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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 1999-11-18 LZ OF 1p °� 9 TOWN OF ITHACA 21 EAST SENECA STREET , ITHACA , N . Y . 14850 � Y TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607) 273- 1704 SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING November 18, 1999 5 : 30 O 'clock p . m . AGENDA 1 . Call to Order. 2 . Pledge of Allegiance . 3 . Supervisor's Announcement 4 . 5 : 40 p . m . - PUBLIC HEARING : To consider a " LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE TO REZONE A PORTION OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY PREMISES ON PLEASANT GROVE ROAD FROM MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO RESIDENT DISTRICT R30 IN CONNECTION WITH THE CORNELL NORTH CAMPUS RESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE" . 5 . Consider SEQR related to a " LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORIDINANCE TO REZONE A PORTION OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY PREMISES ON PLEASANT GROVE ROAD FROM MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO RESIDENT DISTRICT R30 IN CONNECTION WITH THE CORNELL NORTH CAMPUS RESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE" . 6 . Consider adoption of a " LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE TO REZONE A PORTION OF THE CORNELL UNIVERISTY PREMISES ON PLEASANT GROVE ROAD FROM MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO RESIDENT DISTRICT R36 IN CONNECTION WITH THE CORNELL NORTH CAMPUS RESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE" . 7 . Consider approval of the Justice Court Assistance Program Grant Application . 8 . Discuss Purchase of Development Rights Program appraisals . 9 . Consider motion to ADJOURN . TOWN OF ITHACA TOWN BOARD NOVEMBER 18, 1999 5 : 30 PM At a special meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca , Tompkins County, New York, held at the Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street, there were present : PRESENT: Catherine Valentino , Supervisor; Mary Russell , Board Member ; Carolyn Grigorov, Board Member; David Klein , Board Member; Ed Conley, Board Member; Tom Niederkorn , Board Member. EXCUSED : Bill Lesser, Board Member. PRESENT: Joan Lent Noteboom , Town Clerk; John Barney, Attorney for the Town ; Daniel Walker, Director of Engineering ; Jon Kanter, Director of Planning ; George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner. EXCUSED : Fred Noteboom , Highway Superintendent; Andy Frost, Director of Building/Zoning ; Al Carvill , Budget Officer; Judith Drake , Human Resource Specialist . OTHERS: MB Norton , 820 Triphammer Road ; C . G . Ronald , 122 Eddy St ; Unknown signature , 700 Stewart Ave #58; T. Sandmeier, 115 Linn St #4 ; Sharline Rossi , 210 Forest Home Drive; David Bouldin , 208 Forest Home Drive ; Marian M . Cutting , 10 The Byway; Ruth Mahr, 103 Judd Falls Road ; Doug & Bruce Brittain , 135 Warren Road ; Duane Chapman , 6 The Byway; Dani Novah , 120 Warren oad ; . Andrew Galloway, 104 Halcyon Hill ; Ellen Lane , 104 Halcyon Hill ; Ardan E . Galloway, 104 Halcyon Hill ; Elizabeth Cornell , 200 Forest Home Drive ; Daniel Higgins , WHCU -AM ; Chris Furst , 138 iles ; Shannon Gallagher, Cornell University; Karen Kunz, Cornell University; Kyllikki Inman , Forest Home ; Andrea Dutcher, Cornell University; Bill Wendt , Cornell University; Jessica Feldman , Cornell University; Susan Murphy, Cornell University; Nancy Brcak, 228 Forest Home Drive ; Rachel Cohen- Stevens , Cornell University; Karen Westmont , 206 Forest Home Drive; Isabel Peard , 214 Forest Home Dr; Kirk Sigel , 223 Highgate Road ; Kathleen Foley, 211 Esty St ; Robert Mueller, Forest Home ; William Goldsmith , Forest Home Dr; John Ford , 102 Eastwood Ave ; Stan Seltzer, 228 Forest Home Dr; David Newman , 126 Brook Way; Mary R . Tomlan , 400 Delaware Ave ; Kathy Wolf, Trowbridge and Wolf ; John Guttenberger, Cornell University; Shirley Egan , Cornell University. Call to Order: The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 5 : 30 p . m . , and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance . Agenda Item No. 3 — Supervisor's Announcement, Supervisor Valentino — I have received a letter from Bill Lesser stating that he has had some unusual circumstances that will require him traveling for the University. He will be absent from November 13- 21 , November 29 — December 21 , and December 29 — January 14 . It is three meetings . He is officially excused from the meetings . See Attachment # 1 . TOWN BOARD PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED Councilwoman Russell and I will both be out of Town November 23-25 . 1 will be out of town fro November 19-30 . We need to appoint a temporary Acting Deputy Supervisor. Councilwoma Grigorov will be available during these dates . Resolution No. 204 - APPOINTMENT TEMPORARY ACTING DEPUTY TOWN SUPERVISOR. WHEREAS, it appears that both the Town Supervisor and the Deputy Town Supervisor may be out of town for the short period of November 23, - November 25, 1999; and WHEREAS, the Town Supervisor has appointed Councilwoman Carolyn Grigorov as Temporary Acting Deputy Town Supervisor; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Town Supervisor has consented to such actions; NOW THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, that this Board ratifies and confirms the creation of the position of Temporary Acting Deputy Town Supervisor and the appointment to such position of Councilwoman Carolyn Grigorov for the period November 23, - November 25, 1999; and it is further RESOLVED, that Councilwoman Carolyn Grigorov be and she hereby is authorized pursua to the Local Laws of the Town of Ithaca to execute checks and other instruments for the withdraw of Town funds from any banking institution or other depository of such funds during the period s forth above. MOVED Supervisor Valentino, SECONDED Councilwoman Russell. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilwoman Russell, aye; Councilwoman Grigorov, aye; Councilman Klein, aye; Councilman Niederkorn, aye. Carried unanimously. Agenda Item No 7 — Justice Court Assistance Program Grant Application . Supervisor Valentino — We received notification from the State that we will be eligible for $20 , 000 in grant money to help with furnishings for the Justice Court . Councilwoman Russell — Who is going to prepare the grant? Supervisor Valentino — Mr. Carvill and Mrs . Noteboom are working on the grant . Supervisor Valentino — Mrs . Noteboom , Councilwoman Grigorov and I went to HOLT today to look at different choices for the color designs and carpeting for the new office space . They were able to chip down through 12 layers of paint in the lobby and get to the original colors in the ceiling and wall . They were a very pale yellow. There was also a lighter brown . The combination of the colors and the marble went well . I - TOWN BOARD PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED ouncilwoman Grigorov — There are three colors , brown and two different shades of yellow. Supervisor Valentino — It will give the building a warm look. We did not know that the marble was put i n at a later date . Councilman Klein — Was the pre- bid conference today? Daniel Walker, Director of Engineering — We had about 20 people . About 41 sets of plans are out . Nine of the sets were for plan services. The only concern that we have is that Cornell University is having a couple of big projects out to bid at the same time . It may impact the availability of some of the contractors. Councilman Klein — Most contractors keep bidding until they know they have gotten a job . Mr. Walker — A couple of the contractors that HOLT has talked to said that they were not planning to bid it because they did not want to over extend their resources . Resolution No. 205 - Approval of Justice Court Assistance Program Grant Application. WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of New York has signed into law a measure establishing the Justice Court Assistance Program to enable towns and villages the opportunity to apply to the Chief Administrative Judge for grant funds to assist in the operation of their Justice Courts; and WHEREAS, these grant funds may be used for a variety of purposes, such as automation, equipment, furniture, and supplies; and WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca is presently in the process of renovating and refurbishing a new Town Hall at 213 North Toga Street, Ithaca, New York; and WHEREAS, submission of an application for funding under the Justice Court Assistance Program allows for the potential of receiving grant funds to assist in the furnishing and renovation of the Town Justices ' offices and the court room in the new Town Hall; and WHEREAS, it is necessary that the Town Supervisor and the Town Justices ' submit an application to the Chief Administrative Judge by December 1 , 1999 for the Town of Ithaca to request funding under the said grant; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, the governing Town Board hereby approves the submission of an application to the Chief Administrative Judge for grant funding through the Justice Court Assistance Program to aid in the cost of the furnishing and renovation of the Town Justices ' offices and court room in the new Town Hall. TOWN BOARD PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED MOVED Supervisor Valentino, SECONDED Councilman Conley. A vote on the motion resulted a follows: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilwoman Russell, aye; Councilwoman Grigorov, ay Councilman Klein, aye; Councilman Niederkom, aye. Carried unanimously. Agenda Item No 4 — PUBLIC HEARING : " LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE TOWN OF ITHA_CA ZONING ORDINANCE TO REZONE A PORTION OF THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY PREMISES ON PLEASANT GROVE ROAD FROM MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT TO RESIDENT DISTICT R30 IN CONNECTION WITH THE CORNELL NORTH CAMPUS RESIDENTIAL INITIATIVE " . Supervisor Valentino opened the public hearing at 5:40 p. m. , and asked if any members of the public wished to be heard. Supervisor Valentino — I do not usually set time limits on allowing people to speak . I do ask that you be polite to each other so that we are not here for a long period of time . Try to be concise . If someone else has said basically the same thing that were in your thoughts or notes , it would be nice if you would state that you agreed with it . It does help us to move forward and give everyone an opportunity to have their say. Kathleen Foley, 211 Esty Street — Read from a prepared statement . See Attachment #2 Ms . Foley submitted a petition . See Attachment #3 Councilwoman Grigorov — Would it be appropriate for Attorney Barney to explain what the R-3 zoning means ? Attorney Barney — Any action that occurs of an educational nature in an R- 30 zone requires site plan review by the Planning Board . The site plan presented is a site plan that has been and will be reviewed by the Planning Board . There cannot be any changes in the site plan without coming back for further review. The rezoning does not take into account whether or not the Cradit- Moore House does or does not stay. Councilwoman Grigorov — There is R-30 zoning in the area . It is not spot zoning . Attorney Barney — The area surrounding this site is Multiple Residence and R-30 . It is not really spot zoning because it is attaching to the existing zone . Ms . Foley — We are most concerned that if the plan is revisited , that the historic structures on that property are considered respectfully. We believe