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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-20 April 20, 2016
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REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING
April 20, 2016
A Regular Meeting of the Lansing Town Board was held at the Town Hall Board Room,
29 Auburn Road, Lansing, NY on the above date at 6:34 p.m. The meeting was called to
order by the Supervisor, Edward LaVigne and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to
the flag. Roll call by Debbie Munson, Deputy Town Clerk, showed the following to be
PRESENT:
Edward LaVigne, Supervisor Andra Benson, Councilperson
Katrina Binkewicz, Councilperson Robert Cree, Councilperson
Doug Dake, Councilperson
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Guy Krogh, Town Counsel, Amber Volbrecht, Charlie “Cricket”
Purcell, Highway Superintendent, Michael Long, Town Planning Consultant, Dan
Veaner, Lansing Star, Connie Wilcox, John O’Neill, Village of Lansing, Mike Sigler,
Tompkins County Legislator, Maureen Reynolds, Tompkins County Clerk, Dave and
Joyce Heck, Miles Munson, Reenie Sandsted, and a few other attendees.
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY REPORT – MICHELLE CALUPCA
The following report was available as a handout.
TOWN BOARD UPDATES
FROM THE LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY
APRIL 20, 2016
1. LCL has chosen a winner for the 3rd Annual LCL Logo Contest! This year’s Summer
Reading Program theme is Fitness and the winning logo will be announced at our
Annual Meeting April 18th and featured on Summer Reading program gifts, library
newsletters, posters and the LCL web site for one year
2. For April we are continuing the Buy One Get One Free at the Lobby Book Sale Rack.
New books will be available every week.
3. McPherson Builders are working on replacing the old front entry windows. In
addition to new casement windows, some support work is being done to reinforce
the upper frame. This work is funded through a grant from Senator Nozzolio’s
office.
4. The LCL Annual meeting will be on April 18, 2016 and the trustee election and vote
will be on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. All our current trustees whose terms are up, are
running for additional terms.
5. Upcoming programs:
a. April 10th to 16th was National Library Week and we did “Food for Fines” where
patrons could have up to $5 in fines waived for donating canned goods for the
Lansing Food Pantry. The fines that were waived will also be donated to the food
pantry. And on Saturday, we celebrated National Library Week with a raffle,
goodie bags for the kids, and refreshments.
b. On April 23rd from 11 am - 1 pm the library will host a Lansing LOVES to Read!
Project - Poetry Day 2016. This celebrates April being National Poetry Month,
and LLTR will have poetry themed crafts, games, and a story time at 11 am at the
library. There will be tours of the Old Lansing School House and readings of
poetry & prose written in the 1850s by Lansing school children with Louise
Bement, Lansing's Town Historian.
c. On Tuesday May 10th at 7 PM Roger Fulton, local author and master naturalist,
will give a presentation based on his book “Short Hikes in the Finger Lakes
Region: Cortland and Ithaca Region.” Roger’s presentation will highlight some of
the short hikes in the Syracuse, Cortland and Ithaca areas. The trails range from
paved and easy, to moderate & woodsy trails - something for every level of
hiker.
April 20, 2016
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d. The Annual Budget vote and Trustee Election will be held at the library on
Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
e. The Summer Reading Kick off is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th and the Semi-
Annual Book Sale will be held both Friday and Saturday, June 17th & 18th in
conjunction with the kick-off.
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING – LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2016,
SUBDIVISION RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TOWN OF LANSING
Councilperson Robert Cree moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING TO
CONSIDER AND ADOPT LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2016, SUBDIVISION RULES
AND REGULATIONS OF THE TOWN OF LANSING at 6:35 pm. Councilperson
Doug Dake seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed – 0
A resident asked for clarification on the changes.
Town Counsel, Guy Krogh stated it re-divided the review into three levels that already
exist: major and minor subdivisions and, boundary changes or small one lot exempt
subdivisions. He also stated it streamlines processes for simpler subdivisions. Guy noted
it gives the developer more options.
Edward LaVigne noted that this cleans up the law and gives it clarity.
A copy of Local Law #3 was available on line and at the meeting.
MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Councilperson Robert Cree moved
to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:39 pm. Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz
seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING – LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2016,
TOWN OF LANSING LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE XVI OF THE LAND
USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1611 TO MAP AND CODIFY PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT AREA ZONE #2 – THE WARREN ROAD BUSINESS PARK
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA
Supervisor Edward LaVigne moved to OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING TO
CONSIDER AND ADOPT LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2016, TOWN OF LANSING
LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE XVI OF THE LAND USE ORDINANCE
TO ADD § 1611 TO MAP AND CODIFY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA
ZONE #2 – THE WARREN ROAD BUSINESS PARK PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT AREA
at 6:40 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed – 0
Town Counsel, Guy Krogh stated the Warren Road Business Park was previously
approved many years ago. He noted this is not changing the zoning, it just records what
exists there already.
No one addressed the Town Board.
A copy of Local Law #4 was available on line and at the meeting.
MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
All persons desiring to be heard, having been heard, Supervisor Edward LaVigne moved
to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING at 6:42 pm. Councilperson Robert Cree
seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
April 20, 2016
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PARKS AND RECREATION REPORT – STEVE COLT
The following report was available as a handout.
Parks & Recreation Department
4/20/16
Town Board Meeting
RECREATION
The LBP Baseball and LSP Softball programs have had their respective coaches meetings
and teams have been selected. Practices have started with games starting in the first
week of May.
We have 310 players registered for this season that comprise 33 teams. This program is
amazingly still strong taking into account that our population is NOT growing and there
are many more choices for our students than ever.
Our Saturday Soccer program for ages 4 – 8 years is in the second year. We hoped for
20 players last year and got 60. This year we are already at 80 players and start this
Saturday!!! Adam Heck directs this program.
The ART SHOW this year is set for Friday May 6th and is organized by Robin Schuttenberg
and the East Shore Festival of the Arts.
We are working on the Summer Recreation Program Booklet. We will be offering
several new programs this year, and also not be offering a couple of programs due to
school construction in the pool and in the music wing of the MS.
Robin Schuttenberg has again designed a really nice cover for this year’s booklet. We
hope to have it ready for distribution by the first weekend of May.
PARKS
Alex Powers, local student, for his Eagle Scout Project, has installed a new sign at
Ludlowville Park. He has also taken down the historical sign at the entrance of the park
and has cleaned and repainted it. All looks very nice.
We have reclassified the “live-in” position in Myers Park, adjusting the job duties. This
position will have a much greater emphasis on maintenance and cleaning and less on
Camper greeting. We interviewed and have a great person to fill the position.
Myers Park is cleaning up nicely and with the recent good weather, we have already had
a lot of people visit. We have camper reservations starting the first weekend in May.
Wayne Straw has returned and is back on the job daily in the park.
The Dry Dock area in Myers Park still has 6 or 7 spaces available. These should sell out
before the end of May. The Kayak rack IS sold out now and have a waiting list started.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT REPORT – CHARLIE “CRICKET” PURCELL
Reviewed the following items with the Town Board.
Superintendent Edward LaVigne stated there is great communication with Highway
Superintendent Charlie “Cricket” Purcell.
1. Brush Pick Up – Town pick up starts April 25, 2016
Village pick up starts May 2, 2016
2. Tompkins County Water & Soil Tire Collection – Hosted at the Town of Lansing
Highway Barn on April 23, 2016 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The disposal fee is
$1.00 per car tire, $2.00 per truck tire or $5.00 for a tire with rims.
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3. Highway Hours – Starting May 25, 2016 the Town of Lansing Highway will work
Monday to Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm.
4. Park Paving – Scheduled for early May.
TOMPKINS COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE – MIKE SIGLER
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
Tompkins County Legislator
Michael Sigler
April 20, 2016
Hello and thanks for having me in to update you again.
Through the approval of nine bond resolutions, the Tompkins County Legislature
authorized nearly $8.5 million in financing for 2016 capital projects included in the
County’s 2016-2020 capital program, approved as part of the 2016 county budget
process. We approved up to $1 million for road and highway system reconstruction and
improvements at various locations throughout the and up to $200,000 for repair and
replacement of certain existing bridges. One of the big projects is up to $1,438,000 for
improvements to the Coddington Road/Burns Road intersection and p to $1.4 million for
improvements at the Tompkins County Public Library. The Library and donors will
eventually pay $1.1 million, with the County supporting $300,000 (for new carpeting);
Planning Commissioner Ed Marx and Deputy Commissioner Katie Borgella presented Legislators
with the assessment and findings of the “Tompkins County Energy Roadmap: Evaluating Our
Energy Resources.” The study was one of ten local measures identified in the County’s 2020
Energy Strategy to help prepare the community to achieve its stated greenhouse gas emissions
goals of 80% reduction in emissions over 2008 levels by 2050.
Among the report’s recommendations:
Reduce energy use by 35% in existing buildings through retrofits and upgrades.
Construct new buildings that are extremely energy efficient.
Reduce natural gas use by at least 50%.
Reduce demand for grid electricity by at least 24% from centralized power plants or
energy sources.
Develop at least 50% of the identified solar energy production potential.
Develop at least 20% of identified wind energy production potential.
You can review the Tompkins County Energy Roadmap report posted on the Planning
Department website at http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/planning/energy-climate.
The Legislature, by unanimous vote on the recommendation of the Tompkins County
Bicentennial Commission, passed a resolution officially declaring the year 2017 to be the
Tompkins County Bicentennial Year
The County Bicentennial Commission will announce its plans and ideas for the year-long
celebration this Thursday, April 7, exactly one year from the 200th Anniversary date.
Mike Sigler will update on the April 19th meeting, but needed to submit this report
before that meeting took place.
Thank you for having me and thank you again to Marcia Lynch for all her work as our
public information officer at the county who makes this report possible.
PLANNING CONSULTANT REPORT – MICHAEL LONG
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
Novalane – Jack Young
o Preliminary Plat subdivision plan with turn around extension of Smugglers
Path.
o SEQR – classified as an “Unlisted Action” and will have resolutions
available.
o Public Hearing opened Feb 9th for the “Flag Lots” – still open.
April 20, 2016
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o Storm Water Plan SWPPP reviewed by T.G. Miller, letter dated Jan 26,
2015 of issues, revisions currently underway
o Site meeting to walk future Smugglers Path road extension – 5/7/2015 –
o Request for 1 lot subdivision as an interim step before the entire
subdivision is completed – Sept 28, 2015. Withdrawn at this time.
o Preliminary and Final Plat approvals - TBD.
West view Partners, Boris Simkin – Sun Path R1 Zone - Major Subdivision – 4
Lots + Parent parcel (5).
o Original application - 3 lot subdivision classified as minor
o Joint Planning Board / Town Board Meeting Oct. 6, 2014 to review the
history of the Sun Path development- reclassified as a “Major
Subdivision” and future phases to be included and storm water
considerations.
o Designated a Major subdivision (4 lots and ROW issues) – phase plan
completed by T.G. Miller with ROW access and future roads included
(drawing dated 12/15/2015).
o Revised Subdivision Plan (12/15/2014) - submitted to T.G. Miller Storm
Water Plan for 4 lots with future lots #5-10 and road to north.
o Revised 239 Review from County – response 50 foot buffer 3/30/2015
o SWPPP plan reviewed by T.G. Miller, recommended changes letter
3/23/2015, Meeting held on 4/8/2015.
o Field work completed 9/4/2015 with Dave Herrick on site.
o Revised SWPPP submitted Jan 10, 2016 and review letter issued
1/14/2016 by T.G. Miller
o Revisions to the draft subdivision map are being prepared by T.G. Miller.
o Public Hearing date –March 28, 2016 Planning Board Meeting
o SEQRA and Preliminary Plat approval – April 11, 2016.
o Final Plat review –tentative April 25, 2016 meeting pending survey map.
Lake Forest Circle Drive – L1 Zone - Major subdivision of 16 lots plus storm
water.
o Tompkins Co. 239 review (Letter 11/12/2014) has been completed.
o Storm water plan revisions requested T.G. Miller. Letter dated
11/19/2014.
o Revisions are being made to the SWPPP materials. Submitted 10/26
revised maps. Letter (Oct. 27, 2015) from Tim Buhl in response
circulated. Comments on map sent on map 10/28/2015.
o “Public Hearing”- held December 14, 2015.
o SEQRA, Preliminary Plat approval December 14, 2015 – included waiver
of new town highway specs.
o Discussion regarding existing easements and potential changes – propose
meeting with owner and staff to resolve outstanding issues.
o Revised documents submitted March
o Final Plat approval – TBD.
Ag Plan – Follow up meeting – finalize report meeting June 1, 2015
o Joint Planning Board and Town Board meeting held– June 22, 2015
o Town Board Public Hearing Meeting – July 15, 2015
o Town Board establishes 2nd Public Hearing for Sept. 16, 2015
o Town Board adopted Ag Plan on Sept. 16, 2015.
o Town Board to establish a formal “Agriculture Committee” as per the
recommendations.
o Requested community volunteers Lansing Star and town web site.
o Meeting held Feb 8th 9:00 AM at Linda’s Diner with farmers, etc.
o Ag Committee members appointed by the Town Board February 17th
meeting.
April 20, 2016
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o First Ag Committee Meeting held Monday March 7, 2016.
o Next Ag Committee meeting Monday May 2, 2016.
Mirabito Holdings, Inc. – Site Plan Requested – Town Barn Road B2 Zone.
o 3 acre phased development – LP Gas storage facility with later phase
petroleum.
o Informal Site Plan meeting – PB held Oct 26, 2015
o PB is requesting a “Public Hearing” to be established after SWPPP is
prepared.
o 239 Review requested underway.
o Storm Water Plan submitted 1/11/2016 for T.G. Miller review.
o Applicant’s agreement executed 1/18/2016 with deposit.
o Set “Public Hearing” as requested by Planning Board – January 8, 2016.
o Applicant has submitted the Fire Safety Analysis dated March 1, 2016.
o Revisions being made to the site plan for new driveway entrance and
additional landscaping to coordinate with the SWPPP plan before final
submission.
o SEQRA and Site Plan approval – TBD.
o Town Board to designate Town Barn /Verizon Lane as a “public road” –
April 13, 2016 mtg.
A. Scott Pinney – Peruville Road Site Plan (RA Zone) to add 15 additional duplex
buildings in addition to 4 existing duplexes and office / barn complex.
o Site Plan draft submitted (12/2014, meeting held and revised site plan
resubmitted (9/14/2015).
o Application for Site Plan and Developers Agreement –received
11/15/2015.
o Revised SEQRA application received 11/16/2015.
o SWPPP submitted to T.G. Miller – Oct. 2015 preliminary review
underway
o Revised SWPPP submitted 11/12/2015.
o SWPPP comments from T.G. Miller 11/24/2015 to engineer, waiting
response.
o 239 Review – comments received 1/6/2016.
o SEQRA, SWPPP and Site Plan approval – TBD.
East Shore at Cayuga Vista Drive – (B1 Zone) – Site plan for a “Dollar General”
9,100 SF retail store by Primax Properties, LLC. Together with a subdivision
request to create 2 lots.
o Preliminary site plan drawings received 11/9/2015, application
11/30/2015.
o Informal sketch plan meeting held by Planning Board on Dec. 14, 2015
with neighbors notified.
o Revised site plan with formal application and stormwater plan submitted
1/11/2016.
o 239 Review – submitted 1/21/2016 and received comments 2/2/2016 with
an updated letter dated March 1, 2016.
o Public Hearing for One-Lot subdivision held Feb 22, 2016.
o Approval for “Minor sub-division” creating 2 lots.
o SEQRA / Site Plan approved at the March 14, 2016 meeting.
o Requested easement from the Town Board authorization for driveway
access to Cayuga Vista Drive.
o ZBA denied the (3) sign area variances at the April 12, 2016 meeting.
Airport Storage Building – Arno Finkelday at 8 Hillcrest Road - addition 8
storage units.
o Application and SEQRA forms submitted 1/20/2016.
April 20, 2016
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o SWPPP information submitted 1/20/2016. Forward to T.G. Miller for
review and comments received dated February 3, 2016.
o 239 Review – submitted 1/21/2016 and received Feb 9, 2016.
o Formal SEQRA / Site Plan approval – March 28, 2016.
Cell Tower – Crown Castle (Verizon Wireless tenant) – applicant represented by
Matthew Kerwin attorney of Barclay Damon.
o Preliminary application materials received 3/21/2016.
o Copy submitted to structural engineer for review.
o Sketch Plan review meeting – April 11, 2016
o Balloon site testing – Visual Analysis to be scheduled.
o SEQRA / Site Plan approval – TBD.
Comprehensive Plan – Town Board appointment of members Jan 4, 2016
o Planning Board Members appointed: Lin Davidson, Larry Sharpsteen,
Jerry Caward and Sandy Conlon.
o Requested additional members - Lansing Star and town web site.
o Reorganizational meeting held Wed. Jan. 13, 2016 at 7:00 PM.
o Committee Meeting scheduled for first Wed. of the month at 6:00 PM. –
next 5/4/2016. Committees have been consolidated and new members
assigned.
o Full Comprehensive Plan Committee meetings 2nd Wed. – at 6:00 PM -
next 5/11/2016.
Mike reported the following changes to this report:
Verizon Cell Tower Proposal – They will fly a balloon, behind the car wash, on
4/29/16 or 5/5/16 to the height of the tower.
Sun Path – Final subdivision plan for four lots.
Storm Water – Final version on Mirabito
Town Counsel, Guy Krogh congratulated Mike on the new $20.00 bill having
Harriet Tubman’s picture on it. Mike stated he has been working on the Harriet
Tubman National Park in Auburn for thirty years.
Agriculture Committee – Submitted the grant reimbursement request for $18,750.
ENGINEER’S REPORT – DAVE HERRICK
The following report was available as a handout.
ENGINEER’S REPORT
1. Water System Planning and Maintenance
a. Town CWD, Bone Plain Pressure Zone
• Existing connected water customers will need to be notified of expected dates
for placing the higher pressure zone into operation. Bolton Point to provide the
customer name and addresses. An informational letter explaining dates, what
changes customers will experience and what plumbing changes may be
required in their buildings, if any, has been drafted for Supervisor LaVigne’s
review.
• Contractor is behind schedule in preparing and submitting As-constructed
Drawings of the water mains. Until this is done, the flushing and disinfection of
the mains will be delayed.
• Pavement and lawn restoration is also becoming time critical.
b. Town CWD, Triphammer Terrace Extension
• Design drawings, specifications and Health Department approval application
are complete pending review by Highway Superintendent.
April 20, 2016
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• Project will include the installation of storm sewer pipe and drain inlets to
eliminate the open ditch along the east shoulder of Triphammer Terrace.
