Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1975-01-21 OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD JANUARY 21 , 1. 9 7 5 The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met on Tuesday , January 21 , 1975 , a .s: 7a30 p . m . in the Town of Ithaca Office , 108 East Green Street , Ithacca , New York , PRESENT ; Chairwoman Barbara Holcomb , Robert Christianson , L .iese Bronfenbrenner , Lawrence Pe Fabbroni ( Planning Engineer , Building Inspector ) , ABSENT : Daniel Baker , Maurice Harris , Robert Scannell , Jo�i_1 L:�i`: =r.= , Sam Slack , CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE TOT,,-7N OF ITHACA SIGN ORDINAP�C .? The members of the Planning Board discussed in detail and pag :i by page the proposed amendments ` to the Sign Ordinance , The proposed amea:dments as agreed upon by the Board will be presented to the Town Board at its February 3 , 19750, meeting , PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS OF A PROPOSED PARI: POLICY FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA The Planning Board began their discussions of the propoised Park Policy using the text prepared by nos . Sandy McCullough and the text of a proposal made by the Town of Ithaca Park Council in 1970 , The discussion of the Park Policy will continue at meetings to ftillow , ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 10 : 00 p . m . Respectfully submitted , Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary , d � AMENDMENTS TO THE AMENDMENTS Sign Ordinance page 4 - Section 6 ( 2 ) ( b ) The permit for such signs shall be issued and for a period not to exceed one year . The Section 6 ( 2 ) ( c ) sign must be removed after each such one year period unless the applicant has applied for renewal of such permit , established good cause for such renewal and has been granted such renewal . Such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the project . • page 8 - Section 13 ( f) The provisions in this local law as to size and dimensions are intended to establish Entire section maximum sizes and dimensions . The Town Board , replaced by . . . Planning Board or Building Inspector having jurisdiction in the matter under the provisions of this law has the power to require that a sign and any supporting structure shall be of a size and dimension less than the maximum permitted by law . . page 8 - Section 13 ( g) " In making any determination or decision with respect to any proposed sign , such Town officer or ( any) Board having jurisdiction . . . . " PR6POSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF ITHACA SIGN ORDINANCE Code : ( ) = deleted = added io Page 3 - Section 5 ( a ) rotating or moving light or lights ( except as provided in Section 6 ( 2 ) ( c ) , ) . n Page 4 - Section 6 ( 1 ) ( b ) " Business and /or professional name plates that shall not exceed 2 square feet . " Page 4 - Section 6 ( 2 ) ( b ) " Signs advertising real estate developments or subdivisions , during the period of development ( not to exceed 1 year from the date of permit are permitted in a district zoned residential ) , Such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area and shall • advertise only the names of the architect , contractor , financial institution , owner and developer and such signs shall not be illuminated in any manner nor exceed two in number . ( The permit may be renewed for two additional periods of one year each for good cause shown . ) The permit for such signs shall be issued .for a period not to exceed one year , but may be renewed annually for good cause shown . Such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the project . " Page 4 - Section 6 ( 2 ) ( c ) " Signs ( of a temporary nature ) listing the architect , engineer , financial institution , contractor and owner may be placed on premises . PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF ITHACA SIGN ORDINANCE Page Two where construction , repair or renovation is in progress , Such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area , shall not be illuminated in any manner nor exceed two in number . ( Such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the project or after a period of three years from the date of the permit , whichever comes first . ) The permit for such signs shall be issued for a period not to exceed one year , but may be renewed annually for good cause shown . Such signs shall be removed immediately upon completion of the project . " • Page 4 - Section 6 ( 2 ) ( d ) Signs permanently designating real estate Whole new section developments or subdivisions . Such signs shall be for identification purposes only and shall not include any information other than the name of the development . Such signs shall not exceed 25 square feet in area . Page 4 - Section 6 ( 2 ) ( e ) Signs for non -profit organizations designating whole new section time and place of meeting . Such signs shall not exceed 2 square feet in area per organization . Page 4 - Section 6 ( 2 ) ( f ) Signs in connection with legal non- conforming Whole new section uses , Is ( i ) In Districts zoned business or industrial signs are permitted as provided PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF ITHACA SIGN ORDINANCE Page Three in Section 7 of this Ordinance . ( ii ) In Districts zoned residential , agricultural or public use one sign shall be permitted for each legal