that there are options for this plan that take into consideration the historic properties and help Cornell University to meet its development goals . We fully understand the University's need to expand . We are not anti-expansion . We would hope that the board takes into consideration the protection of the properties . Attorney Barney — The rezoning to R-30 does not affect the Cradit- Moore house . It is a site plan issue . If this board feels strongly that they want the house to remain on site , they may not be willin to rezone unless there is assurance that it stays . The house can stay in either zone . It is actually TOWN BOARD PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED on -conforming use because it is in a Multiple Residence zone . If it is rezoned to R-30 it will be a onforming use . Ms . Foley — It is a concern to us that the Observatory has not been part of the discussion . It is a structure that should be considered in this discussion . Attorney Barney — The site plan does not call for doing anything to the Observatory. Ms . Foley — It may not cause for direct impact on the structure or require any physical damage or movement, but it is being surrounded by properties . There is a very thin tree line. There is excessive lighting . The Observatory is one of the few opportunities on that part of campus for community involvement . It is one of Cornell 's very excellent community outreach programs . We would hate to see that compromised . We recognize that it is no longer a research Observatory. It is a form of community outreach that should be considered . Councilman Klein — Is the Observatory part of the lands being rezoned ? George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner — It is already zoned R-30 . Supervisor Valentino — We have had discussions about the Observatory with Cornell University. We I do have a great interest in its value . Mr. Frantz — The impact on the Observatory as far as light pollution was discussed very early in discussions. It has been addressed in the design . Susan Murphy, Vice President for Student & Academic Services Cornell University — I have the responsibility for the Cornell University North Campus Residential Initiative . I would like to speak in support of the zoning change . The North Campus Residential Initiative is a critical part of what the University is trying to address . As part of this , we are expanding the housing so that we can offer to our freshmen , sophomores , and transfer the opportunity to live on campus . We currently cannot provide that guarantee . By providing the additional housing we also need to provide them places to eat and have recreation within walking distance . They also need to increase the number of faculty who will live within the community as part of the expanded faculty in residence. As part of the project , they have a desire to replace the recreational facilities that are currently in place on North Campus . They are swapping the fields out to where the buildings used to be and putting the buildings closer to the campus . It will remain a walking campus . With the 3700 students living on North Campus the recreation part is an important component . Especially for first year students as a way to balance their academic, personal and social development . They have worked long and hard to create a plan that is respectful of the community. We are committed to retaining the Cradit- Moore House as a house and provide a plan for it to remain a single-family residence . It is at the heart of what the house was designed to be . To keep it in its current state would be almost impossible to attract a single family. The residential initiative is truly a direction that will transform the undergraduate experience . The zoning is critical to make that happen . TOWN BOARD PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED William Goldsmith , Forest Home — I teach city planning at Cornell . I am Director of th Undergraduate Urban Studies program . I have no formal connection with the students that signe the petition . I would like to speak against the zoning change. I would like to speak in favor of saving the Cradit-Moore House for whatever use on the current site . I have been at Cornell since 1963 . 1 have suffered through the destruction of many significant historic buildings at Cornell and many buildings downtown . I cannot figure out the procedure by which we end up with these bad decisions . My imagination tells me it is something like this . A group of well- intentioned highly competent planners do a site plan . At some point someone decides for one reason or another, that something should be some where . Then it comes for public discussion . Some one raises an equally reasonable objection to something , but the people at the public hearing are defending the design . The design is then locked in . It has been approved up the channels . Any change in the plan will slow things down . This is something that we observe in city planning projects all over the world . Something of that sort has happened here. It seems that the University and the Town of Ithaca should find great profit in saving a historic building , seeing it as a historic building , and utilizing it . It would be nice to use it as a single-family house , but historic buildings typically take on new uses . People in the historic preservation business spend a lot of time figuring out how to make new uses be economic in buildings . It is difficult to believe that the University cannot find a reasonable use for this building that at the same time teaches it users something about the history of the people who occupied it, built it , and the physical situation of the building and site . In this situation , this would require some manipulation of other elements of the site . It is possible . Symbolically approving a zoning change would concede that this is an exercise that need not be undertaken . I recommen that the Town Board resist this request. The Town Board should vote no and ask for some rethinkin of some elements of the plan . My favorite suggestion would be to put a playing field across Pleasa Grove Road and close the road at the top of the hill . Save on accidents , improve the site plan , an have a benefit to Forest Home . Nancy Brcak, Forest Home Drive — I would like to echo the comments of Mr. Goldsmith and Ms . Foley. The Town of Ithaca is doing a wonderful thing in saving the Post Office for posterity. The Town believes in adapted reuse . You have shown that . Lately we have been hearing a lot of disparaging remarks about adaptive reuse that a house must be a house and a Post Office must be a Post Office . The building should survive and be used . It is very important . There are specific reasons why the Cradit- Moore House should stay where it is in terms of the history of the Town of Ithaca . If someone were to walk up to you on the street and asks for a dollar for a cup of coffee , you either give it to them or you do not . You do not give them $20 . Please do not give Cornell University the R- 30 rezoning . Cornell University has given us no suggestion that there are currently plans for use for the full options of R-30 . Once it is granted , the situation may look different to the University Planners . Kyllikki Inman , Forest Home — I have lived in Forest Home since 1964 . Forest Home has been incorporated since 1794 . It predates Cornell University. My biggest problem is the parking lot . They need the R-30 rezoning for the parking lot . The parking lot is not allowed under MR . I wish the would put their parking lot closer to their buildings , not in our neighborhood . This gives them a lot TOWN BOARD PAGE 7 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED I for the future . The student-dining hall has a convention center on the second and third floors . will increase the traffic in a business sense. The student dining is on the first floor. There is also a mailroom there . If there is going to be a giant parking lot , I wish it would not connect to the Forest Home entrance. We do not have large parking lots in Forest Home . People do not need parking meters to go to playing fields . Cornell University has never mentioned their Architecture Department has one an award for the preservation of Heller House . It is used for functions . Visiting professors can stay there . I could see that another department at Cornell University could have their own house where they could have visiting faculty. It would not matter if it were surrounded by playing fields because there would not be someone living there constantly. It would be a nice place to house visiting faculty. Forest Home has shown that if the fields are moved , the house can remain on site . The parking lot needs to be closer to the buildings. It is giving them anything they want on a silver platter to hand them R-30 rezoning . Attorney Barney — The immediately surrounding area of the site is R-30 or MR . Councilwoman Russell — This does not preclude us from changing the zoning at a later date . Supervisor Valentino — It does not give Cornell University the right to build anything that they want . They still have to go through the site plan process . Isabell Peard , Forest Home — We do not question the proposal . It is wonderful . We question the . traffic. We have a personal concern for that . Forest Home is from the bridge on campus , passes Beebe Lake , and comes to another bridge. Then you can go up the hill toward Cornell University or toward Warren Road . Since I have lived in my house , Warren Road has had a jail , hospital , and airport. All the traffic seems to come through Forest Home from both sides of the bridge . Cornell University has developed a lot on the top of the hill . It has the rental apartments and a lot of traffic crossing the road . Cornell University is proposing something much bigger. They want to open it up so everyone can travel on that road . We will have the current load of traffic plus the added load of traffic. There will be _constant traffic through the day. Forest Home does like Cornell University. There are Cornell University students and Cornell University professors in Forest Home . If there is more traffic it will kill our community. Our community is older than Ithaca . Our interest is in Cornell University because we are part of it . Our interest is also keeping Forest Home . Mary Beth Norton , 820 Triphammer Road — I am a Professor of History at Cornell University. I am also a resident of the Town of Ithaca and Village of Cayuga Heights . My house is on the corner of Triphammer and Upland . This is the main cross street in Cayuga Heights . I feel that a through street in front of Helen Newman would take some of the pressure off Forest Home by giving us one more cross street between Triphammer and the Corners . A third cross street would help the traffic in the area rather than increase it . The issue before the board this evening is rezoning . I have been a member of the Cornell University faculty since 1971 . 1 am in favor of the North Campus Residential Initiative and all that it will do to TOWN BOARD PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED increase and improve the undergraduate living experience at Cornell University. It is beneficial t Cornell University and rezoning is an essential part of the Cornell University plan . As an American Historian , I signed with a group of other American Historians at Cornell University about the Cradit- Moore House . The plan will not destroy the Cradit- Moore House . It will preserve the house as a house . It is an issue of whether to preserve a building and use it in some other way or do you save it as a house and move it to another location . The later option is just as valid historically as preserving the building yet using it in some different fashion . It is important not to change the historic use of the building as a house . 