Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2026-Planning Board-Minutes Final Mary Ann Barr 2021 Planning Board Minutes Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 7:00PM The Town of Danby 1830 Danby Road Ithaca, NY 14850 danby.ny.gov PRESENT: Ed Bergman Colleen Cowan Jody Scriber Jamie Vanucchi Kelly Maher ABSENT: Jacob Colbert OTHER ATTENDEES Town Planner Greg Hutnik Recording Secretary Cindy Katz Public (in person) Leslie Connors, Zachary Larkins, Ted Crane, Kate Riley (Fingerlakes Land Trust), Kerry Johnson, Pacific Austin MINUTES This meeting was conducted in person with access on the Zoom platform 1. CALL TO ORDER/AGENDA REVIEW The meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM. There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. 2. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Ted Crane is pleased to see that the easement is being considered. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 2026 The Planning Board did not vote on the minutes because they did not have enough people who would be able to approve it. 4. TOWN BOARD LIAISON REPORT (VERBAL) Connors spoke, not as a representative of the board but as a representative of herself: She would like people to know that Supervisor Gagnon has told the board that he respects the decision of the Tompkins County Ethics Committee and that many people see a conflict of interest here [in regards to Gagnon seeking to hire his tenant for the assistant to the Supervisor]. There will be a meeting tomorrow and this will be discussed. 5. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SUB 2026-03 400 Gunderman Road Parcel: 8.-1-26 Applicant: Finger Lakes Land Trust on behalf of Catherine Darrow (Owner) Zone: Rural 1 SEQR: Unlisted Proposal: Subdivide 124-acre lot into two lots: one approx. 41 acres; the other approx. 83 acres Anticipated Board Action: Declare Lead Agency for SEQRA; Review Application; Schedule Public Hearing Chair Maher reviewed the anticipated process for the evening. Kate Riley from the Fingerlakes Land Trust explained this is not an easement, although it is “in the name of conservation.” This request is for a subdivision on land along the headwaters of Lick Brook. After the subdivision, the owner of the land will be able to donate the land to the land trust. They reviewed the aerial view. Although no road frontage is required, the applicants elected to have a little in order to allow for easier access. They discussed the purpose of the wedge at the north part of the parcel as a potential future path towards purchasing additional land in the future. MOTION: To Pass Resolution No 9 of 2026 Declaring Lead Agency, Minor Subdivision, 400 Gunderman Road, Tax parcel 8.-1-26 Moved by Cowan, seconded by Maher Discussion: Planner Hutnik asked for assistance with the appropriate language for the resolution if this was not actually an easement. The applicant replied that the land will owned in “in fee title” and perpetually conserved. They edited the language of the resolution to reflect as such. Planning Board Resolution No.9 of 2026 – Declaring lead agency, minor subdivision, 400 Gunderman Road, Tax Parcel #8.-1-26 Whereas an application has been submitted for review and approval by the Town of Danby Planning Board for a Minor Subdivision of Town of Danby Tax Parcel No. 8.-1-26, by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, applicant, on behalf of Catherin Darrow, owner; and Whereas the applicant proposes to subdivide the existing 124.1-acre property into two parcels: one measuring approximately 40.7 acres to be owned by the Finger Lakes Land Trust and the other measuring approximately 83.4 acres; and Whereas the property is in the Rural 1 Zoning District, requiring a lot area minimum of 10 acres and lot depth of 800 feet; and Whereas this is considered a Minor Subdivision in accordance with the Town of Danby Subdivision and Land Division Regulations, Article II, § 201 B.1. Minor Subdivision, Option #1 – A large-lot land division is permitted, provided the following criteria are met: a. All lots resulting from the land division are (8) acres or more, each with frontage on a public road maintained year-round; b. All lots resulting from the land division meet all other pertinent zoning requirements; and c. No extension or improvement of an existing, or creation of a new public road, public utility, or other public facility or area is involved. d. Compliance with the Stormwater Local Law, if applicable, has been demonstrated, including, but not limited to, the preparation and approval of SWPPPs, the obtaining of Stormwater Permits, and the design, planning, installation, construction, maintenance, and improvement of temporary and permanent Stormwater Management Practices, as each and all of such capitalized terms are defined within such Stormwater Local Law; and Whereas this is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review; and Whereas the Town of Danby Planning Board has sole responsibility for approving Minor Subdivisions; Now Therefore, be it Resolved that the Town of Danby Planning Board on April 15, 2026 does hereby declare itself Lead Agency for the environmental review for the action of Minor Subdivision approval for Town of Danby Tax Parcel No. 8.-1-26, by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, applicant, on behalf of Catherin Darrow, owner. The motion passed. In favor: Bergman, Cowan, Scriber, Vanucchi, Maher MOTION: To schedule a Public Hearing at the May meeting for a subdivision 400 Gunderman Road, Tax Parcel #8.-1-26 Moved by Maher, seconded by Vanucchi The motion passed. In favor: Bergman, Cowan, Scriber, Vanucchi, Maher SEQR will take place in May. SPR-2026-01 00 Deputron Hollow Road Parcel: 12.-1-13.4 Applicant: Keri Johnson Zone: Rural 1 (with Overlay Zones) SEQR: Type II Proposal: Construct single dwelling unit Anticipated Board Action: Review Sketch Plan; Schedule Public Hearing Applicant Kerry Johnson explained to the board that this development is still contingent on many factors, including septic, the subdivision, whether or not the site is buildable and more. The applicant is looking to downsize to a 600 square foot house. She is looking to clean up the land and steward it, as it needs a lot of TLC, and has three generations of waste on it. The applicant wishes to improve conditions for the creek, protect the riparian buffer, all while behaving in an environmentally responsible way that utilizes the natural constraints of the land. Applicant is currently working with a number of agencies to assess the needs and potential future development of the project. She feels she needs approval here in order to go forward. The project will require a lot of clean-up but it will be a “labor of love.” Planner Hutnik clarified the parcel’s location on a Rural 1 existing lot, adding that it still needs Site Plan Review and that the Habitat and Riparian Overlay will also need to be considered. He mentioned that the Planning Board could grant a waiver for crossing the stream, and that there is a logical place for building which also happens to line up with where development is permitted. They briefly discussed potential and/or known locations of utilities (the applicant is waiting for information about the septic from the health department), the good quality soil, if the Planning Board could visit the site, and the large task of cleaning it up. Planner Hutnik commented on the benefit of having someone come in to build a modest house and then clean up the property as a real added value and Chair Maher wondered if grant money could be received for clean-up. Connors suggested surveying neighbors for what they may know about the history of the property. MOTION: To Schedule a Public Hearing for the May Planning Board Meeting for Site Plan Review at 00 Deputron Hollow Road Parcel: 12.