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TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE
Adopted March 3,2015 by the Michael E. Lane, Chair
Tompkins County Legislature James Dennis,Vice Chair
Will Burbank
Carol Chock
Leslyn McBean Clairborne
Kathy Luz Herrera
Dooley Kiefer
Daniel Klein
David McKenna
Glenn Morey
Martha Robertson
Brian Robison
Nathan Shinagawa
Mike Sigler
Peter Stein
County Administrator
Joe Mareane
Tompkins County Planning
Advisory Board Kris Altucher, Education
Mina Amundsen,At-Large
Martha Armstrong, Chair, Economic Development
Michelle Berry,At-Large
Todd Bittner, Natural Environment
Will Burbank, Planning, Energy,and Environmental Quality Committee
Carol Chock, Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee
Dick Coogan, Local Planning(non-urban)
Sue Cosentini, Business
Rick Couture, Education
Fernando de Aragon,Transportation
John Gutenberger, Education
Dave Herrick, Facilities/Infrastructure
David Kay, Local Planning(urban)
Dooley Kiefer,Associate Member
Gay Nicholson,At-Large
Monika Roth,Agriculture
Kathy Schlather, Human Services
John Spence, Housing
Rob Steuteville, Built Environment
Scott Whitham,Cultural and Historic Preservation
Andy Zepp,Vice Chair, Land Preservation/Public Land Management
Prepared by the
Tompkins County Planning Edward C. Marx,AICP, Commissioner of Planning
Department Katherine Borgella,AICP, Deputy Commissioner of Planning
Scott Doyle,AICP, Senior Planner
Dariele Drake, Principal Account Clerk/Typist
Sharon Heller, Geographic Information System Analyst
Joan Jurkowich, Planning Administrator
Tom Knipe, Senior Planner
Megan McDonald,Senior Planner
Jennifer Turner,Administrative Assistant 3
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Planning Department thanks the many agencies and individuals who provided information for and guidance in the preparation of
this plan.First and foremost,we thank the members of the community who shared their thoughts and ideas on the future of Tompkins
County. Without their advice, suggestions, and comments, we would not have been able to prepare this document. We would also
like to specifically thank: Fernando de Aragon and Tom Mank of the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council for their help in
coordinating the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan with the Long-Range Transportation Plan; Martha Armstrong and Michael
Stamm of Tompkins County Area Development for their help in coordinating the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan with the
Economic Development Strategy;Torri Bennington of Westhill Graphics for the creative design and layout of the document;individuals
who graciously granted permission to use the photos throughout the Plan
Cover Photo by Jim Mason,Environmental Photography
foreword
THE TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN presents a vision for the
future of the community. It is based on a set of principles that reflect the values of the community as
expressed by the County Legislature they have elected. The Plan seeks to foster a place where individ-
ual rights are protected while recognizing the benefits that can accrue to community members from
common actions. It largely focuses on voluntary collaboration between the public and private sectors,
but also supports the role that local regulation can play in addressing key issues impacting the entire
community and helping people to live together in harmony. Where regulation is required, it should
balance the burdens placed on individuals and businesses with the restrictions needed to protect or oth-
erwise benefit the larger community. In most cases the Plan seeks to expand individual choice in terms
of where and how people live their lives.
The Plan includes policies that,when considered together,can help create both rural and urban commu-
nities with opportunities for people to live meaningful and rewarding lives.The Plan seeks to encourage
management and preservation of our resources to the equitable benefit of current and future genera-
tions,and to provide opportunities for everyone to participate in community life.
In rural areas the Plan envisions a working landscape of farms and forests providing products and jobs
that support a strong rural economy,while providing for management and protection of these resources
to maintain their ability to sustain the community into the future.Rural economic activities may include
businesses processing agricultural and forest products,and other small businesses appropriate to a rural
setting. Opportunities will continue to emerge for a renewable energy economy that takes advantage of
wind, sun, geothermal,biomass, and water resources at appropriate sites for production of energy for
both on-site use and remote use. This working landscape will continue to be intertwined with a pro-
tected, and increasingly connected, network of natural areas that provide multiple benefits including
clean water,outdoor recreation,and habitat for wildlife.This network includes State parks,forests,and
wildlife management areas.These open lands will also include private land protected by voluntary ease-
ment and natural areas protected as privately owned and managed nature preserves.The Plan also advo-
cates local regulations to protect stream corridors,floodplains,and aquifer recharge areas that are critical
both to maintaining public and private water supplies and to protecting the public from the increasing
threat of major flood events.
Employment choices for those interested in living and working in rural areas will include full-and part-
time farming, independent"homestead" lifestyles, entrepreneurship in agricultural and forest product
processing, and at-home workers who want to live close to nature. Rural populations will continue to
be served by traditional rural centers in villages and hamlets scattered around the county.These centers
will provide opportunities to live in small close-knit communities with nearby,walkable schools, com-
mercial,and governmental services,as well as offer transit connections to the urban center of the county.
In the urban area of the county,the Plan sees an increasing population largely resulting from infill and
redevelopment projects providing housing choices and locations for businesses to start and grow.New
housing will allow people to live closer to employment and serve the preferences of changing demo-
graphics including an increased senior population as well as the younger workers needed to fill the jobs
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 FOREWORD PAGE III
provided by both an expanding economy and the retirement of baby boomers. The urban area will be
walkable and well-served by a number of transportation options including transit,bike routes,trails,and
car- and bike-share programs. Jobs and housing will be proximate to one another,making transporta-
tion less of a financial burden,and energy will increasingly be provided by a combination of local and
regional renewable resources.
The urban area will include the lively,active downtown and vibrant waterfront district of Ithaca,neigh-
borhood centers serving nearby residents,and regional commercial centers that serve the needs of both
urban and rural populations.Many cultural amenities and entertainment options will continue to make
Tompkins County a place to find big city experiences in a place with a small town feel.Job growth will
be concentrated in areas with nearby housing and transportation options,and located in areas with ade-
quate energy,water,and sewer infrastructure.Infrastructure investment will be focused in these areas to
sustain a strong economy,high quality of life,and fiscally sound government. Centers of entrepreneur-
ship and business support services will be available to spur the creation and growth of new businesses.
Many residents of the county also enjoy living in the space between rural and urban,the suburban neigh-
borhoods that make up much of the land developed over the last 50 years. In these areas opportunities
will continue for limited new development through infill and a few new higher density neighborhoods
that may emerge in accordance with town plans. It will be important that these new areas develop in
locations and at densities that take advantage of and support existing or easily extended infrastructure,
as well as transit routes and/or trail corridors that provide transportation options. New park and rides
may be instituted to provide better access to existing transit routes that serve these areas and trails may
be extended to provide better connections to the urban center.Such areas should incorporate mixed uses
to allow the provision of some goods and services within neighborhoods.
Rural, urban, and suburban areas will develop in ways that dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions.This will include new and renovated housing,commercial,and industrial buildings that are much
more energy efficient and incorporate both on-site and off-site renewable energy production.The trans-
portation system will offer more choices that are less energy intensive,including modes utilizing renew-
able energy,whether it be human powered,electric,bio-diesel fueled,or other technologies.Renewable
energy will be generated in rural, suburban, and urban areas at appropriate sites and scales that can
together provide a secure energy supply for community needs.
While doing all we can to mitigate the impacts of climate change,the Plan also calls for the community
to prepare for the unavoidable impacts already built in to the increased heat-trapping gases in our atmo-
sphere.It will be increasingly important to address public health and safety,anticipated impacts on our
economy and infrastructure,and particularly the potential impacts on the most vulnerable populations.
Altogether, the Plan envisions a community where rural, suburban, and urban areas not only coexist
but are mutually supporting. Rural areas will gain economically from urban markets for food, wood
products, and energy while having access to the amenities and services that can only be supported by
a larger population. Urban areas will have access to the natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and local
food and energy provided by our rural landscape.Suburban areas will be enhanced by improved transit
access, trail connections, and availability of some neighborhood services while absorbing some resi-
dential growth to limit inappropriate development of rural areas. Together urban,rural, and suburban
communities will offer a broad range of living and working choices to county residents.
PAGE iv FOREWORD TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
table of contents
Foreword.............................................................................................................iii
Introduction. 3
OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES
ustainai i ...................................................................................................
Regional Cooperation..................................................................................... 18
Fiscal Responsbility .......................................................................................
20
• • • ' ' ' • ' ' • 1
The Economy. ..
Housing............................................................................................................ 33
Transportation................................................................................................ 42
ENVIRONMENTTHE , •
NaturalResourc ..........................................................................................
WaterResources............................................................................................. 60
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.EMMIEV2
Adaptation.........................................................................................................
12
Heali i .... ................. ............................................
DevelopmentPatterns.....................................................................................99
Kic6ENDICES (see separate document)
..............................................A-1
Public Comments and Responses................................................................. B-1
Datallotes....................................................................................................... C-1
Map of Proposed Complete Streets Network.............................................D-1
Detailed Map of Cayuga Lake Facilities.........................................................E-1
Tompkins County Watersheds.......................................................................F-1
One of the greatest
values of the Plan
is that it provides
a framework
for voluntary
partnerships and
collaboration .
i
introduct0ion
THE VALUE OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Wh.cn we think of places we haw visited aT lived,Larne stand our as malls of natural bcauty and hmman
Lomfort,suppnrWby thriving localeconornies<Th cornwani -Leak not gnaw by accident or without pulslla
debwe and agreed-upon gaLdelineg.<:06borWve plan:mft pirozemesard ccmprrl;ensivephmr are the build-
LrLg h1cickA cd&uL:h greatcommunffies.
]yla311niitig hulps n intalrr and pramuft livable,vlrsl communities.Loral mun"p2U11itspiay a key rrle by devel-
L1jfl ng=d inipWvwnting mrnprthen!ive plafis to reflect their Quart goals arrd Support thcLr awn Land ww neg-
ulatianf. The County CA)MpreherslUa Plan PmVideg 3n OPPOMnity tO look h rW r,Lunitlpal F,BrCWrf apd
L relce a shjir�d omm6n ky 1i81o.
Oft 1)F Lhe dunes of ilw pEaao np,Depar meat,"Wrding W the Comity Charter,is to Ptepary a cmPrehe i0e
Plan fod the de%r�&:ip wnt of the county,including tlWi�;e rabies awliodiwed by New Mork SLa t Law,whle.h deal
with'the prixei:iw.thhan xnua¢tdf'lygr)WTh.2135LL-i6%-1eIr3p9rL W of the coatrty." AixoMingl�.the Plan Eo-
" on The phv.%Li; landnaivral envirorlmei,t and rutir Oil hi,,mUr.:Wr++ c0lb"Cirs. The mprehera9Mwe Plan
was lnitiAed viung a 20,year horimm to detmikikne whin wines nwd to be ad*w 4 an4 will be monKo ed
=inuatly,updated w rtectcar�a W farmal]y reAr,"d mey fw yeah Ln4c*oi d mee with the CO�Uty
The c€mterit of tlg Plin wsx dirimloped fmm ilssue3 citirefts ildentfied as cdiieal,k desc i'bes t%iAL i&ouftjitipw
and identifies issues and opportsLnities than can inform decWon•makers id all 1"S of"erameztt,as well a�
IVtdixi,dU.jl8.bU9i0esse%.tdkj.; j0n4l JrLgitvtions,and 3104•for-fit orpnizoicini as the} NLm fuc the fuiury of
To.vnpkLftt County.
The Ran ixxopim� thai Ln manor LnmamfsCounty governmeot h;As a lirrit,ed mile w ploy itt addreminE a Par.
ticulaa Lfsuv. R4-guLitiun ulland twin New Yurk 15eatclift with citica,wwna and vi[Jagrs. In mm-oases sash
Lvc.al mgalation is kq to w1ving county-wick problems and in dwse instanoea the CuunLy my cnnwrage local
atom. MaTt often the plan 5uggeat:;voluntary actionA cifted involving pubU-Prixlte partntrakos and ool]ab-
oa-ati an bctwmn IeY4.4a of gvvsrnrrwnt. One of the greatest+-Awes of the Plan is that Lt pr3+rides a framewwk fear
rncuuragLng such pwULcnhips and oAabuTarLiun.
THE 2004 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The 'lbmpkins Count} Le is]ature first adopted a co nprehimsivc plan in 20N. Enti-
dud 7onipikrns Counry Comprehensive Man:ManrriraXfororwrFmrc,that Plan contains
principles,policies,and ecL ms to wide the County and other community mcmbcrs as
the make dici ono that in0ucnc4�rtocna]deyciopmsnt.involvr triter- vcrnmrntal
cogxTat un,and meet the qua*of llfic in nrio&Kwlwods and ccmmu-nitim It pro-
vides a frarnnmrk to addmss mmrmuniLX goa]a in a p caclive an,d coDrdin,atrd nLann,er.
On[}cccmhcr 1 6%fig,the Tompkins Go"Legialawr-c appraved an amend ntnt to
the Com rche sivePlan to address the issue of cncrgyand gccnh,ousrgas cmissCums, rl
TOMPK1► C'CKJKR QW"EWENW—E PLAN M5 • 1ffMDL VCMN ' PAGE 3
When the Plan was adopwi in 2K4. it was cawinoned to a ntcd for 4>O0 additi,anal rental and owner-oc-cupied units
be a dynamic dvcumcnt with micw eery five years and acraaa all income Jcvcls by 2014.
full Updates nTry ten. this first full update of that Comn-
prchensive Plan adds elirmle a gAat on,a complrlely nrw CONSERVATION STRA''rFEM �h 'pumpkins County
clement, rtstivctums the suron camnmunitics section by Lgoatature cndwscd thr rapipEw Comrity Umserkniriorr
also addrts54 healthy communities. adds the two ewer Stmfqy in 2012-The strateg is based on thr mcommenda-
arching principles of fiscaJ rtsponsibdity and sustainab ity. tiara of thr To?rjp ins Corwy Conmrraxfon Man. Parr h A
and updates policy statements to make them mart direct- 5tmtqir Appro,wh ro tial-wFal Rmurre Sje%urdship (20O71
Specific action Lterrls tv be initiated by Count} pwrnm,cnt and of tlu Tompk rrs C.ountp C;orrsrruatiorr Mon. Part H.- A
Within two years arc idrntifucd in rash chapter- 5lrr+rrgk Approtach to Aorlrlturul Resource Srewa4ship
(2010).
ENERGY RTRATEG)'- Ttw ThmllpkJrrq County Leghlaturr
TOPIC AREA STRATEGIES end endameJ theTw,r�rfs Coutay 2020EmergvSrral ln2010-
The 5traficgy outlines how she community can achieve a 20
Since 2 ,the C nmt}r has i1owdoped fire steetcgies to sup- percent rnduction Ln gxtcnhouse gas a isslons from 2CICIi8
plertwnt and mpand upon the work in the Plan- Relevant levtJs by 202,1), as dbe frst sttp slang the path to achieving
chapttrs in thLs Plan incorporaw mare'of the rrcamnrrwndj- tht Lrgislaturfis adopted a gaai a Fed L3 c La g grenhoust gas
boas found in those stralegiea,as welt as tf a talcs O( - cmiggir ns by at least 90 percent by 2050-
Octs and programs irrpk'rwnted In response tv the strate-
gy Thy Ovast Ies TOU'RM-M STRATEGY. Li 7012, ttw TortipkIrs County
LVshjure accep4ed the 2CM Tmmpkhv Gobnfy Sma rr
i{4i �,J ti 1'i'KAT F G Y-The Tomes#fi�uFkty Lgoglokure Tourism :JmzLP ng*f&m to 5aippor[TamrL5m Develop-
endwwddw HouOng-Vmtegy frra'Tompldm Caumotin - meet, prepared by 1-be 2-ytmWgLc Tourism Planning board
ThLs glrsteg lneludes reoammend;sdons cin how to 2chim ThJi strategy adti'amum tourism ;L, a meow 4 promoting
the hooing gr wtb fdentlW In thge Affordab& Hmrdng E[Onounit dzw+ opment and enhancing quality-of Hre.
!writ Am.srnmr (2006). The Needs Amewnent analyzed
the kxW hougiag ma*0 anJ popuknion tren4sand Found DF.M.0P.MFNT FOCUS AREAS STRATEGY. Tl)e
TOrrrpkins COunFy L4912nrre endp ViUilhftg VA5MFt!
CtrNfdzMJt&t!f im Drnpiefr% coutdy ... d rNVekPMW*tr Focus
Areas RmftV in 2111 7hkq nwagy identMe-� art urban
center, lime eoahlLsf',ed rtndm tarn em-ugLng nrrdes, and
eLpt mr-al cert'ters " khe D lopwwpt Fam Amaa- Th me
HousingStrategy amw are deemed to be kvn•suited to be the kcal pelvis of
s s inew de%, opmenk due to the exJckenee of public kcr% ces,
tro"it,and etlsd"developtrenl.The objd edlvt of the�trai•
En orgy Strategy r is to hA%v-t kw lwa-khlyds of new dmv opm nt occur
(20101 in the iderttlfied focosareu.
7ourism Strategy LISTENING TO
t
COMMUNITY VOICES
* , P -; 'the 'I;ompkiias County Charter ells for Chi:preParation od
"a comprsf mswe Plan fear she dsvelopmerrt of the Covunty,
F# which shah induds thrusc topka auchoriud by Nm Yomk
Development rocus State General Munisapal Law and detrrmined to be impoat-
Areas Strategy a12) onit to the Courq." �hr first step in preparing this update
to the Comiprch,cnsivr P n was to drtcl-minc the topics
impor'Lant to the cwnmunity.
ROEi IXTRODUMUN ' TOMtPrJNS COUNTY COMPWHENSWE R M721)15
Kickoff Survey 14rripldns county yy;tl t"%jpdatn,*rU
10M 1-mvreheosl-Plan try M141.and I Y
needs TOVE 8#RLrF 4o help¢pvelaP the 1
11m 7L)mpkin4 Co"niy P1on ning Advisory 3oW ;AmA fhe S f 43r th1!Plan.
Tumpkirrs Cuunky NannLng Dwi rtment early M lJtMUfwd
two new elelmmrrtsIsi uKliAdg In the 2014 ytrslarLof t14e Cam
p6�lw- Lsive Plan; C*mmuniiy Stusui narbLlicy, which consid•
ers,social equity,-sconomic viia].Ay, and eoologac,al steward. ,
ihLp in mxlclrtg deelsions;ami Cllmme Clh=ge AdapixLon ,++
to help the CMIM09tity Pktpft foe tlinlat* CbR111ge LMPACU
indludit increased flamALn&and drou&N,c]]aut&es to eco-
be heard
15;ysccros,and Lrr pcAcisoiY agricWiuW craps,
to order tr dctrrmine whether additionat copies should be
conaiderrod in the updaceY a community aurmy was dc%,d
opcd_ 'lltc sun■c}� was trrraducttd in Srp[errnbcr and Orio- Asa re5u3t, tw'n addirtLoel,al topL� areas were iderrtLpiad �
brrof�L3 a"askc�l abo+at a namb�:r of Po1eL�ial issue#� inclusion 7n �t Plan Update: a�ardablc livlr�g mid htalth}�
and safe{oarYmunLtics.A6ardabLeli4ingis addre,std in see'
address in 4he 1?lane
era] areas a the plays. lncludln�g hokrsing,
■ f■ roodh� oortlltisunitlrsu�11y As of Imnsportflon. and Ole cc�nbmy- Healthy
r�d and safe comrrnlUes haw begirt addremed
■ pnihllc safetytopicstuprimarDy Ln the Healthy Commianities
■ CMIJiL�,n on8m+� ■ ■ ■ . ■ �ptcr_ The prcfc6ed gcope for 6e Hart
+ e�ti ;rtbaR m+ s healthy -and wa* plr nted at a pubtk meeting on
+ l�IL�stLan
•• al rd Ie IKl-ng 5afe communities Nwember 19.2013_The meeting prow Med
barr an gTwtunity i planrliog aIll„eni
conlinullity c
ded in
StAfftOaSk pauticlpMts fOf2ddkt 004Inp1,3t
■ 0211 Mflg fogf all agl n&J*PUI;11,0n Plan.
on thew crti+p topbce in better vndersund
• SM&I Ll1fPstr'trMre �BtYMrClh>'Ctlt}�cmcerrts mtated te)tham.
■ 2i r IgUALty
■ t7ddi[iMML lnfr"truelluFe
• rc mai fort Rrin cip IeS and Polio i es
■ rnmmurYi At4o+fls Whni)lO$y Anorlher nujor public oulreach e,ff+art wu made In the
Surve+ paarticLpanis weEv also ablGe to identify addiiiorat sph g of X14 to rutive Inpvc on th,e drafi principles and
iuucN. Detailed x+urvey rMits and rrleth4dclVu-s 4;kn be polLclftfwthe Compf ugisi Plan.Six m*e LLnpvftre held
fawnd ift AppmdL%A. thmughvwt the courtly; 4vLo in the City of lthwa,and one
eazb in the V111agea of Graon,aad the hamki:s of Newfield,
A t, W of 915 responm wm received either ort•littie or jadwftwille. and Slauer,r W. The meoirigs focu d m pro•
v-ia wri[tej] sttm+ey- A lame number of wricten smmys were posed polick%asking the publk io suggest specific actLons
Mciwed;Ls part of an oulmach effort to Partimipvion La Gov- The commanily might wk,er to Impleerr em those policies,
VnU=ntclasa�nat Ithaca I ighS bm'Laming I:14h ashoo], Over 70 irydividuaYlsamleeLdcd the public nwetiags and wJdL-
Ncwfteld High Scl ouL and Ncw RoaLs Chalrlcr SchuuL. 6a al coQlrlmeaLs v=receineed via mi it and email.Over 400
idm aM gestions weTe gwkTcmJ,mom during She puNic
The Planning Art iscwy Board Lddn if trd she insucs to include: dLtcw i"s at the nwc tLngs.
is the Nan ushr y the ftsWu of the survey and considicrin:g
both the Councy's role in the tdentiflel! L,%�m% iw well qhe
Draft Plan Review
cwnumic impetus, number of individuals Lmpactcd. and
lung-range vs.shori-range La4=ts of the imnes.Additional Luring Octvbcr2-014,the Manning Derpartment vonduclyd
considcrations included the availability of staff land ot]-ler public oulreach on Lhe Draft 'Jbmpkins County Compre-
revourcra w acidness the is un. hmsLve PLa.n. This outrfvch c6orl indt ded sonductin5 six
4Ypern 1:wusn around the County � nfirld, Danbg, born,
Lansing, and two in 1he City -of ithwa). In addition, 1hr
T0WlMNS COIJRW CCMPRFHENSIV-E RLM 2W5 • Wt'R0MMUN ' PAGE 5
Dcpartmmt sent information and requests for input to In all. the L7+epartment rccciiwcd M-CF M comlrmMts from
a wide variciy of cm-ail addresscLs, including thoFe of local apprcWmatcly 40 individuals and 5cveral group& lhcsc
%xwernmeni officials. adxisory board numbers. and prcvi- comrnrnts addressed cwxrp individual chapter in the draft
oua coanmCntcrs or the Comprehensive Plan. Information plan and,while there wu wm,e duplicatwn.arnGng thecom-
a�out the public meetings and the Plan was a1w posttd to mcnts,th,crc was a great variety of sug"ions made,
the Dcpartment's Facebookand Twitter accounts-
A cuff of ail the comments rcct3vcd, indicating the source
En additiun,gaff ameaded meetings of variarus groups soLic- of the cflmment,is included in Appcndiz B. -Ihis apprnd.x
iting comments and-qucatic ms.These included: in--h3dtsa response to all comments.The responscs indude
■ untT ad*lsory board ,the AgrLalAwe ard Farr- apprwimakLy 20 substantive charges to the Plan and caunt-
amrtd ProftLl I9r1 110$rd,the EUYjttiJAR't'I.9nW NfA11jXg2rr 1�rt1 Icss clarifmcatiorms.grammatical corrcc-tions,and other minor
C,mmcd,th4 Winning AdviswT Board,and the WaLei rhm4pn to the t-CXL
RC50U7a5 COUddl,
* BmYSYfYe55 SRC tticarearrmLc deYelOpn7C1Yt l{romipfi:the WITH
t_:hambcr of C:ommercc Hoar i of Di mcars,tfine I COORDINATING
O ORD I� N AT I N G
Phrasing Camntittee.and the Emnomdc Dtvr]opment OTHER PLANNING EFFORTS
GDll2b0r2tiw+r,
■ -Groups the Vcpartmrnt his worked with unrrthr D Iopwng Lh.� ComprAeruie PCB included tevitw 4
years on specific aepmarb of the Flan:k#ousinZ StrertcV plans prepared since 2M4 by laraL mun iclpal fries, regional
partners and(:anservaxiAm partners, planning$gender and State agencies.
* L oea1 govemosent groups:the Tompkins County Cairn- All IocaL mw)Wpalit6n Lem Tompkins C'ounLy have also pre,
-cil o(Co+rernmer is sand a meetlag d munkipal planning pamd ind ad"-coarprehe,Ow plans. Th*ia pLons serve
sus;and multiple purpo bier among tkwna are to art as the ba.&Ls for
■ the Dcparumnt was alma fraturrd presenter atonrof adaptMg Imal �antl me reRu adons. 1-ndtWigg mnLn& site
the County Offmcr for the Aones public hearinpon.their plan m vhew.*nb] 3ubdMsioa eegkkL:Aki"s. Thy*uthomy for
annual report and strategy.
Tom pkins Coup.110 es Lo ca I Com preh e nsive Pla Ins
C*FMX co„• VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HIEIGH75
' VILLAGE OF DRYDEN 2006
VILLAGE OF FREE'V1LLE 2013
s� c. "° VILLAGE OFGROTON 2005
T VILLAGE OF LANSING 2005
wrsm VILLAGE UFTRUMAISDURG 2009�
TOWN OF CAROUNE OrO
° TCWN OF DANSY 2DII
TOWN OF DMEN 2X5
TOW?q OF ENFIELD 2MI
TOWN OF GFROTON �D05
CAROU"E TOV N OF ITHACA 2D14
TOWN OF LANSING 2M6
TOWN OF NEWFIELD 2Dt3
TOWN OF ULYSSES 20D4
� *■ CITY OF ITMACA 1471
5duA'L-;rdMPAMg C6umty cm NYS hrEuM&f.1 iredmak&stfUR s Somme:T'QM ,4M5 CWMY
RAjjE$ 14?ROD UCT1OH T0MtPKJN5 04 Kff C0)APRMEN9*MM 21)15
such land use regulation in New York State lies at the town, OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES
village,and city level,and not at the County level.
Tompkins County should be a place where:
Two local plans in particular, the Tompkins County Eco-
nomic Development Strategy,prepared by Tompkins County the needs of current and future generations are met
Area Development, and the Ithaca-Tompkins County without compromising the ecosystems upon which they
Transportation Councils Long-Range Transportation Plan,
depend.
were actively being updated during the drafting of this Plan. ➢ all levels of government work cooperatively to address
Information and goals from these plans were incorporated regional issues.
into this Comprehensive Plan where appropriate. Other ➢ taxpayer dollars are invested in public infrastructure
planning efforts are also reflected within the topical chapters and facilities in the most efficient manner possible.
of the Comprehensive Plan, such as the Tompkins County
Workforce Strategy. THE ECONOMY, HOUSING AND
Particular attention was also paid to the recently completed TRANSPORTATION
Cleaner Greener Southern Tier Regional Sustainability Plan Tompkins County should be a place where:
(2013) that addresses many of the same topics as this Com-
prehensive Plan. The primary focus of the Cleaner Greener ➢ economic prosperity is accessible to all.
Plan is reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That Plan envi- ➢ housing is affordable,safe,energy efficient,and appeal-
sions the Southern Tier Region of the future as a ing.
...place with revitalized cities, villages and hamlets ➢ transportation choices are efficient,affordable,and
that anchor a reinvigorated urban and rural econ- healthy for people and the environment.
omy based on good paying jobs.A place where energy
needs are increasingly supplied or reduced by conser- THE ENVIRONMENT
vation, efficiency, renewable technologies and smart
development;where new transportation and housing Tompkins County should be a place where:
options meet the needs of the region's changing popu- ➢ natural features and working rural landscapes are pre-
lation and contribute to an enhanced quality of life; served and enhanced.
and where natural systems are protected and green-
house gas emissions substantially reduced! ➢ water resources are clean,safe,and protected.
CLIMATE CHANGE
PRINCIPLES OF THE Tompkins County should be a place where:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ➢ the energy system meets community needs without
contributing additional greenhouse gases to the
The Comprehensive Plan is organized around twelve basic atmosphere.
interlocking principles. These principles are in line with
those found in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan,adhere to the the entire community is prepared for the economic,
values expressed in Tompkins County's mission and vision environmental,and social impacts of climate change.
statements(which can be found inside the back cover),and
reflect the wisdom gathered from many community opin- NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES
ions. Policies corresponding to each of these principles are
Tompkins County should be a place where:
provided in each section of the Plan.
➢ the built environment promotes healthy,safe,and active
The principles include three that are overarching and lifestyles.
reflected throughout the Comprehensive Plan. The remain- ➢ new development is focused in compact,walkable,
ing nine principles are more topical and are covered in more mixed-use communities.
detail in individual chapters of the Plan. The principles are
aspirational and could be considered vision statements.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 • INTRODUCTION 0 PAGE 7
TOICIP I S COUNTY OVERVIEW
L ocatcd in the Finger Lakes RcSion of Upstate Nrw Ymk`
Tompkins Counter contains an uncommon mixture of spec-
tacLdar natural feature,a vihrma urban center,Loternation-
aily rencwncd academic institutions,and a productive an d
attractive working Jandscape_ With its mixture of urban,
suburban, and rural landscapes,Tompkins County offm a
diucrsehvingeruLra meat.
History of Settlement
WhiEe dctaik,d records of the eammunlbys hlstnr� he n F
+With the first semllers to =Hoe in the wake of Lh,e American city of Iti),21eL 1873.
Rewlution, the generatiam of preuloue mgWents wretch SCvrw[t DenrXmwirefSurinyafTdmpkmC&Nwy
hack to the ^tcit a Age_ Archando&A] avldmre suWas the
Frst hurttion{ u)set foot Err Upstate Few York were nomodio
11LI1114-r t WELI I i 11"sands of years aU courted the fotesu tin 1+tew YuTk_talc in 1817 and narned for Budel V.Twaplc_ins,
of Wmn ie. a former Nam+York rwrnor and at that time Vkc prasident
MM Mently, thus UN wa3 IQMe W the CAyVP Idioms, of dw Unlicd Starts,
one orthe 15ve- and later six-trito that rrode up the [to, Earl} settlers were prcdomin&udy Amerkan-barn fa=m
quois Corifedemlon.The CAyuWbullt settWownts nearche socking new laird. Some from the cast & d south brought
wuruN of ftfth w r;ALA cdtiu;kt d produce;uW ordia J& atavn with them, akh uo their nurnbcrs were small Slav-
In 1779. General Ceogr a Wmhifrgwn, omcemed that the ery was abolished in New York Suic in 1827,Many.but nut
Iroquois Fnii"s would ally with ttw Mush, sertt troops to all,of the people ufthe countysuppmled emancipation and
drive the laiwis wek:And out of the eortl ct r'*ng between some helped fugitive slaves make their way to freedom,
the oolonWs aft-d Firitain.Two 0fiW shingWris gerxerals 10A
their form-dowrt eG her i]ck of C"gt Lake end:sr1eML• 'lhe oprningof thrEric and SmecaCana]sin the caAy nine-
ioay denmyed The Native AntMwil 4-&Vs, The cusses• teenth century kept low goods flawing to the eastern rnar-
tion was compheto and,in 1789. Lhe Cayugns wirer fo=d to kcts. Railroad dffKlcpmmt ]inkrd Taunpkins County with
give up their land.' eucn more destinatiaos beginning in 1832 with the Itf a-
►a-Owego Railroad.By 37-0,else county was sen-cd byEDur
FvlLuwin the l2eVvlutiunary mar, Simeon L7+e1++litt, the railroads-
State SUXWrr Csnsral and lake founder of Ithaca, placcd
Lh,e northcm pdrtoon of what bode TompkinS County in the establishmcntfliCwncll University in 1865brought sta-
the 'flew Military Tract, Ian& W br gimn W wirraro in bility to tlu crru"t eaanomy_the uniw+crsity attre,ctrd atn-
pa}rmmi far their milRary service.-lht souLhern purtWn of dents, faculty,and man} new resid1mm.The khaca Cun9er-
vwl at became Tompki-os County wasovwncd by ipri3atc land xatory of?Music(now Ithaca Gokgc)formod in downtown
de-velopnrent company. Ithaca in 18+92-The vil W of Ithaca had a slr-ady inrrea-w in
poputabon while most of the towns reached a peak popu-
C'ast-Rt-ro�luti,anar} War scttl�cment hewn around I Fes. lotion around 18�and then dippad to half that lcwc] in the
me new arrivals were squa,tlters wiling to tak,r a charres on ruty tears-of tJLe twcYhtirt]h cerhttuy.
finding]anal;others carne Rekiag their military LOcnmews,
By 181 G,the v0age of Ithaca had a few h(syse`s,a Sprinkling From a mUtcdon of fmwu and mills~ Tompl£Las Cmwty
Of �LuFcs and taverns, and scyeral mills powered by the grew into an arcs of pleasant harts and vidagcs coamecLed
fast-mo4i.ngstrcarnu-With the opening of theithaca-0wep by reads and turnpLk-es,icrrlts, and raDroads_ In 19W.vwLth
Turnpike. Ithaca became a tMns-shipnvent paint for Sands a population d nearly 34,OOQ,t}he county en erM the W d
fla -ing south. Tompkins County was officiaRy formed by the aurtomobilc, cicctrifiration,industrLdixation, and world
vx it 8 1►4TRODUCTION ' TOMPr M OW KM COMPRftiENSWE R1M21)15
wars. For six}rears,brrginning in 1914,motion pictures were northeast- the hospital rnovcd to West Hill Ln 1938 and
made Ln ldur,a.SLgnifiamt Loduatries cstablished in Lhc next lthsca C vUq;e rnmed to 54outh Hill in the mid-Ws.
few decades included the IShe,ca Gun Cwnpan}; the'Ihwn-
as-Morse airplane company, and the Gaston Lroo tiri the 1970& saw submantlal chaWs in the locatlon ad rctaLL
Company. By I%D, the papuLation had daulalcd to 66,1.64} and connuncr scrvicm The Ithaca Commons, a pedes-
and the local ecaaomywesbooming.' tri3n mall with shops, gOerics, and rrstauriurts, was built
in 1974.Fast HLH Plna and Pyramid!~call went fistablished.
In 1959.the Idiom Url an Area Figin was prepared through In response to plans that would pr ce scwcr service to the
a joint under u ing of the City of Jthum. Towns*f Ithaca southern portion of the Town of L.ansLng.the VLUage of Un-
arrd Lamm& and the 1FAL-agr of Cayuga sing was brr*r into bring in 1974 by
Rc#ts, The 1939 Plan expressed deep public dMWMd for land use regulations.
anKlety nyer the increasingdisperxion of The 1959 Ithaca by this time. two additional large malLs
the popu]ation into the more sera] areas Urbon Areo Plan and apartment complexes had Arcady
mbd away from the urban rnre_ Despite e * _ e deep been built-
raising alarms, t}se proposed ides and
rccwnu nd2tions in the 1959 Plan were anxiKyover - In the 1980s and 1990s. all throe cam-
not translated into concrete actions disper"sion per$ made major Lrwestments Ln new
bLdUngs, new campus rcsjdential halls.
The popu6tion -of Tompkins C'�ounty ' ' Population the and in rLcw programs. Callcgetnwn
w by 13 percent in the L960s and by into the moredewLopnw t Lr cmla�d with nmare rataLL
a sLmilar arrlount the i)`io]loring decade. ■ away f romstoreq and rentaL student housIng localcd
A acb of this growth was cooceatrated the urban i doge to the Cornell cunpu�_ Tops and
its the northeast d the Town c& Itham W&Vmane Dated in ;outhweft IthauL
and theadjaceni southern harder area of ThLs period of tine sJso saw the locaiJon
the Town o(1apAng-S4te Roiate I was of the new U S. Joist 00we on Warren
op*rued In 190,prcMdWg rapid amm to gogt1wrn f ms+ n& Raad and a new a]"Wtminal huildiag, both In the V11,
The Lnterchargc of Ro%L a I�and Tripbao m,er Road gkiLe y lage ofUmskn&Tku Cornell Rmi"n and Teel nNogy Park
became a inagFimt f�r commereLal development. Within wbiLe estshaiihed in t9%1. his grown sLgnJficarWy sLnee the
a per alter completion of thk hLghway. ■ht'ee of the fwr mLd-20c_The groundbreaking FraV111age a1 Ltlwca on VAW
corners Of thie iriterl.�ange were occupLed, by t1w courLty'� HILI 23kd ngw 'tight Irud"rLal &Yejopmerut m South Bill
�irgt large-scale apartment eninplex, a d oppLng null, and trure other MgnL6ieant dev opnunu in them decadei,
3 fAhar bkuinme4 mid apartment c6iw
pWm*Wovred. But rat all changes were happening to the Cou my D e mograph I c Prori I e
In 1910, the county had nearly 34,M rrsademts. IrLcreasrs
were slight through the JIMos, however over the next ten
}years the overall population jumped by retort than 115.000
Pop on Over iesiderrts to 590M.with the m*r pia occurrLog in Ithaca,
reflecting the gmwth of C43 mcll University following Waaid
1ZDrDDO _ _ WAF 11.hn additiona3 jump by I COW residents between 1%0
and L 970 bmugbt the population to 77.WD. That decade s
figures reveal a shift in living patterns with a major increase
KOM in the Towa of Ithaca. especially in the n,orthc= portion
SQ.DM and in the areas adjacent to CcwnelL From L 970 to 201%the
+o,@W - --- - population of Tompkins County grew to 101.564 resLdcnit&
20.DW Nearly 30 percent of the Natal popuLation is cnrolled in col-
a loge or gFadu,ate&dwok wLth that number Lnrreasing to 60
1 B20 1-A54 teO M.0 %P0 1970 Z= percent Lo the City of Ikhma- Apprcw:Jmatdy one in three
residents of the county is under21 yearsofage On the iAher
5aunr U5.[en s air eau rod of the scale.one in ten residents is at least 65 years old-
TOMPgNi COl KR CMPFJEFJEN51YE PLAN.24`5 1 NTRODUCDON ' PAGE 9
About half the adults have at least a bach- The most dominant natural feature in
elor's degree. The census also shows that Nearlypercent Tompkins County is Cayuga Lake. Cayuga
residents of Tompkins County move their of _ population Lake is the second-largest Finger Lake and
households frequently. In 2012, only one- the longest,widest,and one of the deepest of
third of households lived in the same resi- is enrolled the eleven Finger Lakes. Tompkins County
dence they inhabited in 1999. This reflects, in collegeor has approximately 26 miles of shoreline
in part, the nature of a transient university gra• _ school. on Cayuga Lake and is located in a glacial
community as well as national trends. valley with steep slopes along the lakeshore
punctuated by many picturesque gorges.
In the past few decades, the population of Elevations along the gorge walls can reach
Tompkins County has grown at a modest 400 feet.The higher elevations of the lake's tributaries,com-
rate of between five and ten percent, in contrast to most bined with the steep gorges,produce numerous waterfalls.
other Upstate New York counties,many of which have seen
declining population. The lake divides the northern portion of the county in
two. Nearly four-fifths of the county's land area drains into
Cayuga Lake before moving northward, ultimately to Lake
Tompkins County Population Ontario. The southern fifth of the county drains southward
Characteristics, 2010 into the Upper Susquehanna River and ultimately, Chesa-
peake Bay.
ALL RESIDENTS 101,564
GENDER: Cayuga Lake has served an important economic role in
MALE 50,065 (49%) Tompkins County. In the nineteenth century, the lake was
FEMALE 51,533 (51%) an important link in the transportation route connect-
AG E: ing central and southern New York to Buffalo and points
0-19 25,881 (25%) west. Today, it serves as a supply for public drinking water,
20-64 64,754 (64%) a major regional recreational and tourism resource, and an
65 OR OLDER 10,929(11%) important link in the waterfowl flyway of the Atlantic Coast.
Two major energy facilities utilize the lake for cooling, the
RACE:ONE RACE Cayuga Power Plant and the Cornell Lake Source Cooling
WHITE 83,941 (83%) heat exchange facility.
ASIAN 8,737 (9%) The topography of the watershed was formed as the land
BLACK/AFRICAN AM ERICAN 4,020 (4%) began uplifting approximately 200 million years ago.At that
OTHER 1,680 (2%) Susrou h time, drainage flowed to the south, through the ue-
TWO OR MORE RACES 3,286 (3%) g g q
- hanna River system. During the Ice Age,two glacial events
Source:U.S.Census,Decennial Census,2010 produced the deep gorges that became the Finger Lakes.The
retreat of the second glacial ice sheet resulted in the reversal
of drainage in the watershed from the south to the north.
This glacial action resulted in the creation of the relatively
flat lands in the northern portion of the county(in Ulysses,
Geology and Natural Surroundings Lansing, and Groton) and the steep hills and valleys of the
Tompkins County is made up of approximately 305,000 south(in Newfield,Danby,and Caroline).
acres of land.The southern area is dominated by rugged hills With its varied topography and landforms, the county
with the highest,Connecticut Hill,reaching over 2,000 feet. contains a number of interesting ecological communities,
The northern portion has a more gentle terrain and gener- including streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, meadows, fens,
ally more fertile soils.Approximately one-quarter of the land forests, swamps, and cliffs. Many important natural areas
in Tompkins County is covered by high quality agricultural have been identified with the help of Cornell University's
soils,concentrated in Ulysses,northwestern Enfield,north- strong natural resource programs, and a local community
ern Lansing, eastern Groton, and northeastern Dryden, of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental activists. Nearly
although smaller pockets are located throughout the county. 200 such areas have been identified by the County's Envi-
PAGE 10 INTRODUCTION TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
• i--�--•-' ",.],ice._t •:�-• - - =� .� '_ ` Y � _ �•
-� �`•`�„ err � � #-�"
�.,
7
5
J�
AL
f
NL
t oyv�.q take ftterfrwr Town of 05,z es
rcommul Marwgemem Council in the V 4wr Xatw5ad While Tompkim Coutuy Is not unique, it is domLnated txy
Anw fury 4�f'fb 'ns Coway_ TbmAins C'ounq i� hlgber educ Lion mom than mosi of tine country. Of the
also horne to a Nwtlonal Nat-und Landmark. WlAld Av& more than 3^ cuunuim ift the US,, orlly 19 hawt pqu-
locaed in the Town.of IhAen, 11L1 ions where oouev vnroucs are M&M tb;ArL one-fourth of
TmiderrLs. Of theft 19, Tompkins is uric of only six wah ;L
In ad&ium the wunty his ors ftecremioaAl Riyer (a por- populai"greater than 100.wo,Mw mhee fiat arcs
iwn of faD Croek), one CCitical Ecwironmen.W A= (Cod
Cknx four Slate Ruks,*11 or paA of ekht State Fooesb,stv- * Claiioc County,Ceara,hams cf T Uni�rrrait}'of
err] AudulvLvdeatiigrtiiled Lmpwtant Bird Ar"&mid a iari•
my-of laksprotetlyd h}`the 1 A Finger Lakcns Larrd Truss, ' Mini"County,La a,homt of 11 iimiL Unit si ty.
Cornell University.and 11wNatum Cun"Tvancy. * Daug6s County.Kansas,Iromcof tht Uniwershtyof
K n&r,
The Quinte sential Cc liege Town Centrt County,P'MnglV nit,h0fl3t Ufi�rrnsyl+•Aria
,1wgpkws minty is home to throe instLtuuuns of hkgbcr Stan Unr vcmity;and
education,Cornell'Univc3ity.ithara Cvlkge,and TwF pkins Bram 4 County.Texas,home-of Texas A&M UnivcrsLty-
Cortland Community Col.Lcgc.Tc*m1 enm0mrnt at aD thrse 'Ihe ,alleges arc a major a nomic �rctor in 'Iontpkins
c6kVs is acarly 30,WQ audcnts. Stunts accimm for 30 C unty. Aozording to the ikpartment of Lobar, 'Ether
Fercmt of the cok=ys total population and 60 perccnt of edu=[vn accounts far rn4rc than 30%Mall jobs in 'romp-
the City Of lth&Uc Spupa10tiDFL kips County: A rrcrnt D partmcnz of Labor anelysia found
that Cornell is one of the 101argat privatcacC-tor cmplOyffs
-rONWMNSCOLWrYCOMPFLEHENVVEPLM2015 INTWDtIMOK RAGE 11
in the state.The university's statutory units are also a signif- presence of cultural amenities. For a small county in rural
icant source of public sector jobs in the Tompkins County.'" Upstate New York,Tompkins is fortunate to have several art
Colleges and universities in the Southern Tier Region have museums and galleries, multiple live theater companies, a
an average wage of more than 20 percent above that of all variety of movie theaters, and a mix of high-quality restau-
industries. rants.