non- conforming use . Such sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and shall be located on the premises • Page 6 - Section 9 to a building used and occupied on the effective date of this law • ( All such signs shall face towards a street or • highway • ) However , the Town Board . . . , , " Page 7 - Section 12 ( b ) " The applicant shall pay the cost of printing in the newspaper officially designated by the Town the notice of any public hearing which may be ordered under this local law , ( The sum of twenty - five dollars ( $ 25 , 00 ) shall be deposited with the Town Clerk to defray the cost of each publication of any such notice , and the applicant shall pay the amount by which the cost of printing such notice exceeds such deposit or the applicant shall be reimbursed by such amount as the deposit exceeds the cost of printing such notice , ) No public hearing shall be held and no permit shall be issued unless such costs have been paid , " In all sections applicable - Wherever the words " Zoning Officer " appear they will be changed to " Building Inspector PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF ITHACA SIGN ORDINANCE Page Four Page 10 - Section 17 ( a ) Should this entire section be deleted because of unenforceability ? CASEY & KING . ATTORNEYS AT LAW 308 N . TIOGA STREET P. 0 , BOX 787 ITHACA, N . Y. 14650 EDWARD J. CASEY (ISSS- 1967) [ TELEPHONE AR 3- 5577 EDWARD W. KING January 17 , 1975 AREA CODE 607 Mrs . Barbara Holcomb Planning Board Chairman ToTan of Ithaca 108 E . Green Street Ithaca , New York 14850 Re : Town Park Policy Dear Barbara : Yesterday ' s article in the Ithaca Journal prompted these thoughts : the trouble with planning is that the people with the land and the people with the money actually determine the use to an almost exclusive degree . The best laid plans lead nowhere . • I dont mean that it is not an excellent idea to develop a policy in words now , as you intend ; guidelines and a clear statement of aims can be most helpful to later decisions . But it is those owners , developers , and pre - problems ( such as town re - sponsibility for recreational programs in a park if you had a park if you have the money to buy it and if the seller would sell it to you at a reasonable price , etc . , etc . ) , which , in the final analysis , dictate most of the results . Let me suggest a perhaps novel concurrent approach that might be productive of more fruit : have the Planning Board get Town Board allocation of a small fund for appraisal and evaluations of sites for a park use and purposes in connection therewith ( e . g . paying for options to purchase or extensions of such options , if necessary - - but dont spell that out or you will surely have to pay for the options ) . With that Town Board approval and financing , you then ask land owners who have land which they think might be suitable for one of your types of parks , and which they would be willing to sell to the Town for that purpose for a stated price at this time , notify your Board of the avi lability and offering of that land . [You could have the Town Attorney develop a brief form 90 - day option for them to make the offering on , to fix the price and make it worth your effort to investigate the land . You might have to get exten - sions of the options if you are really interested in what they have to offer . ] Such land might even constitute parts of their back yards ( i . e . extensive acreage unused for one reason or another ) . You might 4 t • Mrs . Barbara Holcomb - 2 - January 17 , 1975 even encourage adjoining owners with deep back lots to get together to give • you options to purchase contiguous small parcels that when adjoined together would make a reasonable sized park . If this did nothing more , it would get town people looking around their neighborhoods to see where there is now available land that might be proffered for park purposes . The Planning Board could then immediately decide whether the land had any possibilities as a park . Its availability being known , it would then be only a matter of deciding whether the price was right or could be bargained to a reasonable figure , and the land then acquired without condemnation proceedings or any big hassle . If by this you get only a single half - _ acre vest pocket park , you would be ' home ' with one park instead of still being at the starting point with just a plan . What do you think ? ncerely yours , Edward W . King` EWK /meh • TORN OF � ITHACA PARK Po I - cy • TOWN OF ITHACA PROPOSED PARK POLICY By : Sandra McCullough gh Recreation , a need which is generally accepted as essential , represents a whole spectrum of different activities , each with its own reward for the individual , whether it be mental or physical relaxation or stimulation . As the population increases , and working hours decrease , the demand for more open space for recreational purposes has increased sharply . State and national recreation departments continue to attempt to meet these demands in .a large scale , but it becomes the responsibility of the community to provide for smaller , more accessible recreational areas . Recreation can no longer be a luxury which a community provides after all other needs are satisfied and if funds are available . It is an essential element in the lives of people and should rank in the same order of importance as other