HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1983-05-03 c
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
MAY 31 1983
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , May 3 , 1983 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ,
Ithaca , N . Y . , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May , Barbara Schultz , James
Baker , Virginia Langhans , David Klein , Bernard Stanton ,
Edward Mazza , Lawrence P . Fabbroni ( Town Engineer ) ,
Lewis D . Cartee ( Building Inspector ) , Nancy M . Fuller
( Secretary ) .
ALSO PRESENT . Carl Abbattista , Jane Abbattista , Robert A .
Boehlecke Jr . , Architect , Frederick M . Mitchell ,
M . D . , Kim Klein , Julie Mertus ( WTKO ) .
Chairman May declared the meeting duly opened at 7 : 33 p . m .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 1 , 1983
The following changes were noted on page 4 by Mrs . Langhans
on behalf of Mrs . Grigorov . After the third paragraph add , " As
. the County Planning Department sees it , " In the fourth paragraph
there should be quotation marks around the word " thwarted . " At
the end of the fourth paragraph add " and sees other economic loss
to the City . "
MOTION by Mr . Bernard Stanton , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of February 1 , 1983 be and hereby are approved as
amended .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - May , Schultz , Stanton , Baker , Langhans , Klein , Mazza .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 15 , 1983
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mrs . Barbara
Schultz :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of February 15 , 1983 be and hereby are approved as
written .
Planning Board - 2 - May 3 , 1983
. There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - May , Schultz , Stanton , Baker , Langhans , Klein , Mazza .'
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 1 , 1983
MOTION by Mr . Edward Mazza , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of March 1 , 1983 be and hereby are approved as
written .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - May , Stanton , Baker , Langhans , Klein , Mazza .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Schultz .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
. APPROVAL OF 14INUTES - March 15 , 1983
MOTION by Mr . Montgomery May , seconded by Mr . David Klein :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of March 15 , 1983 be and hereby are approved as
written .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - May , Stanton , Schultz , Baker , Langhans , Klein .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Mazza .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - April 5 , 1983
MOTION by Mr . Bernard Stanton , seconded by Mrs . Barbara
Schultz :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of April 5 , 1983 be and hereby are approved as
written .
• There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a
vote .
1
Planning Board - 3 - May 3 , 1983
. Aye - May , Stanton , Schultz , Baker , Langhans , Klein , Mazza .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER , LAWRENCE P . FABBRONI
Mr . Fabbroni stated that we have had our problems of late ;
just about everything we have started has been stopped either by
snow or by rain . He reported that we are ready to go as soon as
we get some decent weather .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that work has been started on the
Stone Quarry Road drainageways with two completed and a third 70 %
complete . Mr . Fabbroni noted that the washout on the cliff is
starting to stabilize and added that the project is working out
pretty well . He commented that this is an ambitious Town project
about which they were a little apprehensive , however , it is a
nice improvement . Mr . Fabbroni commented that before this work
there was only a tree between you and going over the hill . He
stated that the primary cause of going in there was the washout
in October of 1981 . Mr . Fabbroni pointed out that financing is
under the Safer Off - System ( SOS ) and approvals under the State .
He stated that there was no assistance under the flood but the
Federal government did expand the system under SOS for that work .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that Stone Quarry Road will be repaved as
. part of our 1983 paving program . He commented that they will not
be able to complete the job down at the railroad track until
there is a decision between the City and the Town with regard to
the drainageway , adding that they are in a transition time at the
City with the new City Engineer on board so not much is going
forward .
Mr . Fabbroni reported on the tri - party agreement with the
State , City , and Town whereby the State will buy the railroad
right of way from Knight ' s Meat Market in the Valley up to Stone
Quarry Road . Mr . Fabbroni described the bikeway from Cass Park
to Buttermilk Falls Park . He stated that the agreement is
virtually complete for review by the Town Board and Common
Council . Mr . Fabbroni commented that our relationship in this
project is to the bikeway mainly .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that he has submitted two drainage
proposals to the County for funding under their drainage program .
