HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1984-02-21 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
FEBRUARY 21 , 1984
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , February 21 , 1984 in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ,
Ithaca , New York , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May , Barbara Schultz , James Baker ,
Bernard Stanton , David Klein , Virginia Langhans ,
Carolyn Grigorov , Lawrence P . Fabbroni ( Town Engineer ) ,
Peter M . Lovi ( Town Planner ) , Nancy M . Fuller
( Secretary ) .
ALSO PRESENT : Stanley Goldberg , John Novarr , Bill Reed , Walter
J . Wiggins , Esq .
Chairman May declared the meeting duly opened at 7 : 30 p . m .
and announced that there would be an additional item on the
Agenda this evening , i . e . , an informal discussion with Mr .
Wiggins with respect to a change in his Chateau proposal .
INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH JOHN NOVARR TO CONSIDER SUBDIVISION
ALTERNATIVES FOR LAND IN THE AREA OF DOVE DRIVE .
Mr . Fabbroni outlined for the Board members what has been
happening with respect to the former Hilker property . Mr .
Fabbroni stated that , as the Board knew , he discussed this
property and proposals for its development at the end of the last
Planning Board meeting [ February 7 , 1984 ] . Mr . Fabbroni noted
that both Mr . Goldberg and Mr . Novarr were here tonight to speak
informally to their proposals . Mr . Fabbroni stated that ,
initially , he went back to Mr . Novarr and tried to express to him
what the Planning Board ' s impressions were of what had been
discussed on February 7th . Mr . Fabbroni stated that he had
suggested to Mr . Novarr that he and Mr . Goldberg might want to
come to the Board with their specific proposals and the density
thereof . Mr . Fabbroni stated that one of the things they will
present is an initial proposal for forty ( 40 ) units , clustered ,
in the back acreage . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the 3 . 5 units per
acre requirement had been utilized , excluding the park , on those
back 11 acres . Mr . Fabbroni spoke of 8 + park acres in excess of
what was " owed " to the Town given by Mr . Goldberg et al on the
other side , commenting that it , thus , seemed in order to exclude
the park from the calculation , noting , in which case , that you
would wind up with 43 units . Mr . Fabbroni spoke of 12 . 5 acres
that remains and was part of the original 22 acres . Mr . Fabbroni
stated that , in essence , they came back and said " alright " - - 18
units to the front lots but , the more staff thought about it , it
became clear that considering the front lots actually reduced the
number of units . Mr . Fabbroni stated that with his comments
serving as a little background , he thought Mr . Novarr should take
over at this point .
• Planning Board 2 February 21 , 1984
Mr . Novarr stated that they have done a little thinking
also , adding that when they had talked with Mr . Fabbroni last he
had given them an impression of how he read the Board which was
that he felt that 48 units would probably not sit very well ,
however , if they still wanted 48 units , come in and show the
Board but be prepared to take less than 48 . Mr . Novarr stated
that that is , in effect , what they have done .
Mr . Novarr appended two drawings to the bulletin board and
referred to them during his discussion . Mr . Novarr stated that
these drawings show 48 units , however , he wished to make it clear
that they do not , in fact , want 48 units even if the Board gave
them the 48 . Mr . Novarr stated that they would like to do away
with the one - bedroom units and go with two- and three -bedroom
units . Mr . Novarr commented that the size and coverage would be
the same but it will change the number of units , adding that
there will be fewer front porches and fewer units and the square
footage of living space would be slightly less . Mr . Novarr
pointed out that the cluster proposal will involve two cul de
sacs from Snyder - Hill Road with townhouses on either side of the
roads . Mr . Novarr stated that the road is the right width ,
adding that Mr . Fabbroni wanted 28 feet and they show 30 feet .
Mr . Novarr stated that there will be appropriate parking and
pointed out garages , commenting that there will be parking space
for one car off each Town highway - - the cul de sacs will be
dedicated to the Town with one car in the garage , and , room for
one parking space outside of the garage . Mr . Novarr stated that
these units are meant to have , reference to what a residential
community would look like , commenting that there will not be
modern boxes here . Mr . Novarr described the feel of neighborhood
and what people identify with as a sort of good living .