community services . The community only stands to benefit from providing space and facilities for leisure time activities . Adequate and suitable public outdoor recreation areas and open spaces are especially advantageous to a community . They promote health and citizenship , provide pleasing focal points in the areas they serve , help enhance and sustain the good appearance and the value of surrounding properties , and serve as an attractor for the community in general . The Town of Ithaca is presently at the point of development where parks and recreational areas have become a necessity . Because ® of the configuration of the Town surrounding the City of Ithaca , it has in the past drawn upon the City for recreational facilities . - 1- However , the present and future growth and development of the Town in a suburban ring around the City necessitates the provision and reservation of open space and recreational areas now , before development and price of land no longer allows for appropriation of these areas for a larger number of participants . Existing Land Use Patterns The Town of Ithaca is divided into six neighborhoods . These divisions are made largely by means of natural boundaries such as gorges and rivers , and by man- made boundaries . such as major high - ways and subdivisions . Each neighborhood has its own characteristics , weak points and strong points . There is no ring road connecting these areas which makes travel from one neighborhood to another difficult and often time consuming . It then is necessary that ® each neighborhood be dealt with separately , and that similar facilities , recreational and open spaces , be provided for each neighborhood . The Town , as mentioned above surrounds the City , which , in the past , has had a much more active recreational program . This program has been supported financially by the Town for a number of years , and thus many of the City ' sfacilitie $ -' have been built ' partly with Town dollars . It should not be the policy of the Town , then , to duplicate these facilities , but instead , to supplement what is already existing in the City . The Town should also consider public transportation to and from these areas , specifically Cass Park , to facilitate their use by Town residents . = 2- Trends and Prospects for the Town The City of Ithaca is presently experiencing a decline in total numbers of population . At the same time , the Town ' s population is increasing at a rapid rate drawing in both residents new to the region , and former residents of the City . Population Figures for the Town of Ithaca Total Population Population Increase % Increase 1950 69151 - - - - - - - - - - 1960 6 , 284 133 2 . 27o 1963 79944 19660 26 . 47o 1967 109634 2 , 690 33 . 8% • 1970 122490 19856 17 . 7% Source : U . S . Bureau of Census , U . S . Census of Population , 1950 , 1960 , 1970 ; and Town of Ithaca Special Census taken April . l , 1963 , and May 8 , 1967 . ® Total Population Population Increase % Increase 1950 69151 - - - - - - - - - - = 1960 69284 133 2 . 2'/. ( 1970 ) 129490 ( 69206 ) ( 101 . 2%) -1970 * 99490 30206 51 . 0% * Adjusted population increase : subtracting 3 , 000 for Ithaca College which moved within Town limits between 1960 and 1970 . From these figures , one can see that the Town of Ithaca is rapidly changing from a rural area into an urban environment . Population growth will probably continue at this level , especially with the expansion of the Morse Chain Company ( a major employer in the region) and the projected increase in enrollment at Cornell University . Much of the new construction which is housing the r increased population is multi - family in character , necessitating recreational areas . This , combined with the rapid over- all increase ® inP P o ulation , makes it mandatory that the Town establish recreational areas for its residents . - 3 - Standards Neighborhood Parks 1 . A neighborhood park provides open space and play area within walking distance of all homes in the neighborhood . 2 . Every large concentration of population , that is , approximately 200 homes in an area , should be served by a neigh- borhood park . The service radius of such a playground should be no farther than approximately one -half mile . At least one acre of neighborhood park area should be provided for every 200 families ( about 800 people ) and the minimum size for a neighborhood park should be one acre (modified from a standard concerning play- grounds established by the National Recreation and Parks Assoc. ) . 3 . Neighborhood parks should be located , if possible , away from busy streets . If they are adjacent to a busy street , the . park will be shielded from the traffic by fencing or shrubbery . 4 . Neighborhood parks shall be accessible either by a public . road or walkway . 5 . Sites for neighborhood parks should be selected for their suitability , not merely their availability . A flat , well- drained expanse is needed for field games , excessive slopes on any portion of the site are not desirable ; shade trees should be sought and incorporated as a significant element of the site . Facilities The facilities may include the following : 1 . Open space , graded and mowed , with picnic areas . 2 . Picnic tables and possibly facilities for barbecueing . 3 . Ball fields with backstops . 