HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1971-09-07 • TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
September 7 , 1971
A special meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board was
held on Tuesday , September 7 , 1971 , at 7 : 30 p . m . in the Town of
Ithaca Offices , 108 E . Green Street , Ithaca , New York .
PRESENT : Acting Chairman Robert Scannell , Dan Baker ,
Arnold Albrecht , Robert Christianson , Jack Lowe , Fred Scott ,
David Cowan ( Zoning Officer ) , and Peter Francese ( Planning
Consultant ) .
GEORGE IDEMAN PROPOSAL : Discussion was held concerning
the proposal by George Ideman to construct a two - story : struc.ture
on his property on Judd Falls Road . The first :. floor . wilI house
a laundramat facility to be operated from approximately , 8 :..00 a . m .
to 11 : 00 p . m . with an attendant present . The second floor `wi " 1.1
consist of four two - bedroom apartments . This property is prese_ntTy
zoned Commercial C .
Mr . Stanley Tsapis , attorney for Mr . Ideman , pointed out
that Commercial C does not specifically allow for apartment
structures . However , it does provide for hotels , motels , and
lodges . It was further pointed out that the intent of this
ordinance was to prohibit the construction of residential units
in a commercial zone in order to prevent complaints. by property
owners . Also it was noted that Kennilworth Development ,, will be
located across the street within a distance of some 200 ' from the
existing commercial development presently located on Judd Falls
Rd .
Mr . Ideman stated that in order to operate and maintain a
facility such as this laundramat , a steady of flow of income is
necessary , which the apartments could provide . He also , .pointed
out that the structure will be constructed of cinderblocks and
will be properly painted . Proper screening will be provided ; and '
they will adhere to all side and front yard requirements . The
second floor will be completely fireproof from the laundramat .
Sanitary facilities will be provided for the people using the
laundramat .
Mr . Cowan discussed the present zoning ordinance requirements
for a Commercial C zone .. He recommended that the Board of Appeals
be asked to rule on the case , and. would probably issue a variance-
if necessary .
Mr . Tsapis pointed out that a person renting in this
IS structure would be very aware of the type of area he was moving
into .
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Mrs . Sandy Laible , a resident of the area , stated her concern
that the present Ideman property is an eyesore to the area and
stated her skepticism over the proposed new structure turning out
the same way .
Mrs . Kathy Valentino pointed out that P & C never provided
screening that the Board has requested them to put up . The area
has the potential for being a beautiful commercial development ,
but such plans as Mr . Ideman ' s do not allow for it . She also
pointed out the poor condition of the present parking lots of the
Ideman property .
Jack Lowe stated that he was not in favor of having apartment
units over the laundramat in this area .
A recommendation was made by Jack Lowe that it is not clear
whether apartments can be allowed in this zone or not . Therefore ,
we would wish to have the Town Board decide this matter . Secondly ,
we are not in favor of apartments in this location in a commercial
district .
There was no second of the motion .
Arnold Albrecht stated that he thought the apartments could
be constructed here without much difficulty . Dan Baker raised a
question about the amount of noise the residents would have from
the neighboring commercial development . Mr . Ideman pointed out
that the noise from the bowling alley would start to subside around
11 : 00 p . ;r . and everyone would definitely be gone by 1 : 30 a . m . after
the lounge closes . 75 % of the cars would be gone by 11 : 30 p . m .
Mrs . Valentino stated that she thought the Board should
consider the previous proposals submitted by Mr . Ideman and con -
sider how he carried out his proposals before allowing him to
go ahead with a new one . She also pointed out that this will be
the third cinderblock structure to be constructed on his property .
Robert Scannell made a motion that we recommend to the Town
Board that they make a decision whether or not as Business District
C apartment units are allowed in this area and if so , whether
requirements for multiple residence should be applied .
The motion was seconded by Jack Lowe , and unanimously passed .
Peter Francese pointed out that another public hearing will
be necessary on the Kennilworth proposal since they have changed
their plans .
Dan Baker made a motion that the Planning Board hold a public
hearing at our next meeting on September 21 at 9 : 00 p . m . to
discuss the new Kennilworth plan . The motion was seconded by
Fred Scott , and unanimously approved .
The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 45 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Charlene Lawson , Secretary