HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1977-11-01 1 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
:f TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 1 , 1977
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on Tuesday ,
November 1 , 1977 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ( second floor ) , Ithaca ,
0N . Y . , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Liese Bronfenbrenner , Eva Hoffmann , Henry Aron ,
Patrick Mackesey , Montgomery May , Jonathan Bradley , Lawrence Fabbroni ( Town
Engineer ) , Robert Bonnell ( Assistant to the Town Engineer ) ,
ALSO PRESENT : Kathy Kaplan ( WHCU ) , Wayne Fisk ( WICB ) , Joel Meltzer
( WTKO ) .
Chairman Bronfenbrenner declared the meeting duly opened at 7 : 33 p . m .
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Mr . Fabbroni reported that in October 1977 he issued two permits for
one - family homes and three permits for additions for a total $ 104 , 970 worth
of improvements ; as compared to permits for one two - family home , one one - family
home , one medical - dental building , and three additions in October of 1976 for
a total of $ 198 , 000 worth of improvements .
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER
Mr . Fabbroni reported that the contracts have been returned that we
received from the EPA regarding the sewer contract with the appropriate
signatures , and we expect to hear any time now of an authorization to go to
bid . He stated that we fully expect to go to bid sometime in November and
call bids back within a month ' s time and be ready to go when the winter
breaks in the spring . He stated that we have all except about five easements
in hand and only one which we may - have to go to _ condemriation on . The re -
mainder are just minor details such as absent owners ( out of Town ) .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that he is preparing the paperwork to get reimbursed
for the flood .
• Mr . Fabbroni reported that a road improvement program is coming up and
he will have more specifics in the future . The program has to do with road -
side hazards .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that he has met , first of all , with the screening
committee of the Town Board and with the full Town Board , since the screening
committee had divergent views of staff assistance . Discussions are toward
a 1 / 2 - time planner and 1 / 2 - time engineering assistant with the idea that they
would like to see how it works out before any decision on how productive
either or both positions are . Mr . Fabbroni commented that he thought it
premature to mention who was turned down and who was accepted until they
take final action on November 10th . He noted that there were 18 candidates .
REPORT OF COUNTY PLANNING BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Mrs . Eva Hoffmann reported that there were two things rather interesting .
1 . The Fall Creek Corridor Management plan was presented as prepared by the
Environmental Management Council . The area would follow the Creek from the
Cayuga County border down to the City of Ithaca and try to protect it - - to
keep it essentially as it is and not a tourist attraction . There would be
some improvements for the benefit of those who live there . She stated that
they set up a set of rules and are hoping that the communities along here will
make these rules a part of their ordinances . She stated that it will take at
Plahning Board - 2 - November 1 , 1977
ti.
least five years to implement . The plan will be going to the municipalities .
2 . Lehigh Valley Railroad Right of Way which the County has had an opportu -
nity to buy from the Railroad at $ 1.00 an acre , there are 46 acres involved ,
it being a 60 ' right of way , was discussed . She stated that presumably one
of the ideas would be to use this right of way for recreational purposes .
Mrs . Hoffmann asked if at a cost of $ 4 , 600 is it really worth it considering
the maintenance problems . She said that all the previous uses have to be
maintained , e . g . , cattle crossings , bridges , etc . She stated that the County
is worried that it will be very costly . There are questions as to whether
it should be limited to people - - should one have snowmobiles , etc . She
noted that this is the abandoned right of way from Freeville to the Cortland
County line .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that this discussion brings up a point that he was
going to bring up in reference to that same right of way . He stated that we
have just received word of abandonment of the section from Freeville to
Ithaca and we have already been aware of the Freeville to Cortland section
being abandoned . He stated that they are asking municipalities if they have
any interest in these . Mr . Fabbroni stated that we are particularly interes -
ted in the portion that goes roughly from Maple Avenue to Game Farm Road
and goes past the Cornell coal plant . Mr . Fabbroni said he was thoroughly
confused as to what happens to the Cornell coal plant . Mr . Bradley interjec -
ted that they are rebuilding it . Mr . Fabbroni continued and stated that it
might be important to our Park Plan . He stated that he walked that area
with the Circle Gre'enway Committee and added that he thought it would be
very appropriate , if Cornell has no . interest , , . for the Town to have an
interest in it , particularly in the Game Farm area . He commented that there
® is a logical terminus here , as opposed to the-, South Hill right of way .
Mrs . Hoffmann stated that it could be that in the not too distant future
one could be interested in having railroads again . She asked if it would not
be a good idea to purchase it just for that in case . Mr . May stated that he
fully agreed and added that some day we will be very sorry that we let the
railroads go .
Mrs . Hoffmann concluded , referring back to the Fall Creek Management
Corridor Plan , by stating that when one thinks about the circulation road
around Ithaca , there would be quite a conflict with this Fall Creek manage -
ment concept .
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED 10 =YEAR PARK PLAN
Mr . Fabbroni distributed the proposed 10 - year Park Plan . to the members
of the Board . This Plan is attached to the Official Minutes of this meeting .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Park and Open Space Policy was established
by the Planning Board roughly two - and - one - half years ago and on the basis of
that policy which , in brief , calls for citizen groups or the Planning Board
as a whole and the Town Engineer , to come to the Town Board by July lst and
they would discuss those projects and somehow coordinate these into their
budget for the next year . He stated that any citizen group could make their
wishes known to the Town Board . He commented that this has strengths and
weaknesses . Mr . Fabbroni stated , as a result of this Park Policy , we are
trying to come up with a comprehensive park plan to cover spacing and
location and different needs of the Town in regard to park and open space .
By way of background , Mr . Fabbroni stated that Susan Blumenthal , who
was a summer intern in 1975 , developed the draft proposal by the fall of
1975 . He stated that these were reviewed by the Planning Board and the Town
Plaiining Board - 3 - November 1 , 1977
c
Board . Returning to the 10 - year plan , Mr . Fabbroni stated that some of
Ms . Blumenthal ' s comments have been taken , for instance , the working with
zthe School District in re the DeWitt site ; they have taken sites available
to us through Cornell at the north end of Tareyton Drive ; Eastern Heights .
He said that some of these were brought through the Planning Board and
approved for implementation , i . e . , Tareyton Drive and Salem Drive sites .
He noted that the DeWitt Junior High site came along and there was some
worry about duplication . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the park plan the Board
sees before it now is a revision of the last two years plus an incorporation
of the site plans as an appendix . Mr . Fabbroni stated that also during
that time the park sub - committee of the Town Board was established to
review the recommendations of the Planning Board with regard to different
sites and park plans . He stated that they never conclusively recommended
the implementation of any of these phases in Tareyton Drive and Salem Drive ,
mainly , as he saw it , to see what would happen with the DeWitt site . He
said that they directed him to develop a PR package for Coy Glen ; this is
primarily for the landowners . He stated that they saw a need at this
time , , since we never had a public report , to come up with a revised public
report that , as much as possible , puts forth a comprehensive framework
to developing parks and recreation in the Town . He said that the Town
Board sub - committee said that we need some framework to develop some
implementation of these plans so that we have some idea of the amounts of
money . Mr . Fabbroni stated that he came up with this 10 - year plan which is ,
quite frankly , much more concrete for the first five years than the last
five years . He stated that what he has tried to do in some ways is to map
out a program to provide recreation within all the Town within 10 years .