An amount of $ 10 , 000 has been allocated for this year ; will fund
one - fourth over the two proposals . One of the drainage proposals
is in Eastern Heights for up - grading of work done in 1976 ; the
other drainage proposal is rip - rapping or storm sewering areas
down Slaterville Road needing stabilization . Mr . Fabbroni
commented on some washing away but noted that it is not
imperiling anyone ' s property . He commented on the possibility by
submitting these applications of getting diversion ditches0 -
stone - lined diversion ditches - or storm sewers .
Planning Board - 4 - May 3 , 1983
. Mr . Fabbroni spoke of Fall Creek and the removing of
deposits in the Creek and a retaining wall near Flat Rock . He
stated that we would like to do what SCS ( Soil Conservation
Service ) did for 150 feet . He noted that one of the purposes is
channelizing away from the first two houses in Forest Home , Mr .
Fabbroni stated that this is a big job involving around $ 200 , 000 .
He stated that he has put forth a proposal for this laid out in
increments asking for County funding ranging from 50 % to 120 .
The funds would be used for machinery rental , extraordinary costs
on piping , etc . In Fall Creek they have done enough for Dryden
and the. City so the full 50 % funding has been requested . Mr .
Fabbroni commented that we may not get anything this year because
of the Town of Caroline problem but he hoped it would bring in
something for next year when they consider the budget .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that Northeast Transit is holding its
own , East It: haca Transit is lower than last year with the main
reason seeming to be some internal changes at Cornell where some
administrative functions have been changed . He commented that
the Credit Union has more convenient services on Campus and also
the whole accounting function has been altered so people are
going less from Campus to East Hill Plaza . He noted that it is
not down more than 15 percent , however , pointing out that the
first year ridership was ever so much more than expected .
. Mr . Fabbroni reported that plans for Burns Road are moving
along . He stated that he has asked for some conceptual go ahead
from the City in terms of swapping lands before environmental
hearings , etc . , and to clear legislative matters as to County
commitment to rebuild the bridge .
Chairman May thanked Mr . Fabbroni for his report .
REPORT OF THE TOWN PLANNER , PETER M . LOVI
Mr . Fabbroni reported that Mr . Lovi was attending an
Environmental. Services Managers ' Conference at the University of
Illinois , Champaign - Urbana .
Mr . Fabbroni reported that the Town is presently looking at
various computer languages for the IBM Displaywriter that will
enhance the use of various software . He stated that IBM is
aggressively getting into their own major pieces of software like
Visicalc . Mr . Fabbroni was encouraged by the way software was
progressing and commented that our best expectations as to the
Displaywriter System were coming true .
Chairman May thanked Mr . Fabbroni for the report .
Chairman May reported , for everyone ' s information , that the
Six Mile Creek Committee held a walk through the watershed to the
• first dam two Saturdays ago so that participants could become
familiar with. the area . He stated that Beth Mulholland was the
leader . Chairman May participated in this walk and commented on
Planning Board - 5 - May 3 , 1983
. the beauty and history of the Six Mile Creek area . Chairman May
stated that another walk was planned for next Saturday , May 7 ,
1983 , going above that area , adding that it was just for the
committee .
REVISED SKETCH PLAN REVIEW . TOMPKINS COUNTY PROFESSIONAL
BUILDING , 1301 TRUMANSBURG ROAD , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL N0 .
6 - 24 - 3 - 4 : PROPOSED ADDITION TO EXISTING BUILDING ( REAR ) ,
TOMPKINS COUNTY PROFESSIONAL BUILDING CORP . , APPLICANT , ROBERT A .
BOEHLECKE JR . , ARCHITECT .
