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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-19. �A Members Present: Sczepanski, Jim Others present: Minutes Town of Danby Planning Board September 19, 1984 Carol Benjamin, Nancy Weitzel, Donald Graham, Walt Hovanne, Joel Gagnon, Marilyn Seeley, Pam Clermont, Michael Loehr. The meeting was called to order at 7135 P.M. Minutes of the July meeting were approved, as amended. Mike Loehr, Director of the Ithaca Children's Trust, came before the Board with an application for a planned development district. The district would be located on 90 acres of the Rosemary (Miller) Long property, which adjoins the Town Hall on 96B.. Included would be the house and barn, as well as property behind them. The property would be used for a group home for children requiring a more structured environ- ment than a foster home while at the same time retaining a family type of care. This would be accomplished by placing the children in groups under the care of a live -in couple. Eventually up to 16 children would be accomodated,in two groups (6 -8 children /children's house). The house couples would be backed up by additional staff -- at envisioned capa- city, 8 resident and 2 part -time staff. Mike stressed that the type of care provided would differ from both foster care and the usual group home, where the staff rotates. It would serve not only Tompkins, but adjacent counties as well. The Ithaca Children's Trust is a not -for - profit organization, a branch of an international not - for - profit organization known as the Salem Children's Trust. There are two operating branches in the U.S., one in N.H., the other in MD. Mike worked one summer at the N.H. branch and so is familiar with the operation there.. Since the Trust is tax- exempt, there was concern about the impact of the development on the Town's tax base. Mike said that while the trusts are eligible for exemption from property taxes, all of the branches in fact pay these taxes, and the Ithaca Children's Trust would also. He indicated a willingness to so state as part of the planned development agreement. There was concern about the possibility of delinquency. Mike respon- ded by stating that the home would be for behaviorally and emotionally disturbed children only. These kids would not have a history of trouble with the law. Rather, they would be the ones too hard to handle in a foster home who need a more structured environment, but who also need to belong to a small family -like group. On further discussion, it became clear that the Trust as of yet does not have an operating license from the State. As part of they licensing procedure, a "needs assessment survey" of Tompkins and the adjoining counties is to be carried out. Mike was confident that the survey would show a need for this type of facility, but the Board did not feel it would be appropriate to vote on his proposal until the results of that survey are available. Further action was postponed until such time as this information is available. Mike thought that might be in early November. We agreed that if this should turn out to be so, we would be willing to meet of his proposal. N in special session in order to speed up consideration The Board _decided to move the November meeting to the 28th, since It-would otherwise bLa.ve fallen on the day before Thanksgiving. On the agenda for the October meeting are a review of the schedule of fees (for building permits and other zoning actions), and considera- tion of revised planned development regulations. Jim said he know an Independent inspector who hires himself out to towns and that he would ask him about the fees he charges to use as a starting point for our fees discussion. Pam said she would check on the extent of State reim- bursement. Fleeting adjourned at 9 :15 P.M. 1 Submitted by Joel Gagnon