The colleges play a particularly important The presence of the educational institutions
role in maintaining the economy during The collegesalso provides challenges to the community.
hard times.When much of the U.S. and vir- define the For example, Tompkins County has more
tually all of Upstate New York were strug- community ' • untaxed property value than most other
gling through recessions in the 1980s and help
• • create
upstate counties with colleges.Also,much of
2000s, Tompkins County was somewhat the student population for each of the three
cushioned from these forces due to the con- the dynamic colleges is housed off-campus,greatly influ-
tinued employment and construction activi- environment encing the private housing market, particu-
ties at all three campuses. I many enjoy. larly in the City and Town of Ithaca.
The colleges provide many other opportu- All in all,the colleges define the community
nities and benefits to the community. The and help to create the dynamic environment
rhythm and character of the county are highly influenced by many enjoy.The colleges help to set Tompkins County apart
their presence. Community festivals and activities are often from other upstate counties and significantly contribute to
scheduled around major campus events and breaks. Over a growing and stable economy that retains younger people
half of the racial diversity in the county can be attributed and keeps new people, new ideas, and new energy coming
to the student population. Students and faculty account into the county.
for much of the community's diversity and influence the
' New York State General Municipal Law,Section 239-d(o).
2 Jane March Dieckmann,A Short History of Tompkins County
' Highlights,Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan,1975
' NYS Department of Labor.Labor Statistics for the Southern Tier Region.
PAGE 12 INTRODUCTION TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
overarching
• •
principles
Three overarching principles have guided the preparation of this Comprehensive Plan:Sustainability,Regional
Cooperation,and Fiscal Responsibility. This section discusses each of these principles and how it influences
the four topical sections of this plan,as well as describes some of the current community efforts that support
these principles.
PRINCIPLE
TOMPKINS COUNTY • OF
GENERATIONSFUTURE •UT COMPROMISING THE ECOSYSTEMS '•
WHICH THEY DEPEND.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability means equitably meeting the needs of all community members now and in the future. This
includes ensuring that everyone has a wide range of choices that allow them to share in economic prosperity,
live in a healthy environment,and participate in community life.It requires preserving biodiversity and natu-
ral ecosystems and conserving resources to ensure their ability to sustain future generations.It further entails
advancing economic vitality,environmental stewardship,and social equity simultaneously--by making sure a
decision to advance one of these does not come at the expense of another.
How Sustainability is Addressed in the Comprehensive Plan
THE ECONOMY,HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION. The economy,housing,and transportation play
vital roles in meeting the needs of current and future generations.A strong economy is essential to an economic
prosperity broad enough to be shared by all. It must include providing education and training and creating
entry-level jobs with career paths.Making this an equitable community requires availability of affordable hous-
ing near employment.Stable housing impacts families in many ways including the ability
of children to do well in school, giving them a better chance of advancing economically.
strongThe County cannot reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals without a strong
economy is focus on energy efficiency in all sectors,including an efficient transportation system.
essential THE ENVIRONMENT. Although the environmental aspects of sustainability are
to an economic apparent, the health of natural and water resources also factor into social and economic
prosperity broad outcomes. Providing equitable access to public open spaces provides opportunities for
exercise and improves public health.It promotes equity by ensuring everyone in the com-
enough to be munity can enjoy these benefits, regardless of where they live or how much money they
shared by
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES PAGE 13
make. Preserving biodiversity boosts ecosystem productiv- Initiatives
ity and resiliency.A healthy natural environment provides a
number of benefits for everyone:clean water,food and wood COUNTY GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES. Tompkins
products, nutrient storage and recycling, and pollution County has been working to advance sustainability for many
breakdown and absorption. When these natural functions years.In 2006,an employee-based effort began to more sys-
break down there is oftern a heavy cost incurred to provide tematically focus on developing sustainable practices within
these necessities. Tompkins County government. This led to the Tompkins
County Legislature authorizing the County Administrator
CLIMATE CHANGE. Since the 1950s, access to cheap to appoint a Tompkins County Sustainability Team. The
Oil, gas, and coal has spurred explosive growth in the con- Team has been charged with developing an action plan to
sumption of fossil fuels. This growth has promote sustainable practices by Tomp-
been strongly linked to spiking green- kins County government and to report on
house gas emissions and, in turn, global The County • progress.In 2014,the Sustainability Team
climate change that is predicted to result into an energy prepared a formal Tompkins County Sus-
in extreme weather patterns and dis- performance tainability Strategy for the County's gov-
rupted ecosystems. All aspects of a sus- contract to realize ernment operations, which was accepted
tainable community are threatened by cli- by the Legislature.
mate change. Those without the financial over million
resources to take the steps that would help in energy cost Tompkins County has made formal sus-
most, such as living close to jobs, install- _avoidance •ver 15 tainability commitments, adopted poli-
ing energy efficiency upgrades in their cies, undertaken energy improvements
homes, and purchasing more fuel-effi- yea rs. to its facilities,installed renewable energy
cient vehicles,are likely to face increasing systems on all its buildings,taken actions
energy costs. These same people are also within and between its various depart-
often the most vulnerable to floods, extreme heat events, ments,and pursued a number of other efforts related to sus-
droughts, and other predicted impacts of climate change. tainability. Specific policies adopted by the County Legisla-
Social equity requires that we devise solutions with particu- ture are:
lar attention to the needs of the economically disadvantaged. Waste Reduction and Resource Management Policy
A sustainable, economically prosperous future will be one (2007): to recognize the goals set forth by the Tompkins
where agricultural land, water resources, and local forests, County Solid Waste Management Plan through procedures
as well as our renewable energy sources of wind and sun,are to reduce the amount of waste produced by County opera-
managed to provide multiple benefits for current and future
tions and maximize opportunities for reuse and recycling.
generations.
• Facilities Management and Workplace Environment Poli-
NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES. Provid- cy(2009):to establish procedures for managing and oper-
ing opportunities for people, regardless of income, to live ating facilities in a manner that provides clean,well-main-
in compact high quality communities will help address the tained, and energy-efficient workplace environments for
issues of environmental quality,social equity,and economic staff and visitors. In 2005, the County entered into an
prosperity that underpin the concept of sustainability. Energy Performance Contract with Johnson Controls in-
Development Focus Areas that are safe, healthy, attractive, tended to realize over$4 million in energy cost avoidance
accessible, and affordable will provide places where people during the 15 year term of the contract.
want to live, work, and raise families. Enabling people to Green Fleet Policy(2009): to reduce fossil fuel consump-
live active lives with access to the places, recreation, and tion and greenhouse gas emissions from County-owned
social interactions they desire can sustain a high quality of vehicles and fuel-using mobile equipment.
life for all people regardless of income. Agreeing where the
community welcomes development will reduce pressure to Green Building Policy(2013):to use green building stan-
develop in areas valued by the community for their import- dards for all new construction and major renovations of
ant agricultural, recreational, and natural resources and County-owned buildings.
make desired development more economically feasible.
PAGE 14 OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES.Many local gov- by integrating social equity, economic vitality, ecologi-
ernments in Tompkins County have been leaders in sustain- cal stewardship,and personal and civic responsibility.
ability efforts and many have made significant investments The Sustainability Center provides a place where
to reduce energy use and green their government opera- residents and visitors can learn about the communi-
tions. The City of Ithaca and Towns of Dryden and Ithaca ty's collective efforts toward sustainability and serves
have each, in recent years, undertaken sustainability plan- as a setting for community discussions and programs
ning efforts.These have included preparation of greenhouse addressing a broad range of sustainability issues.
gas inventories, establishment of long-term goals to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and local energy action plans to Green Resource Hub of the Finger Lakes is a non-
achieve those goals. The Town of Caroline has also under- profit organization that looks to expand the market-
taken similar efforts using a collaborative approach among place for sustainable living in the Finger Lakes region.
town government,residents,and other interested persons to The SEEN(Sustainable Enterprise&Entrepreneur Net-
achieve energy independence from fossil fuels on a munici- work),a program of the Green Resource Hub,is a group
pal and residential level.Nearly all of the local governments of local and regional businesses, organizations, and
in Tompkins County have some efforts underway at the individuals who are committed to building a just and
government or citizen level to reduce energy use and make sustainable economy.
living in their municipalities more sustainable. The Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative
OTHER LOCAL INITIATIVES. Through proactive ini- brings together leaders from the business, non-profit,
tiatives led by community members, the community is local government, and education organizations that
embracing the challenges of creating a sustainable way of have made significant commitments to climate protec-
living. Local individuals, businesses, government agencies,
tion. This coalition seeks to leverage the climate action
non-profit organizations, and academic institutions are
commitments made by institutions and organizations
focusing on critical areas such as energy, transportation, throughout the county.
waste,and local food and are addressing the pressing issues Finger Lakes ReUse,Inc. re-directs materials from the
with innovative solutions. waste stream into productive new uses. Tons of build-
ing materials,computers,electronics,household goods,
All three institutions of higher education, Cornell Univer- appliances, and furniture unnecessarily enter the land-
sity, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community fill. Used materials- too often wasted- are assets with
College,have made a long-term commitment to more sus- overlooked economic value. Finger Lakes ReUse taps
tainable practices on campus as well as incorporating sus- this value to strengthen the economy,build community,
tainability issues into their research and academic efforts. and protect the environment.
Cornell University recently announced its agreement to Get Your GreenBack Tompkins is a community-based
purchase all electricity generated by the proposed Black Oak •
campaign, managed through Cornell Cooperative
Wind Farm in Enfield.In addition,more than 63 percent of
Extension of Tompkins County, to inspire all 42,000
waste on Cornell's campus is recycled or composted,includ- households and every business in Tompkins County to
ing 823 tons of food from the dining halls.Ithaca College is
take at least one step to save energy and money in the
one of the first institutions of higher education in the world
areas of food, waste, transportation, and heating and
to have two LEED Platinum-level facilities on its campus.
lighting.
And Tompkins Cortland Community College installed an
array of solar panels that will collect enough photovoltaic Learn@EcoVillagelthaca shares skills knowledge and
energy to provide the lighting needs for six classrooms. experience through a variety of educational opportuni-
ties based at Ithacas renowned cohousing community.
New local and regional organizations have also been estab-
lished to pursue and promote a more sustainable commu-
nity.A sampling of these includes:
• Sustainable Tompkins, a citizen-based organization,
leads the sustainability movement in the area,working
towards the long-term well-being of our communities
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES PAGE 15
REGIONAL COOPERATION Tompkins uoty burrs six other countim(Oayuiga, -
mung,Cortland. huyltT,Seneca,and''I`iga)and is located
within dl c 5outhrrn Tier East regional planning area, ccn-
MNCIPLE -on Binghamton. 'fomFkins sty also adjoins dver
TOM PPONSa OU LD BEA PLACE
other planning rcglvm Southern'fier C zntfal,C.m sctlNin-
WHERE ALL LEVELS ger Lakes,andCcntral lriw YoTk_1he county has strong tics
i GOVERNENT a to each of these megions and to A six surrounding counties:
COOPERAnVELY TO ADDRESS REGIONAL • Tc,mpkir& County 1-t a mei Impnrtar of commubm,
wll.h over MW mplo)ves cnmmuting inn Tamp.
kLnq tk wont-Nexf Of 90 percent of art-commuteR come
Tompkins 05unty is P,irt Of-a broader goographie area imd from talk::dx borde6ng Oounti Efoorne,of OnonJaga
economic mwkct that infkwnccs cvcrythin;g from where we Ouuntim A15% nmFiy 5,1 W residcnts of Tumpkim
chome to live and shup Lu what areas we visit to hike and County Out,aammute 10 WWL
swim, 5Vifirarrt interrelationships esda among the various Tompkins 03uOty is part of the C=.cntral New York
asp•ccte of Our daily 16,cs addressed in the C omprehmsIve Rcecm of the 5ta4c Dcpanrnmt af Tram sportation,main
Plan: the rccaomy, housin& transporSatLUn, environment, office located in Syracuse;part of Lht[:antral New YaTk
climate change, and acoborboods anr3 m nmu,nitim gceon cr the SUre aepartriitoI of Fnvi=Fvwnta]CDn-
lhcae intcrrclationships arc rtoanal in naturr, rxtcnding scrvabon.main office Lacw!din Symo3se and sub--oRice
well. beyond county hnc& It is unportaot the Flan account Jn Cordand;and part of the Finger Lakes RgLon af the
fear,mnne t with,and support the plans of the su.rro+unding State Offioe of P{ado. Recremion and RLstorLc Preserva-
rcF,Lon and the plans of lace Licswithin the county- than,main odirire located in Trunuuuhu_rg_
• Far cuurhm programs~Twnpk 5 works closclywith the
J=iWr l.akn Tourism AlL awLr,which vworks to enhance
and promote visitor busimsses in a 14-c-ou,nly region in
t _ . Nrw York.
• As one of the three crmntles borde:rJng (�&yugs Lake.
t with Cayuga amd 5cnaca, Tbmpkltls is also LrLvaP ed IrG
* , I ooper*ttw p1moi i.g marts=tered-on the;ake ln4ud-
ttr" ing th,e Cayuga Lake SoenLc"y and the Crayug2 Lake
- - _ Edu,eway TraML
Orxrr� ,
mow= How Regional C-poR@ rat ion is Addressed
*+mod i n t h e C am prehe nsive Pla n
THE ECOINO Y, HOUSLNG AND TRANSPORTA-
TION. The emnomy. tramqxwtaflon network. and bwusi
markets 311 crass municipal boundaries,and extend Lruo the
larger rqoon. IncreWLngly,WDFkM crass thew boundarir-s
r ya as they commute &am home n wwa L Covernmeats with
land Us,e rcgm ata7 a 0wrAy can coordinate their cf7orts
to cncaurW the of iderlL location and adequate supply of
jobs and housing. C;oordiration across boundaries can also
t ram''
aroid unnecessary corrpetitiaus bctwocn local municipaE-
' ities ar<d enhance public and private d'vrts tD attract the
desired quantity and quality of jobs, businesses, and hous-
vow ing. Extending thlg cooperation rhrou rmL the broader
war trf .
re&on meats workft riot cAy with local mvoidpelltle,
_ but alsawLth adjoLning Counties.State and Federal agcnclemi,
Cramer h ff Mfcrfrd LID M TKhei'10 n D 5-trWff and re anal or izmtans.
FA5[J{ ' VVERAPEHIHG PfgNCWLCS • TOMPNN5 COUNTfCONRRIEHEN5rYE RAN.21)15
THE ENVIRONMENT. Most environmental issues are Initiatives
regional in scope, requiring regional action. For example,
what happens in one part of a watershed can have impacts REGIONAL PLANNING INITIATIVES. Planning at a
hundreds of miles away.National efforts to restore the Ches- regional level can help counties and their municipalities
apeake Bay impact Tompkins County, as the southern part address issues against the backdrop of broader forces and
of the county is part of the Susquehanna River Basin which issues.This Plan identifies ways Tompkins County can work
ultimately drains into Chesapeake Bay. Wildlife corridors on such a scale to address important issues that transcend
also cross municipal boundaries, facilitating the movement county boundaries.
of wildlife and providing vital sources of food and shelter Recently,the County has participated in two major regional
for a wide variety of animals.Without regional cooperation
planning efforts with other Southern Tier counties: the
to protect these corridors,breaking or fragmenting the con- Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council's
nections in one community can affect wildlife movement Economic Development Strategy and the Cleaner Greener
and health over a substantial region. Southern Tier Regional Sustainability Plan. In particular
CLIMATE CHANGE. The scale of the energy and green- the Cleaner Greener Plan covers many of the same topics
house gas challenges warrant intermunicipal and regional addressed in this Comprehensive Plan, only at a regional
collaboration to transform the current energy system. The level,including energy and greenhouse gas emissions,trans-
County led the effort to prepare the Cleaner Greener South- portation, land use and livable communities, economic
ern Tier Regional Sustainability Plan. The Plan focuses on development,working lands and open space,climate change
reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the eight- adaptation,and water management.
county region and identifies a series of actions that will COORDINATING COUNTY AND LOCAL PLAN-
help the region become a place where energy needs are NING ACTIVITIES. New York State clearly places land
increasingly supplied by renewable technologies or reduced use authority in the hands of its towns,villages, and cities.
by conservation and efficiency. Many community initia- The State also specifically recognizes that intermunicipal
tives, including those of local governments, institutions of planning is needed to cooperatively address regional issues.
higher education,local coalitions,the business community, To this end,the State encourages the development of county
and nonprofits, are already underway. By combining efforts comprehensive plans to address development and preserva-
to reduce energy demand, transition to alternative energy tion issues that transcend local political boundaries.
sources, and prepare for the impacts of climate change, the
community will be as prepared as possible to face the evolv- The Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG)
ing climate and energy future. is an association of local governments organized to work
towards "more efficient and fiscally responsible delivery of
how growth occurs is an issue that requires collaboration
NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES.Where and government services." Its goals include expanding coopera-
across municipal boundaries and has enormous impacts on tion among taxing entities and resolving duplication of ser-
vices,improving communication among local governments,
regional environmental quality, economic opportunity, and and improving involvement with school districts.
the cost of government.Achieving a desired pattern of devel-
opment will depend on the actions and TCCOG has provided leadership on a
support of every town, village, and city Where and how number of regional issues being addressed
within Tompkins County. Only by adopt- growth occurs by municipalities in Tompkins County.
ing local plans, policies, and regulations For example,TCCOG's Task Force on Gas
needed to allow mixed-use development has enormousDrilling helped manage the large amount
in Development Focus Areas at the densi- impacts on - • • of information about high volume hydrau-
ties required for vibrant communities and environmentallic fracturing and horizontal drilling for
encouraging land uses that support the quality, _ • • natural gas.They also prepared a compen-
maintenance of working landscapes out- dium of Municipal Tools for Addressing
side of these areas will the regional vision opportunity, - • the Potential Gas Drilling Impacts,providing
be possible. cost of government. local municipalities with information on
numerous ways they can understand and
prepare for gas drilling activities.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES PAGE 17
This Comprehensive Plan outlines ways the icant public cost savings, particularly in
Tompkins County community can continue TCCOG has terms of emergency medical and criminal
to address intermunicipal issues coopera- provided justice services. A transportation system
tively.Often,local municipalities have a full leadership
• _ • on that relies more heavily on transit, walk-
workload simply addressing the important ing, and biking would ultimately result in
day-to-day issues of local concern.Planning a number of more manageable infrastructure mainte-
at the county level can help municipal gov- regional issues nance costs.Every effort made to promote a
ernments address key issues of concern that addressed by healthy economy, adequate supply of hous-
cross municipal boundaries,such as sprawl, lities in ing,and balanced transportation system has
municieconomic development,housing affordabil- • ' potentially positive financial impacts that
ity, and environmental protection. It can Tompkins County. will affect the resources available to meet
also help residents of rural and urban areas the community's needs today and into the
to recognize their inter-connectedness and future.
issues of mutual interest.
THE ENVIRONMENT. Protecting important natural
resources makes fiscal sense. The cost of treating water for
Public consumption is lower when the water entering the
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
system is fairly clean to begin with. Avoiding the adverse
impacts associated with stormwater runoff using natural sys-
PRINCIPLE tems,like wetlands,is less expensive than using engineered
systems, like detention basins. And exposure to a polluted
TOMPKINS COUNTY • BE environment can lead to increased public health costs.
WHERE •A DOLLARS ARE INVESTED IN
PUBLIC CLIMATE CHANGE. The anticipated impacts of climate
THE MOST EFFICIENT MANNER POSSIBLE. change are expected to dramatically increase government
expenditures. Post-disaster recovery costs are often paid
with local,state,and federal government funds.The increas-
Tompkins County, municipal government, and school ingly intense storms will also strain local stormwater infra-
district operations are funded through four general sources structure.Anticipating impacts and planning to reduce their
of funds:local property tax,sales tax,Federal and State aid, severity is fiscally prudent.It is often much cheaper to avoid
and other sources, including fees and grants. Whatever the the problems associated with severe weather than it is to pay
source, nearly all fiscal resources ultimately come from for recovery after the fact.
taxpayers — and Tompkins County takes seriously its role
NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES. Compact
in using these taxpayer dollars judiciously. The County development lowers costs of government services by utiliz-
constantly works to maintain a financially sound government
ing and reinvesting in existing infrastructure and broaden-
for future generations without placing an undue hardship
ing the base that bears the cost of maintaining that infra-
on its taxpayers. As part of this role, the County maintains
structure into the future.
funding to deal with emergency situations that may arise
unexpectedly.
Initiatives
How Fiscal Responsibility is Addressed in WORKING WITH OTHER LEVELS OF GOVERN-
the Comprehensive Plan MENT.Tompkins County includes nine towns,six villages,
THE ECONOMY, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTA- and one city,all of which similarly work to provide services,
TION. Attracting and retaining jobs that pay living wages infrastructure, and facilities to serve their citizens. In addi-
reduces the need for public assistance to bridge the gap tion,State and Federal agencies serve the county directly by
between individuals' incomes and their basic life needs. A Providing services or indirectly by funding other govern-
strong economy provides the tax base necessary to support ments to provide services. All of these organizations strive
public services. The provision of stable housing, including to work together to provide seamless services to residents.
supportive services for those that need them, yields signif-
PAGE 18 OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
TCCOG has undertaken a number of activities to reduce the evolving technical and regulatory requirements,and the day-
overall cost of government to the residents of the County. to-day operating costs. Strategic infrastructure investments
• They created the Greater Tompkins County Munici- support community and economic development and have
pal Health Insurance Consortium in 2010 (the first in long term impacts on communities.Infrastructure planning
New York State)to provide affordable health insurance, needs to consider land use priorities,the public facilities to
prescription drug coverage, and other ancillary bene- support them,and the financial capacity to support both the
fits to its members. Overall health insurance spending development and maintenance of the systems.
was reduced due to pooling resources and risks, stabi- The communities of Tompkins County have a successful
lizing annual premiums, and reducing administrative history of delivering water and sewer services to meet the
expenses. growing demands of residential, commercial, institutional,
• They sponsored a Countywide Intermunicipal Water and industrial customers. Many partnerships and other
and Sewer Infrastructure Study conducted by Tompkins cooperative efforts exist between municipalities to provide
County Area Development to identify areas for strategic these services efficiently in response to the changing needs
investment of infrastructure funds;and of the community.
• They comment on pending State, Federal, and County Inter-governmental cooperation reduces costs by ensuring
actions concerning their impact on local municipalities. the infrastructure developed and maintained by the State,
MAINTAINING INFRASTRUCTURE. Investments in County, and local municipalities functions as an intercon-
public infrastructure and facilities represent a significant nected system. Cooperative agreements between govern-
portion of local taxpayer dollars, particularly considering mental units can also reduce costs by allowing for equip-
the capital cost of building the facilities,the long-term cost ment sharing and joint infrastructure investments, and by
to maintain aging systems and adapt facilities to comply with reducing duplication of effort.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES PAGE 19
the economy,
•
housing, and
� nsportatin7
TOMPKINS COUNTY IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. MANY OF THE
ASPECTS OF LIFE HERE ARE SUPPORTED BY THE INEXTRICABLY
LINKED PILLARS OF THE ECONOMY, HOUSING, AND TRANSPOR-
TATION. MAINTAINING ITS VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMY IS ESSEN-
TIAL TO PROVIDE JOBS, GOODS AND SERVICES, AND SUPPORT
THE MANY AMENITIES CONTRIBUTING TO A HIGH QUALITY OF
LIFE. ADEQUATE HOUSING AND AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM ARE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN A VIBRANT ECONOMY.
LIVING HERE IS AFFORDABLE ONLY WHENJOBSARE PAYING WAGES
THAT MAKE HOUSEHOLD COSTS MANAGEABLE. FOR MOST HOUSE-
HOLDS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION COSTS ARE THE TWO
LARGEST FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS. AFFORD-
ABLE HOUSING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO JOBS, SERVICES, AMENI-
TIES, AND PUBLIC TRANSIT ALLOWS HOUSEHOLDS TO AVOID THE
ADDED COSTS OF LONGER COMMUTES.
the economy
A strong economy is firmly linked with achievement of other community goals,many of which are discussed
in this Comprehensive Plan.Many aspects of our quality of life can be traced to a prosperous local economy.
Economic development can strengthen the local economy by leveraging local economic assets, diversifying
the makeup of the local economy, and growing the types of jobs and businesses that support a continuation
of a high quality of life. Education,workforce development, and job training can provide access to economic
opportunities for everyone who considers Tompkins County home and promote broad-based economic pros-
perity,including the alleviation of local poverty.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where economic prosperity is accessible
to .
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Support economic development that provides high-quality employment
opportunities with living wages and benefits.
• Promote the growth and development of local businesses and encourage the
purchase of locally produced goods and services.
• Work with economic development agencies and institutions of higher
education to diversify and expand the local economy and enhance community
vitality.
• Promote innovation and technology transfer and attract and support people
working to start and grow competitive businesses.
• Support quality of life measures that enhance the local business climate and
attract employees.
• Promote development of a strong land-based rural economy.
• Provide opportunities to all residents to develop the skills necessary to obtain
high-quality employment.
• Ensure the benefits and costs of economic development incentives are
distributed equitably and there is an open and transparent process for
decision-making.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 THE ECONOMY PAGE 21
SNAPSHOT �Concmic Sectom
OF THE COUNTY TODAY ToW "mk activity LIB Toenpkim1 uniy wm eranvid
$7 Wion in 2W, wild~ about hLUT In sect s iDF the eoan•
Tompkim Counly is 2 regional employmentcenlermKh-red omy that$ell good3 or services to Dort OMS oulside of kite
and slabil zed 4 Cornell Vnivrrsq and Ithaca Coll- eouniy, or "traded' sftRc)r% find half in sectov thn serve
Conwtl Univrrsity 19 the €away} largest cmplo+(cr and, comerwn inside sh-e count}'. or -local" aecWts, Ire �,ddl-
along with Ithaca CallcF. forams the foundation for a cre- lion to eduafiom, the traded w4ors include marluf�Lctured
alive Cconomy that has helped the county bounce hack from g Ngh.tech se-ekes which iMCludt$ porti"s Of the
recent rew shansL The county has rxperienccd steady popu- iinkfrlulimi sector attd thg sraendfio and tech•
lation and businm gxamh over the past dcradce,talal cm- nicatl services wctor;aril Wuriun. Education is the counts
nPm1c;xgv11y has grawp by 15 percent end avallabW Jobs largebL srct4r, grnrrating 27 psroeea of economic activity
Jumped 11-$percent`while khe p pulatirm grew by JiuW kve and 32 perEcnt Of crnplO}'mcnt, But it is not rrprcted to be
pareent'.ThLs relstwely_yLrnng�inh growth L:ompdred in pop- the f"st growing s w-x and aclually 4mprhecord a 12 p{:r-
ulatl.oq grovAh hasi;r}nrri1>uted tn;an 1rWpq&W Irp ktWnWmber cent rcductL on in kKal jobs b kwcen 2006 and 2011. Skill, it
-of ln-4;onanoters_ over -orce•quarwr of Jobs' am 60ed by creaks the largest number of job-openings due to its large
people living-outside the county-The uoun#}''R econ-orny hot size. K# th care is capwad to bs the fastrsn growing sector
out-perfWmod surrounding caunfles mbd T,,Tpskate Neva York uf the tGonoefty.
w a whole,
Manufacturing and high-tech taVthir fa mthesecondlarZ-
Cst sec-tUr,eCC(VUntirLg far 18 perCcnt of loC-al CMnomic actiy-
ity and sew FL percent.ofcmployment, Locally m mufacrumd
pods indude aulwnutive m-d machinr parts, Acc nnics,
food and lxwra�cs,pharmaceuticals,software.and inncwa-
tivr materiolssudh us high-performance poigmrrs,spedalty
metals,and plasma mi{roraa,chining_Zhe high-tech seryices
sector includes scientific end technical rocs &, softwam
design, and analysis and tcstinh of matfrie]s far inda4strlr.
In the midst of a SffirMcs loss of manufarn,ri 8 gobs in Lhe
U.S, as a whole in LhC Carl}' 20OG6, •Ibmpkins C unity's loss
was much hest dremetix. Local manu:farturing employment
# dropped by semen percent bttwcco 1999 and 2DD3, when
na6Dnatly the drop was Z per�Cn� IauRufacturing then
41 rebnun,drd bctwcen end ZD I I in ramekins €881
anty,
ew
{ 9Lwhen it incmased by 17 percem €omparlcd to tee percent
natwn l growth in manufacturing flyer the same period.
r f { Manufacturing is a key c"krfcr and wealth geno=r and
Tompkins County Area Deuclopmcnt (TOAD)conskim it
4-4 `1p
t a sector with m,odcretc jnb creation poftntA. Tr6nical and
scientific services alsoesperienced ruhtablc job growth-
The three local econacnk secton of Scn trr meat (incluEng
public scbaals), real cststc. and headth and social srrekes
each malt up about eight percent -of economic a,cllvq-
A]though agrictL[we and tourism mntribute only are p-cr-
4, €Cnt"two Prrcent43fac#ikilyrmpL�ctivL4y,thcry contribute
T in Miter important-waits to quality Of life- Local 2griculture
maintains the distinct Finger LsUs:landscape and supports
a growin local Gaols irmyement, white also contr;buting
over i67 million in salmmmuallyl.Toarwn helps tosPuppco
COFROV UarverffW
PASE22 ' THE EG-DHOMA ' 70MORMS COUNTY COMPREMEhSWPLAN 2015
Tompkins County 2OG9 production
by Traded Sector-;
AMA
M rer�
HiP T#&-1:8 376 ?AKu StM"0—
M,".,L M
Ail*Rlkm
C
K TorrlpkiMns County 20D9 Pro dtAction
by Local Sectors
tawa�k��•
�����#t 4ule�■
A r•e rod u.4nrl iw�4J LAM
#�rtnnfr i+�c*i• S1L4 n�oa
A 1M4&M ehMkM Gigl lMkMil fi
Wpm mi§T -
to* UK5"PO
Aaaa+r++tia4rr•7"6
&NW -5.aN J ft1+rGr i+lr�+c�4
057 nr7kri tift i4a.r.1�:+`
"ON L WmW Peal histip 7' TW%Dx aL<5e i
Ism AiA'M YW_d*M111M-OLI%
ifrly.5 5W■M�
� IYII t4r
1i11[4 1y K72F•7J11L *h t t vn�l
Solace foaoye,V M["Arda Dft-e, grit 2W9 JAfF'IAN darn stz
local arts+culture and cntertairunCOL venues and centrLbuies The high numbcr -of =dents, about M percent of Lhe
over $174 FnMon in annu�sl sa6es'. Yisikcr spending and local population, notLceiblF shapes the demographic and
local tourism Lnwestnwnts help attract and retain bumLnesses socio-ecanocnk characteristics of the musty-In 2012.Tbmp-
and employees since quality of Lift amenities that attract vis- kJns County hand about MLM howmhokds of which about
Aors are also enjoyed by residents. Betwoen Z and 2G]1, 20�O00 were fwEAies with two or mare related individuals.
health care end accmunodations and food services e><peri- and about L.R.50 M ,+ere stun-fain.ily households. DormitaTies
cncodsolid aob growth. and other "s -of group housing are ommt-cd separately,
but sttWem# mkWhol4 $kill w.,.Tnnwi for 20 percent.wM th
jobs and wages around 7.800 student households In addldon, the county
has a reladwly high rate of non-students,ncn7•farniLy house-
Unvmplcrymanl rates in TgLmpkJ:m C wnty have experieAmd holds d around 3 L percent- En general,Twnpkios Gouno
tbg sam4 cyd"ups aDd downs 2.9 New Yo*Stge apd the faraLly income IeveLs are not 3a concentrated In the hlghcf or
U,S..bkrt have conslsteridy been lower than, slates Ldr. $tiLL, lower ranges as ere four d in Now York tkmi2 and Ot US as a
vnenoployrmnt is entlsi&red a probLem t3y if cal resbdenM whole_Family Lnmrne is highly concentralod Ln the$W.000
.espec 1p rural re!�ic eeMs. %,dih Mkt*eLy 60 percent of rural to$1 mnp end th*percentage M load mill ft"rn.
rsldeiILM C44ng It'critkar in khe�(l0y COWjMW W.0 com- ing beWw MODO is lower lharl stale and alaltlon;4 a;.%eragp.
munity needs *swumem survey conducud tml the United
MFq*rW Human gerwtces-CA;k lis)o of Tamkirls C foamy.
TOMPON5 COUNTY COMRRERE145rn eta 2015 THE ECONOMY PAGE 23
Sel incomi laymenfor •
an■ Su rroundi ng
characterlswtic TolmpkWu Surrounding NY5 USA
c4ki .t:fts
Labor force participation rate .61.2% 63.8% 64.74b
unemployment r-ate M% 7,5% 8.7% 9.3%
Nopulation with Bach-elors degree or hlgh-�r 49, 21-All �Zz 28.5%
population wish health insurance cowragje 93. r SQ.2% 88.7% $6.1%
Population iri poveny 20.0% T2-2%,k 14.9;,� 14.9%
Famihes in powrTy witlti dhOdran under 1 S 14.1% 13-9%* 17.5% 17.2%
F-arnil i@S art Puwr lyr witati [3ti Idr@n udder 5 13.9% 21"5%* 17.1 is 18.2%
median Household incorn@ $5G4539 S50,D15'A 557,683 $53.046
W,dian Family income $76053 $60,010* $69.965 $64.505
*Unw opred ower4e
worre:U.S.UosA.+.frxrmorr CwwF m1ry:Tu",5-ftw-srio&ert,2 -2012
1n,divbdLL2l pmierty rates bore aregnite high,mkirid.20 Prr-• (or which chew warken would be qualificd arc oarupeed Icy
r in 2011" W'h6e this con rbe pwthally explalotd by the peopW wKm)are"r,V;u JJW
t that abQul. 3o Pleme nk of aw local popOL3110n -=gwu
or9ku4enI&a Qrifitant portion ofnoR-sw&rt twLuehol&
uod fawi Le-.experlenre •may. The prr�*rty rmz� for (ank,- ISSUES AND
lie*w11h LhkLdr= under 19 iA ="k14 1.1 pefcerrt compared
to qake and nadonal rakes aground I)p*rmt. II Ls clear O P P O RTL)N ITI E
tNt -nm e%neryone Ln thg codmmuelty shares in the Mion�
Undemmony mmt im a prohim thzt con be hidden by >?banLng fw an-coonomy that cacti rt]amie prosperl�y over
emplxymen1 slakiskim Neatly 40 pement of Cem +s H•2.0 lheloaMg tern rewires klenflfyring lnduswriesand s"tonkhal
suray mporAenu Indica#ed a ptoblem hrdlrga)c#equal ire Illtely to thrive im thefiukure and pla niq For how b"t kc)
tO their J" of 4dueatl-Op and experl4Mlue ;3414 AgArly
�xp�t 1*p l
pert indic��i that they a� cur• l ass�eels to streggCherM tid arMd
rettillyr urrd�rempLoyed. �rdir� t� t I�al egorM�rnLc 9C�Ck�1'�. The Guurtil}�'s
Lo�l I;�ta�rrM�-Icet s�,�dy, rr�trly�� majorE�u�ra�vrr;c De�ednd�kerlt Stn�tr�idenlif ft
per�oent of t11e Iue.z] worffr�t�or is uncles• o p o i« - ap�'ciflrt karl seck�rs earm�rrpi�
r Velo�pmcnt appmdm:Inrd acumilies to
erttployeda compated to abut lg t* 19 economic dive divers1W mhLoe khL&
in peroc��t rti�ti�r�r13}r. }�.e�idcr�ts �;aperi�rlCe _ makeup o
this pheruomerwrt across all levelsofedu• Ari owdrat rig gwl is to support ws-
ationp k act rkwdium. high-A l td overall local sairirablo -ec4rwmic gniwth ;Tpua1unL-
vmrkm saprcially r"rt tin&-mmpluy- - E no my as a tics rasher than short term lmom--buss
zarm. This also Lmpacu thuse whu pus - ar-hieve files. h seCOrrd maj-011' gaa] is W pro-
sar the fftfti qualifi-tivris and Lure- r s rrkow i:-= nk diversity in lira makmp
est•lcwcl work&MIN. as many gf thr jobs of the owcrdll Imal emnumy as a means
PACE 24 , TH r FC-ONO W -- 713IMPIIHS COUKrY COMPSIEMEhM9WE PtAh 2015
t-D achieve stability.A moredivtrse econ- to ensure that Iocal sectors have accessto
omy helps insulate the cammunity firm TompWns County gvud quality infra tru,cture, workforce,
n j abvr rcpercussiuna should any F4pif- can autrau new and business scrvices to upeeate rconom-
i,cant sgmeatufthe rconomye-xperLenoe tech start-ups ically-sustain able companies thaEprtwide
ascrinu,sdownturn, the wads and services needed bv local
by businesses and consumers.
SpmiL4ce3y, the draft update to the Eco- local strengths
nomit Dxevel0PffWMr 5rMjW raEls for knowledge-based the comt�s histnriic prosperity -owes
targeting economic dnrdopmcnt Lncen- much to the strong higher odu€atwn
fivcs and programs to key traded sec- in dustries and sector and the campuses art J.ikely t,a
tflrs [trait hold dlrc strangest po nt;al fflr innovation. rrmain leaders in attracting studrms,
growth ami wealth-creati-on. Edu,c2xien, itafE,and mwarch investments_Hawrver,
along with manufacturing and hlgh-tech, white the campus experience is Likely to
together cmploy 40 percent of the caLLnWs workforce and caniinut t-o be Lmportanx into the futurt,the increasing rote
We Priority s$tt,aM Otlwr key waded indristrics taWtad for of -online educebomi, dcozming college-aged papulatiom,,
growth arc teclnolog+ Uan-ups. food processing and dis- and dcin s4 Federal rescardr funding suggest rau,tLon
tribuAcn,agriculture,tourism,and energy. IL is 21w criticat abOUL predicting largcgruwth Lo the local higher education
industry_These trends Aso underline Lbe need to dwerdflr
6c econonty to he lc-is reliant an higher educatlon Eor pra9-
perity-Evtn Lf the y d,an"t cumain the dlmci wmiwe ofgrowth
Vr in the future,the campuses rerndn key pU"—bawd anchors
and will h-e wseta around which 43kher significant c-onomnic
development actiAty can be based- For example,the recent
to urgencr in m$rwfacturing ands high-tech lac2hy Ls bbt-
nercd by terhnotogy transfer between institutions of higher
education and buslnei es. TampkikLs Cam" can encrmr.
age rww Wah start-up6 and impar ks& by igma lrg IfKal
irrengihs in knnwled -based Lndustdes and innovation.
The communky can also develop prograna 0 support entre-
t pretieurs and start-ups: Lrnprove linkages among start-up€
and entaepeen mm thA 4ollege&gowenw8ni. and nrm-goy-
err�rri ntaLurga,�ixatiorts;praactKv1yiJ=t'(y Irks]asuo for
- brt sass gr{7wi!14: a.Md 9C ei:Liu4y marked rlsLnu mete �fflh
l":tally and ekIedr Ry. Rum:ft �hnuld also be pup.
WI
r C parted Ibeaugh all Amiss of dewWptnerrt: start,ups research
��; ` arW developmem, and exponslor,_ ExonomLc dev- lopmeng
3flve0nurAs _lbfmLd %%nvk t6 keep bugim hews ;09 theV
Suite Role i!l Economic Development
Ncw Y arlc SLaie has ruzolly suppurted Iwo eounomic dewl-
upift rt Lbitiafives. in parucurship with Lucat instittcLLons
Of higher ttdWatjUn, WhcrsC goal$ are W prorrwats tcchnuk-
ogy u asfer, cmnmerCiahzation, and entrepreneurship,
START-UP NY (SUNY Tax-free Areas to Fc Ltaliae and
Transform Upsuce NY)prcwides tax-fret status for Icn ycars
for businesses locating in pre-designated urijw iLy zones,
including cmre at Cornrlk that could be an Lmporxant moms
Nigh-rech bvVness ire Tompkim-Couwy
TOMP IN5COUNTYCOMRREHE►sSAT PLAN Z015 , THE ECONOMY , PAGE 25
Of MEW technaln�r{ busLaess growth in Tompkins t:.ount}r Matching Jobs and Workfarce
Inrcodrma W located in the T wn of Dryden. is the first
local businm to sake adv&mge of this uppurtuniq- The TNalf of mu my tesidmss owr age 15 have a bachelor
Other initiative is the 5outhrrn Ties Innovation Hot Sprg, done or higher and t6m is Aetl a pirAerri of A skills
which wiU catalyze startup forms ion by beiping 3imt-ups uo4 matchi" the availAb3e jobs, An addidoemi problem is
grow.raise cap ud.and smcced. A Hut Spot node is lvcawd ibS .i n-wit'h s14M popul;Oon gmwth.Iht size of The labor
in dwmwwn Ithaca Lad is apartnership of CarntH l;niver- force is exp cud. to rtnwin faHy flim or imn drop s1ighthy
satyr Ithaca CaDW, and Tompkins {ardend Community due to reiiring Wpy boon'em making up a 1argg portion
CuLlege JO)- of courtty#e�idmts. Mwmwhlllr, avallable jobs ate expected
to irtcrw& These Wars pLnt to rr aJor future chZoges
lob creation amd economic development.have recently been in fading people with the right skills W fill ail the expecied
elevated in importance for a wide variety of slate pn-gmrns- jvbr.
Mate financial support through many agencies is now volud
against five-rear stra qk plans adopted by Regional EcD- the Gnmtp's WvrkfvrcrSfrazcXy.updatcd in 2010by'ramp-
nornic Dewtoprnent Dourcjs (REDCsl- This process has kips rlc�NY and TOAD and appr+rnd by thr I;otLn-
aba increased the imparlancc of demonstrating rag cm4 Ly's W-orkfurm InveamenlL Board, provides direction fur
not just local. economic sipifi€a=- TbmFkins County is wu kfoFec devs1c*meat activitim, and calls for a coordi-
in 6c 5outhem Tier EkE.DC region- Several mayor nVonat nEted rcVonsc to rapid monwnicylobabzalaun,integration
Ws haw translates Lnio support for proJects here. Exmn- of technolap into all occupations, and dhama k demo-
plea are rodevelcipanent of the 11hua Cnrnwns and lY'3 &mphic cb&aV& ail system whirr both jabs End worUcTce
GaRLvare Farm,-ta-ENgtro prcgect- Alignment with fVonai pro&rams support the ind idea aldlt and career &6-Ci-
economic development ctrategl-a will continue to he opm,ent, indu,ding far people with dissbiblties, requires a
Lmportu)i to advatue L-aLA prLorky projecn and LnitiatLves_ collaborative approach mmmig schools, employers* traunnZ
cr itias,and Tompkins Workforce:DIY.
