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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-26 To Seneca Falls To Auburn �} '�,/,�• \ k �;as �4 ..,.i[stl ;� ,;{n TOWN o f LANSING r `�f td a war-`1&;f;` F Sit -: Home of Industry, Agriculture and Scenic Beauty " ' ter C f g t 1+�1 " 1 �y'aQ"•f i s �S f 1 �Ni 1 S • or itti ts N v - «4 - \ = 'r 1 Town of Lansing ` ` .ni frit: ORDINANCE DEPT. \ 4tc r} ,` \ ` \ fry e ,�+ Box 186 . N. ' it r k § Lansing, New York 14882 , , 't '� + - To Ithaca . DATE TASK NAME OR DESCRIPTION ENTERED i t AA Ai s in pi . . 2onizc( /YI119 • 2 . Ls4wg .ua s0cOw ithi1 / 3 '73o ptten L 4 . Pi ge g„,,, ri A r , 5 , Me e i !fie CAsi men, eNe L 8 ig‘ kt in 4 et dri not sr c r _S - : a • da; b , 7b sita4i1o9s //p+ l a �Miroa . Aa. 0 Lip to tea ie. p >440 into nrc a fltnrQ , " '1=1. 'm 7. O p ds , se 1 fizopet Su 3 , , k 8 . I 0 . sP,.. ,a Q � ( ti 1 F tktr t qt 11 . - — ---- - *; 'Ea qv }.k.2. et I 12 . ---- __ i£;* .' • • • - ' °e �ill -• . r �I .tel i ,17, E ,s+n ".�q�"+ • "r :'ry Mg '°� C9i G v i •�ti�*�r �jg`P�> . �. £�k+'ra+ ' . 'y ✓Tn� ��,. ..9 3e TOWN OF LANSING Planning Board Monday, July 26, 1993; 7:30 p. m. PLANNING BOARD (* Denotes Members Present) Fa * Lin Davidson Cheryl Nickel au. Grace Haney Larry Sharpsteen, Chairperson * Linda Hirvonen * Robert Todd * Viola Miller Al White * George Totman, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer * Larry Tvaroha, Town Councilman Ft PUBLIC PRESENT K .: . _ rA Dee Barber Gay Nicholson Cynthia Frazier Harold Van Es Steve Lauzen Rick Vaughn Cindy Lion Linda Hirvonen opened the meeting at 7:45 p .m. Larry Sharpsteen began by commenting that much of the feedback on the town center project y ; he has gotten or has heard second-hand has been negative. A frequent comment received is: • How will the Town be able to afford this project? The perception seems to be that the project is about a town center instead of a new master plan. He suggested to the chairpersons to put more emphasis on the members of their respective committees in order to try to clear up some of this misperception. Comments from the public have come to Larry individually and through various members of the Economic Development Committee. Larry Tvaroha responded to Larry Sharpsteen in that his statement about the general opinion of the public was very broad, and he would like to get something more concrete to prove that. The 94 .¢4 comments Larry Sharpsteen has been receiving from the members of his Economic Development Committee, of whom many are business owners and are in touch with a large portion of the community, lead him to believe that people are focusing on the town center. Linda Hirvonen questioned Larry Sharpsteen as to whether the feedback has been all negative or not. Larry responded that approximately 50 percent of the comments have to do 4tot, with how the Town will pay for this project, which he felt was asked in a negative context. Larry Tvaroha didn' t feel that how the Town would pay for this project should necessarily be taken as negative feedback; he felt it could be a forum for discussion. • Viola Miller, Cynthia Frazier, and Al White haven' t heard any negative feedback. Dee Barber has heard both sides, but that most of the people that give her feedback tend to have negative feedback. Dee has a concern with this project from a historical point. The Lansing Historical Society has been focusing on redeveloping the community neighborhoods, while the town center project is focusing on developing the South Lansing area. _" ® Master Plan Committee 24 . 144, Harold Van Es reported that the Master Plan Committee has been meeting bi-weekly since q April 8. The committee began by reviewing the old master plan, identifying areas that need t " ` to be updated, and establishing a timeline. Subcommittees were then formed : transportation 6, . `% Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 2 Monday, July 26, 1993 (Glen Swanson), housing (Jerry Bass), environment (David Stillwell), and public services • (Katie Kaufman). Further into the process there will be two other subcommittees formed: land use controls and financial planning. The subcommittees have met once and have established goals and a rough plan of work. Harold commented that the Master Plan Committee should eventually have all the information gathered from the other committees funneled towards itself. The Committee looked at whether they would update the master plan or develop a new one; they decided to develop something inbetween. Based on the information gathered from the town meeting conducted in June, the Committee has been able to focus its efforts on areas that are not being addressed by another committee (e. g. , bike paths). He felt that the Master Plan Committee was slightly hindered since it can't finalize its work until it has obtained all the information from the other committees, all of which affect the master . plan. Harold is proposing that two months from now all the other committees (at least the chairs) join the Master Plan Committee and become members. He felt that at that point the process of finalizing the master plan will be smoother with close input