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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-24`rB 6 -24 -2009
TOWN OF DRYDEN
SPECIAL TOWNBOARD MEETING
JUNE 24, 2009
Present: Supervisor Mary Ann Sumner, Cl Stephen Stelick, Jr., Cl Joseph
Solomon, Cl David Makar, CI Jason Leifer
Elected Officials: Bambi L. Hollenbock, Town Clerk
Other Town Staff: Mahlon R_ Perkins, Town Attorney
Kevin Ezell, Zoning Officer
Jeff Kirby, Telecommunications Consultant
Supv Sumner opened the meeting at 6:10 p.m. and board members and guests
participated in the pledge of allegiance.
Supv Sumner said the Recreation Department needs a four -bay sink in order to meet.
Health Department requirements for its events such as Music in the Park where food is being
served. The cost for a new sink is around $2,500. The Recreation Director has an opportunity
to purchase a used sink on E -bay for $1,050.00 if we can cut a check soon. She asked the
board to approve the voucher for payment.
RESOLUTION #109 — APPROVE VOUCHER FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT
Cl Stelick offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
RESOLVED, that this Town Board hereby approves voucher #567, payment to
Concessions Plus in the amount of $1,050.00, and directs that the check be cut and sent to
the vendor immediately.
2nd CI Solomon
Roll Call Vote Cl Stelick Yes
Cl Solomon Yes
Supv Sumner Yes
Cl Leifer Yes
VERIZON WIRELESS SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION
TO CONSTRUCT A TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER
AT 1536 HANSHAW ROAD
The board received a document prepared by Atty Perkins containing summaries of the
background of the application, public hearing and comments, findings, environmental review,
and determination. Atty Perkins advised the board to review part one of the environmental
assessment form and complete part two.
Supv
Sumner stated
the
applicant is Upstate
Cellular Network d /b /a Verizon Wireless
quid read the
following from
part
one of the
EAF.
A. Site Description —
1. The present land use is residential and forest.
Page l of 23
IWO
TB 6 -24 -2009
• 21 Total acreage - .65. Presently .65 acres is forested and following the
construction .346 acres will be meadow, .01 will be forest, and .25 will be the
yard and access drive, and .009 will be roads, buildings and other paved
surfaces.
3. The predominant soil type is Langford chatuiery silt loam.
3a. The soil drainage is 100% well - drained.
4. There are no bedrock outcroppings, but according to Soil Conservation
Service maps, the depth to bedrock is 1.84 feet.
5. Zero to 10% of the site is sloped.
6,7. There is no historic building, site or district nearby.
8. Depth to water table is 1.23 feet according to the Soil Conservation Service.
9. It is not located over a primary, principal or sole source aquifer.
10. Do hunting, fishing or shell fishing opportunities presently exist in the
project area? No.
1.1. Does project site contain any species of plant or animal life that is identified
• as threatened or endangered? According to Earth Dimensions, Inc. on
August 22, 2008, the answer is no.
Supv Sunnier said she also reviewed a study prepared for the 'Town of Ithaca on
the Sapsucker Woods area and said she was surprised how fear fair species were
involved. There are some grasses and such, but that was it.
12. Are there any unique or unusual land forms on the project site? No.
13. Is the project site presently used by the community or neighborhood as an
open space or recreation area? After discussion, the board agreed the
answer should be ves.
14. Does the present site include scenic views known to be important to the
community? No.
1.5. Streams within or contiguous to project area: None
16. Lakes, ponds, wetland areas within or contiguous to project area: None
17, is the site served by existing public utilities? Yes.
18. Is the site located in an agricultural district certified pursuant to Agriculture
and Markets Law, Article 24 -AA? Noy.
19. Is the site located in or substantially contiguous to a Critical Environmental
Area designated pursuant to Article 8 of the ECL and 6 NYCR.R 617? No.
Supv Sumner noted that it is not far from the Sapsucker Woods natural
area.
Page 2 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
20. Has the site ever been used for the disposal of solid or ha7ardous wastes?
No.
13, Project Description.
1. Physical dimensions and scale of project:
(a) Total contiguous acres owned by or controlled by sponsor - .65 acres
(b) Acreage to be developed - .294 inital.ly and .294 ultimately
(e) Acreage to remain undeveloped - .356
(d) Length of project in miles - N/A
(e) No expansion is planned.
(t) Two off street parking spaces are proposed.
(g) Maximum vehicular trips generated per hour - 2 -3 per month.
(h) There are no housing units on the project site.
(i) Dimensions in feet of largest proposed structure: 1 1.4' tower height; 11'6"
building width, 30' long building length
(j) Linear feet of frontage along a public thoroughfare - 30'.
2. How much natural material will be removed from the site - None
3. Will disturbed areas be reclaimed - Yes, graded Fuld seeded. Topsoil and
upper subsoil will be stockpiled for reclamation.
4. How many acres of vegetation will be removed - .294 acres
5.
Will
any mature forest: (over 100 years
old) be
removed - No.
6.
It is
a single phase project with a
three month
anticipated construction time.
7. Multi- phased - N/A
8. Will blasting occur - No
9. Number of jobs generated during construction - 10; after completion - None.
1.0. Number of jobs eliminated by this project - None.
1.1. Will project require relocation of any projects or facilities - No.
12. Is surface liquid wast.c disposal involved - No.
13. Is subsurface liquid waste disposal involved - No.
14. Will surface area of an existing water body increase or decrease by this
proposal - No.
'15. Is this project or any part of the project in a 100 year flood plain - No.
16. Will the project generate solid waste - No.
17.
Will
the
project;
involve the disposal of solid
waste - No.
is18.
Will
the
project
use herbicides or pesticides
- No.
Nape 3 of 23
`hQ 6 -24 -2009
19. Will the project routinely produce odors - No.
20. Will the project produce operating noise exceeding the local ambient noise
level - No.
21. Will the project result in increased energy use - Yes, it %will use some
electricity.
it. was noted there is a backup generator that «rill operate once a week and if the
power is out. It is housed in the shelter and within the screened area. It is
similar to a typical house generator.
22, 23. Water supply - N/A
24. Does project involve local, state or federal funding - No.
25. Approvals required: Special Use hermit and Site Plan Approval from Towr►
Board.
Supv Sumner asked whether Tompkins County Planning should be listed and
Att_y Perkins said their approval is not actually needed but their §239(1) and (in)
review can be noted.
FAA approval is not required for the project before the board for purposes of
SEQR. Applicant: has a letter stating the tower will not cause interference, so
they do not need a permit. FAA must be notified when construction is complete.
. C. Zoning and Planning Information
1. Does proposed actin involve a planning or zoning decision - Yes, site plan
and special use permit.
2. Zoning Classification - 12.13-1 Residential
3. What is the maximum potential development of the site if developed as
permitted - N/A
4. Proposed zoning is the same as existing.
5. Maximum potential development is the same.
6. Is the proposed action consistent with the recommended uses in adopted
local land use plans - Yes.
7. What: are the predominate land uses and zoning classifications within a '/o
mile radius of the proposed .action - Residence, wooded, agricultural, RB -1.
Commercial was added by the board.
8. is the proposed action compatible with adjoining /surrounding land uses
within a quartc,r mile - Yes
9. Subdivision of land - N/A
10. Will the proposed action require any authorization for the formation of sewer
or water disticts - No.
11. Will the proposed action create a demand for any community provided
services (recreation, education, police, fire protection - No.
12. Will the proposed action result in the generation of traffic significantly above
present levels - No.
Supv Sumi
clarified by saying
construction site,
a week and in the
Ter noted the areas that
that the Uhl property is
On #20 under Project D
event of a pourer failure,
had been revised:
served by existing
escript:ion it was n
but it is insulated
Page 4 of 23
# 17 under Site. Description was
public, utilities, but not the
oted the generator was used once
and below the ambient noise
TB 6 -24 -2009
level. On #25 under Project Description with respect to approvals required, special permit was
changed to "special use permit", under other local agencies, Tompkins County Planning Dept
§239(1) and (m) recommendation, and under Federal Agencies, FAA was added. In #7 under
Zoning and Planning Information, "commercial" was added to the current land uses.
On behalf of the applicant, Jared Lusk stated he concurs with the changes.