4 . Tennis courts , basketball courts with netted hoops , and possible volleyball courts to be incorporated as one . - 4- 5 . Standard playground equipment such as swing sets , slides , Jungle - gyms , and the like . 6 . Neighborhood arks should be located so as to create a � P minimum of nuisance to adjacent residents . Regional Parks , A regional park provides diversified recreation facilities for the Town inhabitants and serves as an attractor for people from the entire region . 1 . The regional park should be within one hour ' s travel from all points in the Town . 2 . The regional park should contain enough acreage to accommodate approximately 5 acres per 1 , 000 population . 3 . The regional park should provide a parking area large enough to accommodate number of cars . 4 . A regional park should have improved areas for picnicking , walkways or paths , areas for baseball , football or other group - games ,- and areas preserved in their natural state . Facilities The facilities for a regional park may include the following : 1 . Picnic tables and benches , facilities for barbecueing . 2 . Graded and mowed areas for baseball , including backstops , 3 . Pathways , blacktopped or cleared , possibly with handrails where terrain necessitates . 4 . Parking lot . 5 . Open space areas to be left in their natural state . . 6 . Admission may be charged for parking in a regional • park , to be collected by an attendant . This sum will be determined by the Town Board . - 5 - 7 . When and if the Town Board deems necessary , a concession stand may be provided to be designed by the Board . School Playgrounds A school playground provides active play space for all children in the school ' s neighborhood . 1 . The school playground shall be developed in conjunction with the elementary school . 2 . The school playground may serve approximately 2 , 000 persons . 3 . The school playgrounds will be built and maintained through the Board of Education of Ithaca . 4 . The service radius of the elementary school- is preferably no more than one -half mile . Facilities ® 1 . Baseball fields with backstops , basketball courts and grassy area . 2 . Standard playground equipment . 3 . Blacktop areas for games and bicycle riding . Open Space Undeveloped open space may provide areas for residents to achieve a bond with nature . 1 . The size of these open spaces is flexible depending upon what is available and the nature of the neighborhood . 2 . The location of these areas is flexible , and discretion is left to the Town Board and the residents of the neighborhood as to where the open space should be . 3 . The open spaces are important features , but should not be • the onlysort of recreational area provided b the Town . Active P Y recreational areas should not become secondary to open spaces , - 6 - and it is the responsibility of the Town Board to achieve a balance between the two . Facilities 1 . None - - occasional brush removal . a • • — 7 — ; Statement of Policy The following statements should serve as broad policy guidelines , which if adhered to , sbould serve to improve and expand recreational opportunities for the Town of Ithaca residents and citizens of tte entire region . A . The Town of Ithaca will recognize and encourage the develop - ment of parks as delineated by the standards . B . The Town will strive to preserve unique natural features and resources for the greater enjoyment of its citizens and the general public . C . The Town recognizes the importance of assuring recreational opportunities for all its citizens . The Town will continue to expand these according to the Master Plan for Parks , and encourage broader participation in these facilities . D . The Town accepts the fact that a firm financial commitment is necessary , and reGccn r aes the possibility of utilizing state . and federal funds . E . The Town recognizes the importance of citizen - participation in . the decisions concerning recreational facilities , and will , when possible , attend to the suggestions of the citizens . F . The Town Board makes a firm commitment to reserve and acquire open space for future recreational use . G . The Town recognizes the value of open space as well as developed recreational areas , and intends to preserve and protect these areas . H . Opportunities will be provided in developed areas or those left in their natural state for children . I . The Town recognizes the importance of requiring the dedication _ g _ of land for parks of 10% of the land to be developed or money in lieu of land at fair market value from every subdivision developer , to provide open space areas in each population centre ( according to New York State Town Law ss . 277 ) . J . The Town recognizes its responsibility to maintain these parks so dedicated by developers . K. Money given by developers in lieu of dedication of land will be placedin a general fund to be used for acquisi- • tion of land , equipment or maintenance for parks in that neighborhood ( as delineated by the Park Master -Plan) in which the development stands ( according to New York State Town Law ss . 277 ) . ® L . The Town will provide rules and regulations for each type of park ( as delineated in the above standards) in order to assure the safety of citizens using these _ ._areas ._ M. The - Town recognizes that rules and regulations frequently- need - enforcement , requentlyneed enforcement , and will make every effort to assure this through the utilization of the Sheriff and State Police enforcement agencies . N . As recreational areas expand to provide more space for citizens , the Town recognizes its responsibility to maintain these areas for the enjoyment of all . 