Mr . Boehlecke stated that some slight revisions had been
made to the plans received by Board members for the April 19 ,
1983 meeting which was cancelled because of the severe snow
storm . He passed out the new sketch plan showing revision date
of 5 / 2 / 83 . Mr . Boehlecke noted that the parking lots , both
existing and proposed , are shown , the parking delineated , the
occupants indicated , and the square footages involved indicated ,
in response to the questions that were brought up at the last
meeting . He noted also the delineation of trash barrels ,
enclosed garbage can storage , mercury vapor lights , incandescent
lighting , existing and proposed plantings , existing foot path to
Hospital , possible points of connection for driveway to hospital ,
" latest " proposed point of connection to Hospital as per Hospital
plans 4 / 83 .
. Mr . Boehlecke stated that he got a cost estimate on the
road . Mr . Boehlecke stated that he had written a letter dated
April 6 , 1983 , to Mr . Frank Liguori , Tompkins County Department
of Planning , with respect to possibilities or impossibilities of
constructing a road or drive connecting the Professional Building
with the Hospital . A copy of Mr . Boehlecke ' s letter to Mr .
Liguori had been sent to all Planning Board members . Mr .
Boehlecke stated that he had talked with Mr . Liguori by telephone
and he had said he would get a response to the Board . Mr .
Boehlecke stated that Mr . Liguori got back to him and said they
have not decided anything yet . Mr . Boehlecke commented that the
County is involved , the Town involved , the State involved and the
Hospital involved in such a matter and they will have to make
some sort of decision . Mr . Boehlecke noted that Dr . Mitchell was
present and prepared to answer questions and discuss the " road " .
Mr . Boehlecke! suggested that the Board could address questions to
him .
Dr . Mitchell spoke from the floor and stated that right
after the last meeting and taking the plan previously proposed by
the County , they determined that the most direct route would be
off the corner of the property . He stated that they came up with
a rough cost. estimate of $ 25 , 000 to $ 30 , 000 to build a road
connection down there .
. Chairman May asked how many feet this road would involve .
Dr . Mitchell stated that it was 520 feet taking into
consideration the latest County preferred plan .
i
Planning Board - 6 - May 3 , 1983
. Mr . Fabbroni stated that subsequent to the Planning Board ' s
meeting the last time on the Doctor ' s proposal , the Town was
invited up to the Hospital , commenting that that was after ,
essentially , the County and the Town went to the Hospital to
consider another alternative . The County said yes , hired a
professional to further refine their thoughts in conjunction with
the Route 96 alignment . Mr . Fabbroni stated that to everyone ' s
positive feelings he had received the suggestion from the
hospital that their future configuration would look something
like this , adding that it is by no means in final form . He said
that they are trying to relate these thoughts to NYSDOT to get
them to incorporate them into design for Route 96 . He did not
know at this point how much , if any , of these improvements the
State would fund . It would be plausible to believe that the
State would bear the full cost of any new access . If everything
stays status quo and a 520 - foot second access is considered , it
is not as plausible , based on meetings Mr . Fabbroni has attended ,
that the State would pick up any of the cost . He commented that
this eliminates the existing access to the Professional Building .
Mr . Fabbroni further stated that the Hospital is very much
concerned about their parking needs , particularly if something
happens to the Biggs Building and they lose parking in front of
that .
Referring to the plan before the Board , Mr . Fabbroni noted
that from this particular configuration they may have the
. possibility for extension . He stated that it fits pretty much in
line with what the Town staff has said to Mr . Boehlecke and Dr .
Mitchell . He stated that staff recommends another access , the
hospital plan would be the one that would be the most desirable .
He stated that if this happens , there would be one access and one
would be plenty . Mr . Fabbroni stated that he would suggest a
commitment as a contingency , adding that we will not know for at
least ten months if it is a go at all . He stated that in order
to let people=_ move along with their plans it seems to make more
sense to make some minimum commitment for alternate access and
then if things happen where the State does not fund a portion , at
least there is one piece in place for the County , Town , and
Hospital to discuss who is going to pick up the remaining part of
it . Mr . Fabbroni stated that , with all that in mind , he and Mr .