Indicating on the drawing , Mr . Novarr pointed out a large
area in the middle of the area proposed for development and
stated that the area in here measures somewhere in the
neighborhood of 4 . 3 acres . Mr . Novarr stated that they would see
that area as the park , adding that he believed Mr . Goldberg was
indebted to give the Town about half of that - - some 2 . 2 acres ,
however , they will double that . Pointing to the drawing , Mr .
Novarr stated that the trees that are shown are not there ,
however , Mr . Fabbroni had asked them for a plan showing trees as
they will be . Mr . Novarr stated that they would like to put the
majority of trees as the Board can see here depicted if they get
the money . Mr . Novarr stated that they do not want a bunch of
buildings in an open field , which is what it would be without
plantings . Mr . Novarr stated that the backs of the buildings are
sizably different from the fronts , so that as one looks across ,
one sees something different . Mr . Novarr noted that they have on
display typical first floor plans and second floor plans . He
stated that those are pretty standard with kitchens , living
rooms , dining rooms , bedrooms , and bathrooms . Mr . Novarr stated
that they saw this development as a real alternative to the
Commonland sort of thing which the Board has seen . Mr . Novarr
stated that they think this is a more typical way to lives more
Planning Board 3 February 21 , 1984
typically like a small home than what he had seen at Commonland .
Mr . Novarr noted that the concept is zero - lot - line townhouses ,
i . e . , the people own the land underneath their home . Mr . Novarr
described how each of the owner ' s unit ' s lot line extends out - -
straight out , and commented that on the ends people could have
more land ownership . Mr . Novarr described the kind of people who
would appreciate this concept as those who would like a small
yard , who work and want something with little upkeep . Using the
map , Mr . Novarr pointed out the boundary lines of the land and
the park in the middle which would be a Town of Ithaca park .
Chairman May pointed out that the developer has not taken
any advantage of solar energy at all , noting that only the ends
of the buildings are toward the sun . Mr . Novarr stated that that
was correct , adding that the structures will be brick and
clapboard , highly insulated , although not the double envelope
approach as in Commonland . Chairman May commented that that was
all very fine , however , the orientation of the structures is such
that there is no possibility for taking advantage of solar
energy . Chairman May wondered if the reason was the roads . Mr .
Novarr stated that the orientation chosen was for a number of
reasons , one of which was that it gives the most buildings some
kind of view . Utilizing the drawing , Mr . Novarr stated that if
you put them " this " way , yes , there is a southern exposure , but
the view would not be as good . Mr . Novarr talked about a college
friend of his who attended the University of Vermont while he was
there , Ian Tyndall , who is a landscape architect , now teaching at
Harvard , and who drew the plans now before the Board . Mr . Novarr
stated that Mr . Tyndall has done a good job in laying out this
development so that people could live here nicely . Mr . Novarr
stated that there is little southern exposure , but the site is
such that to get this number of units properly scattered , it has
to be done this way . Mr . Novarr stated that they have something
nice here , adding that people like deadend streets .
Mrs . Schultz spoke about a large open area near the center
proposed park portion on the drawing . Mr . Novarr stated that
that is a lot which has been sold . Mr . Goldberg stated that a
Mr . Corapi is building a house there now .
Chairman May noted that there is no land to be owned in
common , it being private ownership of all of the lands with
individual maintenance . Both Mr . Novarr and Mr . Goldberg stated
that that was right . Chairman May noted that there were to be no
restrictions on individual owners . Both Mr . Novarr and Mr .
Goldberg stated that that was correct .
Mrs . Shultz wondered who is to maintain the roads , garages ,
etc . Mr . Novarr stated that the Town will own the roads after
they are built by the developer and then dedicated to the Town
according to Town road specs . Mr . Novarr stated that the garages
are just like anyone who has a garage on his property ; the owner
maintains his property .