Tompkins County Labor job Growth Projections
2014 to 2024
now
HAM �
i
RAW
f
5�d�aa
sDLa 2n2a Spode:1rC49
Wpods wd yak demW-pphk
pr vian,%CwncN AQ krbw
Law 6-ce Abs mada{axVWARh Mbc-hoemw9h --1-ap-Axpdm+41gh-s
empkian trot pro lkns
PACE 26 ` THE FC-UNOW - 1DMFWPIS COUNry MAPSIEMEhkAa PLAN 2015
Quality of Lift and GrovAh
With wLhmm arLs, cuItuni. edum lnft*L, aocl call-nary ofku
Ings;beautLful parks, natui.:l ate crud wQrking rural land-
scapm abui)awt rKmotitr-al Opporlurdliu good stool%
10fty-CriireYc i3f OOmrnafttky eAg •
mem,r+esWeais Lri Tartl&nsCountyenjoya wry bighqual•
ley ad life-The coiumrarllty regulauly=ti ,es-lop tent"Jisti for
g iu plues toliw-This h4h quality of Life play rti import.
am role In atiractirtg a Oda ining ert1*Y4y es aad bu8bmems
In knowledge Lnduslxias, while berreftting from (hose game
jobs to supply wealth in thecommunity,
'1 hs relatiu hip between quality of Life and eaarwrnic devcl-
oprrw;nt is at -Uncc mutually supportive and divcrgrnt, and
should be cmiAdsrcd carefuRy " nurtured. TOO much
drvelopment, wo quickly, in industries that do"ift from
the communiWs vision for itself can threaacn the quAty of
life upon which look-term pwsperity dxpmds-Gruw h that
supports the common* viaa,ori enhances local quality of
lifeAbc chaflonge is to focus-on de�Tlopmcnt that cnhancrs
and does not depwk the natural landscape,sense of place,
and oum nity Ohm )cr,but that does prov c competitive
job opportunam acro.% a variety of educational ana sHL
levcLs and bring more LLvir%wage jobs to local residents.to Ereruvue Farm Arid C.OyLV take
certain rases*cnhanred incentives red*he vfEtred for pruj-
ccts that support lacy community*cctivrs such as paying.a
liviag wage arrediudnZ&rcenhouse gascmissions, suppurtin; a,iocultarr in frveartas;ccvnomic devclopawnt,
po€icim agrkuitural awareness,the environment and local
Strong Working Lands" fouda,
1lgdculturc is relatively small local sector-of the economy, Computd to mutt ether cmundes in the rgiun, 'Jbmpkins
but makes rtp abiout 30 perccnt 13(the local land base and County has historically experienced rcla[ive stability in the
contributes in important wales to quality-of lifer- lt+l8intain- number-of farms and the om mt of farmJand,and &rowth
erg c;mnorairally produrtLve rural lands is viral to Lhe rural in the diversify of farm types, Snug (arra4 up to 100 acres
economy and important to Limiting sprawl and maintain- in SiM.acUrnt fee uw5t of the growl in (arms,farmland,
irig the higidy-valued rur3L cherat-tcr Of the cOramunity-The and diversity d faun types. (in the ether end of the spec-
agFicuLtural sector is Am a sourer of innovation and new Crum,the number Of very large farms(oxsr I jM aces)has
inves f xnt,dcmanstratCd i.n pact by the siancd to decline in the last fine years
manic smaller-operationsdewboping new MaintainIngafar mcre=g drarnaLacalCy in the p=
vatvr-added, high-quality aocuituraL economically (ru decade_ e of the small farm growth
ts produc , and opcoing up new mar- can be attriboud to inrrowattive farm
kas- To support this cronomir semr, productive nmrketft and Operations, ioduding fill-
the communkr can errtiploy a uariety of landsto the in�g niche maxkcts, creating value-added
economic &velopmcnt and farmland rural -economy a foods, such as craft choew and vinegar,
conxw2tion t,00[&to maintain, the vU.*J and prvdudag f6od geared toward sca-
Ay v o&ing rural weeds. The C:rmMty% i ato rtant m mal Jocal cansump4ion throe.gh sales.
rk.uUmal and Aarmland protrcrlan s prawi. st farmer's markets and community sup-
Plan(dr;�A 20L4) IdewifiLm st"es for ported agriralture sharfis.
Far MM OM WWm xr tad Nufmf Resmrra s C4apt r.'Agrkph'ard aaraa'xcxtaia,
TWPM5 LOUN17 CIDWREHE►5M PLAN 2015 . TM ECONOMY ' PAGE 27
16r ILmited size and potential inmme stmELm from small 7omris M
Earns makes it dli?ficult for thrsc farms to support thr
farmcras his or her sole IivclLhood. IRgardLess uEsim,only TotLrism plays a im0l, bra impoomi aced gmwing vok Lis
24 perant of farms we primmy-oc{upatinn fanrLs and the lineal The minty plays 0 sp44�4 mile itr t"r-
ordy 48 percent of principal operators report theLr primary ismde"Iopment benum ofI*caLhotd roimi ocrupanoyW
occrapatian as f=Ln:�.It Ls dear that a majority Of(assert fund%whid5 i�Te cofiected by th4 CWfti+aad MFWtsW In
pursm addi,tLonal actLvit-ics to sustain then s Ives, offering a YariQty of tourism markting aril product de%%&pmem
diff-rent apportunitics and conrAraLnts than chase of full- programs and irtihWivn.Dvwt-w 244 and MI ,room tax
time farmers. revttwft grew from !S1-24 million io 62A5 tnLlllottt, of 7�
pcnxrtt, The county Lnv s 60 percent of mm tax funds
Another issue facing thr agricultural R- t43r is that 7flrnp- in tourLxrrt m rke[ing ;IKW 40 pu"m In saurism product
king{:,aurtT farmers arc agin&Ihii raises scriousclucstions development,suprorling dozens of tonal ncn-profit organL-
abouL how the la-cal farmland base twill rcmain active and zativn&
successful rota the future. The Agricufsural and Farmland
Pro tecriarrJ3lan idcntLf�es specifu SWtCOt&fiOr transitioning 'Ihc C4urLWs Lr ftgw 14rnsm Man Lays out 15 goals for
Lwms and farmland from one generation to the next and pmccting and -antinuing to graw cocistin tuurirm types,
fspanding the poaL of young farmers read} to Wz an the tappLng irrtu the 4zommunitfs unique assets to grow new
SFr &age tourism tgpt-s, and continuing to build a strong tourism
foundation. Lx stmn Cutu sm types indude aoculturA and
M%rking rural lands can J9* r_omr1bute to irecreamd em-
nomic w1uhty from producing 6mt products and renew-
able enargT. Currently miter MOM acres of State Forests
and LO,OOQ $eras of prlyxt managed fartsl Land 9uppflat
the re&H's forest products industry. StiO. many prLvateiy
owned unrest landi are not actLve]y managed and sustain-
able mi marra.gmmt fay hArdwocJ p"uction aAd No-
m see Macs of opportunity. Lxal programs like-Cmod1L
Qzfereive Exte"on of Tompkins Co"O Load 13uLld-
irg l erla:s 1-nWailve prmou tkre weof3oa Lumber and
otwr bullding rmterl , along with locally marmfaciumd
actd sort;Lnalsly prnduced inatefials. to add vabae and of i- '
clejkr-� la lroca.l prcijK%- Another proj eci, tLw prom u9& Room,
of wood gdWls for therrnaL energy,especlaily In rural arms,
r3ffcrs the parentlaj W!M irrtlrl:Lle Lhis magl"'t. Farther, faTjsk• f `
-eft cart chi tm bate golAr and WI-Ma-ejjttgY pkr dveLi 3n
f�cllitig%on farms Jb;At have ample mKmi io Rite JI:w systemm
Viable ecoatmnk options for rural landk,wom art critical
nol oDly W supporting the rural icorromy. but ;;]so to pro. '
AdLng alie"tivvs to suNivislon of rural Land for diem
merit. To aeYerW the pall*rrt Of apratwl acme tht rural land•
w,apr,attractive opoo3s fur land ra;LnagerunL arc nccruary
Ll*t pmdde inwme to rmri�laftd iers arad wooer the costs
Of rural Iar1J ownrr ip- A vibrant working I.Rndwuipe of
farms$„d f"sis supplying as immsingly dLverare rang of
pmodixts is on-waktial elemdat of loth r uml devtlopmteft
and smari growth.
parronF exit tyre.K+tchen ThMre Cornperny, d-owntown
PA rJE 2a • THE FC-Q-NO ;f IG NPOP15 COUWN COMPFIEHEP49WE PLAN 2015
culinary tourism; arts, culture, and heritage tourism; tour- Prosperity for All
ism in downtown Ithaca;educational tourism;and outdoor
recreation. New tourism types are sports tourism, sustain- In 2003, Tompkins County became one of the earliest
ability tourism, and under-tapped niche markets which are adopters of a livable wage policy, noting that "any person
highly focused demographic and interest-based visitor mar- who works full time should be able to support themselves
kets for which Tompkins County holds a strategic advantage. on their earnings." That policy established that one of the
goals of the County's economic development programs is
Perhaps even more important than its direct economic "increasing the percentage of County residents who are able
impact- four percent of local jobs and$174 million in vis- to support themselves on their own earnings." The policy
itor spending in 2012 - tourism supports a variety of local also calls on the County to consider wage levels and ben-
institutions that contribute greatly to quality of life.By rein- efits when awarding bids or negotiating contracts and to
vesting room tax dollars in the community to support new encourage the payment of livable wages whenever practical
and expanding tourism attractions and build on local cul- and reasonable. While there are many different living wage
tural,historic,natural,and economic assets,it is possible to estimates now being calculated at the state and national
grow the tourism economy while also enhancing the variety level, one of the oldest is prepared by Alternatives Federal
of experiences that make this a great place to live,work, go Credit Union (AFCU). They update their living wage esti-
to school,retire, and grow a business. A successful tourism mate every two years and in 2013 it was calculated to be
industry also supports the goal of diversifying the overall $12.62 per hour with health care benefits and $13.94 with-
Tompkins County economy. out those benefits.This is the amount needed to support the
basic needs of a single person working full time in Tompkins
Localization and Wealth Retention County, including costs for housing, transportation, health
care,and other necessities,as well as a modest allowance for
Tompkins County enjoys a strong movement to develop recreation and savings. While some living wage estimates
locally-rooted businesses. This localization effort focuses place the local living wage higher,others place it lower.The
on building internal linkages in the local economy to pro- Tompkins County Legislature chose to select AFCU's esti-
mote local wealth creation and re-circulate capital in the mate for its livable wage policy.
local economy.Local businesses contribute to the health and
vitality of the local economy by purchasing from or provid- Economic development incentives, such as tax abatements,
ing goods and services to other local businesses,investing in can be used to encourage employers to pay a living wage.
the growth of their business, spending prof- As the community works to grow the jobs of
its within the local economy, and contribut- the future and to use workforce development
ing to local organizations. Locally-rooted investments to provide the necessary skills
businesses to local residents to fill these jobs, attention
While it is important to build local busi- _ • should be focused on the types of industries
nesses, it is also important to promote con- promo
and businesses that can readily support good
sumption of locally produced goods and ser- wealth creationjobs with benefits across a variety of levels of
vices.Although currently a small part of the • re-circulate skill and education.
economy, recent growth in the production
of local food and value-added food products capital Local business groups have expressed con-
for both local consumption and export are local • • cern that paying a living wage puts some
inspiring examples of the benefits of local- business sectors and industries at a compet-
ization. itive disadvantage under current economic
conditions. Some businesses provide entry-level jobs that
Methods of promoting local wealth creation and retention can provide supplemental income to a household or valu-
include re-directing personal and institutional financial able experience in gaining general job skills and some of
investment resources to local businesses and organizations, these businesses may also provide goods and services that
encouraging shared-ownership business models,identifying are a net benefit to the community. Education and work-
opportunities for investing in communities that have been force development opportunities can help people move on
historically disadvantaged, and encouraging investment in to living wage or better jobs. Overall, supporting livable
local philanthropy. wages for workers is a major goal and the moral underpin-
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 THE ECONOMY PAGE 29
ning of the Tompkins County Legislature's approach to eco- ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE.* Energy infrastructure
nomic development. has a dual role with regard to economic development.Ade-
quate energy infrastructure is necessary for certain job-cre-
Supporting Infrastructure ating projects and investment in efficiency
for Economic Development and renewable energy systems can be a
A living • major driver in creating local jobs.
BROADBAND INTERNET. The lack amount needed to
of availability of broadband Internet in Deficiencies in our energy infrastruc-
support basic ture have already impacted the cost for
some locations in Tompkins County
limits certain types of economic develop- needs of - single businesses to expand locally. There is a
ment. A project developed by the Tomp- person w• need in the community to better under-
kins County Broadband Committee, time in stand the sometimes complex energy
and recently funded by a state grant, will
Tompkins demands of local businesses,as well as the
expand broadband access to 96 percent of County. advances made in new energy technolo-
currently uncovered households in New- gies that could allow for the development
field,Enfield,Danby,Groton,and Lansing of homes and businesses without the need
and 40 percent of uncovered households in the Town of Car- for expansion of existing fossil fuel infrastructure. This will
oline. This will be achieved via a fixed wireless broadband require energy experts,business leaders,and the community
system,which uses radio signals rather than cables. Access to come together to develop solutions that address energy,
to broadband internet plays an increasingly critical role in economic,housing,and transportation concerns for the bet-
contemporary life, making it important for service to be terment of the community as a whole.
affordable and easily accessible. In addition, the expansion State regulatory agencies and utilities play a lead role, but
of broadband internet access countywide can bring import- the local community can also be proactive in identifying
ant economic development opportunities
and communicating energy needs and
to rural businesses by enhancing access
opportunities to ensure that growth in
to marketing, technical, and business Adequate - •
key sectors can occur. Local efforts to
support resources. Also, enhanced access infrastructure is promote a strategic approach to energy
can allow for the development and expan- necessar • • • infrastructure that considers both supply
sion of home-based businesses and work- and demand solutions and is consistent
from-home options. creating projects
with community energy and development
AIR SERVICE. Maintaining regular and • investments location goals are important to achiev-
reliable air service through the Ithaca in efficiency - • ing other goals for the local economy.
Tompkins Regional Airport is import- renewable energyThe Tompkins County Energy Roadmap
ant to the county's ongoing economic systems can
create
currently being developed will endeavor
health. Beyond its contributions of 400 to chart a course for the transition to a
aviation-related jobs and more than $66 local jobs. renewable energy economy that supports
million in economic activity, the airport local job growth while ensuring adequate
improves the competiveness and general energy supply to meet current energy
business climate of Tompkins County by making it more needs as well as future growth.
accessible to major hubs of business and academic activity COMMERCIAL CENTERS.** Downtown retail areas
across the US and the globe.Recent decreases in flights and are another important local asset to leverage for economic
passenger numbers and the anticipated retirement of smaller development. Focusing growth in areas with infrastructure
planes cause concern that carriers may further reduce flights and appropriate zoning, such as the Ithaca Commons and
and impact the county's ability to attract and retain busi- village centers,creates an environment where new jobs can
nesses.Efforts are underway to maintain and expand service
in order to reverse recent trends.
* For more information see the Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Chapter, "Consider Energy and the Economy Together"and`Explore
Infrastructure in Energy Focus Areas"sections.
**For more information see the Development Patterns Chapter, `Nodal Development"section.
PAGE 30 THE ECONOMY - TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
be efftcti4uLy supported with existing Lnfrostnuture, the for supporlin� a, ricu]turc throuj&h economic deYelopment
community's owra3l tcvaomic vitality is enhanced, foods maivritiss, prumv[ion of luca] foods,and the important rids
and armces are accessible, end the natural Landscape and agricultw-r plays in the economy. 1[ w`ll also pryvide e,n
c4mmunixvcharacier are protrcted_ imrntory of e=iGtinS municipal,County; and S[atr policies
and identify options feu meal plans and policies to support
agriculture.
TAKING ACTION VARILNFRS A variety of local a,c[on work to implcmenx
atmIegles that combine to preano+tc the cnrnmunit�s wmrall
STRATEGIES- The Gourrt �fr�na�r�rrc�exeJ'o mexad drat- economir prosperity. TCAD is Lhe ccunty'a kad o=omic
ems+ was last prepared in 2 and it is currencly bring drVclopment a"cy, provides staff support for the county-s
updated. The timing of its completion is likely to coincide lodustrial Dewelaprmrnt Agency,and is cunrntI:y leading the
with the cumpledon of thi.9 romprehcnsiw Plan update. Economic DeMopmmf Stralegr updatr- TOAD a3so facili-
and it is expmked thaL both will include mutually-support- (atcsthe TnrnpkinsCA3untyF-carrmmIc Dcvclopment Colbb-
Lrg policies and salons. The T krns Cmmty Work)vmu oratiwe, which coordinates emnemic 6melaprnent-rcLat,ed
Strategy, published in 20111, is the Czeno overarching artivities among local Wncks and fosters inter-agency cal.-
strategy for w+orkfarre dcwlopment_The Caunity also coon- labnration to adwancc mutual interests.
plated a 2020 Sirategk Tourism Mm in M 12 to guide the use
of crmnty room=invesrtmcnts and a,ctirues relarted to tout- Tompkins[:ounty also hasscscral%T7 rorrmitbad agendes
Ism dewdVrnant_ The QmntfR AgNirillumi and Famldn4 workLng wLth specific poputalion$ La promou and provide
Rivir lan inn was first prepared byr the T�mpklns C`.ovFq employment_The Tmnp+kl ns County WQrkfarce lnurs#mant
Agrkullure and Farmland Protectlon Braari in 19",and i& Board,logether with Tompkins W-arkfmce NY and TCAD,is
earrentLy heLng updated. The update wilL propose strategies 6e prinwry author or the{ amnly's Workforce Scrag..Part-
ners Lndude aura pubilc schook, T<:2,the New York State
Department od LaMar,the Women%OpporturdLy Center,the
County Office 63r6e Aging,an,d T-S-T I OCES-
The Tompkins Co"ty Cbamtw of amerce advocaw
-� for imund ecrm wnk dmlopment and promrwtes husLness
5by fwgitig Unks h.etween and among husinam.grwernment.
corrLMLMAY-organLmtIon&and Lns ltWL*m p Aw bests the
R^� Y Ithaca mY
'Tom kips County %entkon " #ialtors Humap.
P
whMcfh leads Lmplementatim of many tourk&m-reWed
aalom The Todnpliwks-CoutvLy Stmteoc 71wrism Planning
EI-O". With sLaUT suP�Ort from the Plaaming Mpartmmt.
dIEL
` iff IL provldes oversight ind 11ratLVC g3iWtiLM fior lauiriwrr<-re•
laud Lthitiatives LD4"ing thro p roodn tax €vpjwied
gr&"'.,,s-Cornell upmtli c Exlen: ion of Topn],karts County
wtsrk.s wM the County5 Agricultore arts] Farmland Prmec•
I Ion Boii rc[ to prepire the &FAMIkLW 411d lYrrrr h3M(Pro-
; r �rc6on Mm. As rpoced above. Cornet[ i nLversitlr is leadhig
_ efforts in suppod of the START.UP?mow YoTk and Southern
Liaoi# Tier irtiri ion lot Spoq p ogrimi.
COLTN'l'y f.()l.l'- COL1 r1rg 90vcrnmeni plays marry t(les Lr<
e-=O 1C; Mlopmcflk, MxM111:M of like Courtly wLs sure
aad Counl�r officials serve on the bmeds of the Indostrial
Drvc apvMnt Agency,which provid slax incentives tvImwl
bukricsLms, and TCAD vslugh rccd%,= a signifivant pur-
_ lion of ils vperatirtg funding front the Courr . The Couray
Downtown Rbaca
TOMPK 15LOLMrrYCOMPREFtE14Yn eta 2075 • "E ECONOMY ' FEE 31
commonly serves as the primary applicant for Community County Actions to be Initiated
Development Block Grant funded projects outside of the within Two Years
City of Ithaca.The Workforce Investment Board is a County
program, and the airport is a County facility. The County • Create implementation plans for agri-culinary tourism
approves tax-exempt bonds for area businesses,and collects and heritage tourism,two of the focus areas in the 2020
and directs the use of local hotel room occupancy tax funds Strategic Tourism Plan.
to support tourism and economic development activities. Develop an Energy Focus Areas Strategy to provide for
And the County Planning Department provides leadership
the energy needs of growing businesses while prioritiz-
on planning studies and analyses in support of economic ing renewable energy solutions and addressing energy
development,for example the feasibility study for relocating
concerns in key geographical areas of the county.
the New York State DOT facility on the Cayuga Inlet Water-
front. Seek increased funding to reimburse employers for
on-the-job training that enhances employees' skills and
increases their wages.
' 2000-2010 Tompkins County non-farm labor growth.Source:CES Current Employment Statistics,Bureau of Labor Statistics
2 2010 Census
s 2006-2010 American Community Survey,analysis by ITCTC
4 2009 IMPLAN data,analysis by TCAD
s 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture
6 2012 Tourism Economics report for New York State,Finger Lakes Focus
PAGE 32 THE ECONOMY TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
•
housing
Housing is not only an essential human need, but a source of physical, psychological, social, and economic
health and stability.Tompkins County is in need of additional housing units,as well as improvements to exist-
ing housing. The goal is to have more people living in affordable, safe, appealing housing that is energy effi-
cient, enables workers to live near their jobs, and meets any physical accessibility or supportive service needs
residents may have.
Creating an adequate supply and variety of housing options can free household wealth to meet other needs
and enable individuals and families to build savings to ensure their financial stability.This in turn helps reduce
resident turnover, recruit and retain employees for local businesses, improve the physical and mental health
of families,enhance the educational attainment of their children,and free funds for use in other sectors of the
local economy.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where housing is affordable, safe, energy
• appealing.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Encourage a variety of housing options in development focus areas.
• Support new development of housing whose total costs, including utility
and transportation expenses, are affordable to households with a range of
incomes.
• Promote energy efficient housing.
• Provide housing options for an aging population.
• Maintain an adequate supply of housing for people requiring supportive
services.
• Improve the existing housing stock.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 HOUSING PAGE 33
SNAPSHOTrecent -ronstruiftion has focuu�d -on suudent housing while
the cuu,nty continu,cs to face a shortags of units suiubls far
OFT H f COUNTY TODAY moderato or Cower incunu familic%seniors,and indMduals
in need ofbVpiportive ser riots.
Existing Supply Landlords manage a si: rnificant p•artion of the cornmu-
Tornpkim Gaunl}r's cxisfinB housLne,supply canmiils LuSelg nity� housLog slack.. Within tht 0ty of Ithaca, 73 pment
of cddcr building%with a high prflpordon orirnttd towards of househoMs are rmlers, and counlywide 44 perccnt of
renters and students. of the county's 41,iW housing units households rent their humus.
L7,11# are writer-ocrupiad and 21.431 art owner-occupied_
AppraxiMWE]y 70 prxctm of all units we loc=d is struc- Af f01'dabi a Uvi ng
totes with one to fur units. According to one TompkJnk
f-�punr+� �]epa�rtrneat ofAs�s�mepk, �G p�eent a[the r�iq- Flausinp�coats in Tornplsirrs County arr high for both re:ntcrs
dendal hr�usang� wos butLt�•e�ore 1940..ancr�cr 14 per- and h,orucnti,rners� Low vacancy rates fnff rental volts create
cenr was hstL1R between 1�A� and i95+9, end�+pr�xinsatel�• stfiu3g competition for a�rallahleunLt`sand inflate price:.;-
sewer p meent or the h,pLL�ng 9tiw-k shows deOnit� glgns or �rspite thfi resent natobna] rcoessioo a� mort�agc criiai~
deferred mainten nee. The rc nl �f renters and T43mpkim County medL: n horru purcC�a prir-es warcd
pe ffwn $100,GW in 2000 to 5190`5M in 2013. M-ethan reraL
sradewg pajrtaing higher educmkm• mrn fined wlth relt=
i
LLVely Lunn$ -e ln�ment arW higher cages. diffe nLLA4� rrcrc sod from5 in in 12.het the price to
Tgmpkins Cnut> { hepain rrarl€er from pumbum a h,orne or Orr reat�m apaymant
dt
that of i1�r�l�hlrars,The r�e�ult���I�wr`r �eq rat r�ptr�rc the full ctra�t�LitrirLg Ln a
Thecounty - specific Location. To underslarud that, it Ls
th rw ate r+ lean} found In#liie Mshortage important to analyze ttw-cost 4 tramip-or-
tatinL5 ti�and trfkm the home,as yell a$the
Although the county 4 withirt a few for moderate *ir cmrA of I ome heating an,d ulfILties.
hundred obits of Tnee�fis the g(MIS Qf lower income
t H
tl� � � ���� s�►t� Sira��y � seniors, cau,Lr�g i�rLt��rl,d �'+tk$ �r k�'+WMn.g f�tr•
f2Cr�, -which �*lled for the comstr�cti�rt irher rr«i5i jQ'.F$, aR]Ok1itI�S, atl� tralxlsil am
+af 4,1XCM#ins houtsLng unh bew 2
�rnd X14, 41� p�r�nk of !h� t�r�t . .d o * * � tr�spart�ls,i i ti�x I�t r+.s�s, Theme ktpor•
for ui�iss affordable for rrtodei-atr-irr• - ta,lion � �.:< r}�p��lly the one l�rg,
cunw huwxe'0JdS bfrn built. Also. elk k Mtn -:& F,�Ghoua�ol�end have
OWNER ER RENTAL
HousuhOds WJzh Montrriygross
Home~ M@dja rr Home mom thly owner RU tar Median reror ex-RedIr]g
uvwrrPrsFMip 1arurcFi.9se costs exceeding Vacancy Grass 30%of house-
County ra to Puce 30%Of inrQm a rare Rear h44d irrcarrle
Tortnpklns 65.6% $190r5D0` 23,E 23% 59-25 57.0%
Cayuga 11 B% $116.0 ' 27.4% 6,6% 5649 43.0%
Chem u ng 67.9% $110.0000 22.0% 3.7% s686 50.5%
Corfland 65.3% $1 15,SWI, .27.0% 7,0% 5684 46.()9a
Sr.W)�r 81.1% $131 " 28.4% 7,7% $587 35,9%
8e,n.eca 75.0% 5117.000* 29,E 15,6* $657 . 4.4%
Tlop 78.9% $123,AD0* .25.a% 10D% 5607 43,4%
Aumr US rMqWrt,r9meFfWn CefAM SWM,:;-YMF EAff mr z &2v r2;31 20P3 AnrMfflr fy.E f+PQfkA5wCA +ar3 Vf+Rr bf3 Rm
PAGE34 THE FC-UNOW - IDMFWHSCOIR . MAPPIEHEHSW PLAN 2015
additioael in,tmmm to utility bills or tranuportation costs
* thFnten the ability of many residents to continue Living in
theircurrent homes.
N In-ornmuters
rTompkins C aant} is a monad job center that attmc-ts
employM from thrCuOout the rrgion. Peop]c comnwtiag
irrtfl Tompkins County for wort, increased by 11 percent
2 Vr ' brtwem 2000 acrid 2010-As of 2010.a lote9 of 15,000 workers
cDmroutcd in to Twnpkins{gin",with the Largest numbers
wming ifwn CA-wUand County with 3,200. Tiaga County
wllh Z,800•and Cayuga Ccmnty with 2,W.
Although man} in-commuters -ccrtalnly prefer to lku�e in
$eo�rra h�rres�rai � �� fi m T rr,�kr s ve+n¢y other counties due to i+amdy ties or LlfestyLc chokes, a
iurwy V lrn-commuwrs foupd TornpkLns GDanys hM$h
hakW g prices t&be the prinuary reason frn l Ong-outside
peached a paint wherg they fmquently equal or exceed the of the county. Vc4lning lob oppo,MnKe,.s Lis surrounding
mortgW nr rental costs �)r working faknINes_ with more counties may also be contributkng t-o the inane in the
than two-thlids of workers r0yiiig on private ausorem piles number of in-commuters. In addition to the cv4ta oomm mt-
to cemmuO to Wrk.wbAtanllak cysts om incurred to put- ers them"lves inLur.Ln-wnun Jng Lmpacts the wider mm-
c e-insave."twat n,and op,eram vehkdm The Awwic;n munkty through added tic rap =Lon, gmter wear end
AatomAle Anodation estlmms uwrdng and opermirkg a rear an roads aild hrLd99& Lnuened vehicle emimLorm and
veh isle dri+ 15AW tt gn orinwil�coats $760 per month irwreoed cwu,W-mai stain Lhe ward"work
Fort as iAverage sedan jed i7 per month for are aveeagr
spins utility v hide,Clearly,outwnobdle mpenses rein a
lard Wdpt item fir most hounholds,sad Ore that Lsespy• ISSUES AND
clally burdenxaw the further the distance work
and home, OPPORTUNITIES
Utility bLsLs are awth,er significAm cost for reskdem!s,
ALthuugh *nay 5our.aa *xperWmce� OUctuatWns in vuNl. Housing Supply
over the short term oveTaLl g,loha] demand is �mticipaied A number of facturs, irrcludlr g an inadequate supply of
W drift up prices at the same arno eatrcrrw }peat and cold
�f the h
weatL�r a++�r<t�baeww rnarefre�usr�t stud aystlyiri terms of +�usi>i& des�bilit}r �mmtirtLt]r, l college sto•
utilitiy bills. Sharp iricrta$es i�i home he�tir�g prices during dent popul�i i�r1, �d low ra�rucx r�t�a. a71 corGtribnte to
th,e �i�•�0l� wiGit,er L,rft mar<y t�nty resid�ks �rub• high huusirg r.�xxtx in Tompkins.Guurity.The]ilntited supply
glirrg to pay theirr otihity bills, p.,,ra] reei�et� whoa rely pan of hix�� r'elati� t� d�rr�-�rrd k�s resulted in ehtrerr�l�
proparwt or furl oil aregsrti�sularly wulnrrabk to theft high I�+tir wad rags for rcal,�r �ccUpi,cd uftita. alt �,3 psrsent
cams, as ampKrxp6e living in housing with pour insulation �urit}rwide and aC�urid one peT�ni in the City of Ithaca.
t not New ho
and Leak} air scaling, }4cwrding to the U.S, �srgy drifus- uaang�nstru.ta0n ins ge�srall}• aff4rdabls tv lsC
m4ti,�a Agency, from �048 t� aa01�, P�1 prirtes in Ibis a,rer hovs.hold.}ks a r.ault,lsdrol4ls four an increrus-
ne�i�an Hass �L psrd:nt,and hcativg jai] gri.es Hasa 25 per- iFWy�mprtt�tive Ywu#utig m*rkd. The �brC�litiwe market
has i al
cs,�it.]ntsrretkr��l}�.dtiringthak same timrprri,od n,attiral� s•a mplica�tio�ii for fair�tnd equit�le at tD boos,
prirr� drrpprxl �C+ p�rCsrit, l5vwc++cr bek+ n January and irrg,sanuv illegal di,�rir�aiir0a is m+�rc casil}�masked when
June of 20L4.natura priers r�e 63 pe� i7a ent.Price urtu man} households cum rte h[ausing.
l jas
atiuna such as these make it cxbvm*diffkult fur indiwidu- 1he 15MO students living ufFcampus in Tompkins County
als and families to budVA forcnrrgy costa from year to year, strun* irnPact the nrntal market, particularly near the
and sometimes from month t-o nwnth. With oyrr a third camptuts. Non-6tudrnt huvrcholds face difficulty cumprt-
of households Amady coat-bvrdmcd by their housin& any ing with students fast rental h-aus5rkg shoe a group 43f four
TOMPKPN5 COUNTY COMPREREHSNE RtAN 2015 THE ECONOMY PAGE 35
i
students, for example, can poop] their msou ces for more -
pur€hasing power them a typical family hour+ea A signif-
icant number of air-campus student housing units n-cenfly r
proposed or built hold the potential to poaitiwly affm the
marled by fmcing souse of the cxastmg student-occupied
units for-odKT households.However this transition may not
be a smooth pracem since the housing currently occupied by k
students is not always suitable,or affordable,for usher types I
of households.
Housing Qualfty
Although often associated with student. rental and lower Holly Creek Towrrhume4 Tower of Ahoca
ineornc-housing,poor quality isa vddesprca,d issueaffeaing
the supply.af!'oid;ab&ty. and sakty of housing_Older hous-
ing units t}�.}i�Ll}� requlrc rn GnaLrueGtar�e and r�p$ir� i lth hi(heat housing costs rc6atixe tv imrome in the nation,
than newer horusLng,and deferring this work Jcopar iLxrs the and the second highest in the state,after New York city
-
than of re-identg mbd redo the llf%pan of unlL& High The growing number of [n-damanuters From Surrflu ading
hLvuR i&coats JtaUa many regLdents with Lnadequate fin;n- counties &Lm indicates gist more pr*c are being price-d
cial resources to under4ake maLwan2rwe and repair, while ou[ of[he local markM and more pressure is brim placed
the growing rturntw of&Lngbe persrpn end cuter adult loin- o,housing,assistance prcrvidrrs aced sorial service programs
hailds man that mmy are physLeAy unable try undertake that a0bt]OWCF-inrOmc househak k.
hrmw lmpnwemcnis thertiselwrs.
Affordabdlity challenpn both rcntCr9 and owners. fawning
Um- very rotor molt In poor quality unio mmal niRg a home is widely recognized as one of the most cifeclive
competLtl . w irtdieotdd by a 2011 anolMs of kwA apart- ways for ,tmni€ans to build %xa]th- HawcycF. hwncawn-
mew whkb fund high urns do 3jat reMeci higher quillty ership remains out of reach for many house-holds as pur-
ho+ SLnj;emirs,artd the MedlOrL quality r34ng of op:hrktuntz cha&e prices outpace wage grcwthandfaaniUcsstrugglewith
lea Tompkins Cwr"would repres.east "affiord.ahle kiouma ' highs oasts for utilities, transportation, taxes, and personal
of the hoiiom of the market In MAO C,rtw6r1IO11;XL fflaek-klr�, expenses such as child and health care. Renting has tradL-
Gf-units oominue to det+erlarou to the poMnt Rhal It is Infem1- t,onadly provided the lawcrcwAi and flexibility many house-
ble to reswrethem to cecupiabttr iWitdons.harsingsupply{ h-o s need when educational pursuits or unstable empL y-
mW affoW;ibill%� will womm ;And mocre resWenis may have uwat make a longer-term housing aomtmitmrent infeas[ble.
to choose bgivoeen igmtkig safely issues or r*-emerLng a lAmnwr wish mats also outpacing wage growth, venting
hiWY eompetWve how-wing Mmut. has beco-mw a finandal str-ain that prewnts households fmni
saving towards a future home pufr],ase or dcycrting income
Hem I Ing Afford a ba lity to other noel€ An increase in the supply of hoth for-sale
and rental unit9 is needed that is afeudehle to s wide range
I sousing 2 generally defined as xdOdable if it GIs ik hour of iirUxMWS.
bL4d no more than 30 perrcat of R5 intone.Nearly one in
every Lhree hoFmmners p y more than Afford2b c hous.Ing nods vary a€roes
30 percent of its Ldcurrc Om hutwing,and In total, percent incOrrw gmupa- F-xlremely Ic"ne mte
nearly two in tihrcc renters du so. j*n Shcal} of ■ akins *un hfmgehrilds. rWcall+y theme earning up to
M percxm of Tompkins Cuunly houm- �O peyunt of area medL-an incsune, prL-
holdi who rent or own hoc%have hour- hoLiseholds who rnarllp redY oo rental w9SLstance throagN
in affordaWity p,4,N ,. V chile rerit or own hOMeSpubk homing, Hamming Chaise Vaw-t-
tainly aware of thre problem,maoy in the have housing erx, =d prixately -owned Wt fedemily
c mtimiuriity were astounded by the New ;oisLvWd housing- Howmr. furWing Is
Mork Times article in April 2014, which aff■ i . ■ ijwdeqtwe aild WI"3plr an e9sim4$d
determined Tompkins County had thtr problems. thtw-qu rs of -elk.gible bnwehuld:s gp
unaminW. The exults to 'h"seholds
PACE3{ • wOOING ' TOMPIfINS CCUNTY COMPFWHENYn PL N2915
having to"doublt up7 with h mily or friends,use=Tgericy selves ur knows aomtcme in need. As cwnmunity members
sheltcrs.,orp hvmcless, are abte to put a fare io chose with such ncvds.&n mom
awarcncss abort the issue,and iftflucnce dcsigm W addrs*s
Sligbdy further up the Lnoame Ladder,thosc rarninZ bctwccn ouncsrns,there is an opportunity to ease wine-of lhr fears
30 and 80 p scent of area median incomc may qualify for surround ing allUdable housinZ and discuss.ways to urducs
first-tint homcbuycr assistanoe throt,gh 13emer]-lousing for casks su that LoM workcn of various income Iev&arc ablr
Tompkiins County. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Serwlcm to live within the county- Concerns obous sn'er-concc ntrmt-
aned the Tompkins Count} Homcownc ship Program. How- in%k wer-income residrnts in particular arew and isolating
evm the supply of h,amts afEordabLe eves with this assistance particLOar Vmpsftuco the broader community s so`ndkrr
is aArcmcly Limited, and often rat well maintained and a reed to pursue dcwdopmenl of mare hourinh that mixes
located in areas that incur longer and more cosidy rammutc& inromnn and hOUSC11Wd tYPLrs W beltcn blend now units into
Middle-irnmrrw houreholds earning over 88 percent of arcs existing neighborhoods_
mtdian into t are intreasLngly over-burdened by housing Loce3y,the Tcunhpkins County Housing Fund has pFi3vk1 d.
coals. and dhcy large]' struggle with affordabi3ity on their financial assistanw to incenlivLw the development ofhou9-
own since State and federal housingasgistance is tmVed to ing units that rtrnhain prmnantnOy a6ordablc for low- to
those below their income ImTJs`Ass result,middle-incomt uw&ratc-incom,c hauschoJd&. H,owcvri, this partncr�hip.
households scek.ingto purchase or rent housing are increas- with contributions from 'Ibrnpkins County. the City cd
ingly fated wiO the r1hnice of overvaending th,entselves Ithaca,and CDrrucU Cnivcrsityr is set to expire In 2121:5 and
innathrJ2Uy,rno%ing Leta housing tha Ln the pass would have it rernzins uncertain If adcquaft fundscan he found to can-
btvn occupied by lower-Income krou*eholds, ar commut- linU,c tst
Jrng longer dLstm)ccs to find m&sorahly prked housing. The
high c of new housing dew opmntnt men that now can
structLon tends to target eJnlsef upper Lncerne-honnseholds or Energy ��t`fE`I fJl Housing*
those with lower bncnmes thax quallfy for subsLdhes and tax ResidentLd enerp ogiciency is crltbeal Wth to the aifl`ard-
In"mtWts. W3vIng rrdd4e JFK*me•ho+r►sehold� with JjmLWd abiliiyofhml.ttg utsits;%YW efforts to reduce fomll fuel cart•
hOWLngapiong, sumptlon acid gmerhw&e gu eaiMont. 'The residential
Vexp4e this dear need, t4eve is cuvently little Ln*mti +e to seelor is the wrNid higtrcia eneNY conmunaur ;ArA green-
demLrp Lnwer cod brmRLngdue in chi lower tetvrn on invst, houft gAs emltwr in Tomplclrts[:oniony,after N=Vofimlon.
tnent 9uh unkU brLn&the Nigh cosu tired Wngthy i$evelop, liiigK4h5ergycmft Impact the ablllkyof book46okls to a
ment ptodess*oftrra assoclaked with new comtru floe,arad their IrQRWs artd reduce ON ammtt of morWy auaLlabLe for
oppositlott by some locaL rrsldenis who pesc4via ago<rdaWe
howingas�L threat to theftsafdy:aadproperty valumThete
often appeats to be confirms lhat OfoadabLe houskag is s:w
7nft,y :d,but illttle agreement ore where sls oali�s7 should be
lsrcated d fS Weal"I4 rAflo Js'�5f U;Ible to G7 'rrs that
MM III the crilerlQ ex;mmd by the cammunily for $uch 't T
developm rm. Addi6coally,although nwosL affordaNe hous• �
iAg conmuction J's fi=CLAY inkulble wJthout Suit of � �
Fvdm� financwl w4istanoe, th is handing hm becorme mace
maAable at she name time CoMpetilion for it has LocreLwd
as tour mmnLuts througliftt New Yoe k Shoe gild the TivaorrW 4
struggtr W mcvs adfordiWe howw g reeds.
Amidst shm howsLng aifordabilily issue*is On;oppomurrity r
to inCrea oOmmur ill sstplort for the construction r,f more
ImuSing units, With sever one-third of hucmh-oWs c&A bur-
dcnod by their h&uMngc'xptmRs,,meanly cvurysnne in Tomp-
kins Cuunly is richer in need of a0ordablr housing than- adv ham&burnt smhvprrrne�t Cq IOthaco
'1+or r;i&Fd ffi0 rvartlion her h6r Fnrrgy rMd GmerA&Mm(;[o BlfisSWS{ aapu7 'Aahice fmrW Larrrmrrrt'xrlr a
10MRKINS CGUWr's'COMPRkk1EN5P1E FLAn 2pi 5 ' HOURNG ' PAGE 37
other needs such as health care,1`6 d,ar�d to reduce enemy use in the future, OfRcn
transpurtation. The County ]ndustrial Residential energy 'U"Fluolwd aro such thiW as a buddinies
Devel-upgnEv ftTncy currently pmvidrs uritntaLwn is the sun iric]u,aiun of 501a.r
for up to 10}ears of pmpezty Ux abae Critical the pancl%or gwdw ma]s}�atems in new can-
m ent for construction achieving LEEU, * }th a :Ftructian,roof design far optirrW interior
Leadership in Energy and FmironruntaJ aff a ■ . bi 11 ty io f cooling and warmiryZ, and landscaping
Design, cen ficaticm as a Smen building, housing units and to rnhmce cmerFy efficiency. Extrem,cly
Howcvrr, with a r half of the housing efforts to reduce t:ntTgy--tifxkmc humcs are a reality today
supply uwr 54}xers old,there arc oppm- and scyural cxampsles may be Found of
tunitim to upgrsdc existing hmnes with greenhoLisesvch con5trUc1 i013 in 'lbmpkina County,
encrl{X efficiency improveMeFLU as We as * where hunwowners have actuaJly paid 51
pronuxtc additirrmal energy ciificiency in for amwithflf heating in a frigid February
new€onstructian. because their homes were so wul]-built
Energy cfficicncy imprunmcnts art porticalarlp challeng- the Location of hoaMng is sna&er critical component of
Lug for the large proportion of reftal Knits within thccounty energy c&iency. Ncv, construction that not Only incorpo-
due to the low vacancy ratt and lack or 1nacntiw+cs fiar land- rates merg}r-eEGcicntdesign lxutalso is locatcd withindeveL-
1 to rtuke the upgrades- UnLts me ldwly to rent regard- opment focus areas can reduce the fossil fuels used, ernis-
less of their cfficLen,cy. so tarrdlords have liftle incentive Iq siorrs gancrated�and financial CMsts interred b v residents as
make improvements. e&pfiaily sine they ciAtn do and see they tray-d to jobs,schools,services,aced other arricnities.
the energy savin&s therrkwhees, as Unants lypkaily pair the
anergy WE& in t1w unkL Tenants also have IittLe incendve Changing Demographics
to m2ke Lrnprrrvemtm1s since they haw rue icing-Terns gusr-
arrtat to the energy srAnga and often live in building; with ALL in Tc�npkinp Czuat}�dernographim rtgWye changn
mulliple unJts where indkAdual tenants ranno make aec- tothe LoLaEhouafngsupp4y Ln ar&rtomeet theeomniurdly'
es upgrsdei. Energy eff�dency dmpwwments to renc2L card iisg;ArW propucLud awed
bow ft w10 mqukre Iptvgmms that belP shire Incen#lws
bo eert landlords;Ltd ierwi ts, as well m targeted outreach
to hprh grrrups that huRds ittt,emi.oducates them 9*ut 4be • } } }
"ntW eAergy Irngs,;;rtd reduce the tie;ndcompl".
dy required to partidpatc in 1"entdve programs.
rxallon A iministNion Foetid that mbdertiW buildings
hullt hefiott 19W are gCkwidy A to 40 plweas leg ens as
gy•effiolemf thAn the t�h after 2 .Mai 111ai 1tiin$e�c�stirtg M%
er4erg�••eiFicle,3t feasurV.&Add iflg RNLI.„keen, rVp]acing
vmrn,cmt applioaces w1th energy-efficlent tx Weis,convert- 9 5ox -
irg to raom efcleiii ud sw"rmWe methods of heating i -and cooling, and impleraen ing eneW apgra&s such a
i4SUJAtl0rt Ltd Of MaUA& eA grtatlp irrrprW t the Off&LAII
CFK gy'960MI;y Of the es48iing;hoU�irkg:99Ck while Silving w%
mid.limts muniry and rcd"inz tht`wmknurrity's gro nr cause � _ _ - _ _
gas errii"i,o" Im L= LM MM N19 #tom #too am
eel ii IWi k; Ni ti% !I{9t ■ZSyws and omr 030to94Yesrs
Conur%—alw% Conaructiort Code that wifl be iCt effect iii ■60 to Ta years f 15 14 Z9 years
2015 will be appnWrnitely 15 percent nuare energy efficient ■45 cc 59 dears *under i5 yrarrr
Then thr prcrirnu Version for new cumstruction and rbajur
rcmrrdcls. Fiuwever,(}crc is NO much that can be doru: to 5oaM5-UI C;E &fffow,�nterrensod FWLp don hex by
easun rhathwmingbudl today will rwt need t,obsretNFitaed g e.n Qn Appre o�d aem w €eau areersio0 Ce.nR6 [O-e;u
vx it 30 NQI}5INQ • TOM PKJN5 COUWrYCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN205
HOUSEHOLD SIZE.The median household size in Tomp- maintenance needs in rural and suburban locations that are
kins County continues to decrease, resulting in the growth not close to public transit.
of households outpacing overall population growth. Sin-
gle-person households currently make up a third of all New housing construction has not focused on the senior
households.With housing units already in short supply and Population and provided the variety of housing types and
the large number of older homes designed for larger house- price points needed by seniors.For example,there has been
very little new condominium development since the 1980s,
holds, these trends of more and smaller households are
likely to exacerbate the county's low vacancy rates and high and there is virtually no inventory of single-floor condo-
housing costs.Paying for more housing than a small house- miniums in the local market.As a result,recent construction
hold needs increases both housing expenses and energy use. of single-floor apartments in buildings with elevator access
in downtown Ithaca have attracted a substantial number
Given the need for additional housing construction, there of older renters despite no effort to specifically build for or
is an opportunity to promote construction of smaller units market to the senior population.The Senior Housing Prefer-
more suitable to shrinking household sizes. Smaller units ences Survey also indicates seniors are expecting their hous-
can be less expensive and organized to promote more com- ing costs (rents or purchase prices) to fall at or below the
pact, walkable neighborhoods with access to transit and current median levels, leading to even greater competition
other amenities. There is also an opportunity to collaborate for affordable units.
among municipalities to investigate options such as increases
in allowed density, micro-housing, single room occupancy As people age, their incomes tend to decline, making the
housing,and accessory units like backyard cottages. affordability of housing and services a major issue. The
Tompkins County Office for the Aging's Senior Housing
AGING POPULATION. Tompkins County's senior popu- Occupancy Rate Survey(2011) found an average occupancy
lation is growing and facing mounting housing challenges. rate of 99 percent for the 836 federally assisted senior apart-
Between 2000 and 2010, the overall number of residents ments in the county and an average wait time of six months
over age 65 increased by 18 percent,or 1,679 people,to make to one year for the units. Despite an 11.3 percent increase
UP 11 percent of the total population. During this same in units between 1999 and 2010, the occupancy rate grew
period, the population between ages 60 by one percent, indicating the increase in
and 64 nearly doubled. Better health care, There is an seniors needing these apartments is out-
increasing longevity, and the entry of the pacing development of new units.
baby boom generation into this group are opportunity t•
adding to senior housing needs. Tomp- promote - • Older adults who cannot live entirely
kins County is also increasingly becoming independently are continuing to show a
a retirement destination among retiring • • - strong preference for receiving personal
Cornell and Ithaca College alumni. of •
• units care services in a residential environment
to improve rather than a health care setting.Unfortu-
Most seniors want to"age in community, their nately, there is a severe shortage of home
and live as independently as possible as • care workers providing services that sup-
fully integrated members of their chosen accessibility. port seniors who need help to remain in
communities. Some wish to stay in their their homes. Currently, only one assisted
homes and"age in place;'while others seek living facility provides a limited number of
to relocate within the community to homes that are more units on a sliding fee schedule for low-income seniors, and
easily maintained and accessible.The 2014 Tompkins County there are no Medicaid-funded assisted living units within
Senior Housing Preferences Survey found the top three fac- the county. Those seniors relying on Medicaid must either
tors seniors seek in their future homes are affordable cost, find assisted living units outside of the county or move to
single floor design,and easy access to public transportation. skilled nursing facilities,which provide a higher level of care
Many seniors also expressed a desire for more affordable at higher operating costs while affording less independence
housing in downtown Ithaca,proximity to services, condo- than those seeking assisted living units typically desire.
miniums, and a concern over the lack of housing options
for the middle class. Unfortunately, many elderly people New housing units are needed that incorporate universal
c design principles,both for owners and renters and that are
currently live in multi-story, older homes with substantial
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 HOUSING PAGE 39
help iodividails maintain sub r housut and muimi:m
' their aWity co lire Lndependently. Thcae srrviaea induds
hcAth cue,mental health care,alcohol and substance abuse
prevention. Ladcpendent living alki r,parenting skills,voca-
tionaL assisting and rcintegrabon of convicted crimLnats
ktw communities-An adrquate supply of suppaTuve
hous-ing is critiml t4o reducing homelessness and proanoting the
_ health of thaw in need of assistance while intcgrafing them
i irtt43 the community. Supportive housing can also reduce
costs esaocist-M with emergency medical scryke&and emer-
' gency roars vhM. reduc,c chubc and rMduvism, and hclp
— maintain the quality of likthrcughont thccomnmunity.