Lovi have been talking to the applicant , commenting to Dr .
Mitchell that if he had anything to offer along with the site
plan at this point it would be timely .
Dr . Mitchell stated that he agreed with Mr . Fabbroni
completely and further stated that he could appreciate the fact
that there is a traffic problem now which would be greater with
the additional construction . He stated that there would be a
greater problem if the State takes part of their access or all of
it . Dr . Mitchell stated that the most attractive plan he has
seen is the Hospital plan - - long road parallel to the highway .
• Dr . Mitchell stated that all he can say is that they will
cooperate with the various entities who make the decisions . He
stated that they cannot make the decision , but , with respect to
Planning Board - 7 - May 3 , 1983
• all these various bodies as they make decisions , they will work
with them . He stated that they do have the plan which indicates
a 520 foot road into the hospital grounds . Dr . Mitchell stated
that if that has to be a commitment , he will make that commitment
to participate in that construction . He stated that he cannot
make an open - ended commitment because he is , so far , the only one
to make any commitment at all .
Chairman May stated that he did not see it as a viable
project if this commitment had not been made and asked Mr .
Fabbroni how the Planning Board should go about this .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that this is part of the site plan
considerations and his suggestion would be to recognize that they
have arrived at a range that it would cost to provide the most
direct second access now which is really an offering up of the
right of way to build that improvement and all negotiations and
agreements that might go along with this are out of their hands .
He stated that it may take one to ten years to accomplish . Mr .
Fabbroni stated that it was unfair to ask any more of a
commitment than what they have offered here .
Chairman May asked if there might be bonding at some time .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that he would like to bounce that one off the
Town Attorney who should be consulted about the most effective
but least capital holding way to do that .
• Mr . Stanton stated that he would hope the Planning Board
would not be onerous after it has received a good faith
statement . Mr . Stanton commented that he is concerned about
access , noting that one access is only if eventually we end up
with some route for 96 that can be agreed to . Mr . Stanton
expressed a concern for parking , referring to those existing 24
spaces shown on the new sketch plan which are not very much used .
He said that he was somewhat concerned with the present plan to
handle people especially if it has a plan for traffic pattern to
the Hospital since the area of those 24 spaces would be a very
tough route when they have to give these up . He wondered , if
that goes , where people would put their cars .
Dr . Mitchell stated that there is excess land not shown that
could be used. for parking , adding that more land is available for
additional parking , if more spaces were needed . He commented
that at the present time there has not been anyone who could not
find a parking space . Mr . Stanton stated that he merely wished
to register his concern . Dr . Mitchell stated that if they need
more parking , they will allocate it . Mr . Stanton stated that he
liked the idE� a of this alternate plan on paper , commenting that
with the hospital ' s plan no parking spaces would have to given
up . Mr . Boehlecke commented that he has personally counted 100
spaces available some times , but maybe that is the time he goes
there . Dr . Mitchell agreed that in all his years there , they
have never had a lack of parking problem .
1
Planning Board - 8 - May 3 , 1983
• Mr . Fabbroni stated that with the present sketch plan there
are close to 40 spaces in excess of the minimum requirements .
Mr . Fabbroni requested that Dr . Mitchell , as new parking areas
are developed , keep in mind the possibility of a bus going around
this whole area and thus keep in mind the ability of a bus to
make the turns . He commented that a bus might come up from the
Hospital Complex , circle around , and come back out .
Mr . Klein referred to M . I . Adleman ' s plan and its
differences from the State plans , and evidenced concern about the
State taking so much land back from the road . Discussion
followed in re the Route 96 schemes .
Mr . Fabbroni noted that the Board had been over most of the
details reflected on this plan . Mr . Mazza asked about garbage
bins which were indicated by Mr . Boehlecke . Dr . Mitchell stated
that trash has been picked up every single day by Collins for the
past 23 years .