He said the plan indicates immediate development in the most populous areas ;
acquisition of areas where development has pretty well outgrown the availa -
bility of open space ; some areas on South Hill and West Hill mapped out , it
being a little conservative in that aspect . He said that the ... plan : describes
acquisition where we do not have areas and development of areas where we
have land already . He described the second stage development of parks in
high density areas such as Eastern . Heights . He described the cost projec -
tions . Referring to sites reviewed by the - Planning .Board _ . he stated that
the projected costs were based on " today " plus 8 - 10% inflation , e . g . , if it
were built in 1980 , the cost in 1980 was estimated . He stated that basically
for East Ithaca , this Board once reviewed the site plan for an Eastern
Heights park which many felt was overdone . He noted that other lands are
available in East Ithaca through the subdivision process . He noted that
they went a step farther than what was discussed by this Board ; he set out
to set up a very aggressive program and have the Boards pare it back .
Mrs . Hoffmann asked what " force account " is . Mr . Fabbroni replied that
basically it is accomplished by the Town Highway Department . Mrs . Hoffmann
stated that it seemed to her that there was a lot of development in East
Ithaca . Mr . Fabbroni explained about costs . Mrs . Hoffmann noted that upon
adding the number of activities and the variety of activities there is quite
a lot for East Ithaca , commenting that it shows three soccer and football
fields . Mr . Fabbroni pointed out that the BOR grants are scheduled in three
year grants . He stated that they are all the same field - - one field only .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Town Board did not get into " do we need this
or that " ; their discussions were on a higher plane . He said that they were
discussing more the policy of their park plan - - what were the goals and
objectives that they wished to accomplish out of the 10 - year plan . He
said that no neighborhood maintenance to any degree was prescribed . He
pointed out that low maintenance parks were a high objective ; ones that they
do not have to come in and rebuild very five years , e . g . , the Cass Park
experience of what holds up and what does not . He stated that the basic
premise : . is conservative - - take the money that we have and develop flat ,
off - the - street play areas and develop as ballfields and let each neighborhood
Plahning Board - 4 - November 1 , 1977
drum up enthusiasm and see how much use there is to start a second stage , e . g . ,
the Coddington Road Community Center .
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner asked what the Board wants the Planning Board to do .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Supervisor is not sure ; he put the first three
in the Planning Board budget .
Mr . Bradley asked if there has been any group pushing for anything . Mr .
Fabbroni replied in the affirmative citing Eastern Heights , Tudor Road vest
pocket park and Northview Road West people came in also . He commented that
he had a girl do a study and they said " no " , deciding that they just want a
place for their kids between 3 and 9 to play off the street . Mr . Fabbroni
commented that , on the other hand , he had gone to the Northeast and had
actually approached the Civic Association himself rather than have them
approach us . He stated that he had had two helpers on a . plan but there were
only nine people at a meeting and the students were disappointed - - they
revised the site plan for Salem Drive and Tareyton Drive - - this time 40
people showed up - and that was encouraging . He added that that was the one
at which they got the petition wherein half the people wanted tennis courts
and the other half wanted horseshoe pits .
Mr . Bradley asked how maintenance is funded . Mr . Fabbroni stated that
this was the biggest question that the Town Board had to face . He said
funding will be through the tax base .
Mr . May stated that there is no question that the Town of Ithaca is
behind in its parks , but maintenance is a major question .
Mr . Bradley commented that there is probably not another Town in which
one could live that has as many parks as Ithaca .
Mrs . Hoffmann commented in re maintenance of tennis courts if it would
not be possible to have them financed in that people sign up to use them and
have them closed at other times and perhaps charge a small user fee . She
stated that it is a good idea to consult with the people in a neighborhood
but children do grow up and we should not be bound into something forever .
Mr . Fabbroni felt that we should serve all age groups . Mrs . Bronfen -
brenner commented on one change these days - - fewer parents are willing to
drive kids any more .
Mr . Bradley , using the Tareyton Drive site as an example , stated that
we should actually figure maintenance costs over five years and also before
it is decided to actually build it .
Mr . May wondered if the Town Board did not , earlier this year or late
last year , decide on certain things that they were going to have - - some
parks - - and that some things were going to be done in the recreational
area .
Mr . Fabbroni replied that that was true and that is when they esta -
blished the $ 130 , 000 capital reserve fund . Mr . May stated that he is won -
dering when Mr . Fabbroni Presents this 10 - year plan , they talk about overall
philosophy again . Mr . May commented that he was confused , and he asked what
Mr . Fabbroni was looking for at this time . Mr . Fabbroni replied that he had
no pride of authorship on this 10 - year plan , he just brought together what
has happened over the last three years . Mr . Fabbroni continued and noted
that at this time , we could develop flat areas for , say , ballfields and ,
say , provide a backstop and have the kids bring in their own bases or make
their own bases .
Planning Board - 5 - November 1 , 1.977
Mr . Aron stated that he is under the impression , really , that the Board
wants us to come and recommend to them what we have in mind and where and
then they take the ball from there . Mr . Aron asked if he were correct .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that that is what he understands to be the case ,
however , he posed the question - - or should the Board ask the Town Board
what it is they want this Board to do with parks and recreation .
Mrs . Bronfenbrenner stated that she thought the Planning Board members
should all read this plan very carefully and put it on the agenda again
at a not - too - full meeting to allow for a good discussion .
REPORT OF THE SIGN ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
It was reported that due to the fact that most members ( two out of
three ) have been out of Town , the committee has not met . It was stated that
comments are needed from each member of the Planning Board ,
OLD BUSINESS - AD HOC COMMITTEE IN RE THE IACOVELLI PROPOSAL
It was reported that the committee ruled out the proposal on the basis of
land use and location and traffic , but , on the other hand , the neighbors should
not think that Juniper Drive would never be opened . It was noted that the one
thing that was not talked about was the status of the private lane .
Mrs . Hoffmann stated that she really thought that in some ways it might
change some minds about the suitability of this proposal if it were a smaller
complex on the same piece of land - - maybe a one - story building . She commen -
ted that it is not quite as big a problem traffic - wise .
OLD BUSINESS - MONKEMEYER
Mr . Fabbroni stated that Mr . Monkemeyer is going to come in to the Plan -
ning Board on the 15th of November and propose the following , adding that he
should get his plans to us a week before . Mr . Fabbroni described the proposal
as it refers to the new loop already gone by the Planning Board . He noted
that the R - 9 runs back 250 ' and the R- 30 land is outside of the new loop . Mr .
Monkemeybr is proposing a bank and a convenience foods store . Mr . Fabbroni
said that he suggested that some land in the " business park " as a rezoning
for now , i . e . , part of the 30 acres . Mr . Monkemeyer will propose this to
Business " C " as the commercial park . Mr . Fabbroni noted that there is also a
cluster proposal for a great number of acres on the other side of Hermann ' s
land which is R - 30 ; this would involve a rezoning to R- 15 ( cluster ) . He
commented that it is pretty much a matter of course in the rezoning from R - 30
to R - 15 because of the water and sewer . Mr . Fabbroni explained " cluster "
under Section 281 of Town Law , noting that the density is the same as under
R - 15 standard development . Mr . Fabbroni ' s final comment was that it may all
come back to what he ( Fabbroni ) suggested to him ( Monkemeyer ) a long time
ago - - a PUD .
ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , the November 1 , 1977 , meeting of the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board was duly adjourned at 10 : 08 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Nancy M . Fuller ,
Secretary .
f
A G E N D A
TOtV OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 1 , 1977
7 : 30 P . M . Routine Business
Report of Building Inspector
Report of Town Engineer
Report of County Planning Board Representative
Report of Planning Board Chairman
7 : 45 P . 11 . Discussion of proposed 10 - year Park Plan
3 : 15 P . M . Consideration of Sign Applications
8 : 30 P . 111 . Report of Sign Ordinance Cot „ ittee
9 : 00 P . M . Old Business
9 : 3 0 P . M . ADJOURINIMENT
NOTE : IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD CANNOT ATTEND , PLEASE CALL
Q ME IMMEDIATELY AT 273 - 1721 .