-1-13.4 Planner Hutnik added that the site plan can always be conditioned on health department approving the septic. Moved by Cowan, seconded by Bergman The motion passed. In favor: Bergman, Cowan, Scriber, Vanucchi, Maher SPR-2026-02 15 Bald Hill Road Parcel: 10.-1-39 Applicant: Town of Danby Proposal: Construct a public skate park Zone: Hamlet Neighborhood SEQR: Unlisted Anticipated Board Action: Sketch Plan Review Planner Hutnik explained that he recently learned that government agencies, like the Town Board, can be exempt from local land use regulations and therefore they could request from the Planning Board that they be exempt from site plan review. He also explained that the action is currently listed as “unlisted”-- but if the town decides to designate the land as a “park,” it would be classified as a Type 2 action. He explained the site is small and the environmental review would be pretty basic, but whoever does the review will need to make sure that flood plain regulations are being met, as the property is next to Buttermilk Creek. Planner Hutnik stated that the Town Board would welcome the Planning Board’s opinion regardless of if it chooses to use its immunity. He clarified that the immunity is permitted because government agencies are seen to be doing something for the public good. He encouraged the Planning Board to consider their thoughts on not being the agency to do the site plan review. The members seemed interested in reviewing the application, felt like they would do a good and efficient job at it, and wondered since the board is very busy perhaps it makes sense for them [the Planning Board] to review the impacts, as they regularly do these kind of reviews and know the best practices. They discussed next steps and considered that the Town Board will meet the following week and the process may become more clear after that. They discussed the pros and cons of this regulation that allows a municipality to not follow local zoning regulations and considered some anecdotal tales of its use. They turned to the sketch of the proposed skate park. Larkins explained that the location of the parking lot has been moved already, and he detailed what work would occur at various stages of development. They discussed how most of the property is in the floodplain, how the “bowl” will be elevated onto higher ground, and mitigation of impervious surfaces with plantings. Larkins stated that tank remediation had previously occurred, and previous soil testing did not show any issues. They discussed how in 1991 there were plans for a community center there. They continued to discuss water management and the riparian buffer on the site. Chair Maher suggested limiting it as much as possible by pushing things up the hill, but they wondered if the picnic table slab would be encroaching. Larkins stated that this spot was chosen because there already was a surface (impervious) present. Planner Hutnik spoke to Tompkins County Soil and Water a month back and they expressed that they would help with how water is handled on the site. Vanucchi suggested it could be a good demo site for native plantings and they could receive funding for that. She said she could send along opportunities she was aware of. Maher asked that the sketch show the fifty foot riparian buffer line for site plan review. They discussed the process for the design planning, and Vanucchi offered to help with digital design. Chair Maher said they’d like to see the photos to get a sense of what it will look like. They discussed details about the bowl and pipe, that the neighbors have shown mostly support, and that the thinking now is that there will not be lighting, at least in the early stages. They discussed public hearing, noting that it is not tied to SEQR so they can have one without being lead agency. MOTION: Schedule a Public Hearing for the May meeting to do site plan review at 15 Bald Hill Road Parcel: 10.-1-39 on the condition that the Town Board agrees with the Planning Board doing the review Moved by Cowan, Bergman seconds The motion passed. In favor: Bergman, Cowan, Scriber, Vanucchi, Maher 6. DRAFT SPECIAL EVENTS LAW REVIEW Planner Hutnik reviewed the process that led to the current draft, and went over the basics of the draft law. He noted that the number of allowed events has swung greatly, and that discussion on the noise levels is still occurring. He framed this draft law as a “temporary land use” that may not be allowed by the regular zoning and encouraged the Planning Board members to consider if the law is set up in a way that will cover basic needs related to events such as safety and sanitation etc. They discussed the vehicle number parameter vs a number of people parameter and how those numbers developed. They touched on a number of topics including car relay racing, the need for EMS and fire fighters, insurance liability requirements, and fees. Chair Maher commented on the important of getting out notices to the neighbors. Planner Hutnik encouraged anyone to please be in touch with him if they have any additional thoughts. 7. PLANNER REPORT (VERBAL) - The South Hill Trail extension is making more headway and the groundbreaking ceremony is next Saturday in case anyone would like to join. - They are close to rolling out the new CDBG programing - Special event law is still being worked on. - Sewer project working group asking for some clarifications from DEC about what technology is allowed. The Town will need to make a decision soon about if they are going to move ahead. - He is considering applying for a grant for a feasibility study on the Dotson land. - NY State updated their wetland regulations. However, the regulations were annulled by the courts for not following SEQR as they did not consider the impact the wetlands would have on non-wetland areas. Currently it is unclear what it all means going forward regarding wetlands. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM.