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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-02-22 TOWN OF LANSING Planning Board Meeting • Monday, February 22, 1993; 7:30 p.m. PLANNING BOARD (* Denotes Members Present) * Lin Davidson Cheryl Nickel Grace Haney * Larry Sharpsteen * Linda Hirvonen * Robert Todd Viola Miller Al White * George Totman, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer * Larry Tvaroha, Town Councilman Larry Sharpsteen called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Larry Sharpsteen questioned Larry Tvaroha as to the status of the proposal for rezoning of the industrial area. Larry Tvaroha commented that after the public hearing that was held by the Town Board, they referred the proposal back to the Planning Board along with a transcript of the comments that were received. Mr. Tvaroha felt that it was the Town Board's position that before they see this proposal again, they would like to get input from the people that live in that area. Larry Sharpsteen questioned Larry Tvaroha as to whether the Town Board would be agreeable to mandating aggressive physical buffers and limiting light levels. Larry Tvaroha responded that the Town Board would probably mandate that or make that mandatory if they were to rezone it. Larry Sharpsteen questioned whether the Town Board would object to a new proposal in that manner. Larry Tvaroha stated that the Town Board would like to get some kind of consensus or acceptance from the people in that area before they review this proposal again. Linda Hirvonen suggested inviting a few representatives from the area to come and speak to the Planning Board, versus a large group trying to vent their grievances. Larry Sharpsteen's concern was that the representatives might already have their minds made up, and not accept any proposed zoning changes. George Totman suggested inviting everyone to an open meeting, such as the one held by the Planning Board on 2/ 18 /93. Larry Tvaroha felt that it was pretty much a consensus after the public hearing that the Town Board really doesn't want to pursue the rezoning of the industrial area right now. Larry Sharpsteen stated that before the Planning Board makes any further changes in the zoned area, which includes the industrial area, input will be gathered from the people in the area. The way he feels this could be accomplished is by utilizing the Master Plan Committee and the people that volunteered. Linda Hirvonen explained that the master plan was written over 25 years ago, and really should be updated no less than every 5 to 10 years. Linda Hirvonen and Cheryl Nickel both agreed as liaisons to the Planning Board and the special committees, that a meeting of each committee be called within three weeks of the public information meeting, which was conducted 2/ 18 / 93. Larry Tvaroha added that he is going to suggest to the Town Board that they start a Building Committee to assess the needs of the community for a new town hall, in • addition to what would be needed for the administrative part. Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 2 Monday, February 22, 1993 • Tom Neiderkorn Tom explained that he has reviewed that master plan. He presented a future land use map from 1982, which identified what were the most important in generalized land uses for the entire town. It deals with agriculture, housing low density, housing moderate density, lake upland, conservation/preservation, existing recreation, future recreation, commercial industry research, and institutional. The other map presented was the one used at Lansing Days, which basically deals with the same land use issues and road patterns. He compared the old zoning maps with the current zoning. He pointed out the existing districts: an unrestricted area and a rural residential area. Tom explained that one of the issues that needs to be addressed is a modification of the densities that now occur, and the other is a modification of the boundaries. Tom began to explain the other options he looked at for the proposed industrial zone in which he suggested providing it as a special residential district allowing single-family housing with a larger lot requirement. He felt this would tend to reduce the number of people in that area, just as rezoning it industrial would. Robert Todd questioned whether there were any landowners from this area at the public meeting held by the Town Board. Larry Tvaroha responded that there were several people present from that area that voiced a strong negative opinion about rezoning this area. Tom suggested that the Economic Development Committee look at whether the community wants to bring more jobs and businesses to the area. If that is not what the community wants, then the Planning Board won't necessarily need to look at rezoning that area. • Tom was discussing the rural residential area and suggested for a low-density area the requirements be: with sewer and water - 20,000 square feet and 100 feet of frontage; with only water - 40,000 square feet and 125 feet of frontage; and without water or sewer - 50,000 square feet and 200 feet of frontage or as required by Tompkins County Health Department. (50,000 square feet is just over an acre). It was felt that by requiring that much frontage, some people might be excluding from purchasing it. This would also use up the road frontage very quickly, so there would still have to be flag lots. Feedback from the board lead Tom to the decision that the 200 feet frontage is too much, and that it should brought down to 150 feet. Both Robert Todd and Larry Sharpsteen agreed that they would like to discuss these proposed zoning boundary changes within the committees. They would like Tom to superimpose the boundary lines on the maps so they can take them to their committees. Tom explained that he had reactivated the high to medium-high residential density district on his maps, which would be for single families with water and sewer on a lot as small as 12,000 square feet with 80 feet of road frontage. He did this keeping in mind areas where there is already water and the possibility of sewer. He felt that with the increase in the costs per linear foot for water, sewer, and new roads, making the density higher would reduce the cost of development for families. The other district is lake upland residential. He explained that the only difference between lake upland residential and rural residential is that if there is water and sewer you don't reduce the minimum lot size for the lake upland residential • district. After Tom's presentation, Larry Sharpsteen felt that the Planning Board shouldn't go any farther until they get feedback from the community on what they already have done. Lin Davidson questioned about the concept of cluster housing and how that would affect Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 3 Monday, February 22, 1993 • different plans, whether that would be an ad hoc approach for a developer to come to the Planning Board and make a proposal. Tom answered that it wouldn't be ad hoc, but it is a special approach to within these densities. He explained that the overall density pattern needs to be established, then it is possible for a developer who wants to cluster within that to bring a subdivision that is clustered. This is where a Planned Development Area should be designed. Linda suggested that Tom change his directives. She suggested that the committee that has been working with him needs to disband at this time, but the Master Plan Committee needs his expertise. Linda suggested that at the first committee meeting Tom do a similar presentation as the one he did at this meeting. This presentation will give the members a baseline of information. To be able to answer questions from the public, Larry Tvaroha asked that Tom provide specific, clear definitions of the zoning districts. Another issue that Larry Sharpsteen raised was the possibility of allowing home businesses as an allowable use in some districts. Larry Sharpsteen commented that a listing of allowable uses was reviewed in 1988, but did not include the agriculture district. There will be a resource/ information book put together which will contain the master plan, some maps, etc., and will be available to the public in George Totman's office for review and discussion. • It was agreed that the second meeting in March (3 /22/ 93) will be devoted to feedback from the committees. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Submitted by Michelle Eastman • TOWN OF LANSING Town Meeting for the Planning Board Thursday, February 18, 1993; 7:00 p.m. • PLANNING BOARD (* Denotes Members Present) * Lin Davidson * Cheryl Nickel Grace Haney * Larry Sharpsteen * Linda Hirvonen * Robert Todd Viola Miller * Al White * George Totman, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Town Board Members Present - Jeff Cleveland, Jeannine Kirby, and Larry Tvaroha This town meeting was held on Thursday, February 18, 1993; from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Lansing High School Cafeteria. The community was notified of this meeting in several ways: a mailer, flyers in businesses, and on the "keynoter" outside the schools' entrance. Judy Saul, Director of the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC), called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m., introduced herself and explained her function in this town meeting. She explained that the CDRC was chosen to help facilitate the meeting, whose purpose was to ask questions and get feedback from the community as to the concept of a "town center" for Lansing. Ms. Saul reviewed the agenda for the meeting and then introduced Larry • Sharpsteen. Larry Sharpsteen welcomed everyone for attending and reiterated the purpose of this meeting. He explained that this is an information gathering meeting and that no decisions were going to be made at this meeting. Linda Hirvonen spoke next explaining the existing zoned areas. Cindy Lion presented a summary of the results from the survey that was conducted in 1992. She explained that due to the limited return of the surveys, the responses should only be used to identify areas of concern. Ms. Lion pointed out the 15 major topics of concern which were gathered from the survey responses, individual interviews, and discussion groups. Cheryl Nickel then described the town center concept that the Planning Board has been working on. She suggested community design workshops which would allow the community to become actively involved in the planning process. She would like the town center to be "an expression of the community." Some of the issues that need to be considered are: building a new town hall; building new roads, sewer lines, and water lines; critical masses of businesses; a place for a commercial strip; and separating Lansing's identity from Ithaca. Judy Saul then opened up the meeting for public comment and input. • Dwayne Ray stated that he has seen the growth in Lansing over the years, but would like to see that the affordability of the town stays within reason, and that the people have the opportunity to vote on any issue. • George Totman explained the reason that Lansing needs a new town hall is that it does not meet the building codes according to state regulations. The town will • continue to be cited and fined if it does not do something about the building. George commented that it makes more sense to build a new building that meets the codes, than it does to continue to pay fines and / or extensively remodel the current town hall. Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 2 Thursday, February 18, 1993 • • Larry Beck (Ludlowville) questioned about the location of the town center and its ownership. • Dee Barber (Lansingville) would like to see that historic resources be included in the town center. • Carl Older (East Shore Drive) felt that a common center is good, but that it needs to be flexible and inclusive by meeting the needs of the young people. • Colleen Hilliard (by the ballfields) was concerned that the town has already purchased all the land surrounding her house, and also about the possibility of encroachment onto her property. • Lucy Bergstrom (Ludlowville) would like to see access to the town center other than by car (e.g., sidewalks, bikes). Ms. Bergstrom also expressed a concern about the traffic patterns and safety, suggesting a reduction of the speed limits. • Another resident was concerned that the only once at the town center will it then be accessible (e.g., walking, bikes). He felt that it should be easy to get to and that a patron should be able to do more than one thing at a stop (clustering of businesses). • Dan Pace discussed the issues of the water mains, and that there needs to be proper zoning to indicate where things can go, and that zoning will allow everyone to know the rules before anything is started. • David Stilwater (North Lansing) likes the open space and rural aspect of Lansing. Mr. Stilwater would like to see the town set aside land for outdoor recreation and conservation (for snowmobiles, trails, skiers, horses, etc.). • Steven Wilson (Lansingville) raised the issue of zoning, and that the master plan needs to be updated to look at land use. • A Ludlowville resident felt that the town center should be accessible to the schools, and that funding and historic preservation should be looked at. • Roger Garnet (South Lansing) questioned what the use of the town center land would be, whether government, business, or community. Mr. Garnet would also like to see that there remain some citizen control over this town center. • Jerry Bass (South Lansing) questioned how many people in attendance at this meeting would like to see some changes in the way the town is current zoned. Judy Saul called for a raise of hands in favor or against; the majority of the people agreed that they would like to see some changes in the zoning ordinance. • Lorraine Felch (Lansing Station Road) expressed her concern for the small farmer and urged that the town try to protect and insure agriculture in Lansing. • Mary Sorrow (Village of Lansing) expressed her concern for the heavy traffic, and that Lansing is currently a throughway to Ithaca. • John Dean (Conlon Road) voiced his preference for the open spaces in Lansing, and for some preservation of the wildlife. • Tom Burke (Buck Road) was very concerned that the town look at funding for this town center before planning was done. Cheryl Nickel responded that the Planning Board wants to know if the town is interested in a town center before anything is done. • Cathy Miller (Wilderness Road) would like to see that there be some land use regulation. • A resident on Asbury Road expressed his concern of the heavy traffic on Warren Road, and questioned whether there was any dialogue between the Town of Lansing and • the Village of Lansing. Another point raised was concerning mass transit and other alternatives to cars and trucks. Judy Saul called for a raise of hands to show the proportion of people in attendance that live north of the Rogues Harbor and south. Over half in attendance live north. Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 3 Thursday, February 18, 1993 • Harold Van Es (Buck Road) would like to see a concentration of people, which could be done by land use planning. Mr. Van Es also discussed the traffic flow, and that if the town center were to be located by the schools, potential business may be lost unless located by the town hall. • Mike Cheatham (Searles Road) was also concerned about the level of traffic and its pattern, and the possibility of a reduction in the speed limits. Mr. Cheatham felt that Tomtran, for example, needs to be pressured into bringing more vans/buses into Lansing and at a greater number of times, to give the residents an incentive to use its services. He also questioned whether the town center has to do with business, or could it be entertainment, cultural, or park and recreation. • Bonnie Grover (Drake Road) enforced the concern about lowering the speed limits, mass transit, and the safety. • Linda Schuyler (Ridge Road) questioned whether there could be two centers: a business center near the town hall, and a community center by the schools. • Jeff Clark (Rogues Harbor) was very concerned about the lack of community knowledge regarding the purchase of the state land across from the current ballfields. He would like to see better communication come from the Town Board. • Another issues was raised about the possible reduction of speed limits and the enforcement of such. The concentration of infrastructure was also discussed. • Bill Kirk (Auburn Road) doesn't want everything condensed. He was also concerned about the traffic and questioned the possibility of connector highways to pull the traffic off the smaller town roads. • Paul Southard (Maple Drive) was concerned about speed limits and would like to see • some traffic lights put in. He was also concerned that by moving the current ballfields across the road to the newly purchased land, the Town will be spending money erroneously, when it already has the asset set up. He also wondered about funding. • Kevin Kaufman (Myers Road) wanted to know about zoning, and expressed his feeling about the need for an updated master plan. He also pointed out that the town center would need to be flexible. • Rick Jansen ( Waterwagon Road) agreed with Mr. Kaufman in that the town center needs to be flexible and meet the many needs of the community. At 8:45 p.m. Judy Saul thanked everyone for their comments, and encouraged them to sign up on any one of the eight committees that the Planning Board is proposing to assist in the planning for Lansing. She also invited them to approach any of the Board Members with any further questions. Submitted by Michelle Eastman S