1 am a summer resident of Martha's Vineyard . Martha' s Vineyard is committed to historic preservation . It has houses that are older than houses in the Town of Ithaca . There is not one 17th century house that has not been moved at least once during its lifetime . Houses do traditionally get moved . There is nothing sacred about a location . I do think that the house should be preserved . Cornell University's plan to work with Historic Ithaca to move it to an appropriate location is the right way to go. Ruth Mahr, 103 Judd Falls Road — I live in Forest Home , Ms . Mahr read and submitted a prepared statement to the board . See Attachment #4 Shannon Gallagher, 127 Linden Avenue — I am an undergraduate at Cornell University. I am one the hundreds of students that use the fields on North Campus . I would like to address : how importa it is to the students that the fields are close to the freshmen dorm . As president of a team of 5 women , over 20 are freshmen . It is mandatory for the revitalization every year. This year we are i the top 16 in the nation . If we cannot gain the interest of students while they are freshmen , then they will never be able to maintain their competitiveness . Our freshmen are able to walk to the practice fields . This is how we keep them interested . We need to have the third field , which is in conflict with the Cradit- Moore House . It is the only field that will be regulation for competition . It needs to be in a north/south orientation to allow for morning and evening practices . Students are in support of this entire plan from the residents' halls to the playing fields . Students are behind the project . Doug Brittain , 135 Warren Road — If Cornell University was building the road , the parking lot as they were modeled in the traffic model and if Cornell University were keeping the Moore House I would not be here tonight . The road that they are proposing to build does not sound like the road they modeled . The road modeled in the draft Environmental Impact Statement discusses that they assume it would divert most of the traffic on Forest Home Drive and Jessup Road . People would take the new road . The road they are building does not look like a road designed to divert the majority of traffic . It is designed to not have a lot of traffic . Cornell University has stated that they do not want a lot of traffic in this area . The parking lot was modeled to keep the 35 metered spaces to the west of Helen Newman . The most spaces that can be justified for the new lot during the day is 64 spaces . In the evening they can get up to 77 spaces as long as they leave the old lot where they said they would when they did their modeling . Instead 138 parking spaces are being built . It is different from what they modeled . TOWN BOARD PAGE 9 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED tIornell University is not merely asking for modifications to the zoning enough that they can build a an . They are requesting R-30 . R-30 goes beyond what is needed for the project . I am hesitant to ave them get more than they need for the project . It brings up the possibility of what is next . We have not seen what is next . We can hope that before the next project comes before the Town , that the entire Town is rezoned . Cornell University should not be given R-30 rezoning . Cornell University should be given enough to build what they modeled and keep the house . They do not need rezoning . It could be done with a variance or SLUD . About 8 years ago Hasbrouck Apartments was rebuilt . It exceeded the height limit for MR zone . The Planning Board passed it . The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance and it was built . The height limit is clear-cut . It is easy to measure. They were in violation and they were given it any way. There needs to be a reason for a variance . Cornell University had not thought of a reason why they needed the variance other than they wanted it . A member of the Zoning Board of Appeals stated that they did need a reason . He and Mr. Frost came up with the idea that if Hasbrouck is ever wired for computers , then the wires need to be run through the attic. Therefore a tall attic is needed to make it easier. This was the reason for the variance. If variances can be handed out that easily, then a variance can be given to allow people to use the playing fields that do not live in that district . Mr. Brittain distributed to the board the MR Districts regulations . See Attachment #5. It is stated that the open land for recreation is intended for MR residents . It does not state that other people cannot use the area . The question is can they. Item 3 states "but any such use must be limited to residents of the Multiple Residence Districts A variance is an obvious way to avoid rezoning . If the parking lot is in the Town a variance will be needed . We have heard Cornell University say that they would like R-30 zoning . I have heard why it is in the best interest of Cornell University. I have not heard is why it is the Town ' s interest to have R-30 zoning . This is what needs to be considered . Why is the Town better off giving them R-30 zoning ? Councilman Klein — Could you be more specific in terms of the road design from what was modeled in the draft Environmental Impact Statement and what has been presented ? Mr. Brittain — The draft Environmental Impact Statement says that what their assumption was that the majority of users of Forest Home Drive and Jessup Road would divert to the new road . If I were designing a road to encourage people to use it , having sharp turns and mid - block stop signs , are not a good way to encourage people to use the road . If you are designing a road to discourage traffic, then they should have modeled it assuming that not many people would use it . Then the model would have showed a greater traffic impact to Forest Home and Cornell Heights. Councilman Klein — The modeling was not based on a road that had traffic calming measures . David Bouldin , 208 Forest Home Drive — In my opinion I do not see an advantage to the Town for the change in zoning . The design on the road does not look like a usable system for getting people between Central Campus and North Campus . The parking lot east of Helen Newman should be restricted to parking for the handicapped . The real purpose of the 130-space parking lot is unclear. There will be bus transportation available . Primarily Helen Newman clients use the present metered lots adjacent to Helen Newman . Present users of the R-parking lot will be even further from Central TOWN BOARD PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED Campus . Employees of the North Campus can either walk from the A- lot or take the bus . Will ther be a bus stop to pick- up traffic to Central Campus ? After hours and on weekends the proposed lot will be used by non-freshmen students participating in the events planned for the 3 fields . Non = freshmen students use the R- Lot quite often . The summer programs for young children , which are run from Helen Newman , are dropped off and picked up resulting in one car per student . Is this an important justification for the large parking lot? This is a needless traffic generation for the surrounding community. Let the athletes walk or use the bus . Bruce Brittain , 135 Warren Road — I do not have a problem with the North Campus Residential Initiative. It is the problems with the site plan that I am concerned about . I do think the concerns can be addressed without affecting the programmatic goals of the project. There are two problems with the rezoning . One , it allows a poorly conceived site plan . Second , the R-30 allows far too many University related uses . Some of the rationale that has been heard is that much of the rest of the Town is already R-30 . Much of the Cornell University land is R-30 . The entire Town is going to be rezoned soon , so it does not matter what is done because it will be cleaned up in the Townwide rezoning effort . It is true that much of the Cornell University land is zoned R-30 , this is where the development pressure is . North Campus is where things are going to happen . Cornell University is not going to put a dorm in the Plantations or West Hill . They are likely to develop or redevelop is in the North Campus area . I am concerned about seeing a zoning that would allow that type of development . The impacts of the development will be felt . It does not make sense to provide Cornell University with a privilege of an up zoning if and when you do not , want them to take advantage of i If there must be rezoning , there should be a written agreement with the University that they would n further develop this area before 5 years or before the Town has an opportunity to do a Townwid rezoning . It is not just a race against time . The University could legitimately object to being dow zoned in a few years as part of the Townwide rezoning . A lesson that was learned from Burger King is do not zone land for a use that you do not want to see . That issue could have been avoided if the people in the Burger King discussion had been involved at the time that East Hill was rezoned . We are looking at the possibility of rezoning North Campus to allow uses that would not be appropriate for the area . See Attachment #6. Stan Seltzer , 228 Forest Home Drive — The project as proposed does not comply with the current zoning . These things happen from time to time . When my neighbors have a project that does not comply with the zoning , the parcel is not rezoned . A variance is granted . The principal is that if this is a good project allow it to happen , but do not rezone in a way that opens the door for other things that have nothing to do with the project . Andrew Gallaway , 104 Halcyon Hill Road — The decision before the board is a rezoning that would allow further developments versus keeping the zoning and providing a variance that would allow this specific project to go forward . Case by case , allowing a variance would not obstruct the current project , it recognizes that it is in region with vulnerability. This area requires case by case considerations . The rezoning leaves open doubt about future development . The residents should get the benefit of the doubt . TOWN BOARD PAGE 11 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED harline Rossi , 210 Forest Home Drive — I feel that this area should not be rezoned . The proposed ad needs to have more thought put into it . We live across the street from the parcel of land where t o e the Cradit- Moore House might possibly be located . No one has asked us our opinion . We are contributing members to Historic Ithaca . I feel that the Cradit- Moore House should remain on its current site . Cornell University should find a creative use for it. It should not be difficult . There are several entities at Cornell University that has asked to use it. I urge the board to keep the Cradit- Moore House where it is so that the community and the Cornell University community can enjoy it . Karen Westmont, 206 Forest Home Drive — I am most concerned because the site plan has specific problems that do hurt Forest Home. I would like to see them remedied before zoning changes are considered . The problem with the road is that most of the impediments to through traffic are on the west side. If you are a driver trying to get to the