0 . The Town recognizes and accepts that as numbers and areas of parks increase , so will the financial burden upon the Town . The Town also realizes that not only ® must provision be made and funds set aside for the acquisition of park land , but also that each park , whether - 9 - acquired through purchase or dedication , must be ® carefully evaluated as to the cost of yearly maintenance and provision of equipment , and funds be set aside for these purposes . 0 P . The Town will establish four types of parks . These are : ( 1) neighborhood parks , ( 2) regional parks , ( 3 ) school playgrounds , ( 4) open spaces , as delineated in the above standards . - 10 - Recreation Needs for Each Neighborhood Renwick Heights Area : 164 . 7 acres Population : Existing : 416 existing plus proposed , rezoned , approved (pra) , - - 416 Character : This neighborhood , adjacent to Cayuga Heights , consists of single family homes built on predominantly large lots . Most of the homes are older , and there is little space left for development . There are no multi- family housing units . Facilities : Renwick Heights is adjacent to Ithaca High School and Boynton Junior High complex which • has facilities for field sports and lighted tennis courts . - It is within biking distance of Stewart Park and small neighborhood parks in Cayuga Heights . Deficiencies : None Proposal : None . The facilities for Renwick Heights residents are adequate . Lower cage 14 frs ce, e. r tt:� Park P6 \ GO art d bp �Lr) S p o cE OI ao Map a t1-1Lh Ld t n h i5 O4L ex.+ . - 11- Northeast Area : 630 . 3 acres Population : Existing : 4 , 150 existing plus pra - - 49346 Character : The Northeast presently contains the largest portion of population in the Town and the highest density per acre . Slightly less than one - third of this population is housed in multi- family units , and the other two- thirds . in single family homes . The major portion of the available residential land in the Northeast has been developed , suggesting that development will slow down in the future . D Facilities : The Northeast Elementary School; DeWitt Junior HigPand B . O . C . E . S pre located in this neighbor- hood providing ample area for recreational pursuits such as baseball , football , standard playground equipment and open space . There is a small park owned and maintainedby the Town v at the North end of Tareyton Road . ,, It presently is merely a field which the Town mows . There are no other facilities there . Deficiencies : The Northeast has a good share of recreational area and open space . However , there are no areas for structured games such as tennis and basketball . Proposal : The park which exists at the North end of ® Tareyton Road should be developed to provide a more active recreational area for the Northeast . Because the area has a large population , one- third of which is housed in multi- family units , it is - 12- suggested that tennis courts which can also serve as basketball courts be provided here for active recreation . Maintenance of courts such as these is minimal . It is suggested that if the Town desires to keep cost and maintenance down , that cyclone fencing instead of tennis nets be used . These can be left in place through the winter and need not be replaced with the frequency of normal netting . - 13 - East Ithaca ® Area : 697 . 4 acres Population : Existing : 1 , 651 existing plus pra - - 39277 Character : This neighborhood is developing at a moderate rate at the present time . Its future growth will be predominantly in the form of multi- family housing with %, 1 , 290 !units approved . This will almost double the existing number a of units making it of utmost importance that the Town anticipate now the recreational needs of this population increase . • Facilities : East Ithaca presently has only one park area which could be termed as open space , located at tk intersection of Park Lane and Tudor ® RoacV The residents of this area appeared bd Ore rt h6 boarck some time ago with a proposal for the improve - ment of this area . However , nothing was done at this time . The western portion of this neighborhood lies adjacent to the Belle Sherman City Park . Deficiencies : There are no neighborhood play areas in East Ithaca , and much of the residential area is at . _ least one mile from the nearest school play- ground . Belle Sherman Park is close enough to be used by some residents of the East Ithaca neighborhood . However , there is no access to the park , part of which lies in the Town itself , from this neighborhood . There are no areas for group sports such as baseball , football and the like . - 14- Proposal : The Town should first take advantage of the ' existing facilities . Access to the Belle Sherman Park should be provide Picnic tables and possibly playground equipment should be acquired for the Park Lane - Tudor Road area . Another park should be consired should the h Honness Lane - Hanford Place Aarea become developed . This park could provide active recreational facilities such as standard play- ' ground equipment . Finally , a somewhat larger park area should be provided for group sports . . This should include a baseball field and backstop , an area for football , and possibly • tennis courts of the type described for the Northeast . • - ls - South Hill Area : 4 , 078 . 