Nancy M . Fuller
Secretary
31 �
1fT. 3t
Yn,`.. i.�'<'.. .:c:<- `.. " ,.. .,.: , : e ,. ;"•. w.. . e.iusa - s.-
'. .. � . . . .. . P <.. .i S .
I ' h } �; •. . • • ` Il `: f • 9 1 •. TTTTTT�,
OR
Am
UP
:P
�1
J
�& s.
• • • 11. . • • • • • • • — — • ' �
a
as MIS My of an w
+�#
;
4• _
a
N=
�� • • • • • 11 • • 11 • 1111 • ' • � 11 • . •
' • • '00, • • 1111 ' • • • '
gy�}i
OEM
Ow
AND 40,
3!:
11
YiI yyy
Ow
} • • • • • • • • • • O • •
it •
h
• • • • •
RIP
y
r
Ron Anderson said the Village of Cayuga Heights is studying some
water runoff problems and is doing this in cooperation with the
Town of _ Ithaca . He said . the Village Board is being asked by the �®
Villa* ,ey- Vf ' IAnsing, to reconsider continued extensions from the `p
village sewer system rather than constructing a new trunk sewer to
serve , the , Lansing Village ,
Carl Cox ' tof ' Trumansburg said he is also delighted with the Rt .
13 improvements in the city .
Phil . Munson reported on the plight of the farmers in relation to
the wet weather . He said that farmers in this area are in a desper-
ate situation , that there will be loss of considerable crops because
the land is so wet that crops cannot be harvested .
Tony Schultz said the Town of Caroline is being sued by some
towns people in Slaterville Springs in relation to alleged flooding . .
The flooding was caused by debris which accumulated on the center
support of the bridge and Tony says that this is not the fault of
the town but rather the state and federal government . He also re -
ported that the rental agreement for " the health clinic in the Town
of Caroline has not yet been signed by the town because the town is
being asked to perform more services than was originally contemplated .
The agreement ' is still under negotiation . He also spoke of a problem
in relation to getting reimbursement from the State Division of Youth
for activities by the youth group in Brooktondale . The town is also
working on a - pornography law .
Paul Komar said * the hearings on . the Cayuga . Station Generating
plant . will resume on October 17th and will consider the need ,
geological and terrestial ecology . He said that over the life of
the plant , at least $ 172 , 000 , 000 will be saved if the plant is
located near Milliken Station as opposed to Summerset on Lake Ontario .
Report , Committee on Board Structure '
Jim Yarnell presented 'a revised draft of a I' Proposed Charter '
Amendment " in relation to the structure of the : Planning Board . The
proposal was opened to . discussion .
Leonard Miscall questioned whether or not the Economic Opportunity
Corporation and . the Human Service Coalition should have representa-
tion on- :the Board . He suggested that there be representation directly
from industry .
2
Raymond Hemming said that there is . a good deal of cross - represen-
Cation and that the city is well represented by that . arrangement .
He tended to q)pose the proportional representation ,
Paul Komar. and Millard Brink spoke in favor of having a separate
representative from industry .
Dooley Keifer said that if the criteria for non- municipal repre -
sentation was based on " major independent planning functions " , then
labor does not , in her opinion , fit that criteria .
She suggested that there are other groups which do not have major
independent planning functions such as young voters and alternative
life style groups . She felt that the structure seems to perpetuate
the existing political structure and that it would be preferable
that it be freed from the political influence . She also spoke in
favor of weighted voting as a means of accomplishing . the one- man
one- vote principle , Ms . Keifer will consult with the Environmental
Management Council to see what their comments might be .
Liguori pointed out that the present structure of the Planning
Board , based upon a coalition format , is a considerable improvement
® over the 7 or 9 member blue ribbon Board which prevails over most
of the State , Certainly the coalition concept provides a broad
opportunity for inputs that could never be achieved by the 7 or 9
member Board .
Eva Hoffman said that she was inclined to prefer the weighted
voting approach ,
Ron Anderson suggested that role call votes berecorded on con-
troversial issues so that the Board of Representatives and others
would have some basis for interpreting the vote ,
Carl Cox suggested that informal vote on the proposal be delayed
until the next meeting so that the Environmental Management Council
and others could have an opportunity to discuss it for comment ,
Phil Munson pointed out that the public education sector does
not really do county- wide planning , that most of its planning is
done at the state level , He suggested that perhaps education should
not have a representative .
Tony Schultz favored one vote for each municipality and suggested
the Board be divided into two groups , . municipal representative and
functional planning representatives , with separate . voting functions ,
3
1
. r w
Ben Richards also expressed concern with the phrase " major
independent planning functions ' and suggested it be reworded to
make it possible for a broader representation . He favored the
representation by . industry and retention of the public education
sector . He asked that the voting be put .off until the next meeting .
Paul Komar suggested that membership on the Planning Board be
kept open- ended and not too closely restricted and believes that
each member should have one vote .
Jim Yarnell summed up . , the discussion by saying there appears to
be consensus that industry should be added - and � that public education
should - continue ' to have representation . He suggested that the
question of one vote per municipality versus a weighted voting pro-
cedure : be discussed and decided at the next meeting . He Moved
that 'theCharter Amendment remain as submitted , with the addition
of industry as a member with the understanding that there will be
full discussion at the next meeting on the voting, procedures . A
copy of . the " draft" is attached for consideration at the ' next
meeting - on November 9th . Motion was Seconded by Carl - Cox and was
adopted without dissenting vote .
Economic Re®ource ' Board
F Liguori said the county is now eligible for participation in
the Federal Economic Development Programs because of continued high
unemployment . The county elected to join in with the other counties
in the Southern Tier East Region so that participation in federal
and state programs will be through that Regional Board , expanded to
form a region-wide economic Board .
In order to advise county and local governments , and also the
private sector , in relation to the county economy and to provide
direction to the people from Tompkins County who will represent the
county on the Southern Tier East Regional Economic Board , it appears
desirable that there be within this county an Economic Advisory
Board . Although there are several organizations which currently
provide some specialization in the economic sector , no single organi-
zation is in a position to provide a broad overview . Initial dis -
cussions with county government and others indicates that there is
interest in considering a local Economic Advisory Board . John
Clynes , Chairman of the Planning and Public Works Committee , announced
4
at the October 10th `meeting of the Board of Representatives that he
was referring the matter to the County Planning Board to study the
® matter and make recommendations in relation to : ( 1 ) Is there a need
for a county oriented Economic Advisory Board? ( 2 ) What would be
the functions of such a Board ? ( 3 ) How would such a Board be struc-
tured? ( 4 ) What would be the " charges " to such a Board . Mr . Clynes
also suggested that the County Planning Board should consider what
role they might play in such a Board .
After discussion , Chairwoman Barbara Caldwell appointed an Ad
Hoc Committee consisting of Leonard Miscall , Paul Komar , and - Ernie
Cole , together with such other individuals as the Committee may . ask
to participate , to look into the matter and submit a report to the
Board within 2 months .
Fall Creek Management Plan Proyosal
Roger Yonkin , member of the Environmental Management Council
and * Chairman of the Fall Creek Planning Committee , gave a brief
overview of the Councils suggested plan and preamble . He pointed
out that in order to protect and preserve the Fall Creek corridor ,
the municipalities bordering the creek , including the City of Ithaca ,
® Town of Ithaca , Town of Dryden , Village of Freeville , and Town of
Groton , should consider an appropriate management plan . A summary
of the plan is attached . Mr . Yonkin asked that the Planning Board
review and study the proposal and make suggestions and recommenda-
tions . He volunteered that implementation of the plan may take up
to 5 years . Barbara Caldwell pointed out that the plan must take
into consideration that there are major highway corridors in the Fall
Creek watershed , including school bus , and the plan should recognize
that these corridors are important and will continue to exist . Mr .