and sharing of information from all the committees. DISCUSSION Harold was asked to explain the work of the subcommittees. The subcommittees have only met once. The goal of the Transportation Subcommittee is to designate the functional purpose of existing and future transportation systems in the Town of Lansing and to identify a the measures to improve or develop the physical structure for the maximum designated use. The objectives are to improve safety of the transportation system, provide transportation systems that encourage efficient and expeditious movement with the Town of Lansing, limit the negative environmental impact of transportation, increase the availability of alternative methods of transportation, and perform an economic evaluation of the transportation alternatives. Much of the work of this subcommittee will be information gathering for now. Harold expressed his understanding of the relationship between the Master Plan Committee and all the other committees including the subcommittees. Harold felt that all the other committees where actually a part of the Master Plan Committee. They are all addressing more specific areas that in turn will be a part of the master plan. That is why he is inviting all the chairpersons to join the Master Plan Committee. Town Center Committee Cindy. Lion wanted to clarify her role within this project. She is the Chairperson of the Town Center Committee, and an Organizational Consultant to Cheryl Nickel for "Lansing 2010". The Town Center Committee is currently developing objectives. At the next meeting each member will be bringing two people. The committee will be doing three things: brainstorming about what people would like to have in a town center, drawings, and a visual /sensory exercise. The Town Center Committee will be asking the Communications Committee to send a letter to organizations, volunteers, and businesses to solicit input from these organizations, to solicit invitations to come and speak, and to solicit representatives to the different committees. They are beginning work on the site analysis for two sites: right where the Town Hall is located and the other side of the road . The area will be a circle one mile in diameter with the center on the Town Hall. Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 3 Monday, July 26, 1993 ® DISCUSSION Cindy explained that the product of the Town Center Committee, in addition to a site recommendation, will be a general drawing / design of what a town center could look like. Gay Nicholson questioned once the town center is identified and described and businesses of choice are identified, how will the town solicit those businesses? Larry Sharpsteen added that it could be market driven. If they could prove through information gathered by the committees that there is a demand, than it is up to an individual to take it upon him/ herself to take the chance to start a business. Larry Tvaroha felt that it might not be any more than a segment of road or development of a parking lot that can be a shared parking lot. Then economic conditions dictate whether there is a great demand for a certain kind of business, and whether someone might move in and start a business. Gay questioned that once the utopian view of a town center is developed, who will be paying for the gazebo and the businesses? Larry Tvaroha commented that the Town frequently invests in the infrastructure of its community. Larry Sharpsteen added that there may come a time when a regulation 4' requires that homeowners or business owners invest in sidewalks out front of their home or business. Gay questioned how they could prevent the town center from looking like a bunch of boxes - requiring a certain type of architecture. Larry Sharpsteen commented that once the new master plan is developed, if site plan review and land use ordinances are included, and if the Town Board approves it, the Planning Board will then have a tool to use to require developers to meet certain requirements of the town and its master plan. ® Cynthia Frazier questioned the idea of several town centers. Cindy Lion stated that the committee has sent a request to the Master Plan Committee regarding this idea, and felt that the idea of bike paths connecting the four main areas was actually addressing this area of concern. Historic Resources Committee V Dee Barber explained that the Committee has been bringing in presenters and looking for ways to identify what it is that they are trying to protect or preserve. On August 3, they will be having a joint meeting with the Agriculture Committee and will have Bob Beck of the Tompkins County Environmental Council make a 15-minute presentation on a national video, then a discussion on county-wide projects and land trusts, then an open session. Dee invited a representative from the Parks and Recreation Committee to attend. Some of the projects that the Committee has been working on are as follows: (1 ) Lansing historic markers; (2) house plaques, which would show which year the house was built; and (3) Lansing history books, which would be written by townspeople. Identifying historic resources is the biggest project of the committee. Other areas being discussed are: the National Register of Historic Places in Lansing; encouraging districts, e.g., Ludlowville to make it historic; endangered historic resources; and whether this should be an ongoing committee to serve as a liaison between the subcommittees or to a historic commission, which would allow it to enact laws for historic ® preservation. n Ir t ; Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 4 Monday, July 26, 1993 Cemetery Resources - There is a group of young women from the South Lansing Residential • Center that is interested in this project and the committee has been able to work well with them. Town Hall Building - The committee would like to encourage the town to explore the possibilities of the current town hall. The Lansing Historical Society is extremely interested in acquiring the building for use as a museum and library. Dee has done some investigating into grants and does feel that the project would be feasible with some effort and energy. DISCUSSION Larry Sharpsteen questioned Dee whether the committee has been working on specific architectural designs or standards in the historical districts they have identified. Dee explained that they have gone to the national trust and took eight specific recommendations, which they modified slightly. The committee is currently in the information gathering stage. Steve Lauzen questioned whether there was any historical places or facilities that relate to parks and recreation (e.g., the school building needs a home). Dee stated that she sees an association between the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Historical Resources Committee, and doesn't understand why the Town Center Committee wasn' tconsidered under parks and recreation as a subcommittee versus its own group. Larry Sharpsteen commented that the initial concept involved more than a recreational setting. It involved the combination of a district of municipal buildings and a public recreation area and a segway into an economic area surrounding it. Linda Hirvonen questioned Dee as to the plans for the data that they are collecting. For example, the information onthe cemeteries, is the committee planning to map out the location of the cemeteries? Dee explained that the first thing they are going to do is identify what it is theyare protecting, and then make some recommendations that the town should possibly do for the long-term care. Most of the activities of the committee are implementable through the community through the Lansing Historical Association, which already has a strong program underway for cemeteries. Linda questioned whether the house plaques are being considered for fund-raising projects. Dee wasn' t particularly looking at it in that way, since they are somewhat expensive (approximately $30 each). She explained that there are many little communities and little towns in Lansing, and what they are trying to do is somehow see the community drawn • together for cultural activities or connecting with the town from their past or having pride in their buildings. This is their effort toward community spirit. Agricultural Resources Committee Rick Vaughn stated that the committee has been talking about the preservation of agricultural land in the town, which includes people that are concerned about the rural character of the town, people that are concerned about farming, being able to maintain agriculture as a viable part of the industry in the town, and Ag Districts and the ability to maintain farming through the tax breaks that that entails and other protections. They also discussed development in the town and the effect that will have for the future; taxes and • staying in farming in general; zoning primarily as protection for farming and staying in farming and what extent it would be acceptable in the town for environmental impact and Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 5 Monday, July 26, 1993 ® communication in the long run. He would like to see more interaction, especially when the town becomes more suburban and urban, that agriculture is a part of the town and that there should be a structure of information so that when people come into the town they realize that there is farming here and they will know how to deal as neighbors. DISCUSSION Linda questioned the committee's stance on zoning. Rick stated that the committee is in favor of zoning to help regulate the restrictions on farming as well as development concerns of building on agriculture land and what conflicts might arise because of no zoning. Robert Todd added that one of the concerns is manure. More people are moving out to the country and it is becoming more urbanized. The impression Robert got from the committee is that there is a number of farmers that want to continue normal farming practices without people building houses around them and complaining about it. Linda added that the farmers are protected by the Ag Districts Law. Al White added that the lack of information about farming practices adds to the problems. He felt there needs to be a better education and networks of getting agriculture practices out through the media . Harold VanEs commented that the