HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-26 ;w;' #
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TOWN OF LANSING
Planning Board
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Monday, September 26, 1994; 7:30 p.m.
® PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
(* Denotes present)
* : Jackie Baker Cheryl Nickel
* Lin Davidson Larry Sharpsteen, Chairperson
Brad Griffin * Robert Todd
* Viola Miller * Al White
Larry Tvaroha, Town Councilman , F
* George Totman, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer
PUBLIC PRESENT
William. Albern, P.E. Ithaca, New York
Leo Mahool Ithaca, New York
GENERAL BUSINESS
Nova Lane Subdivision - Larry Sharpsteen stated that he has contacted the County Planning
Board to see what the Town's legal requirements are in regards to the Nova Lane
subdivision. With no other agreement between the parties, the only option the Planning
Board would then be able to take would be to take an aggressive stance with the State asking
that one of the three driveways be allowed to handle a high volume of traffic. The County
® Planning Board is conducting some research on behalf of the Town Planning Board on this
issue.
Robert Todd was concerned about the conflict of interest on Cheryl Nickel's part in the
voting on this subdivision, since she is an adjacent property owner. Robert indicated that he
has already spoken with Cheryl about his concern. Larry felt that Cheryl would abstain from
voting, as has any other board member with a conflict of interest. Al felt that since Cheryl is
a member of this Planning Board, she has every right to express her opinion on proposals,
but that she should abstain from voting. Cheryl indicated that she would abstain from
voting.
Leo Mahool asked to be updated on this proposal. Larry Sharpsteen stated that Mr. Albern
has approached the State DOT and received approval for threedriveways onto East Shore
Drive, but that the Planning Board doesn't feel that would be the best access point. Viola
Miller added that the Planning Board is concerned about having more driveways on that
curve, and would prefer to consolidate a roadway with one of the other adjacent
subdivisions. This would make a better flow of traffic and transportation. Larry informed
Mr. Mahool that Mr. Leathers was also approached with the concept of aligning a roadway
as dose as possible to center with Water Wagon Road. Robert stated that Mr. Mahool and
Cheryl Nickel were gathered together tonight to try to determine if there would be another
better alternative to the long deadend road on Nova Lane as currently proposed.
Viola pointed out that because these subdivisions (East Lake, Nova Lane, and Lakewatch)
® came in separately and in a piecemeal fashion, the Planning Board overlooked the provision
of connecting north/south service roads between them. She pointed out that when the
Leathers subdivision was brought before the Planning Board, they were required to develop
a road near the lake that would provide for a potential connecting north /south road; but that
Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 2
Monday, September 26, 1994
no such requirement was made of the Mahool subdivision when that was presented. Larry
felt that from that map it appeared that a connecting road would be possible through Nova
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Lane into Lakewatch from East Lake. Mr. Albern indicated that the contours of Nova Lane
near the lake would not permit a connecting north/south road to Lakewatch, but it would be
possible to East Lake.
Cheryl Nickel stated that previously it had been suggested that a north/south road come in
front of the East Lake Tennis Center. Cheryl has determined that there is room behind the
Tennis Center to put in an access road and come out onto East. Shore Drive directly across
from Water Wagon Road. Cheryl indicated that the details of this would need to be worked
out with her and Mr. Leathers, but that it might be feasible.
Mr. Albeit distributed three new sketches; sketch #3 was developed with input from the
State DOT. Mr. Mahool indicated that he doesn't like sketch #3. He felt that by eliminating
the cul-de-sac and developing a road down two sides of some of his property, it would
devalue those parcels. Mr. Mahool indicated that he presented sketch #3 to his partners and
none of them liked it. He suggested that Mr. Albern pursue the connecting road with the
East Lake subdivision. Cheryl stated that she is willing to discuss the possibility of the
connecting road. Mr. Albern asked the Board's preference. Lin Davidson stated that the
Planning Board has just received the newest proposal and hasn't had a chance to discuss it
amongst themselves.
Mr. Albern tried to explain that sketch #3 would actually be taking a "sliver" of Mr. Mahool's
land, but would be giving back the cul-de-sac. He indicated that LW#9 and LW#10 would be
serviced by the new Nova Lane road instead. Mr. Mahool stated that the people buying
those lots would want to buy them in the Lakewatch subdivision, not the Nova Lane
subdivision. Mr. Albern responded that in five years, none of those subdivisions will still
have any separate distinction; they will all be joined together. Cheryl suggested the
possibility of Nova Lane purchasing those two lots. Mr. Albern stated that he doesn't want
to buy those lots. Mr. Mahool stated that the electric and water is already running down the
cul- de-sac.
