Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-2015-03-11 Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Committee Wednesday, March 11, 2015 – 6:00 p.m. Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street Minutes Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Graham Kerslick, Ellen McCollister, Cynthia Brock, and Josephine Martell Committee Members Absent: None Other Elected Officials Attending: Alderperson George McGonigal Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development; Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development; Megan Wilson, Senior Planner, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development; Jennifer Kusznir, Senior Planner, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development: and Debbie Grunder, Executive Assistant, Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Others Attending: Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1) Call to Order/Agenda Review There were no changes made to the agenda. 2) Public Comment and Response from Committee Members Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting Chair Murtagh read into the record a letter from ___________ a copy of which is included with these minutes on the historic district designations. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting 3) Special Order of Business a) Public Hearing – Repeal of Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ) Alderperson Kerslick moved to open the public hearing; Alderperson McCollister seconded the motion. There was no one from the public to speak. Alderperson McCollister moved to close the public hearing; Alderperson Kerslick seconded the motion. b) Public Hearing – Proposal to Amend the Industrial Zone Alderperson McCollister moved to open the public hearing; Alderperson Kerslick seconded the motion. There was no one from the public to speak. Alderperson McCollister moved to close the public hearing; Alderperson Brock seconded the motion. c) Public Hearing – Proposal to Rezone Former Gun Hill Factory Site Alderperson Brock moved to open the public hearing; Alderperson Kerslick seconded the motion. There was no one from the public to speak Alderperson McCollister moved to close the public hearing; Alderperson Kerslick seconded the motion. 4) Announcements, Updates, and Reports Planning staff reviewed the work plan and all were in agreement that the steep slope ordinance will be focused on. Another item they wish to complete is the designation of parks and natural areas. Commons is back on track. They will be back next week to do what they can do weather permitting. Surface work will go much quicker than the underground utilities. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting The Economic Summit was attended by Philly DeSarno, Mayor Svante Myrick, and JoAnn Cornish. The Mayor stated he is committed to create a working committee to look at the CIITAP program. Alderperson McCollister stated her support in looking at the steep slope ordinance since most of the City is on steep slopes. 5) Action Items – Voting to Send on to Council Alderperson McCollister, liaison for the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) provided information on the two designations. Comments from Tom Parsons and the County were received. The ILPC voted unanimously as well as the Planning Board to move this forward. Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner, provided the background of these two properties and the need for historic district designation. McCracken reaffirmed the sentiments from _________’s letter that the ILPC is not opposed to development. He further stated that the Common Council can override ILPC decisions on any development if they don’t support the development. The parking lot of the Ithaca Fire Department sits in the middle of the proposed Downtown West historic district. Concern was voiced that this property may in future years be used for future City Hall development. Cornish stated she understands that concern but also stated that the City should be held to the same standards as any developer. Alderperson Brock stated that previously we rezoned this area to CB-60 for the very reason to provide the type of development that if designated as an historic district would not permit. a) Proposed Historic District Designation – Downtown West Historic District RE: LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION OF THE DOWNTOWN WEST HISTORIC DISTRICT Moved by Alderperson McCollister; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission may recommend designation of individual landmarks and districts of historic and cultural significance, and WHEREAS, on February 10, 2015, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission conducted a public hearing for the purpose of considering a proposal to designate the West State and South Albany Street survey area as a local historic district, and Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, the proposal is a Type II Action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and an Unlisted Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and after conducting appropriate environmental review the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, acting as Lead Agency, has determined that the proposal will not have a significant environmental impact, and WHEREAS, the Commission finds that the proposal meets criteria under the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance and has voted to designate the West State and South Albany Street survey area as a local historic district, and WHEREAS, Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code states that the Council shall within ninety days of said recommendation to designate, approve, disapprove or refer back to the Commission for modification, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, the Planning Board shall file a report with the Council with respect to the relation of such designation to the comprehensive plan, the zoning law, projected public improvements, and any plans for the renewal of the site or area involved, and WHEREAS, a copy of the Planning Board's report and recommendation for approval of the designation, adopted by resolution at the meeting held on February 24, 2015, has been reviewed by the Common Council, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Common Council finds that the designation will not conflict with the comprehensive plan, existing zoning, projected public improvements, or any plans for renewal of the site and area involved, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Downtown West Historic District meets the definition of a local historic district as set forth in the Municipal Code, as follows: An area which contains primarily properties which meet one or more of the criteria for designation as an individual landmark, namely: 1. Possessing special character or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation; or 2. Being identified with historically significant person(s) or event(s); or 3. Embodying the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style; or 4. Being the work of a designer whose work has significantly influenced an age; or 5. Representing an established and familiar visual feature of the community Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting by virtue of its unique location or singular physical characteristics. and is an area which constitutes a distinct section of the city by reas on of possessing