• Permanent and temporary easements for the new water main will be requested
of the landowners on the east side of Triphammer Terrace between Aspen Way
and Tahoe Trail.
2. Stormwater Planning and Maintenance
a. Working with Highway Superintendent and Stormwater Management Officer to
prepare the Town’s portion of annual MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System) report to NYSDEC.
• Town’s narrative is due to Tompkins County Soil and Water by Friday, April 22nd.
Full report is due to NYSDEC by June 1st.
3. Code Enforcement and Planning
a. Recently Completed Development Reviews and Planning Department Assistance
• Town Center Lands road and parcel layout
• Town Barn Road right-of-way mapping
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT – CONNIE WILCOX
Connie stated the committee is working diligently on the comprehensive plan. She noted
their target date is the end of June.
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE REPORT – CONNIE WILCOX
Reviewed the following with the Town Board and the report was available as a handout.
Town of Lansing Agricultural Committee
April 13, 2016
9:00 AM at Linda’s Diner
Scott Doyle from Tompkins County Planning gave a presentation on the PDR (Purchase
Development Rights) to preserve farm land, he explained the timelines. There is 5 million
available for Tompkins County with a 2 million cap, will cover appraisals, survey and title
research. It would be a one-time payment, land owner would receive 87 ½%. Factors
involved in the process would be Landowner, Municipality, Farm Management, viable farm,
natural resources, development pressure, future fiscal climate risk.
Based on high value farm resources
Probably around $2000 per acre or perhaps $2500 on high end
All monies are taxable
Pre Applications need to be in by April 25
May to find out about government support
Final Application June 13
Report from Highway Superintendent Charlie (Cricket) Purcell
Highway Department plans to do quite a bit of work in the North end of town and
he will try and coordinate his work with the farmers as to what they are doing at the
time.
Also trying to work with The State DOT on resolving some issues on the State
Highway.
Discussion on Right to Farm Law and putting together a flyer similar to something the Town
of Ithaca did.
Discussion on Leasing Farm Land for Solar Energy.
There will be two presentations one in Bath and one in Montour Falls
sponsored by Cooperative Extension of Steuben County. There will be an
Environmental Scientist, CPA and Attorney present.
April 20, 2016
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Discussed having a Farm Day at the Town Hall and Library area in October, Andra Benson
has agreed to head this up. Lin Davidson has 66 people interested in touring farms, he has
agreed to head this committee up. Thank you Andra and Lin.
Also discussed extending the Agricultural zone to Peruville Rd., I agreed to present this to
the Planning Board and Town Board for discussion.
Next Committee meeting May 2, 2016 at Linda’s Diner 9AM. Jay Franklin will be attending
to discuss the Ag Assessments and answer questions.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
A resident that lives on a private road addressed the board. He stated that he doesn’t
receive snow plow services or brush pick up because he lives on a private road. He
suggested that private road owners should have an adjustment/credit/exemption on their
taxes for these services, which they do not receive. Another option he suggested was to
have the Town of Lansing Highway hire a private contractor to take care of these
services, for the private road owners.
Another resident stated that he didn’t understand why private road owners don’t have
brush pick up.
Highway Superintendent, Charlie “Cricket” Purcell, stated there is a section of town road
that runs in there. He also stated that the private road owners could pile the brush on the
town road that goes to the lake and the highway will pick it up. Superintendent Purcell
noted that not all residents want the town on their private road. He stated the town could
be liable if they are on the private road and some damage is done.
Supervisor Edward LaVigne, suggested the residents discuss this with Highway
Superintendent Charlie “Cricket” Purcell at a later time.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2016, THE
SUBDIVISION LOCAL LAW, AND ISSUING NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE UNDER SEQRA
Town Counsel, Guy Krogh reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form (part 2)
for Local Law #3 of 2016.
RESOLUTION 16-71
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #3 OF 2016,
THE SUBDIVISION LOCAL LAW, AND ISSUING NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNFICANCE UNDER SEQRA
WHEREAS, the Town has long recognized a need to update and simplify its subdivision
local law, and since late 2013 amendments have been underway in respect of the same,
and this draft local law has been reviewed by the Planning Board and the Town Board on
many occasions and a final version has been prepared and reviewed; and
WHEREAS, such local law proposes to update definitions, standards, and procedures of
review of exempt, minor, and major subdivisions, and to add clustering in the form of
conservation subdivisions, all largely following the processes set forth in Town Law
Article 16, but superseding certain provisions to allow for waivers and streamlined
reviews when needed; and
WHEREAS, this proposed amendatory local law is an Unlisted Action under SEQRA
and the Town Board, as the sole involved agency for such a local law will need to
conduct an environmental review and has caused to be prepared a SEAF, mapping, and
related environmental documentation; and
April 20, 2016
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WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider the proposed local law and its potential
environmental impacts was duly held upon the 20th day of April, 2016, at the Lansing
Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, where at all persons interested in the
subject thereof were duly heard; and
WHEREAS, each identified potential environmental impact was analyzed and duly
considered by the Town Board, as Lead Agency in this coordinated review of an Unlisted
Action, in relation to the question of whether any potential environmental impacts were
so probable of occurring or so significant as to require a positive declaration, and after
weighing the above and all other potential impacts arising from or in connection with this
project, and after also considering: (i) the probability of each potential impact occurring;
(ii) the duration of each potential impact; (iii) the irreversibility of each potential impact,
including permanently lost resources of value; (iv) whether each potential impact can or
will be controlled or mitigated by permitting or other processes; (v) the regional
consequence of the potential impacts; (vi) the potential for each impact to be or become
inconsistent with the Town’s master plan and/or Comprehensive Plan and local needs and
goals; and (vii) whether any known objections to the Project relate to any of the identified
potential impacts, the Town Board found that these factors did not cause any potential
impact to be or be likely to become a moderate or significant impact such that a negative
declaration will be issued; and
WHEREAS, this matter has already been referred to County Planning for a § 239 review
and County Planning noted no negative county-wide or intermunicipal impacts and had
no official or unofficial comments or recommendations in respect of this local law and
site plan, but the County had one unofficial comment suggesting that the Town should
consider allowances for passive and active solar power and radiative systems, apparently
as the County did not remember or analyze such a suggestion in light of recent zoning
changes which make on site residential solar, wind, and geothermal facilities permitted as
of right in all districts; and
WHEREAS, a notice of intent under SEQRA was duly delivered to all key agencies and
no agency objected to the Town Board being the lead agency for the environmental
review of this action, and further no agency made any formal comments upon any
environmental matters or issues relating to this action; and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, be it now hereby RESOLVED
as follows:
RESOLVED, that after consideration of the potential environmental impacts reviewed in
accord with 6 NYCRR Part 617, Section 617.7(c), the Lead Agency finds that the
proposed action – amending and updating the subdivision local law by adoption of Local
Law #3 of 2016 - will have no moderate or significant negative environmental
consequences; and this declaration is made in accord with Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law of the State of New York and the New York SEQRA Act, and the
Regulations promulgated thereunder, and accordingly, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, and any and all other documents
prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review,
(ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to
determine if the proposed action may have a moderate or significant adverse impact on
the environment, including, but not limited to, the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §
617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the EAF, including the findings noted therein (if any,
and which findings are incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a
negative determination of environmental significance (“Negative Declaration”) in
accordance with SEQRA for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that
an Environmental Impact Statement is therefore not required; and it is further
RESOLVED, that a Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is
hereby authorized and directed to complete and sign, as required, the determination of
significance, confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and
signed EAF and determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this
Resolution; and it is further
April 20, 2016
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RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 3 of 2016 be and hereby is approved and adopted
in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted”; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that any person or entity who has, prior the date of this resolution,
submitted a complete and completed application for an exempt subdivision may opt to
proceed under the older exempt subdivision rules or the updated subdivision rules, but
only so long as a plat is filed on or before April 30, 2016; and it is further
RESOLVED, that as to all other subdivisions and all other exempt subdivisions, this local
law shall have immediate effect; and it is further
RESOLVED, that within 20 days after the final adoption of this Local Law the Town
Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law, together with the required
certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town Clerk; and (ii) with the
New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal Home Rule Law §27 (said
filing may be made by delivery to the NYS Department of State, Division of
Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One Commerce Plaza, 99
Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231).
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was dul y motioned by Supervisor
Edward LaVigne, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, and put to a roll
call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 3 OF 2016
SUBDIVISION RULES AND REGULATIONS
OF THE TOWN OF LANSING
History – This Local Law hereby supersedes prior rules and regulations pertaining to subdivisions as previously
adopted by the Town of Lansing and the Town of Lansing Planning Board. This Local Law was originally adopted
May 18, 2005, amended April 16, 2008 by Local Law Nu mber 2 of 2008, and is hereby amended again and wholly
replaced by this Local Law Number 3 of 2016.
The Town Board of The Town of Lansing, New York, pursuant to Resolution dated April 20,
2016, does hereby adopt and pass this Local Law Number 3 of 2016, and therefore, be it so
enacted as follows:
SECTION 1 - AUTHORITY & PURPOSE: This Local Law is adopted pursuant to the authority
granted the Town of Lansing by § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, §§ 130 and 276 of the Town
Law, and Article 16 of the Town Law, and other laws empowering the Town to regulate subdivisions
and land divisions within the Town.
A. Pursuant to the New York State Town Law §§ 271 and 276 the Town of Lansing hereby
empowers the Town of Lansing Planning Board, and other Town of Lansing officials as herein
named, to act pursuant to this Local Law and to review and, where appropriate, approve the
subdivision of land in the Town of Lansing.
B. It is declared to be the policy of the Town of Lansing to consider land divisions and
subdivision as part of a plan for the orderly, efficient, and economical development of the Town
of Lansing. Subdivision classification and development should be consistent with the Town of
Lansing’s Comprehensive Plan and, accordingly, the purpose of these rules, regulations, and
standards are: (i) to promote the safe, sanitary, and efficient subdivision of land; (ii) regulate the
subdivision of land in a manner which will result in orderly growth and development, provide for
adequate municipal services, and result in the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
and (iii) to establish minimum standards and requirements by which land in the Town of Lansing
is to be subdivided.
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C. As to Major Subdivisions, it is further declared to be the policy of the Town to consider
Major Subdivision Plats as part of a plan for the orderly, efficient, and economical development
of the Town. This means, among other things, that land to be subdivided must be of such
character that it can be used safely for building purposes without danger to health, or peril from
fire, flood, or menace; that proper provision must be made for drainage, water supply, sewerage,
and other needed improvements; that all proposed lots must be so laid out and of such size as to
be in harmony with the development pattern of the neighboring properties; that the proposed
roads must compose a convenient system reasonably conforming to the official map and the
comprehensive plan, and must be of such width, grade, and location as to accommodate the
prospective traffic, to facilitate fire protection, and to provide access of fire -fighting equipment to
buildings; and that proper provision must be made for open spaces for parks and playgrounds.
SECTION 2 - SUPERSESSION AND CONSTRUCTION:
A. Pursuant to Municipal Home Rule Law § 22, the Town hereby states that its intent is to
supersede, to the extent of any conflict in definitions, procedures, or filing and approval
requirements: (i) Town Law §276 (adopted as Laws of 1992, Chapter 727, §1, and amended by Laws
of 1994, Chapter 486, §§ 10 to 13, Laws of 1995, Chapter 423, § 7 to 11, Laws of 1996, Chapter
235, §6, Laws of 1997, Chapter 458 §25), and subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11 of such §276, mainly
to the extent that the Town has adopted different definitions, different timelines, additional or
differing requirements and responsibilities of Town employees and the Town Planning Board
relative to the review of subdivision and related applications, the creation of an exempt subdivision
category, additional or different requirements for subdivisions and related applications, and differing
standards of review, approvals, and approval procedures; and (ii) Town Law §277 (adopted as Laws
of 1997, Chapter 485 and Laws of 1992, Chapter 727), including Subdivision 7 thereof, and also
including the supersession of Subdivision 2 to the extent that the Town has added additional
requirements.
B. All nouns and pronouns shall be construed in the singular, plural, masculine, feminine, or
neutered context when the provisions hereof so demand or admit. Capitalized words shall have their
defined meanings and all words, capitalized or otherwise, shall have standard meanings as applied
within the context of the clause in which such terms appear. Subject headings are for convenience
and shall not be construed or applied to limit or restrict the subject matter and terms appearing under
such subject heading. Whenever any reference is made to any section of law or regulations, such
reference shall be interpreted to include such law or regulation as later amended, renumbered, or re-
codified, and a mere typographical citation error shall not be given effect.
SECTION 3 - DEFINITIONS: Words used in this Local Law shall, when capitalized have the
following meanings.
APPLICANT – all Applicants for Subdivisions must be the owners of the land in question, have a
sufficient ownership interest in such land, or be appointed agents for such owner; and such term
shall also mean anyone who applies for Subdivision approval or amendments to any prior
Subdivision and any subdivider or related land developer working with an owner or subdivider.
CONSERVATION DESIGN MAPPING – a process used for Conservation Subdivisions to help
identify clustering lot designs to arrange such lots and site improvements in a manner as protects
land conservation values, minimizes cut and fill operations, conserves mature trees, promotes the
preservation or conservation of open spaces, and facilitates safe vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle
circulation. Such Conservation Design Mapping is comprised of two basic components:
1. Using access management techniques, such as shared driveways, to minimize curb cuts
on rural highways, and transportation demand management (TDM) plans, to examine
parking, motion, anticipated mode-shares, and incentives for traffic and travel at the site.
TDM plans shall be deemed sufficient for Conservation Design Mapping if prepared in
accord with the TDM Handbooks and Manuals, National TDM and Telework Clearinghouse,
Center for Urban Transportation at the University of South Florida, and preference shall be
given for performance based criteria and TDM plans that favor solutions that do not result in
mere infrastructure improvements, such as wider streets, more parking, and other
improvements that consume land resources.
2. A site-based land use and conservation analysis consisting of an examination of existing
building and flora densities and open spaces on and near the site, the existing natural
resources and soil characteristics on and near the sit e, making housing more affordable, the
use of shared Infrastructure and the reduction of land resource consumption. This analysis
shall take into account existing resources and the existing visual and other characteristics of
an area, such as an open farmland vista, and seek to preserve such “look and feel” by
mapping all ground-level improvements and features, all natural and underground resources,
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and all cultural and historic areas or buildings, and then examine the most suitable area for
development and ground disturbances as to compliment desirable features, ecological
resources, and the existing character of the area.
The delineation of standards for Conservation Design Mapping are not intended to signal
detailed, exacting, or lengthy studies; nor a need for geological, ecological, or significant resource
or species analyses concerning the land. Conservation Design Mapping is intended to be a tool to
help guide the placement and design of Conservation Subdivisions to help preserve existing
neighborhood characteristics and existing land and other resources. Dogmatic adherence to saving
trees can mean using arable fields and open spaces for housing, and the impacts from building in
such areas are often far more significant than building in mature hardwoods. Thus, the scope and
detail needed for any Conservation Design Mapping shall be determined by the Planning Board
based upon factors such as location, neighborhood, roadway and access characteristics, existing
natural communities, and such other factors as the Planning Board may deem relevant or required
during the sketch plan and preliminary plat phases of Conservation Subdivision review.
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION - a Subdivision in which the otherwise applicable area and
bulk regulations of zoning are modified to encourage flexibility of design and development of
land in such a manner that the layout, configuration, and design of lots, structures, driveways,
roads, parks, trails and landscaping are designed to preserve important natural resources and
scenic qualities of the site. A Conservation Subdivision is a cluster development as authorized by
Town Law § 278 and this Local Law.
EIS – an Environmental Impact Statement arising under SEQRA, most often by consent or after a
positive declaration after a review of a SEAF or FEAF.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - the Town’s Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer(s) and any
other person designated as an Enforcement Officer hereunder by resolution of the Town Board.
FEAF – a full, or long-form, environmental assessment form, usually used for Type I Actions
under SEQRA.
FLAG LOT – a lot that meets the minimum area requirements of zoning within the Town which
is connected to a public road right-of-way by a strip of land at least 30’ feet wide and containing a
private access drive. Generally, these are called “flag lots” as the shape is often like a flagpole
with flag, with the main lot being the “flag” and the connection to a street or access -way being
the “flagpole.” Generally, a Flag Lot does not count the driveway area (the flagpole) as a part of
the building lot for zoning area requirements, and a Flag Lot should generally be approximately
1.5 times the size of a normal lot in such zone.
INFRASTRUCTURE – roads (public or private), culverts, bridges and utilities, stormwater
facilities, and other and similar appurtenances designed, built, installed, or used to support
development of lots and Subdivisions.
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT - the adjustment of one or more lot lines between two or
more existing and adjoining lots that does not result in the creation of new lots, the creation of
any non-conforming lot, and which does not effect a transfer of more than one acre in gross
(meaning, when counting all land transferred from each lot or party to the other), and which
transferred parcels are merged into their new parent parcel. While not a subdivision, Lot Line
Adjustments are land divisions and shall be approved in the same manner as Exempt Subdivisions
under this Local Law. If a lot line change does not meet this definition of being a Lot Line
Adjustment, then it shall be referred to the Planning Board for review and approval.
LOT WIDTH – a measurement of the front lot width as measured at the building setback line.
This measurement is usually made along the side of a lot or parcel where the roadway frontage
exists, except for lands adjacent to Cayuga Lake. For corner lots the Enforcement Officer shall
reasonably determine which side is designated as the front of the lot for purposes of calculating
the lot width.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE - a form of security approved by the Town that has the effect
of providing assurance or a guarantee that all Improvements will be made and constructed in
accord with the requirements of this Local Law, applicable codes and requirements, the
requirements of the Town, and the terms and requirements of any approved Subdivision or plat. A
Performance Guarantee may include performance bonds, escrow agreements, letters of credit,
cash, and other or similar collateral or surety agreements. No s uch Performance Guarantee shall
be deemed acceptable or in compliance with the requirements of this Local Law if the Person
posting the bond or other undertaking is a guarantor or surety to any underwriter of such bond or
undertaking, or if such Person provides for indemnity to any underwriter or issuer with respect to
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such bond or undertaking. Bonds shall comply with the requirements of Town Law § 277 and
shall be acceptable to the Town Board and Town Attorney as to form, sufficiency, manner of
execution, and surety. A period of one year (or such other periods as the Planning Board may
determine appropriate, not to exceed three years) shall be set forth in the bond within which
required improvements must be completed.
PERSON - any individual, firm, partnership, agency, association, corporation, company, board,
official, or entity or organization of any kind.
PLANNING BOARD - the Planning Board of the Town.
SEAF – a short-form environmental assessment form, usually used for Unlisted Actions under
SEQRA.