Planning Board 4 February 21 , 1984
Mr . Stanton stated that it was not clear to him how the
boundaries will be established . Mr . Novarr stated that the
individual owner will own up to the line which he indicated on
the drawing , stating that that line is a little hard to see on
the drawing but it is vaguely seen there . Mr . Novarr pointed out
the straight lines of ownership . Mr . Stanton noted that there
will be no fences apparently and so the individual owner takes
care of his property . Mr . Novarr stated that the development is
no different from the way anyone deals with one ' s neighbor . Mr .
Stanton wondered if the proposal was such that they were not
going to build anything other than what he ( Stanton ) saw on the
drawing . Mr . Novarr stated that that was right , adding that they
will give them privacy fences , but beyond that , it is open . Mr .
Stanton wondered if there were going to be a patio - like concrete
slab out back . Mr . Novarr stated that Mr . Stanton was asking him
things that they have not taken through the planning stage yet .
Mr . Bill Reed spoke of it being normal in zero - lot- line
development to have deed restrictions and agreement that things
will be done tastefully and the purchaser agrees to those in the
deed . Mr . Reed stated that there are basic deed restrictions in
there to maintain the quality of life which is normally done in
zero - lot - line development . Mr . Reed commented that whether there
is to be a courtyard or just a divider , they have not taken the
design to that stage yet , but there will be some simple deed
restrictions - - for example , a restriction on someone being
permitted to put a dog runner the whole width of their yard , or
build a gothic dog house . Mr . Novarr stated that it is their
intent to make things good for the individual but also for the
group .
Mrs . Langhans noted that each unit is to be two stories .
Mr . Novarr stated that that was correct . Mrs . Langhans asked
what the width of the individual property might be . Mr . Novarr
stated that it would be about 20 feet . Mrs . Langhans wondered
how far back such property might go , commenting that it looked to
be about 30 feet . Mr . Novarr stated that the depth would be
minimally 25 feet and at the greatest 50 or 60 feet .
Mr . Novarr stated that what they would encourage , if the
Town saw it this way , is that they would give the Town as much
land as it is willing to take for obvious reasons . Chairman May
stated that he was having difficulty with this park matter .
Chairman May noted that what there will be is a public park - a
Town park - together with individual maintenance by 40 some
people - - plus the Town . Chairman May stated that this was a
real problem for him . Mr . Lovi stated that he hoped not to see
the " summer equivalent " of Town highway maintenance such as
mowing the park when the grass grows in the manner we plow the
roads when the snow falls . Mr . Lovi stated that the open area
should be a fairly maintenance - free operation , adding that anyone
who thinks it is a Town -maintained lawn is under a misconception .
Mrs . Langhans pointed out that also it is a Town park which is
being envisioned here and that means access to the public . Mr .
Planning Board 5 February 21 , 1984
Fabbroni agreed that a Town park means that the public has access
to the park . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the boundaries would have
to be identified , adding , however , with respect to public parks
situated such as this is proposed , it is not uncommon . Mr .
Fabbroni described parks with which he , himself , was familiar in
Ohio and also referenced walkways , bikeways , etc . , in the same
light . Mr . Novarr stated that the park is , indeed , for people to
use , adding that it seemed to him that this would work very well .
Mr . Novarr stated that , essentially , the developer follows
the lead here , adding that they have explored this idea with the
Town Planning Department , adding that it seemed to make sense to
them as developers . Mr . Novarr , indicating on the map , stated
that the Town owns all the land " up here " . Mr . Fabbroni stated
that the Town does not own the referenced land , Cornell
University does , adding that it just appears that way because the
Town water tank is there . Mr . Novarr continued and indicated on
the map that a park was talked about " up here " , 2 . 2 acres . Mr .
Novarr stated that if that is what the Board wants , let them know
because they do not want the Town to have to go into the mowing
business . Chairman May stated that Mr . Novarr would have to have
some better definition of the boundaries of the proposed park .