Viola asked Mr. Mahool if he had any ideas as to how to enhance the town in that particular
area as far as transportation problems in the next 50 years. Mr. Mahool indicated that he
only saw the new sketch two hours earlier and is not prepared to make any
recommendations. He felt that this problem is something that should have been resolved
even before the Lakewatch subdivision was presented. Viola asked Mr. Mahool if he ever
though that the Lane property would be developed. Mr. Mahool responded that when his
development was being planned, they were working with the information that the Lane
property would not be developed. He felt that the Town must have been working under
that same information, otherwise they would have planned for another access other than
Smugglers' Path. Viola was concerned about all the cul-de-sacs in the Lakewatch subdivision
and questioned Mr. Mahool's concern for transportation and traffic flow in that area. Mr.
Mahool stated that he is concerned about improving transportation and traffic flow, but not
at his expense.
Mr. Albert began discussing specifics with Cheryl regarding the possibility of a connecting
road behind the Tennis Center. Larry suggested that these negotiations take place in another
forum between Mr. Albern and Mr. Leathers. Jackie Baker commented that the Planning1110
Board appreciates the fact that they are concerned about transportation and traffic flow in the
Town of Lansing, and their efforts.
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Town of Lansing Planning Board Page 3
Monday, September 26, 1994
Viola Miller made a motion that the Planning Board would look favorably upon the concept
of a connecting road behind the East Lake Tennis Center as a solution if it can be successfully
negotiated between the parties and the State; Al White seconded. VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR;
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (Cheryl Nickel abstained)
Mr. Albern will be back before the Planning Board on October 10, 1994.
New Town Hall - Larry Sharpsteen questioned if anyone had any information on the new
town hall. Cheryl stated that Jeannine Kirby called her last week and asked for all the
information gathered from the studies. Cheryl, Lin Davidson, and Tom Neiderkorn all met
with Jeannine and discussed the placement of a town hall, rather than what the town hall
building would be. Larry is concerned about the disposal of waste from the town hall.
Based on current costs for a system like what might be put in, the allotment for the entire
building could be used up just on sewage costs. Cheryl suggested that the Planning Board
send a statement to the Town Board endorsing their idea of moving ahead with the new
town hall because it is needed; but that the Planning Board hopes that they can move ahead
with some kind of idea on a public sewage system that would take care of the new town hall
as well as other future buildings in the area. Larry stated that the ad hoc committee is
preparing a report for the Town Board on this subject. Jehovah's Witnesses and Cargill Salt
may be working on a joint town sewage project.
Robert Todd didn't feel that he had enough information about the town's ideas for locating
the new town hall and its sewage system to say that he endorses it. Viola said that she just
wants the Town Board to make sure that they review everything before they move ahead.
Larry stated that through his involvement with the Sewage Committee, he can say that
almost all the residential sewage systems in the "town center" area are at or near failure. He
stated that the estimated cost of a new residential sewage system is around $10,000 - $12,000.
As of January, the State is requiring treatment of secondary waste, which can add another
$8,000 onto the cost of a system. Larry began discussing a town center system that would
service 200,000 gallons per day. The cost of hook up would be approximately $5,000, with an
annual cost between $1,500 - $2,000. The location of the treatment plant is still to be
determined. Possibilities discussed have been on lands currently owned by Cargill Salt and
Cayuga Crushed Stone.
Cheryl displayed and discussed the maps that were developed under the "Lansing 2010"
project, which planned three locations for a new town hall. Robert Todd questioned where
the town is getting the money for the new town hall. Al thought that the town would
probably secure a bond for the building. Cheryl stated that the current town hall has been
condemned because it is not completely accessible. George Totman stated that the Town
Board has been considering a new town hall for almost three years now, and has been
putting money in a contingent account for the new building. He also clarified that the
building was inspected by State auditors and didn't completely pass inspection, but that it
also doesn't meet access requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
The town's public buildings will need to be completely accessible by January 1, or at least
have documentation in order as to the plans to make the buildings accessible with a time
schedule. George stated that the Town Board has asked him and Rich John to review and
report on all the town's building as they will need to meet the requirements under the ADA.
Larry suggested that each board member take a look at the three location options for the new
town hall, and by the next meeting have chosen one to endorse and provide reasons.
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Monday, September 26, 1994
Planning Institute - Viola reminded the board members of the upcoming Planning Institute on
October 23 - 26, 1994, in Nevelle, New York. Larry encouraged everyone to attend if they
were able, and reminded them that their expenses would be covered by the town. George
offered a brochure to anyone who didn't have one.
Presentation of Recognition Award to Linda Hirvonen - Lin Davidson read and presented the
recognition award to Linda Hirvonen. Everyone greeted and thanked her.
This meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Submitted by Michelle Eastman
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 10, 1994.