Brecikerr?ria�e Pkrre,prnmen&,GN of k
Recent vears have seen a decline in furMding for Wrioressup-
portiwe services.The 20 3 4 7bmpkims Gounfy Hao mAw Raint-
af mdablr to a wide range of incomnes`Universal design fee- in-Time Couar found an incrcasc in the number of homdem
turns enable pevpfe to live independently in their homes as persons in &heltrrs who suifer from wvemc mental health
long as persaible and to visit-others and maintain 9ariai con- probkLms,as well as nn Lncream in the number of chrmically
nections-These units should be built in Devr]apment Focus homcicss peoptc who are uns$c]tered_ Drug reEatrd hospi-
Arcas to cnsUre bat srnLors have apporhmities far 6mcr CdLratlons Kaye increased.steadily since 20N. In developing
transportation options and to more fu111r cnpgc in their 6e T&tpbFm Couafy GarnmutulyHealfh Asmzmmt-2dJ3-
community. 2017,the Tompkins 03unky Health Department conducted
a opmmurdty surer and consulted iv th the Tbruplains
Qwn the large number of alder hmnes in the coonuty.there is Health Plan-ming Ca+uncil and 7aarrpkins H,ealCb Netwark,
a Ig Ifi ant opportunJny W prrsmnte repairs and re fttdng concludLng that memd health and substance abwF are the
of exlsling housing units to Improve thr-Lrsafety and aoctmi- " heallh pTiorit3es in the caunty .safe havens that pmvLde
bWty Ppr peopte&all ages and abillilec. Dheveloping a lamer to81s to overcome the root causes of a persortii bamclrss-
bWal worlc.farc4-of Kome care workers and pr-ovlding finan- mess.halfway houses that allow lndLriduals to recawer from
vial amLstancc will be erhieal to enabi ft people who wLsh substance abuse and convicted criminals to rcintcgraw into
Go Uve Independently to do so, However.additlanal misted society, and shelter for thiose stru ing wiry, mental hesLth
Living unl� foq t ooge with lower to moderate inrcoame% as €halJenges-or ihremcnO by Jomestic abuw are amrmg the
well as the acLdltioj%of unJrs fOt 3hrxse rAylrg on MediC0jd.. suppartkv aptionp needed by ho"ing-Lmmure 1"Yi dusls-
amalso tueded to mitt the honing roeedscifolder a,dLOm
A survey of youth living indepen,dmily cRed help f rWing
SUPPOR'I'1VF. HOUS3NTC- The popOatian naedLng sup- hi kka g n their prinuL`y tkeed, whUe cons4wly voicing a
pnkiLve seFwl crMtin„es to gynw and ha* optpaeed the used for supper#arW guidartee as they learn M live-on their
supply of housLng, char can meet Owe IndLviduals' oeeds_ 0wtLand tlawlgake Ln the;Wwat%4orLd.Of kh %e yours.19 per.
De!;PJW a dedicated gmap of IndLvjc1o; s and ojgs.nlp.*kions cent rapid havIng a r.hM or beLng pregnuit. Inr,diotyng
wi i hin Tompkins Coonty prviding s►tpporti++e servic4g and a nerd for ad+dltimal support. blirtLmom oge ratriclLans
11013si rig W p puJ;Ation4 w[1-b special me-ds, ak Motty 3heltem Coocem for l5amipn d
4JL'L 3M3 r1g 2r1d uncwtaLn fuurtding has An a a ' i - f ply safe y, and ILtYaiked wpporkive 110UNLrig
MfkkS� dMir *Jiiky to pa`ovW *dquay. 000ris(or young p le lead mmy youLh
suppordve housing For those who need ■ supportive to Meet surf" rakha th;mn seek formal
IL Rime sabsidies for supportive bouslrlg housing is critical hmslttg kattce,mu-ning the numbers
akd i"s, patrkiCulatly for those With to reducing of homelem and hrHaLng-Lnwkkre )rauth
mealal Eualih aced developmental disWfi- homelessness + ate l+ kLdly u.�dvrreporked.Howe ng that
kits.t�pic*Lly f*LL to diR-F-untim-e the a n. pm%sdes the s ippurt youftg pwpk rlftd
ty's houm"pn"*;Amd va=rtcyratesfrom pro i = the to learn~ huw Lo l ve,;And Par it,is critk;l
thaw of the surmundLng r> r al h,ousis health of • in pruitlLng the SUNIRy needed 10 purses
M;Om,and tllerefore preside irodegwte need of -aducaliwi and-errtpLaymeat,
funding &siftrye. S+up"i-d e w ricts
PAGE 4lU ' HOUSING ' TOMPION5 CMNW CCWPrtEHEN5JYE K.AN Z4i5
TAKING ACTION the homeless, and others with special needs. Given declin-
ing and often uncertain funding for supportive housing,this
STRATEGIES.The Tompkins County Legislature endorsed partnership is important to pursuing additional funding and
the Housing Strategy for Tompkins County in 2007.This strat- adjusting programs as needed based on changes to popula-
egy grew out of the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment tions needing assistance.
(2006) that analyzed the local housing market and popula- COUNTY ROLE. County Government does not build
tion trends and found a need for 4,000 additional rental and or permit housing; however, it does fill a number of roles
owner-occupied units across all income levels by 2014.Four in regards to housing. The Tompkins County Planning
specific strategies were identified: Department spearheads efforts related to the assessment
• Use inclusionary and incentive zoning to achieve afford- of countywide housing trends and needs, affordable hous-
able housing goals. ing funding, homeownership assistance, and related efforts
• Establish a community housing trust with support from to improve the condition and energy efficiency of housing.
major employers, financial institutions, education insti- This includes administering the Tompkins County Housing
tutions, and private donors to acquire and own land on Fund and the Tompkins County Homeownership Program,
which housing can be built. and convening the Housing Strategy Partners, a group of
• representatives from many of the partner organizations
Encourage major employers to provide assistance to employees who purchase homes in targeted areas. mentioned that assess progress in implementing the Tomp-
kins County Housing Strategy.The Tompkins County Office
• Establish a community housing affordability fund to fill for the Aging assesses the housing needs and preferences of
funding gaps needed to keep units affordable and assist seniors, administers the Weatherization Referral and Pack-
not-for-profit housing developers with pre-development aging Program, and works to assist seniors with housing
expenses. concerns such as repairs and accessibility modifications.The
Tompkins County Departments of Youth Services, Health,
PARTNERS.From concerned citizens,experts from higher Mental Health, and Social Services help to collect data and
education institutions,and organizations such as the Finger establish targets and recommended actions pertaining to
Lakes Independence Center,a number of partners are pres- supportive housing for young people and populations with
ent within the community to provide insight into hous- special needs. The Tompkins County Office of Human
ing-related efforts. Rights educates community members about their rights and
Municipal boards, planning boards, and departments are responsibilities with regards to fair housing, and addresses
critical partners with the ability to modify land use regu- reported instances of housing discrimination.
lations to better support development of the types, quan-
tity,and location of housing needed in the community. The County Actions to be Initiated
Landlords Association of Tompkins County is an important
partner in improving the quality and energy efficiency of the Within Two Years
counWs housing stock. Housing agencies, organizations, 0 Update the Tompkins County Affordable Housing Needs
and developers help to promote affordable housing and pro- Assessment and engage the broader housing community
vide aid for low-income families struggling with housing in revising the Tompkins County Housing Strategy.
expenses,through programs such as the Tompkins County
Housing Fund and Federal and State grant funds. These � Better define the housing needs of client populations
partner agencies and non-profits include the Ithaca Urban served by County human services agencies.
Renewal Agency,Ithaca Housing Authority,Better Housing 0 Assist municipalities in developing strategies to help
for Tompkins County, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Ser- homebuyers compare and evaluate the energy efficiency
vices,and Tompkins Community Action. of existing housing.
The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County(HSC),
its Homeless and Housing Task Force, and various agency
and non-profit members work with the County in the collec-
tion of data, establishment of targets, and recommendation
of actions pertaining to supportive housing for the young,
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 HOUSING PAGE 41
•
transportat
on
Transportation touches nearly all of people's daily activities. Increasingly,people are seeking more choices for
how to travel,including biking on paths,walking on sidewalks,hopping on buses,connecting for shared rides,
driving electric or hybrid cars,or just driving on well-maintained roads.In order to make the best solution for
how to get somewhere not always"drive there alone;'alternative ways to move from place to place need to be
convenient,affordable,and fun.
Besides expanding choice, broadening transportation alternatives can result in a healthier population, less
traffic congestion,fewer accidents,and fewer emissions and other environmental impacts.A sustainable trans-
portation system seeks to minimize negative impacts while providing a good level of service. Enhancing the
transportation system to serve all residents equitably will require insight into the social structure as well as the
infrastructure of the community.
Although there is no single fix to the challenge of increasing choice and convenience for consumers while
simultaneously reducing energy use and emissions from transportation,there is growing interest in the com-
munity in having good options available.From record Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit(TCAT)ridership
to thriving Ithaca Carshare and the well-used Cayuga Waterfront Trail, demand is growing from throughout
Tompkins County for a variety of ways to get around. This is a system-wide challenge that will require multi-
faceted solutions to create the transportation infrastructure the community is ready to embrace.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where transportation choices are efficient,
affordable, and healthy for people and the environment.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Maintain and improve critical elements of the existing transportation network
to support the safe movement of people and goods.
• Reduce the use of fossil fuels in transportation.
• Shift travel away from driving-alone to biking, walking, carpooling/ridesharing,
and using public transit.
• Support a pattern of land use that allows people to move efficiently and
affordably.
• Provide for the safe and effective movement of freight to, from, and within the
county.
• Continue to provide airport services that support community and business
needs.
• Consider the needs of populations that are particularly challenged by
transportation when developing systems and alternatives.
PAGE 42 TRANSPORTATION TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
SNAPSHOT
OF THE COUNTY TODAY ` ' r
h�
r
Studying the oammutr in work is a good starting point to
assess ilransportation in tilt mmmunity- In 2011, M per-
cent of commuters drove alone to w-Drk-AdditioFAY.of the
rrrughly 25 percent of peopte who work in the co"but
live elsewhere,fully 82 percent dnwe alone to work_TOmp- - •'r� •'
kins CDLLoty has hoer perzentages of residents bicyclin&
Commute to Work (2013) -
a 4
$r€YCII.1.�9ri Work+i*ome 6.A%
Public
Trantiydrlit�o!i,
6.7%
i lyrpoo�9�
Wending Doss TbmpkOs Counfy
Drive
8*k5 .7 walk. 15.7% There arc apprrxxilme cly I,40D rn&s of roads and 200
6 brides in the count}.The Stage hioways that rum through
the count} aFe critical to its economy and arc the rooms uagd
Soarer_U..� rAtu�Ar"r,r•an Cammun4&re p,A jW 06mara by in-commuters and by virtually all frcot service bairk$-
y,r2,aP3
ing goods into aid out of the ro+untlr.Amwd;nZ to the Itha-
ca-'Compkins County Transpoatatior Council(M—'''rC),1hr
total number of vehicle miles Creffelcd in 2O L 3 on roads in
carpauling waWng.ard workir.K ai hone than in New Fork Tompkins County was 673 million rn ilax U.& Census data
Skase as a whuJr.Xul surprisingly.chest figum arr impancd indicates app,roximatciy 15,(M workers commute each day
stroog,ly by fame such as cummUnily density, individual into Tompkins Coro q from adp=t counties- The grg-
vwcalib,and age. Non-auwmAx0ir use was higher in the City mphy of Tompkins C:ounry rmullls in much co my and
of lthLu and ud r areas where dcvrlopmeal Ls curnpau y4onal tralhc being funnebed through the City of Itbam,
and, nut coirttidentajly, most of dw student population is where bottlenecks can occur.
cuncentraiod; cwwntywidt, 65 permnt of wraC hirr poopar
dro++r alone versus only 38 percent of people bdo r the pcw- Walk and Bike
My level.and 78 percmi of Fouxple Dver 60 years old drove
ak wwvoles only 38 percmtof 30-24 yearvlds. As-d2014,(here .+ere 14 miles af'designaled multi-use tails,
25 miles of designated bike routes,and four miles of muted
Whik cwiruauts trips are important, thi:7 only rcpn-Wnt a Svc Janes in the count}- Forty-six percent ofA village and
portion of the iind daily irips taken. For all trips,privstdy city streets had sidewaLks.These figures do not clear]} indl-
erwrwd vehicle Lrips still Teprimera the mom curnrnon method €stc the sear unt of walking end biking that occurs in the
of getWix wound, wish waLkinZ and carpooLug shurug wrnmunity,as marry pedestriam urd cyclists use the exlst-
-rAromg numbers in trips having to do with fund}.pmoa>4 ing street netwoat to get ar land teed can ba seen commuting
mciaL and re=ationaloutinp. in all types of weathcr. The Mmpkim ArAgrhy TWa StArt-
70MPIQH5{OUNTXCOMP4ENEhMAWPLMMIS TRAWSRORTATIOhI PAa43
7 Bus scruke to and fmm 'rompkina County is provickd b}
Shvrdinc end Grcyhoumd burrs,as we L as regional tran5A
.. - .. '..� pamcrs From the surrounding counties.Cumctl UnNcnity
_4 also.spendes itz Campus to Campus bus,"ding express.
_ A
r:4 buaUim-close bus scrvkc brtwcen 3thaca and New '<wk
Cif Mcgabus.oprratirZ out fl m f lkoghakon,is an example
.�
{ - } =_ :, ofa low-cost bus option.from the& ea,but it requires travel
to get rhcrr, pointing ou[ 6c need fH enhEmced intndty
transparfiaticn options in the radon. I1hKa Airline Limnu-
y .� sine provi-des Local transpwtation option, as well as a*bit
�r.•.,� .�. scbedauled daily trips b}ctwecn Syracuse Airport or Amtrak
��. station and Ithaca allowing Tompkins-County wsidcnts to
wily access biW airline rnAFketa and rail services`Sewral
private taxi wrviecs also operatc in du Etbscaarea.
Flail
Historically.Rewn dMixt rAroadroutesscrWdtherarunty.
,.. but rhow them is only ow molve rap [Lne. Korf*Lk;-autbern
carries egad W the Cayup Power Plant gyred rock uJt from
.; p1's unfkrgmund mi�� nw M+lyers PaLnt in I4nsing•
Although 6e rail LLne is currently red t M mcwing
aorarnoditim 1h= may be opportunities In the future
Corr mufing on Cosradifla Gorge TF-0 go utlLlze the coRridor (or other transportation purposes.
inrluding rail transport to support LndwMrL3l or UmAm n
da p�r,e t,or timil ate for mt`e von or commuling.
agy-completed in 2014,found targeted [rail devrlopment in
the next two to fiuc years cold crcatr a cohesjvc nctw&-k Air
to harm the basis of an imprrasivc cintinaUun-quality trail
Mlem and Local rmreation and trare.pmutionn resource, The Xhau Tompkins R*&vial Airp3rr h:,x U1113L retcattl'f
Nei ftnatwWly self sumoinwi;wMh AIL expenus b-ems mid
Bus f vm wenues g-metaW, 11y one awwrtl iatgr it aoni Hbvtes
inure than $66 million ann&Wly to ibe ImJ ecvnomy,and
Bus service within 'rompkiins County includes fixed mute !supp-orts-Almost *%-La6m-relaxed whh a onibl.nit
bus service by'R ALF and Gadabout paratransit service for pa}rrolL Of MOM thX-M $5,1 miHiWnr the aLrpm is evrrmily
older and disabled rrsidenu.Residents are fortunatctDhave sery-d by Deltia,US Airways.and United wilh nLne flights to
access to mch a hibh-quality bus scrvicc, as Wes acknowl- PlhiloWphik Newuk. and MuNc e-wh day- One 1-020V
o*cl in the award given by the American Public 'trans- pwcn ers (Nw out of th-c Ilh" Tompkins RAVmaa Air'
portation Association to'I AT in 2011.wh-ul it was named port In ME3.
Outst and irLS Public Tr ans part atian 5yst-cm in North Amrr-
Ica in the catcgor}r of transit operat,va:a proYLdirig fewer than Iri 2012. the airpon treetrd the first FAA-fu.aded airport
flour million annual trips. la 2013, TC AT's ridership was SUSWrrable ma3{Cr pL-M in the United Stalc3,which was the
4.5 million,,up 1_1 million rides from bDD9. TC:,AT is cssen- rnipisrrt of rnuLiLpLe wards, 'Ihc vision for the master plan
tally operating at full capadity 'significant cxpansinn in fxusex ort bolh the future aviation needs of the oommU•
service wilt require ma)ar investments in facilities to store nity slid a60 how 1}c airpwi can be m-owsustainabIc in the
and maintain buses,as well as devcLapmcnt of new stratc- futuro,
gics tv hind the€apical and operational costs of running are
expanded transit "FrL So&invmtmcnt is dependent on
TC,AT s public and private partnerSr as well as Statr and Frd-
cral funding'
PACjjE44 • TRAWORTfLMN i-UMPION5 COUNTY CO.WREKEN5NE PLAN 2015
ISSUES AND Making this ahift a reatitywill rcquirca thnx-pronged focus
OPPORTUNITIES can deycLupment Niierns, altcrnati-its to driv -alonc, and
increased voarkLng[rum hurne.
PATTERNS V� ilE�'!='LC1P!r!E?�I', One way Iv r�ducr
The High # f the Current System* autornaWe traffic and support alternative mndrs of trans-
Transpu altlnn infrastructure, iarludmg howays and portation is by encoura&O compact d1 wlopm,ent in Ioca-
publi€transit~ rcpmcnts a huge and vnong public invest- [ions new cmpLi3yment centers and served by transit and
mrnt Nrw York State,Twnpkin9 Countlr and local munic- trakk,By supporting lwumnZ devc1opment in these arras and
ipalitie-s struggle to- mainWn the existing prvwi,dir%adequate sidewalks, bake facili-
nctwark of roads, brLdgm Emd pob4ic tics.and bvs service,a robust transporta-
transLt, even thaugh annual transporFunding
- taan network can be treated_Doing so wiU
tatJKpn eXpe:n�liures (in4pdl.ng gngt. need to make am cnJy promote LLvable communities,
.rowing. equipment, 9taK. cnnstnwijoa but wLll aLw keep mcraLU tramsportation
pro�eet9, npentinns, etc.) by all keels a mainten$n€t coos down and reduce the
govern rr eni wlihin Thmppclns; County w and tearfln Wirmtmcture.If,instead,
total about #65 iriil litu5, wiMh the hulk 4
Maintenance, drvrl,opment patterns continue as Lhey
that aaming front the CaLwy and lexcaltechnology, � have, the fun€tioneJ quality of the rmajoT
M"ir'ipalitim Iwre singly. 0nding I highways will detedomt-Thd9 At Cad to
nrrt sufficLcrrt t-n rtl,eet AIL the traiigpr,rta-
design * m=trAic congestion,longer€anumm,
tLon Lnfmtrutture needs and opreipetitiorti of $nd.in general,mme time spent in traffic.
Fps Weroi and Ame trmsporkakon dr]Ia r exiSting network. ALTERNATI V FS TO r)RtV I N U
ij lncrea:54og significantly thmugl�out the ALONE Aulumuba6e uwnershjp and use
re&n while those funds an 9hrtra dng. is a signifr�ani houwhold capeFuc and
Ga order to rnwiFKdn tiv 6WW"l cvadty of tk4 h4huwy using difficrcm mrdWds of tr-UCI tan resULt in substantial
IAmstc"we. GIs well GIs the Jewels of TCAT arW GadaNut savings,aicyclinj�andvwaldnE uZcnccalthyopLions to mow
service uprm which people d"",fundingvfltikiettneed to around paTticudady in urbanised areas wh= distances
make Selecl."lavWmenilsin rUir1teriaA1:*L h(10f0&y.axed bttwecn destinations arc shu"er. While the public transit
&4ign to imeme theeficarricy-of the exiaing nirlwo& Nystem currently fates odnstrainta in ils ability to czpand,it
as clear cummunity demand is- ccedin capadty.A way to
Shifting People from Driving Alone"
11rnmd wurking to save~ money on transpurtation maiate-
oa,n,CV,fUturc tranaportagLion d&- isiom;k1w nLcd toc m3ider
aditing demographics, As Lhc pupUUtion ages, there wilt
be in�asing dmna.nd [or npandcd, o en guy.tr nspor-
imion mniwN for the cldei), particularly thvw in moan
rcmuW rural areas, tti-nn while, the natiocal trend with r I x r I 4
ycnuZcr residents is a shifting prefemnoe Wward compact,
walkable commu dtit*that do not rojuire car ovencrAip for G
daily trips, Thine two gmups togcthtr prox5dt inrrrtating
cgmF%unAic5 for prLyOdLng transporwinn options that can -
reducc individual car use. Impruying transportaLl-on alter- 20 AF)
nedve•s wiLL atso help to improve m*Jity for ad. in€]udinZ
youth.cldcrlir. low-income,and phyakaJly r)3allen�ed.who _
du not have the Upbun of mly4 on a prrsvned aatomob e
fivr mmsportatioo Ur simply prefrr not to travr] this way_
romp,rsorrs Cons olr&fed�Vp_a Tf-oPsrr arc Opera am
fvrwarsJnformawm sty MeDrwlapmewPown;ChAj er. `17etosrof.Vrag4'A%(j n,
"F,x more 4mmaWto sec Me h rd&y CommanJrre� "r, 'Umrro and RoW ma4km
TOMPION5 COUNTY COMPRENEMAWPLMMIS TRAWSRORTATIOhI PAGEa5
cxp4Md operati,ans in the future needs to complete street is designed mid oper-
br idintifcd. NidltsharinZ is also Zrowing A complete street atcd to mabic safe access for all users, so
and actively beLng nunured in the cum- is designed to pedestrians, NcycListsrnoturisks4 and bus
munity with apportvnities for expEmsion, users of all ages and abi]ities are able to
Appl}ing communkatlon tccinalogiies enable safe access mire eafrly along and a-cFum the strict,
to make aLtcrnatJvcs mare convcnircnt for for a I I ped est ria ns, C,amp,cte S+trMs are an LmErarta.ot corn-
people is wwthcr wea to puraxre. Crcat- bicyclists, ponemt to a high-funvioning truufor-
ing racy payment methods, rtat-tim4 bus tat.ion network � d t Lmudes hake lams,
tracking, online online carp+ooliing services, and motorists, * sidc walks,and hike bou]cvards-the mad-
other inforrnstion technology based scr- bus users to move ways sclect,ed have been inventoried to
vices can help giyc pcopLe the confidencx safelya and dstermLne what complete street design
to t17difrerErntn3cthodsof rranspomtion. ar-r*ss _ components currcnitlyn;v. with the hope
that -over time, as maintenance ad €mn-
tit OR K FROM HOME. Accounfting far M ruction Lakes glace 13n these roads,.addi-
siY pertcnt Of workers,the trend to work tional comrpLu street components will
from hww has sire a swady incmmc since 20M. Building be added. The wi$Lon of the map is of a network that ties
on this LLptick is intere3t &hould be a priority.as even wsark- together numcmus residential, implo�rmeat, .and actiAty
ing from home one day each week would greatly reduce the centers to allow trauders multlplc transportadon options to
amps(rum drluc-alone trips. ream,theIr destin;aidns.
Cc rnplate Streets Tran spa rtati-on-I nsecure
The Ithaca-Torn" Cunt+ Trx%sportatbon uneil h2& Pcv& who do not drLve can Ln.Jude ycurhs,-Wer permms,
identlfwd $ ae rk of roads to form a, 4+,ompkU S vets peT9aaks with diSabllitie$. end law-incorne Citzen$ who
Network for the urbanled area -of TbmpkJr a unq- A not aLfor4 ;) w-ehkW- Vlabk tmmpa taicn alternallves
fir these persons irn:lttdc rWjiLg haw.b4killg, walkjrjg.€aV,
porwlioig arld ibe Ilk& Arwther rartegory of the tmnporta,
lien-i ewee ON law,income NsWen" who own a W bul
wit face major disrap nnr to thvlr liven whan Owir+-ahidc
brew 4mrt or is 0therwlse unaw412ble- Tbe} may not be
.V*
r.
L �.
+Ike
G r .
5i ... .
+Srrf"NfwrwieLl
-
k wur WWa-r Wk*Ts Cyr Fr��CvurnO Accessing the Taus fhib
PAjEM • TRAMPORT&TION iGMMP45.COUNTY COMPREHIN70E PLAN 2015
able to get to work, to medical appointments, or transport dropped again in 2013 to 102,000.Confidence in the Airport
their children between home and childcare providers. was undermined during early 2013 when there was a threat
of elimination of federal funding for the control tower.That
These transportation-insecure citizens could directly bene- issue has since been resolved but the trend has continued.
fit from increasing the availability of viable transportation In the period of January through May 2014,the number of
options. These citizens can often remain isolated in their departing passengers was down nearly 18 percent from the
homes with few options for getting around, particularly in same period in 2013.With the important role of the airport
the rural areas of the county.The ability to travel within and in the community and its benefits of business stimulation,
between communities is essential to maintaining indepen- emergency medical evacuation services, and time and cost
dence, health, and social connections. Efforts to promote savings to residents accessing a home-town airport, it will
mobility options, such as walking, obtaining rides with be critical to stem the tide of lost passengers and once again
family,friends,volunteers, or neighbors;public transporta- attract passengers at the higher levels enjoyed previously.
tion; and transportation provided in connection with ser-
vices from community agencies and the healthcare system
can help reduce transportation insecurity. Transportation's Role in Greenhouse Gas
Emissions*
Rural Transit Surface transportation is by far the largest single sector
energy user in the community. Transportation accounted
For decades,rural public transit systems have relied on fund- for 42 percent of the energy consumed in Tompkins County
ing received for non-emergency Medicaid transportation.In in 2008, and contributes roughly a third of all community
2013, New York State changed how it manages and funds emissions.'
Medicaid transportation, resulting in drastic decreases in
revenue for many nearby counties. Ride Tioga First Transit In addition to reducing the number of drive-alone trips and
ceased operation in December 2014 and Schuyler and Cort- developing land so that more people can easily get from their
land Counties'bus service to Tompkins County is threatened homes to jobs and services,other important steps to reduce
by this loss of revenue as well, impacting commuters who energy use in transportation include increasing the adop-
come to Tompkins County for employment.In addition,the tion of more efficient and alternative fuel vehicles,building
community of West Danby,which is served by buses coming the necessary supporting infrastructure for those vehicles,
from Tioga County,will be affected by the discontinued ser- and addressing inefficiencies in current operations, such as
vice from Tioga County. As a result, the Tompkins County improving traffic light timing and adopting anti-idling ordi-
Legislature included funding in its 2015 budget to imple- nances.
ment a West Danby Van Pool.While local
TCAT service is not impacted directly by VEHICLE EFFICIENCY AND ALTER-
the Medicaid funding changes due to itsVehicle fleet NATIVE FUELS VEHICLES. Vehi-
unique public-private funding mecha- • cle fleet efficiency and fuel mix are key
nism,the county is affected by reductions _ _ components of any successful strategy to
in service, particularly to commuters in reduce fossil fuel energy consumption and
components of emissions,as cars and trucks will continue
surrounding counties, and continues to
struggle with the high cost of rural service to be important components of all future
transportation scenarios. Use of hybrid
and constrained fiscal resources. strategy to reduceand electric vehicles in Tompkins County
fossilis higher than in surrounding areas,but is
Sustaining High-Quality Airconsumption • still only considered"Fair"by the National
Service emissions. Renewable Energy Laboratory and there
The past few years have seen a trend in is significant room for increased adop-
declining numbers of passengers flying tion.For example,there are currently only
out of the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. In 2011, the 54 electric vehicles in operation in the
figure was at an all-time high of 121,733 passengers. The county,and just five public electric vehicle charging stations.
figure dropped slightly in 2012, to nearly 119,000, and Tompkins County can take steps to position itself as a for-
For more information see the Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Chapter, "Transportation"section.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 - TRANSPORTATION PAGE 47
ward-thinking community State or Federal agencies turn to community by helping them switch from single-occupancy
when piloting programs to roll-out these technologies by vehicles to walking, biking, taking transit, carpooling, and
planning for the infrastructure necessary for deployment. telecommuting.
INEFFICIENCIES IN CURRENT OPERATIONS. The Cleaner Greener Regional Sustainability Plan looked
Anotherwayto reduce transportation emissions and improve at the issues of energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and sus-
the transportation experience overall is to improve the effi- tainability at the regional level and identified 22 top actions
ciency of the traffic flow, such as installing smooth-flowing to implement to achieve emissions goals. These included
roundabouts and reducing the wait time at intersections by creating a region-wide electric vehicle and alternative fuel
improving traffic light timing and turn signals. Of course, infrastructure deployment plan and improving connectiv-
these and all improvements need to be made with all users of ity of pedestrian,bike, and transit routes,especially around
the streets in mind,including bikes and pedestrians.Munic- downtowns,transit stops,and schools.
ipal adoption of anti-idling ordinances for municipal fleets,
at truck stops or other areas where idling is excessive can PARTNERS. The ITCTC is the primary agency charged
with transportation planning activities,so many of the plan-
also play a role in greenhouse gas emissions reductions and ning-related actions will be spearheaded by the ITCTC.
improvement in air quality.
Other key partners are TCAT,NYSDOT,Tompkins County
Planning and Highway departments, local municipal plan-
ning and public works departments, Cornell University
TAKING ACTION
and Ithaca College, Ithaca Carshare, Way2Go, and Cornell
STRATEGIES. Specific actions that support this chapter Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.
are included in the action steps identified in the ITCTC's COUNTY ROLE. County Government plays a critical role
2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (2014), the Tompkins in the planning and maintenance of County-designated
Priority Trails Strategy (2014), the Tompkins County 2020 roads and bridges and operation of the Ithaca Tompkins
Energy Strategy (2010), and the Cleaner Greener Southern Regional Airport. In addition, as one of the three main
Tier Regional Sustainability Plan(2013). funding partners of TCAT and the designated recipient of
The Long Range Transportation Plan identified select trans-
Federal Transit Administration funds, the County plays a
portation initiatives and projects for implementation. One role in transit planning and operation.
example is to promote active and shared transportation
options to local government staff and officials and within the County Actions to be Initiated
community as a whole. within Two Years
The Priority Trails Strategy identified priority actions to • Identify the most critical elements of the County-owned
develop five key trails to create an outstanding trail-based highway infrastructure network for use in prioritizing
recreation and transportation network. One of those five investment of County funds.
trails is the Black Diamond Trail, connecting the four State
Parks in the county. • Conduct a study to identify electric vehicle charging sta-
tion development needs and opportunities.
The Energy Strategy identified ten new local measures that
• Investigate additional park and ride and other ways to
should be taken to put the community on the path to achiev- provide better, safer access to existing transit routes in
ing a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by suburban and rural areas.
2020 and 80 percent by 2050. One of those measures is to
reduce the number of miles driven by private vehicles in the
' Air flight emissions are tracked,but not counted in these emissions since the data are incomplete,as private air flights are not included.Both
incoming and outgoing commercial flights were estimated to have released 916 tons eCO2.
PAGE 48 TRANSPORTATION TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
the
nvi ro n mr-�,
HUMAN SURVIVAL AND WELL-BEING DEPENDS, EITHER DIRECTLY
OR INDIRECTLY, ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. TOMPKINS
COUNTY CURRENTLY ENJOYS CLEAN AIR; ABUNDANT CLEAN
WATER; AND EXTENSIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS, FORESTS, AND
NATURAL AREAS. PROTECTING THESE RESOURCES FOR FUTURE
GENERATIONS IS BOTH A CHALLENGE AND AN OPPORTUNITY.
WATER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES ARE INEXTRICABLY
INTERRELATED. THE QUALITY OF THE WATER IN OUR STREAMS,
LAKES, AND GROUNDWATER DEPENDS UPON THE QUALITY OF
THE WATER THAT ENTERS VIA STORMWATER RUNOFF OR PERCO-
LATES THROUGH THE SOIL. FOR CONFINED AQUIFERS, THE CON-
DITIONS ON THE LAND OVERLYING SPECIFIC AQUIFER RECHARGE
AREAS DIRECTLY IMPACT THE QUALITY OF THE GROUNDWATER.
WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY, IN TURN, IMPACT THE SURVIVAL
OF BOTH TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ORGANISMS. TO MAINTAIN
THE QUALITY OF WATER AND HABITATS, LAND USE THROUGHOUT
A WATERSHED NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. OF PARTICULAR IMPOR-
TANCE ARE WETLANDS, RIPARIAN BUFFERS ALONG STREAMS,AND
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS.
natural resources
Tompkins County is known for its resplendent landscapes and natural havens. Residents and visitors alike
enjoy and appreciate Cayuga Lake;the many gorges, streams, and waterfalls; and rolling farmland,fields, and
wooded hillsides.In fact,the landscape has become more diverse with the expansion of forests in the southern
parts of the county since widespread deforestation in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and the
preservation of significant tracts of the most valued natural areas as State parks,forests,and preserves.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where natural features and working rural
landscapes are preserved and enhanced.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Preserve natural features and ecosystems, especially within the Natural
Features Focus Areas.
• Protect farmland within the Agricultural Resource Focus Areas for agricultural
use.
• Reduce the adverse impacts to native species and ecosystems caused by
invasive organisms and climate change.
• Promote best management practices that protect natural resources and
productive working lands.
• Improve public access to outdoor recreation resources and opportunities.
PAGE 50 NATURAL RESOURCES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
SNAPSHOT and dcsoamd by th,c Tompkins CmLnty I±nvin mental
Management C"Eicil. 'Lhcar l94 UNAs cuvrr civcr 4JOW
0 F THE COUNTY TODAY acres and include arem with special nmra3 t«mmunitLm
plants,animals,Or gexiLagy lhat are rare ar sCrce elMwFrerr
Natural Features in the taunt}'Or rcgiaM. U NA buundarks art csiabLishrd by
anat}zirg atrial iuugp-r and ficLd visits as appropriate.Thr
Tampkim County is known for its name natural iratures l:N'A Invent-ory is mtend,edt-Dpmvde nan-rtgulaooaygWd-
inclu,ding Cayuga Lakt; memy small and Cargo suc-j li anon to van4crvation and dcv&Pincni in and anHWA these
barge's,and waterfs%;roIngwovdtd hills;and flat and frr- areas.
tilt 2.0ritultural Lands, TLwF-c art over IDJM airs of wet-
lands,�dJO+aD acres o�5is�tc Forests andY�ilril i�ie Mana�clncrrt 1w1=FAs aJsa cap�turt bitadcr g�eagraphic uca_s that inciu,dr
Areas~and neirLyI.MQacres oi5iate iirk,,TheCountyh �s 5tatt Parks Eortsts,snd wildlife 14lanagrmcnt Arras [�fci
Identified and mapW iI#key fc&piL nvtural rVzourco kn thtr UNAi i3af NFFAs aw rcgu]atory dtsignadorL%but help
the 14 dWLnck.N;*Lral FemmF w Arm(4VF'Ffs)whLch to inform Local and scgional planning daisLtns. R-coam-
total a%w 20.0D0 ures`The N-FA&am bLwd on the locatlttt nkenda cans for protection effuris Lm the.VFFAs sae dctailcd
end conceniratfon -af algnLficam res:auKm sash m public in the Tbmpkrnu Counfy Coffsrrvalion P&zn -fart E A 5tra-
parks and forests,wetLar ds,stmam caTri4rs,pubLLc dnak- legit App,�ch to Natvrat Res"" 5tcwaridship th2t Ls the
1ng seater rtw urma, 1rnpitrwa Bird Areas~grcenw2ys, and basis iae=uml reSOMEe pratectian efforts.
hiking omd monk-Lice Stall cmridom CAyuga Like. the Cvunty pretmin,ent reaturol feature. 4
y of ih*w ixrw iwtixdi� ho--quAlty tlatual yeas spetl6cLUy addmwd In the Water Rmmrceschaprtcr_
called UnLque Xalkaml Areas (UNAs). which ;pre identified
Natural Features Focus Areas I m. .
--
5dL0ttV Tamipikirrs C8urMy Pkrmn V f*pcv-rraierjr
TQIytpF(RS COUNTY COMP EHENSfVE"2015 NAEUfIAL11tS0LWM RAGE Si
Agri Cultu ral Resources* in sn-cFal nations] publications. There is aLso a designated
and maintained snowmobile trail w worR in the county.
AgrtcualorA wneka tg iandseap" w -At 1.mpornmt land Multi-generation interest in rccreatiorW knowledge-pth,er-
rewuroeln the000rity,ApproxiawgLy MODO aaesorLatad. ing opportunities lid geo-caching,birdinZ.and plant iden-
or 3a peromt of all land in the oounty, is cocixidaed agri• tification is also ginywing.
cultural wLth souk BoAft ixm of that actiM� faVMC .
Much of Shisla"corikains high qu O& Soil types vary SLud.ies contmac to show TampkirLs County residents and
board ort slope.ero IN-liq,and dral-nage,among other fac• visitors rank beautiful scencry. waterfalls. and outdoor
Tom prltne Soil&which W44 up 41,459 ACM.ate lho sods; activities among the featuFcs they like the most_The county
crosLdeted most desirable fbi a0cultum has.four Siatc Parks end.flwcr415, acmof protected nalu-
ral arras that include over ZDO mLJcs of hiking and multi-use
Soria 1982. TorPkuis COft ity has Iost at ]east 20 percent [rails_
of its farrrdand to both da clopmentand abandonment. The
amount of Landbcingfamud hss rraently increased,brut the Conservation Progress
long-t 1n Lm d is a sknif4cani loss in agrirultural land over
time.'Ihis is mwdstcnit with the statewide trend in aocul- De+dirateJ open spaceindudes[hone natural arras pmtecied
tural land cunwWk-uns to nm-agricultural uses. as Stawlands,land trust preserves,conservation castments'
As of 2012.there are 559 farms throughout the county with on apituhural or forest lm&. and -CA"-hetd forestTy
Canes as well as murdclpal parks, rne& and ithata CoL-
an a,reraF farm sirs of 163 e,cre&,dygriculture in�'o�rrpkins Lege �fakursL Arm. artd celrte�erl�a, While iran� del those
CounlX is quite divtirse, thouS}i lair{farirein�remains the d,a,dLdat�d open�acft �liorm+l prsrta4��ns,the rail d
largest ecorrn�ni{ driver and Land user in the agricultural ups � ��� them vary byspc�Li+id owner or prot�ctlon
scctar. Mthcwo these operadmi5 are Locate] througlwut
the county.several areas arc stratgoc in maintaining a thriw- nechonlsm.S.eti-eraL o f ltwse sp;�co.though ac+t all.are open
in jorultural eccoom}•. In the 2004 CmxnprehensLvc Plan. In the puhlidamdprcwide important reematlon2l oppnrtunL-
six AS,ricultural IicsourcrfocusArcas(A X-M)wereid{emi- des. Ndlcatod epen spade Lands Aw provide an Lmprtani
tied. Ihoac areas have the best soils and ho concentrations framewwk for More conurval lon efrorks. Crwing a crLtL-
of contiguous, actively Fanned parcels of land. In additien cal mm nf it'iwmttwt&1 6pen spade will prmwte halur
to the A1lFAs,the Tanwns of n mby,Ithaca and 4.1lymts have conneatl ori& swaln igicultum. prat-w water quAllty. and
identified hoc. Ll important agricultural lands dwy consider enre the health of wiWll: a popalatlons for generations to
key to local agricahural a,clivitT. COMM
Th-e AaAs, along with locaUy dempated import agp-
cultural arras form -Lhc basis of a countffAc approach to r
fester a long-term commitment to thr prewrvatian of agri- '{
t�
cuJtural Land_ These areas provide the hest nppartunity to
create a critical mass ofprmiccud aocuhural Jand to ensure ��. AL `{
the long-term viability of agriculture_Nearlya]l of LhL-land in
r.•
the AIR As is within an Agricultural District,state-certified
arras that Teocive certain *right-tn-faun" protections_ This
land may fiirnccr rcacNe agricultural assemnents,where di-
g ble Land uttliscd far agriculitvral purporscs is assessed for _
taxes bawd on its agriculturall value_
Recreational Landscapes '
Natural aa'Cas praYtde dlveim ouWow r+ecmtlon oppoatu-
nities, indudkng hunting, EishirL& ramping, hhkjrLg, hLkLng, —
runningr and ikling. Time :OctiYLtLes corlOn6m 10 grow in _ }
popu3arlLy, with recrrggitirm-of these recce Wmal amen llles Buttermilk iroOA Stott Pork
'Fiur Picot kifihwwren ra The t rrwnary CAvfcr_'.'irk k4 AO;T1Aae AT nL
PACE52 ' NATL"LPL RESOURM ' TOMMN5 CMN7YCDMRREHEN5IYE PLAN 2015
edi cated Open Space * 2004-2013
%change %Chartge
2W 2013 Tani% Larrd Orr Lard Orr
fAcres) Yk M) Charge AA A M.FM
New Yorfc Sta[t 28133 2 1 1,15% O.0cr;h D.M%
Carrell University 7238 72SG 0.27% 7 0VOM
PInger Lakes Land TrLisa Z620 4770 45a0 a 43.50* 44.61A
CRY of Ithaca t 1 SS 1158 04ft i1M% 0.00%
TompkAns County 660 660 .0.100% i . 4b O.X%
Prlvarelother 505 F6A S-47% 10ct- % 4A2%
Othe r M uni copal Lund 502 752 33.3cf* 0--oQt 43-45%
The'ilium C"Wry-5my 3J.94 (J-00% 0-.00% aux%
I t hica Callege 284 284 0.0Q'* 0-00vi- 4-DC%
Agdcultural Easement 0 2221 1DO-OM 100-004 104.00"
TOTAL 4.M5 45511 10.70% 66.73% 5,45%
rr.rr .