Mr . Novarr stated that he thought they were afraid that if they
put in a fence to define it , then it does not seem to be " open "
to those who would use it . Mr . Klein stated that he was troubled
as to the access by the public to what appears to be " private "
space . Mr . Klein pointed out that a common area down the middle ,
territory defined by the townhouses , gives the appearance of
" belonging " to the landowners . Mr . Klein stated that he was
worried that people would be selfish about this Town park .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that the staff was never overjoyed by
that ( indicating on map ) northeast parcel of land as a park
because the water line goes through the high point of that
particular park area . Mr . Fabbroni stated that , in order to
level off that particular parcel for use as a park , it means
lowering the water line , adding that the alternative is not using
the land . Mr . Fabbroni stated that for that reason , the center
portion - - slope -wise and otherwise - - presents a lot of
opportunity . Mr . Fabbroni , recalling that a deed was written up
for that original park , stated that , even if we could have
levelled it off , the only use would be a ballfield , adding that
that park originally proposed would be a limited purpose park
because of its configuration and size . Mr . Fabbroni pointed out
that this area is the only flat part in this whole area .
Mr . Goldberg stated that a very important aspect of this
development has not been emphasized enough and he would like to
speak definitively to that aspect which is the zero - lot- line
concept . Mr . Goldberg spoke of deed restrictions , protective
covenants , homeowners ' associations and the need to comply with
whatever rules must be complied with . Mr . Goldberg stated that
they have tried to absolutely stop that sort of thing . Mr .
Goldberg stated that the concept offers another option for the
Planning Board 6 February 21 , 1984
people who live in the Town of Ithaca , adding that many other
communities are dealing with it and we should look toward the
same . Mr . Goldberg stated that it is a decision for the Town to
make as to who does what , when and how . Mr . Goldberg commented
that almost 15 years ago was when the transferring of the park
land began . Mr . Goldberg stated that whether the Town wants 2 . 2
acres , 3 . 4 acres , 4 . 7 acres - - they do not care , adding that they
are going to deed land as part of the sale price and the
purchaser may have land back to here or from here to here
( indicating on drawing ) . Mr . Goldberg spoke of restrictive
covenants as to the amount of maintenance and land in the park as
being up to the Town . Mr . Goldberg stated again that they do not
care , pointing out that there is some 4 . 3 acres for the Town but
if the Town says no , it will be deeded to prospective purchasers .
Mr . Goldberg spoke of the marketing possibilities envisioned ,
stating that the two - bedroom units would be around $ 60 , 000 and
the three -bedroom around the $ 68 , 000 range . Mr . Goldberg
explained that this means there would have to be combined incomes
of a family of $ 25 , 000 in order to qualify for the two - bedroom ,
or , a combined income of $ 30 , 000 to $ 32 , 000 to qualify for the
three - bedroom . Mr . Goldberg noted that they are opening a new
option in the Town of Ithaca , that is , it is new in Ithaca and
not new to the world .
Mr . Novarr stated that this proposal is for modest housing
- - not low income - - for people who cannot afford the $ 100 , 000
place to live but who want something substantially more than a
trailer . Mr . Novarr stated that their research has shown that
appropriately priced homes are selling , mentioning Commonland
again .
Mr . Reed stated that there are two distinct markets which
will be reached , one of which is the small family going for their
first house where both the husband and wife work . Mr . Reed
stated that their proposal to include a garage is an important
part of this project because most people who work need a place
for two cars . Mr . Reed stated that the open space and the green
space are important aspects to these people . Mr . Reed stated
that they do not think that these people necessarily emphasize
the total square footage that they might own , but appreciate an
appropriately sized piece of property and and appropriately sized
unit . Mr . Reed stated that the other group of people are those
who wish to stay here in Ithaca but want to move down in size
perhaps because they winter in Florida but stay here in the
summer . Mr . Reed stated that they very much hope to be a part of
the SONYMA process , adding that if it still exists they will
apply for that . Mr . Reed spoke of the SONYMA program limit of
$ 68 , 000 . Mr . Reed commented on the way the project will look
visually noting that one would see trees , and then garages , and
then houses - - just like a neighborhood street . Mr . Novarr
described again the makeup of the 40 units , noting that the units
will be about 50 % two-bedroom and 50 % three -bedroom and
approximately 8 clusters of 5 units each .
