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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2008-12-11Approved by ILPC – 3/12/09 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission December 11, 2008 Present: Alphonse Pieper, Chair Nancy Brcak George Holets Susan Jones Susan Stein Lynn Truame Mary Tomlan, Common Council Liaison Leslie Chatterton, Staff Megan Gilbert, Staff Chair A. Pieper called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and read the legal notices for the public hearings. I. PUBLIC HEARING A. Paul Milstein Hall, University Avenue/Cornell Campus, Arts Quad Historic District – proposal for new construction B. Central Avenue Parking Garage, Central Avenue/Cornell Campus, Arts Quad Historic District – proposal for new construction Public Hearing On a motion by N. Brcak, seconded by L. Truame, Chair A. Pieper opened the public hearing. Hunter Rawlings, Ithaca, read a letter from Cornell University President David Skorton supporting Milstein Hall. He also expressed his personal support of the project which began during his tenure as the University’s president. George Hascup, Ithaca, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. He believes the building’s design is a contemporary response to historic buildings and appreciates the preservation of surrounding buildings and landscaping. Barry Perlus, Ulysses, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. He noted that the design is bold yet respectful and will create flexible, open, adaptable space that will allow collaborative work. David Taube, Lansing, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. He believes the project will enhance space for students and faculty and architecture students will benefit from a “living laboratory.” Jack Becker, Ithaca, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. He stated that he was attracted to the architecture program at Cornell in part because of the proposed building, and he believes the new building is a critical step in the program’s progress. Vincent Mulcahy, Ithaca, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. He stated that the current facilities make it hard for faculty and staff to do what they do and Milstein Hall will be a 1 J:\GROUPS\Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission\Minutes\2008\1211.doc ILPC Minutes December 11, 2008 clean, industrial, flexible space that will connect departments and buildings. The faculty is delighted that Rand Hall is staying and coming back to life. Daniel Marino, Ithaca, spoke in favor of Milstein Hall. He stated that he is excited to have the building be a part of the architecture program and Milstein Hall will provide a needed connection between Rand and Sibley Halls and the Foundry. Anton Christiansen, Ithaca, spoke in favor of Milstein Hall. Kathryn Gleason, Ithaca, spoke in favor of Milstein Hall. Located between the iconic landscape of the Arts Quad and Fall Creek, the site of the proposed building currently has a negative role as surface parking. The proposed design strengthens all of the buildings involved and will be an inspiration. Gilbert Delgado, Lansing, read two letters to the Commission, one from himself and the other from Cornell University’s Architecture Advisory Committee. Both letters expressed support for Milstein Hall. Molly Chiang, Ithaca, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. She noted that there is currently a lack of studio space on-campus and students must have studios in off-campus locations which has disrupted the connection to the rest of the college community. Andrew Jason Linn, Ithaca, spoke in support of Milstein Hall. In talking with other students, students in the architecture program are supportive of the new building though some art students have expressed concerns about the Foundry. Most agree that the additional space is needed. The public hearing was closed on a motion by N. Brcak, seconded by S. Jones. Chair A. Pieper explained that Commission members can comment on the applications and public comments at this time, but a more detailed discussion will occur in January. G. Holets stated that he has and continues to support the proposal to construct Milstein Hall. S. Jones stated that she appreciates the comments from the public and noted that this evening’s meeting provided her with a lot of information to consider. L. Truame stated that she also appreciates the comments presented by members of the public. She understands the need for additional space and does not oppose modern architecture. She likes the design’s treatment of Rand and Sibley, but she remains concerned about the Foundry. Chair A. Pieper agreed with these comments. He understands the need for additional space. He appreciates the treatment of the Arts Quad, particularly Sibley Hall, but he is -2- ILPC Minutes December 11, 2008 also concerned about the Foundry. He will look at the information he has received this evening and discuss questions at the next meeting. N. Brcak stated she appreciated John Bero’s attendance and his discussion of historic preservation in a changing world. She believes the proposed design of Milstein Hall is far superior to the designs previously considered, but she is concerned about the relationship of the new building to the Foundry. Staff received four other letters in support of Milstein Hall as well as one letter expressing opposition to the project. The letters were distributed to Commission members. II. PLEASURE OF THE CHAIR A. Administrative Matters B. Public Comment on Matters of Interest None C. Communications None III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 13, 2008 On a motion by L. Truame, seconded by S. Stein, the minutes from the November 13, 2008 meeting were approved without corrections by a unanimous vote of the ILPC. IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Former Ithaca Gas Works, Individual Landmark - Staff announced that the ILPC will review an application from the Ithaca City School District to demolish the Former Ithaca Gas Works at the January 2009 meeting. An environmental review of the proposal must precede the Commission’s decision on the application so there will not be a vote at the January meeting. The application will be controversial because there is a public perception that refusal of demolition means the site cannot be cleaned up effectively. V. NEW BUSINESS None VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. by Chair A. Pieper. Respectfully Submitted, Leslie A. Chatterton, Secretary Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission -3-