Yonkin said the plan does make provisions for traffic and bridge
crossings . Mr . Liguori asked Mr . Yonkin if he saw any conflict
between the Lehigh Valley right- of-way recreational plan - and the
Fall Creek Management Plan . Roger said he personally sees that such
a conflict does exist , but the Environmental Management Council has
not fully explored the matter .
5
Lehigh Valley Right- of-way
F . Liguori reviewed the activities involved in a consideration
of exercising the preferential right of purchasing . the abandoned
Lehigh Valley right- of-way from Freeville to the Cortland County
line . He pointed out that the county , acting in. concert with
the Town of Dryden , Town of Groton , and . the Village . of Freeville ,
has asked they be - given an opportunity to exercise a preferential
right to purchase . Aninformal purchase offer. . of $ 100 per acre has
been made . Lehigh Valley railroad officials have asked that a formal
purchase offer be drafted and that a 10% payment be made for good
faith in negotiations . In the meantime , the County Attorney has
examined the original deeds and found that the conveyance will be
by quitclaim with no mineral or oil rights , no tracks or ties
included . The purchaser must continue to accept all existent ease -
ments and other conditions granted by Lehigh Valley railroad . over a
period of years . Investigation of the original deeds indicate that
there are at least 3 reversion clauses which would suggest that the
property will revert to the heirs of the original owners if it is
no longer used for railroad purposes . There are also at least 8
cattle easements and several drainage structures which must be main.
tained .
Paul Komar suggested that the county consider purchasing the
right- of-way as a means of banking the land for some future use .
Phil Munson pointed out that the expectations of local people ,
including adjacent property owners , will be much higher than the
expectations are at the present time , which suggests the county will
be subjected to considerable pressure by those who advocate the use
of the property for recreational purposes and the adjacent property
owners who may be impacted in some way .
Tony . Schultz warned that if the county purchases the right- of-way ,
they must be prepared to deal with potential trespass suites .
Millard Brink reminded the Board that the public abuses public
land in many ways , including the disposal of beverage cans and
trash , and that this will adversely impact adjacent property owners
who will beaga. ins public use of the right- of-way .
Jim Yarnell suggested the Planning Board prepare a recommendation
to the County Board of Representatives on acquisition of the
right- of-way .
6
Paul Komar suggested that a Sub- Committee might be appointed to
formulate some recommendations to the Board of Representatives .
Leonard Miscall Moved that the meeting be adjourned at 10 : 10 p . m .
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be on Wednesday. , November 9 , 1977 , , 7 : 30 P . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Frank R. Liguori
Commissioner of Planning
® 7
Attendance Record
Tompkins County Planning Board
,
Date �G , X977
Name & Or anization P A Remarks
Millard Brink A ric .
Le race Benson Cit Pig .
James Yarnell CU
John Cl es Co . Plgo. .Comm .
Leonard Miscall EOC
Philip Munson • Educ . r
Doole Kiefer EMC
Gould Colman ' Health Plge
Ann e Gunning Hum . Serv , Col . 6AG'wse
Paul Komar Chamber- Ind . POO
IC
Thomas Mecca TC
Ra and Hemmin I * City
Ton Schultz Caroline T
Ernest Cole Danb T
Barbara Caldwell Chm , Dr den T A
Tommy Brown Enfield T
Geor a Totman Groton -T
ShirleyRaffens er er Ithaca ( T ) �-�✓�a o/o�wN
Stanley We Lansin T
George Vandermark Newfield T d
David . Lan le Ulysses '( T ) -
Ronald Anderson Cay . H ts . V
Almon Stevens Dryden V CX 4ds5c001
Eleanor ha6000
.yl ey Freeville V
Groton V
Benjamin Richards Lansing V
Carl Cox Trumansbur V
*LarrX Fabbroni " I . Town
*Matthvs VanCort I . Cit
*Michael Martin Human Serv .
*GreZory Kasprzak Beaut .
*BeverlX Livesay Bd , of Re S .
i
*Frank R . Liguori _ Co . Pl .
*Ex Offic�i90 D / � �� y� �rtsc.s► �
� '/ ,'!/ is iri�a� - K o,d ci yss®'�► � � �`�Av t ss Owe
&P+460 or goo
fT.ON
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT OF THE COUNTY CHARTER ,
ARTIUE ' X , DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
Section 10 . 03 Tompkins County Planning Board
Membership , Powers and Duties .
There shall be a Planning Board to consult with and to advise the County
Board of Representatives and the County Commissioner of Planning .
Members shall be appointed by the Board of Representatives upon the recom-
mendation of the participating municipality , agency , or organization , and
the endorsement of the Planning and Public Works Committee . Each voting
member ' s term of office shall be three years .
There shall be a member representing the City of Ithaca , each of nine towns
and six villages of the county , and each agency and organization in the
county exercising major independent planning functions , to include , but not
to be limited to , the Health Planning Council , Human Service Coalition ,
Environmental Management Council , Economic Opportunity Corporation , Trans -
portation Commission , Water & Sewer Agency , Education , Labor , Agriculture , ) ctA45i "
a
Chamber of Commerce , Cornell Univers , ty , Ithaca College , and Tompkins
Cortland Community College . The Chairman of the Planning and . Public Works
Committee . of the County Board of Representatives , or a designee of . that
Committee , shall be an ex - officio member of the Planning Board during that
person ' s term on the Planning and Public Works Committee . Additional voting
and ex - officio members may be recommended by the Planning Board and approved
by the County Board of Representatives .
The Board may consider any matter relating to State , regional , county, or
municipal planning and other matters referred to the Board by the County
Board of Representatives , the Commissioner of Planning , or Planning Board
members . Recommendations to the County Board of Representatives shall be
made in writing .
The Planning Board shall establish its own by - laws and procedures , elect
e officers from its membership , and receive technical advice and assistance
from the County Planning Commissioner .
FALL CREEK CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN
CONTENTS
Preamble
I . Fall Creek Preservation Committee - Organization
II . Fall Creek Preservation Committee - Responsibilities
III . Management Plan Criteria
Corridor Length and Width
Land Uses and Development
Stream Structures
Access and Motor Use
Utilities
Water Quality
Forest Management and Vegetative Cutting
Agricultural Practices
Educational and Scientific Uses
IV . Land and Water Use Zones
® Open Space Zone
Rural Zone
Urbanized and Hamlet Zone
Soil Conservation . Combining Zone
V . Laws Relating to Fall Creek Protection
Environmental Conservation Law
Education Law
Real Property Law
Tompkins County Sanitary Code
Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Safe Drinking Water Act
National Flood Insurance Program
Prepared by
Recreational Land Use Task Team
of the
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council
October 1977 Revision
® FALL CREEK CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN
Preamble
Every day opportunities present themselves to save an important or unique
portion of our environment and are then lost through neglect , poor plan -
ning , willful destruction or apathy . Very few of us participate in the
willful destruction of these areas , however , most of us act only as :observers
to the creeping certainty of the demise of important local resources .
The Tompkins County Environmental Management Council sees today as the
time to begin the action to assure the survival of Fall Creek and its
environs .
The Council , in recognizing that the Municipalities and the people therein
Adjacent to Fall Creek are interested and in some way committed to its
survival , also recognizes that these people would prefer developing and
controlling their own River Corridor rather than having it develop under
State jurisdiction .
This protective effort is not aimed at creating a recreational mecca which
will attract tourists ; rather it attempts to preserve and enhance the exist -
ing quality of the stream corridor for the quiet enjoyment of the Fall Creek
residents and the general citizenry of Tompkins County .