Agriculture Committee seems to be taking a defensive stance. He commented that the Environmental Subcommittee of the Master Plan Committee is looking at some of the environmental impacts of agriculture, and hopes that the • Agriculture Committee will also be looking at the environmental concerns of agriculture, and not the runoff from gas stations. He doesn' t want to see finger pointing at the other land uses. Cindy Lion wanted to know how they were planning to incorporate the concept of open space into the master plan. Rick explained that some people have expressed concern about preserving open space, while others understand that economics is what dictates . He felt that to keep farmers in business, economic issues that need to be addressed are taxes, some kind of protection for the ag districts, and communication with the non-farming population. Linda Hirvonen questioned whether the Agricultural Committee is looking forward to preparing a recommendation on how to protect the land and protect the agricultural interests of the farmers in the form of land use control regulations. Rick stated that the Committee has discussed those issues of development rights and land contracts . Rick wanted to clarify that his is not promoting an adversarial situation, but instead will be to come up with a group of proposals and recommendations for the use of the Master Plan Committee. Communications Committee Cynthia Frazier explained that at the last meeting, the main concern was in making a decision as to the future plans to publish another newsletter. They are suggesting that before the next town meeting in the fall, they send out meeting reminder postcards as was done for the first meeting in February. The second mailing of the newsletter would probably be three weeks after the town meeting. They would very much like the next newsletter to be a progress report with concrete information as to what each committee is doing. Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 6 Monday, July 26, 1993 Cynthia had a problem with sending out another survey. The information they have is now • outdated, but she felt that the same people would probably respond. She suggested that an alternative mode be suggested for the next survey rather than as a mailing. Gay Nicholson stated that the survey would be primarily from the Parks and Recreation Committee. The Committee was considering have the Ithaca Journal interview Cheryl Nickel, but doesn' t like the idea of "Lansing 2010" being presented by one person. DISCUSSION Cindy questioned whether the Committee would have recommendations for the continued communication withinthe town among residents. Linda Hirvonen responded that to prepare and distribute another newsletter would cost quite a bit of money. The postage for the first newsletter cost approximately $600. There was a lot of volunteer work involved from the senior citizens center. Larry Sharpsteen stated that the Planning Board doesn't have an unlimited amount of money for mailings and for communications. He asked that the committees work together to get their forms, surveys, and reports all done around the same time, if possible to cooperate with the Town Board in the printing and distribution of their fall newsletter. He also stated that the Planning Board will not approve unlimited funds for mailings. Cindy Lion questioned whether the Committee has anyplans for recruiting new members. Larry Sharpsteen encouraged all the committee chairpersons to become involved with the Communication Committee and to do their own communicating outside the committee. • Economic Development Committee Larry Sharpsteen explained that the Committee has gone through the initial organizational stages; they have the mission statement, objectives, and goals. They are working on the first project which involves plotting the location of existing businesses in the Town of Lansing starting from the southern end of Route 34 south. They have almost completed the initial survey which indicates that there are over 100 businesses. They will be identifying the types of businesses (commercial, retail, service, or professional) and what their locations are, looking for trends in development. Once that is plotted, it will be forwarded to the Master Plan . Committee. DISCUSSION Steve Lauzen commented that a large portion of the town's economy is farming, and he wondered if there would be any crossover between the two committees. Larry Sharpsteen stated that the Economic Development Committee has steered clear of any agricultural questions other than support and service business to the agriculture community, because the Ag Committee is covering that ground. Cindy Lion questioned if the Committee will be looking at recommendations as to how . encourage growth. Larry Sharpsteen stated that one of the ways that they will do that is in the plotting of the business, which will identify areas that there may be trends towards a specific type of business, all of which will be market driven. They will then make some • recommendations to the Master Plan Committee. Harold Van Es felt that the Master Plan Committee would be relying on the Economic Development Committee