parking lot, you are going to be avoiding the traffic at Helen Newman . The traffic is extensively slowed . There are trucks backing out of the convention facility. This is a design overlook. The entrance to the road is far to the east side . It is not a maximum capacity road . It has a tendency to shift traffic through Forest Home and Cornell Heights . am concerned about the parking lot. The draft Environmental Impact Statement does not support the number of parking spaces. The numbers are not correct . The parking lot entrance is on the eastern side. Commercial users will be using the parking lot. These are people going to the gym and going to the convention center. The meters will have high turn over traffic. If the goal is to reduce traffic through Forest Home , the parking lot is against the principals that have been discussed . The parking lot is more pavement than necessary. This is one of the reasons that the Moore House has to be removed . There is a problem about where the Moore House would be relocated . One of the bidders for moving the house said that it is not impossible to move the house to Forest Home . It is infeasible. One of the reasons is that the trees along Pleasant Grove Road would need to be cut down . The house is wider than the road . This is not something that was addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement . The location in Cayuga Heights has the house turned perpendicular to the road . The requirements from SHPO state that the house must be similarly cited as it is now. Councilman Klein — The house will be sited facing the road . Ms . Westmont — In R-30 , as long as the conditions are met , the project cannot be denied . What is allowed under the Special Use , conditions are libraries, museums , schools , daycare centers , dormitories , parks , fire stations , hospitals , nursing homes , club houses and lodges . This is intensive use for this area . Councilwoman Grigorov — Are dormitories allowed in MR ? Attorney Barney — It is a school use and MR does not permit school uses . There are two types of variances . One is an area variance , which is a dimensional variance . If somebody' s side yard is supposed to be 15 feet and you want to make it 13 feet , the test for granting the variance are relatively simple . It balances the interest of the landowner doing it versus the detriment to the community. If a use is to be changed , the test is much greater. It must be shown that the property cannot yield a reasonable return in any use permitted by the Zoning Ordinance . It is a much more TOWN BOARD PAGE 12 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED difficult test and includes financial evidence . In order for Cornell University to get a variance for th fields , they would have to establish that there is no other reasonable economic use for the property. Trudy Sandmeier, 115 Linn Street — I spent my fall semester of my first term at Cornell University doing measured drawings of the Moore House . I was fortunate enough to go inside and be able to wander around the property. I am also a historic preservation -planning student in the graduate program . I was struck by the wonder of having such a rich historic resource on campus accessible to students who needed to have a living model to draw. It was my understanding that it was previously used as student housing . People had rented rooms and lived there . I would object to the characterization that preservationist are not concerned about landscaping . This is important . It is a beautifully landscaped piece of property. It is difficult to imagine that there is not a use for the house . The moving of the Moore House is not a wise use of a resource that is already existing on campus . Robert Mueller, Forest Home — We have had Cornell University piling cars through us for years . Anything that we can do to inhibit it is in our self- interest . I have difficulty understanding why Cornell University needs a variance to build the project . They are able to build the dormitories under the zoning . George Frantz , Assistant Town Planner — The dormitories are allowed under the City zoning . They are failing within the City of Ithaca . Mr. Mueller — What is disallowed under the Town zoning ? Attorney Barney — It is presently zoned Multiple Residence . It is multiple family dwellings . This doe not allow parking areas that are accessory to something other than the multiple residence districts . Recreational fields are not allowed unless they are incidental to the Multiple Residence . Mr . Mueller — Does the Town Board have authority to allow the fields to be built in the MR zone? Attorney Barney — This board could if it choose , change the rules that apply to Multiple Residence . Supervisor Valentino closed the public hearing at 6:58 p. m. , with no other persons wishing to be heard. Supervisor Valentino — I received a phone call from Historic Ithaca saying that they would have been at the meeting tonight to re-support what they have said , but this is their board meeting night . We received a phone call from Beverly Livesay , 149 Snyder Hill Road saying that she supports keeping the Moore House in its current location . The Town received 3 letters regarding the North Campus Residential Initiative . See Attachment #7-9. 1 recall that the height variance was given for the Hasbrouck Apartments because the flat roofs caused ice damage and leakage . TOWN BOARD PAGE 13 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 t APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED ttorney Barney — The Zoning Board of Appeals granted the variance . Since that time , the height quirements have been changed . It would no longer require a variance . Mr. Frantz — Not all buildings at Hasbrouck Apartments needed the variance . Only those where they were adding the third floor. Councilman Klein — If the board proceeds , there is the SEQR process that relates to the R-30 zoning . do appreciate the comments that we have received tonight and through out the past 6 months . Some of the speakers expressed their concerns very eloquently and concisely. I am not against the North Campus Residential Initiative project . I support Cornell 's effort to improve the learning and living environment for freshmen . Cornell University, as any other developer or applicant who comes before the Town , should be prepared to engage us in meaningful dialog and negotiations . Even though Cornell University has gone through an elaborate Environmental Impact Statement process , I feel that in certain critical ways we have been purposely left out of Cornell ' s equation . A concerted effort has been made by Cornell to achieve their objectives without sufficient regard for the community. This has been frustrating for me because at virtually every presentation that I have attended we have dealt with individuals who are not the decision-makers , but merely messengers repeating the official University position . We are at a crossroads . We are being asked to consider the rezoning from MR to 19-30. Many members of the public have expressed concern about other uses that are permitted in an R-30 zone . I am not as concerned about that . It would be appropriate for Cornell University to acknowledge to the Town in writing that no further development of the North Campus parcel would be undertaken for the next 5 years or until the Town has adopted a revised Townwide Zoning Ordinance that would address appropriate educational uses and intended limitations . The status of the Cradit- Moore House concerns me deeply. I am not satisfied with the efforts that Cornell University has taken to mitigate the impacts from the North Campus Residential Initiative project . Local residents and town staff have presented various options that incorporate the house and the fields . This board via a letter signed by Supervisor Valentino and the Planning Board Chair, Fred Wilcox, went on record early in the process that the sentiment of the Town was that the Cradit- Moore House should remain on site . I went through the Comprehensive Plan and we dealt briefly with historic preservation . Under the section entitled , "Managing the Built Environment" , objective # 10 states that , "maintenance and improvement of the built environment including protection of historic structures and sites and adaptive reuse of structures where appropriate" . Clearly what is being proposed for the relocation of the Cradit- Moore House is not in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan . Many have commented on the importance of the structure and the site to the Town of Ithaca . The original house predates the University. Mary Tomlan , in October , addressed this board and pointed out that many buildings thrive juxta position of date and function . Older buildings add a texture to the modern environment that is not only interesting , but meaningful . As I look from the rear yard of the Cradit- Moore House , I observe that the older Cornell University dormitories were both designed as historical revivals . From what I have seen of the new dorms , certain features of the predecessors have been adapted as design elements to emphasis compatibility. Yet , is it not incredibly ironic that TOWN BOARD PAGE 14 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED Cornell University places no value on the real historic house? The Cradit- Moore House is a Gree revival house. Many attempts by Ithaca residents and the Town Planning Staff to provide alternativ site layouts have been dismissed or rebuffed by Cornell University. At no time were the original project designers given the assignment of preparing a site plan that met the program requirements and included the Cradit- Moore House . The upper echelons of Cornell University decided this to be the case . It was mandated and followed . At this late date , pushing and cramming the fields around the Cradit-Moore House without relocating other elements of the site , including buildings and parking lots in the City, yield unsatisfactory solutions . There is room on that parcel to fit everything very comfortably. With the parking lot , Community Commons, the existing parking , and the road , it is very awkward . It is not the Town of Ithaca' s or the Assistant Town Planner's responsibility to design the site for Cornell University. I am sure that this site plan can be handled and come up with a winning situation that leaves the Cradit- Moore House in place . I am sure that Cornell University can find a very good use for the building . The letter that Richard Lord wrote from the State Office of Historic Preservation mentioned that the dormitory money involved bonds . Five to seven percent of the bonds can be used for mitigation purposes. With a $75 million bond issue, 5% is $3 , 750 , 000 . The $40 , 000 that Cornell University is offering to move the Moore House is 0. 05%. 