® Careful consideration must be given to the rights and plans of- ' those who
presently . own land and facilities .within the proposed corridor : The Council
considers itself in a position to advise and coordinate an effort to
establish the policy and legal protection necessary to insure ' the quality
of the Fall Creek area for generations to come .
The following Management Plan then , is presented to facilitate this effort ,
providing the base whereupon we can all eventually agree .
I . Fall Creek Preservation Committee - Organization
1 . The Fall Creek Preservation Committee , hereafter called the Com-
mittee , will be a special advisory committee of the Tompkins County
Environmental Management Council which will have been approved with
. the full advice of the participating municipalities in Tompkins County
through which Fall Creek flows . The office of the Committee will be
the TCEMC offices at 128 East Buffalo Street , Ithaca , New York ,
2 . This Committee will consist of TCEMC representatives of the Town
of Groton , Town of Dryden , Village of Freeville , Town of ' Ithaca ,
and an additional three members of the Council to be
elected by the Council . Their term will be for two years . Two will
be elected on alternate years . There will be a total of seven members
from whom a Chairperson will be selected by the Committee . A majority
of the Committee must be present at a meeting in order for resolutions
® to be effected .
1
3 . The immediate concern of the Committee will be the protection of
the Fall Creek environs from degradation and general intentional and
unintentional misuse within the designated corridor boundary . Such
a boundary will have been prepared with the advice and consent of
the participating municipalities . Public meetings regarding the
boundary delineation will have been held pursuant to General Municipal
Laws ,
II . Fall Creek Preservation Committee - Responsibilities
1 . The following Management Plan Criteria for the preservation of the
Fall Creek Corridor ( Sec . III ) , which will have been prepared with the
advice and consent of the participating municipalities , will serve as
the guidelines for activities with which the Committee will be concerned .
2 . The Committee will be responsible for reviewing appeals of appli-
cations for permits requesting land use or development alterations
or variances which may conflict with those criteria for use agreed
upon by the municipalities according to the following Criteria within
the corridor boundaries . Such review will include but riot be' limited
to those for building , zoning , subdivision , wetlands , modification
and SEQR permits .
The burden forreceiving notice of such review proceedings will rest
upon the Committee , unless formal arrangements with the municipalities
are agreed upon . Likewise , the burden for completing and submitting
a review report of application will rest upon the Committee . The
municipalities will not be obligated to concur with such Committee
recommendations ; nor will the Committee have legal recourse other
than that already established as provided in New York State Civil
Practices Law and Rules Article 78 .
3 . The Committee will review the quality of the Corridor for com-
pliance with established laws such as those which are included with
this Management . Plan . If suspected infractions are found , the Com-
mittee will be responsible for reporting such conditions . to the
appropriate regulatory governmental agency if the Committee feels
such action is deemed necessary . The Committee will have legal
recourse as established by New York State Civil Practices Law and
Rules Article 78 if the Committee finds that no action to rectify
the infractions are being taken .
4 . The Committee will act as a clearinghouse to receive information
about Fall Creek , including notification from citizens as to any
activities which are . likely to impair its environmental quality . The
Committee will also conduct a program of citizen education concerning
the values and uses of Fall Creek .
2
Y
Management Plan Criteria
Pursuant to New York State Consolidated Municipal Laws , the towns ,
villages and cities have been empowered to implement and enforce
development ordinances . All of the participating municipalities
through which Fall Creek flows have enacted such ordinances to guide
development according to the best interests of their respective
communities . ' This Corridor Management Plan is not, intended to
infringe upon established development regulation responsibilities
nor will the Protection Committee assume administrative . responsi -
bilities which have been delegated by State Law to . the municipalities .
The Management Plan Criteria for the corridor are intended to
provide ( 1 ) a coordinated intermunicipal nomenclature when dealing
with development in the Corridor ; ( 2 ) a system of guidelines for
restricting certain types and intensities of development so as to
protect the integrity of Fall Creek for its intended use ; ( 3 ) a
common public awareness of the aims of the communities in the corridor .
It should be further noted that the success of this Management Plan
depends solely upon the consent and cooperation of the municipalities
and their implementing and enforcing the ordinances which they have
adopted and will have amended under the provisions of this Manage -
ment ' Plan .
A . Corridor Length and Width
1 . The corridor boundaries are designated on the Fall Creek Corridor
map with a maximum width of one-half mile - ( 800 meters ) from each
river bank at the time of designation .
2 . All distances from Fall Creek are measured horizontally from and
perpendicular to the mean high water line .
B . Land Uses and Development
1 . Existing land uses and development lawfully in existence on or
before the date of implementing the rules and regulations for the
Corridor may continue , be maintained and be replaced unless other -
wise specified in this Management Plan . Any such existing uses
should not be altered or expanded unless municipal building permits
have been granted , but in no case should such permits be granted so
as to allow noncompliance with the standards for which , the Land and
Water Use Zones were designated as noted in Section IV .
2 . Density of development should be in accordance with provisions
of the Land and Water Use Zones as noted in Section IV .
3
3 . Construction of buildings should be in accordance with Land and
Water Use Zones as noted in. Section IV , NYS and County Health
Department regulations and State Building Codes .
4 . No new structures such - as but . not limited to buildings or docks
should be allowed to be located within themean high water line of
Fall Creek . In all cases there should be compliance with local flood
plain . regulations adopted - to, meet requirements . ' of . the National Flood
Insurance program .
C . Stream Structures
1 . Recognizing that stream alterations come under the purvue of the
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation ( DEC ) under Environmental
Conservation Law ( ECL) Article 15 , the Committee will request from DEC
the review of any permit- applications - that are required under the pro -
visions -of ECL Article 15 . The •Committee will also request review of DEC
construction proposals . for fishery management purposes and any SCS
stream alterations .
D . Access and Motor Use
1 . It is the intent of this Section to limit through traffic within
the Corridor . New public roads , extensions of existing public roads or
private roads located within 200 feet ( 60 meters ) of Fall Creek must
be located , designed and constructed so as to be screened from view
from the river by topographic features .or vegetation during the
season when vegetation is in leaf . If bridges and approaches of new
roads must cross Fall Creek they should minimize detrimental effects
on the Corridor . The Committee requests review of any proposal for
new roads .
E . Utilities
1 . Support structures , lines , cables , pipes and other associated
equipment and accessories should be sited and constructed so as to
minimize their visibility and guard against any accidents associated
with public recreation uses in the Fall Creek Corridor . In no case
should new electric power transmission and distribution lines be
located .within 250 feet ( 75 meters ) of Fall Creek unless so located ,
. . designed and constructed as to . be screened from view from the river
by topographic features except for Creek crossings . Such crossings
should be perpendicular to the direction of flow of the Creek at
that point .
2 . Utility structures should be wood frame or natural stone .
4
3 . Rights -of -way should not be clear- cut ; instead , contemporary
p 1.ractices of selective clearing should be utilized . No herbicides
should be used to clear vegetation from utility rights - of -way .
F . Water Quality
1 . The existing water quality in Fall Creek shall comply with estab -
lished NYS laws including , but not limited to , the Stream Protection
Law ( ECL Article 15 ) , Water Pollution Control Law ( ECL Article 17 ) ,
Freshwater Wetlands Law ( ECL Article 27 ) , established - Federal laws
including Federal Water Pollution Control Law and the Safe Drinking
Water Law 93 - 523 , and the Tompkins . County Sanitary Code .
2 . The Committee will be responsible for checking and documenting
water quality .