7 acres Population : Existing : . 2 , 159 existing plus pra - - 6 , 634 Character : South Hill stands as the area which will sustain the greatest growth within the next ten years . Just by counting the number of residences proposed , rezoned or approved , South Hill will multiply by three times its present size . One - third of this growth will be multi- family residences . Facilities : South Hill contains Buttermilk F is State Park Q)t and the City of Ithaca Watershe which is not open for public use . There is a small area of park space in the n: —c:a Road subdivisiono and• tt)Coddington Road Community Center to the L South - A Ithaca College recreational facilities lie in this neighborhood but are open only to those who are " friends " of the College . Deficiencies : South Hill has no neighborhood park areas for the use of its population . There are no school playgrounds near enough for children to use , and no ball fields , tennis courts or open space areas . It is sadly deficient in all of these areas . The only space set aside for a park is the area on Northview Road wgich has not been developed . Proposal : 1 . That the park space on Northview Road be developed with standard playground equipment . : 2 . That the Park Council research the possibility of building a park along the former Delaware , Lackawanna and Western Railroad right of way , now owned by New York State Electric and Gas . - 16 - This strip would be an ideal site for bicycle trails , ball park areas , tennis courts and open spaces . It is also suggested that the Park Council delineate and develop an area for mini- bike riders . There has been a problem in the past as mini-bikes are not allowed on public thoroughfares and riders have frequently resorted to riding in park areas . This presents a hazard to other users in the park . A specific . area should be set up such that this problem can be avoided in Town Parks . The NYSEG strip would be an ideal area for this use . If this proves impossible , ® another area should be found for this purpose . 3 . That the Town acquire park land in and around the area zoned for multi- family use in South Hi11 .�This area should contain ballfields , standard play equipment and possibly tennis courts . The land may be required from developers or money in lieu of land at the time a developer proposes a multi- family living structure and before he gets final approval from the Planning Board . • - 17 - Elmira Road Area : 2 , 915 . 8 acres Population : Existing : 522 existing plus pra - - 522 Character . The Elmira Road neighborhood is the least densely populated area in the Town with . 18 persons / acre . It consists predominantly of commercial and industrial use , with little and scattered residential area . Approximately one - half of the neighborhood is presently agricultural , although this land may be rezoned residential . . Growth in this area is not likely until water • and sewer lines are extended to better serve this neighborhood . • Facilities : The only park facility in the Elmira Road neighborhood is Treman State ParloAlthough it is fairly sizeable and provides open space , picnic and swimming areas , the park must cater to 'a regional segment of the population . Deficiencies : There are no neighborhood parks in the Elmira Road neighborhood , and no school playground areas . Residents of this neighborhood must travel a fairly lengthy journey to reach playground areas with standard equipment and tennis courts . Proposal : Because the Elmira Road neighborhood presently has no major population center , the placement of a neighborhood park is difficult . It is suggested • then , that the Town Board consider the provision of standard playground a uipment in the proposed Lick Brook regional park %til such time as - 18 - development occurs in the neighborhood . At this time , the Tonrn Board shall require of developers land or money in lieu of land , to provide for a neighborhood park . • - 19 - West Hill Area : 4 , 459 . 1 acres Population : Existing : 2 , 350 existing plus pra - - 29506 Character : The West Hill neighborhood is the largest in size in the Town of Ithaca . Much of this land is devoted to agricultural use , and a sizable portion to public use . The major amount of development occurs along Poole Road and in the Coy Glen area , where water and sewer facilities are available . The New York State Department of Transportation plans to improve the existing Route 96 to provide a more accessible and higher speed route from the City of Ithaca to Tompkins County . Hospital . This fact , combined with increased water- sewer capacity through the Bolton Point facility , suggests that West Hill will become a prime location for development . Facilities : West Hill school playground lies within the City limits but is accessible to Town residents .& Facilities include standard playground equipment , black top and grassy areas . There are no other parks or facilities in the West Hill neighborhood . Deficiencies : Although the West Hill neighborhood contains a large portion of open space , zoned agricultural , there are no neighborhood parks . Proposal : 1 . That a neighborhood park be established in • the Drew Park subdivision This park should provide standard playground equipment , ballfield with backstops and possible tennis courts . - 20 - 2 . That a neighborhood park be established in the Glenside subdivision providing standard play- ground equipment . 