Supv Sumner reviewed the instructions for Part 2 - Project Impacts and Their
Magnitude and the board proceeded with completion of Part 2.
Impact on Land
1. Will the proposed action result in a physical change to the project site - Yes, small to
moderate impact. Construction on land where the depth to the water table is less than 3 feet
and construction on land where bedrock is exposed or generally within three feet of existing
ground surface.
2. Will there be an effect to any unique or unusual land forms found on the site - No.
impact on Water
3. Will proposed action affect any water body designed as protected - No.
4. Will proposed action affect any non - protected existing or new body of water - No.
54 Will proposed action affect: any surface or groundwater quality or quantity - No.
Supv Sumner note(] the implications of this clearly does extend beyond the actual
construction site. But it is not close enough to any water body to have any effect. She said
none of the examples listed apply. it was noted there should not be any significant change
during construction as it is at the top of a hill. There will be a temporary disturbance of
groundwater during construction only and the applicant will obtain any necessary permit.
Applicant well still have to take the necessary siltation prevention measures.
6. Will proposed action alter drainage flow or patterns or surface water runoff- No.
impact on Air
7. Will proposed action affect air quality - No.
Impact on Plants and Animals
8. Will proposed action affect any threatened or endangered species - No.
9. Will proposed action affect any non - threatened or non - endangered species - No.
impact on Agricultural Land Resources
10. Will proposed action affect agricultural land resources - No_
impact: on Aesthetic Resources
11. Will proposed action affect aesthetic resources - Yes. Proposed land use or project
components obviously different from or in sharp contrast to current surrounding land use
patterns, whether man -made or natural - Small to moderate impact. Can impact be mitigated
Page 3' of 23
`)'B 6 -24 -2009
® by project change - No. It was noted the project: has been moved further from nearby
residences, and the tower will be of lattice design rather than a monopole. Supv Sumner said
the project has been mitigated as far as it can be. No additional change can be made to reduce
the small to moderate impact.
Impact on Historic and Archaeological Resources
12. Will proposed action impact. any site or structure of historic, prehistoric or
paleontological irnportance - No,
impact on Open Space and Recreation
13. Will proposed action affect the quantity or quality of existing or future open spaces
or recreational opportunities - Yes. Under other impacts it was noted there is a small to
moderate impact on the Sapsucker Monkey Run wildlife corridor. Supv Sumner referred to the
study done for the 'Town of Ithaca. This is a very small impact: that cannot be mitigated.
impact on Critical Environmental Areas
14. Will proposed action impact the exceptional or unique characteristics of a critical
environmental area (CEA) established pursuant to subdivision 6NYCRR 617.14(8) - No.
impact on Transportation
1.5. Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems - No.
Impact on EnerKy
16. Will proposed action affect the community's sources of fuel or energy supply - No.
Noise and Odor Impact
17. Will there be objectionable odors, noise, or vibration as a result of the proposed
action - No. Supv Sumner noted what little noise there is from the generator NA411 not be
objectionable.
Impact on Public Health
18. Will proposed action affect public health and safety. Supv Sumner said she
understands there is some controversy here, but according to all the studies available, it will
not. The "no" box was checked.
impact on Growth and Character of Community or Neighborhood
19. Will proposed action affect the character of the existing community - Yes.
Examples given on the form do not apply. There was some discussion about whether it would
set a precedent and ii: was decided it. would not, because the procedure is in accordance with
local laws. This is a use allowed by special permit and is deemed to be compatible once
appropriate conditions are attached. Any proposed extension is not considered with this
application, and will be a separate application. After discussion, under other impacts, a small
to moderate visual aesthetic impact was noted.
20. Is there, or is there likely to be, public controversy related to potential adverse
environmental impacts- Yes. It was noted that a number of people spoke at the public hearing
in February, Emails and other written comments were submitted. The hearing was continued
Page 6 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
in March, April and May. Comments and controversy have been addressed or will be
addressed in the findings statement.
Part III was not completed because no potentially large impacts were identified.
The board reviewed the Visual EAF Addendum. Atty Perkins explained this is to help
them answer question 11. on the EAF. There will be an impact no matter what.
Visibility
1. Would the project be visible from (distance):
Applicable items are:
A parcel of land which is dedicated to and available to the public for the use, enjoyment
and appreciation of natural or man -made scenic qualities? Cornell Recreation Park Trail, '/1 to
3 miles.
Count} Road? Hanshaw Road, 0 to `A mile.
Local Roads? Applicant lists:
2MM
Freese Road
Bluegrass Lane
Plantations Road
Mt Pleasant Road
Monkey Run Road
Approximate distance
0.50 miles
0.63 miles
L46 miles
1.42 miles
0.87 miles
After discussion, the board also added Sapsucker Woody Road, Cardinal Drive, Meadowlark
Drive, and Sanctuary Drive.
2. Is the visibility of the project seasonal? No
3. Are any of the resources checked in question 1 used by the public during the time of
year during which the project; will be visible? No
4. From each item checked in question 1, check those which generally describe the
surrounding environment.
The board checked:
Essentially undeveloped - within 1/4 mile
Forested - within '/4 mile
Agricultural - within '/4 mile,
Suburban residential - within 'A mile
Commercial - within %4 mile
5. Are there visually similar projects within (name distance)? Applicant lists:
Spectrasite tower 1.46 miles from proposed site.
is Spectrasite tower 1.59 miles from proposed site.
UNlsite tower 1.61 miles from proposed site.
3G Solutions 2.56 miles from proposed site.
Page 7 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
Exposure
6. The annual number of viewers likely to observe the proposed project.
Applicant lists an average daily view of 100, and 36,500 per year, using traffic counts on Freese
Road.
Supv Sumner noted there are available traffic counts for Hanshaw Road at Muriel Street and
also at Etna Road. After discussion, the traffic count for Hanshaw Road at Muriel Street of
5,624 (daily) was used as a closer estimate. Using the formula, the total estimated views per
year was changed to 102,821.
7. The situation or activity in which the viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed
action is all of the following:
Travel to and from work, recreational activities, routine travel, at residence and at. worksite.
J
Lusk acknowledged
that he had followed
along line
by
line as the board reviewed the
EAF and
consents on behalf
of the applicant to
the changes
made.
The board conrinned that with respect to question 11 on the EAF, will proposed action
affect aesthetic resources; the yes box was checked, small to moderate impact:, because the
project components are obviously in sharp contrast to current surrounding land use patterns.
Further mitigation is not possible.
• RESOLUTION #110 - NEG SEQR DEC - Verizon Tower on Hanshaw Road
Cl Stelick offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS,
A. The proposed action involves consideration of the application of Upstage Cellular
Network d /b /a Verizon Wireless (Verizon) for a special permit and site plan approval to
construct a 11.4' telecommunications tower with 4' lightning rod, equipment shed, fencing, and
related appurtenances and equipment on property of Charles Uhl and Natalie Uhl at or near
1505 Hanshaw Road (` %own of Dryden Tax Map No. 43.- 1 -17),
B. The proposed action is an Unlisted Action for which the Town Board of the Town
of Dryden is the lead agency for the purposes of uncoordinated environmental review in
connection with approval by the 'loan.
C. The Town Board of the Town of Dryden, in performing the lead agency function
for its independent and uncoordinated environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of the
New York State Environmental Conservation Law - the State Environmental Quality Review Act
"(SEQR), (i) thoroughly reviewed the Full Environmental Assessment Form (the `Full EAF" ),
Part I, the Visual EAR Addendum and any and all other documents prepared and submitted
with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) thoroughly analyzed the
potential relevant areas of enviromnental concern to determine if the proposed action may have
a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR
§617.7(c), and (iii) completed the Full EAF, Part II;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
Page 8 of'23
TB 6 -24 -2009
1. The Town Board of the Town of i7ryden, based upon (i) its thorough review of the
Full EAF, Part 1, Visual EAF Addendum and any and all other documents prepared and
submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough
review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to determine if the proposed
action may have a significant adverse impact. on the environment, including the criteria
identified in 6 NYCRR §617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the Full CAF, hart II, including the
findings noted thereon (which findings are incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby
makes a negative determination of environmental significance ( "Negative Declaration ") in
accordance with SEQR for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that an
Environmental Impact Statement will not be required, and
2. The Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Dryden is hereby
authorized and directed to complete and sign as required the determination of significance,
confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and signed Full EAR and
determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this Resolution.