1 am sure that if Cornell University put one fraction of the $3 million towards restoration of the Moore House , I suspect that there are many departments at Cornell University that would love to use the building as an adaptive reuse . I am sure that the building can serve some wonderful functions for the community and Cornell University. At this poin want to ask my colleagues to recall when we approved the letter to go out on our comments on th Environmental Impact Statement . We have ample precedent to delay this rezoning until they retur with a redesigned site plan that incorporates and respects the Cradit- Moore House . At that time w can consider the rezoning and pass the project along to the Planning Board . I think it is premature for us at this point to go through the SEQR review and the Findings Statement . Councilwoman Russell — I am not as worried about the R-30 zoning . I do intend to do a thorough review and evaluate rather we should put into place an educational zone or recreational zone in the area . A letter from Cornell University would help people's fears about any domestic changes in that area dramatically within the next five years . I do not believe that they will take place . Although the Planning Board has not finished its work on this proposal and I trust that they will be able to ensure that the road through the project is not overly traffic calmed . I think that much has been accomplished as far as internalizing Cornell University traffic . would like to see a proposal to create a new north entrance road to the University move forward quickly and other solutions to the Forest Home traffic problem continue to be explored . I feel very supportive of the goals of the North Campus Residential Initiative in attempting to form a unified freshmen community with lots of healthy recreation opportunities . I am very disappointed that Cornell University has not brought forward what I consider to be a realistic proposal that allows the Moore House to remain in its historic setting . As John Kiefer has told me , the Moore House was not on the project' s "must have" list in spite of early input from both the Town and the City emphasizing the importance of keeping the house in its historical context. Cornell University is proposing to move building that is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places , instead of reworking its site desig TOWN BOARD PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 I rAPPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED a realistic way to retain it by shifting site features or moving tennis or basketball courts off site , but till nearby. I understand that only 2 or 3 historic buildings under the jurisdiction of the New York State Office of Historic Preservation have been moved since the existence of the office . Moving historic buildings should be the absolute last choice , and not the applicant' s first choice . I feel that Cornell University is missing an important opportunity in dismissing the Moore House . It could be an intrigral part of the North Campus Residential Initiative and a powerful symbol teaching a significant lesson to students that Cornell University cares about our community and shared history, a lesson worthy of emulation . As a parent of a high school senior, I have gained a lot of perspective in the last 3 months about how much competition there is among universities for the most highly motivated students and about what is important to look for when considering a college . There is much that is attractive about the North Campus Residential Initiative , but retaining the Moore House would help Cornell combat a common perception that plagues all large universities , that they are impersonal places that do not nurture their students . No amount of institutional buildings and playing fields will address this concern . I feel that the Moore House retained in a nurturing function , as an important North Campus focal point will lend a humanizing touch to the entire area . The Moore House could be used as a prospective students' center, an easily recognizable place for visiting students and their parents to be greeted on campus . It could be used as the freshmen resource center or a special place for students to dine with faculty that no institutional setting could 8ever emulate . I am sure that many other fitting uses for Doctor Moore' s house would be brought -rny orward by publishing in the entire University community that the proper allocation of the State Bond o nies to this project (at least 3-5% of the total project cost) is available for rehabilitation . Supervisor Valentino — I will allow Ms. Tomlan to speak. Mary Tomlan , 200 Delaware Ave — The location of the Moore House is important . There was testimony given to the Planning Board that said that houses and buildings were moved during the 19th century. That is true . In some cases it might not make a difference. Two things make a difference now. One is the attitude towards the past . We have become more sophisticated in understanding the role of history in our lives . Its importance has been more varied . There are certain situations in which location makes a difference . The location of the Moore House in proximity to Forest Home does make a difference in this case . Councilman Niederkorn — I am fairly new at this part of the process that we have gone through tonight . The purpose of tonight' s session was to consider rezoning from MR to R-30 . We have heard a few people talk about the rezoning issue this evening . Most of the time we have been talking about traffic in Forest Home or the Cradit- Moore House . Neither of which is the purpose of this meeting . Like most 'of the people who spoke this evening , I am in favor of the North Campus Residential Initiative project . The purpose of changing the zoning is to allow this project to go forward . In my opinion , anything that we can do that is not detrimental to the Town is going to advance this project which we all agree we want. I am supportive of the rezoning . I am not concerned with or without a letter from Cornell University stating that they would have a moratorium TOWN BOARD PAGE 16 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED on development in this area . I am not concerned that all the bad things that have been describe would happen . If this were the last act in the show, I would say that there might be something t worry about regarding hospitals, churches and cemeteries . It is not the last act . It is part of an on - going scenario. The Town is committed to re-doing the zoning for the entire Town . This will be one of the areas addressed . As long as I am a board member, I will make sure that it is considered as one of the major re-zoning potentials . The idea of asking for a variance to allow this to happen was adequately explained . It makes a lot of difference which kind of variance is being asked . The Zoning Board of Appeals is the one that grants the variance . The issue of the Cradit- Moore House will come before this board eventually. I am sure that we will hear the same thing that evening as we have heard this evening and before . The traffic in Forest Home needs to be discussed . I lived in Forest Home for about 20 years. Unfortunately Forest Home is located at the bottom of the funnel in terms of traffic . Anything that goes on anywhere is eventually going to increase the traffic in Forest Home . If Tops Market and Wal- Mart are established in Lansing traffic will increase in Forest Home . The most effective traffic calming measures in Forest Home are the two bridges . It does not reduce traffic , but it slows it down , feel that the R- 30 zoning is something that permits this project to go ahead . I am supportive of the zoning change . Councilwoman Grigorov — I agree with Councilman Niederkorn , Councilwoman Russell — I am not clear why Councilman Niederkorn thinks that we are going to se the Cradit- Moore issue again . Councilman Niederkorn — We may not have any direct action to take on it . I think , however, that it would not be remiss for us to express our opinion on the Cradit- Moore House . I am not sure how we all agree on that issue . We could go to the Planning Board meeting and speak as citizens if we wanted to do so . If we are not as a board going to be directly involved in the decision of the Cradit- Moore House , then we have to allow that decision to be made by the people that we have given that authority, Planning Board , to do so and not use the concept of re-zoning as a weapon to make something happen that we think ought to happen . We should not use our authority to change zoning as a weapon to force the Cradit- Moore House to stay or move . Councilman Klein — I am confident that the concerns with traffic , traffic calming , the size of the parking lot , site lighting are areas that the Planning Board will give close scrutiny to . I think that the Cradit- Moore House is such an important issue . We do have discretion at the Town Board level on zoning . I do not think that it is over stepping our authority or power to request the reconsideration of the status of the Moore House . This is unique because normally if we are establishing an MR zone , the Town Board looks at a specific site plan before passing that specific site plan . It is different in R- h recommendation in general and not tied to a specific site plan . 30 because our Ordinance haste 9 This is unusual because we are looking at a specific site plan . My concern as a Town Board memb TOWN BOARD PAGE 17 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED s that if we do change the zoning, it is entirely in the hands of the Planning Board . Our concerns at hat point are less important . Councilwoman Grigorov — I have visited the Cradit- Moore House . I am glad that it will be preserved . We did visit the two potential sites . I felt that the location of Pleasant Grove Road was more appropriate for the house . It will be in a beautiful big yard and would remain a single-family house . It would also not have the extra rooms that have been built on . We went through the house and saw that quite a lot of it has been remodeled . They are not sure which is old and which is new. It would be changed much more if it were an adapted use . The house would be better off on the alternative site. Councilman Conley - I appreciate all the things that Councilwoman Grigorov has said . The house should be saved . I am not tied up on making sure that it is on this particular site . I do agree that if the house were moved , I would prefer it to be moved north on Pleasant Grove Road . It is very difficult . Supervisor Valentino — This has been one of the most difficult things that this board has had to deal with . We have reviewed it , studied it , toured the house , looked at alternatives , and all the information that has been provided to us . We have talked among ourselves about it. I have drifted back and forth on different opinions over the time . I know that I have had people from the public ask how the t own Board would vote. I can say that this is one of the few times that we have worked together and do not know what each individual Town Board member will decide. There are so many difficult arts to it. am not totally opposed to moving the Moore House . I would prefer the house to remain on site . One of the things that concerned me the most was the attitude of Cornell University from the very beginning . It seemed clear that they never really looked at preserving the house in its location . It was never an option for them . If they had explored those options in more detail , I would feel more comfortable in saying the house could be moved . That option was not explored as thoroughly as it could have been . I am not comfortable with saying that the house should be moved . I support Councilman Klein and Councilwoman Russell 's opinion . We should not move forward with rezoning without looking more thoroughly at what could happen to the Moore House . Councilwoman Grigorov — We could leave the site plan to the Planning Board . Supervisor Valentino — I think that we have a responsibility to follow through on what we said in the beginning about our preference of seeing the Moore House stay on site. I am not satisfied that all the options of how the house could be preserved has been looked at in a very thorough way. The house deserves to be preserved in that location if it is possible . I am open to moving the house to the site in Cayuga Heights . Councilwoman Grigorov — It is supported by Historic Ithaca . TOWN BOARD PAGE 18 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED Councilman Klein — They spoke from both sides of their mouth also . Ed Franquemont was ver strong on leaving the house in place. Unfortunately they did not engage us in a dialog . They felt th they were given no choice in the matter. There has not been a serious effort. Supervisor Valentino — What are our options ? Attorney Barney — The board could choose not to consider the rezoning . The board may also move to table the matter for a period of time to give Cornell University an opportunity to produce additional information . The third alternative is to request the lead agency to produce an additional supplemental Environmental Impact Statement dealing with this issue and to provide the issue to you . The fourth alternative is to address SEQR . Supervisor Valentino — I think that taking it back to the City would be cumbersome . What is the difference between tabling the decision and saying no to the rezoning ? Would tabling it mean that we could bring it back for discussion without doing another public hearing ? If we vote no , we will need another public hearing . Attorney Barney — If the information were changed then another public hearing would need to be held . If a decision is being made based on additional information being provided then the board would want to hold another public hearing . Councilman Klein — Under the assumption that we would see optional site plans they would mo likely impact the City' s layout . It will involve the City. Attorney Barney — Tabling the decision continues the discussion of the project . The board could table the decision pending receipt of additional information with respect to the disposition of the Cradit- Moore House , Councilman Niederkorn — I would like to add that the reason for tabling the rezoning is that the seventh member of the board is not present . Councilman Conley — I do not know how long it will take for the additional information to come forward . Mr. Kanter — I think that the board may want to state more clearly what additional information that you would like. There has been a number of supplemental information provided . Councilman Klein — We should see some alternative site plans that preserves and protects the Cradit- Moore House in accordance with the guidelines from the State Historic Preservation Office . It becomes a requirement that the house is preserved . This would satisfy my concerns . Supervisor Valentino — If we table the motion , hopefully Cornell University will work hard to provide us with the information so that we can bring it off the table . TOWN BOARD PAGE 19 NOVEMBER 18 , 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED tesolution No. 206 - Table Further Consideration of the Rezonin in Connection With Cornell Universit North Campus Residential Initiative RESOLVED, that pending receipt of further information regarding the handling of the Cradit- Moore house that this governing Town Board table further consideration of the requested rezoning to R-30 of the Cornell University property on Pleasant Grove Road involved in Cornell's North Campus Residential Initiative. MOVED Councilwoman Grigorov, SECONDED Supervisor Valentino. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilwoman Russell, aye; Councilwoman Grigorov, aye; Councilman Klein, aye; Councilman Niederkorn, aye. Carried unanimously. Mr. Kanter — The special Planning Board meeting for November 30th should be canceled . Councilman Conley — We appear not to be opposed to the project in general . Supervisor Valentino — I feel comfortable that the Planning Board will address the traffic and parking issues adequately. The Moore House is of concern for the Town Board . Mr. Frantz — What about the landscaping around the Moore House? There needs to be a certain amount of buffering around the Moore House . Supervisor Valentino — Part of that decision is looking at the possible uses . Mr. Kanter — It may be possible to physically alter plans to keep the house where it is and meet National Register guidelines . Is there going to be any means to guarantee the house's continuing preservation ? Does it take some commitment from Cornell University or does it still involve Historic Ithaca? Councilman Klein — The letter from Richard Lord specifically mentions that under the State Law for the issue of dormitory funds , that up to a certain percentage of the bonds can go towards mitigation measures . Councilwoman Russell — We would like to see a commitment for that to happen . Agenda Item No. 8 — Purchase of Development Rights Program Supervisor Valentino — Would it be better for us to discuss this in Executive Session ? Attorney Barney — Yes . Motion made by Supervisor Valentino , seconded by Councilwoman Russell to enter into an Executive Session to discuss real estate acquisition . Carried unanimously. The Board entered Executive Session at 7 : 58 p . m . TOWN BOARD PAGE 20 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED Motion made by Councilwoman Russell , seconded by Councilman Conley to resume regular session Carried unanimously. The Board resumed regular session at 8: p . m . Mr . Kanter — What is the amount for the additional appraisal charges? Mr. Frantz — It should not exceed $ 1 , 000 . Resolution No. 207 — RESOLVED, that this board authorizes George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner, to obtain an appraisal at a cost not to exceed $ 1 , 000. MOVED Councilwoman Grigorov, SECONDED Supervisor Valentino. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: Supervisor Valentino, aye; Councilwoman Russell, aye; Councilwoman Grigorov, aye; Councilman Klein, aye; Councilman Niederkorn, aye. Carried unanimously. Supervisor Valentino — Did you want to discuss the Conservation Zone? Councilman Klein — One of our options is to wait . We have three proposed South Hill Zones . They are the Ithaca College Area , the Buttermilk Falls , and the Sincebaugh property. Codes and Ordinances Committee reviewed the draft Ordinance . We came to a consensus on some of th changes . Mr . Kanter — The Buttermilk Falls area is more of a threat than the Sincebaugh property. We have t weigh the pluses and minuses . There would be benefits to going ahead and doing the rezones now. It would make more sense to put it together at once . Supervisor Valentino — I would like to put it together as a package . Ithaca College offered a moratorium on development . I do not like the moratorium . It makes us buy into a delay. We have gotten Ithaca College moving . I would like a letter saying that Ithaca College would not do anything . Attorney Barney — The Town could write a letter to Ithaca College stating that the Town is not going to proceed on this immediately. It is an on -going study. We will continue to look at it . Put Ithaca College on notice that if they are not finished by May 2000 , we are going ahead . Councilman Klein — Is the Sincebaugh property not under threat? We would not have to change the zoning . It is the Six Mile Creek area . We can incorporate the parcel . Mr. Kanter — The Sincebaugh property is the least important parcel . Mrs . Noteboom — There is a house located behind Ziebart . The house is now for sale . It is rumored that the owner of Ziebart would like to buy the house and expand his garage . TOWN BOARD PAGE 21 NOVEMBER 18, 1999 tAPPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 13, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED r. Kanter — He would not be able to do it under the current zoning . It is zoned Business C and it is nonmconforming use in Business C . Mrs . Noteboom — We have also heard that Dave Auble has met with the owner of Sam Peter's about the possibility of a ware house on the corner. Mr. Kanter — It is zoned commercial , but you cannot have a stand alone ware house . Mr. Walker — If there is a showroom and store in it , it would be a store . Mr. Kanter — We have asked Ithaca College to write the Town a letter on their expected timeframe for their rezoning . We will respond to that letter. Councilman Niederkorn — I do not think that we ought to have this dialog back and forth . We need to tell them that we want their information . We love that they are getting the information , but we want it by June 1 , 2000 . Supervisor Valentino — In light of our tabling the R-30 rezoning , the two most important people for Cornell University to be talking to is Councilman Klein and Councilwoman Russell , Cornell University will probably call us quickly. It would be wise of them to call us right away. F A Agenda Item No. 9 — ADJOURNMENT: s there was no further business to come before the Town Board , a motion was made by Councilwoman Russell , seconded by Supervisor Valentino to adjourn . Carried unanimously. Supervisor Valentino adjourned the meeting at 8 : 42 p . m . Respectfully submitted , Joan Lent Noteboom , Town Clerk *NEXT REGULAR MEETING — December 13 , 1999 at 5 : 30 p . m . ** NEXT SPECIAL MEETING - December 30 , 1999 at 10 : 00 a . m . ** Minutes Transcribed by Carrie L. Coates . i ICi 5 3 inki t 406 Coddington Road Ithaca, N. Y. 14850 November 5 , 1999 Ms . Cathy Valentino, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, N . Y. 14850 Dear Cathy, My work responsibilities will be taking me out of the country for much of the coming six weeks and I wish to ask permission to be excused from Town Board activities for that period. Specifically, I will be traveling as follows : Nov. 13 - 21 Nov. 29- Dec . 21 , and Dec . 29 - Jan 14 1 regret that travel this extensive is clustered as it is, but I had little control over the schedules . Additionally, as I will be traveling to India and Bangladesh, the trips must necessarily be somewhat protracted . Again, please allow me to express my regrets for being absent from Town Board activities for this extensive period, but hope that you are able to grant me with a leave for the time . in rely rWilliam Lesser Counci lman i ATTACHMENT # 1 STATEMENT TO THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD 18 NOVEMBER 1999 My name is Kathleen Foley and I am a resident of the City of Ithaca . I am here this evening to contest Cornell ' s proposed North Campus zoning change because of two fallacies which have been repeated in recent months regarding the project . First, that no one outside Forest Home cares what happens . I am a resident of downtown ' s Washington Park neighborhood — and I care . Second, that Cornell students don ' t care . I am a Cornellian — and I care . So do the students who stand with me tonight. The proposed change that would allow R-30 zoning for the North Campus development is very dangerous indeed. As I understand it, this change would place very few limitations on most kinds of development on the site . The message the Board would send with this change is that it is willing to meet the demands of any developer — Cornell or otherwise — who argues that his or her plan must be allowed despite its impact on the community . It demonstrates that the Town doesn ' t plan, rather that it reacts . It is spot zoning at its finest. It is short- sited and ill - considered, and sets precedent for unbridled development in the Town . I am not confident that once the Town approves the shift to R-30 zoning on North Campus ATTACHMENT # 2 lJ that this action can ever be undone as the University suggests — the floodgates will have been opened . I ask this Board to hold fast to the basic concept that a more reasonable plan for the project can be proposed by the University