SEQRA – the State Environmental Quality Review Act, codified at Environmental Conservation
Law Article 8 and implemented in part through regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617. Where and as
required, a reference to SEQRA shall include compliance with NEPA (the National
Environmental Policy Act).
SKETCH PLAN – means a drawing based upon a survey or other accurate base map drawn at a
scale of not less than 1:2,400 showing the proposed Subdivision and: (i) the location of the
Subdivision as an entire tract; (ii) the distance to the nearest existing street intersections; and (iii)
existing structures, wooded areas, streams, wetlands, flood hazard areas, and other significant
physical features within the Subdivision and within 200’ of the boundaries thereof. If the
Subdivision is a Major Subdivision, a Minor Subdivision, or a Conservation Subdivision, a
Sketch Plan shall also include: (iv) topographic information showing 10’ elevation intervals or
related elevation information; (v) the name of the owner and adjoining property owners, as well
as the name of the project, if any; (vi) the tax map, block, and lot numbers of all lots shown on the
plat; (vi) the locations of all utilities and roads; (vii) the lot locations and dimensions, roadway
layouts (if any), recreation areas (if any), water supplies and sewerage services, stormwater and
drainage facilities (if required); (viii) any existing restrictions upon the use of the land, such as
easements, covenants, and development district boundary lines; and (ix) any other information
requested by the Enforcement Officer or the Planning Board.
SMO – a Town Stormwater Management Officer.
SUBDIVISION - the division of any parcel into two or more lots by any means regardless of
whether intended for improvement or sale, and regardless of whether any existing improvements
occupy any lots. Notwithstanding this definition, a Lot Line Adjustment shall not be a
Subdivision if no new lots or gores of land are created and no lot is made non-conforming.
SUBDIVISION, EXEMPT – the division of any parcel into 2 or fewer lots, where each of the
following requirements is strictly met: (i) each lot is not less than 1 acre; (ii) no lot is non -
conforming; (iii) each lot has not less than 150 feet of frontage on a public highway and a 150
foot Lot Width; (iv) no Infrastructure is proposed, required or created, including extensions of
public water or sewer mains; (v) there has not been any other prior subdivision of any lot affected
by such proposed Exempt Subdivision, no variances are needed by any Person to qualify as an
Exempt Subdivision, and the action qualifies as a Type II Action under SEQRA.
SUBDIVISION, MAJOR - any Subdivision which creates 5 or more lots, including the
counting of the parent lot(s) as one of the lots in such Subdivision, or which is less than 5 lots but
not a Minor Subdivision or Exempt Subdivision. The calculation of the number of lots shall
include the gross, total number of lots resulting from Subdivision, and Appendix A shall be used
as a guideline.
SUBDIVISION, MINOR - any Subdivision that creates up to and including 4 lots where there is
no Infrastructure needed for such Subdivision. Infrastructure that relates to stormwater facilities
that is not significant in terms of structural complexity, land area disturbance, does not require
dedication, and which is wholly contained upon each individual lot of the Subdivision, such a
water gardens and on-site treatment, will not, standing alone, preclude classification as a Minor
Subdivision.
SWPPP – a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan as defined by and under the United States
Environmental Protection Agency and Phase 2 Stormwater requirements, the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation and its SPDES programs and rules, and the Town’s
stormwater local laws and requirements. Such term, as used in this Local Law, is intended to
cover all aspects of stormwater review and control, from certifications to basic and full plans.
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TOWN - the Town of Lansing, in Tompkins County, New York, and whenever applicable or the
context so permits or requires, the elected officials, officers, superintendents, assistant
superintendents, employees and agents of the Town.
TOWN BOARD - the Town Board of the Town.
SECTION 4 - UNDEVELOPED SUBDIVISIONS: The Planning Board may review, for
purposes of revision, those Subdivisions and Subdivision plats already on file with the County
Clerk if 20% or more of the plat is undeveloped for reasons other than terrain, drainage, soil
conditions, or the like. Legislative authority for such review is found in Town Law § 276.
SECTION 5 - EXEMPT SUBDIVISIONS:
A. An Applicant shall submit the following to the Enforcement Officer: (i) a Sketch Plan of
the proposed Exempt Subdivision; (ii) proof that all qualifications for an Exempt Subdivision are
met; (iii) at least 5 copies of a signed and certified survey of the affected land showing all
proposed lot boundaries; and (iv) a proposed SEAF. If there is a potential to disturb more than 2
acres of land as determined by the SMO, then the SMO shall require stormwater review and
compliance. If a SWPPP is required it shall be submitted to and approved by the Town prior to
approval of the Exempt Subdivision.
B. If for any reason the Enforcement Officer believes that there are special circumstances
involved with any proposed Exempt Subdivision, such as unique topography, the presence of
creeks or streams, prior subdivisions of any one or more involved, adjacent, or related lots, the
effects upon agricultural districts, the effects upon Cayuga Lake and its tributaries, highway
safety, or any hazard or potential hazard to life, property or public peace or welfare, the
Enforcement Officer may refuse Exempt Subdivision status and refer the proposed Subdivision
and sketch plan to the Planning Board for review and classification.
C. Lots that were involved in any prior Exempt Subdivision shall not be permitted further
division as Exempt Subdivisions, whether by the same or any other Person and regardless of the
timeframe between any such proposed Subdivisions. Similarly, lots involved in any Major
Subdivision or Minor Subdivision shall not be permitted to be further divided as Exempt
Subdivisions.
D. The Enforcement Officer shall review the SEAF and classify the action for purposes of
SEQRA. If classified as a Type I Action, the Applicant shall submit a FEAF for review. If there
are no other involved agencies the Town shall conduct an uncoordinated review and the Town
may make a determination of environmental significance following a requisite hard lo ok at
potential environmental impacts and consequences. No approval of any Exempt Subdivision shall
be made until the SEQRA process is properly concluded.
E. If a Subdivision meets the definition of and rules for an Exempt Subdivision then, after
and upon a review and approval thereof, the Enforcement Officer may place a zoning seal upon at
least two surveys and approve such Exempt Subdivision. At least one such sealed survey shall be
given to the Applicant, and at least one such sealed survey shall be del ivered to the Chair of the
Planning Board.
F. Any nonconforming lot shall not be reduced in its area or any dimension through
subdivision or otherwise as to increase the amount of nonconformity.
SECTION 6 - MINOR SUBDIVISIONS: Whenever any Minor Subdivision is proposed, and
before any contract for the sale of, or any offer to sell any lot in such Subdivision is made, and
before any permit for the erection of a structure in such Subdivision shall be granted, the
Applicant shall apply in writing for approval of such Subdivision in accordance with this section.
Minor Subdivisions shall not require preliminary plat approvals.
A. The Applicant shall provide at least 7 copies of a Sketch Plan of the proposed
Subdivision and meet informally with the Planning Board to discuss the Sketch Plan and the
Subdivision of the property, including the conformity of the plans, to the maximum extent
practicable, with this Local Law, zoning requirements, and the Town’s comprehensive plan. The
Planning Board shall classify the Subdivision, and if it is a Minor Subdivision the provisions of
this section shall apply.
B. After such meeting the Applicant may submit a formal application, consisting at a
minimum of the following: (i) a SEAF; (ii) an explanation of the manner in which water service
and sewer service will be provided, the availability of existing utility services, the manner of
access and traffic flows, and conformance with zoning and other requirements; (iii) at least 14
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copies of a draft survey of the affected lots showing the proposed boundary lines therein, and
containing such other information as is typical to a professional land survey or as reasonably
required by the Planning Board. If there is a potential to disturb more than 2 acres of land as
determined by the SMO, then the SMO shall require stormwater review and compliance. If a
SWPPP is required it shall be submitted to and approved by the Town prior to approval of the
Minor Subdivision.
C. The Planning Board shall review the SEAF and classify the action for purposes of
SEQRA. If classified as a Type I Action, the Applicant shall promptly submit a FEAF for review.
The Planning Board shall be the lead agency for environmental review, unless otherwise
determined under SEQRA. The Planning Board shall conduct an environmental review of the
proposed action and may make a determination of environmental significance following a
requisite hard look at potential environmental impacts and consequences. No approval of any
Minor Subdivision shall be made until the SEQRA process is properly concluded.
D. The Planning Board shall also review the application and advise the Applicant in writing
or by resolution whether the survey and documentation meet the requirements of this Local Law.
The Planning Board shall provide in writing its determination of what, if any, modifications are
necessary for approval of the Final Plat. The Planning Board may also impose such conditions as
may be required to ensure the safe and orderly development or division of land, as permitted by
law.
E. If modifications are needed the survey shall be modified into a final form and submitted
for final review and approval by the Planning Board as the minor subdivision final plat within
180 days of the above-noted determination(s) of the Planning Board, failing which such
submission shall be treated as a Sketch Plan by the Planning Board. The “submission date” of the
Minor Subdivision final plat is the date when the application for final plat approval is accepted by
the Enforcement Officer. An application shall be deemed final when all application materials
identified below have been submitted and an environmental determination has been made, unless
such environmental determination is to be considered with or at the time of the public hearing:
1. A copy of such covenants or deed restrictions as are intended to cover all or part of the
tract.
2. An actual field survey of the boundary lines of the plat, and each lot therein, giving
complete descriptive data by bearings and distances as made and certified to by a licensed
land surveyor. The corners of the plat shall also be located on the ground and marked by
monuments referenced on the final plat.
3. All on-site sanitation and water supply facilities (if any) shall be designed to meet the
minimum specification of the Tompkins County Sanitary Code, and a note to this effect shall
be stated on the final plat and signed by an officer of the County Health Department.
4. The proposed subdivision name (if any), name of the town and county in which it is
located, and a date, north point, map scale, and the name and address of the owner of record
and the Applicant shall be listed upon such final plat.
5. Compliance with any conditions imposed by the Planning Board shall be demonstrated
upon the final plat or listed specifically upon such final plat as conditions.
6. Compliance with stormwater requirements, any SWPPP, and SPDES permits, if required,
shall be demonstrated.
F. The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing within 62 days of the filing of the Final
Plat in accord with Town Law § 276.
G. The Planning Board shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny approval of the Final
Plat within 62 days of the close of the public hearing as required by Town Law § 276 (and
assuming an EIS is not required).
H. Any nonconforming lot shall not be reduced in its area or any dimension through
subdivision or otherwise as to increase the amount of nonconformity, and all minor subdivisions
shall endeavor, to the extent possible, to eliminate any nonconforming lot(s).
SECTION 7 - MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS: Whenever any Major Subdivision is proposed, and
before any contract for the sale of, or any offer to sell any lot in such Subdivision is made, and
before any permit for the erection of a structure in such Subdivision shall be granted, the
Applicant shall apply in writing for approval of such Major Subdivision in accordance with the
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applicable provisions of Town Law §§ 276 and 277. Major Subdivisions shall require preliminary
plats and preliminary plat approvals.
A. The Applicant shall provide at least 7 copies of a Sketch Plan of the proposed
Subdivision and meet informally with the Planning Board to discuss the Sketch Plan and the
Subdivision of the property, including the conformity of the plans, to the maximum extent
practicable, with this Local Law, zoning requirements, and the Town’s comprehensive plan. The
Planning Board shall classify the Subdivision, and if it is a Major Subdivision the provisions of
this section shall apply. Based upon the potential complexity and si ze of the Subdivision, the
amount of Infrastructure and any necessary dedications thereof, the scope of any SEQRA review
and the complexity of the SWPPP and compliance with stormwater requirements, the Town
Planning Department shall also determine the amount of the initial deposit required to cover the
fees and expenses reasonably anticipated to be incurred by the Town in connection with the
review of the Subdivision and its environmental and stormwater reviews. The recommended
amount shall be then included in an escrow deposit or developer’s agreement and the terms
thereof shall be referred to and approved by the Town Board as required by Town Law § 64.
B. At or after such meeting the Planning Board may approve, approve with conditions, or
deny the Sketch Plan, taking into account the manner in which water service and sewer service
will be provided, the availability of existing utility services, the manner of access and traffic
flows, and conformance with zoning and other requirements. If the Sketch Plan ge nerally meets
the requirement of this Local Law and the Planning Board approves the Sketch Plan, such
approval shall be in writing and the Planning Board shall provide a preliminary list of
modifications appropriate for the preliminary plat and its review. The Planning Board may also
list conditions pertaining to the approval or the improvement of any one or more lots within the
Subdivision, and the Planning Board shall also classify the action for purposes of SEQRA. The
Planning Board shall be the lead agency for environmental review, unless otherwise determined
under SEQRA.
C. An application for preliminary plat approval shall be submitted within 180 days after the
approval of the Sketch Plan (after said 180 days the Sketch Plan approval expires). The
preliminary plat application shall contain the following information or consist of the following
documents:
1. Proposed subdivision name, name of the town and county in which it is located, date, true
north point, scale, name and address of owner of record, the name of the Applicant, the
engineer or surveyor providing the survey and plat (including license number and seal), and
the name(s) of all subdivisions immediately adjacent and the name of the owners of record of
all such adjacent properties with tax map numbers listed thereupon. The plat shall be or
contain an actual field survey of the boundary lines of the tract, giving complete descriptive
data by bearings and distances, made and certified to by a licensed land surveyor, and the
corners of the tract shall monumented in a manner as approved by the Planning Board and so
shown on the plat. If the application covers only a part of the Applicant’s lands, a map of the
entire tract drawn at a scale of not less than 1:4,800 showing an outline of the platted area
with its proposed streets, an indication of the probable future street system, with grades and
drainage in the remaining portion of the tract, and a probable future drainage layout of the
entire tract. Mapping shall also display contours with intervals of 10’ (or less, as required by
the Planning Board), including elevations on existing roads and approximate grading plans if
natural contours are to be changed by more than 2’ in any areas. A minimum of 14 copies of
any plat map shall be submitted as part of the application.
2. An analysis of existing soils, any potential or existing permanent or intermittent wetlands,
any flood plains or intermittently flooded areas, whether any environmental spill reports or
hazardous materials are known to exist or have migrated onto the site, and a statement as to
the depth to bedrock and any known seasonal or other water tables and aquifers.
3. Special, benefit, or development district information (such as the Consolidated Water
District), including exact boundaries of any existing districts, the proposed boundaries of
district expansions or extensions, or the boundaries of proposed new districts, together with
any special regulations or improvements needed to connect to, establish, or properly serve the
Subdivision with district services. Also including the location of sewer and water mains and
related infrastructure.
4. All parcels of land proposed to be dedicated to public use and the purposes of each such
dedication, together with identification of any lands proposed to remain as open spaces or
serve public purposes even if not dedicated, such as playgrounds and private recreational
facilities.
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5. Locations of existing property lines, easements, buildings, water courses, marshes, rock
outcrops, wooded areas, single trees with a diameter of 8” or more as measured 3’ above the
base of the trunk, and other significant natural existing features of the proposed Subdivision.
6. Locations of existing drain sewers, culverts, swales, watercourses, waterbodies, and other
drainage areas on the property, with a description of applicable piping or culvert sizes,
grades, and directions of water or drainage flows. Also including a stormwater and drainage
plan indicating the approximate location and size of facilities to manage or treat stormwater,
including connections to existing drainage ways or facilities or alternate means of disposal
and stormwater management, and including a completed stormwater assessment or SWPPP
(if required).
7. The width and location of any existing streets or public ways, together with all
dimensions for any proposed roads (including width, location, grades, profiles, etc.) and
information as to the type of road and any dedication of any public highways or other
Infrastructure or improvements. Also including plans and cross-sections showing the
proposed location and types of trails, pathways or sidewalks, street lighting standards, street
trees, curbs, and storm drains, and the size and type thereof, each if and as applicable,
together with the character, width, and depth of pavements and subbases thereof and the
location of manholes, basins, and underground conduits, and including preliminary designs of
any bridges or culverts which may be required.
8. A copy of any covenants or deed restrictions intended to cover all or part of the tract.
9. A SEAF or FEAF with Part 1 filled in, and an Agricultural Data Statement, if required.
10. If to be completed in phases or approved in sections, a statement defining and describing
each such phase and its proposed timing, or such section(s) and the reasons supporting
approval in sections.
11. A preliminary plat application fee for major subdivisions.
D. The provisions of Town Law § 276(5) govern the basic procedures for approval of
preliminary plats and the coordination of Planning Board review with SEQRA, and the date of
submission shall be the date that the Planning Board receives all required documentation to
conduct a review. Town Law shall be controlling except as expressly altered by this Local Law
and a public hearing shall be required for the approval of a preliminary plat. If the final plat is not
in substantial accord with the preliminary plat, then a public hearing shall also be required for the
final plat, as required under Town Law. In connection with any public hearing all Persons owning
land within 600’ of the boundary of any lot proposed to be subdivided shall be given mailed
notice of the public hearing. The determination of which Persons are entitled to notification shall
be based upon the land ownership records of the Tompkins County Assessment Office.
E. The Planning Board shall promptly refer the Preliminary Plat and the FEAF or SEAF to
the County Planning Department in compliance with General Municipal Law §§ 239-l, et seq. In
addition, the Planning Board shall refer the Preliminary Plat to the Town Board for a review of
the roads and Infrastructure, particularly if dedication is to be considered, so as to assure
compliance with Town specifications, planning, and requirements.
F. If the Subdivision is also located within, partially in, or near a designated Agricultural
District, any applicable requirements of the Agriculture and Markets Law shall apply, together
with any rules or regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Agricult ure, including the
obligation of the Applicant to file an Agricultural Data Statement and to submit, if required, a
Notice of Intent.
G. At and after the public hearing, the Planning Board shall study the practicability of the
preliminary plat, taking into consideration the requirements of the community and the best use of
the land being subdivided. Particular attention shall be given to the arrangement, location, and
width of streets, their relation to the topography of the land, water supply, sewage dis posal,
drainage, lot sizes and arrangement, the location of existing trees and other natural features, the
presence of historic buildings and sites, the future development of adjoining lands as yet not
subdivided, and the requirements of the zoning ordinance and the Town’s comprehensive plan. In
addition, any nonconforming lot shall not be reduced in its area or any dimension through
subdivision or otherwise as to increase the amount of nonconformity, and all major subdivisions
shall endeavor, to the extent possible, to eliminate any nonconforming lot(s).
H. As part of the public hearing or otherwise, the Planning Board shall conduct an
environmental review of the proposed action and may make a determination of environmental
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significance following a requisite hard look at potential environmental impacts and consequences.
No approval of any Major Subdivision or any preliminary or final plat shall be made until the
SEQRA process is properly concluded.