211d Supv Sumner
Roll Call Vote C1 Stelick Yes
Cl Solomon Yes
Supv Sumner Yes
Cl Leifer Yes
Cl Makar arrived.
The board reviewed the document prepared by Atty Perkins detailing the application
including the following components: background, public hearing/ comments, findings,
environmental review, and determination. Supv Sumner read each of the conditions.
J Lusk said that Verizon Wireless, under the FCC, is required to comply with the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. He doesn't feel they should be obligated to follow American Tower's
protocol because Verizon has its own policies. They will comply with the requirements of the
FAA and FCC and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but he does not. feel they should be held to a
standard developed by another company that may change from time to time.
After discussion, condition number 9 was changed to reflect that Verizon will comply
with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as outlined in a letter dated March 11, 2009, from Barbara
Fisher Clifford and submitted as Exhibit FF. Verizon does not go on the towers at nesting time
unless there is an emergency.
The amount of the performance bond was set at $30,000.
The Town of Dryden :s standard conditions of approval (1 -9 -08) were reviewed.
There was discussion about condition number 13, which states that microwave dishes
not be installed until such time as a local system which utilizes that technology is installed.
This will be an administrative function of the Zoning Officer. If the condition were removed, a
new permit would be required to install the microwave dishes. J Lusk said Verizon will not put
them up until they are needed.
The board agrees to the conditions.
Cl Leifer asked Jeff Kirby whether the same coverage could be achieved with towers that
is were smaller in height in the area. J Kirby said Verizon is attempting to provide additional
overall capacity to the system by increasing coverage PCS band. This could be done with
microcells. The challenge is to minimize the quantity of those sites and the height of each of
Page 9 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
them, yet provide coverage to the same area as the single tower that has been proposed.
Telephone poles are often not tall enough and have other uses that can present issues of
ownership and access, etc. Much of the coverage area. is wooded and the terrain is rough, and
considc;ring the layout of the roads and the :areas where people live or work, it is his opinion
that: Verizon would need at least rive sites that are at least 30' or 40' tall (minimally) if there
were no trees at all. Because there are trees, more sites would be required. The sites would be
three - quarters of a mile to a mile apart and each would require radio equipment to process the
signal. The town would end up with six to ten sites that would have to be individually
permitted under local law,
RESOLUTION # 111 - APPROVE APPLICATION OF VERIZON WIRELESS FOR A
TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER AT 1536 HANSHAW ROAD
Cl Stelick offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
TOWN OF DRYDEN
TOMPKINS COUNTY
S'T'ATE OP NEW YORK
in the Matter of the Application of Upstate Cellular Network
d /b /a Verizon Wireless for a Special Permit and Site Plan
Approval for a 1.14 -foot Telecommunications Tower on
Premises of Charles Uhl and Natalie Uhl at 1.536 Hanshaw
Road
0
BACKGROUND
Upstate Cellular Network d /b /a Verizon Wireless (herein "Verizon "), by application
dated September 9, 2008 (Exhibits A -S and Zoning Site Flan, Sheets "L -1, Z -2 and Z -3) applied
for a special permit and site plan .approval to construrt a telecommunications tower, equipment
shed and site improvements on property of Charles Uhl and Natalie Uhl, 1.504 Hanshaw Road
('Town of Dryden Tax Map No. 43.- 1 -17). The street address for the site has been designated as
1736 Hanshaw Road.
Verizon supplemented its application by submittals dated October 14, 2008 (Exhibits T,
U), December 8, 2008 (Exhibits VwBB), February 11, 2009 (Exhibit CC), February 13, 2009
(Exhibit DD), March 11, 2009 (Exhibits SE-1-1H), April 3, 2009, April 8, 2009 and April 28,
® 2009 (Exhibits Ii -MM).
Page 10 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
The application included a Full Environmental Assessments Form and a Visual EAF
Addendum. At the request of the Town Board, Verizon conducted a second balloon
demonstration at the site on April 16, 2009 to demonstrate the visual impact of the height. of
the proposed tower and possible future extension. Verizon submittals also included photo
simulations of the proposed tower.
Town staff reviewed the Verizon submittals and commented on them in correspondence
dated September 12, 2008, September 24, 2008, October 7, 2008, November 4, 2008)
December 15, 2008, December 19, 2008, January 1.2, 2009, January 29, 2009, February 9,
2009, February 11, 2009, February 19, 2009, March 3, 2009, March 6, 2009, March 9, 20091
April 7, 2009, April 27, 2009 and May 1, 2009 (Henry M. Slater, Director of Building, Zoning
and Planning to Mary Ann Sumner, Town Supervisor) and January 27, 2009 and February 10,
2009 (Dan Kwasnowski, Environmental Planner to Surnner).
The gown's consultant on telecommunications towers applications, JelTrey B. Kirby,
• P.E., reviewed and
commented on the Verizon
submittals
in
correspondence dated October
30,
2008, Janua.ry 26,
2009, February 20, 2009,
February
26,
2009, March 27, 2009, April
27,
2009, April 28, ''2009 and May 8, 2009 (Kirby to Slater), and on questions posed by gown board
member Jason Leifer in correspondence dated June 1, 2009,
The Tompkins County Department of Planning pursuant to its role; under General
Municipal Law 239 -1 and 239 -m in a letter dated October 30, 2008, commented on the
application and determined that the project may have negative inter- community or county -wide
impacts thereby triggering the supermajority vote requirement unless the project was modified
according to four (4) recommendations.
The Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (TCl'.:MC), in a
memorandum dated February 27, 2009, made recommendations concerning the project.
The Town of Ithaca was invited to comment: on the application but failed to do so.
The Town of Dryden Conservation Board reviewed the, application but took no official
isposition, although two board members who are recognized authorities on birds opined that the
project should not pose a significant ha7ard to the bird population.
Page I 1 of 23
TB 6=24 -2009
PUBLIC HEARING /COMMENTS
The town board held a public hearing on the application on February 11, 2009, and
continued the hearing on March 11, 2009, April $, 2009, and May 13, 2009 when it closed the
public hearing.
Written comments were received from Michael Ludgate, an adjacent landowner, in
correspondence dated February 11, 2009, March 11, 2009 and May 13, 2009, and from Hilary
Lambert, Nancy Morgan and Stephen Wagner (Friends of Hanshaw - Sapsucker) dated April
22, 2009 and from Hilary Lambert (Friends of Han shaw- Sapsucker) dated May 130 2009.
An email was received from Jack Bush, Town of Dryden Highway Superintendent (April
13, 2009), commenting on the need for redundancy in communications systems in the case of
emergencies.
Email comments were also received from Hilary Lambert, Herbert J. Engman, William
® Sonnestahl,
Jake Weiskoff,
Kick Kaufman, Rachel
Dickinson, Lynne S.
Williams,
Kate
Coddington
Senner, Peter lan
Kuniholm, Adam
Engst,
Julia Bonney, Walter
D. Koenig,
Alex
Gonzalez, Charles Bartosch, Lou De Pot, Sandy Wald, Teri Ann Zdanowski, Christianne White,
Martin Hatch, Howard Evans, Alexis C. Falise, Karen Kaufman, Lars Washburn, Angela
Andiorio, Brian Maltzar, Jonathan Ames, Carol Miller, Jane P. Riccobono, Genevieve De Clerck,
Hugh Edwards, Nick Feia, "Theresa George, Michael A. Koplinka- Loehr, Katrina Rodmin, Rosa
Dice, Robert McCurdy, Scott Perez, Lesley Greene, "Shedskin," Amanda Steinhardt, Jon
Zeserson, Natalie Detcnt, Gwen Curtis, Danielle Nelson, Nate Marshall, Hanan Zeiman, Jody
Levitt, Micki Schulenberg, Eileen Erickson, Linda Orkin, Joan Tedels, Debbie and Bingham
Cady, Lisa Ann Wright, M.P. Mickelson, Twylene Bethard, Edith O. McCrea, Pamela G.