3 . That land be acquired now in the vicinity of Indian Creek Road to provide a park area for future development . Equipment may be provided at such time as the area is developed , by requiring money in lieu of park land dedication from the developer . Regional Parks The Town has held under consideration two regional park areas • to be located within the neighborhoods of South Hill , Elmira Road , and West Hill . These regional parks are in the vicinity of Lick Broo ' nd Coy GleV) - Acquisition of these areas should begin at the earliest possible date , and development of these parklands should follow the standards delineated above for Regional Parks . Implementation of the Park Program Perhaps the most difficult aspect of implementing a Park Policy • lies in the appropriation of funds for acquisition and maintenance of park areas . It is suggested that the following means be employed for this purpose . 1 . Enforcing the requirement that subdividers dedicate no more (Sec . than 10% of the land to be developed , for the purpose of 277 Town providing park space . If the Town does not desire land Law) dedication , it may require money in lieu of land to be - 21- - � assessed at fair market value . This money must be used ' n the neighborhood from which it came within igh , as delineated by the Park Master Plan . 2 . Money from Revenue Sharing for recreational purposes may be used to acquire and maintain park areas . 3 . Grants - in- aid funds are currently available on a 50% matching basis for land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund which is administered in New • York by Parks and Recreation . Application forms are available through the Finger Lakes State Park and . Recreation Commission . 4 . Funds may still be available for acquisition of small parks (under 25 acres) through the Division of Housing and Community Renewal . They will fund 75% of acquisition cost . Contact : Mr . Albert Bibby , Director - --- . - Neighborhood Park Acquisition Program Division of _Housing and Community - Renewal 393 - 7th Avenue New York , New York 10001 5 . The tax base for the Town of Ithaca may be raised . Itis suggested that this be done only after the parks have been acquired , for the purpose of maintenance . August 1 , 1973 - 22- � • 1 C` u\ N to [` 00 r- . u\ •— M _N � 00 M t UN I ON ND 4' 00 1 mlc� m •-- •— u\ tc1 4tes •— K1 0 430 $4 N 0 $40 E-+ 44 K01 N u01 O N 00 O >r UN u\ t` 4t to 1 1 00 V Sri 00 \ D N 00 4t 1 1 u\ N r04 Cd 4) N00 K1 B U 44 x H r-1 W Cd O � -ri 0 � 1 1 UN O O O 1` Ok O t t N M t 1 UN t m N 1 1 1 N H $4 Hd4C4 H H ecd U 414 4 O . i3- - 9� u1 _ 00 O' N 1 1 u1 coo fir♦ m C6 4) [%� O � \00 00 t 1 O P4 O $4 V r- U44 4 A r-1z c.`Cd o rn ix t` co AI rn °C° � n i 1 000 N 4-) A .D ko O o\ 4t 1 1 0o �v '� m .f NI 1 Aj r♦ Cdm P4 44 +) co fa h � c � ° bo 0 SH 00 rz ho Cd to Cd O G1 U Cd 4,) 4w4 •r4 4) d O • VO 0 4) H x � x O 40 ed Cd9 Cd 0 B go of4 � 4.1 ori +� ?> r64 � O RS V 4Cd SH a 94 m :j 6 to +-) rM4 to*) 4-$ N +> O O O Cd O r-i m r♦ v1 4S 001 O � z a z ww 3 U . > U 1 -4 w +- A - tr was°��' a`e N a� oqj NN OD � N r 1 N A Q► %40 44"0 410 x A`tQ , .t s �A a '� PNt1 %40 H r 0 T- N0 CC) 0 " ca T� � UN U C Lr\ N H H .b �7o N N a � a Aa vo 40 a4o� �0Q;p O o 0 L O O N ON N M m O O to to O O 0 114 O W r r r � r cli pads r 4 2 f0 ov Aarc _. Q' A 2 ` O O �0 00 A .� 00 O o �o O N m 04P q� N W\ > m 4e%Swr4 r=4 sa r U • 0o 0 Cd N 00 '� N way �I o vH go rlrl 'O'O 4,) r01r-0 -I PO o v 0 ai e6 ASC ?moi ��a td .0 H WW Qtl. rl .d � ra H H06 r�1 L4 co 00 0 rwi 8 cs CO H 44 0) m O Qi 41 O • r1 H O 0) WH O . • G4 x Z W H v2 M W R; H rN ® + 0 0 d NOH lyra PI W w > 00 0 O W 00 rl 'O 0 O E n 7a X m k • • • • • • d-) 01 CO P4 4' %D 4t 0 P4 mmP4 Cd Pk0 4) U $4 . A co P4 0 bD P k OH P, m 0 00 00 N cIA OH O M +) mCd 4t • • o m (1) : ' x mV0 a Cd P4 0 OH rl O W cd _ u1 x rl � rn Q. U •m to e-1 m N cokV dCd l � V o cm bo 0 'C O co fi 41 4-) m U +> CO @r4 or4 co O $4 - .� p, 0 \D M N ko L o W N � � N 04,)W 6 ri P ci+ r .� PN � A H O rl O PiW cbo zn E-+ P+ 54 to m W 9 4) A 0 H A :D O ho WH O N N O H U • +) �D •-UN Lr% to N lf\ rl 0 rl 4w) r-I � •' \DN N kd • t� -W . .O 4t .-- vc +) 44 P4 04-) O -,m O U H E-+ 4) eP4 bo bo 0 PC m � o vo d 0 � WW � H � � tri � d m 0 CS � o � 19 r4 0 a0i �rl ax z wH cnx wa 3x � N z THE TOWN OF ITHACA RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE POLICY The following policy regarding recreation activities , parks and preservation of open space was adopted by the Town Board on May 11 , 1970 . A . Recreational Activities The City of Ithaca has a well established program of recreational activities which are administered by the Youth Bureau . It Is not the Town ' s intention to duplicate these • efforst but rather to engage in a Joint program whereby the City is adequately compensated for permi . tting the partici - pation of Town residents in the City ' s recreational activities . The Town Board will send an appointed representative to meetings of the Youth Bureau to participate in the development of recreational program for the benefit of the entire com - munity , B . Parks and Recreational Spaces There are three