those qualities that would satisfy such criteria. and be it further RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Common Council approves the designation of the Downtown West Historic District as a Local Historic District under Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code. b) Proposed Historic Landmark Designation – 421 N. Albany St. (Dennis- Newton House) Alderperson McCollister commented that this property has been deemed condemned and receiving historic designation it will save the building from demolition. Alderperson Brock asked about the property owner’s concerns or view if this property is designated since in the City of Ithaca doesn’t require the owner to agree to this designation. McCracken stated that he has been fully informed of all the meetings and/or public hearings. He has not commented nor indicated any opposition of the designation but does still have the right to come forward prior to the Common Council meeting. It was further pointed out that the property owner has ignored all attempts made by the Building Department regarding the condition of the property, but the payment of taxes is up-to-date. Moved by Alderperson McCollister; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed Unanimously. WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) may designate landmarks and districts of historic and cultural significance, and WHEREAS, on February 10, 2015, the ILPC conducted a public hearing for the purpose of considering a proposal to designate the Dennis-Newton House, 421 N. Albany St., as a local landmark, and Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, the designation of a local landmark is a Type II action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and as such requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, the ILPC found that the proposal meets criterion “C.,” defining a “Local Landmark,” under the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance and on February 10, 2015, voted to designate the Dennis -Newton House as a local landmark, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, the Planning Board shall file a report with the Council with respect to the relation of such designation to the master plan, the zoning law, projected public improvements and any plans for the renewal of the site or area involved, and WHEREAS, a copy of the Planning Board's report and recommendation for approval of the designation, adopted by resolution at the meeting held on February 24, 2015, has been reviewed by the Co mmon Council, and WHEREAS, Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code states that the Council shall within ninety days of said designation, approve, disapprove or refer back to the ILPC for modification; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council finds that the designation is compatible with and will not conflict with the master plan, existing zoning, projected public improvements or any plans for renewal of the site and area involved, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Dennis-Newton House, 421 N. Albany St., meets the definition of a local landmark as set forth in the Municipal Code, as follows: A structure, memorial or site or a group of structures or memorials, including the adjacent areas necessary for the proper appreciation of the landmark, deemed worthy of preservation, by reason of its value to the city as: A. An outstanding example of a structure or memorial representative of its era, either past or present; B. One of the few remaining examples of a past architectural style or combination of styles; C. A place where an historical event of significance to the city, region, state or nation or representative activity of a past era took place or any structure, memorial or site which has a special character and aesthetic interest and value as part of the development, heritage and cultural characteristics of the City of Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting Ithaca, including sites of natural or ecological interest and be it further RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Common Council approves the designation of the Dennis-Newton House and the adjacent areas that are identified as tax parcel #50.-3-22 as a local landmark. c) Repeal of Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ) An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Repeal the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ) – Declaration of Lead Agency for Environmental Review Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Martell. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176 -6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Municipal Zoning Code to repeal the Collegetown Parki ng Overlay Zone (CPOZ). An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Repeal the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ) – Determination of Environmental Significance Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is considering an amendment to Chapter 325 of the Municipal Code in order to repeal the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ), and Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated February 19, 2015, and WHEREAS, these zoning amendments have been reviewed by the Tompkins County Planning Department Pursuant to §239-l–m of the New York State General Municipal Law, which requires that all actions within 500 feet of a county or state facility, including county and state highways, be reviewed by the County Planning Department, and have also been reviewed by the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council and the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is an “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth in the Full Environmental Assessment Form, dated February 19, 2015, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Repeal the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ) Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Passed Unanimously. WHEREAS, the adoption of the Collegetown Area Form Districts in 2014changed the off-street parking requirements for the majority of properties included in the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ),resulting in a conflict between the requirements of the new form-based code and the CPOZ legislation, and Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, there are approximately 145 properties to the west and south of central Collegetown that are still subject to the requirements of the CPOZ while other residential zones in the city share a common off-street parking requirement, and WHEREAS, the majority of these properties are part of the City’s East Hill Historic District, and the repeal of the CPOZ will support the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission’s efforts to preserve green space in the historic district, WHEREAS, by repealing the CPOZ, the 145 properties will be subject to the off- street parking requirements of the underlying zoning; now, therefore, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: ORDINANCE NO. ____ Section 1. Chapter 325, Sections 325-4 and 325-5 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca are hereby amended to delete any reference to the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ). Section 2. Chapter 325 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to delete §325-20D(3)(d), “Parking in the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone,” in its entirety and all subsequent sections shall be renumbered accordingly. Section 3. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to delete any reference to the Collegetown Parking Overlay Zone (CPOZ). Section 4. All applicable sections within the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca shall be updated in accordance with the amendmen ts made herewith. Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 6. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. d) Proposal to Amend the Industrial Zone Alderperson McGonigal voiced his concern that the industrial zones are so close to water which would require a significant foundation. It was decided the need for the attorney’s clarification of the definition of ‘industrial use’. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Passed unanimously. Draft Resolution 3/4/15 An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” to Amend the Industrial (I-1) Zoning District in Order to Require a Minimum of two Stories for New Non-Industrial Construction – Declaration of Lead Agency WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposal to amend the I-1 zoning district in order to require a minimum of two stories for new non-industrial construction. Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Martell. Passed unanimously. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting Draft Resolution 3/4/15 An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” to Amend the Industrial (I-1) Zoning District in Order to Require a Minimum of two Stories for New Non-Industrial Construction – Declaration of Environmental Significance 1. WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering to amend the I-1 zoning district in order to require new non- industrial construction to have a minimum of two stories, and 2. WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated February 23, 2015, and 3. WHEREAS, the proposed action is a “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and 4. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it 1. RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental Assessment Form, dated February 23, 2015, and be it further 2. RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further 3. RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. . Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting ORDINANCE NO. ____ An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” to Amend the Industrial (I-1) Zoning District in Order to Require a Minimum of two Stories for New Non-Industrial Construction 1. WHEREAS, the Official City of Ithaca Zoning Map currently has five locations that are designated as Industrially zoned districts (I-1); Cherry Street, Carpenter Business Park, the former Emerson site, the former Ithaca Gun site, and a triangular piece of land wedged between the north side of Willow Avenue and the west side of Route 13 North, and 2. WHEREAS, the area restrictions in the I-1 zoning district were originally established in order to allow for industrial uses, which may include large one story buildings that can accommodate storage and machinery and therefore has no minimum story requirement, and 3. WHEREAS, in order to allow for a mix of compatible uses, the Industrial zone allows for all permitted uses within the City’s zoning ordinance, with the exception of residential uses, and 4. WHEREAS, given the limited amount of developable industrial space within the City, one-story development is only appropriate for industrial uses and all other uses should be multi story development, therefore BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Chapter 325, Section 325-3, entitled “Definitions and Word Usage,” be amended to add the following definition: Industrial Uses Any use having to do with the business of manufacturing products, including, warehousing, wholesaling, lumberyards, storage and handling of bulk goods (not including rubbish as defined in § 196.1) Section 2. Chapter 325, Section 325-16, entitled “Height regulations,” be amended to add a new section “H” to read as follows: H. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the I-1 district, no new construction of a primary non-industrial use building shall be erected that is less than two stories. When an addition or series of additions to a non-industrial primary use building existing as of the date of this ordinance is constructed, that part of the addition or additions in excess of 50% of the building area of the existing building shall also not be less than two stories. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting e) Proposal to Rezone Former Gun Hill Factory Site Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously. Draft Resolution 3/4/15 An Ordinance Amending The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” in order to Rezone Portions of the I-1 Zoning District to R-3a and P-1– Declaration of Lead Agency WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is an “TYPE I” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposal to rezone portions of the I-1 zoning district to R- 3a and P-1. Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting Draft Resolution 3/4/15 An Ordinance Amending The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” in order to Rezone Portions of the I-1 Zoning District to R-3a and P-1– Declaration of Environmental Significance 1. WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering a proposal to rezone portions of the I-1 zoning district to R-3a and P-1, and 2. WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), dated February 23, 2015, and 3. WHEREAS, the proposed action is a “TYPE I” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and 4. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the FEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it 1. RESOLVED, That this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Full Environmental Assessment Form, dated February 23, 2015, and be it further 2. RESOLVED, That this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further 3. RESOLVED, That this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ITHACA, CHAPTER 325, ENTITLED “ZONING” TO REZONE PORTIONS OF THE I-1 ZONING DISTRICT TO R-3a AND P-1 WHEREAS, the former Ithaca Gun site is located adjacent to Ithaca Falls and within a residential neighborhood, and WHEREAS, the site is currently zoned for industrial uses, which was established when the site was an active gun factory, and WHEREAS, the factory has long been closed and the site has remained vacant for many years, and WHEREAS, given its location, industrial uses could have large impacts to the existing adjacent residential development and are therefore not a desirable land use for this area, and WHEREAS, on November 5, 2003, the Common Council adopted the Gun Hill Area plan as an amendment to the City Comprehensive Plan, which stated that industrial uses are no longer appropriate for this location, and WHEREAS, the current draft City Comprehensive Plan determined that the appropriate future land use of this site is medium density residential, and WHEREAS, as a part of the environmental remediation of the Gun Hill site the City dedicated the southern portion of parcel 11.-3-1.21, which is currently zoned I-1, as parkland, therefore BE IT NOW ORDAINED AND EN ACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca that Chapter 325 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended as follows: Section 1. Chapter 325, Section 325-5, of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the zoning designation from I-1 to the R-3a designation for the following tax parcels: 12.