Mr . Boehlecke asked if there were any further information
the Board would want for public hearing and final site plan
approval . Mr . May stated that his only concern would be
discussion with the Town Attorney as to how this should be
handled . Mr . May stated that he thought the alternate access is
very important to it and , once done , he could be very comfortable
with the proposal . All the Board members agreed .
• Dr . Mitchell explained that the builder for this project was
waiting and that they have a time problem since they would like
to occupy the premises before winter .
Chairman May indicated that the Board could schedule a
public hearing for May 17 , 1983 , at 7 : 00 p . m . and suggested that
Mr . Boehlecke discuss matters with Mr . Fabbroni and Mr . Lovi
before the meeting . Mr . Fabbroni asked for an architectural
sketch on elevations for that meeting .
Dr . Mitchell and Mr . Boehlecke thanked the Board for their
help .
REVISED SKETCH PLAN REVIEW . PROPOSED EIGHT ( 8 ) LOT SUBDIVISION
ALONG SLATERVILLE ROAD AND HONNESS LANE : A PORTION OF TOWN OF
ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 58 - 2 - 39 . 2 ( KNOWN AS 131 HONNESS LANE ) .
GLADYS BLATCHLEY , OWNER / DEVELOPER .
Chairman May stated that Mrs . Blatchley had sent a letter to
him , dated April 30 , 1983 , informing him that Mr . and Mrs . Carl
Abbattista would be representing her at the Planning Board
meeting tonight since she will be out of town .
Mr . Carl Abbattista spoke from the floor and stated that
based on the discussion at the last meeting and opinions voiced
by the Board relative to cul - de - sac - type development juxtaposed
with a through - road type development , they had decided to try two
Planning Board - 9 - May 3 , 1983
. plans . Mr . Abbattista presented plans for a cul - de - sac - type
development which he referred to as " Plan 1 " and a
drive - through - type development which he called " Plan 2 " .
Mr . Abbattista referred first to Plan 2 ( the drive - through
plan ) and , _indicating on the map , described the revisions that
had been made , noting that one of the objections he had heard was
that they had a jog , so , that was changed by moving a lot and the
road which made the road straight . There was a proposed park in
the middle of the development , a 60 - foot access , and two
walkways , which he indicated , to provide access for people around
the park . One lot that may require a variance was marked with an
asterisk ( * ) , there is a 50 - foot right - of -way and a considerable
amount of space but it still may need the variance . He commented
that that is the only problem they could foresee . He noted that
there are two entrances to the development - Slaterville Road and
Honness Lane and Lots 1 - 8 have access right on to the road . He
stated that there are two reasons for this : ( 1 ) they knew they
would lose lots ; ( 2 ) they did not feel that people ' s backyards
should be on the State Highway ; they considered children playing
and things of that nature .
Mr . Abbattista stated that he had been in touch with Mr .
Grout of the Department of Transportation and he saw no problems
with the access roads being proposed on this plan . He stated
that Mr . Grout told him that a property owner cannot be denied a
• permit for a driveway on a State route . Mr . Abbattista stated
that he asked Mr . Grout about the proposed road and he said any
motion should be subject to approval , but he saw no problem . Mr .
Abbattista stated that when he mentioned the other access to Mr .
Grout on Honness Lane he thought that was a positive thing . Mr .
Abbattista noted that the road matters go to the DOT office in
Syracuse for final approval but Mr . Grout said he could see no
problem with the access roads . Mr . Abbattista noted that both
access roads are the same with each plan .
Mr . Mazza commented on a triangular lot of base 200 ' and
height 200 ' which would be a 20 , 000 sq . ft . lot , indicating that
it looked a little weird . Mr . Fabbroni asked Mr . Abbattista to
explain why the piece of land owned by the church was so strange .