Strausser, Susan Verberg, Dan Pendleton, F. Robert Wesley, Laura Martin, Deb Murdough,
Pam Gueldner, Jennifer Marshall, Tom Shelley, Eric A. Ludwig, Donald J. Barry, Brian
At:zberger, and K..E. Sa'ttig von Wittelsbach.
Eight of the emails gave no substantive reasons for rejecting the application.
20 commented on the .Aesthetics and visual pollution of cell towers.
Page 12 of 23
TB 6 -24-2009
® 26 thought the tower should be located elsewhere. Only one suggested other locations.
One suggested location was near NYSEG at the intersection of Routes 13 and 366 (the location
of an existing Verizon tower) and the other location was on Route 79 near the town line (a
location for removed from the area sought to be served by proposed tower).
Seven people commented on their concerns for birds.
23 writers related that they felt. Verizon service in the area to be served by the tower was
already adequate.
Four had concerns about the tower location and the airport.
Three commented on the need for co- location and the need to disguise or camouflage
the tower.
Three also were concerned about the impact on property values.
Four writers felt there could be an impact on Ludgate's Market.
One writer felt the town should reject any monetary offer from Verizon.
The same writer felt a visual assessment should be conducted when the leaves were off
the trees.
One writer commented on the impact of the Cornell University Laboratory of
Ornithology.
towers.
Another commented about the height of the tower.
One suggested that the proposed site was a Unique Natural Area.
One writer suggested that the town enact a moratorium on the construction of cell
Many writers sent emails on more than one occasion.
An analysis of the email comments reveals that over two - thirds of the writers are from
outside the Town of Dryden.
At the four public meetings/ hearings on the project, the town board heard Jared Lusk,
Esq., Cathy Pompiano, Gregory Flanley, Ken Cowley, and Thomas Greiner, Esq., on behalf of
0 Verizon.
Page 13 of 22 3
TB 6-24-2009
The board
also hear(]
from Herb
Engman,
Bill 8coanes
(in writing), Hilary
Lambert (in
writing), Nancy
Morgan (in
writing),
Michael
Ludgate (in
Wr ling), William
Sorinenstahl
(Northeast ]thocs. Neighborhood Associationj, Thomas Farlovw, Stephen Wagner, Brian
Atzberger, Margaret Renwick (in writing), David Gcorge, Nance Munk-enbeck, Cruy Girard and
Martha Roberl.n_
FINDI NC3 S
Tomnlcins County Department of Plannin '7�j CP01
Pursuant to its review authority under General Municipal Law 2391 and 239 -m, the
TC'PD invoked the u rmajorit,}� vote requirernen( For approval of the application unless four
modifications to the application were required
These modifcation% included=
1 _ A Fed craI !Aviation Administration (VA A) review due to the proximity of the tower
ite to the airport,
if the Cower is to be lighted, the impact on avian communities be evaluated and
the Laborator}? of Ornithology be consulted,
3. 'rhe tower location be moved closer to the center of the parcel to reduce: the
impact on residences and visibility from Hanshaw Road,
4. The Tompkins County Emergency Response Department be consulted regarding
possible impacts on the County's Public Safety Communications System_
The Town Board hereby finds, based upon its review of the application and the
materials supplementing it, including 41,ukements and representations made by and on behalf
of the a.pplicarnt, which statements and representations. the Town Board relies upon as being
true, aceurate and complete, that the TC PD concerns have h".n adc(I uately addressed in that;
0 (a) W-rizon provided a "Determination of No Hazard 1x> Air Navigation" from the
FAA (Exhibit X to r.hrL December 8, 2008 submittal).
Page 14 01'23
TB 6 -24 -2009
(b) No lighting is
proposed. Should
the height
of the tower he
extended beyond
119' lighting
may be required.
Such an
extension would
be subject to a
further application to the town board.
(c) The tower location has been moved toward the center of the parcel and away
from the closest residences and the Ludgate property, thus minimizing the
visual impact from the closest residences, the Ludgate property and
Hanshaw Road.
(d) Verizon has provided a "Statement of Non - Interference' (Exhibit: FI to the
September 9, 2008 submittal) which clearly explains that the Federal
Communications Commission requires Vernon to transmit solely on its
assigned frequencies as it does Tompkins County in its "Public Safety
Communications System."
• Tompkins County Environmental Management Council rrCEMC)
The TCEMC recommendations have been partially addressed by Verizon:
(a) The tower has been moved closer to the center of the parcel, reducing the
visual impact on the nearest: neighbors.
(b) The town board cannot consider the effect of the tower on human health
since this area of concern is specifically preempted by federal law.
(c) The tower will be less visible if constructed as a lattice type structure rather
than as a monopole, even if disguised as a tree.
(d) Although given many opportunities to comment on the; application, the
Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology has riot: taken a position on the
application.
(c) Any drainage concerns in connection with the minor ground disturbance will
be addressed and monitored in a St:ormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
required by Town of Dryden Local Law No. 4 of the year 2007.
Page 15 of 23
FR 6 -24 -2009
Public C:otr, tine nts
The town hoard has carefully considered the comments received from the public.
ommr}nt% were both written and verbal and received at the public hearings and thereafter-
Based upon the record before it, the town board concludes.
(a) To the maximum extent possible the visual impact on neighboring
residences, the Ludgate property and Hanshavw Road have been mitigatcd,
The no tower alternative is not an option and the proposed lattice type tower
is the best option to ininitnize the visual impact,
(bM There has been no empirical evidence submitted that would support the
position that the construction of this tower will have an impact on property
a lu[.L cif nc arl y parcels or would it affect the vitality of nearby businesses.
(r) Visual simulations of the proposed tower were conducted both with foliage
and willhouil foliage,
(d) The proposed tower xvill allow- future co- location without an extension,
(e) The proposed tower height. iL5 the minimum height necessary to serve the
purpose, imcrsded. Although it may be feasible for the applicant to utilize
tower(s) at lower heights, more towers would be required to achieve the
radiofrequencv coverage objective and they would likely be more
conspicuous than the proposed tower_ The Uhl site would likely be one of the
sites needed in such o multiple tower solution_
(0 The Ubl site is a privately- ovviied, wooded area and is not listed on the
Tompkins County Unique Natural Area lnvcntory, The site is partially
screened by existing woods and configuration of the acycress drive,
(g} Verion investigal.ecl eifi�t (8j potential sites for a new tower k�ithin tJje
search :area,
Page 16 of 23
TB 6-24 -2009
(h) 'There
are no
c .Lo- location
opportunities within i;hc area
designated
by Veri2on
as the,
search
area, and
there is no municipally- owvned
property which
would
be suitable, or available for a tower site.
(i) The Uhl site, is the only site available, within the search area that could
provide I:he radio frequency coverage objectives,
b) The search arc u is within a RB -1 zoning district of the Town and a
telecommunicocions tower is an allowed use subject to the issuance of a
special permit and site plan approvatr
(k) The Uhl sits: alJows the tower to rneet all the setback requirements and
provide the, most natural screening.
(1) Verizon has the status of public utility yet possesses no eminent domain
power, It can only place its tower on property thrill it purchases or lease,
When it leases property, ii, is subject to the requirements of the lessor as to
41 site, location.
(m) At hough the Uhl site is thr ]rawest priority fora tower site, Veriaon hay
demonstrated that other sites with a higher priority in the search am-a are
T10t available.
fin}
The Uhl site is amid an area with a varicly of land uses including dense
re!51denhal, highway corridors, airport, commercial, agriculture, riearby
nal'Ural areas, High volinge, electric transmissiori lines and educational mid
research uses in a large strnrtureI
(o) No siti s, other that those identified by Wlrizon in the %carch area, were
identified ley the town or t -he public as sil:es to be evaluated (other than near
NY EG and on Route 79 as referred to aboveM-
(pl The proposed tower would enable �enzon to serve t.hc� .1900 MH2 frequency
in addition to the existing 850 MHz frequency,
Page 17 of 23
T3 6 -24 -2009
(q) LocaI [aw
No_
2 of the year
2006 -
Tel ec o rn rn
u n ica tion % Tower Siting Law for
the 'Town
of
Dryden (TT)
has as
one of its
policy goals the promotion and
encouragement of improved telecommunications services,
(r) Verizon provided propagation studies which supported the need for
additional capacity in the area. The TTS does not require a showing that a
tower is needed.