I. Within 62 days after the close of the public hearing, and after the conclusion of the
environmental review, the Planning Board shall approve, approve with modifications, or
disapprove the preliminary plat. The grounds for modifications, if any, or the grounds for
disapproval, shall be stated in records of the Planning Board. The time in which the Planning
Board must take action on such plat may be extended by mutual consent of the Applicant and the
Planning Board. When approving a preliminary plat the Planning Board shall state in writing the
conditions, if any, it deems necessary for submission of the Plat in final form. An approval of a
preliminary plat shall not constitute approval of the final subdivision plat, as it is only an
expression of approval of the design submitted on the preliminary plat as a guide to the
preparation of the final plat.
J. Once a preliminary plat approval is issued the Applicant, upon implementation of
modifications and compliance with any conditions, may submit an application for review of the
final plat. Such submission must be made within 180 days of the date of approval of the
preliminary plat, and if this deadline is not met the preliminary plat approval expires and shall
automatically be deemed revoked without need of any formal action by the Town. The provisions
of Town Law § 276(6) govern the procedures for approval of a final plat and the Applicant shall
be required to submit at least 14 copies of the proposed final plat.
K. The Planning Board shall review the Final Plat and by resolution set forth the grounds for
its action on the Final Plat. If the Final Plat does not contain the approvals of all other
governmental agencies having jurisdiction over the Subdivision (such as the Tompkins County
Health Department) the Planning Board may grant conditional approval of a Final P lat. In
granting such conditional approval the Planning Board shall specify the requirements
which, when completed, will authorize the signing of the final plat. The application fee for final
plat review shall be paid at the time the final plat is filed. In addition, the following requirements
apply to all final plats for Major Subdivisions:
1. All proposed Final Plats shall be prepared, signed, and sealed by a land surveyor or
engineer duly licensed in the State of New York, and surveying shall show the exact
boundary lines of the tract to be subdivided, all lot lines and dimensions to the nearest one -
hundredth of a foot, all angles to the nearest one-half minute (if required) and all bearings,
and the area of each lot to the nearest hundredth of an acre.
2. The Final Plat shall conform substantially to the approved preliminary plat, taking into
account any modifications and conditions imposed or required by the Planning Board. Final
plats that do not substantially conform to approved preliminar y plats, shall, in the discretion
of the Planning Board taking into account the degree and significance of non-conformance,
require either a further public hearing to review the final plat or the re-submission of the
application and plat as a preliminary plat.
3. Final roadway drawings and cross-sectional drawings, surveys thereupon and therefor,
and construction specifications shall be provided that show: (i) all right-of-way lines with
center lines showing angles of deflection; (ii) angles of intersection; (iii) curve radii; (iv)
lengths of tangents and arcs; and (v) degrees of curvature, with the basis of curve data.
Lengths and distances shall be to the nearest one-hundredth foot and angles shall be to the
nearest half-minute. All new road names shall be recommended by the Planning Board, and
approved by the Town Board in coordination with County 911. All roads, public or private,
shall be extended to the boundaries of the Subdivision to facilitate connections to potential
future roads and access ways.
4. A completed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that is consistent with the Town’s
Local Laws for Stormwater and Erosion Control and approved by the SMO and the Town’s
engineering consultant shall be supplied in final form, together with any proposed easements,
in a form as approved by Town counsel, to be dedicated in connection therewith, whether to
the Town or any drainage district.
5. The Applicant shall provide all necessary, required, or requested approvals from the New
York State or the Tompkins County Health Department relative to the proposed water
supplies and sewage disposal systems to be used in the Subdivision, and the seal thereof shall
be endorsed upon the proposed final plat.
6. When connection to an existing public water or sewer system is proposed, construction
details showing the following items shall be included: (i) the location, size, invert elevations,
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type, and class of pipes on all sanitary and storm sewers and manholes; (ii) the location, sizes,
and type of pipes for all water mains; (iii) the location of all valves, hydrants, blowoffs, etc.;
(iv) the profiles with detailed information on all storm sewers, sanitary sewers and water
main crossings. All such details, drawings, specifications, and plans shall conform to Town
requirements and shall be subject to the approval of the Town’s engineer.
7. Accurate pre-construction and post-construction-as-built surveys and layouts of all
property that is to be offered for dedication for public use, with the purpose indicated thereon,
or to be held in private ownership but permanently dedicated for recreation or open space use,
shall be provided to the Town (5 copies are required). Additionally, all deed covenants, legal
agreements, or other easements or restrictions that legally create or dedicate such public use
or rights of use shall be supplied in a form as approved by the Town Board.
8. Construction details for sidewalks, street lighting, pathways, playgrounds, sidewalks,
driveways, and fire protection, as required, shall be provided. All such details are subject to
the approval of the Town’s engineer, or other designated official, as appropriate. Access
points, curb cuts, and driveways of all types shall be designed to provide safe access to roads,
with adequate line-of-sight distances.
9. The location, dimensions, and purposes of all easements and rights -of-way proposed by
the Applicant or required by the Planning Board shall be supplied. All such easements and
rights-of-way are subject to the approval of the Town’s attorney, or ot her designated official,
as applicable.
10. The final form of all covenants or deed restrictions that will be applied to the Subdivision
or any lot shall be supplied. Such covenants and restrictions are subject to the approval of the
Town Board.
11. The Applicant shall provide, and the Planning Board shall require as a final plat condition
that the Applicant shall file with the Town Clerk, certified “as built” plans of all public
utilities and roads within the Subdivision. Information to be shown on the “as built” plan
shall be in accordance with requirements of the Town’s engineer.
L. Formal offers of cession to, or dedications of, the Town of all roads, streets, rails,
sidewalks, recreation areas, or open spaces that are proposed to be public property, in a form
acceptable to the Town Board, are required. However, the mere act of offering dedication or
making an offer of cessation shall not create any presumption that the Town has accepted the
same. All such offers are non-revocable (or, if expressly agreed or declared revocable, then
irrevocable for 360 days after the filing of the final plat with the County Clerk’s Office), and each
such street, recreation area, or open space, etc., shown on the final subdivision plat shall be
deemed to be private until such time as each of the same have been formally accepted by the
Town. The Applicant shall, for all lots or areas marked for future use or dedication, provide to the
Town title documents and conveyances of title or rights-of-way or easements, as applicable or
required, in a form acceptable to the Town’s attorney, together with such tax searches, abstracts,
resolutions, or other documents as such attorney may reasonably require to verify good title.
M. No plat, map, survey, sketch plan, drawing, or like document that shows or displays any
subdivision of land shall be accepted for filing by the County Clerk unless it has been duly
approved and endorsed by the Chair of the Planning Board (or other designated public official).
No Person may rely upon any unendorsed plat, survey, map, sketch plan, drawing, or like
document for any reason, and each such unendorsed document shall be invalid. Further, nothing
but a final plat may be endorsed. Endorsed Final Plats must be filed by the Applicant with the
Planning Board, the County Assessor, and the County Clerk within 62 days of endorsement (or
default approval under Town Law § 276(8)). The Applicant shall notify the Enforcement Officer
in writing when the final plat has been filed with the County Clerk, and all original filed
documents, together with the County Clerk’s filing and indexing receipt(s), shall be returned to
the Town.
N. No final plat or related document shall be altered or revised after it has been approved,
conditionally approved, certified, sealed or endorsed. Any such alterations or revisions shall be
and remain invalid, null and void.
O. The Town shall not issue any building permits for any construction in any Subdivision
unless the Subdivision has been duly approved and the final plat sealed an d filed, the final plat
has not been the subject of rescission or had its approval invalidated for any reason, and there is
compliance with the requirements of law, including Town Law § 280-a.
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P. In the event an Applicant or Applicant elects to seek review of or construct a Subdivision
in phases, or to approve a plat in sections, each phase and each section shall be separately
submitted for Final Plat approval, and each phase and each section shall be substantially
completed (or have approved and accepted performance guarantees for completion) within 2
years from the date of final plat approval. Phases or sections that do not comply with this
requirement may, by resolution of the Planning Board, with the concurrence of the Town Board,
have the final plat approval withdrawn and cancelled. In such cases, the Applicant shall begin the
Subdivision approval process anew. Each subsequent phase and section shall be reviewed under
and pursuant to the then current Town requirements at the time the subsequent phase or section is
submitted. If any subsequent phase or section is submitted for approval more than 2 years after
any prior final plat approval for the phase or section which it preceded, the Planning Board may
require that the prior preliminary plat be re-submitted for review as if the prior approval of the
preliminary plat had not occurred.
Q. An amendment to any endorsed and filed final plat may only be allowed for good cause,
and any such amendment that proposes any further Subdivision or the creation of any new lot(s)
shall be classified as a Major Subdivision. Otherwise, any amendment shall, if significant, be
subject to public hearings and environmental reviews as required by law.
SECTION 8 - CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS:
A. Whenever any Subdivision of land in a Conservation Subdivision is proposed, and before
any contract for the sale of, or any offer to sell any lot in such Subdivision is made, and before
any permit for the erection of a structure in such Subdivision shall be granted, the Applicant shall
apply in writing for approval of such Subdivision in accordance with the applicable provisions of
this section of this Local Law and Town Law §§ 276 through 279, inclusive. Conservation
Subdivisions are allowed in all zoning districts where residences are allowed and they shall be
considered cluster developments per Town Law § 278.
B. Conservation Subdivisions shall be designed using Conservation Design Mapping as a
resource, but such Conservation Design Mapping data shall not be controlling, is but one factor
the Planning Board may consider, and may be disregarded by the Planning Board in its discretion.
The procedures for review of a Conservation Subdivision shall be the same as for a Major
Subdivision, except as specifically modified by the provisions of this section. The Planning Board
may approve a Conservation Subdivision upon only a portion of a parent parcel if Conservation
Design Mapping is provided for the entire parcel. Where suitable, the Planning Board may
require the conservation of buffer and open space areas in the balance of the parent parcel to
achieve the design and clustering standards of a Conservation Subdivision, including as to help
buffer any areas of increased density or use and to anticipate future development of neighboring
lands or the balance of the parent lot as Conservation Subdivisions or as more traditional land
divisions.
C. The total number of residential dwellings or units in a Conservation Subdivision may not
exceed the density allowed by the underlying zoning regulations, including due to frontage or
dimensional standards, and this number may not be varied or increased by variance or waiver
procedures. Nor does cluster development allow any land not permitted by zoning.
D. Other than as required by the Tompkins County Sanitary Code, there shall be no
minimum lot size in a Conservation Subdivision. The Planning Board shall determine appropriate
lot sizes in the course of its review of a Conservation Subdivision. Where a proposed lot abuts an
existing residence lot a suitable buffer area may be required by the Planning Board. This buffer
shall be at least the same as the minimum rear or side yard setbacks in the zoning district in which
the existing residence is located. However, the Applicant may propose all other dimens ional
requirements for the Conservation Subdivision lots, including setbacks.
E. In order to facilitate and permit a clustered lot configurations wells and septic systems
may be located in areas of protected open space if there are easements or other rights or means to
assure maintenance of these facilities and Infrastructure. Shared septic systems or wells may be
utilized with approval of the agencies having jurisdiction over the same, and shared driveways in
accordance with the standards set forth herein or by Town or County Highway Departments are
encouraged. Proposed roads (public or private) and common driveways within a Conservation
Subdivision shall be designed and constructed to ensure their suitability for access to the lots
based on projected traffic, terrain and other relevant safety factors. The design of such roads and
common driveways shall be approved by the Planning Board and the Town’s Highway
Superintendent, and easements or covenants shall ensure the future maintenance of any such
private Infrastructure, whether by cost sharing, homeowners’ associations, on site management,
improvement districts, or other like means and methods as approved by the Town.
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F. Conservation Subdivisions shall provide for an open space management plan, and
allowing fields to remain fields with cutting only once or twice a year, similar to conservation
reserve program field operations, may be a sufficient plan. The Applicant shall consider or
propose easements, land rights or title transfers, covenants, and other means by which to protect
and manage the open spaces and conservation values identified for such Conservation
Subdivision.
SECTION 9 - EXPIRED PLATS AND APPROVALS: In addition to any other provisions of
law governing the expiration of subdivision approvals a subdivision approval will also terminate
under the following circumstances:
A. If the proposed subdivision requires construction of any Infrastructure and within 3 years
of the date the Planning Board issued an approval of the final plat the owner or developer fails to
commence material work and diligently pursue the same to completion, then the subdivision
approval(s) (both the final plat and the preliminary plat) shall expire and the permissible uses and
construction on the property shall revert to those that would otherwise be in effect in the absence
of such subdivision approval unless, during such 3 years, at least 20% of the lots have been sold
and deeds reflecting such transfers are duly recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if final subdivision approval was granted prior to December 1,
2015, the time for work to materially commence or such lots to be sold shall be extended to
December 1, 2018.
B. If the proposed Subdivision does not require the construction of any Infrastructure the
Subdivision approval (both final and preliminary) shall expire within the time limits set forth
above with the consequences set forth above and subject to the ability to obtain extensions as set
forth below, unless at least one lot of the subdivision has been transferred.
C. For the purposes of this section work will not have “materially commenced” unless, at a
minimum: (i) a building or roadway permit, if required, has been obtained for at least one
structure in the Subdivision; and (ii) construction equipment and tools consistent with the size of
the proposed work have been brought to and been used on the site; and (iii) significant
construction of roads or utilities, or significant framing, erection, or construction of a material
structure, has been started and is being diligently pursued. In addition, if such 3 years has passed
and construction has been materially commenced and diligent completion is stopped or the
completion of all Infrastructure is not completed within 6 years of such final approval, then the
Subdivision approvals shall likewise terminate as to any non-transferred lots, and the future
transfer or sale of the same shall be allowed only upon approval of a new Subdivision application.
D. For the purposes of this section lots will not have been “sold” or “transferred” unless: (i)
conveyed by a deed, duly executed and recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office; to (ii) a
Person unrelated and not affiliated with the Applicant (or then current owner or devel oper); and
(iii) the transfer or sale is a good faith, arms-length transaction for fair value transferring title to
such third parties. The unrelated or non-affiliated third party rule referenced in this subsection
will not apply where a sale is to a relative for less than fair value in accordance with
circumstances related to the Planning Board as part of the Subdivision review and approval (e.g.,
a Subdivision where the intention is to convey a lot to a relative or to convey a lot to an adjacent
landowner for less than full value).
E. The Planning Board, upon the request of the owner or Applicant, and after a public
hearing, may extend the time limits for such additional periods upon such conditions as the
Planning Board may reasonably determine. An application for such extension may be made at no
later than six months after the expiration of the time limits set forth above. The Planning Board
shall grant the request for such extension if the Board finds: (i) the imposition of the time limits
set forth above would create significant hardship; and (ii) there has not been a significant change
in zoning, subdivision, engineering, stormwater, environmental, or other relevant review
requirements or standards since the initial approval or any subsequently granted extensions. For
the purposes of this subsection a “significant hardship” includes, but is not limited to: (i) a
significant economic loss that the Applicant would suffer if an extension were not granted; or (ii)
an owner or Applicant suffers an inability to timely proceed because of a generally adverse
economic climate, the owner or Applicant suffers a personal financial crises that detrimentally
affect the ability to proceed, or there has been a significant adverse event or events in the personal
affairs of the owner or Applicant.
F. In the event of any termination of Subdivision approval(s) pursuant to these provisions
the Code Enforcement Officer shall cause a notice of such termination to be either delivered
personally to the Applicant and owner, or forwarded by certified mail, return receipt requested, to
the Applicant and owner at the last address for the Applicant on file at the Town or at the County
Assessment Office. Such notice shall include an affidavit of service (personally or by mail) and
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such notice shall be recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office and indexed to the
applicable lands. The Town shall have no liability for any such filing made in good faith. Any
Applicant or owner who believes the termination of approval is not warranted may file an
application for a hearing before the Planning Board. Such application shall be filed within 30
days of the delivery of the notice referred to above (for this purpose “delivery” shall be deemed to
occur on the date the notice is personally delivered or the day it is delivered to the postal service
for mailing). The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing thereupon within 60 days of receipt
of such application, on at least five days prior notice given in the same manner as required for
subdivision approvals. The burden of establishing that the approval should not be terminated shall
rest upon the Applicant. If the Planning Board determines that the approval was improperly
terminated, it shall render a decision so stating and shall cause a notice to that effect to be
forwarded to the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office for recording indexing the same property as
the prior notice which it shall rescind. Any determination of the Planning Board regarding such
termination may be reviewed by a proceeding brought pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil Practice
Law and Rules. Such proceeding shall be commenced no later than 30 days after the decision
being reviewed has been filed by the Planning Board.
G. Nothing in this section is intended to alter the effect of Town Law § 265-a on lots in a
Subdivision when zoning is changed to increase lot sizes or other requirements thereby render an
existing Subdivision’s lots nonconforming.
SECTION 10 - DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS: The purpose of this section
is to establish basic design principles and minimum standards that should be applied to all
Exempt Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions, and Major Subdivisions in the Town. These principles
and standards are intended to promote and ensure sound, consistent, efficient, and safe long-range
development throughout the Town.
A. Subdivisions and Subdivision plats shall be designed so as to promote efficient and
beneficial land development patterns within the Town. Plats shall conform to the proposals and
conditions shown on the Comprehensive Plan and official map of the Town. Roads, drainage
ways, rights-of-way, school sites, public playgrounds, and open spaces shown on any
Comprehensive Plan of the Town shall be considered in review of Subdivisions.
B. Lot sizes shall conform, at a minimum, to the lot sizes required in the applicable zoning
classifications and location in which the Subdivision is located, and Schedule II of the Land Use
Ordinance is hereby referenced as containing the density, bulk, and dimensional requir ements for
lots in the Town. Said Schedule II is appended as Appendix B hereto for convenience only, and
as Schedule II or the Land Use Ordinance changes, the lot requirements as so amended shall be
controlling as to land division and subdivisions. Flag Lots are neither encouraged nor discouraged
as, like any other lot or lot shape, they may in a given context or area possess positive or negative
characteristics. However, and generally, 3 or more close or contiguous Flag Lots should be
avoided due to driveway, curb cut, culvert, and traffic impacts. Shared driveways shall be
encouraged where appropriate to avoid the negative impacts of Flag Lots. In all cases, however,
Flag Lots may not be designed, used, or planned to partly or to wholly avoid the building of
proper public or private roads; nor to avoid any other infrastructure or requirements of or for
Subdivisions within the Town.
C. As noted, all Exempt Subdivisions, Minor Subdivisions, and Major Subdivisions
containing any nonconforming lot shall not reduce such lot in its area or in any dimension,
whether through subdivision or otherwise, so as to increase the amount of nonconformity, and all
such subdivisions shall endeavor, to the extent possible, to eliminate any nonconforming lot(s).