-7-4,28.-3-5, 11.-3-1.23, and 11.-3-1.22. The boundaries of this amendment are shown on the map entitled “Proposed Rezoning of the Former Ithaca Gun Site-February 2015,” a copy of which shall be on file in the City Clerk’s office. Section 2. , Chapter 325, Section 325-5, of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the zoning designation from I-1 to P-1 for a portion of parcel 11.-3-1.21, so that the entire parcel will now be zoned I-1. Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting f) Planning Board as Lead Agency – Common Council as an Involved Agency Alderperson McCollister stated her support of this change. Common Council Concurrence that the Planning Board be Lead Agency in Environmental Review For Site Plan Review Projects for which the Common Council is an Involved Agency. Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS: 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter 176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS: State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS: State Law also specifies that when an agency proposes to directly undertake, fund or approve a Type I Action or an Unlisted Action undergoing coordinated review with other involved agencies, it must notify them that a lead agency must be agreed upon within 30 calendar days of the date that the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) or draft EIS was transmitted to them, and WHEREAS: Projects submitted to the Planning Board for Site Plan Review and Approval, at times involve approvals or funding from Common Council, making Council an involved agency in environmental review, and WHEREAS: in order to avoid delays in establishing a Lead Agency and to make the environmental review process more efficient, it is desirous to have an agreement that the Planning Board will assume Lead Agency status for such projects, and WHEREAS: in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Law and the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, involved agencies are provided with project information and environmental forms for their review, as well as all environmental determinations, now be it RESOLVED: that Common Council does hereby consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for site plan review projects for which Common Council has been identified as an Involved Agency, and be it further Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting RESOLVED: this action does not affect Common Council’s ability to not consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency, should it so desire, for any future project. Draft Resolution: Common Council Concurrence that the Planning and Development Board be Lead Agency in Environmental Review for the Proposed Mixed Use Project to be Located at 210 Hancock Street. Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Martell. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS: 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter 176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS: State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has one pending application for site plan approval for a mixed use project known as 210 Hancock Street by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), applicant and owner, and WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to redevelop the entire 2.01 acre parcel currently containing the vacant former grocery store, a smaller commercial building and a 110 -space parking lot. The applicant proposes to construct thirteen 2-story for sale townhomes and a 4-story, approximately 65,000 SF, mixed use building with approximately 50 apartments and three ground floor commercial spaces totaling approximately 10,000 SF. 70 parking spaces will be provided – approximately one third of which will be on the ground floor of the apartment building. The applicant also proposes to convert portions of Adams St and Lake Ave (both of which are public streets) into “living streets” by making them narrower, providing green areas and installing bike and pedestrian amenities. The project is in the B- 2a Zoning District and will likely require subdivision in the future. The project will require the following approvals: a parking variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), approval from the Board of Public Works (BPW) for improvements to property in the p ublic way, approval for funding from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) and approval from Common Council, and WHEREAS: this is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, §176-4 (h)(2),(k), and (n) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, §617.4 (9), and is subject to environmental review, and Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS: the BZA, BPW, IURA and Common Council have all been identified as potentially involved agencies for the environmental review of this project, now therefore be it RESOLVED: that Common Council does hereby consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for the 210 Hancock Street Project. Draft Resolution: Common Council Concurrence that the Planning Board be L ead Agency in Environmental Review for the Proposed Lake Street Public Park Enhancement Project to be located on Lake Street at Fall Creek. Moved my Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson McCollister. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS: 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter 176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS: State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has one pending application for site plan approval for proposed park enhancements at Lake Street Park by the City of Ithaca, applicant and owner, and WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to undertake enhancements to improve the accessibility and functionality of the park. Proposed work includes adding a concrete walkway and falls overlook, installing metal guardrails behind the existing stone retaining wall, installing a movable gate for controlled access to the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, replacing the existing bike racks, adding an accessible curb ramp, improving the landscaping, and other site improvements. The project is in the P-1 Zoning District and requires approvals from the Board of Public Works (BPW) and Common Council, and WHEREAS: this is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQRO”) §176-4 B.(h)[2] and [3] and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA) §617.4 (11) and is subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS: the BPW and Common Council have both been identified as potentially involved agencies in the environmental review of this project, now therefore be it Approved at the April 8, 2015 PEDC Meeting RESOLVED: that Common Council does hereby consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for the proposed Lake Street Public Park Enhancement Project. 6) Action Items – Approval to Circulate a) Divestiture of City-owned Lands – Elmira Road, Seneca Street, State/MLK Street This item was not discussed at this meeting. It will be discussed at the April 8, 2015 meeting. 7) Review and Approval of Minutes a) January and February 2015 Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed unanimously. 8) Adjournment Chair Murtagh motioned to adjourn at 8:32 p.m.