to come up with specific recommendations as to the types of businesses that should be encouraged. Town of Lansing. Planning Board Page 7 Monday, July 26, 1993 Parks and Recreation Committee Steve Lauzen explained that the Committee began by gathering all the information on this topic that is available from professional organizations and groups. They have been looking at the demographics of the town and at the recreation programs available: what are the programs and what is the participation rate? They are also doing an inventory of all the facilities. The town, the school, the fire department, and the DEC all have playgrounds, sports fields, and open spaces. They will then decide what is needed and what is lacking. Steve explained that there are national standards, for example, how many softball fields per thousand people there should be. Another way to find out what is needed and wanted is through a survey. They are also looking at the administrative structure of parks and recreation and how that works with the programs and facilities involved . A subgroup has been inventorying natural features in the town and looking for interest and precious natural areas that should be looked at in terms of preserving them. The committee will start looking soon at the national standards in deciding whether they want to adopt those and whether they want to change them and apply them to the particular park system. Steve explained that the committee would like to do a more formal recreation survey to ask the people what type of park system they want. The survey would include questions such as: Do you want neighborhood parks?, Do you want community parks?, Do you want community parks connected with the trails?, etc. The national standards are just guideposts in order to make the wants and needs of a community real. He felt that the committee will need the response from a formal survey in order to focus on a direction. ® One frequent request from the informal survey conducted at Lansing Days was for bike paths. The committee has been looking at how to connect different points of the town with the trail (the town center area, the schools, Myers Park, and Ludlowville Park). Gay explained that there is state funding available that would pay for 80 percent of the bike paths. This funding is for a five-year plan, but Gay suggested applying this year. She felt that the committee might need to come before the Town Board to request approval of securing this type of funding. Larry Tvaroha commented that the Town is currently working on the road to Ludlowville, and also reconstructing the bridge in Myers for foot traffic and bikes. He felt the Town is being as responsive as it can and would entertain any proposals of preliminary plans. Gay stated that All Saints Church might be putting in a bike path to Myers Park from their church. DISCUSSION Dee Barber stated that the activities of the Historical Resources Committee are more than just educating the community. If there is going to be a survey disseminated, Dee stated that she would like to include questions such as, is there a need for a reading room? Street Trees Committee Lin Davidson explained that the committee has been looking into the getting Pete Larson, with the Town Highway Department, and the State Highway Department involved. There is a program called ReLeaf New York, where there is funding both from the federal SDA, and ® from NYSED who will donate trees to put in the right-of-way under their lines that don' t grow very high. There has also been a discussion of suitability of trees for different situations that people run into . This might include some soil testing and looking at the degree of moisture. They would like to present this as a volunteer service. Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 8 Monday, July 26, 1993 DISCUSSION • Cindy Lion questioned the possibility of offering landscaping services as well as recommendations on trees. Lin stated that other than public areas, town center included and right-of-ways, if people would like recommendations and information to seek trees for their own private land on right of ways as streets, the Committee will be available as a resource. GENERAL DISCUSSION It was decided that each committee will present a preliminary report to the Master Plan Committee at their September 15, 1993, meeting. This will be the first step at integrating the committees. Tom Neiderkorn stated that he was very encouraged by the entire process. He is concerned about everyone keeping up their level of energy, and feels that if it continues at this pace there may be a number of people that begin to drop out. If it is stretched out too long, it may end up with just a few people doing all the work and making decisions and recommendations. He also wonders what will happen at points of conflict in the future, for example, if the committees disagree with each other. All of these issues will need to be filtered by the Planning Board before the new master plan is presented to the Town Board. Linda Hirvonen made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Viola Miller seconded. 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