basic kinds of recreational spaces : neighborhood playlots , area playgrounds and regional parks . ( i ) Neighborhood playlots . These include school yards and are primarily for small children . They are usually less than half an acre and serve residents within 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 mile of the site . In the Town of Ithaca these small neighborhood parks e2 _ usually exist because a developer has been asked to set aside ® a certainortion of his subdivision for open space . The P P P deed to these park lands will henceforth be accepted by the Town , along with the subdivision streets , subject to the following conditions : ( 1 ) The • land must be accessible from at least one public street without crossing any private property . ( 2 ) The land must be free of brush , large rocks , trash or any other obstructions . However , trees of any substantial size should remain . The site should have topsoil on it and grass growing prior to acceptance by the Town . ( 3 ) The site shall be inspected by the Town planner or a representative from the Town Recreation Board who will ® notify the Town Board if conditions 1 and 2 have been met . ( 4 ) The above conditions may be waived or special con - ditions added by the Town Board if unusual circumstances or site characteristics exist . Once the park site ha s been accep ted the Town highway superintendent will insure that the grass is mowed and dead trees removed as often as is necessary to maintain the park in a useful condition . Also , the Town will buy and maintain liability insurance coverage for any land owned by the Town . Playground equipment , park benches , or other improvements will be considered by 'the Town Board upon receipt of a peti - tion from the residents living in the vicinity of the park . This petition should establish the need for such facilities • and a plan for their installation . A public hearing should be held if the proposed expenditure of Town funds for a neighborhood playlot exceeds $ 1 , 000 . ( 2 ) Area Playgrounds . These parks would be larger than neighborhood playgrounds and could contain multi - purpose ball fields , a sledding hill , a skating pond , e. tc . These parks are usually an acre or more and serve a population within a two or three mile radius . Some parking should be provided . it is expected that these parks would result from a very large subdivision . The same conditions that apply to neighborhood playlots would apply to the acceptance and maintenance of area playgrounds . ( 3 ) Regional Parks . There are two such parks in the Twon . Buttermilk Fails State Park and Treman State Park . Also there is Stewart Park in the City . Substantial growth should take place in the Town before another regional park is needed . However , federal funds are available for purchase of parks , lands and plans should be made to iapply for these funds when they are needed . C . Preservation of Areas of Natural Beauty There are a number of areas of natural beauty in the Town . They are generally associated with the creeks which cross the Town at various points . An effort should be made to identify these areas and see that they are preserved in their natural state . There are two principal ways to insure the preservation a • of natural features . The first is by direct acquisition . This can be very costly if done all in one year , but fortunately there are federal funds available for the purchase of park lands . The second method of preserving natural features is through zoning . This obviously costs nothing , but is also less reliable than acquisition . A number of costly law suits have resulted from local government attempts to zone land as open space . So far decisions have generally been in favor of the local government but it cannot be said that this will always be the case . Which areas to preserve , and what methods should be used to preserve them are questions which require more informa - tion before a decision can be made . Therefore , in order to ® advise the Town Board and Town Planning Board on matters re - lating to recreation and the preservation of open space a Town of Ithaca Recreation Board is hereby established . It shall have no more than nine members appointed by the Town Board for one year terms , and it shall have the following duties : ( 1 ) Meet at least once a month and advise the Planning Board and Town Board . on matters relating to recreation and L open space . ( 2 ) Examine sites of natural beauty and develop proposals for their preservation . Explore the possibility of federal funding for purchasing these sites . ( 3 ) Send a representative to the City of Ithaca Youth Bureau . Ascertain the level . of participation by Town residents and make projections of future participation . Determine Ids 1 I - 5 - adequate compensation for the Town ' s participation In Youth Bureau activities and aid in the development of recreational programs . ( 4 ) Examine the indoor and outdoor recreational facilities In the Town that are owned by Cornell University , Ithaca College or the Ithaca City School District and determine their availability . ( 5 ) Review the open space proposals for all proposed sub - divisions and advise the Planning Board as to their adequacy . • Inspect p proposed parks sites prior to their acceptance by ' the Town and determine if conditions for acceptance have been met .