that the new service was to the City's benefit. Discussion followed concerning the project notices sent to residents in May that included information on the service upgrades. Mr. LaCapra did not protest the work until the bill was received. The board's consensus was to vote on a resolution at the next meeting to deny the request for expungement of the bill. Page - I Committee of the Whole Board of Public Works October 18, 2000 The board requested that the police department be consulted on the latest redesign submitted by staff. Motion to table the resolution. By: Commissioner Beach, Seconded by Commissioner Leonardo RESOLVED, That the resolution to relocate the diverters at Wood and South Streets be tabled until the November 1, 2000 Committee of the Whole. Carried Unanimously 2. Sciencenter Parking. Charlie Trautman of the Sciencenter addressed the board concerning parking near their building. He stated that he understood they had a verbal approval to utilize First Street for perpendicular parking. Supt. Gray told the board that meeting notes were reviewed and there was no final decision on the issue. He explained his concern for maintaining access to the triangle property on First Street. He suggested that an annual license fee be issued to allow for parking. There are similar licenses throughout the city. Supt. Gray added that based on the site plan, the proposed parking gravel spaces would be 8'6" wide. He indicated that the proposed width is not a comfortable parking width. Mr. Trautman agreed that a license agreement would satisfy their needs if it were affordable. The board will vote on a resolution at their next regular meeting. Discussion followed concerning the Mayor calling a special meeting on November 1, 2000 to vote on this issue. 3. Request to Reduce Water and Sewer Bill. Mr. and Mrs. Gallucci were present to review their water and sewer bills with the board. They explained that they received a high bill, at which time they hired a plumber to make some repairs. Their next bill was higher than the proceeding bill and they don't understand how a large water usage could continue. They indicated that they recently found out that the neighbor's son was using their hose and could account for some of the water usage. This could explain the high usage for 105 Yates, but not for 107 Yates. Supt. Gray told the board that in the past, the board has reduced the sewer bill in similar instances. There is reason to believe that the water was used but not necessarily treated by the wastewater plant. The board agreed that this was a reasonable solution and will vote on a resolution at the next regular meeting. 4. Request for Land Swap—705 Giles Street. Attorney David Taylor, representing the seller of 705 Giles Street addressed the board concerning the property. He explained to the board that a portion of the dwelling is on city property and proposed a land swap. He indicated that there is a portion of the property that could be turned over to the city to extend the Six Mile Creek Preserve. Discussion followed concerning what benefit to the city this swap would be. Supt. Gray suggested that the city attorney review this and give the board input. This item will return to the board. Page - 2 BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES TRANSIT: Land Swap at 705 Giles Street ^^t By Commissioner Beach: Seconded by Commissioner Jenkins WHEREAS, the new property owner of 705 Giles Street would like to "clean up" the property survey since a portion of the existing structure and its related parking are located on City property, and WHEREAS, the current and previous owners are proposing a land swap of . 125 acres of land, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has considered both a swap and the outright sale of the . 125 acres of land, and WHEREAS, the board requested input from the Natural Areas Commission who approved the swap, as well as receiving input from the City Attorney and the Superintendent of Public Works; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works requests the neighborhood and Community Issues Committee review this item and recommend that Common Council approve the land swap as proposed in the letter of November 17, 2000 and as shown on a preliminary survey map by TG Miller, P.C. dated May 15, 2000 for 705 Giles Street and that the Attorney' s Office and Mayor complete the transaction. Carried Unanimously TRUE, WALSH & MILLER, LLP Attorneys at Law Peter J.Walsh The Commons Of Counsel Sally T.True 202 East State Street,71"Floor R.James Miller Ithaca,New York 14850 Fred Weinstein John Moss Hinchcliff Constance E.Cook Elena Salerno Flash Stephen Yale-Loehr Rosanne Mayer George R.Pfann,Jr. Roger B.Sovocool David A.Tyler Telephone.