(s} No empirical evidence or study was submitted that would support the
proposition that the tower would have significant negative impacts on birds
and bats. Verizon has an industry accepted plan and protocol for dealing
with maintenance and nesting birds_
(1:] No empirical evidence or study was submitted that would uppurt the
proposition that the proposed tower will impact airport operatiuns,
(u) The application includes a proposal to install a microwave array on the
tower_
Currently no microwave "backbone" exist:%
in the
southern tier of the
state,
them-by making
the proposed microwave
dishes
currently useless.
Verizon has indicated that if the microwave dishes are approved as part of
the application, that it will not install the dishes until such time as it has in
place other mic;rowuve receivers and transmitters which would snake the
dishes an integral part of the system.
(v) Tire Town's con sultanl;, ,Jeffrey B. Kirby, P_U., provided nine (9) reviews of the
VcTizon submittals_ In summary, Mr. Kirby found that:
01 The applicat:ian and accompanying 39 exhibits complies with the
TTS.
(ii) The proposal to move the tower and equipment shed to the south
and east provides a reduction in the visual impact and the
existing trees provide a r" son able depmee of screening.
(iii) Although the tower will be visible from ieveral locations, the
visual impact will nol: be very significant.
Page 18 of ;
rl B 6.24.2.0E+9
(iv) A self - supporting tower as proposed im� likely to he less visible
than monopole.
M Further relocation of the tower and equipmenr. shed on the Uhl
property will likely increase the visual impact and be Urtrlesir:�blc-
(vi) Verizon a.dequaudy� justified the need for the Uhl file. Chr Lite
selection procv%L�s was sufficiently thorough and no viable
alternative sires) would have significantly lesser impacts,
(vii) No long -germ impact on the on -site soils or ground water is
expected-
W The Town's Dirocfor of Building, Zoning and Planning, henry M. Slater
reviewed the Veriaon application, 39 exhibits thereto and the Kirby reviews a
the Jc,r`rron sobrnittaI n Cxhibits. in summary, Mr. S lal:cr found:
W That the application was complete-
(ii) T]ie conditions of approval suggested by M r. Kirby in his February
6, 2009 review were appropriate-
(iiil 'Thai: the 'T'own's swndard conditions of approval (January 9,
2008 Version) were approprial:e.
(iv) Before construction permits could be issued there were several
requirements to be fulfilled by Verizon which do not; pertain to the
special permit review or site plan revim by the town Board (Kirby
review of February' 2 6, 2009)-
LNVI RON MENTAL REVIEW
The Town Board haN carefully reviewed the Null Environniental Assessment Foam,
Visual EAR Addendum and accompanying exhibits and narratives, and 1) dcL1 :vrrni1ied that the
0 project would nvt have any signifionnt adverse environmental impacts, ) determined that an
Page 19 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
environmental impact statement: would not be required, and 3) made a. negative determination
of environmental significance (Negative Declaration).
DETERMINATION
Based upon the application, the exhibits, the cornments received from the applicant, the
public, the Town Board's consultant, and town staff, and the findings set forth above, the Town
Board of the Town of Dryden hereby approves the application for a special permit and site plan
for the proposed Verizon telecommunications tower subject to the Mowing conditions:
1. The tower shall not exceed 114 feet in height. plus a four -foot lightning rod.
2. The tower shall not be lighted.
3. The tower shall be designed for a possible 20400t extension with capacity- to
support future antenna arrays at approximately 120 feet and 130 feet plus
0 standard FAA lighting.
4. The tower and equipment shed and other improvements shall be sited according
to the Zoning Site Plan (Sheet Z -1) last revised 4/23/09, Detailed Zoning Site
Plan (Sheet Z -2) last revised 4/23/09 and Zoning Detail Sheet (Sheet Z -3) last
revised 11/06/08.
5. Verizon shall take steps to minimize clearing of the property and avoid
unnecessary tree cutting.
6. Verizon shall submit a landscape plan to provide additional vegetative
screening. Such plan will be prepared by a licensed landscape architect and
designed to minimize the visual impact of improvements such as equipment
shed, chain link fence and other ground appurtenances. The landscape plan
shall be approved by the Town Board.
7. Verizon shall submit an Inspection and Maintenance Plan which complies with
® the requirements of ANSI /TIA- 222 -G -2005 Section 14 and shall incorporate the
relevant provisions of Annex J thereto,
Page 20 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
8. Following each periodic inspection, a written report: of such inspection, signed
by a Professional Engineer licensed in New York State, shall be submitted to the
Town. Such report shall detail the inspection process, note any maintenance
issues and procedures and timetables t:o address such issues. The report must;
be received by the Town within 30 days of such periodic. inspection.
9. In order to assure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA),
Verizon shall comply with the Protocol detailed in Verizon's letter of March 11,
2009 (Barbara Fisher Clifford) and submitted by Verizon as Exhibit FF to the
application.
10. Verizon shall provide and maintain a Performance Bond in the amount of
$:0,000 naming the Town as obligee. The bond shall be in such form as is
acceptable to the town's attorney and with a surety qualified to do business in
New York State and listed on the United States Treasury's Listing of Approved
Sureties (Department Circular 570). The Town Board reserves the right to
annually review the amount of the Performance Bond to assure that. the amount
of the bond is adequate to assure compliance, with the obligations of Verizon
under Local Law No. 2 (2006) and the conditions of approval of the special
permit and site plan.
11. The Town of Dryden Standard Conditions of Approval (January 9, 2008
Version),
12. Prior to the issuance of construction permits Verizon shall submit the items
detailed in Mr. Kirby's letter of February 26, 2009 to the extent the same have
not already been submitted.
13. Verizon shall not install the microwave dishes until such time as there exists a
local "backbone" system which can utilize such technology.
2nd Cl Stelick
Roll Call Vote Cl Stelick Yes
Cl Solomon Yes
Page 21 of 23
TB 6 -24 -2009
Supv Sumner Yes
Cl Maker Yes
Cl Leifer Yes
Supv Sumner said she is meeting tomorrow with the 'Tompkins County Council of
Governments on tower planning. She thanked the applicimt and said she had learned a lot in
the process. .J Lusk said if they could be of help, they would be glad to. Supv Sumner said she
hoped the committee would be reviewing the local ordinruices and coordinating them in a way
to make them more user friendly for towns and applicants.
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED FEES FOR OPERATING PERMITS
Supv
Sumner opened
the public hearing
at 8:09 p.m.
Reading
of the notice was
dispensed with.
No members
of the public were
present. The
hearing
was left open.
Supv Sumner advised board members that she had written a letter waiving the 34 -day
waiting period for The Plantation Inn's liquor license renewal.
Supv Sumner closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m.
K Ezell said he would like to clarify some discrepancies from the last meeting. The
number of public assembly areas that would require operating permits is five. Those are the
Bethel Grove Community Church and one of their other buildings, Dryden Baptist Church,
Holy Cross Church, and NYSEG. There are many more public assembly areas, but those
would not require operating permits.
® 'There is one business with potentially hazardous materials on Lalani Drive and they
will need to obtain a permit, which would typically be a three -year permit..
RESOLUTION # 112 - AMENDING THE FEE STRUCTURE FOR OPERATING PERMITS AS
ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION NO. 65 (200 7)
Supv Sumner offered the following resolution and asked for its adoption:
WHEREAS, by Local Lactic No. 1 of the year 2007 (a local law providing for the
administration and enforcement of New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building code
and other Town of Dryden local laws and ordinances), the Town of Dryden, in enforcement of
the Uniform Code, requires operating permits for certain activities or categories of buildings as
set forth in Section 10(a) of such local law, and
WHEREAS, Section
16 of such local law
authorizes the Town
Board by resolution to
establish a fee schedule for
- among other permits
- operating permits,
and
WHEREAS, by
Resolution No. 65
(2007)
the Town
Board
established a fee schedule
which included a fee of
$200 for operating
permits
required
by such
local law, and
WHEREAS, the Torn Board is now desirous to amend such fee schedule as it pertains
to the fee for operating permits, now, therefore,
BE, iT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
isl . The fee for operating permits shall be $25.00.