Rwce FWFPW5 Cow1)Alan"D,WMrAw
&nce 2 , 44<ilwe4l op4m space 1AD6 have lrroMSM by lunging its one of the ARFAs, S Ihm, Oe CWnty hos
ovty SAW*=wM nwRt of Iho protection crmlog Ln the worked.Mthth.e Towns-of LAnsl.ng and Dryden topr'ovct an
form of corE$e vvinn eawmmu. "ngLng k4hr irrW a "Lit LkddltWrW I-bm farnw fora WW-of 2,221umoffarrrOartd.
of dMLCwj in T�fnpkirt$ COWY to 15 pet
Ctnt Of all la.Mr ThLs-5,0W acre increase wax almot evenly Twn Agrlcullural DMrlcts have been eslablMed in Tamp.
JiwLded b+r wee t pa-a+LecLLng farmland and natural Fcai,arec kWS Counly S"e 1.513, arMd cwiw rtl� it d4de wer UO
Fmm 209 to 2013.the am-ownt of dedkaed nNa space in farms 04d 1 ,o00 acres of f1Mknj-This encompasses the
ARFAs tripled.hwr4wingby mom(haft 2„3K*acres, Almost rtlajurity of the farmland and appr�aimately $7 N erd of
all,of that Lnerem w;hs a resalk of IappLng the NYS•fUn(eti the county'$ 1YW ltnd &Ma, PWicipatlOrt lri tht A kMl-
purchw of agri rulewal �!onseryofi i e eats prngom- lural DIslricts pwgurn pr vales farmers wilh a. number
Th4ramaurnt Of&+IRWrrd ollen %parr irL NFFA%i:nctcmedby of benefits grid paotectiors. including 4 hanc*d pm"Jotl
arZO acres artd uccum+l in 13 ufthe 14 N FFAs, fmm ihwimnce lawsuits, limitations -on local mvlatim of
facing strutturts and practkm tax irmar]o%V5 uo k=p land
N' 4 i C.RA I i A NI)S. Sono IM4, Lk Fin Lakts L=d in production.a d special crosidez wns ii5 l planning
TruA (FLLT) has protuti d nwee ik= 2,LO4 acres of lariat *ad iand•use deciflon.mking.
brLngln:g thcir total protcoLion wi[hin Tompkins Cuunty to
4.770 acres,Appmxlmakely,70 perunt of that]mM was pro,
uecwd with oarurvati�m eaumrni,r. the fertairdi g 34 per- ISSUES AND
crnt was acquirrd as prncrvin. Nm Yurk State Parks hay
also Lncreamd local pnt ct-xl]and by cwer 2M acres:These OPPORTUNITIES
acquisition¢wsre aJrnum solely to hufFcr threc Scats 1"arks as
vwc[L"the ti']ack Diamond Trail,
Fragmentation
t'-r ti r 1 ' i t! . in toms of a0cultwraL prat&[roc LTMr
D-Mpitc the suorea CS Of local -Ucrosrrwaticm pvrtrrers,
the past 30yean,Tompkins CounlyZL ernrmentI staki:n a irrcrcasin� rdt�s -of Land d►wrl�rpm�'nt, espe�i�ILy alun� the
nun-rt�a]atar•y5 Ln,Etrrtiu�c-laan�!apprva,ch tofa,rmLand Fri- rural ra�ad �r�t�r.', carrtLnvfi to fragm,cnt rues] lands�apcs
tecti�na,based on v�oL»rrtar}participation h}'lanilo�►ncrs�in rural
�vrll as the ha6dta[a and wildlilic corridors many spc�cic�
�.0D4,Tompkins Lro�unt}r++�aa,for the first time.a�,'arrled Mate rdy upon,This[rend can be seen throughout the r+surrty,asfund&tV purchaac as agri�ultusalconscnration saacmcnt for try 0 swereroutcd oo Koads whm acaras across natural tandz
the]vn teTrn prntcclian af v 33 acre farm in [he Tunwn of is loot and rural landscapes arc marred b 'ruadsidc fro"c
70APILlrf5{MKfNCOM PRE HEN5PXVLAN 2015 ' NXTIU MttMtJ M ' F rE 53
developalent that ob-scures scenic virws,reduces a=aF of only prv?ct in the J ew Fork Srare Upor Spare Conaer g9jon
prime soils"Lable for api4 ultural use,and ubaructs wdd- !'dare(200),
I&movement.
Ale n aining undcvciaprd sections of land. pardcul&Ay Access*
within and hetween key swaths of A FAs and NFFAs, is Ico"ng acLess ro the regions many natural areas [or all
valuable to flora,fauna.and to the rural charactrrof a coon- ptoFle. including those with disabilities, wi]l a1Low more
munity- As is depicted fln the NEAura.L Fcatures Focus Arc& individuals to enjoy the rccrcationad opparlurdtje� these
map in the snapshol section, particularly resources prflvidc. Improving accm
impo,rtarlt canncctLvity arcAe lair between points is particularly bentfciel when tied
the L)Iabv State Forest, Gonnecdcut HE MP rovi
to grraerrwa}'s and bJut-ways. Orctnways
Wildlife Manapmtnt ArrcalNtwficld to the = . me corridors of undeveloped land used
State Flared and Mvman and Buttermilk naturalman areas for recrtatlon and{or ccroserastion. These
Falls State Parlx White kwmal protection areas often &Uow natural land icawres,
through ac�Wgitkn and casenunts ire will allowsuch as rid, or steams, or parts of the
Lmportsmt tools in Prot-ming these tend- individuals to enjioyhuman landmapc, such as abm&oed
scapm JaM us*s thm rrudnts:m Landscape y recreational railways or canals t#,at can he used foe
character shm dd bt enmmuragd.ineiuding maid-Use trails, pedtstrian twits. and; w
w stairrabLe forestry. diverseagrkuLtvral • + * b}oingkal. Lmrrldom In loose rases, such
operMlons. aid approprLafe outdoor rem rescurc-es provide. ;w grocnwaTs along strMn corrldom tiny
m--WonaLland use.The Finger Lskes Land can also ww to pro"t wflMik hzMiat.
Trust hm built conieryadgn camWgns trees=d f•wnsts, and wafer quality.while
around the notlon of an -EnunLd 'Ne-kLace'4mvWontd as also rcducing impacts on downstream groparties from
an arc of linked open qxwe around Ode Mica urban ast& excmiveer-a6an and flimd-ing.
Thy Fmer&[J NeckL+ce W funhe,r been Identified as a pri-
Blu,eways aye water-bowed■rails and related lake shore lands
1 ,uged for mro2woot oanwyallon-Thesi�ayem wrvie to
. - prows urkll"elaped waurfNnt l*Lnds I:n cater to pprurve
(hom ho-value prapertles (of pudLJc a,cctea wKiie A3 L)
;;ggwlnl;fm acl ive use of thg Lake by rLorv,wMq ud boot.
such a& caom arW kayaks. and ctthaWng kaurlsm Gn The
■,' * �e�Jors-
�r.r r�
.R
Lj
}�LiF4r
F
F wily,
� i a
16
�xrTRFn
—Freer LeW Trod
Open Space ResDurcea in the EmefV0 NeckAa:a
Roardw olk at zhe Roy H. Par*PYese"of tyre�i4er
5dW-fe:Fdffpp Ms[OuAly MMftjq aPPM r M takes tale Jrrust
'.For mare infarmmlfa n see 11he Heafthy Cann is lrks L"baptes, 'Parr, Traltr anti Recnalianal F,a 0 tfa'seetian.
axGE 54 NATURAL RE50URCES MMMN5 COUNTY COMRRtHENWE PLAN 2015
Lash of Active Agri Cultural Land
Alihovgh tFre amaum-ofland"eig fatted his Incre d is -
toCtm yc" the u+urall tr4ma Lz for forml=d to#rnsiiiuct
to resldeatial commerciA, said someikrmes iridwrlal ,Ise
S4M1-;1tad development is common, prEm;ri]y ka Lhe form
Of siagle•fami]Y homes A"g MM M 4 ar W aOmrt, '
clad strip denlopowni ali3ng highway& Tbese dmlopmeaL
treridg thTealen the wunomic viability-of a mLng by fr g•
raen irtg the lurid bat and intensifying conflicu between
feu m s and non-farm rieighburs ufer such issues as noisy, ■
du!iL.odors*and Irespassing.
ltistwic farmland luss is not soldy the result of cncrooaching �
dryelopmcrtt,Since the 1950s,ewer 30.Do acrm of farmland
has reumud tm Forest. Much of This Gass Ls th-v rmlL of aban-
donmcnt of the morcrnerort ]farFrdand.Whilreth,e armuant MI SS 01 Hydrrft.n P-u0?edfr0M C& 01dor
of activdy farmed lend has decreased 0Vcr dhC pelt scxrral
decades, much of this land continucs to camtribtite lv the
rural economy bky pmyidirrg opportunities for has lbeem fin[ rec4n11}r t1) Irem send r ACIaEu
forestry an timberhLrwcstinZ o4xvaticn&
Historichlydrllla in Tompkins CAlumy.
&—twccn 2.007 and 201.7, uY-rr 4,QN acres farmland lossIrtr�i+� iti4et pupkilMiom odd anotl rr rlsk
of previously iaactive WcL 3Iural land has issolely to both urban and rural forte The H,eralmk
become actLVC. Much of this aonvrrsi4n is
occurring on canoed land. In addition,organic Ash
- o WoolyArJKlgi�l and the anticipat,ad Emerald
Ash Borer am t!TLr r causing an -wimated
farmcrs are warkmn prcuiously Laactwe Sri- - - S3.5 billion in tree damage-s throughout the
culbura]lands,as these areas arc easier to car- d evelop m en t. UnL1cd States annually and thrgatrn'Eompkim
illy 35 OrWic, It is ton tarllr to tell wh,ctlrcr unity. The regrion wil] have to = iriue to
a recent uptick in agriculture] land use will for
y Ihr mogiwhk and taalugical imps
prnnLacndy rcucrse the long-term trend cf of these and other unwelaame plasma,animals,and insects,
"]and los& 'Ihc benefits of usinZ pesticides and Herbicides in curtailing
Anoth,cr factor increasing the risk of fum land conversion to adVcrse impacts of iMasiwn.La will nerd 10 cunsidrr any risks
oom-agricultural uses is that farmers art aging and thۥrc is to publik health and environment,
not a dear parh for punger farmers to take ever the wank
Currently.the aucregc W of principal farm aprratnr5 Ls over Th a CO5t Of Con se raatio n
58 Mars old_ Additionally the number of yawner fararcrs
'Ihc protection priority{ arrati�n areas in 'Tompkins
corrtinurstn shrink
County is largely limited to the direct approach of either
purasino land outright ur entering into 4clunt T tric-
Unwelcome Visit-ors � res
tions on land use thmugh cescmcnts. Bode approaches have
Another threat to natural rLw rcn cmnes in the 63rm of substantial costs amociatcd with than,gartkularly as pruf-
bywasive specLeg. Invaswe spades arc plants-or anLrnals next mu are cflncentrated in errs with the hiohcu agricuLtural
nartive to Tompkins County wvhLch cause darnagc to the or natural feature value. For some of the mead sought-alter
environment, economy,nrKV-Dr co mmunLty health_ Lnuasluc lend in clones,Lilac North Lensing and West nrutvn,land is
plants, Ruch as the aguatk I-10ritla and tervenlial Japanese sold for in cotesof$4,0001acre, Large tracts ofhigh quality
Knatwetd. have stgnl6cant neptiW "ggla mW eca- natural remurcc land are tWcafiy sold for brtwcen#h
nomic lrnpam Thee puts 4wde our nati0m plmn s and and$3,00Wacrc,Ihaugh in the case of some lakefront areas
change habRals. whkch impacts wLlAMR, Over $1 mlllLon [his can oacred $10,OM&crfi_ Cn acquiring cons rvabon
cuer ents.c penses Ladude a band survey,appraisal, bxasc-
TOAkRr0143-10IfNLYCOMP EMENSLWPLAN 2015 NATURAL R€ URitS ' PAGE 55
L
�f
Y � �
r
"L-•A. ti y
Sawheepstern Tompkins County ■ - i - ■
WSW from Level Green Rand
line sdudy, auorncyM26 time, and long-terra war"p farmers in the AgricuLtursJ Resnu m Fonu Areas and
fem T ie hotO of such expawes for a rwderAc- zed prq- Ldentify farms suitable for the:prngrarm
ect can ha* more than 530J)00- White the Caunty'a Capital Conduct afeasibilitysludyfvral'ransfcTdDe lapmeot
#lei my Fund Na:"ral,$ e*,aria Agcnwfhmat pr Wda►t Pji hts Fro�rarn With inteirsted munidpdi6n,
has p yea a ni ningful rote in ;irxl6LLring gawmmts and
die t pu b# a prlorlty land In Agrwa tural R-eiovrc Prr�rsr pedit� land vie tnnl that pmte�i Lmp�,rranr
wkd Natu.rarl Fmutcs Focus Arm.Its nmcb Is l m1wd m cba 1�rrds-
balan,ce of frµndg jivall;%Me 99 kWoffly uisder 520� O. For blcvdop an agricultural planning refernsl pwgram to
locaL-crm ti¢n partners to be �eepw*d to xquire.pro. help farmers and manicipaJ plmning boards condw
leer, snd manse thow Ian&of highest cow c"Wrt wlua a0cultural land planning.
NdV(Lu,Lle 1'U13LU11g,iS needed, + Creme aptL-ot prog 4nn Cocoa not farmers wilh bwdown,
erg of igriculluml property for kr4m or s4e.
TAKING ACTI O Proactiuety engage ownrrs flf Lend Located in priority
prolec!ion arras to participatc in Ion -term oanscrvaboo
programs.
�t•��1'1;'��IJkL~�-pig ih,�]sigh ga�lit�riat�ra]acid Agri'
cuLt,�ra] r o roea In Tampkirrs ourrl}r rewires number + l�+,eiop -A raereattor�l 1raU netwrk w wrppoet and
+af dif c94mt typeN of a,rtkm:6 dhc con of which arc idcntifted erth�rtic�rr�l�ri]areas,
in IhO ?�Mp,krgS C#wrrY COrr>#M960M fit' (2012).This ■ Promote Arearn carredwpmLecLion..4
SLMCglr PMenicd i lea-Xsar alraWgyOf 11 keyattiMS; , F)w%, lop ;k prograrn M protcd vxvdancls and aquifer
Prepare a long-rank Purchase of Devil pment Rights rcdiarge=as in the CoLay,
lrrplfimentatian PLm to actively market tfic program to
PACs F 5A NATURAL RESOURCES TOMMP45 COUNTY COMPREHMNE PLAN 2015
• Develop a program to improve public access to Cayuga PARTNERS. To assist with the implementation of the
Lake and protect scenic views of the Lake and from the Tompkins County Conservation Strategy the County relies on
Lake. the various local,regional,and state agencies that are active
• Create a long-range conservation funding strategy to sup- Participants in the ad hoc Tompkins County Conservation
port land acquisition,purchase conservation easements, Partners group including Cornell University, Cornell Uni-
and manage and monitor conserved land resources. versity Plantations,the Finger Lakes Land Trust,the Finger
Lakes Trail Conference, the New York State Department of
Further recommendations for protection efforts in the Environmental Conservation(Region 7),and the New York
NFFAs are detailed in the Tompkins County Conservation State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
Plan - Part I. A Strategic Approach to Natural Resource (Finger Lakes Region). Other key County advisory boards
Stewardship that is the basis for natural resource protection that assist in advancing conservation measures are the Envi-
efforts. The range of economic and physical threats posed ronmental Management Council and the Agriculture and
by a variety of invasive species to natural areas is identi- Farmland Protection Board.
fied in the Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan. As an
Depart-
example, in response to the threats posed by wood-boring COUNTY ROLE. The Tompkins County Planning Depart-
pests the plan identified the need to clarify where the high- ment plays an important coordinating role in advancing
est concentrations of vulnerable trees are located to assist in conservation measures and serves as County representative
reducing risk.The plan further prioritizes the establishment on the Region 7 State Open Space Advisory Committee.
of a debris management plan to assist in coordinating safe The County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board
disposal and reuse of infested trees as they begin to decay supports the conservation of important agricultural lands
and fall on roads and streams. through activities like the updating of the County Agricul-
ture and Farmland Protection Plan. The Tompkins County
Conservation synergies specifically supporting access Environmental Management Council helps to support the
improvements to natural resources are noted in the Cayuga conservation of county natural features through regular
Lake Blueway Trail Plan,the Tompkins Priority Trails Strat- update of their Unique Natural Areas(UNA)Inventory.
egy,and The Finger Lakes Trail Plan in the Emerald Necklace:
A Plan for Corridor Protection and Enhancement.These ini-
tiatives emphasize the establishment of public access points County Actions to b e Initiated
which help residents and visitors to equitably enjoy these within Two Years
important public resources. Monitor development activity within the Natural Fea-
Further recommendations for protection efforts in the tures Focus Areas and Agricultural Resource Focus
ARFAs are detailed in the Tompkins County Conservation Areas and share that information with municipalities.
Plan -Part II:A Strategic Approach to Agricultural Resource 40 Identify Purchase of Development Rights priority proj-
Stewardship.In terms of agriculture,the Conservation Strat- ects for implementation in the Agricultural Resource
egy specifically recognizes the need to better facilitate farm Focus Areas.
transfers as well as support the conversion of inactive farm-
land to actively farmed land, and recommends the use of 0 Develop a conservation funding strategy that accurately
a pilot web-based program, Finger Lakes Landlink, which captures need for key conservation acquisitions.
provides connections between farmers in the region who 0 Build on the recommendations in the Finger Lakes Trail
need land and landowners who wish to have their unused Corridor Protection Plan to identify specific areas and
acreage farmed. Efforts should be made to expand partici- tools to improve connectivity between Natural Features
pation in this program. Furthermore,the Tompkins County Focus Areas.
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan emphasizes strat-
egies to keep farms profitable as the most effective means
of maintaining and protecting farm operations. Originally
prepared in 1998,the plan is currently being updated.
' A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement to protect land in perpetuity.Although filed with the deed,it does not transfer land ownership,
but rather spells out a landowner's commitments to protect the existing character of the property.It is written to protect land in accordance with
the landowner's wishes and the easement holder's mission.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 NATURAL RESOURCES PAGE 57
home to state parks and forests
State la reds account for nearly tern peroerit of Tompkirl5 Count s land area.Ch ief among th ese are fFv r State Parks
(2,765 acres in Tompkins County). Seven State Forests(19.511 acres), a nd-pne wildlife Management Area-
STATE f PARKS HigManets,Cconecticut HW Les within a bdt of high,rued
land :u)d is horne to diverse wil llkge indAing wild turkey,
Allan H.Trernan State Marine Park(70acres)located mink and easlern ma mtc� and is consldcred an Important
Ln the CIty-of lth is ane-of the iar l i,nlond abarinas i Bird}4r a bar the Audulsnat 5 .
New York S M It ba►s over 400 bolt dlps as wa m ploak
arm and pfgling fields, The marLim l:s*pan=of-call-na the
Its Csn;sF system end withlr, walks)ng diisCan" -of d STATE FO R F T
town lthac4.Theme is a dog puck widtLa this pack,
The Sate Fw%U hwe bKome dealratlotu for many rec-
R r# Fl, T1 rt1 $# Fe1' (1,1 $)]o ai d in r+e knal tolvllJes. The Finger T-akes ']Tall snakes K&
the Town of Enfield fe-Au a tha rugged Enfwld Glen gorg. thr0Wglk tits 1Jrge$t three. The t Y$DE C hays done exterL-�iwe
wi•lh 12 wMerfulls, induding the 115.RKA laarafer Falls. Ttte gala work In the,-se largeo Sate Forests for mounlairt bdkirg.
park is pupulLr among swimFmrs who can dive un&r a ltlkih&It *ehock eLdi g LuO gars-coantry 4kidng.
Wat&.rNi and co.0l•off in Jhk: rMauvra] pool- C&rrrpin& PIaY.
grPk33!d%and laicni-�are"puvnd uut the PArL Danh+y State F-Orest 7,n7 acm lrt thie Town-Q(T)a"
;end in Tiuga Cmuniy,Tlsa largest of the state forexls in Tamp.
Buttermilk FBI Is State Park (8�a]arcs] io�aled in the kirks�o4u�t� oor�tain�the Ahboat Loop,a spur of the FI>ig�r
Yin Ithaca,azts[i.rs�ludirg I►mniaga Pond in L�nlay,t L�]te�Trail,a F�tVorite hi" ti�ati�kl-
its riarns from t]is Foaming cas�o forrncd by B>ltssrmilk
Cre*as it kws down the stop ,ram side iom-ard yup Shindagin Hollow State Forest: 5,266 aCHS In the
Lake.The upper Park has a =al] lak-e, hiking trails through Town of Corollat and In Tio&t County, Mommuin Bikers
wuudlands and slung she gurgs and rim, gicnk arcas and flck to Shirwa& HfIllovs weasiwe Mountain bike trail
playing 1597ds. The lower park has a tarnpgrou d, pod aftd rmwrlc
plaXir�S,GLds,
Hammond Hill 5tawte Forests 3,618 acres in dw: Towns
Taughourwmk Falls State POIrk(725acm)in she Town f roline J ryden,J!$isfor st eiracts hikers,mu>itaift
of Utysscs has one of the hightm waterfalls cast of the Ftxky bibAM horseW&riders and or�mau jntry s dam
[++R nlaios. '1; ughannmk Falls plunges 215 feet past rocky
riLfFs that t-owsrncarlg 400 fccLabo%%rIhirgurF and trailschat NeWflield State ForeSt: 1,552 acnrs in the Town of
ofCrrspectmulm riews frurn above and bdvw tht breathcak- Ncwfidd, With no Formal trail nvtwarlC, this prirnili%v and
ing Calls. A multi-usc trail winds past sledding 4upus grid undura]oped fureA isa g i;tptacxlo rnjtlya rdaiivdy undis.
natural skattin�r, ponds. Ibc puk also Lr c des a swimminE turbed forest setting.
brash,boat launch and picnic&Tea on La"ga Lets, Yeliew Barn State Forest: 1,199 area in she '[iawn of
Dryden- 1C0UFCLa eight mil-us of trail for hiking, biking,Ind
�I;ii ng
WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT R CMii�ide State Fare5t, 977 area raosrly in Schuyfez
uunty and partially within the To-wn of NewfcW in 'lbmp-
kins County,Offers relativdy undisturbed fare�s4 RLtdng-
Thy Connecticut lull 1�Affildll�ir Management Area
is th,c ;argest cd its kind in Ncw York State, totaling 11#646 Potato Hill State FUMFIL:915 acres in the'rown of(:u-
acres. 1t is heated 16 miles so thwcst*f Ithaca,astride the aline, Features over 55 species of mammals,
TWFV*ns-5chuy cr County line.As past of the Appalachian
PAGE M NATURAL RtWkJRCE5 lr(NPM5 COUNTY COWREHENWE PLAN 2015
trk Sta le- Parks, Fixests a nd
D"Wn R"
VASID
Tfti#nmok F*Ih# MMQW-W Are;
Stake Park
Yellow 06M
ARM Star Forest
00 MW*"
Hvnnxm Hd
Rutmri H Trenan fiS a fora,
$we Parli I F
.L $we p
L
C<X�raMCW Mill Jennings Pond pmtv HA
Vwdlfa f5u0cir"lk Fart ;848to FOMM
Shia Pwk)
a Fwast
Shft F
Shi"in Homer
Dantyy Suit FOAM
S IB Forest
Forest +
Park
- i Id life M an ag ament A rea 0 a i
$e UMVL Can.PKW M.USG5. _ 4 ELn U%S.MOAA
TOPolM► S K"VWP,REHEN5NT RLoWZp15 ' NALVAM AMUMS PAGE S9
water resources
Tompkins County is fortunate to have an abundant supply of water.Water is essential for all human,plant,and
animal life and helps to maintain a variety of ecosystems. Water in streams and in aquifers supplies drinking
water to residents. Water is used by industry directly as an input to industrial processes and indirectly as a
vehicle for disposing of waste heat. Water is used for a variety of recreational purposes, including boating,
swimming,and fishing.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where water resources are clean, safe, and
protected.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Protect the ecological, economic, and recreational functions of Cayuga Lake.
• Protect aquifers from contamination by limiting development within
groundwater recharge areas.
• Protect streams and their watersheds to maintain water quality, manage
stormwater and flooding, and enhance ecological diversity.
• Preserve existing wetlands and restore wetland functions.
• Support water-dependent or -enhanced development of the City's urban
waterfront while conserving important natural resources and providing public
enjoyment of the waterfront.
PAGE 60 WATER RESOURCES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
4
SNAPSHOT
OF THE COUNTY TODAY
Tompkins{:aunty accounts Far about half of t:ayu:a Lake's
watershed. Ful4y 8Q percent of the WkMt�&water drains into
Cayuga Lake and, cw+cntua y, north into Lake Ontario. The
remainder drains sarth to the Susquehanna RiweT and c►tn-
tuaUy into the(Icsapeake Bay-
The 4hrec rn;&jor c2tegones of water resources arc surface
water,groundwater,arW wetlands. -%r water consists of
shearers,creeks,likM and pond&
. . It -Ca y'uga Lake 6 the rrm vt prunrLnent wAivr
Feature In Tornp%Lns CourLty.One of the elgven FInger f,akrs' Cayuga Lake barer ifhoca Town Park
CayugA L.*ke Is The Latest*red wWest,*n+0 Lt takn appKW,
matel�tern ywr:s for water w o)vEe rlsrough
the IAk-p- Over �M spe4m kif bWds make Gadal arbor and ccnWric6 of s{aair
stasatral use of Cayup lam. Although Sedimentationing and eromon hart =ated dramatic
%wee-q"lty it gowrrigp hlgh, a rtumhef nificant lfwms, irwludina a waricty of pq cs,
of speaiy� omerm ha-e >� M id atL- � - ar�d
weterfEdis, and nerp escarpmcnts shalt
fled- chwr*rring ttwse is Redimentmion impafrment to pru4vde �rcat scenic Valut around the
which la*sigoffimnk impalrmimt W water water quality and laks.pram man}'luca,tian Jian
g thr steep
qp*lft-{�d w+ildlifeb;Abikil%, _ r + hillsides and roads bordering the Lgx,
*
views of the water, the Ithaca urban area,
and the oppo0c shore are spertacula;r.
Rq;mnal cffvrts erc undcnmy to emote
- and piumote the Cayuga Like 5ccnit Byway and Blutway
'frail, encircling the Lake,to enhame this tourism resource.
Whilc sail and motorboat operatan arc sewed by public and
private marinas,boat launches~and public parks,and there
arc some public access point uound the Lakc, there is an
ongoing call for more places to fish,launch a canoe or kayak,
dock a boat,swim,ar,d gimpy waterfront actMtics.
vim
vr,
� r.*
Due to its role as:a major transportation route,Gaya Lake
Cb%W a.*a+ was a carter of commerce thraughwat rnucch of the nirnc-
e - tcenth centmy Rday tones still sec cv�dcnceflfthe art-is
r* FMMO� sole as a passenger trartsgoatarion center and trans-eh9p-
e %W meet poLnt for goods in lthKA west end.The natural beauty
of Ca Lak-c has also long axtracted the devdopment 4
€nttagm and year-round hm+nts along Lts shares. Its
abun-dant mul watcrs have attracted Wdusu its dependent nn its
Rikt fhiilUng capacity- Cayuga Power Plant and CorncDs Lake
■■+++� - ' Source doling heat cxchanp facilky are bath located on
PMXW UO a-YAM s-- the east shore.
Pm 51
r wA611-s dowm The Lake Is also one athe rr*r source of JrinkLng water
kww for the central part of the county- 'the Bolton Pnont Water
Sy gtum kcatd on the east share,pmwides w;�tar to reMents
S�W�.' Terr�pa�n�C�wrlr��15
TDMFk1N5 COUNTY COMPIREHEM M PLAN 2015 , y1AT"IRUPWUttt:t5 ' PAGE fii
is the Towns of Drydm Ithaca, l:.amsin& and Ulymes, end arpproo imat,ely 15 percent of the c unity's 3and area. 'Ihcw
in the Villages of Cffpp lIcights and Lansing, 'This walcr aquLfcrs largely consist of sand amd gravel and we present
w*y supported much of Lhe residentW growth in 7•omp- Twimly in Lujge{rock valleys,
kLnsCounlyin the lamrdreades-rifthe Lwenticth ctntury.
'.ti I I ? N 1 a k Welands are land areas 66er inundawd
STREAMS', There are over 300 miles of pemnnia3 streams with water Y-M-roUn-d or dry f+ur part of the fixer but col-
in the county that contain flowing water ycu round,count- lest water seasonaIly 1 hey ere idmdfied by the presencc of
less inwrmitt-cat.seasonal streams,and 1 f lakcs and ponds hydric soils and spodkc wcAland vegaztimn typm 1Vcttands
grreatcr here ten cars in siM. Mapor streams running we a critical component of natural rcosyatems and provide
through tlhr county,include Salmon Crcek, Fall Cxcdl�,Cas- a rerieq of bcnchts such as: (1) filtering harmhA teari.ns.
ca,diOz Crerk, S=ik Cre& Cayuga t3fit Emfidd Caoek, nutricnM and sediment from Qurfaco water and atoQrnwa-
Trumansburg Creck and Taughanoock Crmk- Ovtr time. ter runoffi.(2)Lrmponu ily staring floadwatdrs and reducing
streams can shift Iomcation as tJ�cy stdk cqujlihrium within the magnitude of flood svcnm- f33 pmvidinh valuable hab-
the existinggmlogy- itat for a dEvcrw array-of flora and fauna, including marry
rare, threatened, or tndanSmd spcci-es; and (4a maim ain-
�R{11;�1��1•,�IF.i�. �roun,dwatcr is sRnr�c� in the under- Ong s�hrt`acr water flohw during dny pdriads. Tl1c rccrcaia�nal
ground pares between grains of same, gravel, and slit and Uses ass ocIsIed with wctLands art.0sa divrrm and indudc
In tIc tracks in bedrock Groundwater deposits that can he hard watching. hunitLr g,and botanical tourism.all cif wh4,ch
esp�ected to yLdd signLfacant quantitLcq of water to ti+mN are provide Lndircct economic benefits to JocaL Lommunities.
ca]led aquifer. Areas where suf(ace water Lnfiltratts Lnto Tbrrrpkins County contains about 20.000 acres of identified
these aaquff�rs are call Led re LhaW arem and ark pardcuIarly wetIards,or more 1 han:13rpercenI mf thr Iar,dscape-
Important to the protection of groundwater qu ntWy and
qualikty. Sur6,:W atgw fern that have the po+ten iAll for!dgnif- The Tompkins County'Matr Resources Cmmziil:%Wetlands
lurk }Melds-caner a total arcs of nearly 70 square miles,or Commlttee has completed a pilot study of wetland resources
in C he Town of Dryden. Than study, funded by the Cayuga
1.14 WaterAeJ Nark and tl a Tbrapkims Covnly $W
sere Water Conservailon DUArlct. wwd more a,ccurxLe and
dcokd data and Ln)agLng than was avdlaMe when Ibe
National.Wetlands Inventory(NW[)was mnducled-It iden-
tified approxirnately 64 percent more acres ed wetland* lri.
Drydert than ild,eWI.6ed in the LXWL The study is currently
being expanded Ln mwr the entire land area of Lhe CxJ unty.
4b
a
MunicipalityWetlands. by
MurtiripaHry Acims
T4wr•.o' Caroline 1,-02 t
Town of Denby 1,187
Tmvn or Dryden 3,763
Town of EnFeld 595
Town of Grata n 1.5413
Town of Ithaca 447
Town of Lansing 1.160
Town of Neyl`ieJd 5�7
M �w�*t — Toren of Ulysses GM
Cky of Ithaca 127
r S6vmee: A1c6 m MAh'arrdr kh r;
$qy�r: Todd JL{riYrr,dA� Getp�ko�.ggrvey rov}'
PAU 42 WA-MR R115MRCE5 TOMPKhN5 COMTY COMPREHENSM PLAN 2015
AN L.%'I F-.;tr 0NNECTED WATER S'iSTJEM.7luese three own water Fracm,serving its main campus and portions of
major clu4ificacions of water resources we diskimi pares of the surrounding community, ihroughaut the rwiom,ago
a larger interc-unncard water resources system and benefit ware` infrastructure is an issue and a,ddre.%ink u requires
from managrm nt as a mmplet{system- Ii#digbting this assessing existing conditions; rehabilitating the s{stem
interconncctcdn,css, the Unitcd Status GmL-Dgk-al Survcy where neccsaary; and combining innvwabvc infraMxucturt
(USGS) has determiatd that apprcaLmatay 6D percent of designs,man age mcnt pr-Dccdures,and operations for main-
the flow in sulfate water stmamin central New York align- taming this infrastructure faT futuregencrations
narto:s Pram gMundvvauer rrsourCes.
Drinking welter for appr+oudmatdy 55 percent of'Ibmpkins
'rompkins 03=y has appruxi®atdy County rraidtnts camel fraQn tbrto: water trratmcnt faoilL-
26 milts of shoreline along Cayuga Lake, much of which ties that rely ion surface water: Bolton Point,which draws its
is dewrinpcd with parks, traits, retail. re talYmmq. utilitim water fmm-Cal%ga Cake;the Ctxndl Water FOIntion Plant,
housing,and$wide euiety of offiff uses The waterfront is which draws from Fall C:FC6.and the tat+`of Ithaca Wker
home to many businesses that arc water-&-lxndcnt. Fatili- Treatment Plant, which bases ~rater from Sixmilc Cw&
ties such as marinas~ boat rental servi€es. boathouses, and Many hornts also withdraw their drinking water directly
the J kco are abwluttly depcndcra an a waterfront lmmbon- hum Cayuga Lakc fur their perwLd use.
J1V1my kaLlities take adwanta.Sc of a lacatLon on or new a
water body. Examplm in lbmpkmg Caunty include waste- SodJ Lm is a concern in the thrcc major public water Sys-
wamr treatment facii es in the Qty Qf Ithaca and the Ml- tcrosas they Al rely on surface water. The;tiYS Dcpartmenl
]age o tr'ayuga Helphls,Bolton PoLrt WaWTIreatment Plant. of Hm3th remrnrnmsds that "t who bet On $two Mty
C'Ayup P-awtr Plant,and th,e C omen Lalw Source Gaoling restdcted wdJum dJets ih,oLdd not drink waUF containing
heat cxchange fmift. mQrethan2BrngfJ ofso.dium.5Jncc the 2011 kLvrJ ofscdJuru
in Bolton PoInt wz5 27 me,-Comell water was 191mgA,and
These u"waterfms t lands a6a serve Lmpartma environ- thL{.Sty of Ithacan avcrap level w$5 21 mg/J.customers on
mental and recreatlonal funetlaw& Thw Lake4wrc Natural
Fa-sturos Facm Arm was Ideistifwd for the h�-rwfits lltis uo
pPoyWc*for ovtdiprw wmtWa. Pcemic views,irsl3itl,trikl- .
cal habitat and blodLvenky,aril water qu*ILty. From booking
wpd wimroing, m blUng and hiking, to pknkkiog*t L**-
wide parks.#tw Wkt Is o ro ma tlon4 dr*w fir tesidmu and
VJ9JtM.S is%aaW$from toe ari[Ius perks are part 40 f wbe#
m y L*ke and To mpkl'asCountyspecial-
r
ISSUES AND ❑
OPPORTUNITIES
Drinking Water5VPP1je5
Eight municipal water supply=d treatmc t faciLitics serve
ak bask pordwis of twelre municipalities Ln 'Tompkins
CAounly, Seven of them faca3itim are uwncd and urrated
by indiAdual munidpalitkn. Of these ihrm supply wawr
to users outside of their municipal boundaAn. The eighth
Municipal wart.6T supply and trealmenk f%olity is khr 5oxuth-
crn Ca} Lake IBtermunki" WatCr Commission. also
known as 5ulton ftint, which is -awned and -aptratcd by
fi" m,ernber-nun CiPalikirA (the TWN15 Of Dryden, Ithaca, 0 two
and I.,anKft and the linage 4 Ca} Mots and Lan- sekr?C& aww POME Nark pfo waw 7a,=ttpAIPS f-dum PMrMrq .
sing).In addition,CoracC 0rciverMry owns and maintains Its &tAW ahrnr
7CWPl)N5 COUNTY COMPREHE E PLAN 2015 , W&TER4t€SWOMS , PAGE63
severely restricted sodium diets are recommended to con- Land uses and facilities that pose the greatest threats to
sult their health care providers. People who are on moder- groundwater should be located away from areas that con-
ately restricted sodium diets should not drink water con- tribute to drinking water supplies.In 2003 the County estab-
taining more than 270 mg/1 of sodium.The sodium levels of lished a 20-year capital project to conduct aquifer studies
the water from all three systems are well below this level at to determine the extent of the major surficial aquifers and
this time,and monitoring continues to assess salinity levels define their recharge areas. These studies have been under-
in these water systems in the future. taken through the joint efforts of the County,the USGS,and
local municipalities.
Groundwater is the source of drinking water for approxi-
mately 45 percent of residents.Five municipal water systems, While conducting aquifer studies will help to determine
namely the Villages of Dryden, Groton, and Trumansburg, recharge areas for confined aquifers, most aquifers in the
and the hamlets of Newfield and West Danby, use ground county are unconfined and thus are recharged by waters
water resources to supply drinking water. Nearly 150 other percolating directly through the soil above the aquifer
groundwater-reliant public water systems are monitored making the entire surficial extent of the aquifer the effec-
by the County Department of Health, including those that tive recharge area.This may be extensive and in unconfined
serve mobile home parks, apartments, restaurants, hotels, aquifers protection zones are often established based on the
schools, and factories. In addition, there are thousands of time it would take a contaminant to reach a well that is a
private well systems that serve individual homes and busi- public water supply. Any kind of liquid material spill above
nesses scattered throughout the county. these aquifers has the potential to contaminate groundwater
resources.
The amount of available drinking water is primarily an issue
in rural areas that obtain drinking water from groundwater.
As more homes and businesses are built in these areas,they Wastewater Disposal
are supported by new wells withdrawing more water from Seven municipal wastewater treatment facilities serve at
groundwater supplies. In some parts of the county it has least portions of eleven municipalities. Six of these facili-
been observed that new wells noticeably decrease the supply ties are owned and operated by individual municipalities.
of water in nearby wells. Of these six, three treat wastewater from users outside of
Recently, naturally-occurring arsenic levels that exceeded their municipal boundaries. The seventh wastewater treat-
the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water ment facility is the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facil-
maximum contaminant level of 10 micrograms per liter ity(IAWWTF)which is owned and operated by the City of
have been identified in wells in Tomp- Ithaca,Town of Ithaca,and Town of Dryden.
kins County.These are found primarily in Treated wastewater from these various
confined sand and gravel aquifers such as In 2003 • facilities is discharged into:
those found in the Virgil Creek,lower Six- established
mile Creek,and Fall Creek valleys.Of par- Cayuga Lake, by Cayuga Heights and
1 ' . capitalthe IAWWTF,
ticular concern is the elevated levels found
in the Jay Street well that serves the Village project to conduct • Fall Creek, by the Villages of Dryden
of Dryden.The Village is working to iden- aquifer studiesand Freeville,
tify an alternative source of water or treat- with the USGS • . Trumansburg Creek, by the Village of
ment methods in order to comply with an Trumansburg,and
order of the County Board of Health. municipalities.
• Owasco Inlet,by the Village of Groton.
Drinking water quality is an issue county-
wide. Some water supplies are threatened by the potential The Town of Newfield utilizes absorption fields discharging
into groundwater to treat its wastewater.
contamination of an entire aquifer or surface water body
that can result from a single accidental chemical spill or As with water infrastructure,aging wastewater collection and
leaking fuel storage tank.Another potential threat to drink- treatment systems are a national issue.Pipes,both nationally
ing water supplies is aging, inadequately sized, or improp- and locally, are the largest capital need and improvements
erly maintained onsite wastewater treatment systems, often can address sanitary sewer overflows. Locally, treatment
called septic systems.
PAGE 64 WATER RESOURCES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
State Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
New York fake regWato pry u lon ddac�a V iuw ++ 21Cr$
Ibm gh Lis Stale Pollukani D&harp -Elimination Salem
(SPDES) prrmiL pragtam including th4 comrol of all
pom source disclrarga% Io surf a wavers. The program is
d%igned to nuirmin water qu lkt} crmsi-mnt wLth puNie
health, pablie e6j"flit Of w*Lrr bOJM. PMtC(jftn *red
pmpaKpdon of fist actd wildlife,and in4usirlal devil meat
in the straw.
The SPDES permit program applies to bosh public and prL-
Vatc facilities.In Tompkir-5 Couaty.thme are ZI SPI) S pu-
mas, Of theme perntitt, I I arc for publiiy owned fadhbts,
two are far Cos ndl Uni.v"ty, three are Rw mobile homrre
e- parka, and the remaiining fiV-r art for i"Unrial facilities,
'Ihe industrial farcibrics with SPI)L-S permits are the Cayusa
Power Ptant(two permits),the Cargill Salt Mine,the Emcr-
Son Plant,and the'Iherm plans.
Disckvur s from these s-s curs arc uwnitoned and, if prob-
W++� Irm5 are identified,the cvwners of the systems are requLred
to brim their sy5tcro5 into compliance. For example, the
'1'rurnansbucg waarwattr Treatment Plua is undertaking
sauce upgrades inorder tocomnply with its SPOkSpermiit require-
ments. Construction activities are rxpected to begin in the
plants are pe iodi upgrodcd to comply with new regu- spring of 2015_
latury requ ire icni& One of the perrruts for the Ca}up Power PIARt is fflr its Coal
Whilc many residences and b4wi.rreswc Ln Tampkins County ash disposal facility.Goal ash disposal has been idcndfied as
a rwtiicm�al issue and in DEcember N L4 the EPA cstabLished a
art{cnnecte+d t+a sewer s}�srtems and lar�r c�erttrali�d wa�c- new�t of requirements for the dispogal flf oast ash*focusing
water trratrrLcnt plants, a si�nifu ant number are senrd
by onsitr wastrwater treatment systems. Currendy, these on addressing the strumiral Lrucgray oA surface unpuund-
privately awned sy rxrns, including septic symm% serve
mrn ts.
approximately 40 percent of A households- When properly
desip cd, thrrc systems can be cffect;xr at reducing phrs- Water Quality In Cayuga Lake
phwrus and pathvo curs to lnrcJs that prutm public health
and the cnvircmm,ent, ]-Iawnrcr,poor routine maintenance,
In Tompkins Gaunter, th,c impacts -of Land osr oa water
exccssiv�c density of systems, and carder- re�un`es culminate primariL}� in Ca}'uga
sized and overused s}�atems can all leadate i lalc�The shallow s�outtucrne'rrdof C:a¥xr8a
to om�sitt s}�strm failur�c and water qualityr .