G . Forest Management and Vegetative Cutting
1 . It is the intent of this guideline to maintain as much - natural
cover as possible close to , the stream in a relatively undisturbed
condition . To this end no live trees should be harvested , cut ,
culled , removed , thinned or otherwise disturbed within 200; feet ( 60
meters ) of Fall Creek except under the supervision of a State Forester
under the Forest 'Practice Act Program . However , the cutting and removal
of up to a maximum of 20 % of the total basal area of live timber per
acre during any 10 year period may be allowed . The clearing of fallen
trees which posea - threat of bank undercutting or erosion in Fall Creek
or tributaries is encouraged .
2 . No trees should be felled into or across Fall Creek where avoidable ,
and logging debris which may enter the river should be removed .
3 . No new landings should be established within 200 feet ( 60 meters )
of Fall Creek . Provisions should be made after timber harvesting to
stabilize soil on all landings , skid trails and logging roads in the
river area .
4 . All timber harvesting operations will be subject to the require-
ments of Article 15 ( Water Resources ) of the NYS Environmental Con -
servation Law , dealing with disturbances , modifications and crossing
of rivers and streams . Additionally , skidding of logs or trees across
rivers shall not be allowed .
5
H . . Agricultural -Practices
1 . The continuation of agricultural activity , including the pastur-
ing of livestock , is considered an appropriate use of lands within
the corridor and is encouraged .
2 . Grazing animals on the . river banks will not be a contravention
of the Management - Plan .
I . Educational and Scientific Uses
1,. Educational and scientific uses of . lands . belonging to Cornell
University are appropriate in the river corridor .
IU . Land and Water Use Zones
The river corridor will be divided into- four zones in which additional
special controls should be exercised by the municipalities concerned .
. These are designated as : Open Space Zone , Rural Zone , Urbanized and
Hamlet Zone , and Soil Conservation Combining Zone .
I 1P
A . Open Space . Zone
1 . This zone . . includes the following areas which are located on the
corridor map .
a . Areas within 300 feet ( 90 meters ) of the centerline of
Fall Creek .
b . Wetlands , marshes , bogs and swamps whose areas are, within
the corridor as defined by the NYS Wetlands Law . .
C . Naturally filled river meanders or ox-bow lakes as mapped .
d . Areas defined by the Tompkins County Environmental _ Management
Council and designated by the appropriate municipality . gs Unique
Natural Areas .
e . Cornell Plantations Natural Areas .
This open space zone requires . protective conservation measures in the
form of legal restrictions which are considered necessary because of
the areas ' sensitivity or unusual characteristics . In some cases
these resources are nonrenewable or while renewable may take years to
regenerate .
2 . No new structures or roads should be allowed in these areas except
for fences , poles and those found necessary for the protection of life
and property .
6
® B . Rural .Zone
1 . The rural areas are those whose characteristics are not as
sensitive as the open space zone , but permits development which
is compatible with the need to maintain and preserve the pastoral
milieu of the countryside .
2 . The lot area for a one or two-unit residential building should
be at least 5 acres ( 2 hectares ) with at . least 500 feet ( 150 meters )
frontage , or a maximum of six residential buildings may be clustered
with the provision that an equivalent number of five acre lots as
open space is maintained . In any case , Tompkins County Health Depart
-
went regulations regarding minimum lot sizes for waste disposal systems
must be maintained .
3 . Permitted Facilities
a . One or two-unit residential buildings and accessory facilities .
b . Open recreational structures .
C . Agricultural structures .
d . Roads and driveways .
® C . Urbanized and Hamlet Zone
1 . This zone is characterized by concentrations of residential
development and may also include basic services such as semi -public
and public places , commercial or industrial establishments and educa-
tional or cultural facilities . It includes the following areas :
a . Forest Home
b . Hamlet of Varna presently served by public utilities
C . Hamlet of Etna
d . Village of Freeville
e . Hamlet of Malloryville
f . Hamlet of McLean
g . Hamlet of Groton City
2 . The lot areas as limited by Town Zoning and Tompkins County
Health Department regulations concerning adequate land requirements
for waste disposal systems should be maintained .
3 . Permitted facilities should be those which are defined by existing
municipal ordinances for those areas .
7
D . Soil Conservation Combining . Zone
1 . This zone overlaps part of the Rural or Urbanized and . Hamlet
Zones in particular sections of the corridor . It is characterized
by areas defined by the Soil Survey of . Tompkins County as those having
soils susceptible - to severe erosion . Such soils include the following .
Hudson and Rhinebeck soils , 6 % or greater slope Lordstown soils , 15 %
or greater slope ; soils having 25 % or greater slope .
2 . Sites proposed for development should be tested for verification .
If a site soil analysis agrees with the Soil Survey , the building
permit application should be accompanied by a plan for soil erosion
control . This plan should be approved by the District Conservationist .
Such a plan should be executed during site development .
3 . Development in this combining zone should also comply with the
appropriate regulations pertaining ' to the " Rural or . Urbanized and Hamlet
Zones ,
V . Laws Relating to Fall Creek Protection
A . Environmental Conservation Law
Article 15 - Water Resources
15 -0103 — Legislative Findings
The sovereign power ' to regulate and control the ' water resources
of this state ever 'since its establishment has' been and now is
vested exclusively in the State of New York , except to the extent
of any delegation of power to the United States .
15 -0501 - Protection of Certain Streams
No person or public corporation shall change , modify or disturb
the course , channel or bed of any stream as defined as stream
classifications AA - C ( T ) or remove any sand , gravel or other
materials from the bed of such stream' or 'the banks thereof with -
out a permit .
A stream is any fresh surface watercourse including lakes and
ponds often acres or less surface area at the mean low water level .
No permit is required for emergency repairs necessary -to protect
the health , safety and well-being of any person or to prevent damage
to personal or real property provided that DEC is notified by
registered mail within 48 flours after work commencement .
8
15-0503 - Protection of Streams : Dams . and . Docks
No dam , dock , pier , wharf . or impoundment structure or bridge which
impedes the flow of , water , including any artificial obstruction
being temporary or permanent shall be . erected , reconstructed or
repaired by an individual or public corporation without a permit .
Excluded is impounded water of less than one square mile unless
structure is 10 feet high above stream bed or water impounded
exceeds one million gallons. Also .. excluded are farm ponds greater
than 10 acres devoted to conservation purposes unless embankment
is 15 feet high , capacity exceeds 1 . 5 million gallons , area drain -
ing into pond exceeds 200 acres or artificial diversion is used .
15 -0511 - Inspection and Correction
Commissioner may investigate possible illegal or unsafe excavation
or filling and may serve an order to remove , replace or correct
illegal . or unsafe conditions .
15 -0701 - Harmless Alterations in Watercourses . and Lakes ( private rights )
Any alteration in natural flow , quality or condition of a natural
watercourse or lake or groundwater effected by any use on or off
riparian land is reasonable and lawful unless such alteration would
® cause harm .
. . Harm means interference with present use or enjoyment of a complain -
ing party by alteration ; or decrease in the market value of the
complaining patty ' s interest in riparian land .
15 -1103 - Petition for Water Resources Planning and Development
Any municipality or group of municipalities may submit to DEC a
proposal for a survey and . study of the water . resources for preparing
a . comprehensive plan .
15 - 2701 - Wild , Scenic and Recreational Rivers System
Article 17 - Water Pollution Control
17 -0103 - Statement of Purpose -
It is the purpose of this article to . safeguard the waters of the
state from pollution by preventing any new pollution and abating
pollution existing when the predecessor of . this chapter was enacted
under a program consistent with the declaration of policy stated
in 17 -0101 .
9
I ..