(607)2734200 Hilary T.Fraser Telecopicr:(607)272-6694 Laurie M.Johnston E-mail:dat @twmlaw.com WWW. http://www.twmiaw.com/ Suzanne V.Reinc � � � t JI`U �1 June 22, 2000 D JUN 2 3 2000 ;08 illiam�Grnten Public Works f aca t Green Street NY 14850 Re: 705 Giles Street(City of Ithaca Tax Parcels 110-5-1 110-5-2 110-5-11 and 110-5-12) Dear Mr. Gray: I represent the former owner and present first mortgage holder on the subject property. I am writing this letter on behalf of Donald Lucente,that person,as well as the purchasers,Edward and Caroline Cope and Jan D. Klotz,whose personal attorney is James A. Salk. The subject property was transferred early in May, according to the legal description contained in the enclosed copy of the deed. The transaction was closed without the benefit of survey because time was of the essence for the buyers in terms of completing the transfer of title. Subsequently,a survey of the property was obtained,a copy of which is enclosed herewith with the penned-in notation"preliminary." According to the survey,the fire escape part of the lawn, and a portion of the parking area off the street is not included in the deeded property. Record title of all the abutting property is in the City of Ithaca. In order to rectify the problem that presents itself for the benefit of the parties to the transaction as well as for the City,it has been proposed that there be a swap of land between the City and the parties as shown on the second copy of the survey with the term "preliminary" stamped on its face. The swap proposed is 1/8 of an acre. The parcel proposed to be relinquished could be adjusted if you felt that more land fronting on the Mulberry Street and out to Giles Street would be more desirable. The parties simply desire that an exchange be effected to allow the improvements in their entirety to be on the privately-held property, which is not the case now. Mr. William Gray June 22, 2000 Page 2 The proposal in its preliminary form was suggested to acting City Attorney,Patricia Dunn, by surveyor Allen Fulkerson, who in turn, we are told, referred it to you. I understand that your office was open to reviewing the idea with an eye to getting this matter resolved. Please treat this letter as our formal request for an exchange of the property shown on the enclosed map or something similar to it in order to rectify the descriptive and title problems which now exist. An outright purchase of the 1/8 acre is also a possibility but less preferable to the new owners. In that event, we understand an appraisal and more formalities in the way of approvals would be necessary. If you have any questions please feel free to call me or, if they relate specifically to the details of the survey,please contact Mr. Allen Fulkerson of T.G. Miller Engineers and Surveyors at 272-6477. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Very truly yours, �a - David A. Tyler DAT/dmlt Enclosures PC: Patricia Dunn, Acting City Atty. (w/o enc.) ✓ Allen T. Fulkerson(w/o enc.) James A. Salk,Esq. (map enc.) Robert C.Mulvey, Esq. (all enc.) George J. Gesslein(map enc.) Donald J.Lucente(all enc.) 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C3 N ................. s o b b" SM *** • �� e., ;�.�o. ^� *,'i p p4Opo-O'd.a 4 p 'A -15 O or y. . ♦ s " ♦♦ Dec. 1993 0 a Q o g ,g t , :.:::.::'::::. Natural Area Border :o''� SM-52 ::.•............ ::. ........• , •• o m 0 0 .................. j ♦ Conservation Easement °° 49 ::::::::':: p o ' \ o *• -53 or Equivalent . x t S 1 6 SM 02 *_* Qo�� South Hill °• � c e ..� Recreation Way D� SM-54** _ 4 :. SM 22 6 s City Owned Lands m Aa, M-01 *" SM-09*•*zt ..: a*a♦ SM-55 •'• 6 -. < Y♦♦� SA....... QQ SM-56 SM 25 y ° ♦. ; Substitute Park Land (CP#291) :;:.:• '.: ::' < :::<;.< .. :................. .. .... to ♦♦♦ ** o ♦♦sii GSM-58 f fl ♦'Z;SM-07 +Z. SM-05'' SM-59 o .• ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ iii... ... ' :-: Protection Plan - Purchase for Natural o, SM-60*" •� ♦•♦'Z •♦° . . a ° ': ♦Z Area Purposes (CP#292) ***= High Priority b •�-----�- M-0 .* =Medium Priority cao ° ° .... ::•:•:::::::. Purchases for Water = Low Priority , a ♦♦♦ &Sewer Purposes (CP#292) 0 Purchased by City Proposed for Sale o: e - a a ,fib•, ° City Land Purchases Since 1983 ID ciosingDate Amount Fund Notes SM-26 0 Researching data Capital Project Funding SM-25 0 Researching data as of April 1999 SM-06 03120/1996 24,900 CP#292 SM-03 11/20/1998 27,500 CP#292 SM-04 08/06/1997 25,000 CP#291 Current Balance in CP#292: $222,233 SM-02 09/17/1997 90,000 CP#291 SM-12 11/2311998 0 CP#291 Part of SM-11 Purchase SM-11 11/23/1998 100,000 CP#291 SM-17 03/31/1999 21,000 CP#291 Planning&Development Department Scale=1"":1400'