Conservation Subdivisions may create exceptions to zoning bulk and dimensional standards,
when and as warranted for good cause consistent with public health and safety to promote the
public goals of conservation subdivisions and clustering, but in general no nonconforming lot
should be increased in its degree of nonconformance, nonconforming lots are not encouraged, and
the elimination of nonconforming lots is strongly encouraged. If there are so many changes to
zoning bulk and dimensional standards required, then the applicant should consider a zoning
change, such as through the planned development area process.
D. Roads shall be built in accordance with the current requirements of the Town Highway
Department. The layout of new roads, public or private, shall be designed to provide for the
appropriate extension of existing roads and utilities, and shall take into consideration topography,
drainage, views, public convenience and safety, and the proposed uses of the land to be served by
such roads. All roads shall require the permanent dedication of easements, in a form approved by
the Town, so as to permit utilities and related appurtenances and Infrastructure to be provided for
the benefit of each lot and adjacent owners. Roads shall also be designed and built to meet the
following general goals:
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1. Roads whose primary function is to provide access to abutting residential property shall
be designed to discourage through traffic, and Subdivisions that abut primary and county
roads shall be designed to provide an adjacent service road, or reverse frontage, or to
otherwise minimize the number of lots that will require direct access to said primary or
county roads.
2. Road right-of-way widths shall not be less than 60 feet. Those Roads that are designated
in the Comprehensive Plan as primary roads shall have a 75-foot right-of-way to
accommodate future widening, walkways, and utilities.
3. Road grades shall not exceed 10% for primary roads, and 12% for secondary and local
roads. Except as may be necessary at the bottom or crest of a vertical curve, no road shall
have a grade less than 0.5%. Horizontal and vertical curves shall be designed with a
minimum radius of 150 feet to provide a safe sight distances.
4. Permanent dead-end roads shall be no longer than 10 times the narrowest frontage of lots
along such dead-end Road. All permanent dead-end Roads shall provide a turnaround at the
end with a pavement radius or design that meets current Town specifications. The distance
from the edge of pavement to the right-of-way shall be no less than 15 feet. Alternative
designs for a turnaround that are equally effective may be considered by the Planning Board.
Roads that may be continued at a later date shall provide a temporary turnaround.
5. Any continuation of an existing road shall have the same name and, to the extent
possible, continuations of existing roads shall be of the same width, design, and construction
parameters as the existing road.
6. All Roads shall intersect as nearly at right angles as possible, and in no case shall they
intersect at an angle of less than 60º. Road grades at intersections shall not exceed 5% for a
distance of 80’ from the center of the intersection. The intersections of local roads with
primary roads shall be kept to a minimum in Subdivision design so that hazards and delays to
traffic movement on the primary roads can be reduced. Turning lanes shall be provided when
determined to be necessary by the Planning Board.
7. Again, Flag Lots may not be used to partially or wholly avoid any need, requirement, or
obligation to build or provide suitable ingress, egress, or public or private roads.
E. Insofar as possible all proposed Subdivisions shall be designed to allow for future access
to adjacent properties and to roads in adjacent Subdivisions. When a djacent land is undeveloped
the Planning Board shall require the building of all Subdivision roads to the property lines. When
this is not possible or feasible the Planning Board may require the establishment of permanent
rights-of-way to allow for future connections to such adjacent properties.
F. The size and shape of blocks shall be determined on the basis of convenient pedestrian
and vehicular traffic, circulation, control, safety, and a pleasing physical design. Block lengths
should not exceed 1,500’ nor be under 400 feet’ and should take into account topography, traffic
control and safety, and the provision of utilities and public services. Side lot lines should be
perpendicular or radial to road lines. Double frontage lots and lots with extreme lot depth (3 or 4
times width) should be avoided if possible. Corner lots should have extra width to permit front
yard setbacks from both streets. Where there is a question as to the suitability of a lot for its
intended use due to factors such as slope, rock formations, flooding conditions, sight distances,
being a Flag Lot, etc., the Planning Board may require modification of the design of such lot.
G. All natural features such as trees, streams, hilltops, and views shall be preserved
whenever possible in designing and laying out any Subdivision. The Planning Board may require
changes in the layout to assure that natural features will be preserved, undisturbed, or
incorporated into the Plat or design. Where a Subdivision contains a pond or stream that is not a
designated wetland, the natural flow and course of drainage or any waterbody shall be preserved
unless the Planning Board determines that realignment will enhance the Subdivision without
adverse impacts to adjoining properties, the environment, and flora and fauna. Land subject to
serious or regular flooding shall not be subdivided for residential occupancy or for any other use
that may increase danger to life or property or that may aggravate the flood hazard. Such land
may be used, however, for such uses, or in such a way, that the flood danger to the property and
other upstream or downstream properties will not be increased, and periodic or occasional
inundation will not be a threat to life or property.
H. Wherever possible, electrical, communications, and utility services shall be located
underground or along rear property lines. In areas where public water and sewer lines exist, the
Applicant shall install all necessary lines and connections as required and approved by the
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Town’s engineer. Installation of water and sewer lines may be required in areas where water or
sewer districts have been established or where the Planning Board has determined that such
districts can reasonably be expected. If a Subdivision is located in an existing or proposed wat er
district, the Applicant shall install fire hydrants no more than 400-600 feet apart, at every
intersection, or as otherwise specified by the Town’s engineer.
I. All drainage improvements shall be constructed in accordance with sound engineering
principles and, where required, an approved SWPPP.
J. All road signs shall be provided and installed by the Town at the Applicant’s expense
upon approval of the Town Highway Superintendent.
K. Land shall be reserved for parks, playgrounds, open spaces, or other recreational
purposes, in all locations so designated in the Town Comprehensive Plan, or elsewhere when the
Planning Board deems that such reservation would be appropriate. Such reservation shall be of an
area equal to approximately 5% of the gross area of the Subdivision. Land reserved for recreation
purposes shall have physical characteristics suitable for such intended purpose and it shall be
suitably improved by the developer or Applicant to appropriately serve its intended purpose(s). If
the reservation of land for recreation or open space purposes is deemed necessary but the
available lands are deemed unsuitable by the Planning Board, or the Town Board declines to
approve or accept such proposed dedicated or reserved land, the Applicant shall make a payment
in lieu of land in accordance with the Fee Schedule, with such funds to be used for the acquisition
or upkeep of park, recreation, and open space facilities in the Town.
SECTION 11 - IMPROVEMENTS & INFRASTRUCTURE:
A. Before the Planning Board grants final approval of any final plat, the Applicant shall
provide a Performance Guarantee in an amount set by the Planning Department Staff for the full
cost of the required improvements and Infrastructure, and the amount and form of the
Performance Guarantee shall be approved by the Town Board. Alternately, the Applicant may
complete all required improvements to the satisfaction of the Town and stipulate in writing that
no building permits or certificates of occupancy may be issued unless required improvements and
Infrastructure have first been timely completed. If the Applicant commences installation of the
improvements but has or will not complete them, the Applicant may still opt to thereafter proceed
by posting a Performance Guarantee.
B. In all cases, the required improvements and Infrastructure shall not be considered to be
completed until properly inspected and “as built” and “where built” surveys, diagrams, and maps,
as applicable, are filed with the Town, including surveys mapping actual road locations, the
locations of all underground utilities, and the location of all monuments as actually installed.
Permanent monuments (1-1/2" galvanized pipe, 1" iron pins, or their equal, each being a
minimum of 36" long) shall be set at all block corners or, if no complete blocks are involved, at
each corner of the Subdivision. Each corner of each lot in the Subdivision shall also be marked by
iron pipes or pins.
C. No new road, Infrastructure, recreation area, easement, or other proposed public space
shown in any Subdivision or upon on an approved final plat shall become Town property until
formally accepted by the Town Board. Prior to final acceptance of roads or utilities the Highway
Superintendent and Town Engineer shall determine that all public utilities, roads, and required
improvements have been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and
applicable requirements and regulations.
SECTION 12 – VARIANCES, WAIVERS AND MODIFICATIONS:
A. Where the Planning Board finds that due to the special circumstances of a particular
application or case a waiver of certain requirements or procedures is justified, a waiver may be
granted. In all cases, no waiver shall be granted unless the Planning Board finds and records in its
minutes that: (i) granting the waiver would be keeping with the intent and spirit of this Local
Law, and is in the best interests of the community; (ii) there is no adverse effect upon the
character, appearance, or welfare of any neighborhood or the environment; (iii) there are special
circumstances involved in the particular case; (iv) denying the waiver would result in undue
hardship, provided that such hardship has not been self-imposed; and (v) the waiver is the
minimum necessary degree of variation from the requirements of this Local Law.
B. When the Planning Board finds that due to the special circumstances of a particular area
the provision of certain required improvements or Infrastructure is not necessary or in the interest
of public health, safety, and general welfare, or is inappropriate due to the inadequacy or lack of
existing or proposed connecting facilities in the area of a proposed Subdivision, the Planning
April 20, 2016
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Board may waive such requirements subject to such appropriate conditions as it may wish to
impose.
C. All variances shall be exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board of Appeals
and nothing in this Local Law is intended to supersede, abridge, or vary the requirements of
Town law §§ 267, 267-a and 267-b.
D. It is not the intent of this Local Law to effect uniformity or standardization in the
development of Subdivisions in the Town. When imaginative and beneficial design concepts are
proposed by an Applicant the Planning Board may grant waivers to permit the accomplishment of
such concepts as long as such waivers do not violate any other applicable laws or regulations.
E. No waiver shall exempt or alter the requirements of SEQRA or the Town’s Stormwater
laws and requirements.
SECTION 13 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES: Each and all remedies and rights provided
to the Town under this section shall be cumulative and the Town’s pursuit of any one right or
remedy does not effect a waiver or an election of remedies, and the Town may thereafter pursue
or continue to pursue any other right or remedy it may have in law, equity, or in admiralty. The
rights and remedies herein stated are not the exclusive rights and remedies of the Town. The
violation of this Local Law shall permit enforcement in any one or more of the following
manners:
A. When any term, provision, or requirement of this Local Law is violated the Enforcement
Officer may issue a written notice of violation to the Applicant (or other Person in violation
hereof). The notice of violation shall contain; (i) the name and address of the Person alleged to
have violated this Local Law; (ii) the address, when available, or a description of the building,
structure or parcel upon which the violation occurred or is occurring; (iii) a brief statement
specifying the nature of the violation; (iv) a statement of the fine or penalty that may or could be
assessed against any Person to whom the notice of violation is directed; and (v) a clear statement
identifying whether the notice commences or may commence a civil or criminal proceeding. The
failure to comply with a written notice of violation by correcting the violation is in itself a
separate violation of this Local Law and may be further enforced as such.
B. The Enforcement Officer may issue stop work orders for violations of this Local Law.
Any Person receiving a stop work order shall be required to halt all clearing, grading, and
construction until the Enforcement Officer or a court of competent jurisdiction allows work to re -
commence.
C. Town may also maintain actions or proceedings in the name of the Town in a court of
competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with or restrain by injunction the violation of any
provision or requirement of this Local Law.
D. This Local Law may be enforced civilly or criminally by seeking fines, penalties, and like
punishments to deter future violations and sanction offenders, and the following civil and
criminal fines and penalties shall apply to any violation of the requirements or terms of this Local
Law:
1. For a first offense, any Person that violates any of the provisions of this Local Law shall
be (i) guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of not more than $500, or (ii) subject to a civil
penalty of not more than $500 to be recovered by the Town in a civil action. Every such
Person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each week that such violation,
disobedience, omission, neglect or refusal shall continue. Similarly, a separate civil penalty
shall apply and be assessable for each week that such violation, disobedience, omission,
neglect or refusal shall continue.
2. For a second offense, being any violation that is found to have occurred within 2 years of
any prior civil or criminal determination of any violation of this Local Law, a Person shall be
(i) guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $2,500, or (2)
subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,500 to be recovered by the Town in a civil
action. Every such Person shall be deemed guilty of a separate unclassified misdemeanor for
each week that such violation, disobedience, omission, neglect, or refusal shall continue.
Similarly, a separate civil penalty shall apply and be assessable for each week that such
violation, disobedience, omission, neglect, or refusal shall continue.
All provisions of New York law and process generally applicable to misdemeanors shall apply to
any criminal proceeding brought upon any violations of this Local Law, including for purposes of
jurisdiction.
April 20, 2016
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E. Upon any violation of this Local Law by an Applicant or any Person, the Enforcement
Officer may decline and refuse to issue any approvals, endorsements, certifications, building
permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, and any similar or other document
or approval until the Applicant or Person rectifies and cures such violation.
F. Any Person violating this Local Law may be required to restore land to its undisturbed
condition. In the event that restoration is not undertaken within a reasonable time after notice, the
Town may take necessary corrective action, the cost of which shall become a lien upon the
property until paid. In addition, the Town may commence any one or more civil proceedings in
the Town Court, or any other court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction, to recover the costs o f
such restoration.
SECTION 14 - SAVINGS: If any provision of this Local Law, whether as written or applied,
shall be adjudged by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or
unenforceable, such judgment or determination shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder
of this Local Law and shall be confined in its operation and interpretation only to the
circumstances, Persons, and provisions of this Local Law directly involved in the controversy in
which such judgment or determination shall have been rendered, and such invalidity or
unenforceability shall not be applied to other Persons or circumstances. If such provision may not
be so saved then it shall be deemed severed from this Local Law and the balance hereof shall
survive.
SECTION 15 - LIMITATION UPON TOWN LIABILITY: The Town, and its officers,
employees, and agents shall not be liable or responsible for any injuries to Persons or damages to
property due to the Town’s actions, or failures to act, under or pursuant to this Local Law unless
it is proven to a reasonable degree of certainty that such injury or damage was a primary cause of
such injury, loss, or damage and was principally caused by a willful or intentional act of the
Town, its officers and agents. This provision shall be construed and applied to the maximum
extent permitted by law, does not waive any sovereign or governmental immunity of the Town,
and does not create any theory or claim of liability where none exists at law or in equity.
SECTION 16 - FEES & EXPENSES: Any fees referenced in this Local Law may be set and
periodically updated by the Town Board by resolution. Without limiting the requirements of this
Local Law, fee schedules may be developed for Subdivision and permit applications, their review
or renewal, any related amendments, inspections, approvals and reviews by the Town and its
agents, including title reviews, roadway inspections reviews and dedications, SEQRA reviews,
stormwater review, and any other incurred expense of the Town; subject only the rule that such
expense or fee be reasonable and lawfully chargeable to the Person charged by law. All such fees
shall be reasonably determined in accord with law and periodically reviewed by the Town Board
to assure reasonableness and legality. Whenever the Town incurs any expenses in relation to any
application, review, or approval or permit issuance process, such as but not limited to, postage,
publication, photocopying, or consulting (including legal and engineering consulting), the
reasonable cost of such expenses shall be reimbursed to the Town by the Applicant when
permitted by law, including pursuant to the federal, state, and local laws and regulations
pertaining to environmental and stormwater review.
SECTION 17 - ARTICLE 78: Any Person aggrieved by any decision or determination of the
Town may have said decision or determination reviewed by the Supreme Court in the manner
provided by Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules. This provision shall not, however,
expand the jurisdiction, scope, or applicability of said Article 78, create a right of standing where
such right does not otherwise exist, or waive any claims, rights, or defenses the Town may have
regarding questions of law or fact pertaining to the judicial and legal concepts of ri peness,
standing, timeliness, governmental immunities, or of any other matter. Further, all administrative
remedies and appeals must be fully exhausted before any Person may commence any proceeding
under said Article 78.
SECTION 18 - EFFECTIVE DATE: This Local Law shall be effective immediately and a copy
of this local law shall be filed with the Town Clerk and the New York State Secretary of State.
April 20, 2016
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APPENDIX A
The following diagrams serve as a guide for determining the number of lots in any Subdivision.
For purposes of the Town’s Subdivision Local Law the total number of lots existing after
subdivision shall be the number of lots counted for purposes of classifying a subdivision,
regardless of whether such lots are for sale, proposed for development, or already developed.
A single parent parcel of 12 acres with an existing home at the “H” looks as follows:
H
1
If the landowner wants to create 6 equally-sized 2 acre lots by subdivision, then the drawing
looks thusly:
H 1 2
3 4
5 6
This is 6-lot subdivision - 5 new lots being carved off the parent lot. If there was no existing
home there would still be the remnant of a parent lot and you thus still have a 6-lot subdivision
for purposes of classification.
If the landowner wanted to create but 2 equally-sized lots of 6 acres apiece, the drawing would
look thusly:
H 1 2
This is a 2-lot subdivision (1 new lot carved off the parent lot).
If the owner wanted to create 4 lots of 2 acres apiece, and keep 4 acres for his home lot, the
drawing might look thusly:
H 1 2
3
4 5
This is a 5-lot subdivision for purposes of classification, and thus a major subdivision, even
though there are only 4 new lots created.
Subdivision lots are thus counted by counting the total number of lots created in relation to any
project, with due regard for, and the proper application, of timing rules relative to whether any
subsequent subdivision or re-subdivision occurs.
April 20, 2016
29
Appendix B
LAND USE ORDINANCE – SCHEDULE II
Page 1 of 2
April 20, 2016
30
Appendix B
LAND USE ORDINANCE – SCHEDULE II
Page 2 of 2
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2016,
CODIFYING THE WARREN ROAD BUSINESS PARK PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT AREA, AND ISSUING NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE UNDER SEQRA
Town Counsel, Guy Krogh noted there is one minor change because the county made a
comment under § 239 regarding commercial power generation within this site. He stated
the information is already there and he has addressed it with the county. Town Counsel,
Guy Krogh reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form (part 2) for Local Law
#4 of 2016.
RESOLUTION 16-72
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING LOCAL LAW #4 OF 2016,
CODIFYING THE WARREN ROAD BUSINESS PARK PLANNED
April 20, 2016
31
DEVELOPMENT AREA, AND ISSUING NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNFICANCE UNDER SEQRA
WHEREAS, this proposed local law will amend the Town of Lansing Land Use
Ordinance by adding § 1611 to Article XVI for the purpose of formally codifying,
mapping, approving, and adopting Planned Development Area (“PDA”) #2 for the
Warren Road Business Park PDA, and by specifying the allowed land uses and related
regulations for such PDA #2; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance
encourage the efficient use of land to promote sustainable and intelligent designs, such as
a business park fostering more intensive land uses, especially in areas where water and
sewer infrastructure is available, and the Comprehensive Plan also recognizes that
business and light industrial development are vital and important resources as they
support general operations, provide employment, provide a commercial base for goods
and personal service businesses, and create concentrated and node-based development
that, in turn, preserve land and agricultural uses that also serve to benefit and define the
community; and
WHEREAS, PDA #2 was approved in or about 1988, by application of C.J.