17 - 3030 - General Powers and Duties
DEC shall have administrative jurisdiction to abate and prevent
the pollution of waters of . the . state . The Commissioner is authorized
to issue or deny permits for the discharge of sewage , industrial
waste. or other wastes , or for . the installation or operation of
disposal systems or parts thereof . ( See also 17 -0505 , 17- 0507 ,
17 -0509 , 17-05119 . 17 -0701 . )
17 -0501 - General Prohibition Against Pollution
It shall be unlawful for any person , directly or indirectly , to
throw , drain , run or otherwise discharge into such waters organic
or inorganic matter that shall cause or contribute to a condition
in contravention of the standards adopted by the . department .
17 -0803 - State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits
It shall be unlawful to discharge pollutants to the ( surface or
ground) waters of the state from any outlet or point source with-
out . a SPDES permit . A . permit isnot required for a private dwelling
of three families or ten
. people discharging non-industrial wastes .
of less than 1 , 000 gallons in a 24 hour period .
17 - 1505 - Filed and Approved Plans of Realty Subdivisions
No subdivision ( a tract of land divided into five or more parcels )
or portion thereof shall be sold , offered for sale , leased , rented or
built upon without the filing and approval of plans showing methods
for obtaining and furnishing adequate and satisfactory sewerage
facilities .
17 -1511 - Registration of Plans by Clerk
Plans or maps of a subdivision of land with a population of less
than one million will not be filed unless accompanied by a
certificate of health department approval of sewerage systems .
17- 1513 - One Parcel Purchaser
Any single .residential lot of a subdivision acquired prior to
January 1971 may apply for approval of a sewage system ;
Article 23 - Mineral Resources
23- 2711 - New York State Mined Land - Reclamation Law Permits
It shall be unlawful after April 1 , 1975 for any operator who
mines more . than 1 , 000 tons of minerals from the earth within
12 successive months to engage in such mining unless a permit for
such mining operation has first been obtained from DEC .
10
® Article 24 - Freshwater Wetlands Act
24 -0701 - Freshwater Wetland Permits
No person shall directly or indirectly alter the state of any
freshwater -wetland or adjacent, area without first obtaining a
permit .
24 -0903 - Preservation Program
Land Use regulations to permit compatible uses for Freshwater
Wetlands will be adopted after the filing of the Freshwater
Wetland Maps
Article 36 - Participation in Flood Insurance Programs
36-0101 - Purposes
Flood plain management is a matter of state concern and the
establishment of improved flood plain management practices is
important to the health , safety and welfare of all of the state .
36-0107 - DEC Responsibility - DEC will provide technical assistance to
local municipalities in preparation of programs necessary to
qualify for national ' flood insurance program .
® Article 51 - Implementation of Environmental Quality Bond Act of 1972
51- 0305 - Water Quality Improvement Project Contracts .
DEC may enter into contracts With" municipalities to pay 50 % of
non- federal share of project cost as determined to be in accordance
with provisions of ' Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment
of 1972 .
51 - 0701 - Allocations for Land Preservation and Improvement Projects
Moneys received by State from sale of bonds may be available for
forest preserve projects ; wetlands preservation and restoration ,
unique areas preservation , stream rights ` acquisition projects ,
public access to state land projects .
51- 1101 - Allocations for Park Lands , Preservation Projects
Moneys received by State from sale of bonds shall be expended for
open space preservation projects , waterway projects , , trailway .
projects .
( See also : , expanded list of possible funding sources . )
11
B . Education Law
Section 227 - Colleges May Construct Water Works
Any college shall have the right to prevent the flow or draining
of noxious , impure or unwholesome matter from the lands of others
into its reservoirs or sources of supplies .
C . Real Property Law
Article 1 - Short Title : Definitions (Notes on Decisions Relating
to Riparian Rights )
The right of the owner of riparian land to the natural flow of
water in a stream along the land is tangible part of the inherited
property and is , an incident to and . is annexed to the land as part
and parcel of it : It is not an easement but a legal and enjoyable
right , which is properly classified at common law and under this
section , equally with the land itself , as real property . Van Etten
v . New York , 1919 , 226 N . Y . 483 , 124 NE 2019
The right to the use of the water of a flowing stream , navigable
or unnavigable , arises by mere operation of law as incident to the
ownership of the bank and is a part of . the owner ' s estate . United
Paper. Board Co . v . Iroquois Pulp , etc . , Co . , 1919 , 226 N . Y . 38 ,
123 N . E . 200 .
The right of property in the water is` , a legal and ' enjoyable right .
It is not an ownership in the fluid as such , but the right to its
flow for the various lawful uses to which it may be subjected . Tracy
Development Co . v . Becker , 1914 , 212 N . Y . 488 , 106 N . E . 330 .
Notes of Decisions Relating to Space Above Land
. The surface of the ground is a guide , but not the full measure , for
within reasonable limitations land includes not only the surface but
also the space above and the part beneath . Space above land is real
estate the same as the land itself . The law regards the empty space
as if it were a solid , inseparable from the soil , and protects it
from hostile occupation accordingly . ' Butter v . Frontier Telephone Co . ,
1906 , 186 N . Y , 486 , 79 N . E . 716 .
D . Tompkins County Sanitary Code
No person shall construct or . maintain any waste disposal systems or
discharge contents into any storm sewer or drain , or so as to endanger
any supply of drinking water , or so as to discharge into any water
course or body of water unless a permit is obtained .
No person shall construct a building or situate a mobile home requiring
a waste disposal system without . a construction permit .
12
Not more than four lots shall . be developed on any tract without a
permit . Water table , rock or hardpan must be at least 5 ' below
lowest part of subsurface Leaching system . . Percolation rate must
be greater than 45 min . per inch . Limited fill allowed (but not
in areas with special flood hazards ) .
E . Federal Water . Pollution Control Act
Section 404 = Corps of Engineers Regulation Over Waters of United States
A permit from the Corps of Engineers shall be required after
July 1976 for all discharging of dredged materials and fill
materials to all rivers , lakes over 5 acres , streams and their
tributaries , and contiguous or adjacent wetlands .
The Corps will heavily rely on general public to bring to
attention of the District Engineer those minor bulkhead and
fill activities which . should. be regulated .
F . Safe Drinking Water Act - Public Law 93 - 523
G . National Flood Insurance Program
Part 500 - Construction in Flood Plains Having Special Flood
Hazards - Building Permits
Flood insurance shall not be sold or reviewed under program within
a community after 12 / 31 / 71 unless that community has adopted adequate
land use control measures consistent with Federal criteria .
Criteria when flood plain identified but without water surface
elevation data :
1 . Laws and ordinances designed to reduce flood losses take
precedence over conflicting laws .
2 . Building permits required for all construction or other
improvements in flood plain areas having special flood hazards .
3 . Application must be reviewed for appropriate construction
techniques and materials consistent with flood protection .
Criteria when flood plain and water surface elevation for 100 year
flood identified but not sufficient data to identify floodway :
1 . Same as above ( # 1 , 2 & 3 in second paragraph ) .
2 . New construction required to have lowest floor elevated to
or above 100 year flood level .
3 . Floodproofing up to 100 year flood level .
13
4 . No use . allowed , including land fill , unless applicant � .
shows that use will not increase 100 year flood more than
one foot at any point .
Criteria when riverine flood plain , water surface elevation data
and floodway identified :
1 . Same as above 01 , 2 & 3 in second paragraph ) .
2 . One hundred year floodway must be designated to carry waters
without increasing water surface elevation of 100 year flood
level . Project in . floodway cannot increase 100 year flood
elevation .
3 . Prohibit fill or encroachments within floodway when ability
to carry 100 year flood is impaired .
4 . No mobile . home parks or . individual mobile homes within floodway .
Goals of land use and control measures adopted by a community should
be to encourage only that development of flood-prone areas which is
appropriate in light of flood damage probability , is an acceptable
social and economic use of land in relation to hazards involved and
does not increase damage to human life .