and adopted by the Town . By "a more reasonable plan" I mean one that, within the site ' s current zoning, meets the University ' s development goals , respects the quality of life issues raised by the residents of Forest Home and preserves the historic structures that exist on the site . They are the Cradit-Moore House and the Fuertes Observatory ; both have merit in their own right. Hold fast, rather than accept the notion that the only option available is the development of the site to its so- called "highest and best use , " and the destruction of historic buildings . What is needed, I would argue, is creativity, and the willingness to think beyond the limited vision currently proposed by the University. The residents of Forest Home have tried to work in good faith with the University to find compromise on this development. They mean only to protect that which any of us should be able to comprehend — their quality of life , and their community ' s recognized historic value . In one proposal after another, Cornell has proved itself to be a bad neighbor, never honestly welcoming Forest Home into the decision-making process . Time and again a fait accompli comes from on high . One of the values that the University tries to instill in its students is a lifelong commitment to community service . I would hope that Cornell would see the North Campus development as an opportunity to act as an example to its students . In his 1999 commencement address , President Rawlings firmly stated that , quote : "We believe , and have believed from 1865 when Cornell was founded, that it is essential not only to know what is right, but to act upon it. " Close quote . I ask this Board to please act upon what is right and deny this project a zoning change . A better solution can be found if we are willing to see it . Chair, I wish to submit the signatures of the planning students who join me in this position for the public record . Thank you . 18 November 1999 We , the undersigned graduate students of City and Regional Planning and Historic Preservation Planning at Cornell University , are stridently opposed to the requested change in zoning for from M-R to R- 30 for the University ' s proposed North Campus development. We request that Cornell be made to re-examine the project and come forward with new plans which preserve the historic structures on the site — the Cradit-Moore House and the Fuertes Observatory — and respect both the quality of life for Forest Homes residents and the historic character of their community . ATTACHMENT # 3 Nov2rnber I J , 1999 T �: : Merriber_; , Ithaca Town Board From : Ruth 1°i . Nahr , 1 +:+ � Judd Fall: Road 1'' e : North 1 am u_r :_ Residential initiative , F' Yzog, itna The Applicant has requested that the Town rezone the land l li ! that portion 3 the North Campus Residential initiative that lies 'rritliiri the To 'r,rri ft-om C present rIR to R - =l1_� . T -{ e rele °Vant portion o the project c o n s i at :_ of oiotructirig three pla ' ir tieidL , -er , : i1g the C: radit - Moore House , and constructing a parking lot i t h 130 spaces . Neither the playing fields nor the parking- lot appears to be consistent , 0th 1' R � rirligi .q . Rezoning to R - M YY ) iuld allovy a deeply flawed project to proceed to =_ 1, te purl ( evif' ,'Sr . And it would allow the applicant Ltit come trir S and at any time � 'Ao!-, S f( e in the future with a request to build anything tr-orn an incinerator to a The public is not intere =sted in th •ilvarting the North Czar,{ psis Residential Initiative . I-li_i ',r e%Ver, it is the Town ' responsibility to a :_; :; 1_ire that the negative :=spillover:_: from this project on other residents of the Tovitn are minimized . Potential negative spilloilliprs from this project are light , noise , traffic , and an avoidable lass or i_ ;{ ange iif an i"li '=; flit-ii= r-eaS =1 !_! r-l: e tlarflF: ll� the Cradit - l-ioore House and yard , including what may be the oldest , largest - black: maple in Tornp 'eins County . The project is flawed because it invol °v' es negative impacts that are a %sioidable aril) because it does not adequately minimise littler negati 's� e :spillover s. 1 . Playinq fields and the Cradit - rloore do {.a :.se . The ignpai_: t on the Cradit - 1°loore house is avoidable . Reriio al of the House has not been adequately justified . a . Planning staff and other-=: ha%t' e :_sho ,hrgi that it is possible to reconfig +_are the space so that three#. playing fields and the Cradit - IMoore House can coexist on the site . b . The playing field ) are apparently not an integral part of thin. North Campus Residential Initiative . None of the testit-tiony indicates that these ATTACHMENT-14 playing fields are primarily for the ts .=_: e of freshmen students . Indeed , the eritir-e te _Alm rl 'a at thie 1=' ? .3ritliti !1 Board meeting indicated that the primary lrse of these plating fields 'Sti'' ill be for r, ompetitive _ports and ur! j�tercla :=: � t7len . If playing fields on this site. are not a ne ! e_ ssat-14 part ttf the L Residential Initiative 'vtrhll 1c: ifi tleC: ems '=, fir-q to remove an historic blalldltlg iri order- to build them 7' c . Once the Cradit - h°loore Mouse is r-etnoved , under PR`0 oiling , the Universitia would be able to remove the playing fields and construct ! � o � virtually angthing 4j ' � _� on tlii =a site . Thie T !iwn wC41UId hiavP ? ost tiie ,.� Opt iti. .s control it YS' !_ uld ha ° e had over future building site !_adder a more restrictive zoning designation . � 2 . Traffic impacts . The Forest Hot-tie neighiborhood Maas expressed concerns about the negative impacts on till_'• neighbr_! r hood of lrat i 1. !_ that will result from this project . The applicant has not modified the site plait in 'vvags thiat "eaVould rminimiZe these impacts . The par„ ing lot has grrr,' ,' r, to 135 L. paceL. , some nert , tlt re =. trig ± ed . others metered . During off - peal' hour's ( e 'l;' enings. and ggr;' ee 'k - erld '=: ) mos., or all spaces '•,Fi 11 be f or !, pert park i ng . Si nce f reshiman are not expected to have cars , why is this lot part of a "Residential ” initiatille ? The applicant has not explained the need for a parl:: nq lot of thi '_: sieze and at thiis location . This 1e8ve23 tree to Speculate hat the z; urpo ,34 is to accor7i : "iodate users of the playing fields and non - student t;+ ' : e n the ' � !=: !lmrtli_Jn3fiq CL! r7lrilort :; " C! llildlrtq . The A lot is aavailable as an alternati ve . It is as _, Mort walking di _ talnce fro m this rite , and it is underrtiliZed . b . The through road proposed b ?, the applicant is unlikely to reduce gas the negative impacts Of on the Forest I• otrte nellyhiborhood . The proposed road is Heavily traffic calmed and is not l 'il ely to serve the purpose of keeping Gortiell traffic on cartipus rattler than diverting it through Forest Home . In my statement tr_! the Town Planning Board , I suggested mitigation rrteaas ure s th} aft 5, rL-1uId twirl;. . I will not repeat therm Mere , but will simply refer you to therm . In the meantime , the Board _should not re -7one this parcel !_if land to accommodate a project that '',kill allow potentially large and negative spill !_! ver effects — both in terms of the Town ' s hi : toric resotwces and in terms of traffic in nearby rieighiborhood 'c . i Zoning Or.l , "S1 Izon, S/1194 ARTICLE VI MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICTS SECTION 25. Location . With the approval of the Town Board , a Multiple Residence District may be established in any Residence or Agricultural District of the Town . SECTION 26. Use Regulations . In Multiple Residence Districts no building shall be erected or extended and no land or building or part thereof shall be used for other than any of the following purposes: One family , two family and multiple family dwellings, grouped so as to provide living quarters for a minimum of 3 families . Each dwelling unit in an multiple residence shall be occupied by no more than (a) One family, or (b) One family plus no more than two boarders , roomers , lodgers or other occupants. SECTION 27. Accessory Uses. Permitted Accessory Uses in Multiple Residence Districts shall include the following : 10 Automobile parking and garages , subject to the further requirements of this section. 2 . Structures or use of open land for recreation , intended for residents of the Multiple Residence Districts. 3 . Such uses as may be necessary for home-making activities, such as drying yards or structures in which laundry facilities are maintained but any such use must be limited to residents of the Multiple Residence Districts. 4. Day care home or group day care facility . 50 Group family day care home upon the special approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals in the same manner as if said building was located in a Residence District R30. 60 Day care center upon special approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to Section 77, Subdivision 7. The application for such approval shall be referred to the Planning Board and no final action shall be taken until the Planning Board has approved the site plan for the Center and submitted its report or has failed to so act within 30 days of receipt of all required information . 29 ATTACHMENT # 5 DATE: November 15 , 1999 TO: Members of the Town Boar NOV s 1999 FROM: Bruce and Doug Brittain RE: NCRI Rezoning We understand that both the Town Planning Board and Codes and Ordinances Committee have recommended that that portion of Cornell's North Campus project which lies within the Town of Ithaca be rezoned from MR to R- 30 . This may seem like an obvious thing to do , since so much of the University' s land is already zoned R- 30 . However , rezoning to R- 30 is unnecessary, and carries the risk of allowing additional high- intensity , high - impact development in this area , which is under more development pressure than most of Cornell's land . It would seem far wiser to grant Cornell no more than it actually needs in order to complete its North Campus Residential Initiative project , and then do rezoning later on a Town-wide basis . As you know, with special approval , R- 30 zoning allows libraries , museums , hospitals , nursing homes and medical clinics , power plants and other utilities , and any other uses associated with institutions of higher learning, including academic , administrative and research facilities , dormitories , large parking lots , and a whole host of other high- impact uses . This goes far beyond what is necessary for the NCRI project , and goes beyond what many people feel is appropriate land use for this part of the Town . Rezoning to R- 30 would mean that the Town would not only lose some control and jurisdiction over any future projects that the University might propose in the North Campus area , it could also lose some control over the present NCRI project itself. If, as a result of the Site Plan Review process , the Town should ultimately decide that all new NCRI parking should be located within the City, the Town would be in a far stronger position to enforce that decision if the zoning remained MR (which does not allow parking lots for off- site uses ) than if it were changed to R- 30 (which allows virtually any University-related development , including parking) . Also , if at some time in the future , the University were to propose. adding bleachers or lighting to the North Campus playing fields (-not apart of the current proposal) , the Town would be in a much weaker position, if the land were zoned R- 301 ATTACHMENT # 6 Rather than rezoning North Campus at this time , it would probably be best to