Lakr is inherently more vulnerable to p�ol-
imp ads lutLon thaq a&hef,dyer portion& d the
imparts.
frly■ improper I&kP—Ed[f:rcei€,O g3 InIC1,and SixmilC
The Tompkins aunty Health Depart- M-ainwin- a Creek pky a sJgnE6cank nAt in detrrmin-
menk mana8cs onsite wastewater "rm Ing the qualLty of water Ln &e sauthcrn
through permLttirL& design, and Lospec- ` ; or basin ed Cayuga Lake as they amiribute
tion. On average, tine Health Deputmcnt overused a ;approxLmiately .40 pemem of$11 the surface
permits about 150 new syrslrms annually wastewater water tptanng 1 he wutberrG end of clte
and an equay number of replacement syrs treatment systems.
lard
tens-
RWIPIONS COUNTY COMRFIEHEN5M PLAN 2015 . WATM ft-M MtM ' PAGE 65
The Federal Clean Water Act requires states to periodi- Erosion and Sedimentation
cally assess and report on the quality of their waters, and
to identify impaired waters where designated uses, such as As discussed above,many of the threats to water quality in
public drinking water, are not fully supported. For waters Tompkins County come from dispersed non-point sources.
that are determined to be impaired,states must consider the The basic geography of the county plus past land develop-
development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or ment practices have led to increased erosion and sedimen-
other strategies to reduce the input of the specific pollutants. tation,loss of wetlands and riparian areas,greater amounts
Impaired water bodies and their related pollutants,are pub- of stormwater runoff and pollutants, and an increase in
lished by the New York State Department of Environmen- flooding. Other impacts of increased rates of stormwater
tal Conservation (NYSDEC) on the New York State Section runoff include accelerated channel erosion and alteration
303(d)List of Impaired/TMDL Waters. The most recent list of streambed composition,which can dramatically degrade
published in 2012 identified the southern end of Cayuga aquatic habitats. Another impact is increased water treat-
Lake as impaired by three pollutants:phosphorus, silt/sedi- ment costs for public water supplies utilizing streams as
ment,and pathogens. their water source,such as the costs to the City of Ithaca for
treatment of water with high sediment loads and dredging
Most of the phosphorus that enters the southern end of of their reservoir. Though sedimentation is often related to
Cayuga Lake is bound up with the sediment carried by Fall changes in land use, construction, and land management
Creek, Cayuga Inlet, and Sixmile Creek. practices, it can also result from natural
This sediment is largely the result of Sedimentation geological processes.
stormwater runoff and erosion of stream
banks. The loss of natural wetlands in the related tochangesEfforts to address stream bank erosion
valley at the south end of the lake that in land use, and flooding impacts on a single prop-
would act as sediment traps has contrib- construction, • erty often caused unintended changes
uted to sedimentation in the southern end to stream behavior both upstream and
of Cayuga Lake.A TMDL or other strategy lan• ement downstream, increasing erosion and
to address phosphorus will likely need to practices as potential flood impacts on other proper-
address methods to reduce the amount of well as from ties. An assessment of the Sixmile Creek
phosphorus found in these tributaries. In geologicalnatural watershed revealed that much erosion and
addition to sediment-bound phosphorus, sedimentation in that watershed is directly
phosphorus also enters the southern end processes. attributed to natural processes as well as
of the lake from point sources, including previous land use impacts. As a result,
wastewater treatment plants and the Cor- the County restructured its Flood Hazard
nell Lake Source Cooling heat exchange facility. In recent Mitigation Program to incorporate a watershed approach,
years, tertiary phosphorus treatment systems have been considering impacts of changes to streams and adjoining
installed at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility land areas both upstream and downstream of proposed
and at the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant,sig- activities,when assessing proposed projects.
nificantly reducing their contributions of phosphorus. Similar threats to water quality throughout the United States
As a condition of continuing the SPDES permit for the have prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Lake Source Cooling facility,NYSDEC and Cornell Univer- (EPA) to issue stormwater regulations. These regulations
sity have agreed to conduct a detailed study of the sources require all construction projects that disturb more than
and ultimate use of phosphorus in Cayuga Lake. The study one acre of land to implement practices to minimize ero-
will build a mathematical water quality model of Cayuga sion and improve treatment of runoff. The EPA regulations
Lake and its watershed and a detailed analysis of the shal- also require certain local governments,including Tompkins
low southern end of the lake in order to provide a better County and ten municipalities, to develop regulations and
understanding of where phosphorus comes from and how it plans to help manage stormwater. These eleven organiza-
affects the lake ecosystem. Once completed,the model will tions and Cornell University have joined together since 2003
help NYSDEC determine whether a TMDL or other strat- as the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County in order to
egy is necessary to address the amount and concentration of share information and foster cooperation to comply with the
phosphorus in the southern end of Cayuga Lake. Comple- EPA regulations.
tion of the model is expected in June 2016.
PAGE 66 0 WATER RESOURCES 0 TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
Storrrtwate r Run aFF a nd Fa ood i ng* Road r i d e ditches
Gram S+ormurater wunoff has A sjgrntfir'aint Lmp�wt nfL RLILWd rde dit VVe all lrrsportam function or colWa,
floadplairr nlamgmew_ ?I's]Arad area I:$"nuerked CO CnM ing amd wnve�ing rmwata away From roadways and
wbanlurd uses. the omku-tai of imp-eMous sarfaoe aasoei• iherel�ire serve as impodant co nponerns of swe, county,
ate4l with Mai I.AwL uu gemrally iwteasm owshigw-bier 10 =4 rrlurlicipa] facllitdm Rood:dde
How im-0 Si reams more• qukewy and allowing Leas water 10 ditches also pvwide &..na a for morrnw-a r runoff orW.
reple»ixh tlMegroundwmer.This lnGaeasesl hthe fregvency qwa -rag (titan properties ;Wjx t to the rrrad rLght•of•way.
and ritaflit"e of RoW eftFtu. Floodln& ind stwntwmer ai h-As bfto e4ummd tliat ii; a iyplcal waie"ham bout 21)
runoff cocLcems am exacerbated in many ports of Tamp pemem of all runoff is captured withtrr roadside ditches,
kimt Coo fill l Kxose the Meep slopes MW Nwh howew, are a so a souse. and A
gla6a0y dominated sails du a goor job of Green conduit,of sediment and assodated con-
abs�g runoff during heavy rains or taminanrts to downstream wrists,.
snawmelt,M:IjVr Storm c++eriss occur rda
Lively frectuendy and the capacity of many can help control Maintaining vcgetw in der within and
streams can lc quickly cwrrwhel ne .Clir +rmwater -atalong roadside cinches berth slow the
mate change is expected to in=ase the I speed that SWrmwatrr lea',1M an area and
n4unber and inserSsiity-of extreme weaRher
source, ; redUM the amount of pvllutanrta than
evrnt5,parti,cularly heavy nknfalL increa + eater the water.Other wamVesty athic++r
ing the frMLwncy grid intensity of floods. reducing
the goal of slowing down and renowing
scdimmi from biurnawater a3v to install
-item infrwU-u tune pracdcea can help amount of runoff. check darns and to connect roadside
cvntrvl slormwWrr at its source— remov- ditchrato infiltration basins,bioswales,or
ing pullutanSsand redu,c4the amount of cunstru,cled wetlands pri.or to discharging
runoff that rn&up in Sewer syptrnrns and local water be-din. runoff into natural streams and takes. By aoawAlIng these
Omen infrastructure encompasars a variety of strategies t9wream impacts, floodinZ and wailer quality concerns arr
including presenting and restoring amral landscape fea- rrdu,crd in area strramsand lakes,
tares such as forests, floadplains, and weduhds; insralling
ch ck dams in stvrmvwakr charmels, and instA14 on-sitr
ficatures such as green roofs, pemous pavement, rain gma
dens}catchment systems,such as rain barrels,and vrgetated
swalm Nc w dmm1opraent is currerntly required to address
stonnwa m runaffnn-site and not rely on odsting wetlands ,
to sense thar purpose. '- =
Cwcn, the ceurtys toPapuiPh , ELstoric wdemrnts were
located in ualimp and along the shores of creeks- Unfortu-
nately. but prcdi{tablT, these areas are particularly wu3ner- °=
able to repetitive flvadin:g_ I)vrr the last 19 years, 24 flash
flood nvnts have bccn documented in TampidnS {'ourItlr MP
r ,-
ditionaLUV. lake flood events caused by rising lake levels
happen approxjrnatdyanrce per decade. A slut shift in the
wLnds From Hurricarne Lree and Tropical Slorm Irene could
have caused those devastating weather events to center over
Tompkins CoLmty instead of neighbaring communities 10
the south.
Drich Grod;ngin TompkinF Counry
Ji1r rm&rt Mfizi-irlWium ja At A&pharart Cbapirr. TwkrrJr:g rW umd Php rar Jafrrrj4r Mrmre'lrimM.
-rCWP1QN5 COUNTY COMPIREFtEH5W PLAIN 2015 ` 11 A7"FJMURCIS PAGE fi7
Wetland Prater-tjein Ripwian stream buffers in headwaters hau+e pmpertionall}
grca lrr impact on wa=hcd health than buffers Ln dvwn-
IIr �Uu 1. the IJ.S� Supnme Court Lswd a diKtiinil linallirig s[rcam vwaltrm Clean and hralthy headwater streams are
RdeM regulafion of isolaed wel l2rwU rrot adJ nr tL� or critical furpro[cc tirLZ thr walcr g ail ity,stream stabilit}r,and
connected to*navigable body of waw.&nce the deelslon, wildlife habItalt of an cnLirc wartershed. Zhr duwnstrcarn
ared Aher sfrrtilav nowt deeiiicros.the EPA acid the U.S,Amy effects of even nu nimaf disturbances m small upstream
Cor.psof Ergirt�een luvebeen asked to develop at rule to du, creeks may be compounded as waters join to feed into larger
w
LfT- �IC 1, sw ams AM wetlands ate suNect to 6ederal juris- an,d ledger strc=rLs
did ion- A tkew tLule WM pt oded in Aphl 20I4 and iS dill
Ln the public commertt:Mtge.' The Tompkins County Wafer PFi3Yidinq vgctatcd bufferaofat Leant 100 feet either side of
Rrtwurces Court is studying the ime to determine pot-en. strcern banks,or Six fact from intermitt-mt streams,is critical
t`al impact un re,4ulalted wdlands in the county. Until a'7nnrw is�rhirving water quality beneEus_Cwnmunitics arc begin-
ruke is a ftctd and impLcmmcodcd tbt knp t on rtVdmtsd ning to m ogoize the benefits of stream bU&F prolotCLOn
Ymdands in Twnpkirra CounttrwM bedif6cult to ftt.imate. and are Lnstitutlonali.7ing slandards through land use mgu-
I ado ns and d,cw' a pTn cnt rtiequ Ire mcnts-
At the stair lcvd.NYSUEC regulates wetlands dal lessi 12.E
acres in Nife and smaller wctLands q3E unusual foul iMPOT- Dredging
tancc. '1a3VFL together, these regulations hook the effort Of
leavinZ responsibility for regLdation of isud3[{il wetlands of The south end of Cayuga Lice and the Cayuga Infer hu
Jess than 12,A acres to"gov'ernmenis. idrntiLication and numerx m mvina& FrsmMeAt 4oclrft fadLLtles, tour beau.
proRecti{m Of thCM etherwisr newly Unregulaed voEUands is and boat repair WlktL dependent an ins hitalning a '-
a priority. igahLe channel. DredgLng at the south end of Cz?-uga Lake
last occrirred in 1992 an,d dredp spolig were deposlwd
in the Alan Tamar, 5ute M+larh5e Psrkt. northvmo d the
marJna. In 1999, the U.S.Army Corps of Eronoers cootr&
hated the dreJgLngof the Tod control CkWDrteihetween the
(kh L4dd�r in the smth and the r1orthiern I:Ip of Inlet Lsland-
Maxir oper m aad boat wnevs ha"Li lm4fied dredging
ofthe Intel;m a crLtkal and lmmediaw geed.
In 2011, the Coops of£rkglneers prepared a hydnuik anal-
T - VAW ofCAyuga Wet i+indirrg that udiinenl depo:siRaooi has
4. so4vrely xodwced the capacily of the Ga}vga Inlet to Convey
fluvrdwatum The Corps tecommendcd remmil of ouughhf
60,DM cubic yuds ofsedurr ants which have sltodtled id the
&Aancl to re,<*wbLiah the original chaon nel opacity.
Thus,dredging is ImNrtanl riot oftly foT naviga l i-un.but also
weriand on. this Motiow Rwd critita] to the ppuNr functivning of the Cures 4 E nginee
fled conwl spicirt in tthae-& While not the wla eoni rib.
Utur to flooding isawcs in She City of lihma. She need for
i��ra rr �rrkd ors dred,g.ing is ofte that nmds to be addres&ed.
Riparian corridors are the 6r4ds border4 streams and lditAificationofa site-or site.s to handle dredged maLrrialhas
represent a transition zone from aquathc to tcrnntrial em-
btenihd rridJurimp6dimrrit p7evtrrtLigperiudiedredgirigt¢
syitcros, Maintaining lands adjacent to Arirams In their maintain channel wpadiy and navkpiionzl use of Ca¥up
undeveloped state helps to suppnat the natural functionR lo3etand adjacent wgrteru-ay8 such a:tLowsr Castadilta Crfe1R.
amoc sled with Arcani huffLn, hicludIng pwtccling walfer
FindinS a sk that is both clear cn4u$lt within one mile
qual ty, stahW?Jng fttvan5 hanl€a end pn vvntLng eroslon. and targe enough �20 acres) limiAs the optiams available fiar
trapping sediment and rmrienrsti Lnip-roving nandwater cvnsidemion. Othrr issues to be addressrd include tech-
retntf on and ground Mer rerlarge, and shading sib
ckmnn Lrt"mraer-
PAGE48 ' WAJt1R RRWUgGE5 TCWPMNSCOMTYCOMPqEFiEMGMPLAol2Ql5
naJa cal constraints, environnacnta] impacts, consistency
wLth ether public stratcgLcs,and puh]ic ac-ceptance.
r �
ate rfro nt Devel op rn ent
' hc City of IthWds waterfrOnl, along C:ayUga Irrl,et, afficrs
a tremendous opportunity to dewlop an urban waRcrfront
caperkncc for"dcnts and tourists abkc,]?accent and ongo-
ing cdfarts to enhance this waterfront iadude the inlet 3slar d -
Promer,ade,the Cayuga Wwrfrant Trail whLch will eventu-
ally cannec-t the Viiatotrs Ccntcr to Cass Pam€,and itIcKatiort
Of the 1v,ew'fark State Ocpartmeut of TranspartaMarfs&Wn- � ....,
tnnance Fa,cdAy Adfarl H_ Tremorr Mw-erw park on Cites Waterfront
The ammirt of undimAcTA land along the lam, and along
Cayup [nLct in the City of [tha€a, is a
liFnIted. remmcce that would hest be use L o%&pment along the w mt. both
for water-dependent and watcr_enh;mzsd along Cayuga Lnk-t and Cayuga La34,
usm Water-dependent uas include waterfront offers should also recapl2e and icowne that
f6ellities H4 marinas and bnathouses * whiff makm the wateKrmt un4uz.
that esnnm be ]o,cated anyw'hcre rapt Ch)up Lake has a dWerslty-of fish species
directL}y on the water. Some ether land i a 1 and hlgh qualliy fishing experieDrAR.Birds
uses.while not dependent-oq a w�l� # develop alp talc advent Cof th ew�lersand the
lNatlon, a+'a± oauidete,d waKr.emh#rC4 urban waterfront
surrounding I xpe, as evidenced by
III atW% WdV4% LLRR whale locallan on thR area's de�lgnartlon by lKaiional Avdi ,
the watertrrust adds to the public use experience * bm Society And New 'Yotk SlAte m ah
w�d ergoymcnt of the wocr's f-d�. enn residents and [Wonairt I1l.rd Aim, Tlxe majesor. Miffs,
thovo they do not "quire a la " Louuvoded hl2lsldm and aburtdam wettands
adjacent try the water: '"dater-enhwKad sloag the [...*keshoee pmvWe ctiticol hab.
ism are pri maruy recmtion4 cWturA, itat rot a V2rlety Of r, m and sQrce plats.
ret.a.11, or entatzlornm urea but may Lndude mixeif-use The Lake is also a major"roe of drLnl -
rullitieswlth ruidemial-or ladgl mg,co ipotmis.Tbae uams irtg Water for LheuunJs of mid-eats of Tompkira Co,,a&y.
act alto impoa uki: io dw economy, ehoruier, aM public Any cle-+ Ivpmer<t i6umy,the CjyuV [Ake watrrfrum 4ibvuld
-enjo7+ytr1i~!5t of a cdmr su,niiy�wmerf om-oaid cart help d&w f pmtm these importa-m envir meaW bweiitx-
wwists to the wawfmli
Much of the land aWng the slimJine I n ck Chy of Ithaca is TAKING TI
loc;kwd wiihin the$Oa•yvar(koJpl4n A4d!wme skghifrum
areas are in the 100•ye.a,t"plalm With the trend loww-d N'I-Ft AT I i i 1L. The limpk w County WmIrr GmSfy Slrat-
jr,crused arrmnis of rainfall uocurrirg in sloet duration#
i� rent �3car some ��s �,rra�,tl��deiermired to be in a � ���I�} was pncpamd by the meter ltea�cxur�s i�ouncLl
and sertie:a w guide policy and activiiies, The Strwfty Laid
500-year kodploin may wua13y now be of gruier rA fur Brut brwrd "IN fur :Yurfacs water, gro;cndwatr, riparian
Qwdirrg.This may be rcfkLcLvJ in fuLyrvr vised Iluud maps corri,dvm,and wetlands and emphaa&izcd the riftd iv C OP
De,reL,opment of these hi&r-risk arms should oUtru the dLnateactilAlics and cdvrrataand inform mm%izipalaaffiuials,
impact of the de%,ftmeni on pouniial flooding -not omit iltcpub C,and-udvm about wabergaroity conocrrtr,pobtks,
on the sate, bit a6O upsiream and downstream of the slice. and practices, `Ihc 7hmpkins County CAMwrvaMm Simi
In addi Lua,naturalvtoative buffers AouW bcinkotakwd 012)elsoaaddremed water qualAyismm the CnyuZa Laker
akF g strcama trx prmcd ++pater gtkdiky and reduCC WMity Wmcrf*onx Tarr(201 O was a jsrint project of dx munkipah-
uf pOOdk1g' lies along ihir lake and addrrawd issues re]"to progactioa
and development along the entirr Cayuga Lake and Cayuga
-rCWPKM5 GOUN ry COMPREFIE145M PLM 2015 ` WATM 41$OURCIS . PAGE fig
Inlet waterfront and envisioned increasing public access to agriculture, business and industry, recreation, watershed
the waterfront, improving boating facilities, and encourag- organizations,and water purveyors.Other important water-
ing appropriate economic development. shed organizations include the Cayuga Lake Watershed
Intermunicipal Organization,the Upper Susquehanna Coa-
Protecting water quality can best be accomplished by pro- lition,and the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County.
tecting the quality of the water that enters streams, lakes,
and aquifers. Certain places are key, stream corridors, COUNTY ROLE. County Government plays several
wetlands, and aquifer recharge areas. Along the edges of important roles with respect to water resources.The Depart-
streams, maintaining naturally vegetated buffers can help ment of Health, through the Environmental Health Divi-
remove many of the pollutants carried via runoff. Protect- sion,is active in protecting drinking water and in regulating
ing wetlands, and in some cases replacing sewage systems. The Highway Division is
lost ones,can also help keep waters clean. placesCertain _ responsible for stormwater management
Water flow slows in wetlands allowing facilities maintained by the County. The
suspended sediments to settle to the wet- key to protecting Planning Department is charged with
land floor and nutrients dissolved in the water • maintaining data, undertaking studies
water can be absorbed by plants and other stream corridor!-",-
• • and plans, and implementing programs
organisms. Preserving existing wetlands • related to protecting water resources.
and stream buffers within watersheds wetlands, Three specific programs funded, in part,
would significantly protect water quality aquifer recharge by the County are the Stream Corridor
in those watersheds.Re-establishing those areas. Restoration and Flood Hazard Mitigation
wetlands and stream buffers that have Program,the Aquifer Study Program,and
been lost over time would improve water a community water quality monitoring
quality. program managed by the Community Science Institute.Two
advisory boards play an active role in monitoring and pro-
Aquifer recharge areas are places where water infiltrates into tecting water quality:the Water Resources Council and the
the ground and replenishes aquifers. Contaminants from Environmental Management Council.
aboveground activities can infiltrate with the water.In most
cases, the location of aquifer recharge areas is unknown,
requiring detailed scientific study to identify. The County County Actions to be Initiated
in conjunction with local governments and the USGS have within Two Years
been funding these studies for local aquifers. The next step
is to put in place protection mechanisms for these important • Contribute to NYSDECs work assessing and improving
water quality in the southern end of Cayuga Lake.
recharge areas.
• Develop an integrated green infrastructure program
PARTNERS.Important players in this work are local munic- that combines existing efforts to identify and protect the
ipalities who can help to protect these important resources. quality of stream corridors,wetlands,and aquifers.
To help coordinate and execute this effort, the Tompkins
County Water Resources Council brings together the agen- • Complete the NYSDOT Relocation and Site Redevelop-
cies that manage and protect the county's water resources, ment Feasibility Study.
including representatives from Cornell Cooperative Exten- • Support the Water Resources Council in its work to
sion, the Soil and Water Conservation District, and the update delineation of wetland resources in the County.
County Division of Environmental Health and Planning
Department.The Council also includes representatives rep-
resenting diverse water interests, including municipalities,
' Under the proposed rule,most seasonal and rain-dependent streams would be protected;wetlands near rivers and streams would be protected;
and other types of waters would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
z Hydraulic Analysis and Impacts of Long Term Shoaling for Flood Risk Management Project, Cayuga Inlet,Ithaca,New York.May 2011.US Army
Corps of Engineers.
PAGE 70 WATER RESOURCES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
, mate
WHILE GLOBAL ENERGY AND CLIMATE PROBLEMS CANNOT BE
SOLVED EXCLUSIVELY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, AND LEADERSHIP
IS NEEDED FROM GLOBAL, FEDERAL, AND STATE ORGANIZA-
TIONS, LOCALLY WE CAN IDENTIFY, PLAN FOR, AND TAKE STEPS
TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. AND ULTIMATELY IT IS ONLY RECOG-
NITION AND ACTION AT LOCAL LEVELS EVERYWHERE THAT CAN
ACCOMPLISH THE NEEDED CHANGES. ACTING NOW WILL PREPARE
THE COMMUNITY TO BETTER ADAPT TO A RAPIDLY CHANGING
CLIMATE AND TO RESPOND NIMBLY TO CHANGING ENERGY AND
CLIMATE POLICY AND PROGRAM DECISIONS. COMMUNITIES THAT
HAVE PREPARED FOR AN ENERGY FUTURE THAT IS CLIMATE NEU-
TRAL WILL BE ATTRACTIVE PLACES TO LIVE AND INVEST IN. THIS
SECTION DISCUSSES TWO INTER-RELATED ASPECTS OF CLIMATE
CHANGE. THE FIRST IS TO REDUCE THE MAGNITUDE OF CLIMATE
CHANGE BY REDUCING THE COMMUNITY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. THE SECOND IS TO LIMIT THE COM-
MUNITY'S VULNERABILITY TO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE IMPACTS
OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
energy
and greenhouse
gas emissions
The past decade has seen a dramatic change in the types of available energy sources. The expansion of new
exploration techniques used to tap previously hard-to-reach fossil fuel resources,including shale gas,tar sands,
and deep ocean deposits,as well as the decreasing costs of some of the traditional renewable resources,includ-
ing solar and wind,have changed the way these sources are viewed. Other sources of energy are also getting
a fresh look,including geothermal,hydro,tide,and wave energy.Re-localization initiatives around local food
and products and reusing materials are also being embraced across the country not only as a way to enhance
the resilience of a community in the face of climate change,but as a way to reduce the energy costs and associ-
ated greenhouse gas'emissions of transporting and manufacturing goods.
In addition to the changing global energy picture,several well-respected studies have identified how New York
State could run on 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.This interest in transitioning to renewables is driven
by many factors, including fear of the environmental and social costs of high-intensity fossil fuel extraction;
deep concern about the future impacts of climate change;desire for energy independence from foreign powers;
and New York's experience with recent disasters, such as Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical
Storm Lee.
In response to these concerns,the community is interested in moving toward climate neutrality,or achieving
net zero greenhouse gas emissions by dramatically reducing the amount of fossil fuel energy used and offset-
ting the remaining emissions with sequestration of greenhouse gases by natural vegetation and soils.Purchas-
ing Renewable Energy Credits2 to make up the difference may be employed as an interim measure while the
community works towards long-term solutions.
Changing energy-use patterns is not simple,but addressing this energy challenge can provide numerous local
benefits.Tompkins County can position itself as a regional leader in building a strong,local economy with the
development of green jobs, local production facilities for new technologies, and sustainable agriculture and
forestry.The economy can be further enhanced by investing in local energy sources that support local jobs and
keep dollars circulating in the community.
PAGE 72 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
•'t
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ram, •' -�.�
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Fl
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tom pkins County to-
0 Reduce greenhouse gas emir-5ions to reach a minimum 80 percent reduction
fro m 2-008 levels by 20SO a rid red u c e relia nco on foss H fuels across a I
sectors,
0 1 m prove th e i�n ear effici a racy of all components of th E� Co m mu n its+ energy
system_
0 Increase the use of local and regional renewable e n e rg} sources a n d
technologie-s.
0 1 ncrease carbo n ca ptu re a rid storage in the cou n Lys forests, wetly rids,
and 561F,
0 Reduce the amount of material d1spored of in landhIIs,
T14MPi{IN5 CM1M COMPRUiEN51'E R.AM 2D15 ' EIMMY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EM15511QN4 PAGE 73
SNAPSHOT Rant ut0iring -combubtion turbine technology with heat
Tccaysry sttara VHCMUrs,adding to die ci-ctridtypruuc-
F F TH E COU NTY TO DAY Lion "cu'genegted' from its aikmm turlaine prruratum built
in I9W. Cooling to the campm iis "cd kry Co in&lls
Electricity Lakc Suurce Cao ink project, which has been utilizing the
deep cold wMaUers of Cz}uga Lake to coca Ea,ciLitics at Cor-
n TDB, khe community consumed appn3 imatrly 720 rein- ncH grid Ithaca 1!-liigh 5choot since 2000 with M percrat Jess
lion k)A h of e�lottrjdty The bulk of tha►usage, 44 perccn4 electricity than the rcfri�cmiun-based �hilltm it replaced,
was by the commercial sector, which indudrs-educabonal Lakt Source Ca+aling is wmplcmcnt-cd by pcakiag capakzty
and institutional user€ Annual residential clrctricky usage fi-om the 4A rrri ikm iOon-1 hermal Storapr Tank and three
averaged 7,8W kWh per hausthold, mirnpamd to 7,3W high-1r iricncy centrifuo chilies, In Scptembcr 201d,{ or-
kWh for New York Ott as a whole mid 11,5W kWh Ear the nc]l began receiving irtmoft net mcicrxd cicctricity from a
Vrdted States. two MW soLar phaoavo%Lk electric irutbllatian that Sener-
atts about aac percent of annual ne+cdr,
'Y NopLe asisome that Tompkins County's elec .141.ty is:
provWedprlrrlarklyby theCaytlga Power Flmt.a 306 mep- The YLLJagC Of Cra.on has a long-term financial agretment
wadi (MW) eaaE-f5red pcnwr plant ilwated in 42n:S.jng, but to purchase up to 4-5 MW of low-cost powc7 from the New
the ML ty~ a ectrLcity is "tually generated from a djvme York power Authorl-ty�hydro-electric plant at Niagara Falls,
grolAp of sources, rebel of which are looted mWde of The with any cxccss dfimand purchased thro* the New Yoak
lica] arm. Accordlag to Nlew York Stan EL tvk and C" Municipal Powtr.gency-
(N SEG),amix-ofNoelswrcesisu to ent*ele trklt}
Mr rmr reglom with 47 pvtxrrt frorn natural W. 23 pfreerK Thermal Energy
From nuclear. I3 percent from hyd- electric, fire percent
From wlnd, (our percent fr m-coal, and three percent frorn In ZMLK the comn5ur ity iansumed Owr five n7 illlon
other sources. In addl[Iort to N-YSEG, there are two other MA+[LcuO oEthernSaL ice,includl.ng nearly 4.S million th errns
IwAl errsrgy prouidm.Conrail University and the Vll]aV of of naturAl ps.two PuU1lon 01,ow of heA Ir g kA.and siA mil.-
Groton El"Iric Depanmern. Mort SMons of pcopo,se ga&The iop-omm oflherin;)l energy
were the resLderullal wwctosr at 47 peacock and the cou�rmer cal
CormLL gene ap h5 atety percent of 1U rntairr sector at 4:� pemnii, wlth the Lndustrial wctor minting
campus Ann-RXI dectric.lty deeds from its 36 MW Cenlrai f6r tem pereAvit of lhenykal eneW use,
Energy plants arts Iis I MW bydrxl,ectrie plant on Fait
CIWL III over 10 Poovide heat a,rtid electricity wish the Fuel oLl and p' ai5e am pwlde4 to tcgers 3ek Tompkiris
highest eFFIderCy to i S9ikMpus,in 2009 Curntl]bepri.CUM- County through a serWs of indeperWent dlsirlhut and
nmial+aper mun of Lts 30 NM Cu+mbimd Heal anal Power natural gas 4 delivered through a pipeline network. NatvraL
• t (2009)
e
W �-M
7 S
Rawral his ,
US s Nuclear 3
Hydroelectric
47%
R wind
Trarr w- F4 Wri7 E4leCmfly RrMr* FUM011
coal Lwi n his
0 tither Soayv&TaDrti W63 Cftrary Phrftw%DepO rnwr
Siw r=New Yoe k Sarre Eruvfc me d G 2s
PArjE 74 • IN FROT AND iMt H HOUM GM IM155DONS • TOMPKIN5 00UR M COMPREHENSa'E KAM ZM5
gas UEMSmission assets in Tompkins County arc eprratcd 5irrte that rcOonal metha6o4ogp was somewhat diffeTent
by Mrainion Transmh&vn, and the distribution sygcm is than county misaiuns cuunting3 the Comprchcr sivc Plan
uperatc-dbyNYS.EC.-lhetwo rrpes ofumnsmissiun pipcLnes will focus un the frncift ufihe'Ibmpkins-Couniv inwrnCwy
in TcmpkirsC-ounryam natural ps andliqui&'Iheaatura� that used 2008 darts.
has pjpdi Les transport 6w to N YSEG for dis tribuiiem and ie}
main line users such as the Cmrncll Central Energy P9ants` Emissions from r�sid��rtial, oammercial, and industrial
The liquid pipelines transport pe wleum prudium to dis- buildings togcthcr a,c€uuntcd for the largest prupwflon c f
tri,'brugor& community c'mLssians and transportation ac€aunt,cd for
more than a third of all community cni ssinns. Gasoline
Used for trw LspGrtatian was Lhc Larpcst sLnglt energy source
Tea n p rtatfon# dp nau m rd,and elee:tritity Was the second moat used energy
In 200S. the comnmunLty fonsumed nearly eLx FnUfton mmmr,fdlmdcd by n$ivral gas.
Jk+LMB4mg of energy to fuel its transportation neecs to drLVE It should be notttid,howevcr, these cruissi,ans art€al slaked
neuty 687 nWLLon miles cwtr the caurst of the ye-r.Faso- using the Envimnmcnul Protection hgcncy f EPA)global
line accounted for roughly 85 percent of Cwel used at Fou ly warming potential figure for methane that was in place when
37 million gallons. anal diewli accounted far 3 S per€tnr at 6e:inventory was performed ana foJlur the 100-year Global
sewn million gAons. %Vwudng PcAcntW (-GWP) time h,orLxan that was adeptcd
in the KyMa Protocol and is naw used widely m the defauJi
Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions metriv. Rnce 203fk many sticnflsts hati+e facused mwarch
onreuthane cmisAons and A appears Mat it would he more
Ac�ardMaglotht rrgatdomprehensLve�►�crnigreenhousagn atcur3te in use a much grcatier GVIrF for methane In redoc►
�enl�aMons Jrttory. in ?�0�$, the T�rnpk�r4s County � - its extreme potency in the s}�esrtcr dvraiLon�'h,ea rcdvctiorls
J�4�.n1ty used over L 5 trilLlen l,rlt�+[8Ws of a,�e�gy,and emLt't,eti Wilk mkt help Jr�]dmLtLn�warming that mayrrsoft in�cas-
n1+ 12 mlllhon metrJ€�t+sodcirboir dMoxf�e�quJvaLani� e�deofunc�vniroJlable negatiti+e impacts-Such;an analusis of
�]w[T��2��. A�rh�at ��*�ia€to�Lrt�rst was aJ� txr�h3ne will lik�l�'hei tMorp�'+rsktd il�o future�nar$Y plar�a.
�d tr�li5g t� dattta as pax+G of rho �'�r�cr �t�rr�r and+vrvutd pt'Lrsnarll}'��t the waste�Id agrJ�tllt�rc seckc�s.
S�ut##x�7i�*'��;a�1S+�r�; ,'l�y�gr�.�nd�rrGlaxirarMs fir as iheyarecutlr�'ntly tEl,�highest emitters of niethone-
Community Coval� w 1ianm d at 1,1 md31m MTCOU-
Greenhouse a M F:
Errerar
GHE Frmfssions EgUWdknt Deal Fftrt+
Sector CMTCD2e) �Mmstu) t +t
Residential 233AG9 3.3 ,123 +y Wufturt Al al
� 74x
Commercial 23,2,OB1 V77,933
Industrial 74,26S 2<A.57i; W.AL7*
3x
Tripnvartativn* 407,4G9 MQb .8�2
Waste 41,702 0
Agri r ulture 43.996 0
LecaI Power 139.846 0
Total 1,1 7Z918 13,375,$�4 WN
`Arr}It hi enhlss acre rracM but M cawntad On Mee
ernr'rsiom sMor the dew ei mKmo pride,as dr does rrot ftKftade ire ortrhor+
pr&M a vjAWM CeuruneffM ftgtM,rve csdrrAH%;d m J10ve
rekersrd 9f6 raves 15% IrrdFlsbal
5ewrre;RwppkN s Cewni� fKmauT DrportPwK
Jw!moreJV�F rmr!Mszcthe TrM5PC7tar1M U.3prcr,-77nrr.FPVrlcdrrrA ROkerGMMh=M GCSFivrisa'mar"sadran.
TOMPKIN5 CMNTY COMPR€OIENSIVE R.AM 2M ' ME RGY AND GREENHOUSE 6M EMM510M ' PAGE 75
County Government emissions to achieve the 2020 goal,paving
Initiatives The Countythe way for achieving the 2050 goal.
Tompkins County's efforts to play an active Legislature In 2008, Tompkins County government
role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions committedt• facilities and operations emitted approx-
and reducing energy costs began in ear- reduce emissionsimately 6,000 MTCO2e and used 87,000
nest in 2000 with the decision to install •m 2008 levels by
MMBtus of energy. Buildings and facili-
a 147 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system percent20 • 2020 ties were the biggest emitters at 52 percent,
on the roof of the County Library. Sincefollowed by vehicle fleet at 30 percent. In
then,the County has set emissions reduc- and at least2008, the Tompkins County government
tion goals and has periodically tracked percent by 2050. spent $1.7 million for its total energy
both County government and community costs. Buildings accounted for $1.3 mil-
greenhouse gas emissions. Since its ini- lion or 78 percent of all County govern-
tial energy work,the County has adopted ment energy costs. Vehicles fuel expenses
many new goals, policies, and programs to reduce energy were$364,000,or 21.6 percent,and streetlights/traffic signal
use in its government facilities and operations,including: electricity cost$7,000,or 0.4 percent of County government
• Entering into energy performance contracts with John- energy costs.
son Controls and making significant upgrades to the
energy efficiency of government facilities.
• Installing solar panels on nearly all County facilities ISSUES A N D
through long-term lease agreements, and thereby help- OPPORTUNITIES
ing Tompkins County and its municipalities lead the —
state in installed solar capacity in government facilities. No one solution or approach will bring about a major reduc-
• Adopting green fleet, green building, and other green tion in community energy usage and greenhouse gas emis-
government policies. sions.Rather,this complex issue requires a suite of strategies
• Partnering to create the Municipal Electric and Gas be implemented, including both reducing energy demand
and making more efficient use of energy,to see progress.
Alliance and piloting a program to provide long-term,
price-certain electric energy to its members from renew-
able sources. Consider Energy and the Economy
• Becoming a NYS Climate Smart Community. Together*
• Addressing our communi 's energy needs while reducing
Transitioning to bio-diesel for the County Highway fleet. g ty gy g
• Purchasing Renewable Energy Cred- greenhouse gas emissions poses an immense challenge that
its to offset 100 percent of electrical demands immediate action if there is a
hope of avoiding the direst consequences
energy use. - • ' • of climate change. The goal of reducing
As part of its adoption of the Energy for strengthening community emissions 80 percent by 2050
and Greenhouse Gas Emissions chapter the local economy was not selected at random,but was deter-
of the Comprehensive Plan in 2008, the • reaching mined by the United Nations Intergovern-
County Legislature committed to reduce mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
emissions from 2008 levels by at least the energy and as the minimum that must be attained.
two percent a year to achieve a 20 per- greenhouse gas Achieving that goal is an imperative that
cent reduction by 2020 and at least an 80 emissions targets has been thrust upon the community by
percent reduction by 2050. In support of compatibleare • global forces and one that is becoming
those goals, the Legislature endorsed the clear cannot be put off until 2050 or even
Tompkins County 2020 Energy Strategy. can • " mutually 2030. The November 2014 IPCC's Fifth
The Strategy identifies action steps that reinforcing. Assessment Synthesis Report states that
should be taken to reduce greenhouse gas "Delaying additional mitigation to 2030
*For more information see The Economy Chapter, `Supporting Infrastructure for Economic Development-Energy Infrastructure"section.
PAGE 76 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
mined that fussi! fuels are nrcessarF tea prrIAxr a certain
drveJopment because of the positive imparts on the ccon-
wny. [hacrc shouid be a dear understandin4 of where rner�y
Use will be curtailed in other se�mcnks tG crmpcnsate for
the vdditiumd usage. TacklLn�the cLimawrrisis will.requirc
unity in action and the cummunity must do-clop ways to
discuss these difficult issues in productive nerd pa-Sitiwe
ways.Rct1 ink%honw decisions arc made around cconwnic
drvcJopm,cnt and energy wic will be critical to maintaining a
high wally df life in 201-5,as well as in 2050-
GrMjObS Con help pow.Fr Tompkins Co un s econoV
Explore I rtfra st rut'tu re in E rterg! Foy u s
Areas*
will subsumtiallyincrease the chAengesa mmined with I"- Sa�wal am-as are crlt" to the monornic aueccess of the
itiaZ warra n;g7'fhc need to take steps to limit fussO fuel use county in4adi-ng d>¢wntcPWP 11hKa; the I ine!4 parla and
Vm s in urgency with every nrwctimatc&anj,e-related inn- industrial shes p mJmate to Ithaca Tnrnpldns Regional Air-
part that is erpeticncod and"tWmg pgae that is identified_ pon;Corne11's Cartipus cn Ea-u HLu:quid South Hill.irKLtvd-
Even thu*this topic is critical anal shGuld br a key driver iag 11hma CalkV,the South Hill uid the
in decision-m.a�dng in the community, it is also important Emmon (Chainworl:u) iite. Thiew are aneas that mrrcnthy
t-u recagnim the other aspects of living Ln Tampkins Cai my hoit iub5 tamd;;L drwbnL monk.are expected to support new
that Make life prosperflus and su312Ln3b1C- With= pOd development, and me ripe for pwntW adoptlnn d knoa-
Jobs fr am successful busiamses, few rrsidcnts could con- native energy mludms. PosMble wLutind5s include increased
tine to live heel. W-ithnut hous4 and tremportatk3n sys- depl oy m e n I of retuwaUm mdkkced-energy deuw adOwmgh
tMS to Sustain th-DSC tMpkyecS, they would aced t4 find energy mcyr o"Iysis of� plieability of imhkned Heal
work elsewhere. I hf!FC nCcd W be ways of addreming long- ;At1d Power Aikim and ear;.Ahlohiag micrri-gt LN L-o provlJe
term send irnmediatt cnrrgy nccds and rmLssions that also adda4 resWience to Ilse electrW4 supply in the event o(grid
cantributet-D the vital local economy. fa11wdueto gimms or-wirer unf ti emits.
Ume wok to begin Lhls {flllaberat3on is to hrift a broad They are A i o mus thA cauld henefit from 4rNt e>r e-
vadety vF-voices to the ds uss on ofcammunity ScLd s and Frmk wO. MEG end vihers, 1nd"irrg furtders at
strategics, as well as identify tangible step9 to roved broth NYSEkM to evahi ecwtval and futum-conskraLatof the
cnee and ecoanwnic d,c,rr1ap3ncoi goaLs- while the ewer energy itifraAruckure ;wd devise lmg-wrm plans thm will
all Sods for streroheaing the local economy and nraching k Cor1Mt 4nJ ftllUrC W irl s. CammU•
the energy and gmcnhousc gas cmisseons targets arc came- pity energy rte&W11LIt red"iag gr*mhouu gas em"tms,
p&tLblc aced can be mutually reinforcing, it is atm import- Thi$ Appr aCh " m a.4wrditnoa w4h the New York Sate
ant to rrcoygnim dal these may bt specific instance!where PtUk Seryke Co missiortis Refo irl the Enter VWoFt
they mm,c into can list. in such cases it may be hdpful to (REV)p000m and fwarnmxkwhich envisleon$o distclbuled
create public-private partrwFsh.ips to eualu2te tha issue more ctwigy grid with mim=- ,rids U LnlegM components of ouf
closely and incentivize actions that reduu green haum gas energy system,
cmLisia ns. AJtf rmo the goal wauW be to find a mutual
?ins wtution to the pareeivcd conflict,it Ls likely tJiw wnie Fled uce f nergy ❑e ma rl d"
Lnstances will arise where no dear aultuallybrnedcud solu- , i 1 i;; 11 L3 I SI-0 }!her years of havirrJ, access
tioncanbc identified and,in su,nc�ases,the attempt to meet
ruultiplegoalswill need to bewcigh,cd in mskinga decision- tO law-oust and abundant energy. U-S. soeiery has becumc
awummed to using enemy freely and withuut thought.
It wilt be impoalartt in su,eh Lnst3RTMto dan€Lderthe erwrgy lodeec, a pull cumminioned by se+cral Shane Wncies and
awl econcrnypLctum m a while_kf,for exan plc.ik Is4 - cvnderrtod La July and August 2014 found ordy 53 pcment
for more mfmmmm sm?he&anamp rimer. 3Wp(orjq loffasmoweAr Ewa ow NMBpmwd-Emep Infivstrwdme le dfam.