14
•r ` J 1'-- b (�-oma-- 9 / 9 / 77
FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR PRIOR TIES , PROGRAMMING AND COSTS,
Year Location Phase Cost Constr . Method Funding Sourc (
190 East Ithaca Bikeway Completion $ 3800 Force Account Local $ 3800
1978 Northview Rd . West Completion $ 2000 Force Account Local $ 2000
Acquisition
1978 Tareyton Road or Sand Area
Northeast Tennis Courts $ 21500 Force Account Local $ 21500
Contract Local $ 3001
1979 DeWitt Junior High Completion $ 150000 Force Account School 300 (
BOR 7501
Municips . 150 (
1979 Eastern Heights or Softball $ 28000 Contract Local $ 14000
East Ithaca Play Area Force Account BOR 14000
1979 Coy Glen or Local $ 42500
Inlet Valley Acquisition $ 85000 N/A BOR 42500
Donations
1980 Eastern Heights or Tennis Courts $ 30000 Contract Local $ 15000
East Ithaca BOR 15000
1980 Tareyton Road Basketball $ 7300 Force Account Local $ 7300
Local $ 25000
1980 Forest Home Site Acquisition $ 50000 N/A BOR 25000
Donations
Subdivisions
Local $ 12500
1981 South Hill Park Acquisition $ 25000 N/A BOR 12500
Donations
Subdivisions
1981 Eastern Heights or Paths $ 33000 Force Account Local $ 16500
East Ithaca Play Area Contract BOR 16500
Local $ 21250
1981 Lick Brook Acquisition $ 42500 N/A BOR 21250
Donations
Local $ 15000
1982 West Hill Park Acquisition $ 30000 N/A BOR 15000
Donations
Subdivisions
1982 Eastern Heights or Basketball $ 35000 Contract Local " $ 17500
East Ithaca BOR 17500
19 Tareyton Road Pavilion $ 12000 Force Account Local $ 12000
9/ 9/ 77
SECOND FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR PRIORITIES , PROGRAMMING , AND COSTS
year Location Phase Cost Constr . Method Funding Sour
1983 Forest Home Ballfields , $ 100000 Force Account Local $ 50000
Development Etc . Contract BOR 50000
1983 Eastern Heights or Lawn Games $ 41000 Force Account Local $ 20500
East Ithaca Nature Walk Contract BOR 20500
1984 South Hill Stage I $ 50000 Force Account Local $ 50000
1984 Eastern Heights or Soccer $ 66000 Force Account Local $ 33000
- East Ithaca Football Contract BOR 33000
1985 Coy Glen or Ballfields $ 100000 Force Account Local $ 50000
Inlet Valley Picnic Contract BOR 50000
L985 Eastern Heights or Soccer $ 66000 Force Account Local $ 33000
East Ithaca Football Contract BOR 33000
L986 South Hill Stage II $ 50000 . Force Account Local $ 25000
Contract BOR 25000
L986 . Eastern Heights or Soccer $ 66000 Force Account Local $ 33000
: East Ithaca Football Contract BOR 33000
L987 West Hill , Stage I $ 75000 Force Account Local $ 37500
Contract BOR_— 37500
L987 - - Eastern Heights or Play Area $ 59000 - Force Account Local - $ 29500
East Ithaca Contract - BOR 29500
- _ s
�i
' ALL LOCAL FUNDING
Accrued Income Balance Expenses To Balance
Park . Fund Budget
1977 $ 130 , 000
1978 $ 136 , 500 $ 109 , 200 - $ 27 , 300 0
1979 $ 114 , 660 . 0 - $ 188 , 000 $ 73 , 340
1980 0 0 $ 87 , 300 $ 87 , 300
1981 0 0 = $ 105 , 500 $ 1051500
1982 . 0 0 - S77 , 000 $ 77 , 000
1983 0 0 - $ 141 , 000 $ 141 , 000
1984 0 0 - $ 116 , 000 $ 116 , 000
1985 0 0 - $ 166 , 000 $ 166 , 000
1986 0 0 - $ 116 , 000 $ 116 , 000
1987 0 0 - $ 1341000 $ 134 , 000
$ 1 , 016 , 140
Avg . Budget of $ 100 , 000 per year
1978 $ 1008000 $ 100 , 000
1979 $ 205 , 000 $ 131 , 660 - $ 73 , 340
1980 $ 238 , 243 $ 150 , 943 - $ 87 , 300
1981 $ 258 , 490 $ 152 , 990 - $ 105 , 500
1982 $ 260 , 639 $ 183 , 639 - $ 77 , 000
1983 $ 292 , 821 $ 151 , 821 - $ 141 , 000
1984 $ 259 , 412 $ 143 , 412 - $ 116 , 000
1985 $ 250 , 583 $ 84 , 583 - $ 166 , 000
1986 $ 188 , 812 $ 72 , 000 - $ 116 , 000
1987 $ 176 , 453 $ 42 , 453 - $ 134 , 000
LOCAL AND BOR FUNDING
Accrued Income Balance Expenses To Balance
Park Fund Budget
1977 . $ 130 , 000
1978 $ 136 , 500 $ 109 , 200 - $ 27 , 300 0 • ,
IF , -
1979 $ 114 , 660 $ 28 , 160 - $ 86 , 500 0
1980 $ 29 , 568 0 - $ 47 , 300 $ 17 , 732
1981 0 0 - $ 50 , 250 $ 50 , 250
1982 0 0 - $ 59 , 500 $ 59 , 500
1983 0 0 - $ 70 , 500 $ 70 , 500
1984 0 0 - $ 83 , 000 $ 83 , 000
1985 0 0 - $ 83 , 000 $ 83 , 000
1986 0 0 110,0 $ 58 , 000 $ 581000
1987 0 0 ,, $ 67 , 000 $ 67 , 000
$ 488 , 982
® Avg . Budget of $ 50000 per year
1978 $ 50 , 000 $ 50 , 000
1979 $ 102 , 500 $ 102 , 500
1980 $ 157 , 625 $ 139 , 893 - $ 17732
1981 $ 196 , 887 $ 146 , 637 - $ 50 , 250
1982 $ 203 , 969 $ 144 , 469 - $ 59 , 500
1983 $ 201 , 693 $ 131 , 193 - $ 70 , 500r
1984 $ 187 , 752 $ 104 , 752 - $ 83 , 000
a
1985 $ 159 , 990 $ 76 , 990 - $ 83 , 000
1986 $ 130 , 920 $ 72 , 920 - $ 58 , 000
1987 $ 126 , 566 $ 59 , 566 - $ 67 , 000
n cn r Eh ti H 0 tri t7 z m 'b
I r l tD N- O O A+ O W fD O W
OH K k w :cK m O
O to n rt, 7r rt rD cD r* w rt rt 4
O m rt a tx!
b O x t7D rt c* N K r* G H 0
F-A fD W h+- K x O m rt H
O r* to H O 4 m a'
rt A . J-'- 1A O F r O x G . E - m
W • rt K 1� w m O n
O 1 w V (D O w ►�- �i Ar
fi0 n to OA Q- n a m
X 7Kc' HPA
m W '
(D
En
rr K [z1 .
of : W -
rosu
La rt
su
rD r* r*
o ~ a o
r
y rn n �o
r �
PEA *d
� cn 1n �0 70
N N O
O C4
r
H
N
wcoo n
t•r x
N
O
C
r r
y� 0 cn
A coo
N
(7 to
Ln co
W
• C
t
f✓ p► r co
' A
En
r
- � N
rr co
rdl
(7 N
C1 m
rT
N
n n �
co
v
f