grant a simple Variance , or even a Special Land Use District (SLUD ) . This would allow the NCRI project to proceed , but without giving the University the carte blanche of R- 30 zoning. If the land is rezoned to R- 309 it should only be with conditions ( pertaining to the road and parking lot , and perhaps to the Cradit- Moore House ) , and with a written agreement that the University would not further develop the North Campus area for the next five years , or until Town-wide rezoning has been adopted . Thank you for your consideration , and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday . November 8 1999 To : Members of the Town Board and Town Planning Board NOV " 9 From: George Bayer 0' � r1a _ � rS 1 Subject : North Campus traffic - I have lived at 216 Forest Home Drive for the past 34 years . From my house I have a full view of traffic on Pleasant Grove Rd . , a strong awareness of the traffic on Warren Rd . and of course the traffic on Forest Home Dr. , in front of my house. Over the years I have participated in several traffic studies (counting cars. ) and expect you are well aware of the limited capacity of these roads. They are already greatly overloaded and any additional traffic will seriously further impact on the quality of life and deterioration of the Forest Home neighborhood . My main concern and the focus of this letter is : I was told that the City, Town and Cornell had agreed to a philosophy of internalizing Cornell traffic . The North Campus will certainly draw traffic and therefore its planning should provide for this internalizing . I realize that the present Cornell North Campus map includes a road connecting Thurston and Pleasant Grove which was originally designated by CU' s traffic consultant as a "maximum capacity road" . However after attending several North Campus meetings and listening to Cornell ' s presentations, I seriously question that the road Cornell now proposes will meet this criteria. To insure that " the road" be built as a maximum capacity road and in such a way that it will be the preferred route (motorists are known take the route that requires the least stopping even if the route is longer) for people using the North Campus I ask that the Town boards use their leverage (zoning and site plan approvals) now to insure that this happens and that it will remain so . Zoning should be modified only to accommodate the need for recreation fields and further parking should be limited to real need . Thank you, 0*40 evoyu 7t;;00 009 ATTACHMENT X67 it I ISs1°1� November 9 , 1999 NOV 1 6 IM Mr . Fred Wilcox III 109 Juniper Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 [P!LANNING,Z N NGTENG VEERING Dear Mr. Wilcox, My name is Adam Lindenbaum and I ' m a sports columnist for the Cornell Daily Sun . My column appears every other Tuesday this semester, and this week ' s topic of discussion was the Cradit- Moore house and its future effects on Cornell Intramural and Club sports . I was in attendance during the November 2 , 1999 Town Planning Board meeting, where you briefly introduced the possibility of moving the Cradit-Moore house to the corner of Jessup and Pleasant Grove Roads . This proposal, in my mind, is a fantastic middle ground between the needs of the University and Historic Ithaca. At a minimal loss of two basketball courts, historical integrity and a safe playing field can be achieved . My interest in your brief proposal was strong enough to cite your idea in my November 9 column . My intent for this column was to get student voices heard, and assuming your idea is proven architecturally feasible, I hope it can gather student support . I have included a copy of my column, and hope you find my perspective on the issue an insightful one . Please contact me with any concerns or questions you may have. Regardless, I will see you on November, 30, 7 : 30 p . m. Sincerely, Adam Lindenbaum Cornell Daily Sun ajl23@comell . edu 256-0024 ATTACHMENT # 8 _. ._ - ._ . .• _ a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ ONE GOOD EYE LEFT Adam i Lindenbaum M Hill slows= On Hallowed Ground In exchange for your following three or four minutes , I'm sup- posed to reveal my opinion on a current sports issue . If I do an exemplary job, hopefully my statements will enlighten you. A few facts, a couple of jokes , and a some well-placed exaggerations and metaphors, and you've got yourself a good column. Things are going to work a little differently today - I- want your opinion. Here's the background : Just before the kickoff of my second intramural football game this season, the referees asked the game 's participants to sign a petition. The cause was to move a house in order to maintain the necessary number of athletic fields for intramural and club sports in the face of upcoming North Campus construction. Some people signed, but the referees gave very few details that See EYE, page I5 _ .-- T- EYE : Historic House Shouldn' t Go Too Far Continued from page 24 of the hill around Fall Creek and Beebe Lake. .day. Nobody cared at the time because we just The details of ownership changes are hazy, but wanted to get the game started, but I felt the situa- the house was eventually occupied for nearly 50 tion deserved some investigation. years by Dr. Norman Moore, a pioneer of universi- ty health services and a well-recognized Cornell Why does North Campus need new athletic fields? personality. The field between Mary Donlon Hall and Helen Even though Cornell currently owns the Cradit- Newman Hall currently serves the men's and Moore house, those in favor of keeping the house women's rugby teams, intramural softball games, intact feel that moving it away from Forest Home and general student recreation. Two dorms and a `Would reduce its historical significance. student center will be built in the middle of this What is at stake in this situation . field, evicting these athletic activities from their The evidence is overwhelming that Cornell home. should move this house. Besides the fact that it is The obvious response is to put the displaced theirs to move, the offer made is generous and sports on Jessup Field which very often appears to respectful of the house and its supporters . be empty. Jessup is already used for intramural soc- I'm against moving the .site northbound on cer, football , softball and various summer sport Pleasant Grove Road because I agree a site 's loca- _._ tion has much to do with its historical significance. camps , and needs rest periods between seasons to B moving Cradit-Moore house awa from its ==== ensure the perennial growth. A Cayuga Heights y g y original location, it is reduced to being an old build. = - - -- ordinance also pro- .. . hibits intercollegiate -� • . - �� ing without history. athletic activity on tip yaw_f� '� My family has - recently restored a the field , so club s ,- �� recognized historic teams would still be site in New York homeless . . == State, a 73-year old If you've checked D � L " ' ; around town fora w" .+} synagogue in Sulli- - parking space, you van County. My , already understand great grandfather land constraints in was the . original Ithaca , and that y -.: y . rabbi who . helped options to build new construct it, but the athletic fields are \; w congregation disap- t. geared over time. limited. The '60s and '70s What is the pro- �' � x�." '`" - y . � were a dead period posed site? for the synagogue's The proposed site a br the synago 'u activity, but my fam- for the three new - - _ ily has restored it in — - - fields is on North Campus where the '. '1 *•, both structure and = - Pleasant Grove ` � t spirit over the last 10 r: �, `s years. Apartments once ' What I'm saying •^;' 4' s ymg stood, between the is, try to see the big Low Rise buildings and Pleasant Grove _ '� s i` picture. Just because r this old house does- Road ( Fl & 2 on the ., Campus Map) . They ''' N n t fit in with archi- Town Of Ithaca _ Graphic courtesy of The Hillier Group/Dagit Saybr Architects tectural styles of pro- Planning Board has posed modem build- . . already recommend- My proposal. The Cradit-Moore house, currently ings ; just because no r ed to the Town located at "A", should be moved to "B " rather than one is living in the Board that the land building new basketball courts there. house now; and just be zoned as recce- because a current ational land; this would provide adequate field concrete need for the house cannot be found does- space for all club .intramural and general recreation n t mean that these needs will not surface in the athletics. future . _ Ithaca- Tompkins County Transportation Council- 121 East Court Street Ithaca , New York 14850 Phone : (607) 274-5570 / Fax : (607) 274- 5578 E - Mail : ITCTC@mail . co . tompkins . ny . us olicv Committee: Director Planning Committee: Stuart W. Stein, AICP, Chair Fernando de Aragon, AICP John Gutenberger, Chair Ronald E. Anderson, Vice Chair James W. Hanson, Jr. , Vice Chair Jon P. Edinger, P. E. , Secretary R (� 0 U M O l5 � L5 November 17 , 1999 NOV 1 8 1999 Mr. Fred T. Wilcox , III Chair, Town of Ithaca Planning Board 126 East Seneca Street TOWN OF ITHACA Ithaca, NY 14850 PLANNING , ZONING , ENGINEERING Dear Mr. Wilcox: This letter is in response to concerns raised about the Cornell north campus gateway idea during the Town of Ithaca' s review of the North Campus Residential Initiative (NCRI) proposal . I have evaluated the latest NCRI plans and see no issues that would preclude advancing a proposal for a north campus gateway. Early discussions place the gateway near the A- lot and Pleasant Grove Rd . , outside the project boundaries for the NCRI. In addition , the latest NCRI plan has not diminished the available options for routing traffic from the gateway area into the university. Preliminary discussions between staff from Cornell, the Town and City of Ithaca, Tompkins County and myself resulted in identifying AgWome interesting opportunities in association with a north campus gateway idea. In particular, there is the potential of directing traffic lthe A- lot where visitors can be offered information about the campus , and be provided with a transit option to reach their final estination. The ITCTC was asked to coordinate the meetings of a committee that will develop the north campus gateway concept into a set of proposals . I am currently scheduling the initial meeting of this committee for the first week of December 1999 . The committee will include representatives from the Village of Cayuga Heights, Town of Ithaca, City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, Cornell and the ITCTC . I expect that at first, the committee will work on developing goals for this proposal , followed by the presentation of concept ideas and identifying what data will be needed to analyze the ideas. Details of procedural/jurisdictional responsibility and timing of the project are yet to be determined . I hope this letter is useful in clarifying the status of the north campus gateway initiative . Please call me at my office if you would like to discuss this issue any further. Sincerely, Fernando de Aragon , AICP Staff Director CC : Jonathan Kanter, Town Planner, Town of Ithaca William E . Wendt, Director of Transportation Services , Cornell University M :\ITCTC\M POWOR K\Correspondence'99\NCGateway-FW i Icox-let- 1199.doc ATTACHMENT # 9 Tompkins CountyCity of Ithaca Willage of Cayuga Heights•Viilage of Lansing•Town of Caroline•Town of Danby?Town-of..Dryden%Town of Enfield*Town?of. Grdtone.Town of Ithaca Town of Lansing•Town of Newfield•Town-of Ulysses•Cornell UniversilyNew York State Department of Transportation•FederaFHighway Administration•Federal Transit Administration