`.For mm J40mom sft#W Ji wgq off, 'FAeTe l new J dauxdq'rccja&
TOM.MN5[MNU CCWPREHEN51YE PLAN 2D15 ' Eel ERGX AND raFtEEHHOU5E WU EM1551-ON5 PAGE T7
I �
old,A lar$r percentage of these h,um,es have littie ur no insu-
hbon,sin Lc-pzm windows,and rely on zonz heating sys-
tcra&Sometimes these samehomes ha►sr]imLtations impvscd
F due to thrir Location in historic diAri€ta,-the energy low that
occurs in thmc hvmcs is cFwnnous and wilk,in man} -cries,
become a financial burden-orgy home nnersasenrruprices
risr_I tomrvwners and businesses can reduce enrW use by
air scaling and ansulaxin&and upgrading funmxrs in their
hnrnrs and busineism
onr aspect of existing hmLsing that makes it particulariy
LOC-00 towrortor+mprGvOQg fner&of reerrry Of a grouse &icult to impm�c en,crgY efficiency is the so-cAled "split
incentive" associated with rental horusin& where the rcHtcr
paps -utilityballs and the landlord vwouJd naed to pap to
o�L*few'�rke*s{ Ct�Cbted lhrm¢�wes as It�txurled�ea�]e upgrade[hebuild9np. tY1h d+v�er�D pertcnt of l�ausing units
about the amount o�r3cctrl�ltp used by various hou �]d mntcd in 'FoQnpkins �:nun[+f, this is a big issue which can
pLiatc�tcrs� and �� perurlt said Ih� ur�derska�d the crrnn• rrsailt In the rcrrta] housing stock wasting cnerg}•and rtega-
,rrst� of Mhrir ele�tri� MI. On The hrigl5t �Idr. ti9 per- �,���,irnpa,€tin�tiv]ner3hlr ptxpul$ti,ons�tncr�Y firsts rtst_
Bent bclLevcd IL w� Irrlpor•kank to reduec carbo<r� emisslort� It wilt h� important t�ensure thalhomc tncrg}•rctratits arc
aitrrple. Ir�lmedlake�eps con be takem ko a•edu,cr energy �nciall}'ati•ailabJc to renters, larEdlords,scud h,arnr�owners,
rhae will �]�� teducr g�er,ho;,s� gas �'j1i�1�ry$ �d save as wcL]as to pco+pLc at alL irtconroticwLs-
mm)e�, This message has Kwn at the care o ur f 0e Get Yo
GmnRack Tompkins=paig3i to iaosparea.11 42MO haa.€e- While new housing will be rtON cncrgp effCiMt thin MMJt
hods to take Wt 1 t au step to Save etwrgy"d moRey in cxisw,g hciu:ing dt c to eontlnLwel Improvements in New
the ixtw Of heating and Iighchng, two pvrta'Liort, food, xid Yorks Fnerg Cnnserution Construetlon Code, slgrifi-
waa#e, The campiLign h4h[*hks slops individuals and busi• rent abides ctn be made t-a reduce energy deruand in new
Cie~ M tyke, e4ngirls from C;Arpoolittg to growing their huuslrg evert Airther 1hriough good doslgn and Locations.
own food to setting then mstau lower in ilia winwe and l,ncai project€havo found that it ii pomLbl,e to significantly
hj&r In the s=mer. TAu,ce energy asc by designing new housing to be mujah
more energy efficlvenk. tight and well-ansulated; Luting It
1 x�I'R t�t ��c� � �� L#t��� 1 � � [[ �� �t �� There are �11�7]}� in DeweJsopmesst Focus�krnai to allow perepde to mnffe eaiil}e
o[s�rt�rtid�to trs�] energy thr�ttg], imp�� [eCClisaul- ++r�lkhllr��ti,d b+u�k��rk and a�t;viti �dbring'de�i�-
+�gp aratl beLkvryndsrstandirtigufhun��systems up�[s.J�kh x�ad�'ka�r�lae�wattta�c �rrtiewa#le resn+�rcrs,such asori-
r1 w r�sxislingh rites,btisirirt es,Yrhr L4s,aR�l applrtJlC�es enl ing homes with "th-facing roas frrr%Mar erwrgy gels,
etmW bye improved 1ugreatly mducc[otalcwnmunityenergy ewi= Gve t the dl culty If5 r+rr ikting a silmg hnuses
use &rid w4wAced crrtMorts, 'TrOnspor- W luppme emrrp elli,eiency, it we uLd be
tttikarti, the Swor in Tompkins unt
that wr�s the met energy and rmils theLocal projects
a - prriderlt � e�t8 new coaMstrticti� will
not require re ttirtg In the faurr,
mkt g renh+uusc gasps, can achieve -c& have that
rkrncy by Lransitiuning to more fur]-effi• found Use of eneW-elYieiw keehnologlo thm
cirmt vehicles and "prmir% alternative it is possible to produor heat =4 elect Cichy cia Also be
transp+ortatJon up[imrs, 'lhc rodrral Jam• significantly reduce expanded In Tompkins Owroy ko help
ernm,eni has taken ilra&rship in setting energy use ; Ochiewe energy k*Lh1;k Hity-A few gym-
higher rnergyelfficirrKystand&u1si for new pkg or lechnologies t1ka1 focws On eft•
vehicles ind appliances,which v-A trickle designing eient prwgm Ir[cWe: comhlried heat
dawn into dwlu"I lcuel as pcuplcrephwe housing to be grid per s items that utilize moe h,e�u
older mudel& muchmore energy gertmwd f om electeki[y pwdua&n
As for lxal buildings, nwre than half of effide n t.
to warm buUdings; -advanced WY- and
gMUrid•s�rce hest pwnps that o hftt
the hoQsrrs in the auunry are over 50 pears
PACiEF9 • EHFROT AN0 GRUNHOUNGAS IN15SPO b , TQMPOGNS CMMUDWRIEFIENSIVE RLANZD15
T' 4
SOLAR. >;noW from the sun is one of the most quickly
cvolvinZ and em idng tcchnDiVes avadaWe in the transition
to a sustainable future.Tlw=coat of solar PV has been rapidly
decreasing and rJ;ficicncbEs are impravinZ. At brat glance,
Tompkins Cmuntg may Wort seem Wqc an ideal pkcc for solar
cner;gp,but it actually has Iwo-thirds of th,e solar rrsourcc of
Ariwna,and a bcurr solar resource than that found in C er-
,0LARY'0MPKiNS0f#r-
many,a global leader Ln sutarcnrrg&x productnn.
As of August 1, 2014, the New York Sutt Emcrgy Research
and Lkv lopmentAuthority(NYSERDA)
rcparttd Umpkiins C:ounLy had S 1CL
' * r Srtd-cvnnccicd solar arrays. up from 93
in 20Q8_ Those numbers arc expected to
greatly expand within the next year, dut
S&ae,T-ompi as 2614 Program * _ to-the sucoc-m6 d Solar Tompkins program
th,ae resuittd in-owr 400 h,ousehcd&can-
- - - trading to install 3 MW of ntw Solar. In
addWon. there art two lark-scale solar
rather than convert it from fossil duds; - farms in&velopment Ln thecommualty_
distributed heat networks that circu]adfi - - - - WIND. The threslMotd speed for wind
best through pipe systems; and distrib- _ + + y power sLilA3hit" vafLe9 acrci99 studLe9,
sited decuidcy ndcro-grids that provide with wrtic i dies u9ing vWL= as low
power to rnuttiple users umng solar or - * -
wind resources,.
Tran sitic n to Ren ewable -En ergs+ Sou rces Potenfla I W ind Areas
A Jonoerm solutlon that needs to expand dramatically Ln ,
the ntar40FUL tci avned the worsL impacts of clLmate changg
wilt W to Wansifion to renewable Sources of en �)r h ,
dectrielty, and trar,sporta#ion_ DcMoping a dLktrsc energy
ponfpli*t152t In<1ML es renew;8thlt&WISP sq+orc S WA a310w F A
the T�rr&ns County C,ommunityto meet its Aitu1 m q C3
needs in a res;xmsibLe mid sustaJnablee n nn,er_ In addLtiam �
to incentives at the Federal layeL, New 'dark State ciders an
attractive package of rebates and tax incentivq.%as w4A1 ai W
wetcrLng Legmiation, to help wnsu,mcrs more madlly afW
imewablC eneW irkerm, L ll.p. the Twpkim County
L 96juN has perma"WLy ewmpqea t*sl4enii*al scar
energy iyswem Nulpmeni and ins llati n wrvi cs from
local isles and um taxes, Tompl&iim Covm y raa drew on
loK:a3 rmtwable rgymiunxA that lncLude irriar,wired,bin,
inasn, water, gmthermul,and uwthane fynm animal was%.
WhIle each of these souxes have slgrAc3ttt potential km • �+
the cwniy,o h fares its wo acl*.s W NU deed, oymmt,
rangi"from shading liml l ng siting of roof-mounted %da
1c local.regulm lorLs Itrr Wog wLMJ hLrbines to air quality can-
MVP$4miitMag bi-of AM sqav*
.r
TOMPIUN5 CMNTY C(W.PREHEN5IYE FLAW 24t5 ' Eel ERGX AND GREEHHOWE WU EMkS IONS PAGE F9
as 11 miles per hour (mph) for small wind systems and extracted from the building and added to the earth in the
others recommending 14.5 mph average wind speeds for summer. Reaching well beyond the application of shallow,
utility-scale wind farms. In general,the wind speeds in the ground-source heat pumps,Cornell University is evaluating
county are rather low compared to requirements for utili- "deep rock' geothermal to provide heating and,potentially,
ty-scale wind farms, with a maximum average wind speed electricity to its campus. If this technology were to be suc-
of approximately 16.8 mph,according to estimates prepared cessfully adopted,it could serve as a model for surrounding
by AWS Truewind, However,many areas offer potential for areas and the world.
small or medium-scale wind.
HYDROPOWER. The many streams in the area have his-
Medium-scale wind(100-500 kW)may be particularly suit- torically provided power to the community, as is evidenced
able in locations such as farms or other institutions that in the many old mill dams scattered throughout the county.
have higher wind speeds, large on-site demand, available Currently, water resources are being used to supply energy
land,and the ability to take advantage of incentive programs in Tompkins County by individuals and Cornell University.
to make the financing attractive. Another potential in the Cornell recently upgraded its hydroelectric facility below
future may be to provide energy for off site users through Beebe Lake,which increased the plant's annual output by 20
remote net metering. percent. There is potential for more hydropower to be har-
nessed at the individual level, as well as at the community
One bright spot for wind energy is the development of Black level,using micro-hydro technology to tap the fast-moving
Oak Wind Farm in the Town of Enfield. Located at the site waters in local streams. Micro-hydro power produces up to
of the largest high wind resource area in the county,this 11.9 100 kW of electricity from naturally flowing streams and can
MW facility is expected to begin construction in late 2014 provide a more continuous supply of electricity than many
and will be New York State's first community-owned wind other small-scale renewable technologies.
farm.
BIOGAS. Methane,a byproduct of decaying organic waste,
BIOMASS.Biomass,in the form of forests,brush,and crops, can produce electricity from the county's agricultural waste
can be cut or pelletized and used for home heating.Biomass and wastewater treatment plants. Harvesting methane also
that is burned in efficient, clean-burning stoves could help reduces the amount of this harmful greenhouse gas emitted
residents make the transition away from non-renewable into the atmosphere.The Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
energy, and especially help rural homeowners who rely on Facility captures methane from digesters to meet one-quar-
expensive fuel oil and propane for their heat. As of 2012, ter of the plant's electricity needs while also heating some of
there were 180,000 acres of forest and brushland and 10,000 its buildings.
acres of inactive agricultural land that could potentially be
used for biomass production.In 2013,a team involving Cor-
nell Cooperative Extension in eight Southern Tier counties, Emissions and Sequestration
Ehrhart Propane and Oil of Trumansburg,MESA Reduction Reducing fossil fuel energy use in the community will reduce
Engineering and Process of Aurora, New England Wood greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, emissions can be
Pellet, and several businesses in the region were successful reduced by protecting and enhancing resources that natu-
in obtaining State funds to jumpstart the bulk wood pellet rally remove carbon from the atmosphere.
delivery business in the region. The natural process of carbon seques-
GEOTHERMAL. Geothermal energy is Protecting and tration absorbs and stores atmospheric
heat from the Earth's core and ranges from sustainably
carbon in local land,forests,and wetlands.
molten rock magma to the nearly constant Protecting and sustainably managing
temperatures found in the upper 10 feet managing these these natural resources is vital to reducing
of the Earth's surface.Ground-source heatnatural resourceslevels of greenhouse gases in the atmo-
pump technology uses the stable tempera- is vital to sphere,and Tompkins County is fortunate
to have abundant natural resources to help
tures beneath the surface, in conjunction reducing • reduce community emissions.
with some electricity to operate it,to very greenhouse
_ gases
efficiently heat and cool buildings. Heat •
energy can be extracted from the earth in in the atmosphere.
the winter and added to the building,and
PAGE 80 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
Reduce Waste Rural Heating, and preparing an Energy Road Map,
would result in a total savings of 23 percent of the 2020
The manufacture, distribution, and use of the goods and emissions reduction goal.
food consumers rely on in their daily lives—as well as man-
agement of the resulting waste—all require energy. This Measures taken by higher education institutions would
energy mostly comes from fossil fuels, which contribute result in a total of 47 percent of the 2020 emissions
greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.Making smart reduction goal. Cornell University, Ithaca College, and
choices about purchasing,using,and disposing of materials Tompkins Cortland Community College have all pre-
can make a big difference in the amount of waste produced pared climate action plans and taken steps to reduce their
and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The Tomp- greenhouse gas emissions.
kins County Solid Waste Division is a leader in the field in Measures taken by New York State,primarily implement-
making it easy for consumers to reduce the amount of waste ing the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard,adopted in
sent to the landfill. In 2013, a total of 16,821 tons of waste 2004 and expanded in 2009,would result in a total sav-
was sent to the Seneca Meadows Landfill in Waterloo, NY, ings of 19 percent of the 2020 emissions reduction goal.
marking an 11 percent reduction from the previous year. Measures taken by the Federal government would result
Also in 2013,the County received 15,323 tons of recyclable in a total savings of eight percent of the 2020 emissions
materials,and Cayuga Compost collected 1,807 tons of food reduction goal.The primary measure would be to estab-
scraps, showing that the community is currently recycling lish higher lighting and appliance energy efficiency stan-
more than it is landfilling. The County has a goal of divert- dards for residential and commercial use,as called for in
ing at least 75 percent of waste from landfills by 2016 which the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
is likely to be met given the robust reuse scene in Ithaca with
over 40 thrift and consignment shops and the large number Measures taken by other community entities, including
local municipalities and public schools, would result in
of homeowners and businesses that compost food scraps at
home and work. a total savings of three percent of the 2020 emissions
reduction goal.
The Cleaner Greener Plan looked at the issues of energy,
TAKINGACTION greenhouse gas emissions,and sustainability at the regional
level and identified 22 top actions to implement to achieve
STRATEGIES. Specific actions that support the principle emissions goals. These included promoting energy effi-
and policies in this chapter are outlined in two key county- ciency and renewable energy in residential and commercial
wide documents:the Tompkins County 2020 Energy Strategy buildings and facilitating deployment of solar PV and solar
(2010)and the Cleaner Greener Southern Tier Regional Sus- thermal systems.
tainability Plan (2013).
PARTNERS.While there are many actions
The Tompkins County Legislature that can be led by departments within
endorsed the Tompkins County 2020 The Cleaner Greener Tompkins County government, many
Energy Strategy in 2010. The Legislature Plan identified also require a collaborative approach. Key
has adopted a goal of reducing greenhouse 22 leaders and partners include local munic-
• • actions to i al planning d public works de
gas emissions in the community by at least P Pg an P art-
P
80 percent from 2008 levels by 2050. The achieve emissionsments, Cornell Cooperative Extension of
first step along that path is to achieve a 20 goals. Tompkins County,Tompkins Community
percent reduction by 2020. The Strategy Action, the Tompkins County Climate
concluded this first step could be achieved Protection Initiative, the Park Founda-
by proactively implementing programs and solutions to tion,and institutions of higher education.
reduce energy use. To achieve this target,the Energy Strat- Education and engagement of the broader public is under-
egy identified measures already being taken by key stake- taken by many organizations including Get Your Green-
holders,as well as measures to be taken at the local level: Back Tompkins, Sustainable Tompkins, the Sustainability
New local measures, such as Property Assessed Clean Center, Creating Healthy Places, and Bike-Walk Tompkins.
• Energy (PACE) Program, Waste Diversion Program, Local businesses are also critical to providing the services
Transportation Demand Management, Biomass for necessary to make the energy transition including energy
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PAGE 81
performance contractors, local renewable energy designers County Actions to be Initiated
and installers, Finger Lakes Reuse, and many other organi- within Two Years
zations devoted to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas
emissions. is By the end of 2015,finalize the Tompkins County Energy
Roadmap to determine the most effective and efficient
COUNTY ROLE. County Government plays many roles >
s long-term energy
in energy and greenhouse gas emissions actions, includ- means of meeting the communityand greenhouse gas emissions goals and begin imple-
ing improving the energy efficiency of its own facilities and mentation.
operations,administering programs that help others reduce
energy use,and partnering on efforts to show leadership on • Conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for both
the topic in the community.The County is currently consid- the community and County government using 2014 data.
ering joining the Energize NY Finance Property Assessed • Work with municipalities to develop tools to encourage
Clean Energy program to assist commercial and non-profit widespread deployment of renewable energy systems.
organizations to finance energy upgrades and renewable
energy projects.
' Greenhouse Gas is the term used for gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.The principal greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere as a result
of human activity are carbon dioxide,methane,and nitrous oxide.
2 Renewable Energy Credits are tradable,non-tangible energy commodities that represent proof that 1 MWh of electricity was generated from
an eligible renewable energy resource.These certificates can be sold,traded,or bartered,and the owner of the REC can claim to have purchased
renewable energy.
' MMBtu stands for one million British thermal units,a measure of energy.
' Carbon dioxide equivalent units(CO2e)is a measure of the combined ability of all emitted greenhouse gases to trap heat over a given lifetime in
the atmosphere,relative to the effects of the same mass of carbon dioxide released over the same time period.
PAGE 82 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
HighVolumeHydraulic Fracturing
and Horizontal Drilling for Natural Gas
In December 2014, the Commissioners of the New York anticipated one eight-well, five-acre industrial site per
State Departments of Health and of Environmental Conser- square mile(640 acres),or a total of 512 well sites,assum-
vation recommended that New York State ban High Volume ing no development within city or village boundaries.
Hydraulic Fracturing (HVHF) and horizontal drilling for
natural gas in shale formations,most notably the Marcellus Over 2,500 acres of land could have been directly devel-
Shale,and the Governor deferred to their recommendation. oped as well pads and nearly 60 miles of access roads to
This summary of the proposal for HVHF was written prior the well pads could be built.Under these conditions,over
to that announcement. It should be noted, however, that 1,000 acres of forestland would be developed and the for-
New York State does not prohibit the acceptance of HVHF ested landscape would be further fragmented.
wastewater for treatment, allows the use of brine that is a According to the rdSGEIS, each well could utilize five
byproduct of the HVHF process on roads and construction million gallons of water for HVHF activities. Under the
sites,and imports HVHF gas that may still contain radioac- build-out conditions this would have resulted in total
tive materials from other states. water usage of over 20 billion gallons. The three major
The Marcellus Shale resource is fundamentally different water supply plants in Tompkins County together use 2.6
from prior natural gas development in the state in that it is billion gallons of water per year.
of relatively uniform distribution within a broad geographic According to the rdSGEIS, the development of a single
area which would have been likely to lead to more inten- well would generate 1,200 truck trips. The development
sive well development with the attendant network of access of nearly 4,100 wells would have generated the equivalent
roads, pipelines, and other facilities. HVHF also requires of a 27 percent increase in heavy truck traffic on State
a tremendous amount of water with chemical additives, roads in Tompkins County, if it occurred over 30 years,
resulting in additional anticipated infrastructure impacts and an 82 percent increase in heavy truck traffic on State
and energy use to both deliver water to the site and address roads if it occurred over ten years.
wastewater treatment issues.Tompkins County has asserted
that these characteristics were likely to result in cumulative Using the figures presented in the rdSGEIS, the Tomp-
impacts of a scale and intensity unlike any prior natural gas kins County Planning Department estimated the lifetime
development in the state. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from one eight-well
pad would have been roughly equivalent to one year of
In a case involving the Tompkins County Town of Dryden, GHG emissions from the entire Tompkins County com-
New York State's highest court,the Court of Appeals,upheld
the right of local municipalities to ban HVHF under their munity.
home rule zoning authority. Several other municipalities There would also have been more localized impacts on water
have passed similar bans. quality, noise and light pollution, agriculture, community
character, and a host of other issues. Should HVHF ever
In the County's most recent comments to the DEC in Janu- be reconsidered and approved in the future, it is likely an
ary of 2013,the broad-reaching cumulative impacts to New amendment to the Comprehensive Plan would be required
York State of HVHF and the lack of measures to adequately to address these issues.
assess or address cumulative impacts in both the proposed
regulations and the revised draft Supplemental Generic In parts of the Finger Lakes region support for the continued
Environmental Impact Statement (rdSGEIS) were noted. growth in tourism has led many tourism related businesses
The Tompkins County Planning Department has quantified to question the establishment of industries that are deemed
some of the potential impacts within Tompkins County: to be incompatible with the qualities that draw visitors to
the area. In addition to HVHF, plans for natural gas and
• If built out to the horizontal drilling spacing standards underground liquid petroleum gas storage in abandoned
outlined in the rdSGEIS, Tompkins County could have salt mines have come under increased scrutiny.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS PAGE 83
•
adaptation
The best, most recent climate data point to a future of increased temperatures and shifting precipitation pat-
terns for Tompkins County and New York State. With extreme hazard events likely to increase in frequency
and intensity,the community needs to take steps now to reduce community risks associated with these antic-
ipated changes.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where the entire community is prepared for
the economic, environmental, and social impacts of climate change.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Maintain floodways and limit development within floodplains to reduce
damages from floods.
• Improve connectivity of open space to prevent fragmentation of ecosystems
and isolation of plant and wildlife populations.
• Promote adaptation measures that lessen climate impacts on the local
economy.
• Encourage actions that protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of
climate change.
• Prepare for community recovery in the event of disaster.
PAGE 84 ADAPTATION TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
SNAPSHOT Community Risks
OF THE COUNTY TODAY The climate-related risks in Tompkins County that were
emphasized in the C1imAID report point to the following
As has been widely reported, over the last 100 years, aver- specific vulnerabilities.
age global temperatures have increased 1.47, sea levels are . Heavy downpours will put those living in or near flood-
rising,and extreme weather events like heat waves and heavy plains at even higher risk. Businesses, roads, and other
precipitation are occurring with greater frequency. To pro- infrastructure located in floodplains will also be more
vide more detailed climate forecasts and specific adaptation at-risk. Since many homes located in floodplains are less
strategies for New York State, the New York State Energy expensive,lower income residents maybe especially vul-
Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) com- nerable to the impacts of flooding.
missioned a report titled, ClimAID: the Integrated Assess-
ment for Effective Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Heat waves and summer drought increases could have
New York State(2011).The C1imAid report,led by scientists impacts throughout the region. In particular, the local
from Cornell and Columbia Universities, outlines how cli- dairy industry, which is the county's dominant type of
mate change is already affecting people and resources across agriculture, is vulnerable because of the impact of heat
the state,what to expect in the future,and strategies to pre- on dairy cow milk production.
pare for those impacts. Ecosystem changes will affect the county's many natural
features as invasive insects,weeds,and other pests move
The C1imAID report specifically highlights the need for north. In considering wood boring pests, infrastructure
Tompkins County to prepare for the following regional and buildings near heavy forest stands will be particu-
impacts: larly vulnerable.
• Heat waves will become more frequent and intense,
increasing heat-related illness and death and posing new In addition, the ClimAID report highlights rural areas as
challenges to the energy system,air quality,and agricul- being more vulnerable to extreme events such as floods,
droughts, ice storms, and other climate-related stressors.
ture.
Outdoor recreation activities, such as fishing, skiing, and
• Summer drought is projected to increase,affecting water snowmobiling, may also be negatively impacted by the
supply,agriculture,ecosystems,and energy production. changing climate.
• Heavy downpours are increasing and are projected to
increase further. These events can lead to flooding and In 2013,in response to severe weather events such as Super-
related impacts on water quality,infrastructure,and agri- storm Sandy,Hurricane Irene,and Tropical Storm Lee,New
culture.
• Ecosystem changes including species range shifts,popu-
lation crashes, and other sudden transformations could
have wide-ranging impacts,not only for natural systems Estimated Number of
but also for health,agriculture,and other sectors. with Temperaturesof
The C1imAID report estimates temperatures will rise 4.1°F 80
to 6.8°F across the state by the 2050s and the average annual 70
precipitation levels may increase by up to 12 percent in the 60
same time period. This precipitation is not predicted to be 50
distributed evenly over the course of the year,but will likely 40
occur largely during the winter months as rain.An increased 30
likelihood of drought is projected for the late summer and 20
early fall. Continuing the latest observed trends, more pre- 10
cipitation is expected to fall in heavy downpours and less in o
2010 2020 2050 2080
light rains.
.Low Estimate ■ High Estimate
Source:2014 ClimAID Update(New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority)
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 ADAPTATION PAGE 85
YoFk 5tatr recommended actions be talon to more cifectively Du ilding Com m u pity Resi I ien t±L-
respond to,and bounce back Iron,future seams and other
shocks. The 20B ClimAIV rcpart emphasizes the impar- Com+t unhty V041erree is scmeti+nes takf". to aA a these-
tance of taking immediate proactiuraetians to address both lead stool of rrMltlgaitiun. Qldapwtion.and nwPomelreoow-
short-t,crm and Iamb-tcrrn nccds.As the rcpart states}' fur evy.Tompkins County lMasoat established history of advimc•
infrastructure was not built or financed in a day. Making it irtg mil igati d fflHwures to less the IntensIty of h;kkArds,
mare resilient wil] takr lon:Rcrthan a day.ora year,or nxn as well as;A substoatial wwoi1 to tickle
a decade. Sot the time to start is nave,' It is important the hawed euettts during and pnet-mnt. Communities lit the
community promote nit ption and adaptation, stratcocs countp lwve expaWed LawdpLmtun&io.irioot`por4te ip•
that enable incremental adaptation across 93 sectors and in hition or awdifiwion of the ensim mwt a" a;au=res
cvfiry taaramunity oYrrtime. to make them better suited W a chan&g climate, Creaw
Qttmtivn to adapWion will be required as our rejoon
embaaom aew olimaic realities. 'To begin ihir� more
ISSUES N D proactively about adaptation and coiDsctiycly mducc humd
risk,Tbmpkko County anti cmh-of the other 16 municipa]
OPPORTUNITIES partners inte�raicd thr latest dima a dAta and adaptation
oun,cepts into its Tompkfns Caunt� Hawed Maodian .
�Rl3 iJpdada.
Climate Impacts on Economy
the Hazard MidiRatioM parr prclijed each
The C_ILrr AID report estri=tes that Ivy ofth,e hazards for which Tompkins C-aunity
mid-*e" the economic inputs d The ClimAID reportjurisdictions are of risk.: 22 types 4 h,aa-
cllrnatc change m lLk y W apprcmdiestimates that by ards affect the region. Zhe plan defined
$10 bdlLlort annually- Impacts may be felt each of these hasards, examined their
onewnly um!a reglen$ and Ladvatries mid-century
hiat4riud occuizencr, historic rest and
tK"ghout the state. With an dngase Ln ecuriomic impacts
damsg cstirnates,as weld as future potbea-
sewe x ther events Mhm Is art lacremedi of f nge s tial Lmpacts based on the ]at-st avadablr
lfkelilwod i3E d-tmage t6 propetly and statJvvide are likely &mair data- 'lhe existing hazards Dccur-
lafmgru,riore. Shoold sub"cial damage
� � * � i rir�� thraug,hoult the county that mould
occur in the City of Ithaca.ecoaomic dis be a&ctrd by dimate charms ue_ severe
mptLnn Sad «sr+spert3tWa grldlo4c ie billion a-nnually. swrm,Eaahflocid,ice storm,snTrewintrT
likely to rmLt, While It may be difficult
W determine pirecLu impacts to Torapkias
CoLmq it uems gmite likely that impacts
r
wOl be felt to the soculture, tourlsm, and unA bv nvx,s
nectars, Wlth aWi4lted chairs to extreme temperwu0m .41
milk productim is capes to devvift. putting TtK+ipkiw I
Countyh wish W mLllion doLlars ;�
i;n markti value(11012k at risk, t
As u region that bcarfits from recrcaiiomal tourism like
&s inj�, skim& and snw n5ubding, fluctuations in cx1rerne
vwc*ther exems may;Aso hii+v impacts on this thrivirtg ind-ws-
try. Lavdy,small bus nwcs may be less likely to oupe with f' -
long term&srapc ms Lhat could rcgult from serere weather
cvcacs and are le,%I&dy to have the capita]to Lnvw in adap-
time mutton%La IUTAer their risk.
Dryd6n j56rr+y$Wei
PAGE&6 ADAPTATION - ?DMWIJNSCOIKrYCOMPREHElY4WPUPA ZJ15
storm, hurricane, ice jam, infestation of invasive species, city for these impacts, it will be crucial to receive regular
lake flood, landslide, fire, utility failure, and water supply updates on likely impacts of climate change.This presents an
contamination. Hazards identified by the plan as areas of opportunity for researchers at Cornell and State agencies to
emerging concern are epidemics and drought. share the latest climate information with municipalities and
discuss implementation strategies on a regular basis.
As the effects of climate change will be experienced locally,
it is imperative local communities take meaningful steps to
adapt. It is becoming increasingly clear that state and local Protecting Natural and Physical
governments experiencing the negative impacts of climate Infrastructure*
change will need to lead adaptation efforts.In an era of tight The potential for more flooding in the area calls for an
budgets,it is important to identify cost-effective actions that increased vigilance as to how and where development
offer multiple benefits to the community. An example of occurs. It is critical new development occur outside of high
such an action is stream buffer protection which can reduce risk areas, such as floodplains, and decisions on infrastruc-
flooding downstream while at the same time improving ture investments be made with climate change in mind.
wildlife habitat and reducing the amount of sediment and Actions that advance both resilience and quality of life offer
pollutants entering waterways. multiple community benefits.
Vulnerable Populations It is particularly important to protect floodplains, stream
buffers, and wetlands as they all play critical roles in water
Specific groups are particularly vulnerable to climate management.These areas can be maintained in their natural
hazards. These include the elderly, disabled people, and state as well as restored when their ability to function have
health-compromised individuals who are declined. Future development, including
particularly susceptible to the impacts of fill, can be located away from floodplains,
heat waves; low-income people who have The potential forstreams, and wetlands and existing struc-
limited ability to meet higher energy costs; more • • • tures can be relocated out of those critical
farm workers who may be exposed to in _ _a calls areas.A community priority is the updat-
more chemicals if pesticide use increases ing of area Flood Insurance Rate Maps to
in response to climate change;asthma suf- for an increased better identify high risk floodplains. The
ferers who will be more vulnerable to the vigilance as to New York State Department of Environ-
decline in air quality during heat waves; • • where mental Conservation is currently creating
and people who depend on public trans- the process by which floodmaps will be
portation and lack private cars for evacua- development updated in Tompkins County.
tion during emergencies.Small businesses occurs.
are also identified as being particularly One tool to help in the protection of
vulnerable,as they are typically less able to floodplains is FEMAs Community Rating
cope with costly climate related interruptions and stresses, System which provides flood insurance premium reductions
such as power and communication service disruptions,than to residents in communities that participate in the program.
larger businesses. By identifying and working with vulnera- This program requires municipalities meet higher flood risk
ble populations and assessing barriers they face in building awareness, like providing property owners with technical
resilience, the community will be able to support those in advice on how to protect their building from flooding and
greatest need in reducing risks from climate change. having stronger floodplain regulations to ensure currently
vacant floodplain parcels will be kept free from development.
To date, none of the communities in Tompkins County are
Climate Science and Local Municipalities participating in this program.
One outcome of the Tompkins County hazard mitigation Expensive investments in physical infrastructure, such as
planning process and the release of the region-specific Cli- water and sewer mains, treatment plants, roads, roadside
mAID report was increasing interest on the part of local ditches, bridges, and government offices should all include
governments in staying up-to-date on climate science. climate change projections in the design, maintenance,and
Municipalities realize that to prepare towns, villages, and
*For more information see the Water Resources Chapter, "Stormwater Runoff and Flooding"section.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 ADAPTATION PAGE 87
decision-making pwcess. With siZnificant public invert- Uaas of the community around issues of climate{hang rill
r33enL cxpected to be n:quircd.in the future to help vvercomc in=asc awarrnsas,dccrcase risk,and impnwe rzaiLicn€e.
Lhe unpam of climate chanr. dremons now shouLd be
made with an eye tmmd snaking sure three iaysestmonts can
endure, TAKING ACTION
Climate Displacement STRATFG I F.-S. The best framnmrls for advancing ant p-
laticmr is Through implementation of the Tompkins Cbunry
Although'fnmpkins l`.auntlr is art risk tomangy-of the afore- � �� � ��_ The 2013 plan examined hazard
mrnr;ane�d herds, it remains a €ampa,rativcl�r resilient impacts in rclatinn to the Late�tdirr�tc science andincludes
place. The county has laauntiful and high-quality ruatural itcoJnrncrhded saps for advert€ing e,daptation and miliga-
r�esourcc*sy including dean and abundant water, and fewer don measures These measures included tf,in�s kll€c perform-
dramatLc swingy in weather patt ,s than. is predicted for gnu tr�girucrrin� based ri9k �{��+tnls on critical faciJitirs
�tlrcrr€gi,arus�f the[�nir,ed 5tartcs crud�.�arLd. As marrco�m- that taJce 4rao aoco�cnt climatic pr�pc,ctions arod deYdopir�g a
munilies cYperier�oe severe el�e€ts of dimat-i€a3L}+ induced countywidrdfihris management plan_
hamrds, areas, like 'Tbmplclrq Cminty may beonmt highly
attrartIve to peop4c €urmntly ]iuLng outside d the count}_ Adaptation actions can be catcgarimd as Maws:
An influx flf"duna(c rcEgl c�' would require adaptation of PxAs#anCe—ant uds to resist the imp&M hIrm the e b-
IOC21 p+laasa and StMIE&9. Iishment of manmade barriM
• Adjustment - acticom to nsrtidifu existing pritticm like
Communicating Adaptation changing development p*trerns. land uw, health pro-
DeRpite a growing awareness chat dirnate chu, ge is happen- gramming,and engineered elrslgn
Lng #nd Aveady Lrnpacting Thmr klns watt, much neLAR 9 Retreat — actions to leaver key areas in a natural state,
t*be dMt tO krrupraue hOW Ilse crItlr31 fj$kU *red FK - Like abandonmrnt of oicYclopment and the restriction of
sort'actApLsla(pn me4"mg Qre coarimunk to the corolaLy's dcycl Tment in hazardous arcas
(Them population. rengthettltng engagement In CIE sec-
Part of the lacncht in advandnZ adaptation thr-a* the
Hazard Miri�wion Pfam is that each of the municipalities
in Tiompkws. Co" participated in prcparing the plan
and implemenulinn m conga oxur at least annually. Also
.y
funding isavadable from ff—MA for pre-disaVter mitigation
Work, as long as local haaard mitigation plans arc Updatcd
eycry$vtyca&
PIA RTNFERS. Adaptadon Wilk Larp*be drivrn by agencies
in the areas of pEmn.Ln& public works} health and cnwF-
g:ncy response_ To advanic adaptation. in part throu.0h
mitigation,it iscssentiaJ that each lace]municipal partner is
involved_One of the critical pZrtrucr9 tz}communicate can-
€crn9 and coordinatt actions will be Ihe'ToQn*ns County
Council of Govcrnmtnis(T ).Due to iht meld-dis€i-
. `� 4 plinary nature of"ptation it is further important to weak
2
.. closely with the Tompkins CouFq-Climate Nalcodon Ini-
tiotii m C=I),the Tb a kin#Counry Fmcrjcncy Planning
Committee, the County Health Department and local di-
male s€LcntLsis
ffoodedCommunilySpace atMm Tow+em l`q offthtiaca
RACjjE$8 ADAPTATI4ON 7DMV10NSCOtWrY CUM PFIEHENF4WP LAN 2M5
COUNTY ROLE. County Government has a number of
important roles with respect to adaptation. The County
Planning Department, Health Department, Department of
Emergency Response,and County Highway Division are all
involved in aspects of implementing the Hazard Mitigation
Plan including those items related to adaptation. In addi-
tion, the Tompkins County Environmental Management
Council, Water Resources Council, and Agricultural and
Farmland Protection Board will play key roles in advancing
adaptation into the future.
County Actions to be Initiated
within Two Years
• Assess the vulnerability of the County government's crit-
ical facilities to the impacts of climate change.
• Prepare a community disaster recovery plan to prepare
the community to take the actions; including those that
build economic resilience,to bounce back from a disas-
ter should it occur.
• Conduct an inventory of pipeline stream crossings in the
county and identify those of highest priority in order to
advance measures to reduce risk to human health and
the environment.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 ADAPTATION PAGE 89
•
neighborhoods
and
communities
QUALITY OF LIFE IS ENHANCED IN COMMUNITIES WHERE THERE ARE
FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIPS AMONG NEIGHBORS;WHERE THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENT IS ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL, AND DESIGNED AT A
HUMAN SCALE;AND WHERE RESIDENTS FEEL THEY CAN LIVE A SAFE
AND HEALTHY LIFE. PROXIMITY OF HOUSING TO EMPLOYMENT,
SCHOOLS, PARKS, SHOPPING, AND OTHER SERVICES HELPS CREATE
WALKABLE, VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOODS. CONCENTRATING MOST
NEW DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREAS WILL PRO-
VIDE THAT PROXIMITY AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO INVEST IN THE
QUALITY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.
healthycommunities
Healthy communities are not only more enjoyable places to live, but provide numerous additional benefits.
These types of communities typically have lower health care costs, less absenteeism, lower levels of anxiety,
and fewer injuries.According to Smart Growth America's 2014 report Measuring Sprawl people living in more
compact, connected areas have longer, healthier, and safer lives in addition to greater access to economic
opportunities. The report's findings indicate residents in these types of communities spend less on the com-
bined cost of transportation and housing and have more transportation options available to meet their needs.
This chapter addresses how the built environment impacts public health and safety. Healthy communities are
designed in a way that provides people equitable access to a high quality of life regardless of age,income, or
ability.Mixed land uses bring people closer to the places where they work,play,and access goods and services.
Community members are not dependent on cars, but instead enjoy safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastruc-
ture along with other transportation options that promote physical activity for all abilities. Public spaces and
meeting places are easily accessible and inviting for social gathering and interactions, and no one is forced
to be socially isolated. Transit, parks, natural areas, and healthy foods are readily available to all community
members. Safe community design minimizes exposure to crime,accidents,violence,and hazards.An accessi-
ble community with housing for all segments of the population that is close to services and facilities and well
served by mobility options is a more equitable community.It allows all people to be integrated into community
life regardless of whether or not they suffer from physical, mental, or developmental impairments, or have
mobility limited by age or income.
Tompkins County should be a place where the built environment promotes
healthy, safe,PRINCIPLE active lifestyles.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Promote bicycling and walking throughout the county by making these
transportation modes safe, efficient, and appealing options.
• Encourage the development of lively streets with a variety of opportunities for
daily activity, recreation, and social interaction.
• Foster the expansion of a countywide trail network.
• Encourage efforts to improve the accessibility of the built environment to
allow everyone to participate in community life.
• Promote parks, community facilities, recreational activities, and networks that
support regular social interaction and physical activity.
• Discourage land uses that threaten community health and safety.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PAGE 91
SNAPSHOT The Built Environment
OF THE COUNTY TODAY STREETS.Street,road, site,and neighborhood design play
a key role in how safe and inviting communities are to walk,
bike, take transit, and participate in neighborhood events.
Health of Tompkins County Residents Street design that encourages these behaviors includes lane
In March 2014, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation widths that balance the needs of all street users, on-street
released findings indicating Tompkins County was the parking designed to accommodate cyclists and drivers,
second healthiest county in New York as measured in four adequate crossing times and sensors for pedestrians and
categories: health behavior, clinical care, social and eco- cyclists,street trees to buffer pedestrians from traffic,build-
nomic factors, and physical environment. ing facades in close proximity to the street with interesting
Among the social and physical environ- design features, adequate space for buses
ment factors analyzed were access to exer- health to decelerate and accelerate at bus stops,
Social cise opportunities, proximity to health and safe areas for transit riders to wait providers, availability of social support can be impacted for,board,and exit buses.Although there
networks, and level of community safety. by physical are areas in the county where this level of
While these findings identify many pos- development • preferred design is seen, there are many
itive aspects of community health, the other areas where these aspects are absent,
Tompkins County Health Department's
design. limiting access to various destinations and
Community Health Assessment 2013-2017 opportunities for social interaction.
tried to capture a comprehensive picture The Tompkins County Walkability Assessment Methodology
of the physical health of the county's residents. The report and Case Studies (2007) examined the areas of Northeast
notes nearly one out of every three middle-and high-school Ithaca and the Village of Trumansburg.This study's detailed
students in Tompkins County is overweight or obese, and analysis of street and sidewalk conditions resulted in making
it lists making "opportunities to engage in healthy lifestyle one of the priority goals to "provide safer, more accessible
activities for adults and children, particularly young fami- walking routes to desired destinations" including schools.
lies"as a high priority. Municipalities are working to make those improvements,
Social health,which involves the abilities to form satisfying including the recently developed City of Ithaca Sidewalk
interpersonal relationships and to adapt comfortably and act Policy (2014). This policy more comprehensively addresses
appropriately in various situations,can be impacted by phys- sidewalk needs in the City, replacing piecemeal repairs
ical development and design and is important to the well-be- and construction by property owners with the City taking
ing of both individuals and the larger community. Social responsibility, resulting in reduced costs and faster rates of
health issues for young people are highlighted in the 2012 improvements.
State of Tompkins County Youth report PARKS,TRAILS,AND RECREATION.
prepared by Tompkins County Youth Ser- Improving
• • Accessible regional trail networks, public
vices. Residents between the ages of 15
open spaces, and community facilities
and 18 indicated"the need for community all people access
that connect all residents are also com-
gathering places for youth to socialize and •
utilize trail ponents of the built environment that
hang out in a positive environment." This
networksbenefits increase activity levels, provide opportu-
report also notes "transportation remains
• nities for social interaction, and result in
•
a barrier for youth to participate in activ- health,
health benefits.Studies from Active Living
ities and to secure employment." While natural resourceResearch' indicate people with very good
much of Tompkins County is designed to conservation, access to public open space are 50 percent
support healthy living, one does not have more likely to achieve high levels of walk-
to look far to find locations where activ- quality • social
ing, defined as walking 180 minutes or
ities of community members are limited connections and more a week.
based on poor design and the dominance tourism.
of the automobile. Social health also sig- New York State operates four State Parks
nificantly affects mental health. within the county, each of which offer a
PAGE 92 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
broad ran grofrecrc art LnFL uppomFLitbrn Lncludim boatin�at health, natural reasourcc cznscrvatlun. quality of Life, skied
Man Il,'I'relnan SULr Marine Vark.swimmingat Rci crt H. conacnbuns,and tourism.