Developments, as a business park to allow a mix of business and light industrial uses and
to contribute to the variety of businesses and employment opportunities within the Town,
as reflected in the park plan and covenants, including by placing review requirements and
construction restrictions so as to ensure that the PDA remains a business park serving the
commercial and light industrial needs of businesses in the Town and in the region,
including by promoting denser development to reduce utility costs, maintaining within
the PDA certain open spaces, and to create a “tucked-away” business park that would
preserve trees and buffers and appropriately and visually mesh well with the surrounding
landscapes and uses in the Town, and all within the parameters of allowed density under
the Land Use Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Final Plat for such PDA was filed in the Tompkins County Clerk’s
Office upon July 16, 1988 as Instrument #BF017957-001, at Map Drawer K25 (the
“Final Plat”), and such PDA #2 shall be enumerated as Section 1611 of the Land Use
Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, a full environmental review occurred when the PDA was formed and
additional reviews have occurred many times since such date as each individual site plan
and construction project was reviewed, and when sewer services were extended to PDA
#2, and accordingly, (i) as these are not comprehensive new regulations or do not affect
changes to any land uses or districts, (ii) as such uses have been allowed since 1988, and
(iii) although over 25 acres in size, no new uses ar e proposed and no changes in uses
within the park zone are proposed, this action is classified as an Unlisted Action under
SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider the proposed local law and its potential
environmental impacts was duly held upon the 20th day of April, 2016, at the Lansing
Town Hall, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York, where at all persons interested in the
subject thereof were duly heard; and
WHEREAS, each identified potential environmental impact was analyzed and duly
considered by the Town Board, as Lead Agency in this uncoordinated review of an
Unlisted Action, in relation to the question of whether any potential environmental
impacts were so probable of occurring or so significant as to require a positive
declaration, and after weighing the above and all other potential impacts arising from or
in connection with this project, and after also considering: (i) the probability of each
potential impact occurring; (ii) the duration of each potential impact; (iii) the
irreversibility of each potential impact, including permanently lost resources of value;
(iv) whether each potential impact can or will be controlled or mitigated by permitting or
other processes; (v) the regional consequence of the potential impacts; (vi) the potential
for each impact to be or become inconsistent with the Town’s master plan and/or
Comprehensive Plan and local needs and goals; and (vii) whether any known objections
April 20, 2016
32
to the Project relate to any of the identified potential impacts, the Town Board found that
these factors did not cause any potential impact to be or be likely to become a moderate
or significant impact such that a negative declaration will be issued; and
WHEREAS, this matter was referred to County Planning for a § 239 review and County
Planning noted only one negative county-wide or intermunicipal impact (and no
unofficial comments or recommendations), such being a recommendation that the PDA
allow for public or commercial power generation, which comment is rejected as it
appears to be commentary of a policy and socioeconomic-based nature that seems
unrelated to actual land impacts in the inter-community or county-wide sense as used in
the GML, including because even the DEC notes, in the SEQRA Handbook, that such
impacts are not even environmental issues as could support a positive declaration; and
WHEREAS, such change will also not be made because such uses are already allowed as
the PDA imports all other allowed uses and the review procedures of the IR zone, which
include as a matter of law and definition non-commercial and on site solar panels and
alternative energy sources, commercial solar and alternative energy sources, wind energy
facilities, electric and gas transmission lines, public utility substations and storage yards,
and public utility service and distribution facilities, including gas, electric, telephone,
water and sewer, TV cable, but not transmission towers and commercial-industrial scaled
utility generation facilities, which are excluded by § 1611(2)(b), which, based upon the
language and existing definitions used in zoning by the Town, prohibits industrial size
and scaled utility facilities within the PDA as such a use is inconsistent with a business
park of this nature (just as small-scale and on site facilities are consistent, encouraged,
and even allowed under this PDA local law), thus also mooting further discussions and
definitional suggestions posited by the County; and
WHEREAS, the Town rejects the County recommendations not because they lack merit,
but because such issues are already addressed, the uses recommended by the County are
already allowed, and the Town therefore believes it has already complied with such
recommendation(s); and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, be it now hereby RESOLVED
as follows:
RESOLVED, that after consideration of the potential environmental impacts reviewed in
accord with 6 NYCRR Part 617, Section 617.7(c), the Lead Agency finds that the
proposed action – codifying the Warren Road Business Park PDA by the adoption of
Local Law #4 of 2016 - will have no moderate or significant negative environmental
consequences; and this declaration is made in accord with Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law of the State of New York and the New York SEQRA Act, and the
Regulations promulgated thereunder, and accordingly, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF, and any and all other documents
prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review,
(ii) its thorough review of the potential relevant areas of environmental concern to
determine if the proposed action may have a moderate or significant adverse impact on
the environment, including, but not limited to, the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR §
617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the EAF, including the findings noted therein (if any,
and which findings are incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a
negative determination of environmental significance (“Negative Declaration”) in
accordance with SEQRA for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that
an Environmental Impact Statement is therefore not required; and it is further
RESOLVED, that a Responsible Officer of the Town Board of the Town of Lansing is
hereby authorized and directed to complete and sign, as required, the determination of
significance, confirming the foregoing Negative Declaration, which fully completed and
signed EAF and determination of significance shall be incorporated by reference in this
Resolution; and it is further
RESOLVED, that Local Law Number 4 of 2016 be and hereby is approved and adopted
in the form as presented to this meeting, and in such form “be it so enacted”; and it is
further
April 20, 2016
33
RESOLVED, that within 20 days after the final adoption of this Local Law the Town
Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law, together with the required
certifications, if any, as follows: (i) in the Office of the Town Clerk; and (ii) with the
New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal Home Rule Law §27 (said
filing may be made by delivery to the NYS Department of State, Division of
Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code, One Commerce Plaza, 99
Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231); and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk mail a copy of this resolution to County Planning in
fulfillment of the Town’s reply and reporting obligations under GML § 239-l.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra Benson, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
TOWN OF LANSING LOCAL LAW AMENDING ARTICLE XVI OF THE
LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1611 TO MAP AND CODIFY PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT AREA ZONE #2 – THE WARREN ROAD BUSINESS PARK
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA
TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 4 OF 2016
Be it enacted by the Town of Lansing as follows:
SECTION 1: TITLE & APPLICATION; FINDINGS
A. This Local Law shall be known as “Local Law Number 4 of 2016.” This Local
Law amends the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance, by adding a § 1611 to Article
XVI for the purpose of formally codifying, mapping, approving, and adopting Planned
Development Area (“PDA”) #2 for the Warren Road Business Park PDA, and by
specifying the allowed land uses and related regulations for such PDA #2.
B. The Town of Lansing Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance encourage
the efficient use of land to promote sustainable and intelligent designs, such as a business
park fostering more intensive land uses, especially in areas where water and sewer
infrastructure is available. The Comprehensive Plan also recognizes that business and
light industrial development are vital and important resources as they support general
operations, provide employment, provide a commercial based for personal service
businesses, and create concentrated and node-based development that, in turn, preserve
land and agricultural uses that also serve to benefit and define the community. The Town
Board finds that this PDA was, is, and remains inherently consistent with the planning
and zoning objectives of the Town.
C. PDA #2 was approved in or about 1988, by application of C.J. Developments
(Cornelis J. Drost, owner), as a business park to allow a mix of business and light
industrial uses as reflected in the park plan and covenants and to contribute to the variety
of businesses and employment opportunities within the Town, including by emplacing
review requirements and construction restrictions so as to ensure that the PDA remains a
business park serving the commercial and light industrial needs of businesses in the
Town and in the region, including by promoting denser development to reduce utility
costs, maintaining within the PDA certain open spaces, and to create a “tucked-away”
business park that would preserve trees and buffers and appropriately and visually mesh
April 20, 2016
34
well with the surrounding landscapes and uses in the Town, and all within the parameters
of allowed density under the Land Use Ordinance. The Final Plat for such PDA was filed
in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office upon July 16, 1988 as Instrument #BF017957 -
001, at Map Drawer K25 (the “Final Plat”).
SECTION 2: PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA #2 – THE WARREN ROAD
BUSINESS PARK PDA
A. Planned Development Area (“PDA”) #2, to also be known as the Warren Road
Business Park PDA, is hereby established, permitted, and defined with permitted uses
and applicable definitions, as hereafter follows. PDA #2 shall be enumerated as S ection
1611 of the Land Use Ordinance, as follows:
§ 1611 PDA #2 - The Warren Road Business Park Planned Development Area.
1. PDA #2 shall use all definitions as are applicable to the Land Use Ordinance
generally. Unless otherwise regulated differently under the rules and procedures
applicable to PDA #2 under this § 1611, the general provisions of the Land Use
Ordinance shall apply, as shall all rules and procedures applicable for IR zones
generally, specifically including but not limited to rules pertaining to site planning,
special permitting, and zoning permits.
2. The allowed principal and supplementary or accessory land uses permitted within
the PDA are and include all uses as permitted as of right in the IR zone, except as
follows:
a. Mining of all types shall be prohibited, including gravel and surface mines,
extractive mining, solution mining, oil and gas mining, drilling of rotary mining,
and the like.
b. The use of land for public or commercial power generation, including as
licensed utility providers, shall be prohibited. However, business offices for utility
companies are allowed.
c. ECHO housing and residential accessory uses are prohibited.
d. Rooming and Tourist Homes are prohibited.
e. Kennels and animal boarding operations, except as part of a veterinary
practice or animal hospital, shall be prohibited.
f. The keeping of animals, livestock, or chickens shall be prohibited, unless kept
wholly or mainly indoors as part of a veterinary practice or research facility.
g. Solid waste recycling and yards and transfer stations, and junkyards, shall be
prohibited.
h. Automobile sales lots, dealership display areas, and motor vehicle repair
shops shall not be permitted as primary uses, but vehicle maintenance and repair
facilities shall be allowed secondary uses when ancillary to an allowed primary
use and approved by the Planning Board through site plan review.
i. Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, whether for public use or for profit,
shall be permitted.
j. Parking businesses and parking lots as primary or accessory uses shall be
permitted.
k. Outdoor tents, trailers, or other similar objects or movable storage units shall
be permitted for temporary or permanent storage on any lot, but they may not
exceed a total of 200 ft2 in combined floor area unless site plan approval is issued
April 20, 2016
35
by the Planning Board. Outdoor tents, trailers, or other similar objects or movable
storage units shall not be permitted for use as business offices or similar facilities
(other than for storage), nor for any residential or housing purposes.
l. No unregistered and non-functioning vehicles shall be kept outdoors upon any
lot for more than 30 days.
m. No inventory, goods, or items may be set or displayed outdoors for the
purposes of making or promoting sales at any time.
3. The following uses are permitted, but only upon a site plan review approval by
the Town Planning Board:
a. Churches or other places of worship, convents, and parish houses.
b. Public or private libraries, museums, private and public schools and
instructional centers, nursery schools, kindergartens, and day care centers.
4. Yardage requirements and set-back requirements, density, building and structure
height, and coverage regulations are as follows:
a. All building and structure setbacks, excluding roadways and pedestrian
walkways and trails, shall be at least 25’ from the exterior boundary lines of the
PDA. Other internal PDA set-back and yardage requirements shall be as set forth
in the Land Use Ordinance for IR zones, except as may otherwise be set forth or
required herein.
b. Density regulations shall require that the PDA maintain a 20% minimum open
space standard per lot and a 20% minimum open space standard for the entirety of
the PDA.
c. Buildings shall not exceed 3 stories and no building or structure shall exceed a
height of greater than 45 vertical feet measured from the average grade to the
highest point in the roof line, excluding chimneys and vents.
5. Roadway, parking, and transportation requirements are as follows:
a. There shall be a number of parking spaces as required by the Land Use
Ordinance, or if no standard or rule applies to the land use applicable within the
PDA then a minimum 2 parking spaces for each 200 ft2 of floor area for each
building, each unless otherwise approved by the Planning Board under site plan
review. All parking shall be near or adjacent to the applicable building served, but
individual lots may have parking as a primary use when adjacent to or serving a
primary use within the PDA or when serving a park and ride or other mode-share
transportation form or service.
b. All parking spaces shall have a minimum width of 8.5’, a minimum depth of
18’, and a minimum vertical clearance height of 7’, except handicapped and
impaired parking spaces, which shall conform to all code and legal requirements
in terms of the number of spaces, their location, and the minimum dimensions
thereof.
c. All sidewalks and pathways, including all building-to-building walkways and
picnic areas, shall be constructed and maintained by the owners of the lot(s) upon
which any such infrastructure is sited. If and once built, such walkways and
sidewalks shall be subject to such trail and walkway specifications and such
maintenance agreements as are now or hereafter required or approved by the
Town Board, with input from the Town Planning Department and the Town
Director of Parks and Recreation.
d. All vehicular roadways shall be built by the developer and, once proffered to
the Town as dedicated roadways and duly accepted by the Town Board, kept and
April 20, 2016
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maintained as public highways of the Town of Lansing. The Developer and the
Town may also agree, in the future, to the dedication of such further or additional
roadways or easements as may hereafter be built. All future roads shall be
constructed to Town of Lansing roadway and related specifications as to sub-base
and roadway surfacing, even if the same may not be proposed to be dedicated to
the Town, and all pathways and pedestrian ways shall be constructed in a safe and
workmanlike manner in accord with plans approved by the Town Department of
Parks and Recreation. All roadways shall be engineered, designed, constructed,
and maintained in such manner as to permit the safe passage of fire trucks and
other emergency vehicles.
e. If a connecting roadway is ever built or proposed to connect the PDA to the
Village Circle Area or to lands easterly of the PDA, the same shall be set upon
land reserved therefor as shown upon the Final Plat, and such roadways, if and
once built, shall be dedicated in fee by the then owners of the lands adjacent to
and affected thereby, all as shown running 60’ wide easterly and westerly from
the cul de sac at the end of Dutch Mill Road, with additional utility easements 10’
wide adjacent to each northerly and southerly boundary line thereof, being more
specifically shown as running westerly between Lots 11 and 12 upon the Final
Plat and easterly between Lots 13 and 14 upon the said Final Plat. Such proposed
future roadways shall be and be deemed reserved and dedicated to the Town for
future highway purposes unless heretofore or hereafter expressly abandoned by
resolution of the Town Board.
f. If any pedestrian pathway or walking trail is ever built or proposed to connect
the PDA to the Village Circle Area, such pathway or trail shall be promptly
dedicated to the Town in fee as soon as practical after completion.
6. Landscaping plans and buffering requirements are as follows:
a. Landscaping shall be designed to manage and prevent water drainage to and
stormwater runoff upon adjacent properties.
b. All trees shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible, and no tree with a
trunk diameter over 8” as measured 4’ above grade shall be removed except when
necessary in relation to proposed improvements to any lot. Such removal shall be
noted upon any plan, building permit application, or similar document.
c. All buffering and landscaping, including screening vegetation, shade trees,
and other plantings, shall contain only native vegetation (i.e., no exotic or
invasive non-native species shall be permitted). All plantings shall be maintained
by the lot owner(s) and replaced with similar vegetation whenever a plant or tree
shall die, become diseased, or fail of its purpose relative to providing screening or
buffering.
d. A minimum landscaped buffer of at least 15’ shall be preserved or developed,
and maintained, around any structure whenever any residential use exists within
100’ upon any adjoining lot. Existing buildings and improvements shall be
grandfathered, but shall come into compliance with this standard when any
substantial improvement is made to the lot or to any existing structure, in the
reasonable discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer.
e. Notwithstanding anything allowed in this § 1611 or by the Land Use
Ordinance, the 100’ wetland buffer area in the southerly area of Lot 10 as shown
upon the Final Plat shall not be disturbed and shall be preserved as a wetland
preservation and buffer area. No building or improvements shall occur in such
buffer area and a 100’ setback shall apply to all uses and structures, regardless of
any other provision of law or any approval to the contrary.
7. All building materials and construction shall meet New York State Building and
Energy Codes.
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8. Lighting shall only be in locations of approved lighting poles and plans, plus any
security or passage lighting for buildings. All lighting and lighting fixtures shall be
shielded and designed so as to avoid glare upon adjacent properties. Any additional or
different lighting, including any new or different lighting plans, shall be subject to
approval pursuant to site plan review by the Planning Board.
9. The following requirements apply to the provision of water services, sewer
services, and stormwater within the PDA:
a. All landowners and users of any lands within the PDA must connect to public
water and sewer services once available. All connections shall be by proper
permit, and designs for connections must be approved by the appropriate authority
having jurisdiction. No new lots may be approved for, created within, or added to
this PDA unless at least 80% of all existing primary buildings within the PDA are
connected to such public facilities.
b. No certificates of occupancy or compliance shall be issued for any new uses,
and no PDA amendment or change to the Final Plat, shall be allowed until after
appropriate stormwater plans and any required SWPPP are duly approved by the
Town and all permanent stormwater facilities and practices are substantially
constructed and either dedicated or the subject of a Town-approved stormwater
management agreement.
10. Any proposed use not specifically herein allowed is expressly prohibited. Any
future plan or proposal not here specifically allowed is prohibited unless an
amendment to the PDA and its development plan are approved through the applicable
procedures as outlined in the Land Use Ordinance. However, in no event may: (i) the
open space percentage of 20% be reduced, with such open space measurement to be
expressed as a percentage of land that is undeveloped b y buildings or impervious
surfaces as compared to the total acreage of the PDA; and (ii) the wetland buffer area
be reduced or subject to disturbance or development.
11. All waterlines and appurtenant infrastructure, along with accompanying
easements and rights-of-way, shall be dedicated to the Town Consolidated Water
District, the Warren Road Sewer District Extension, and any future benefit district or
improvement area created to provide services to or for the PDA. Such dedications
shall occur after permit issuance, proper inspection and construction, and acceptance
of the said infrastructure by the Town or the applicable district. All such water and
sewer lines shall be subject to inspection and testing, and shall be in operational
condition at the time of dedication. Such installation, inspections, and operational
parameters shall be verified at reasonable times by the Town Engineer and other
designees of the Town of Lansing.
12. The area encompassed and rezoned in accordance with this Local Law is
described as follows: Those lands being known as Town of Lansing Tax Parcel
Numbers 39.-1-50.2, 39.-1-50.6, 39.-1-50.8, 39.-1-50.12, 39.-1-50.11, 39.-1-50.14,
39.-1-50.10, 39.-1-50.5, 39.-1-50.3, 39.-1-50.1, together with the public highway(s)
situate therein, all as shown upon the Final Plat for the Warren Road Business Park
entitled “C.J. Development – Developer, Warren Road Business Park Final Plat,
Warren Road, Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York” as drawn by T.G.