Mr . Abbattista explained that in a former proposed
subdivision plan that they had , the then line was a curve in the
road . He stated that that lot actually exists that way and was
sold to the church . Mr . Fabbroni suggested splitting the
difference with them . Mr . Mazza offered a suggestion as to the
other lot near to it . Mr . May commented on some peculiar lots .
Mr . Klein asked how many lots were possible with this plan .
Mr . Abbattista stated that a total of 53 lots were possible on
Plan 2 ( drive - through type ) .
• Mr . Abbattista then referred to Plan 1 ( the cul - de - sac type
plan ) and , indicating on the Plan , pointed out the various
Planning Board - 10 - May 3 , 1983
. features . He commented that this Plan is a little cleaner up in
the area near the Church property . The park in this plan is
located at the far end of the area rather than in the middle .
The Church property was discussed and also the land shown that
the Church has first refusal on - - the land next to the park and
down the side . Mr . Abbattista commented that if the Church wants
it , they have to buy it at the going rate , if they do not take
it , Mrs . Blatchley might give it away and use it as a tax
write - off . She is a member of this particular church . A total
of 57 lots are possible with Plan 1 . There was some comment on
the funny lots , but Mr . Fabbroni noted that they are large lots .
Mr . Klein pointed out on Plan 2 the strong connection
between Slaterville Road and Honness Lane and which might become
a short - cut for Eastwood Commons .
Mr . Abbattista stated that they preferred Plan 1 because
more lots were possible .
Mr . May was concerned with the " cul - de - sac " plan insofar as
there may be a snow removal problem . Mr . Fabbroni commented that
the Board may be surprised to know that half of the roads in the
Town are cul - de - sacs . Mr . Fabbroni brought down the aerial map
of the area over which there was general discussion involving all
the Board , Mr . Abbattista , and Mr . Fabbroni .
. Chairman May commented that he preferred Plan 2 with the
park in the middle . Mr . Mazza wondered what difference it made
and Mr . Fabbroni described situations where property owners
adjacent to a park begin the think of a park as " their park " .
Mr . Stanton stated that he liked Plan 1 , the cul -de - sac plan ,
because there may be less through traffic .
Mr . Abbattista stated that there was the possibility of
adding two more lots in the cul - de - sac plan .
Mr . Mazza preferred the cul - de - sac plan , also .
Mr . Abbattista stated with Plan 1 the park would abutt the
Church property which may be advantageous , otherwise , it would
abutt residents ' backyards .
Mr . Abbattista stated that their primary objective was to
get approval on the first eight lots in order to be able to
finance the rest of the project . He further stated that he may
have a block buyer at the present time . This buyer is interested
in purchasing Lots 4 - 8 and intends on building a home on each
of these lots .
The majority of the board was in favor of Plan 2 - - the
cul - de - sac - type plan .
• Chairman May described to Mr . Abbattista the procedure for
moving ahead , noting that the proposed subdivision plans should
Planning Board - 11 - May 3 , 1983
• be submitted to the Town Office for review by Mr . Fabbroni and
for the scheduling of a public hearing . Mr . Abbattista asked to
what extent these plans should be drawn . Chairman May stated
that a SEQR Form should be completed and Mr . Fabbroni stated that
a survey map of the eight lots , drainage plans for the remainder
of the lots , and a commitment in writing for the park land based
on 10 percent of what will be subdivided would be required . Mr .
Fabbroni noted that the parkland commitment need not be a part of
the eight lots .
REPORT OF THE TOWN BUILDING INSPECTOR , LEWIS D . CARTEE
The Building Inspector ' s Report of Building Permits Issued
for the month of April 1983 had been received by the Planning
Board members with their Agendae . Such report shows that 14
permits were issued in the month of April 1983 for $ 256 , 126 . 00 in
total construction costs , as compared to 9 permits for
$ 288 , 885 . 00 :in total construction costs in April 1982 .
