HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-07 •
125 Triphammer Terrace
Ithaca, NY 14850
March 7 , 1995
Mr. Larry Sharpsteen
Chairman, Lansing Town Planning Board
P . O . Box 186
Lansing , NY 14882
Dear Mr. Sharpsteen :
We wish to thank the Town Planning Board for their serious consideration of our
letter dated January 16th explaining the existing drainage problem on the Horky
parcel being considered for subdivision and the detrimental effect it has had on
neighboring properties in the last few years . The minutes of the February 13th
Planning Board meeting reflect their instructions to the developer concerning
construction of a proper drainage solution .
At the Town Board meeting on March 1 , 1995 , I was informed that . since I had prior
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plans to be out of town on business and would be unable to attend the recently
scheduled March 13th Public Hearing regarding the subdivision , it was appropriate to
send our concerns in writing .
We are requesting that this letter be read into and made a part of the record of this
meeting .
We still have three major concerns with the proposed subdivision :
1 ) We are requesting that the Preliminary Plat Map be amended to show the exact
location of the drainage solution before preliminary subdivision approval .
The Preliminary Plat Map , dated February 8 , 1995 , (Job #9484) , drawn by
Resource Associates (Job #9484) , needs to be revised to show the exact
dimensions (depth & width ) and location of the solution to the existing severe
drainage problem . These revisions should be subject to the approval of the
Town Engineer.
As stated in the minutes of the February 13 , 1995 Planning Board meeting ,
the drainage solution is to be located on the south side of the entire northern
border of the proposed Lakeview Subdivision .
Mr. Larry Sharpsteen
Page 2
March 7 , 1995
2) We are requesting that the drainage solution be the first construction work on
the development , and that it be completed and approved by the Town Engineer
before any other work is commenced .
Since the flooding problem can occur at any time , it is imperative that the
drainage solution be constructed first . The warm February and March weather
(including rain ) has already caused runoff from the proposed development site
to drain onto our property .
The contours of the land and construction of the roadways as indicated in
Phase 1 of the project (especially Aspen Way) would only exacerbate the cause
of the original flooding if the drainage solution were not implemented first .
We are requesting that the drainage solution be constructed as approved by
the Town Engineer before any other construction is begun .
We are requesting that the drainage solution be completed and approved by
the Town Engineer prior to Final subdivision approval , and any preliminary
approval be specifically contingent upon the completion of the work
recommended by the Town Engineer.
3 ) We are requesting that appropriate land use restrictions concerning the land
included in the drainage solution be included in the initial Deed for the
subdivision . Any subsequent Deeds for lots along the entire length of the
Northern border of the subdivision should be subject to the same restrictions .
While mad excavation , installation of utilities delivery systems and
construction of homes are underway , there is the potential for obstruction of the
drainage solution . Also , the future landowners may inadvertently or otherwise
obstruct or damage the drainage solution with structures , landscaping or
intended improvements . Additional restrictions must be in the Deeds to ensure
recourse by property owners adjacent to the drainage solution if this happens .
We are requesting that the proposed Deed Restrictions be specific and
contain the length and width of the land area of the restrictions , together with the
exact language that the Board will require .
The deed restrictions should be common to all lots along the north side of
the property .
If the deed restrictions are not met , any owner of property adjacent to the
northern border of the subdivision would have the ability to commence a legal
action or proceedings and seek damages or be entitled to injunctive relief .
The exact language of the deed restrictions will be subject to review by the
Town Engineer and approval by the Town Attorney .
. r • l h. 1 •
•
Mr. Larry Sharpsteen
Page 3
March 7 , 1995
•
Any approval of the preliminary subdivision should be withheld until such
time as the exact language of the deed restrictions are agreed upon . Moreover ,
any final approval should contain the exact language of the deed restrictions .
We respectfully request that any decision by the Board be reduced to a formal
written resolution that is both reflected in the minutes and capable of being recorded in
the County Clerk's Office . If there is objection to any of our requests , we ask that the
Board not approve the Preliminary plan until such time as we are able to meet with the
Planning Board to discuss the objections .
To some this may seem like we are going overboard in our request , but unless you
have had to live with the constant fear that the next spring thaw or heavy summer rain
would result in your home being flooded AGAIN , you do not understand what our
family has gone through .
We appreciate your continued cooperation and willingness to help us in this matter.
Sincerely ,
•
Ronald B . and Marcia L . Parks
257 - 7042
cc : Mrs . Jeannine Kirby , Supervisor, Town Of Lansing
Mr. Dave Herrick , Town Engineer , T. G . Miller & Associates Engineers
Richard John , Esq . , Lansing Town Attorney , Thaler & Thaler
Mr. Ken Barden , Barden Homes , Inc.
Mr. Tom O ' Riley , Di -Tech Corp . , 1040 East Shore Drive
Robert J . Holdsworth , Jr. , Esq . , Harris , Beach & Wilcox
Ms . Mary Decker , Listing Agent , ReMax Associates Real Estate
Mr. John J . Horky , owner of parcel