Miller Associates P.C., Thomas J. Miller, LLP, and dated June 13, 1988, as filed in
the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office upon July 16, 1988 as Instrument #BF017957 -
001 (Map Drawer K25) (the “Final Plat”), all as more particularly described as
follows:
Beginning at a point marked by an existing iron pin located at the northwesterly
corner of Lot 2 on such Final Plat, said point being 24.75’ easterly of the then
centerline of Warren Road, and thence proceeding
S 75˚ 39’ E a distance of 1,231.0’ from said highway centerline to a found iron
pin located at the northeasterly corner of Lot 6 upon such Final Plat, such pin also
being located upon the southerly boundary of lands owned by the Town of
April 20, 2016
38
Lansing (R.O., TPN 39.-1-38.19), such course passing through iron pins at 24.75’,
436.95’, 821.95’ and 1,221.95’; and thence proceeding
N 14˚ 42’ E a distance of 550.0’ to a point in the northwesterly corner of Lot 11
on such Final Plat, passing through a set iron pin 280’ demarking the separation
line between Lots 12 and 11 as shown upon such Final Plat; and thence
proceeding
S 75˚ 38” E a distance of 656.4’, passing through a set iron pin at 361.4’
demarking the separation line between Lots 11 and 13 as shown upon such Final
Plat; and thence proceeding
S 14˚ 42’ W a distance of 550.5’, passing through a set iron pin at 270.5’
demarking the separation line between Lots 13 and 14 as shown upon such Final
Plat; and thence proceeding
S 75˚ 39’ E a distance of 548.6’ to a point marked by a set iron pin in the
northeasterly corner of Lot 10 as shown upon such Final Plat; and thence
proceeding
S 13˚ 46’ W a distance of 528.0’ to a point marked by a set iron pin in the
southeasterly corner of Lot 10 as shown upon such Final Plat; and thence
proceeding
N 75˚ 39’ W a distance of 1,199.9’ to a point marked by an iron pin at the
southwesterly corner of Lot 7 as shown upon such Final Plat, said course passing
through iron pins at 684.9’ and 849.9’; and thence proceeding
S 20˚ 48’ W a distance of 108.1’ to a point marked by an iron pin at the
southeasterly corner of Lot 5 as shown upon such Final Plat; and thence
proceeding
N 75˚ 29’ W a distance of 1,222.9’ to a point in the then centerline of Warren
Road, said course passing through iron pins at 332.0’, 702.0’ and 1.182.9’; and
thence proceeding
N 13˚ 46’ E along the then centerline of said Warren Road approximately 632.1’
to the point and place of beginning.
13. All utility and waterline easements, and all water main rights-of-way, as shown
upon the Final Plat shall be and be deemed dedicated to and accepted by the Town, its
successors and assigns.
14. The landowners within the PDA assume sole responsibility for the land
development activities within the PDA and all worksites, including all related staging
and construction areas and lands within and without the PDA, and agree to assume all
responsibility for any injury or damage that may or does occur as a result of any
excavation, construction, or related work. The landowners, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, shall indemnify and hold the Town, its officers, agents, and
employees harmless from and against any, each, and all losses, actions, causes of
action, claims, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills,
specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances,
trespasses, damages, judgments, extents, executions, and demands whatsoever, whether
arising in law, admiralty or equity (all together and severally hereafter the “Claims”),
including but not limited to reimbursement to the Town for any amounts expended
for expert, consulting, engineering, and attorneys’ fees and expenses arising from or
in relation to any Claim. The Town shall not be liable or responsible for any injury to
persons or damage to property due to any acts or failures to act unless it is proven to a
reasonable degree of certainty that such injury or damage was solely caused by a willful
or intentional act of the Town. No right or cause of action is hereby implied or created
that does not already exist in law or equity.
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39
15. The Town of Lansing Zoning Map is hereby amended to incorporate the location
and boundaries of PDA #2.
SECTION 3: SEVERABILITY; INTERPRETATION
If the provision of this Local Law shall be adjudged or held invalid or unenforceable by a
court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, such determination, order, or judgment
shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of this Local Law, and any such invalidity or
unenforceability shall be confined in its operation to the provision directly involved in the
controversy in which such determination, order, or judgment shall have been rendered, and
such invalidity or unenforceability shall not apply to other jurisdictions, persons or
circumstances and, in all cases, the balance hereof shall remain in force and effect. Section
and other headings are for reference and convenience only and shall not be deemed or
construed to limit or define the requirements of clauses set forth thereunder. References to
laws and regulations (including references within this local law to other sections of this local
law), and the sections and subsections thereof, shall be construed to apply to such law or
regulation as now exists or as may hereafter be amended or recodified, and no typographical
error or error of reference shall be given significant meaning or effect. The gender or neuter
of pronouns shall be construed as the context or use thereof admits or requires, and the
singular shall be construed as the plural, and vice versa, when the context thereof so admits
or requires.
SECTION 4: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Local Law shall be and become effective immediately upon filing with the New
York Secretary of State.
RESOLUTION APPOINTING TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY CLERK, AND
RECEIVER OF TAXES, PER TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE RULES
AND UNDER TOWN LAW, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING FILING OF
FORM MSD 428
RESOLUTION 16-73
RESOLUTION APPOINTING TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY CLERK, AND
RECEIVER OF TAXES, PER TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE RULES
AND UNDER TOWN LAW, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING FILING OF
FORM MSD 428
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, the Town Clerk retired effective April 16, 2016, and the Town needs to
appoint a Town Clerk to fill the vacancy thus created in the Town Clerk and Receiver of
Taxes offices until the next election; and
WHEREAS, the Deputy Clerk is to be appointed as Town Clerk and Receiver of Taxes,
such that the Town needs to appoint a Deputy Town Clerk as well; and
WHEREAS, upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town
Board of the Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, as follows:
1. Deborah K. Munson be and hereby is appointed as Town Clerk, effective April
20, 2016 at the same rate of pay as the existing Town Clerk and subject to all Town
perquisites and benefits as are available to such position;
2. Said Deborah K. Munson be and hereby is also appointed as the Receiver of
Taxes effective April 20, 2016;
April 20, 2016
40
3. Amber Volbrecht be and hereby is appointed as Deputy Town Clerk effective
April 20, 2016, at the previously agreed upon and authorized rate of pay and grade,
subject also to all Town perquisites and benefits as are available to such position;
4. The Town Personnel Officer be and hereby is authorized to make such changes to
the Towns’ employment and civil service rosters and file required Civil Service forms to
effect such changes and these Resolutions, including by the filing of form MSD 428;
5. Immediately upon the retirement of Town Clerk and the resulting vacancy of the
Town Deputy Clerk and Receiver of Taxes positions, Deborah K. Munson, as Town
Clerk, shall provide the required notices of vacancies of the above positions and further
advise of the appointments to fill such vacancies as required by Town Law § 30(4);
6. Immediately upon the retirement of the Town Clerk, the Town Supervisor shall
provide the required notices of vacancy of the said position and further advise of the
appointment to fill such vacancy as required by said Town Law § 30(4);
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz -Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION APPROVING RECLASSIFICATION OF PAY GRADE AND
HOURS WORKED FOR RECREATION SUPERVISOR PATRICK TYRRELL
PER TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND UNDER TOWN
LAW, FURTHER AUTHORIZING FILING OF FORM MSD 428 AND
AMENDING ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTION 16-15
RESOLUTION 16-74
RESOLUTION APPROVING RECLASSIFICATION OF PAY GRADE AND
HOURS WORKED FOR RECREATION SUPERVISOR PATRICK TYRRELL
PER TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND UNDER TOWN
LAW, FURTHER AUTHORIZING FILING OF FORM MSD 428 AND
AMENDING ORGANIZATIONAL RESOLUTION 16-15
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, upon an examination of the work, responsibilities, supervisory duties, and
type of work performed the Town Board has determined that the position needs a
reclassification to reflect how the job has changed over the years and to make the job
classification fairly reflect the actual work and responsibilities in fact carried out by such
position; and
WHEREAS, said position involves additional hours of work, and results in the necessary
changes to the Organizational Resolution 16-15 for the 2016 year; and
WHEREAS, upon consideration and deliberation upon the same, the Town Board of the
Town of Lansing has hereby
RESOLVED, as follows:
1. Recreation Supervisor Patrick Tyrrell be and hereby is approved for Reclassification
to Pay Grade 6, Step 4, at the authorized rate of pay of $23.52 per hour, effective
April 25, 2016, subject also to all Town perquisites and benefits as are available to
such position;
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41
2. Said position be and hereby is approved for forty hours per week, effective April 25,
2016;
3. Organizational Resolution 16-15 is hereby amended to reflect said change of hours
to forty;
RESOLUTION 16-15 – Amended as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby establishes the following standard
hours per month, as required for determination of retirement benefits for
Town Officials:
Bookkeeper, Court Clerk, Senior Court Clerk, 7.3 hrs/day 36.5 hrs/week
Cleaner, Secretary to Highway Superintendent, Code Enforcement, Planning &
Zoning Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, Information Aide
Town Clerk, Director Parks & Recreation, 8 hrs/day 40 hrs/week
Recreation Supervisor, Zoning, Code, Fire Enforcement Officer, Highway
Superintendent, Motor Equipment Operator, Mechanic
Town Justice *based on a 6 hr/day 33 hrs/month
Councilperson *based on a 6 hr/day 41.04 hrs/month
Supervisor *based on a 6/hr day 80 hrs/month
* Part-Time & Seasonal Employees are based on a 6 hour work day as established
by the Town Board Resolution dated August 1, 1990.
4. The appropriate officer be and hereby is authorized to make such changes to the
Towns’ employment and civil service rosters and file the required Civil Service
forms to such changes and the Resolution, including the filing of form MSD 428;
5. Said position is classified as an hourly FLSA Nonexempt Employee;
The question of the adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake duly seconded by Councilperson Katina Binkewicz, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING CONDITIONAL
CONVEYANCE SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM OF ACCESS AND
USE EASEMENT ACROSS TOWN-OWNED LAND ALONG CAYUGA VISTA
DRIVE
RESOLUTION 16-75
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING CONDITIONAL
CONVEYANCE SUBJECT TO PERMISSIVE REFERENDUM OF ACCESS AND
USE EASEMENT ACROSS TOWN-OWNED LAND ALONG CAYUGA VISTA
DRIVE
WHEREAS, the town had generally agreed to allow access across a strip of town-owned
land adjacent to Cayuga Vista Drive, mainly used for roadway drainage and stormwater
purposes, and as part of site plan review the Dollar General project, and Primax
Properties, LLC, the developer, wanted such a secondary means of access along Cayuga
Vista Drive; and
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42
WHEREAS, the town believes that the safety and utility of the site are improved by such
access, and that the granting of an easement does not interfere with the use of such land
or the purposes underlying ownership by the Town; and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, and in respect of the
recommendations of the Highway Superintendent, be it now hereby RESOLVED as
follows:
RESOLVED, that an easement across such town-owned land, in a location as approved
by the Planning Board in its site plan review, and in a form and upon terms as are
hereafter approved by the Town Attorney, be and hereby is approved, and the Town
Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute the same by, for, on behalf of, and in
the name of the Town of Lansing once such attorney approval has been duly issued; and
it is further
RESOLVED, that this resolution be and hereby is subject to permissive referendum as
required by Town Law § 64 and Town Law Article 7, and the Town Clerk is directed to
publish a compliant notice of permissive referendum within 10 days of the adoption
hereof.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Supervisor Edward LaVigne, and put to
a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION DECLARING CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF TOWN BOARD
TO THE LAYING OUT AND OPENING OF TOWN BARN ROAD AND VERIZON
LANE AS DEDICATED PUBLIC HIGHWAYS OF THE TOWN OF LANSING
PURSUANT TO HIGHWAY LAW § 171
RESOLUTION 16-76
RESOLUTION DECLARING CONSENT AND APPROVAL OF TOWN BOARD
TO THE LAYING OUT AND OPENING OF TOWN BARN ROAD AND VERIZON
LANE AS DEDICATED PUBLIC HIGHWAYS OF THE TOWN OF LANSING
PURSUANT TO HIGHWAY LAW § 171
WHEREAS, Town Barn Road and Verizon Lane, as located near the intersections of
North Triphammer Road with State Route 34, have long existed as roadways and the
nature of their use has changed over the years, particularly with local business opening
nearby and thereupon, such that it is likely that such roads are highways by use as such
term is used and defined in Town Law and Highway Law § 189; and
WHEREAS, additional development has been considered and reviewed along such
roadways such that their formal dedication should be attended to prior to the issuance of
building permits and to acknowledge the status of such roadways; and
WHEREAS, the Town Highway Superintendent has concurred and co-ordered a survey
to formally lay out such roadways at a recommended width of 60’, thereby meeting the
minimum 3 rod standard of New York State Highway Law § 171, and no formal
dedication of title to such land is required as the Town of Lansing is the owner of all of
the property hereby declared and opened as public highways, as more particularly
described below; and
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WHEREAS, by his execution below and the filing of a copy of this resolution in the
Town Clerk’s Office, this resolution and consent shall formally dedicate such town-
owned lands as public highways and the same shall be indexed as Town Highways on
roadway and NYSDOS maps, including for purposes of counted miles for consolidated
highway funding; and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, and in respect of the
recommendation and order of the Highway Superintendent, as reproduced and duly
executed below, be it now hereby RESOLVED as follows:
RESOLVED, in accordance with the provisions of § 171 of the Highway Law of the
State of New York, consent is given that the Highway Superintendent of the Town of
Lansing make an order laying out the aforesaid town highways to be known as “Town
Barn Road” and “Verizon Lane,” and to consist of lands described as follows:
Beginning at a point located at the intersection of North Triphammer Road and the
New York State (NYS) Highway Line for NYS Route 34 as shown upon a survey
map entitled “SURVEY MAP SHOWING PROPOSED PARCEL TO BE
DEDICATED AS TOWN BARN ROAD AND VERIZON LANE, TOWN OF
LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK,” as drawn by T.G. Miller P.C.,
dated March 24, 2016 (the “Road Survey”), which point is also the northwesterly
corner of lands of Lansing Market Realty LLC (R.O., Inst. #570702-003), and thence
proceeding
N 00º 32’ 12” E a distance of 126.39’ along the easterly highway line of said SR 34 to
a point marked by a pin set; and thence proceeding
S 63º 46’ 35” E a distance of 157.46’ to a point marked by a pin set; and thence
proceeding
S 88º 43’ 02”E a distance of 417.13’ to a point marked by a pin set, said point being
an inside corner at the intersection of Town Barn Road and Verizon Lane as shown
upon the Road Survey; and thence proceeding
N 01º 22’ 42” E a distance of 444.51’ to a point marked by a pin set in the southerly
boundary line of lands now or formerly of United Storage TBR, LLC (R.O., Inst. #
554612-001); and thence proceeding
S 88º 59’ 00” E a distance of 60’ along such southerly boundary of United Storage
TBR, LLC to a point marked by a pipe found; and thence proceeding
S 01º 22’ 42” W a distance of 444.78’ to a point marked by a PK Nail set in asphalt,
which point is an inside corner of the intersections of Town Barn Road with Verizon
Lane as shown upon the Road Survey; and thence proceeding
S 88º 43’ 02” E a distance of 337.99’ to a point marked by a pin set; and thence
proceeding
S 00º 00’ 52” E a distance of 60.02’ to a point marked by a PK Nail set, which point
is located upon the southerly line of lands of the Town of Lansing (R.O. 467/676) and
the northerly line of lands of Lansing Associates (R.O. 646/587); and thence
proceeding
N 88º 43’ 02” W a distance of 957.57’ along such southerly line of said Town of
Lansing parcel, being also the northerly lines of said Lansing Associates and Lansing
Market Realty LLC, respectively, to a calculated point located in the easterly line of
said North Triphammer Road, being also the easterly line of land owned by New
York State as part of said SR 34, being also the point and place of beginning,
containing in all 2.039 acres of land, and being more commonly known as Town
Board Road in its easterly-to-westerly axis, and as Verizon Lane for the northerly
extension from Town Barn Road adjacent to the Town of Lansing Highway Barn and
April 20, 2016
44
to the boundary of the United Storage TBR, LLC parcel, all as more particularly
shown upon the Road Survey.
And it is further
RESOLVED, that the purpose of this consent and order is to formally declare and
describe such public highways for use as a public roadways in the Town of Lansing,
County of Tompkins, and State of New York; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby approves such highways and consents to the
Highway Superintendent’s Order so declaring and laying out said town highways in the
Town of Lansing, extending from North Triphammer Road easterly to the Town
Highway Barn and northerly to the Verizon Buildings and lands of United Storage, as
more particularly described above, and the Town Board, by these Resolutions, and the
Town Highway Superintendent, by his signature below, hereby determine and order that
town highways shall be laid out in the Town of Lansing in accordance with the
description set forth herein and determine, in accord with law, that such highways are not
less than three rods in width; and it is further
RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the Highway Superintendent shall sign a certified
copy of this Resolution, and the same shall be filed by the Town Clerk of the Town of
Lansing in the offices of the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing and the Tompkins
County Clerk’s Office.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Councilperson Doug Dake, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
Said Public Highways are hereby ordered opened in accord with these Resolutions.