Mr . Cartee reported to the Board members that he had just
received yesterday , May 2nd , notification from the New York State
Division of :Housing and Community Renewal , under date of Friday ,
April 22 , 1983 , that the compliance date of the New York State
Fire Prevention and Building Code for upgrading existing areas of
public assembly has been changed from January 1 , 1985 , to January
1 , 1989 and , further , on that date this requirement would be
. enforced only if financial assistance and incentives are made
available to those who need to comply . Mr . Cartee also reported
that the 1989 upgrading requirements have also been reduced so
that smoke detectors will be the only new additions to areas of
public assembly . Schools , camps , places of worship , ski lodges
and other similar meeting places will not be required by the new
Code to alter interior finish or to change exits . He also
pointed out that , in addition , buildings used solely for
agricultural purposes have been exempted from the Code . Mr .
Cartee reminded that Board that in 1981 the Legislature mandated
the formulation of a new Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
Code to replace the present State Building Construction Code and
the State Fire Prevention Code on January 1 , 1984 .
SIGN REVIEW BOARD - DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED GASOLINE PRICE SIGNAGE
AT JOHNNY ' S SUPER SERVICE , 1103 DANBY ROAD , ( NON - CONFORMING USE )
AND RECOMMENDATION TO ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS .
John and Kim Klein ' s Appeal , dated 4 / 29 / 83 , read as follows :
" Our location is such that it is difficult for passing traffic to
see our gas prices . We depend on getting a major part of our
service bay work from our gas customers . %We would like to post
a 30 " x 46 " pole sign with our regular and unleaded gas prices .
By having the prices posted , we could make the passing traffic
aware of our competitive gas prices , and at the same time
• generate the necessary bay work to support our business . "
Planning Board - 12 - May 3 , 1983
• Mr . Cartee stated that this service station has been in this
location for years ; it is a Business C Zone with a legal
non- conforming Business D use . Mr . Cartee stated that the
proposed sign serves a purpose and noted that the young couple
who run the station are in the process of purchasing it . He
commented that the Sign Law does not state very specifically that
a business can or cannot keep adding to an existing free - standing
sign ; therefore , this is why this matter has been brought to the
Board ' s attention . Mr . Cartee noted that prices are allowed on
gas pumps or on a portable sign and proceeded to read Section
3 . 03 - 1 of the Sign Law . Mr . Cartee pointed out that it is a 55
m . p . h . zone in this area and they need a sign that is visible ,
adding that this service station is the only gas station until
the Town of Danby . He indicated that the sign they would like to
be added would be placed over the State Inspection sign already
there and which they are required to have .
Chairman May asked how far above the ground this sign would
be placed . Mrs . Klein stated that it would be such that it is
eye level with the traffic . Mr . Cartee stated that the
freestanding sign is 20 feet high and that someone would be able
to walk under this sign with no problem since it will be over six
feet off the ground . Mr . Cartee stated that there is 9 square
feet of signage presently on the freestanding sign and they would
be adding 9 . 56 square feet . Mr . Cartee read Section 5 . 03 - 1 which
sets forth that a freestanding sign may contain 50 sq . ft . of
• signage .
MOTION by Mr . Montgomery May , seconded by Mr . Bernard
Stanton :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board acting as
the Sign Review Board consider and hereby does consider the
proposed additional signage to an existing freestanding sign at
Johnny ' s Super Service , 1103 Danby Road , Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No . 6 -• 43 - 2 - 1 , a legal , conforming , usage and as such does
not require any further action .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - May , Mazza , Stanton , Schultz , Klein , Baker , Langhans .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE TOWN OF ITHACA
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS .
With Mr . Fabbroni leading the discussion , the Planning Board
Members reviewed , page by page , the April 27 , 1983 draft of the
• proposed revisions to the Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations .
No action was taken by the Board . Mr . Fabbroni will inform Mr .
Lovi of the Board ' s suggestions upon his return .
Planning Board - 13 - May 3 , 1983
ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , the Chair declared the May 3 , 1983 meeting of
the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 10 : 15 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary ,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board .