Page 22 o f.' 23
TB 6 -2:4 =2009
The fee schedule shall be amended to reflect such reduction.
3_ This
resolution shall take effeci:
following
a }public
hearing on at least ten
(l{}}
days
prior notice a� provided by
Section 16
of such
local law-
2nd Cl Makar
Roll Call Vote
C[
Stetick
Ycs
Cl
Solurrion
Yes
upv Sumner
Y(.-Ls
Ci
Mak: r
Yes
Cl
Leifer
Yes
There being no further business, on moilion made, seconded and unanirnously carried,
the meeting was Ekgjourned all 8:20 p_tri,
RespccOfully submitted,
Bambi L. Hollenbeck
Town Clerk
Page 23 of"23
tL
MI FJ
oar
@Dply
PART 2 - PROJECT IMPACTS AND THEIR MAGNITUDE
ResponsIbilityof Lead Agency
General information (Read Carefully)
I In completing the form the reviewer should be guided by the question: Have my responses and determinations been
reasonable? The reviewer is not expected to be an expert environmental analyst,
I The Examples provided arc to assist the reviewer by showing types of impacts and wherever passible the threshold of
magnitude that would #ringer a response in column 2. The examples are generally applicabie throughout the S #ale and for
most situations. But, for any specific project or ails other examples and Ior lower thresholds may he appropriate for a
Potential Large Impact response, thus requiring evaIua#ioii in Park 3,
1 The impacts of each project, on each si #e, in each locality, will vary, Therefore, the examples are illustrative and have been
offered as guidance. They do not constitute an exhaustive list of impacts and thresholds to answer each ques #ion,
1 The number of examples per ques #ion does not indicato #ha importance of each question.
1 In identifying impacts, consider long terra, short terra and cumulative effects,
lnstructions (Read carefully)
a, Answer each of the 20 quasti0ns in PART 2. Answer Yes if there wi11 be any impact,
b, Maybe answers should be considered as Yes answers,
C, If answering Yes to a question then check the app ropria€e box(col urn n 1 or 2 )to indicate the potential size of the impact. If
impact threshold equals or exceeds any example provided, check column 2, If impact will occur but threshold is lower Than
example, check column 1.
d. Identifying that an Impact will be potentially Large (column 2) does not mean #h e# it is also necessarily significant, Any
large impact mu s€ be evaluated in PART 3 to determine significance, Identifying an impact in column 2 simply asks #h at it
be looked a€ further.
$, If reviewer has doubt about size of the impact then consider tha impact as potentially large and proceed to PART 3.
f, If a potentially large impact checked in caIumn 2 can be mitigated by changes) in the project to a small to moderaie
impact, also check the Yes box in col4imn 3. A No response indica #es that such a reduction is not possible_ This must be
explained in Part 31
1 2 3
Small to Potential Can Impact Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
lmpact on Land
1, will the Prop osedActian result in a physical change to the project
site?
NO ❑ YES
Examples (hat would apply to colurna 2
Any construction on slopes of 15% or grealer, (15 foot © ❑ ❑ Yes KNO
rise per 100 foot of length), or where the general slopes
in the project area exceed 10%,
Cons #ruction on land where the depth to the water table ❑ ❑ Yes ONO
is less than 3 feet,
Canstruc #ion arpaYed parking area for 1,000 or more ❑ ❑ Yes FFNo
vehicles_
• Cons#ruc #ion on land whia re bedrock is exposed or © ❑ ❑ Yes 1210
generally within 3 feet or existing ground surrace_
Construction #h at will continue for more than 1 year or ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes 19L
involve more than one phase or Stage,
Excavation for mining purposes that would remove ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes o
mare than 1.000 tons of natural material (i,e., rock or
sail) per year.
Page 11 of 21
• Construction or exgension of a santary landfill,
• Construction in a d(�signated flDadway.
• Other impacts:
s
1 2 3
Small to Potential Can Impact Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact ProllectChange
❑ 0 ©Yes ONO
❑ ❑ Eyes ❑No
❑ C]Yes CINO
2, Will there be an effect to any unique or unusual land forms found on
the site? (1, e,, cliffs, dunes, geological formations, etc.)
TNo ❑YES
Specific land forms= ❑ ❑
Impact on Water
Dyes EDNo
3, Will Proposed Action affect any water body designated as protected?
(Linder Articles 151 24125 of the Environmental Canservation Law,
ECL)
TNO ❑ YES
Exampies that would apply to column 2
Developable area of site contains a protected water body, ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes 17 Na
Dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material from channel of ❑ 171 Yes ❑ No
a protected stream,
• Exiensi0n of utility distribution facilities through a protecled water ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ NQ
body.
Construction in s designated frQshwater or tidal wetland. ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
Other impacts= ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
4. Will Proposed Action affect any non - protected existing or new Body of
water?
ONO ©YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
Ati 1 Q°la increase or decrease in the surface area of arty body of ❑ ❑ [:]yea ❑ No
~water or more than a 10 acre increase or decrease,
Co ristru ctia n of a body of water that exceeds 10 acres of surface ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
area.
Otharlmpatts; ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
Page 12 of 21
- Will Proposed Action affect surface of groundwater quality ar
quantity?
FVJN0 ❑YES
Examples that would apply to c0umn 2
• Proposed Action wiII require a discharge permit.
Proposed Action
requires use of
a source
of water that does not
have approval. to
serve proposed
(project}
action.
1 2 3
Small to potential Can Impart Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
❑ ❑ [Dyes ❑ No
Proposed Action requires water supply from wells witty greater ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
than 45 gallons per n)inute pumping onpacityI
• Construction or operation causing any contamination of a water ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑N1)
supply system,
• Proposed Action will adversely affect groundwater. ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
Liquid effluent wviII be conveyed off the site to facalitieswhich ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑ No
presently do not exist or have inadequate capacity.
• Proposed Action would use water in iaxcess of 20,000 gallons ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
per day-
Proposed Action will likely cause sillatiDn or other discharge into
an existing body of water to the extent that there will be an
obvious visual contrast to natural conditions.
Proposed Action will require the a #❑rage of petroleum or
chernical products gre@tef than 1 ,9 DO gallans.
Proposed Action will allow residential uses in areas without
wvater and/or sewer services-
Proposed Action locales commercial andfer industrial uses
which may require new or expansion of existing woale treatment
and /or storage facilities,
other impacts;
Page 13 of 21
El ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ 14 o
❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
❑ ❑ Eyes ❑ No
1 2 3
Small to Polentisl Can Impact Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact PrvjaCt Change
6- WiII Proposed Action alter drainage flaw or patterns, or surface water
runoP
®NO []YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
Proposed Action would change flood water rows ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑ Na
Proposed Action may cause substantial erosion. ❑ ❑ Dyes 1:1 No
Proposed Action is incompatible with existing drainage poltorns, ❑ ❑ ❑yes ❑ NO
• Proposed Action will allow development in a designated ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No
floodway-
• 0therirnpacts, ❑ El ❑Yes No
IMPACT ON AIR
7, WI II Pra osed Action affect air quality?
NO ❑ YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
Proposed Action will induce 11 aa0 or more vehicle Irips in any
given hoot.
Proposed Action will result in the incineration of more than 1 ton
of refuse per hour,
• Emission rale of total contaminants will exceed 6 lbs. per hour
or a heat source producing more than 10 million BTU's per
hour,
Proposed Action will allow an increase irr the arnount of land
cornmitted to industrial use,
• Proposed Action will allow an increase in the density of
irsduslrial development within existing industrial areas,
• Other impacts:
IMPACT ON PLANTS AND ANIMALS
B, Will Pro sed Action affect any threatened or endangered species?
END ❑YES
Exarnpfes that would apply to colurnn 2
• Reduction of one or more species listed on the New York a
Fedefar list, using the site, over or near
the site, or found on the site.
Page 14 of 21
❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
❑ ❑ ❑yes ❑INo
❑ ❑ Dyes ONO
❑ ❑ Dyes ❑No
El ❑ ❑Yes ❑hlo
❑ Dyes ❑No
❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
a �
1 2 3
Small to Potential Can Impact Ee
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
• Removal of any portion of a critical or significant wildlife habitat, ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑No
• Application of pesticide or harbicide mare than twice a year, ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑too
other than for agricultural purposes.