____________________
Charlie Purcell,
Highway Superintendent,
Town of Lansing
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL
LAW #5 OF 2016, AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1612 TO
MAP AND CODIFY THE EASTLAKE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA
RESOLUTION 16-77
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL
LAW #5 OF 2016, AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1612 TO
MAP AND CODIFY THE EASTLAKE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, this proposed local law will amend the Town of Lansing Land Use
Ordinance by adding § 1612 to Article XVI for the purpose of formally codifying,
mapping, approving, and adopting Planned Development Area (“PDA”) #3 for the
Eastlake PDA, and by specifying the allowed land uses and related regulations for such
PDA #3; and
April 20, 2016
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WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance
encourage the efficient use of land to promote sustainable and intelligent designs, such as
interrelated community and residential uses, and the Comprehensive Plan recognizes that
certain community buildings and uses and recreation are appropriate in residential areas,
and that this serves to benefit the community generally; and
WHEREAS, PDA #3 was approved in or about 1988, by application of Cheryl Nickel,
Developer, as a residential subdivision with a community center, a business multi -use
office, community-use and recreational lots, and some higher-density lots, and the
development of the site was governed by the Eastlake Declaration of Covenants and
Restrictions, dated August 22, 1988 and filed August 24, 1988 in the Tompkins County
Clerk’s Office at Liber 32 of Miscellaneous Records, Page 736 (and this declaration was
thereafter amended by a First Amendment to the Declaration of Covenants and
Restrictions – Eastlake, as filed in said Clerk’s Office upon June 29, 2007 as Instrument
Number 510977-001) (hereinafter jointly and severally the “Declaration”), and other than
the community center building and land upon Cayuga Lake as acquired by the Eastlake
Homeowners Association, Inc. from the Developer (Inst. #509607-001), the balance of
the PDA is a traditional residential subdivision generally consistent with current and past
R1 zoning requirements in the Town of Lansing; and
WHEREAS, much of the above was mapped in and upon the Final Plat for PDA #3, filed
in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office upon August 24, 1988, as Instrument #BF-
017906-001, at Map Drawer K 109-114; and
WHEREAS, a full environmental review occurred when the PDA was formed and
additional reviews have occurred since such date as lot uses have changed, but none-the-
less these are not comprehensive new regulations, do not affect changes to any land uses
or districts, and as such uses have been allowed since 1988 and, although over 25 acres in
size, no new uses are proposed and no changes in uses within the PDA are proposed, thi s
action is classified as an Unlisted Action under SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, upon consideration of the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has duly resolved as follows:
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 18th day of May, 2016,
at 6:35 pm, to consider the adoption of proposed Local Law #5 of 2016 – adding the
Eastlake PDA regulations to the Land Use Ordinance, to consider and review the
environmental impacts thereof, and to thereat hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk; and it is further
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that this action is classified as an Unlisted Action
pursuant to SEQRA, and in furtherance thereof:
i. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing proposes to be the Lead Agency for
uncoordinated environmental review as the Town of Lansing is the sole Involved
Agency.
ii. The Interested Agencies are determined to be: the Town of Lansing Planning
Board; The Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals; the Village of Lansing; and
the Tompkins County Planning Department; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk issue a copy of the proposed local law and SEAF Part
1 and it’s supporting EAF Map to each agency; and it is further
April 20, 2016
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RESOLVED, that this local law and the SEQRA materials be sent to County Planning
with a request for a General Municipal Law §§ 239-l and –m review.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra Benson, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL
LAW #6 OF 2016, AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1613 TO
MAP AND CODIFY THE HORIZON VILLAGES PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
AREA
RESOLUTION 16-78
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL
LAW #6 OF 2016, AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1613 TO
MAP AND CODIFY THE HORIZON VILLAGES PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
AREA
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
WHEREAS, this proposed local law will amend the Town of Lansing Land Use
Ordinance by adding § 1613 to Article XVI for the purpose of formally codifying,
mapping, approving, and adopting Planned Development Area (“PDA”) #4 for the
Horizon Villages PDA, and by specifying the allowed land uses and related regu lations
for such PDA #4; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance
encourage the efficient use of land to promote sustainable and intelligent designs, such as
increasing density where water and sewer infrastructure is available, as to promote node-
based development that, in turn, preserves land and agricultural uses and benefits the
community generally; and
WHEREAS, PDA #4 was approved in or about 1993, by application of Alex Cima,
Developer, as part of a larger residential subdivision with increased density of
development within the PDA area, and related special use restrictions, including because
of sewer availability, and the clustering of high -end rental units into 8 mini-villages of up
to 6-units each consisting of variable one-, two- and 3-bedroom designs, with attached
garages, fireplaces, basements, and all accoutrements as to make them appear, for all
intents and purposes, like single family residences or, in some cases, traditional duplexes,
and this PDA was part of a larger subdivision development known as “Horizons” and the
final plat for such Horizon Estates Subdivision was filed in the Tompkins County Clerk’s
Office upon September 30, 1985 as Instrument No. BF023956-001, Map Drawer 98, and
again later filed upon July 7, 1987, as Instrument No. BF022826-001; and
WHEREAS, the Final Plat for the PDA known as “Horizon Villages” PDA #4 was filed
in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office upon October 14, 1986, as Instrument No.
BF033176-001, Map Drawer Box 10, V (the “Final PDA Plat”), and said map shows a
total of 8 development lots within the PDA numbered as lots 39 through 46; and
WHEREAS, a full environmental review occurred when the PDA was formed and
additional reviews have occurred since such date, each as individual site plan uses and
certain sites have changed (namely, the recreational lot, to which have been added a
swimming pool and ball courts), but none-the-less these are not comprehensive new
regulations, do not affect changes to any land uses or districts, and as such uses have been
April 20, 2016
47
allowed since 1993 and have each been subjected to site plan review and individualized
SEQRA determinations, and as the PDA is less than 25 acres in size and no new uses are
proposed, this action is classified as an Unlisted Action under SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, upon consideration of the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has duly resolved as follows:
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 18th day of May, 2016,
at 6:37 pm, to consider the adoption of proposed Local Law #6 of 2016 – adding the
Horizon Villages PDA regulations to the Land Use Ordinance, to consider and review the
environmental impacts thereof, and to thereat hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk; and it is further
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that this action is classified as an Unlisted Action
pursuant to SEQRA, and in furtherance thereof:
i. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing proposes to be the Lead Agency for
uncoordinated environmental review as the Town of Lansing is the sole Involved
Agency.
ii. The Interested Agencies are determined to be: the Town of Lansing Planning
Board; The Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals; the Village of Lansing; and
the Tompkins County Planning Department; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk issue a copy of the proposed local law and SEAF Part
1 and it’s supporting EAF Map to each agency; and it is further
RESOLVED, that this local law and the SEQRA materials be sent to County Planning
with a request for a General Municipal Law §§ 239-l and –m review.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by Supervisor
Edward LaVigne, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put to a roll call
vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL
LAW #7 OF 2016, AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1614 TO
MAP AND CODIFY THE WOODLAND PARK PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
AREA
RESOLUTION 16-79
RESOLUTION SCHEDULING PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL
LAW #7 OF 2016, AMENDING THE LAND USE ORDINANCE TO ADD § 1614 TO
MAP AND CODIFY THE WOODLAND PARK PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
AREA
The following Resolution was duly presented for consideration by the Town Board:
April 20, 2016
48
WHEREAS, this proposed local law will amend the Town of Lansing Land Use
Ordinance by adding § 1614 to Article XVI for the purpose of formally codifying,
mapping, approving, and adopting Planned Development Area (“PDA”) #5 for the
Woodland Park PDA, and by specifying the allowed land uses and related regulations for
such PDA #5; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance
encourage the efficient use of land to promote sustainable and intelligent designs, such as
a mixed and high-density residential development when near places of employment and
where water and sewer infrastructure is available, and the Comprehensive Plan also
recognizes that variable density housing helps control housing costs and promotes open
spaces and recreational areas that also serve to benefit and define the community; and
WHEREAS, PDA #5 was approved in or about 2010, by application of Cardamone
Home Builders, Inc., Developer, as a residential subdivision with single family
residences, a gated townhouse community area, and 7-8 acres of public and private use
open spaces; and
WHEREAS, the Final Plat Map for PDA #5 was filed in the Tompkins County Clerk’s
Office upon September 7, 2011, as Instrument #580265-001, at Map Drawer RCG132
(the “Final PDA Plat”); and
WHEREAS, a full environmental review occurred when the PDA was formed and no site
changes, PDA amendments, or other changes have occurred in relation to such PDA,
such that these are not comprehensive new regulations, do not affect changes to any land
uses or districts, and as such uses have been allowed since 2010 and, even though over 25
acres, all uses have each been subjected to individualized SEQRA determinations, there
is no change in use, such that this action is classified as an Unlisted Action under
SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, upon consideration of the foregoing, the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing has duly resolved as follows:
RESOLVED, that a Public Hearing will be held at the Lansing Town Hall, 29 Auburn
Road, Lansing, New York, being in the Town of Lansing, on the 18th day of May, 2016,
at 6:39 pm, to consider the adoption of proposed Local Law #7 of 2016 – adding the
Woodland Park PDA regulations to the Land Use Ordinance, to consider and review the
environmental impacts thereof, and to thereat hear all persons interested in the subject
thereof, and to take such action thereon as is required or permitted by law; and it is
further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New
York, is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Public Hearing to be
published in the official newspaper of the Town of Lansing, and also to post a copy
thereof on the Town signboard maintained by the Town Clerk; and it is further
RESOLVED AND DETERMINED, that this action is classified as an Unlisted Action
pursuant to SEQRA, and in furtherance thereof:
i. The Town Board of the Town of Lansing proposes to be the Lead Agency for
uncoordinated environmental review as the Town of Lansing is the sole Involved
Agency.
ii. The Interested Agencies are determined to be: the Town of Lansing Planning
Board; The Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals; the Village of Lansing; and
the Tompkins County Planning Department; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk issue a copy of the proposed local law and SEAF Part
1 and it’s supporting EAF Map to each agency; and it is further
RESOLVED, that this local law and the SEQRA materials be sent to County Planning
with a request for a General Municipal Law §§ 239-l and –m review.
April 20, 2016
49
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Doug Dake, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING ENCROACHMENT
AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE AND ALLOW USE OF TOWN DRIVEWAY ON
SALMON CREEK ROAD
RESOLUTION 16-80
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING ENCROACHMENT
AGREEMENT TO CONTINUE AND ALLOW USE OF TOWN DRIVEWAY ON
SALMON CREEK ROAD
WHEREAS, the Town recently learned that an old town access driveway to town-owned
land on Salmon Creek Road actually crosses over an edge of neighboring lands, such that
the town has been and is committing a trespass; and
WHEREAS, as such land is about to be sold and the town’s encroaching driveway
presents a title problem, the town and such bu yer have agreed that if the town will sign an
encroachment agreement it may keep the driveway in its present location and not be
required to move the driveway until the work can be scheduled or upon the happening of
certain events as spelled out in such agreement, such as the failure of title or financing in
the future; and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, and in respect of the
recommendations of the Highway Superintendent, be it now hereby RESOLVED as
follows:
RESOLVED, that the encroachment agreement as presented to this meeting be and
hereby is approved, and the Town Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute the
same by, for, on behalf of, and in the name of the Town of Lansing.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, duly seconded by Councilperson Robert Cree, and put
to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
RESOLUTION APPROVING ADDENDUM TO COUNTRY ACRES ANIMAL
CONTROL CONTRACT CLARIFYING ADOPTION FEES AS PROPERTY
OF COUNTRY ACRES AND NOT PART OF TOWN FEE STRUCTURE
RESOLUTION 16-81
RESOLUTION APPROVING ADDENDUM TO COUNTRY ACRES ANIMAL
CONTROL CONTRACT CLARIFYING ADOPTION FEES AS PROPERTY
OF COUNTRY ACRES AND NOT PART OF TOWN FEE STRUCTURE
April 20, 2016
50
WHEREAS, NYSDAM recently inspected the Town’s ACO facilities and noted that the
animal control contract should more particularly describe what is payable to the Town,
and as the Town and NYS do not mandate adoption, even though the T own values that
service as provided by its provider Country Acres, there is a need to execute an
addendum to simply clarify that adoption fees are to be retained by Country Acres, as
they always have, and to thus have § 6(f) of the contract amended accordingly; and
WHEREAS, and after due deliberation upon this matter, be it now hereby RESOLVED
as follows:
RESOLVED, that the addendum so amending § 6(f) of the Town’s 2016 Dog Control
and Shelter Agreement as presented to this meeting be and hereby is approved, and the
Town Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to execute the same by, for, on behalf of,
and in the name of the Town of Lansing.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Andra Benson, duly seconded by Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz, and
put to a roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
APPROVE AUDIT and BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
RESOLUTION 16-82
Councilperson Robert Cree moved that the Bookkeeper is hereby authorized to pay the
following bills and to make the following budget modifications.
CONSOLIDATED ABSTRACT # 04
DATED _4/18/2016__
AUDITED VOUCHER #’s 277 - 381
PREPAY VOUCHER #’s 277 - 286
AUDITED T & A VOUCHER #’s 26- 37
PREPAY T & A VOUCHER #’s 26 - 30
FUND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
GENERAL FUND (A&B) $ 84,226.07
HIGHWAY FUND (DA&DB) $ 33,953.20
LANSING LIGHTING (SL1, 2 &3) $ 1,364.75
LANSING WATER DISTRICTS (SW) $ 8,643.20
TRUST & AGENCY (TA) $ 46,843.89
LANSING SEWER DISTRICTS (SS1, SS3) $ 7,661.98
BONE PLAIN WATER TANK PROJECT (HB) $ 60,097.73
April 20, 2016
51
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
GENERAL A FUND
April 20, 2016
FROM TO FOR
AMOUNT
A1990.400 A8750.401 FR CONTINGENCY TO AGRI DEVELP-CONTRACTUAL 2000.00
COMMITTEE MEETING STARTED BACK UP
A1990.400 A1410.130 FR CONTINGENCY TO DEPUTY PERS SVCS 3500.00
UN BUDGETED TEMPORARY PERSONNEL
A7180.100 A7310.110 FROM BEACH & POOL TO YOUTH -PERSONAL SVCS 140.00
UNANTICIPATED UMPIRE EXPENSES
A7110.400 A7110.200 FROM PARKS CONTRACTUAL TO PARKS EQUIPMENT 24.98
UNDER BUDGETED
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
CAPITAL PROJECTS (BONE PLAIN WTR TANK) HB FUND
April 20, 2016
FROM TO FOR
AMOUNT
HB8397.400 HB8397.440 FROM OTHER TO LEGAL EXPENSES 120.00
UNANTICPATED LEGAL EXPENSES
Supervisor Edward LaVigne seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll
call vote:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne - Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Andra Benson
Library Committee:
Andra stated the Lansing Community Library had a written report and it was available as
a handout. She noted they have more volunteers and there is a lot of energy. Andra
stated they have more patrons every month taking out books, movies, and video games;
they’re doing very well.
Lansing Youth Services:
Andra reported the Lansing Youth Services, middle school students, had their best
Spaghetti Dinner ever. She noted the students did all of the serving. Andra stated last
year they only had ninety three (93) people and for this dinner they had one hundred forty
three (143).
Agriculture Committee:
Andra stated that Connie Wilcox already gave this report.
April 20, 2016
52
Robert Cree
ZBA Meeting:
Robert reported the ZBA reviewed an application for a variance from Dollar General for
a sign. He stated he was very impressed with the committee deliberations. Robert noted
the ZBA was not in favor of granting the sign request variance. He thanked Lynn Day
for putting tape on the wall to use as a visual for a 4 x 12 sign.
Edward LaVigne
Ed stated the new staff is good and responding nicely; very good communication. He
noted that when the Town Board has questions or concerns they are communicating as
adults. Ed reported he is giving the Town Board a lot to do and there are three more
PDA’s to review.
Doug Dake
Water and Sewer Advisory Board:
Doug reported they didn’t meet this month, but he reviewed some of Dave Herrick’s
Engineer Report regarding CWD Expansion on Triphammer Terrace and the CWD Bone
Plain Pressure Zone. He stated they are moving forward on Lansing Station Rd, but they
are having trouble getting ahold of someone at Norfolk Southern to get water across the
tracks.
Katrina Binkewicz
Grant Money:
Katrina stated that with Charlie “Cricket” Purcell’s and Penny Crozier’s help they
submitted the proposal for the Intermunicipal Grant. She reported the grant is to help
with the Water Wagon Road drainage issues.
Emergency Planning Committee:
Katrina stated they did not meet, however she will meet with Dan Ferguson next week.
Monthly Report
The Supervisor submitted his monthly report for the month of March, 2016 to all Board
Members and to the Town Clerk.
TOWN COUNSEL REPORT
Guy Krogh
Guy reported the Town is overdue for an update on the Flood Plain Laws. He stated this
is mostly to discourage development in flood plains and to be sure the construction
standards are followed if there is building in a flood plain. Guy reported they are waiting
for the new handbook from the New York Codes Division.
Guy asked Supervisor Edward LaVigne to sign the Encroachment Agreement (Salmon
Creek Road) and Access Easement (Cayuga Vista Drive). He stated the Access
Easement will not be released until the Permissive Referendum period has expired and
the No Referendum Certificate has been filed.
ADJOURN MEETING TO WORK SESSION MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 7:35 p.m. to enter the Work Session
Meeting.
April 20, 2016
53
WORK SESSION MEETING ITEMS OF DISCUSSION
Draft Fund Balance Policy and Draft Reserve Fund Policy:
Proposed and updated adjustments to the second draft of the policies.
Key change was the fiscal and planning impacts of adjusting the 50-year building
reserve plan to a more realistic 25-year plan to more closely match IRS rules,
Local Finance Law § 11.00 timelines, and the realistic life expectancy of
buildings before substantial repairs or upgrades are often needed.
Creation of reserve funds for real property acquisition and recreational
development.
MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Andra Benson moved to ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION TO
DISCUSS CONTRACT MATTERS RELATING TO THE PURCHASE OR SALE
OF LAND WHERE PUBLIC DISSEMINATION OF THE INFORMATION
WOULD AFFECT THE PRICE AND TERMS OF THE CONTRACTS.
AT 8:13 PM.
Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilperson Robert Cree moved to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:22 PM.
Councilperson Doug Dake seconded the motion.
All in Favor - 5 Opposed - 0
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPRAISAL OF TOWN CENTER LANDS AND
RELATED LANDS AND PARCELS
RESOLUTION 16-83
RESOLUTION APPROVING APPRAISAL OF TOWN CENTER LANDS AND
RELATED LANDS AND PARCELS
WHEREAS, the Town had previously authorized funds for appraisals in relation to the
Town Center development master plan, and an appraiser has been chosen and has
submitted an estimated cost for the requested appraisals and evaluations; and
WHEREAS, upon due deliberation thereupon by the Town Board of the Town of
Lansing, be it now hereby RESOLVED as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor be and hereby is authorized to sign an agreement
with North East Appraisals, Ken Gardner, Appraiser, by, for, on behalf of, and in the
name of the Town of Lansing for an appraisal of Town Center lands and related lands and
parcels thereupon, all at a price not to exceed $7,700, and upon such standard appraisal
agreement terms as the Town Attorney hereafter approves and the said Town Supervisor
so consents to as based upon the execution thereof.
The question of adoption of such proposed Resolution was duly motioned by
Councilperson Robert Cree, duly seconded by Councilperson Andra Benson, and put to a
roll call vote with the following results:
Councilperson Andra Benson - Aye Councilperson Katrina Binkewicz - Aye
Councilperson Robert Cree - Aye Councilperson Doug Dake - Aye
Supervisor Edward LaVigne – Aye
Accordingly, the foregoing Resolution was approved, carried, and duly adopted on April
20, 2016.
April 20, 2016
54
ADJOURN MEETING
Meeting adjourned at the call of the Supervisor at 8:23 p.m.
Minutes taken and executed by the Town Clerk. Work Session minutes were taken by
Guy Krogh, Town Counsel and executed by the Town Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah K. Munson
Town Clerk