TFcTnan ata P'&&.hiking the urge trail at autUTmilk Fall s
State Nark,and virwing wildlik and the spt tatular water- Community members of A ages also heaviLy rely on s6out-
falL at Taughannuck Fa As -State Park. Addidonally. nu n[c- homed and other recreationa] Dppartunitics and facilities for
ipalitim maintain nearly 5M acme of parklurd in€wi5ng physical act"opportuniltks and opportunities to mciaL-
the frequented City of Rha€a parks at the southern end of �` Rc{rcaamlal PuP" u ng is woU supported at ]oral
Cayuga Irakr.-Ibesc are cvmpLcmcntrd by Lo mcll Uniycr- parks and municipal spaces through efforts c f the inter-mu-
Mcy Natural Areas and Finger Lakes Land Tn st Nrestn-cs nkipal Recreation. Partnership, which includes accessi-
that provide additional o+ppDrK itirs for nWdoor rccrc- W4 us one of its program values. The Towns of Dryden,
ational actiwitics. Due to this abundance, the {bunt}' does Groton, L m ing, Newfield, and Ia lym s (toV6cr with thr
Dot mm or operate any parkland. ViUar ofTrumansburd),and the City of Ithmm thmko its
Youth Bureau,each maintain a re€rcati,on departrncnt which
Tompkins County is fortunate to have a number of safe provides facUitirs r&Wng fmm parrs and pLayft 6tJds to
camniunRy trails.nnnyof which weave through rural areas swimming pools, skating rinks% pauiliars,traits, and more-
md prcMdc conncrtions to population -itntem Imporumt The Tflwr s Qf Caroline, D&oby, and E.nficM. the County,
trail corridors include this Blanc Diamond 'I rA. the Itha- and Village of L.arning are also members of the Recrea wn
ca-Dryden Trail, the 5auth HL.LI Recreation Walt, the Fast Partnership. Prdgramm4 ranSM from day ramps to swim
1-114 Recreatl,Qrt Way,the Cayuga WattrfroW pail,the Gate- lessons,€oncuts. movie rLthts,sports Lcgues, and V260US
way Tti24 and the PLngtr LAa Trail. "rid trangpartatlon special eyents. Although many recreational opportunities
arrd rmratiian Impart farmaliiing and improving how all cater to€hUdren.oLdtr miderrts also dtpend on sate azcen
pimple acceuand uliliae these trall netwrwU bcne6ts pubUc to c4Tnt5 at the loco] colleges and -universities, the cighlt
r �
mot— r f�
r
� I
x
MrF&lw rr.ft
M"fr.+r
&xOtE:reMp,k I CbLRIryftmirl '�a,nev a [�t+�{ 0 l4f�rlt�tl5r �`ri8
TOh1PURS U MTY COMRRMENSIVE PLAN AM MaTHY LOMMUMMU ' PAGf 93
rcZi,on;d libraries, and q ndes such as the Grtattr Itham is actively farmrd. dairy remains the dominant industry,
AcOvitics cntcr,Caa-ncU C ovperaLve Eatsnsion.Scuthside although farm types are immasin@)y diverse, inclucdir;� a
mmuxu[y Center. L fcLung Ccntcr, and cummurwy halls higher percenraj�e of vegetable, s ybcan,and pc ckry uper-
in rural arras. ati-ons. Zhr raapority of these cnttrpriacs occur on smaller
aiwd farms which often directly market taTbmpkios C,m mty
acwrloprnfint patterns that idly separate housing, shop- cuneurrur5. 5evcraJ programs exist to pmmute access to
ping arras, school;% and othrr community dcstinationns health} food for all including comr uwt� prdens, mccp-
reduce the ability of individuals to indcprndccntly trawl t,ancc of food staropg at farmers. nwActs, subsWkcd C5A
be,twecn dfistinations and interact with once another_MWng shasts,and efforts to bring f csh,local produce into Khoola.
land uses — cantinrrCW. rcMdcntW, rocFcationO, educa-
tieumd.and others—inneighborhoodsorplaccs accessible by
bi -yde,by transit.and an faw can foster livclu ;lid diverse
communitics. A mix of uses attracts people io shop, nwet ISSUES AND
friend%and live in n,eigbborhoods like Fall rrcek in the City OPPORTUNITIES
of Ithma ac villages.like Trumansbur&twa arcs that havr —
stcn rapid aWreclatian in the vaJur of residential real estate- Examining how bath our ymr gcst and oldest residents ir"r-
Altbough such areas exist throrugEwux the anty,there arc ad with ou.r cammiunkty and each-other provides a helpful
opponunitim to creaar more. basis fiar identify opportunities to improve community
design to benefit both physical and mental
Healthy Food heg3th onicom R. By 204G. 6kWeen and
wniors will make up atmost half of the
Access to healthy limal rood is another key natltm� popu]allon. The U.S. Swgeon
camponain that pnomowi he2[tr- Farm- ■ F General i maidoei& PmWidtiopf 25tfutw
ors kn and tear TowpUns County ofkra F ' , r , (2011)tdentlfwR incremingth,e number a
number of w;+q to acmes fresh focal food Amerkans who arse healthy at every stag
Irio1u-dq r, faLmners nwrketa. Cwkmivn_Ity } of life as Lis prlinary I. The sirategY
,4pp&te4 Agriculture (CSA). atW yam- reornmem ations w 'emmurage
pig apMLjons, along with WstaurAnU F F a a - cOattmunlfiy de$lgfl atld devel0Prttict<1 1101
and gmoff-� stares that Wier loaal fond ■ F . VUPPC4U P11y3kal aetMtf ;Md tO 'fal:A-
optlOns. In the TbW of tPW CAWMY thU Lyle saclal coLmmi*dtnen and commu•
a r y µ nity erigapment ace the llfespari,'This
F a 4F ph#'!�C:;l uti4ty and scene of comrtmualty
a a cw be tncceaud khmuo toed -eif s to
Irapme the araewbiliiy alid rafety of the
built eVLV1Wrtmen1, p4jestri�:A codt -
ttons,amd racreaciortal oppmuail its.
These types of community design impact merilol hcallh,The
- — V-& C-On+ m for DiNAW COrLtrra1.73 OPW Errurr wredd acid
HtwUh lmRf affvu doles that good &zi�grt fan redurc mLnt;d
hcaith stressem For example, accoas io green sNce has
b-CM IiV1RtJ 10 fWer MCOVUy fF-UFCL illrleSNS and injuriesp
impeu+mod ability of cMdrsn to -emccnirate, arA mduccd
IrucLs of both properly attd Aolrrtt cri,rnes, Community
d sign isalso asocial equity issue,aspour quality design ha3
ufwn hewn -CoAcentratod is amas wish ff our or rningrily
r f populations,
- y
lthgva Firrmees Market
PAGE 94 • HLALTHY COMMt1Nltlt:5 TOMPUNS CMNrFY COMPNEHENSIVE PLAN 2915
Land U!se!s* if pfioplc percri+T a sakly issue in their oamrnunity, their
1"ih,aod of cnMWIi in physical activity is F-duacd,Neigh-
Kud Lind use¢are erltk�]w ievIaSg gtm p;ues to 11w, borhood dcsi:�n which cncoumZes informal mxial interac-
work.aM play. A mtx of land uses supppm a tkiw uarled tiona prowkdes natural surveillance that
pVulawa and a, widen comanerclal hie to soppmi public discuursFs o net and increaacs atrtCL as£. In community
imwlL Peopic with dlmWliiles report a greater dLFfkemKy planning,it is important that dcdsjons arc made with puh]ic
lrn meeting daily needs. inc]aft Chase muted t*physical: safirty in mind. Lkehtiq]cv&appropriate to the use-of the
aM wLAI w4llneu. Ln aren where watt-a sera, street cna55LW that are short and
mix does not exist. Mixed land uses can A mix of i uses vwI1-paved,seating that a]Lows far rest and
erLba tee the +'fC� ty and murky of m reLri ge from the c1cments, and landscap-
am by increnhig the number of people supports a moreing that ally pcopk to clear y sec each
using sklrwalks " wa]kwap. A mix ■ population other and traffic arc among kry dements
]anal aWa a]su hc]ps 1.0 rrd[MhW 00F=UL ■ ■ - Of a safe strut Salter,MOPE inttncstin&car-
nitp life because strmts, public space4 ridm for pedcsxdam, bdkcs, and a wWi
cummiuriitybuiWiFUVs and rctaileAaWiNh- oDmmercial base riders rcduoes oongntion and dingcmus
merits 2$ n bowmc places where people to sijpport public conflicts as more oaad users feel comforl-
rrmcct and talkn!Sit. ab]c using &1urnatives to personal %+ehL-
Surat ]and Lms and mana�rmcnt prat- cam. which also impnwcs the experience
tices m■} be in,campatfbLe with a healthy far remaining moterlstr� Streets that are
and sak community. 5cv ral municipalitkz in Tompkins designed andi safely actessibde for all uum irrclud1ngpe&s-
aounly have put in place bans on certain hrmT industrial arlans4 NcycIlLis, moWrists, transit riders, and drIvem are
actNitiesth,at.would cwdlictwith Inca]comprch,erLkvrpLans maLmfmly r6?ned to as cm plea stFetts. Iaormunlclpal
and community teals, and the aunty has ba,nnrd the uac
cooperation is critical to ensuring the safety and continuity
of byproducts of gas drilliu� a,ctiviticp on Cvunly rids- od'pklestrLm, hike, and LransLt am-enitics and healthy corn-
16c Cmwty has also pss9cd■Ne0bor Nutificatioa Law to muarktkes auras the c8untv-
rcqui.re that adjoining property owncrs be info=od wb,en RwogAlzing the impuf safe desip his on tmsLt riders'
pesxidde application is planned- The County and munic- het th aad wilLl ngnem rp use public transpartatban, Tamp-
ipalities, aften by their joint efforts t'hru* the Tompkins king County Area Tn ns1t (TEAT) has worked wllb local
County Council of Gaucrnments, need tv writiouc to be mpnicipolLtles 10 improva 4dktles to crease 5;Xk.comfwv
alert tv such powntial threats to hralth and safM and dr;ise
appropriabc n-spOHsca.
Streets and Roads
)Arline thcrc are mmify segments-of assets and roads in &c a
county tkeat do a good fob of sccwnmuoi:6Un8 all modes r
of transportation, civerall there is room five impumcnicnk L
mwng most of Mhe coo tion network as
evidenced by fmIfy 47 percent of thr Streets in the City and
A16grs haying sidewalks.Vchides were inuoNed in 62 iicci-
drsits invcn %ing bkydists ior pedesardans during ZO 13.result- E
irg in L2 serious inkjurLes and 37 minor inkurirs to those
Cycling or wall ft
When strwas and roads are designed Gar the a$Eat+y of all
users. posildve suet activity Incru and PeQme more
fully engage In t15eLr oomrnuh3tde€29tudles biotic shown that — -
A' `5 A'we!Et+tierrt an Caydigo Areet Pity of�0'tsotiev
h r wrt JnfmATo dun me aTe Dewjupmrw FuUTrrS Chaper. 'Uwbdfjyr 7hrokgh Good um'r ewm
"Fur murtirrfurmuriorashe the 7iaaAa rraria,q aaprer -Uifrkw Pz*1efrgrrnyirrrg.{lost's&idolr.
TOPAPURS UWKW VMPWHENSIVE nAN ZW5 . HEM711'f COMMUNRUS PALGE 95
aWc waLtLng and bou-41Lng arras for lransii riders. 1t wOl be &sabilibesr will only be me more important over tLme, as
important fur thes; cfFrarts to cominuc, with an Incrcascd will the arrrcdb liry ofthme facilities t4noa-driYcrsasnrurr
emphasis on irnpmu -cmcws alung rural ruut-M such as park proplrf xtVu cknvin$by chuice orncceAtyr Current eff-arts,
arr,d rides where sak.pleasant waiting areas for transit riders n h as TCKr's summer routes to Eirveral arty parks,can be
of all ages and abditicsconild be protvidtd. built upon to imprefvt thr arccmLbLbty of park and recre-
2t3ona1 f9ClitLC5.CMC should alro be tak,co
Reduc4 Ihr number of pc ;Ac relying to inaease opportunities for those with
on peraorLA vehicles reduces aLr pcgu- if people - dlisabil do so that they can more actixcLT
tion, resulting in public health benefits. a safery issue in c"the region'.parks, trails,and rct=-
Accwding to the U.S. EmviLnMMerrta] their community, ational fa€Lhties.
Protection Agency (EPA , 51 ptrccnx of
the ca.rban mcnazide m"cal US.cities their likelihood
carries from vehicle wish vrhidt emis * Neighborhood Design**
in
sion5 contrlbuidng significant amounts of Physical is acpcn,dtncr cm the automobile far even
thc$ir pollutants that a t human health. the shortest hwusehold trips incre-a&n the
it duding ihoae wLth chcmkal sensitiuL- reduced. number a4 vehicles using the strmts.hraks
ti,eg. and the envir-onment- The tramspor- social Lnieraction among neighbors, end
tation seclor consisttndy uses 6c mast limits mobdlity for non-drivers,adding to
energy-and oralts the mom grevnhousc gases within Tamp- the Lncreasdng trend-of social Watlon The 2A,237 Tbmpldns
kLns County. Although Tompkins t o my is ponsWered aLn County residents o3mrrutLng to work alone as d 2012 end
"attainment'm►s by the EPA,an area that dots better than 67.008 trip-&calm by!w Inm*md tho5e kn nud dparatran-
the na#Loral ambient a.Ir quality -landard under the Clean sit on Gad2lmul in 2013 indicate autornoWe dependtnec
ALr Act Amendmewsof I M,there are conslstrnt concerns rernairs high.
that aif maniR-oring stuns making these dee-mLn3tioru
one I"a:ed outside of Tornpklns County and rrmy net pro- The U.S. Department of Health and Hari Services Rural
videtruly accurate Local d2i3. Msiistance Censer Werltlfres the diso nnect bi twetrt family
;;Itd cerrriunity and�x1A iwialims;u risk fa>ciorsfordaw l!-
R;rkdc Trai G!5 i3 nd Re rreatA nn a I pac i lit i es* opLng certain tnewW he4ih condllions and for irKemIng
substanoe abu-9e..Xewhcrosini;de%AopnientcAn he designed
Tfw TampMm PeiWfly TmM S1rwe& (2014) Weralfies the to lncotjmrate streets a,sd ak&w3L.k¢ that -cL�oant to the
lcey tr4s in the cmmunlly which wooW foam the basis of "dercommurAy fkric,Nalve v tatlon;imd LandvApe
a 5l•mLle system ofootmecled rnuill-usepaths and69 miles r!�lnfoetw the cerise of place and cor4mecdon acid slkouW be
of Weatiatr•acnly tlrru•hiket wails.With added inv+egmc at an Lntcgmil part of uigbborhood de!ign.
to compkne and conrrtct ahem, ma-my of ih6-se trails 4:;An
b CUUM trarispurtaLLurt pathWA)%fur w;dkLn&and bi¢y4kng.
lmpltmerrl Greg this stfAlegy hU Obvii m TtMAtirnkiil beat•
lRU,bUt rtMUkYOfthett*W lmpro+=mWnts 41s0I=d tL Q"i
to i ced commuteropWiunitbtss.
A Large portion of the community's parks and wmatioul.
fkOitin are l&kted irk afta3 that are difficult iu acuss with- -
oui a Yahicier- It is irnpurta 1 W Iocatc rmr-motional a3nrni- a --
ties in ve.as thin ¢fir] be rtie"hed by +calking, cy-di g. and �,.a_., ,.•��
trtnsil m wcrg CM apccsis therm with-out rel�ing on psrwal. �
VChicles, This Ls partLeularlY impua-tant given Llac demu-
grarphic shift arrLcipaeird. where the number of older adults
is eapec7ed tv double by 2030t the need for recrcalionaE -
spmrs to support the ncrclx of 4�Ider adults,anti people with
Gadabaw Troveh g Through the Cify of 01hoca
Jrw ;n�prMmrJa��+€����ur��puner e�lrerr, 7ir�+e�•
I;ar jtw-imfw3tealiawsec du 1kn efamenl Adrerm Mapw,WvahiH7Thrauyh fkadtllesi0'rrrrinr_
PArjE 95 ' HEAt.THY COMMUNMU ' 1 OWMINS-ODUWIY ChtPW HEN51YE PLAN ZW5
Houses can be oriented in a way that facilitates spontaneous ing a home freezer. In addition,more residents are growing
social interactions while also allowing privacy. Both neigh- their own food at home or in community gardens.
borhoods and homes should be designed in a way to encour-
age visitability,meaning designed in a way that can be lived Although many of the farmers' markets now accept SNAP
in or visited by people who have trouble with steps or who (food stamp) benefits and other programs for low-income
use wheelchairs or walkers. Strong social connections and seniors and families with children, one of the challenges
familiarity with neighbors and community are also vital for moving forward will be making sure healthy food is both
crime prevention and sense of safety. affordable and easily accessible to underserved populations.
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier estimated that in 2013,
13 percent of the county's population was food insecure. The
Housing Design number of individuals and families requesting food assis-
Housing design that enables independence can be a preven- tance through local food pantries, shelters, and other pro-
tive form of health care that ultimately reduces demands viders continues to increase. These providers and programs,
on services. Residential development can be situated and such as free and reduced price meals in schools and SNAP
designed in a way that enables people of all physical abil- benefits,are vital to addressing hunger among lower income
ity levels to live as independently as possible while reduc- community members. Land use regulations can be written
ing environmental stressors, a concept sometimes referred to allow access to healthy food in both commercial areas and
to as universal or enabling design. New residences, as well roadside stands.As noted in the Natural Resources section,
as home retrofits, should include features such as adequate the protection of high quality farmland within the county
lighting, 32-inch clear doorways, and zero grade entries to is paramount to allowing regular access to healthy, locally
allow for easy use of walkers and wheelchairs,and at least an sourced food.
accessible half bath on the first floor so that people of vary-
ing abilities can live in and visit these homes.
It is important to not limit improvements to older popula-
TAKING ACTION
tions as the term universal design often implies.Doorknobs STRATEGIES. Actions that support this chapter are
should be designed for smaller hands, storage should be included in the ITCTC's 2035 Long Range Transportation
accessible for those tall and short alike, and automobiles Plan(2014)and the Tompkins Priority Trails Strategy(2014).
should not be a requirement for participation in society The Long Range Transportation Plan identified initiatives,
no matter one's age or level of function. Public investments such as safety education,support for the expansion of bicy-
should always be made in a fashion that supports design that cling and walking, and incorporation of"complete street"
allows all people to thrive. features in roads within the urbanized area. The actions
identified within the Priority Trails Strategy will assist the
Healthy Food development and maintenance of five key trails to create an
outstanding trail-based recreation and transportation net-
Options to obtain healthy food in Tompkins County are work. One of those five trails is the Black Diamond Trail,
steadily improving.Throughout the year,the Ithaca Farmer's connecting the four State Parks in the county.
Market continues to thrive downtown,on the Cayuga Inlet,
and near East Hill Plaza. Building on this market's success, The Tompkins County Health Department's Community
several towns and villages support smaller-scale markets Health Improvement Plan 2013-2017 also provides strategies
bringing more healthy food options to these communities. and suggested partnership activities to address the commu-
nity's most pressing health concerns. Although actions are
Diverse commercial agricultural activities provide a variety of healthy food options, from locally produced dairy prod- closely aligned with public health efforts,they provide guid-
ucts to Community Supported Agriculture shares of fruits ante for productive partnerships to pursue in an effort to
ensure the community advances its desired health outcomes.
and vegetables. Other creative programs that help make
the connections between healthy local food and consumers PARTNERS. Healthy communities rely heavily on the
include Cornell Cooperative Extension's Meat Locker Proj- design of the built environment, and require those work-
ect,where consumers can rent space in a collective walk-in ing in public health, transportation, historic preservation,
freezer to store locally purchased bulk meat in lieu of obtain- and public safety to ensure that designs safely meet people's
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PAGE 97
needs. County agencies require a number of partners to COUNTY ROLE. Health is an important component of
improve coordination of the overlap between the built envi- County Government activities, with a number of depart-
ronment and health. TCAT and the ITCTC are critical to ments filling key roles. The Tompkins County Health and
planning for and meeting transportation needs throughout Mental Health Departments assess health needs and con-
the county. The Human Services Coalition(HSC)of Tomp- cerns within the community, connect individuals with
kins County is an important partner in its ability to coordi- treatment and other types of assistance, and educate com-
nate organizations working in the areas of health and human munity members about physical and mental health issues.
services in order to identify and meet local service needs. The Department of Social Services connects individuals and
The HSC's Creating Healthy Places program is working to families with food,mobility,and other assistance needed to
reduce obesity and prevent Type 2 diabetes by changing the maintain their well-being. The Planning Department's data
environment to increase physical activity and consumption and expertise regarding population trends, land use, hous-
of healthy foods. ing, the environment, and community facilities, together
with the ITCTC's work in mobility and transportation,
Streets and sidewalks are primarily the responsibility of local assists efforts to shape the built environment in ways that
municipalities.They are also responsible for reviewing new encourage healthy living. The Office for the Aging (COFA)
development projects and can ensure that they incorporate and the Youth Services Department provide data and exper-
healthy design elements. tise related to the health and well-being of older adults and
Additional partners include gerontology experts at Cornell youth.The Office of Human Rights works to increase aware-
and Ithaca College who help to inform discussions regarding ness and enforcement of civil rights laws, including those
the needs of seniors.The Finger Lakes Independence Center Pertaining to accommodations of disabilities.
advocates to improve the quality of life for people with dis-
abilities and their families, and works with individuals in County Actions to be Initiated
need of assistance.Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tomp- within Two Years
kins County provides a number of resources and programs
related to health throughout the lifespan, transportation • Develop a healthy communities strategy as a collabora-
equity, access to healthy foods, and more. Parks,trails, and tive effort of County departments.
recreation efforts involve municipalities, the Finger Lakes Establish a formal role for the County in trail develop-
Trail Conference, the Cayuga Trails Club, Black Diamond
ment.
Trail Enthusiasts Network, the Tompkins County Chamber
of Commerce Foundation, New York State Department of • Prepare and share a sidewalk inventory with municipali-
Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recre- ties.
ation and Historic Preservation, landowners, and other
interested community members and organizations.
' Giles-Corti(2004).Public Open Space and Physical Activity:How Important is Distance,Attractiveness and Size?
PAGE 98 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
development
patterns
A pattern of development that replicates characteristics of traditional neighborhoods or builds new neighbor-
hoods based on the efficient use of existing infrastructure and strengths of existing communities will combat
sprawl and preserve open land, natural resources, and public and private funds. Such development can take
many forms,from clustered housing in rural hamlets to dense urban neighborhoods.It also allows for choice
of living environments including existing suburban areas and rural homesteads.
PRINCIPLE
Tompkins County should be a place where new development is focused in
compact, walkable, mixed-use communities.
POLICIES
It is the policy of Tompkins County to:
• Strengthen downtowns as retail, service, employment, and community
centers.
• Encourage municipalities to protect rural character and scenic resources by
limiting sprawl.
• Promote more housing and mixed-use development in Development Focus
Areas.
• Support land use policies and regulations and public infrastructure
improvements to encourage private investment in the Development Focus
Areas.
• Preserve and enhance the distinct identities and historic character of existing
communities.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS PAGE 99
SNAPSHOTnew ccanmcrrial center was established in what is now thr
�F T H E COUNTY TODAY �Ua�of���,�hi;bcr thecnnsteuctivn of t�'�S 1�v,�tfi 13,
shopping centers and apartment compltxcs wcm drawn to
the access pruvided by the Triphammer Road interchange
L4istoric patterns of traditienal dEwkap cnr are still very sOiUh Route L 3,
visible and prominent in arch of Tompkins County. The
pattern-of a main atwet neatly hood.with hia aric buildings More reacndy, iommcrdal dcKlopmcnt has gr-awitatcd to
sittinS amid a grid of neighbaffhood streets can he seen in the 5vuffiwnt portion of the City of Ithaca. with dcMiap-
the City Df Ithaca and its neighborhoods, ment of stwend big bone axores and related
and in mGait rillagcS and hkt-061 harnlcts. smallercommcTriad p]a w.
Suburban development patterns, which For over y If a
were the d,ominant dev�el,oprrtent trend 4 E�ev�rlopmenl outside es�abJished centers
the �r�nnd �,alf oftltic tw�entleth crrkr�ry� of dc+�dopment uses more land. &etwecn
can alga be found throupaut the county.
■ t 1995 and 201:,, the amount-of developed
i I located In Lund in Tompkirsa County increased by 25
NaiL-n ally, during the post-'r of Id %%fir II !ruraoutside percent.or 6.0M acres,wh t the popula-
eM pupy4;arnWurtLtles rxperlerWed npid tion only increased by irvrperccnt.Nearly
expamlon at thg edge&atlwrir pppulaalan f a 90 percent -of the newly dcweLoped lands
centem Gentrid nc+ighbmtoo& within were outside the Development Focus
.dLkn,kowns.and Adages we a op d of Area&
vmalth and wnrk,ee�in fawar of rMmmr.lc w
4an9q.dispersed d*velopmenls on their fringes. This pat.
tarn Of�e�V63p3i ter t IMS;11ad 3 dr 01c cffeCt oJR the lal 1 S U ES A N D
and eon, mic WkJ)113Ly of rx151IAg LOM M11153'13'M 9.S Wdl as
:MgiOcalst Impacts an the oulurall envIrunmem and qual- O r` r`O RTM ITI E
ity of MM1;tnky LLfe, The 4e%-4opmcrt of formed} op*n
lands teas r urxtt plait acW animal habitats,degraded wmer Sprawl and Trad i Giofta ll N sigh bo rhood!s
rrwurcea, acid inEl0er110cd Mtnsportataun chodees that have
degrad,edairquality.md=d phy-siaal utivo,and Lncrea d Spmwi has led La d;l4nyexmW In trardhkrW communLty
the thrrat-of global climue ch;Angp oenten and dgradatlan of urban and v loge rye obor-
h In �n5e ems codnmunily green -tpaco hive b-eea
']hls �tterrl Ls e�-id[rSk in Tompkins County. For cover half last la male mom for hL$h��rs,parklr�g,ar�d drirrm•(]�rougkG
�ertritury. raw cor,�kr��lan has prlrnarily I� ted Ln twat last
At the saGtic iimr rural arrta�}1a+�eap�erLencci
�u>$idrt of the city nerd +��9a��, by a ratio aF tw�r t� fi�g�ertr�ti�r� and ]o� of farmland. f�st� wi]dlifc l��i•
one. This suburbanawpraw] and I�r-d�srtsiiy�, scattered rust tots.and other spaee•tt4t�'�.
deytlopme+nt have provided t�ided additkm l hout and living
options fur midcn#, In the 1 s and ;; significant
Po pu I a t10
T91M f M 20W 2010
In Ory and lfdlage-s 47,E 45.B% 4B.S% 45,2%
Out5kde CFty a M villages 52,r % 54.7% 56.1% 156.8%
NOLISIN.G UNITS 411111
In Cary a+1d villages 48.0% 44.7% 43.5% 413%
Outside Cky arwd 11illoges 52.0% 56.3% 56.5% S83%j
Same: a-r. CersusBwreav
PMt:101) ` WAILDMINVTPATrER115 • rWRIONS COUNTY COMPREWN5NE PLAN 2015
A key opportunity to combat this sprawl- & walks,public seating and gathering places,
ing land use pattern is growing interest IF ' denser pattern and street trees and other plantings to gro-
in returning to a pattern of development of development vide access to the outdoors.
that resembles more closely the traditional _
neighborhood and village than the typical provides • Redevelopment in existing neighbor-
late twentieth century suburb. Evolving livingoptions hoods may threaten important historic
demographic, economic, environmental, for the aging resources. The preservation of historic
and fiscal changes call for a return to com- population. resources can be fundamental to commu-
munities built with these trends in mind: nity character and quality. The massing,
size, scale, materials, and architectural
• Baby boomers are downsizing and features of historic structures can provide
concerned about needing to drive design elements for use in new construction so redevelop-
everywhere ment promotes the sense of place.The 1977 County publica-
• Young adults are driving less and seeking to live in tion of Historic Preservation in Tompkins County includes an
mixed-use neighborhoods inventory of historic resources in Tompkins County. Local
• Families are smaller municipalities can use local land use laws to establish stan-
• More households have two wage earners dards for design and redevelopment of historic structures
and in historic districts.
• Growth in household incomes is flatter
• State and Federal funds for infrastructure are no longer The Cost of Sprawl
plentiful
• Energy costs, for housing and transportation, are grow-
Sprawl has also contributed to an increasing cost of providing
government services.Highways,water lines,and sewer lines
ing have been extended beyond our capacity to maintain them
• Greenhouse gas emissions are widely accepted as driving in the long-term. Reliance on the automobile has increased
climate change traffic and put additional strain on the ability to maintain
highway infrastructure. It has also created new problems of
New concepts of urban design make such density compat- increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that
ible with many of the amenities that were sought by those governments struggle to address. In rural and suburban
moving to suburban areas, such as more green space,more areas strain has been placed on volunteer fire departments
parks and trails, and increased safety. A denser pattern of and other emergency services to meet the needs of a dis-
development also provides enhanced living options for the persed community.
aging population, including the opportunity to use public
transit for health care visits and other ser-
vices. E Nodal Development*
Nodal development
While density is concerning to many due Nodal development, that is, development
to perceptions of noise and lack of privacy, usesthe that is clustered in an existing or planned
new design features have made many of resourcespopulation center,is a way to direct growth
these concerns obsolete. For example, neighborhoods towards existing communities already
more energy-efficient homes with thicker offer • maintains served by viable infrastructure. Nodal
walls and more insulation are often very development uses the resources existing
quiet spaces and can be located in closer the value of neighborhoods offer and maintains the
proximity without increasing noise.Other public and private value of public and private investment in
ways to create successful dense neighbor- investments in community infrastructure and facilities.
hoods are to accommodate a diversity of By encouraging development in these
residents at varying stages of life to create infrastructure • areas, communities benefit from a stron-
mixed age and income neighborhoods facilities. ger tax base, closer proximity of jobs and
and to invest in public spaces with side- services, increased efficiency of already
*For more information see The Economy Chapter, `Supporting Infrastructure for Economic Development-Commercial Centers"section.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 0 DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS PAGE 101
Dew!I opmerit Focus Areas 7hc Uri�im CrWer Lneludes portion of the City of Ithaca,
the Towns of Ithaca and Laming,,and the Ylla�cs of Cayuga
i l its and ImL ng and is the largest of the Lkvdaj=nt
Poms Area&'Ihr urban rentxr is the hiSWFL{ emfxlo}Mmrnt,
retail, service, and govxrnm,cnt center for the surraunding
ream; has a dense imlcrnad transit xptem, providing fre-
quent opportunities to travel between destinations within
the{.:cater;has water and sewer infrastructure;and suppwu
the grcarest divmity of housing, businesses. and cmpLay-
mrn t.
l&adt% wh,elhar esudhlisbcd or errtergin& arc walkable
I in Am. A general rule of thumb is that po*e arc willing
to walk up to t-en rrlinufc9, foLoiy a half-mile, to run an
errmbd of walk to school, but for any peator dist . the
in Lotion shins to driving- Nadu. like Urban Centers,
have public wamr and sewer systems capable of slapportrrtg
dimm and diverse devrJopment. EAWWs ed J&&, m as Lhe
name Lmplim already,exist and have a mix of hou:�ing k}pm
dLverm bualnamu and serviom and CnIplaymeot opportu-
niteNi. EmeWng Nadei have some water and sawyer infra-
Ul G&W structure for puns for khose aarvkes) wltb the ca elty to
GMWMWWd MW" iuppart mLxcd-wdevelopment;h,owcver.thcy lack the mLx
n—rvn N-'Jq ' of hand uses Thal would make therm E�tab!. 1Mad Nodes-
iRwal GeMi r ht,;nba t Boandmnen%
A•Trumanshurg G•51arerwille Mai•Aden Mum Cenim are a[sA) walkable Ln sig'e' -Mffy usually have
B-jacksantiills N•Varna U-Frevville i a rrtlx of mideraW d"opmeel, employnwnt, I}csLr,e&w.
C-Enfield{enter t-Ur mn Cemer 0-Etna I and ger vim.- The crltical di.fference l-etwiten Node& ;nd
G.NewRdd i-South Lansing -P,NY3.EG,krea R-ur4['enters Ls the l�r,Jt�of water airdsewer Inft�slr wture In
E-DMby IL-GrBmn
F-Brw kiandoW L-Lgd.&An the Ruivi Centers. Thew renters)Belt balh water and sewer
lnfra.&Mctm and. thus, cmmcA support the Inumily of
SbtA rf- Tamp"McAfy Arian frq J749rrrMM developnum env!.Moned in Mod s. H +e-r. tlrffr do rve
animpor=1 furGelir►a1;;�crpinauercial*rW strykemtem thr
I'he sunLoun(J.lrkg rural p ipuhc ions.
dffmb p*d land axed infrastructure, n dviced d"eloprmnt I nfil� Devel op m ent
press= Ln fringe arm,and conservation or farmland aa)d
open�paoe. M ihg rteigl'Iborh�xod8 Gf'i �aomtl5od*te rtruc$ of
the growth thft corrtmunmes require throagh infill dc%,dop-
A rec"t study and relrtedi 9krt"yl adopted by TnfrtpkiAg mint,browil5elth rede+duFnrnt,and the rehabilitation of
C-Qunty WentAll4d four tkpe3 Of NMOP- rariistLftg buildings,IfME]I dtVdCVrYme„u aan-
ment F*cW Afem=one VrbM Genter,five development siiSt5 -uf building homes. buknemcs, and
E�aWlsbed NWm r-vo krneegliq ModAm. public (kilii.ies Urn ynusod and UndrrulL-
;PN eight Iirol Ceatem diffemn" consumes lessland h5xd I;k tds withi-n C.Ij!54ing 4; rr MunLtit%,
affong these inp s is Iargeliy a ma ur of and makesmore inrtlaing rcdcv-u1uprncnt of silos wLth
scale and is MfMdV;)function of the OV41. - of "isting bvildirg& such dc%,dDpm,enit
;ANIi y oaf public wvk*�, pfiru+iLY p'ub4ic existin facilities (:m:iu 1m less land and makes mere tffi-
wawr OLnd Sewer aid transit, cicnt Use-of caiistirlgfacilities and xrrviM.
and 5ervices. Taking a-duanuage -of LaU development
-upportunit ies kceps Tmaunxs whcrr
PACE 102 - 0MLDP7MFMT PATTFRN5 • rOMPIONS COUNTY CUMRREWNWE PLAN 2015
Wr while supporting mddiWnaL development that pruAdeg
a high qualLty of Life,
RESTPENTlALLY DLVERS'L. Dn-clupin mt Focus Areas
should br dynamic communities able to arcflrnmodatr a
divtiersity of residents at varying stags of life. From sfinior
- housing to family-oriented developments,succcssEul De cl-
■'�`' opm,cnt Focus Arcas contain a mu Df housing types that
f appeal Lo a variety of drrnognphic group& Housing types
i F imludr detached singly-family homes, apartments, condo-
: rF mLmumsy and townhouses. This rrsidrential diweraity helps
- � atoommodate a broad rank of Lnccimes and needs. while
also helping support area servim and businesses. With
Ilhc f igkWF dcnshiesy residcndal privacy and %kty can be
Pevaurorr[Rowio the Crry of Ithaea addressed through car6A design,huddkng ofientatiort,and
site layout.
BUSINESSES AN1) SERVl E . Tb Ibest
■ a support its mLd&nL% the overwhdm-
pe�pit alrrady Li�rc, all,aws r�avildiag to Ind ma�oritlr of bu�irr�es arrd �erw6res
ecckirF crratea d,cnsit}� to siippa¢t transit design principles In a �ev�eLepmerrt Focus Are$ mould he
and ot:icr amenities,and is to accnnw i ] in the tore -Dr. in the casre of the
mo`datlog ga-owth that supporis the qualltlr maintain historic Urban. Center focus areas, cel�borhond
ch efiiftefcxi�tin rc�idfinta_ 4;man mial areas- This wncenlwi�n of
Vacam ]crud runucs to mind first whr� supporting *re rwices makes Lt easy fir resldenrs to runt
considering infdJ dcv+clopment. However r wflple errs on-a sLggle trip.
UndMitiaMd land Wr d brUWRIICWS,enC
WF.C_L f?EN1CNF.D.-GW4 fkeighbOhi
ck-ancd, may o#frr even more-opportunL- deign 14mogh t> a ow of e�ry d,ekgn
tics. Siaglc stony strip maLLi can be mn- guidellno Wpq uhleve higher re:�edentW knsltles while
verted to multiple story huiLdings wLth a combin,atior, or 3aa;rtitalr ing IlW*kblLty crud L€ $ pr nVqWjiite toy aiir otlrug
retell space on the first dam,efficcs ua the second,and rtn- tw7rkh r5;xiderita andkti+aslng. Tlte� �hau4d be sp�e�liiic to
[dances �n upper flo�rs� Lark lofts with one h�mc call b� K,��17 I�vclop�xtenk u� Aga �d cmuleci incarr�ECalion
redcti+elop with two or thn c tunil W-ilb peomty owng s. busirk "", -Aad elt mom c4d4s or
Infdl dowel-apnwnt requires &pedal dmign con&ldamfiam E%LI4iL:II3WI on svINIA a sample design featvms hke IlhAvI g
to assure proXcts fit the surrounding neJghborhmd, have %lowI'riinI%ami enkr}%-airs fare streets or pmki.
access to adquLaw infrastructure to support the new dernar d A DDRES i NO I'SF. POLLUTION.. XoLse polluiion 6 a dis•
for puVic srrvkm and include design features khat will imetttive for peopleto=on todemr areas.JIktlldlnpwah
anrsrt new husinp_� and residents to thedm&Aapment. lhkiwr ++Mlle arW mory LnsWation can mduQr in& r nodse
leve16,AS nAL as re&<irlg energy vse,l.tr d&CarN g.brtildirW
Livah i lity Through Good Des ign3* wiewatdo,, and gltzLng treatrnems sp"ialiud for saund
The seuaers of DevelopmeM fcKus Areas depends, In Imp abakttrmt can alm help red=1he irnpacs of noist on rw,
iderrts,
part. on their abitity W aewe;k vikyr I, Il,We 4�ommmkty
that addre se.s both the rpf 5praw6 as welt as VtIgt W R'F- 1Al— An Mlivcr eng�ging, ;IfW safe puNic
those features or Inwtr deti!5itp development that appeal to malm is central to a swoemfol Development lows Arm.
maq,Alkha* rio si*e design templaw cam be apoi;W to Comfortable sidcwaU Fubh-;seating and gatheringpLavra,
all of these areas, there*re pLarmLng and deign prhiciples suet[trces and rather planting#,public art,and ground lavrtl
xhat cake help the community malntaln lu hL orlc charge• :"rM-frmjt miilaMal]oornponenks-of apubLic realm where
`&r mw MfartarmWit see the H&MY Commwlm Cha `Land bW Nod'.vrfgW*rkMd Defigff urlr'c m
TOM MKS COUNTY{OMPREHENSR+E CLAN 2015 DLWLOPIAENT PATTERNS Rs[jE I o3
people want to spend their time. Investing in and upgrad- • Infrastructure Improvements. Implement improve-
ing these spaces can help attract more pedestrians and street ments to existing public water and sewer systems to sup-
traffic and promote local businesses. port compact mixed-use development.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE. Natural features should be • Connections. Provide pedestrian facilities within each
protected and integrated into Development Focus Areas. Development Focus Area to make walking an attractive
Notable vegetation and landforms should be maintained transportation alternative. Provide and maintain transit
as focal points or incorporated in the overall design. The connections between the Urban Center and the other
integration of natural landscapes and vegetation into urban Development Focus Areas. Also, provide strong pedes-
settings contributes to stress reduction and better air qual- trian and bicycle connections between the Development
ity.Naturalized stormwater management is also encouraged Focus Areas and nearby existing developed areas.
to reduce infrastructure service costs and create additional Controlling Sprawl. Most of the benefits of concentrat-
multi-purpose green and open space. In general, a mini- ing growth in the Development Focus Areas will not be
mum of 20 percent of a Development Focus Areas gross area achieved if a sprawling pattern of development continues
should be maintained as park or open space. outside of these areas. Development outside the Devel-
opment Focus Areas should not require the expansion of
VEHICLE MOVEMENT.As is the case in the City of Ithaca water,sewer,and transit services and should fit the char-
and villages in Tompkins County, State Highways transect acter of the surrounding rural landscape.Limited infill of
most of the Development Focus Areas, creating special existing suburban areas might also be expected.
design challenges. The primary challenge will entail creat-
ing a street where the movement of vehicles through the area PARTNERS. As emphasized above, local governments
does not impede local pedestrian and bicycle activity within play the key role in taking these actions. Towns, villages,
the area and, in fact, supports access to and the City, working independently and
local businesses and services. together,can put in place the legal frame-
It
• • atwork to support this strategy. They have
least two-thirds of the authority to make the day-to-day deci-
TA K I N G ACTION all new residentialsions to support this pattern of develop-
ment.
development
STRATEGIES. Although local govern- • • occur Other important partners in helping to
ment land use plans and regulations are Development
- • • • promote compact walkable communities
the main drivers of what form the county are the providers of the infrastructure
takes in the future,Tompkins County pre- Areas. and services that form the base of these
pared a Development Focus Areas strategy communities: water systems, wastewater
to create a coherent vision for develop- systems, roads, and transit systems. In
ment that crosses municipal boundaries. addition to municipalities,these are the Bolton Point Water
The other plan that looks across municipal lines at develop- System,the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility,and
ment patterns is the Cleaner Greener Southern Tier Regional Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit.The Downtown Ithaca
Sustainability Strategy. Alliance works to maintain and develop downtown Ithaca as
The Development Focus Areas Strategy identified five broad the county's center for "banking and finance, business and
categories of actions needed to achieve the pattern of devel- Professional offices, government and community services,
opment envisioned here: downtown residences,and as a retail destination'
• Density and Design.Promote compact mixed-use devel- COUNTY ROLE. It is envisioned in the future at least
opment in the Development Focus Areas. The success two-thirds of all new residential development would occur
of these communities will be dependent, in part, on the in the Development Focus Areas. Tompkins County's role
quality of design. is three-fold in achieving this vision: providing support to
• Development Regulations. Review local laws, including municipalities as they undertake these activities; strongly
zoning and subdivision regulations, to ensure they pro- advocating for appropriate types of development within
mote the type of development envisioned in this Strategy. Development Focus Areas and rural land uses outside of
PAGE 104 DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015
the focus areas; and addressing the intermunicipal aspects
of implementation,such as providing public transit services
to the focus areas,focusing infrastructure investment in the
focus areas,and promoting efforts to provide strong pedes-
trian and bicycle connections between the focus areas and
nearby existing developed areas.
County Actions to be Initiated
within Two Years
• Work with municipalities to identify potential infill or
redevelopment sites within Development Focus Areas.
• Provide technical assistance to municipalities to establish
land use policies and regulations that support develop-
ment within Development Focus Areas.
' Building Vibrant Communities in Tompkins County... a Development Focus Areas Strategy.2012.
2 Ibid.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2015 DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS PAGE 105
Tompkins County Legislature
Mission and Vision Statements
JAN UARY, 1997
MISSION.The mission of the Tompkins County Board of VISION. The vision of the Tompkins County Board of
Representatives[County Legislature] is to collectively meet Representatives[County Legislature] is a county where our
the needs of our residents and communities and to realize residents'social and economic well-being flourishes in an
the Boards'articulated vision.County government will environment that is physically safe and supportive.
perform those functions not provided as well by individuals, • We see a community where all people are physically
the private sector,other levels of government,or the safe,financially secure,and able to enjoy physical,social
not-for-profit sector.County activities will be designed and mental well-being,
to protect and enhance the lives of the county's diverse where residents of all ages are valued and included
residents and communities in ways that are compassionate, and feel that way;
ethical,and creative within the limits of what residents where families of all kinds are considered important
financially support. and strengthened;
• where those most vulnerable are cared for
To this end we will: respectfully and fairly;
• Allocate fiscal resources consistent with our vision, where all people appreciate diverse cultures and
goals, policies,and community needs opinions,take personal responsibility for their actions
• Foster open and honest communication among and treat each other with civility;
governments and county residents and employees, where freedom of expression and privacy are
County government will initiate dialogue on the respected and protected;
community needs,the appropriate role of County where individual learning and growth opportunities
government,and satisfaction with the Countys direction, abound and full participation in civic life is fostered;
initiatives,and services where arts and cultural resources are supported as
important community assets.
• Create and implement policies that:
• enhance the economic opportunity and well-being of • We see a community where diverse economic
all county residents enterprises prosper and are in harmony with the natural
• safeguard the health,safety,and rights of our and built environment,
residents and employees • where everyone can learn job skills and have
• protect the natural environment for future employment opportunities;
generations and maintain the built environment • where all residents share equitably in the wealth
• prevent the need for more costly future services of the community and support the community in
accordance with their ability to pay;
• Encourage and support programs that: • where all residents can support themselves,their
• achieve the Countys goals families,and their community from generation to
• deliver needed services generation.
• serve vulnerable populations
• strengthen families and communities • We see a community where all people respect the land,
• enhance our quality of life and historic and cultural sites,and act as wise stewards
or our finite resources and the beauty of the landscape,
• Operate a well-run organization by: where land-use decisions reflect this stewardship;
• using a well trained,diverse workforce of employees, where our historic and cultural heritages are
qualified contractors,and volunteers respected and protected by all;
• providing adequate personnel,financial,facility,and where people,goods,and information travel easily
informational support to approved programs and safely on networks that are well-integrated into
• producing a balanced budget that supports the environment.
the County's vision, mission,and goals and has
appropriate reserves for future uncertainties • We see a community where local governments,
• carrying out the mandates of state and federal educational institutions, places of worship, businesses,
governments and community organizations work together to provide
• acting as a resource and partner for other local high-quality,cost-effective services easily available to all.
governments
• responding flexibly and responsibly to emerging
needs and changing mandates