•
Other impaCIS: ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
g. Will Proposed Action substantially affect non - threatened or rnon-
endangered species?
NO ❑ YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
Proposed Action would substantially inlerfere wish any resident ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
or migratory fish, shellfish pr wildiifa species.
Proposed Action requires the removal of more than 10 acres of ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No
mature forest (over 100 years of age) or other locally important
vegetation.
Other impacts: ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
IMPACT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND RESOURCES
10. Will Pro osedl Adion affect agricultural land resources?
NO ❑ YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
The Proposed Action would sever, cross or limit access to ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
agricultural land (includes cropland, hayfields, pasture, vineyard,
orchard, etc.)
Construction activity would excavate or compact the sail profile of ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
agricultural land,
Tn$ Proposed +fiction would irreversibly convert more than 10 ® ® ❑ Yes 171 No
acres of agricUltur @l land or, if located in an Agricultural District,
more than 2.5 acres of agriculture! rend,
Page 15 of 21
A
1 2 3
Small to Potential Can Impact Be
MDderete Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
• The Proposed Action would disruptorprevent installation of ❑ ❑ El Yes ❑ No
agricultural land management systems (e, g-, subsurface drain
lines, outlel ditches, strip crapping); or create a need for such
measures (e.g, cause a farm field to drain poorly due to
hicreasod runoff).
• Other imp@ cis: ❑ LJ ©Yes © No
IMPACT ON AESTHETIC RESOURC E5
11.
Will Proposed Action affect aesthetic resources? (If necessary, use
the Visual E:-AF Addendum in Section 617.20, Appendix 51)
❑NO F1 YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
• Proposed land uses, or project components obviously different ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ratio
from Or in sharp toMrast to currenf surrounding land use
patterns, whether man-made OF natural.
• Proposed land uses, or project components visiWo to users 0 © ❑ ❑ Yes LJ No
aesthelic resources which will eliminate or significantly reduce
their enjoyment of the aesthetic qualities of that resource,
protect components that will result in the elimination or ❑ ❑ []Yes ❑ Na
significant screening of scenic views known to be Important to
the area_
• Other impacts: ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
IMPACT ON HWORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
12. Will Proposed Action impact any site of structure of historic,
pre histo�c or paleontological importance?
❑y NO ❑YU
Examples thal would apply to column 2
Proposed Action occurring wholly or partially within or �J ❑ ®Yes No
9ubMantially contiguaus to any facility of site listed on the State
Of NatiarraI Resister of historic places.
Any impact to an archaeological site or fossil bed located within ❑ © Yes No
the project site.
• Proposed Action wilt ocour in an area designated as sensitive ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ Na
far arch aeologic.al sites on the NY Site Inventory.
Page 16 of 21
A
• Other impacts.
IMPACT ON OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
93. Will prop❑sedAction affect the quantity orquality of existing orfuture
open spaces or recreational opportunities?
❑ NO [ZYES
1 2 3
Small to Potential Can Irnpaci 5e
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
El ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
Examples that would apply to column 2
The permanent Foreclosure of a future recreational opportunity. ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ NO
• A major red+xctiop of an open space important to the corn munity, ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
Other impacts; ® ❑ ❑ Yes []No
k
IMPACT ON CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS
14, Will Proposed Action impact the exceptional or unique
0 characteristics of a critical environmental area (C EA, established
pursuan o subdivision 6NYCRR 617.14 &g
O ❑ YES
List the environmental characteristics that caused the designation of
the CEA_
Examples that would apply to coJurnn 2
• Proposed Action to locate within the CEA7 ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes No
• Proposed Action will result in a reduction is the quantity of the ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ faro
resource?
• Proposed Action wvilI result in a reduction iri the quality of the ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑N
resource?
Proposed Action will impact the use, funcilion oreryoyment of the © ❑ []Yes ❑hl❑
resource?
• 01 herirnpacts - ® ❑ ❑Yes []No
Page 17 of 21
r
1 2 3
Small to Potential Carr Impact Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impacl Impec# ProjectGhange
IMPAG -r ON TRANSPORTATION
15, VVilltheFe be an effect to existing transporla #ion systems?
[ONO ❑ YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
• Alteration of present pattems of movement of people andlar ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑ No
goods,
Proposed Ac tion wHI result in major traffic problems. �❑l ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
Other impac #s;
I—J ❑ Oyes ONo
IMPACT ON ENERGY
16. Will Proposed Ac #ion affect the community's sources of fuel or
one rgy supply?
ONO ❑YES
Ex am pies That woLild apply to column 2
• Proposed Action will cause a greater than 5% increase in the ❑ ❑ � Yes ❑ No
use of any farm of energy in the muMci pal ity-
Proposed Action will require the creation or extension of an ❑ []Yes ❑ No
energy transmission or supply systerri to serve mare titan 50
single a two family residences or to serve a major commercial
or industrial use,
Other impacts' ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
NOISE AND ODOR IM PACT
17, Will there be objectionable odors, noise, or vibration as a result of
the Proposed Action?
❑'hb ❑YES
Examples that would apply to column 2
Blasting within 1,500 feet of a hospital, school or other serwsiflve ❑ ❑ [Dyes Q No
rablity,
Odors will occur routinely {more khan one hour per day }, ❑ Yes D Na
Proposed Action will produce operating noise exceeding the ❑ ❑ Dyes 0 No
local ambient noise levels for noise outside of structures, pp��
Proposed Action will remove natural barriers that would act as a L1 ❑ ❑Yes ❑ N°
I10ise screen
• Other impacts; ❑ ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
Page IS of 21
1 2 3
• Small to Potential Can Impact Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH
18. Will Proposed Action affect public health and safety?
❑•NO ❑YES
• Proposed Action may cause a risk of explosion or release of ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
hazardous substances (i.e. oil, pesticides, chemicals, radiation,
etc.) in the event of accident or upset conditions, or there may be
a chronic low level discharge or emission.
• Proposed Action may result in the burial of "hazardous wastes' ® ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
in any form (i.e. toxic, poisonous, highly reactive, radioactive,
irritating, infectious, etc.)
• Storage facilities for one million or more gallons of liquefied ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑ No
natural gas or other flammable liquids.
• Proposed Action may result in the excavation or other ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑ No
disturbance within 2,000 feet of a site used for the disposal of
solid or hazardous waste.
• Other impacts: ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑No
IMPACT ON GROWTH AND CHARACTER
OF COMMUNITY OR NEIGHBORHOOD
19. Will Proposed Action affect the character of the existing community?
❑ NO OES
Examples that would apply to column 2
• The permanent population of the city, town or village in which the ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
project is located is likely to grow by more than 5 %.
• The municipal budget for capital expenditures or operating ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑ No
services will increase by more than 5% per year as a result of
this project.
• Proposed Action will conflict with officially adopted plans or ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
goals.
• Proposed Action will cause a change in the density of land use. ❑ ❑ ❑Yes ❑No
• Proposed Action will replace or eliminate existing facilities, ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑No
structures or areas of historic importance to the community,
• Development will create a demand for additional community ❑ ❑ Dyes ❑No
services (e.g. schools, police and fire, etc.)
Page 19 of 21
Proposed Action will set an important precedent for future
projects.
Proposed Action will create or eliminate employment.
Other impacts:
1 r.
20. Is there, or is there likely to be, public controversy related to potential
adverse environment impacts?
❑NO FYES 5`
1 2 3
Small to Potential Can Impact Be
Moderate Large Mitigated by
Impact Impact Project Change
0 ❑ D Yes ® No
❑ ❑Yes No
® ❑ ❑ Yes ❑ No
If Any Action in Part 2 Is Identified as a Potential Large Impact or If you Cannot Determine the Magnitude of
Impact, Proceed to Part 3
Page 20 of 21
..
Part 3 - EVALUATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPACTS
Responsibility of Lead Agency
Part 3 must be prepared if one or more impact(s) is considered to be potentially large, even if the impact(s) may
be mitigated.
Instructions (If you need more space, attach additional sheets)
Discuss the following for each impact identified in Column 2 of Part 2:
1. Briefly describe the impact,
2. Describe (if applicable) how the impact could be mitigated or reduced to a small to moderate impact by
project change(s).
3. Based on the information available, decide if it is reasonable to conclude that this impact is Important.
To answer the question of importance, consider:
1 The probability of the impact occurring
I The duration of the impact
I Its irreversibility, including permanently lost resources of value
I Whether the impact can or will be controlled
1 The regional consequence of the impact
I Its potential divergence from local needs and goals
I Whether known objections to the project relate to this impact.
Page 21 of 21
Reset.
r Yl
or�r�o�oa�
�o ®u�Qa� 617.20
Appendix B @@Ply
State Environmental Quality Review
VISUAL EAF ADDENDUM
This form may be used to ,provide additional information relating to Question 11 of fart 2 of the Full EAF,
(To be completed by Lead Agency)
Distance Between
Visibility Project and Resource (in Miles)
1. Would the project be visible from: 0 -% q -% 1.4-3 3 -5 5+
! A parcel of land which is dedicated to and available ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
to the public for the use, enjoyment and appreciation
of natural or man -made scenic qualities.
!
An overtook or parcel of land dedicated to public [I ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
observation, enjoyment and appreciation of natural
or man -made scenic qualities?
! A site or structure listed on the National or State ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Registers of Historic Places?
I State Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
1 The State Forest Preserve? ❑ ❑ F] ❑ ❑
National Wildlife Refuges and State Game Refuges? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
1 National Natural Landmarks and other outstanding ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
natural features?
1 National Park Service lands? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
! Rivers designated as National or State Wild, Scenic ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
or Recreational?
I Any transportation corridor of high exposure, such ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
as part of the Interstate System, or Amtrak?
1 A governmentally established or designated interstate ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
or inter- county foot trail, or one formally proposed for
establishment or designation?
A site, area, lake, reserver or highway designated as ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
scenic?
1 Municipal park, or designated open space? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
! county road? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
State road? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ ❑
I Local road? ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
2. Is the visibility of the project seasonal? (i. e_, screened by summer foliage, but visible during other seasons)
❑Yes ❑No
3. Are any of the resources checked in question 1 used by the public during the time of year during which the project will be visible?
❑Yes ❑No
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING VISUAL ENVIRONMENT
4. From each item checked in question 1, check those which generally describe the surrounding environment
Within
*Y4 mile '1 mile
Essentially undeveloped ❑ ❑
Forested ❑ ❑
Agricultural ❑
Suburban Resbdential ❑ ❑
Industrial ❑ ❑
Commerical ❑ ❑
Urban ❑ ❑
River, Lake, Pond ❑ ❑
Cliffs, Overlooks ❑ ❑
Designated Open Space ❑
Flat ❑ ❑
H17fy ❑ ❑
Mountainous ❑ ❑
Other ❑ ❑
NOTE: add attachments as needed
�. Are there visually similar projects within:
*X mile []Yes ❑No 1 mile ❑ Yes ❑ No 2 miles ❑ Yes ❑ No 3 miles ❑ Yes
"Distance from project site is provided for assistance. Substitute other distances as appropriate.
EXPOSURE
6. The annual number of viewers likely to observe the proposed project is ?
NOTE: When user data is unavailable or unknown, use best estimate.
CONTEXT
7. The situation or activfty in which the viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed action is:
FREQUENCY
Holidaysl
Activity Daily Weekly Weekends Seasonally
Travel to and from work O O O O
lnvolvod in recreational activities O O O O
Routine travel by residents O O O OO
At a residence O O O O
At worksitc O O O O
Other 0 0 0
aAlo
e I
COPY
VZW - Sapsucker
Project No. 4109
8/14/2008
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA FOR VISUAL EAF ADDENDUM
A.) Cornell Recreational Park Trail 1.00± miles
P. Coun Roads
Distance Between Project
County Roads and Resource Miles
C.R. 109 (Ha.nshaw Road ) 0.07±
S.) Local Roads
Local Roads
Distance Between Project
and Resource (Miles
Freese Road
0.50±
Bluegrass Lane
0.63T
Plantations Road
1.46±
Mt. Pleasant Road
1,421
Monkey Run Road
0.87±
5. Spectrasite tower 1.46 miles from proposed site.
Spectrasile tower 1.59 miles from proposed site.
UNlsite tower 1.61 miles from proposed site.
3G Solutions 2.56 miles from proposed site.
i ?4
der
6. Established by assuming a percentage of travelers within the viewshed who %grill actually observe
the project ADT information taken from 2007 NYSDOT Local Traffic Volume Report for
Tompkins Co.
Road Name ADT x
2,000 x 5%
S Gz s/
Total Average Daily Viewers
Est. # of Viewers
x 365 days per yea) r
Total Estimated Viewers per Year = 36,-5OW year* /D?
Freese Road is the closest road to the project site with available traffic counts, therefore these traffic
counts were used for the above estimation.
14 -14 -11 (9195)-9c 61 7.20
Appendix B
State Environmental Quality Review
Visual EAF Addendum
SEQR
VZW — Sapsucker
Project No. 4409
81/4/2008
form may be used to provide additional information relating to Question 11 of Part 2 of the Full E
(To be completed by Lead Agency)
Distance Between
Visibility
Project and
Resource
(in Miles)
1. Would the project be visible from:
0-1/4 114 -112
112 -3
3 -5
A.)A parcel of land which is dedicated to and available to the
public for the use, enjoyment and appreciation of natural or
man -made scenic qualities?
13.)An overlook or parcel of land dedicated to public
observation, enjoyment and appreciation of natural or man-
made scenic qualities?
C_)A site or structure listed on the National or State
Registers of Historic Places?
D,)State Parks?
E.)The State Forest Preserve?
F.)National Wildlife Refuges and state game refuges?
G.)National. Natural Landmarks and other outstanding
natural features?
H.)National Park Service lands?
J.)Rivers designated as National or State Wild, Scenic or
Recreational?
K_)Any transportation corridor of high exposure, such as part
of the Interstate System, or Amtrak?
L.)A governmentally established or designated interstate or
inter- county foot trail, or one formally proposed for
establishment or designation?
M.)A site, area, lake, reservoir or highway designated as
scenic?
N.)Municipal park, or designated open space?
❑ ❑ ■ ❑
5+
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
P,)County road? "
■
■
■
❑
❑
R.)State? •
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
S.)Local road? •
■
■
■
❑
❑
2. Is the visibility of the project seasonal? (i.e.
screened by summer
foliage, but
visible during
other
seasons?
Yes ■
No
❑
3. Are any of the resources checked in questions 1 used by the public during the time of year during which the
project will be visible?
■ Yes ❑ No
•
I ��w
DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING VISUAL ENVIRONMENT
4. From each item checked in questions 1, check those
which generally describe the surrounding environment.
Within
1114 mile • 1 mile
Essentially undeveloped ■ ■
Forested ■ ■
Agricultural ■ ■
Suburban residential ■ ■
Industrial D
Commercial ❑
Urban D ❑
River, Lake, Pond ■
Cliffs, Overlooks D ❑
Designated Open Space ❑ D
Flat ■ ■
Hilly ❑
Mountainous ❑ ❑
Other ❑ ❑
Note: add attachments as needed
5. Are there visually similar projects within:
1/4 mile D Yes ■ No'
1 mile ❑ Yes ■ No
1'/ miles ■ Yes ❑ No'
3 miles ■ Yes ❑ No
Distance from project site are provided for assistance. Substitute other distances as appropriate.
EXPOSURE
6. The annual number of viewers likely to observe the proposed project is 36,500 .
NOTE: When user data is unavailable or unknown, use best estimate.
CONTEXT
7. The situation or activity in %PMich the viewers are engaged while vievring the proposed action is
Activity FREQUENCY
Holidays/
Daily Weekly Weekends Seasonally
Travel to and from work ■ D D D
Involved in recreational activities ■ ❑ ❑ ❑
Routine travel by residents ■ Q D D
At a residence ■ ❑ ❑
At worksite ■ ❑ ❑
Other D ❑ ❑
*Refer to atta h d 1
c e s ieet
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