Planning Board 7 February 21 , 1984
Mr . Goldberg pointed out that there is less density with
. this plan than on the approved plan of March 31 , 1981 . Mr .
Goldberg stated that they did not want to ruin something in the
front by something in the back . Mr . Novarr agreed , adding that
he is very careful about his reputation ,
Mr . Stanton stated that he thought the question of small
back lots is crucial to people who buy as well as to the
developer who wishes to sell them and to the Planning Board , Mr .
Goldberg commented that he would like the Planning Board to tell
them how much land it wants . Mr . Novarr stated that Mr . Stanton
has valid questions but they do not have the answers to them at
the moment , adding that they need to know the direction the Board
is coming from . Chairman May stated that the Board does have
concerns about the so - called park area or open area in the middle
of the two clusters . Chairman May stated that he did too . Both
Chairman May and Mr . Stanton indicated that they , personally ,
would not buy one of those places with a small lot and some sort
of ill - defined open area . Chairman May suggested that Messrs .
Goldberg and Novarr get together with Susan Beeners , Peter Lovi ,
and Larry Fabbroni and figure out how the maintenance would be
handled . Mr . Goldberg stated that they were asking what the
Board ' s pleasure is . Chairman May stated that the Board did not
really know either , Mr . Goldberg stated that the land is there ;
they have done their financing , the 40 units complies with the
cluster regulations .
Mrs . Grigorov commented that it was obviously better to have
someone else taking care of the center portion , but she was not
sure whether it should be the Town . Mr . Lovi referred to a
comment that was made about there being a large amount of land
which anyone is free to walk on and noted that Mr . Klein had made
the point well that such an area would be seen as personal space ,
a common area for the owners only . Mr . Lovi stated that the
developers ' wanting to have the " park " in the middle provides a
very good amenity and bundling that amenity in with the project
would make it more competitive with other projects in the Town ,
Mr . Novarr stated that if that is what the Town thinks , that is
okay . Mr . Goldberg commented that it was fine with him also to
have a " parkland " deeded to an association as opposed to the
Town . Mr . Fabbroni stated that he thought he had said it clearly
that a park in the center is the most desirable were it to be a
Town park , adding that where it was previously designed to be
under the Hilker plan is not good , Mr . Fabbroni stated that if
it is the Board ' s wish not to have a park that is fine . Chairman
May commented that there would have to be some line of
demarcation , so to speak . Mrs . Langhans pointed out that it was
pretty clear in the case of the Eastern Heights Park that the
people see it as their private park , Mr . Fabbroni agreed that
the problem was certainly somewhat the same but , at the same
time , not similar , Mr . Fabbroni stated that the area that Mr .
Goldberg is talking about is the only area which would meet the
need that the Town has in the Eastern Heights area for soccer
for field sports . Mr . Fabbroni stated that field sports are out
Planning Board 8 February 21 , 1984
of the question with respect to the park designation on the
. earlier subdivision , emphasizing that there is a need , but noting
again that the topography is a mess up above . Mr . Fabbroni
reiterated that the center portion of the site under discussion
is the flattest part of the site . Chairman May pointed out to
Mr . Goldberg that he would have everyone coming to a public park ,
adding , for sake of conversation , that it could be a soccer
field , and asked Mr . Goldberg how that would affect the marketing
of the townhouses . Mr . Goldberg indicated that he had not
thought about that aspect . Mr . Klein questioned Mr . Goldberg as
to having planned on there being a homeowners ' association . Mr .
Goldberg stated that they did not plan to have a homeowners '
association prior to this evening ' s discussion . Mr . Klein
wondered if he had been planning to have a separate deed for the
house and garage . Mr . Goldberg replied , yes , with easements to
the garages . Chairman May commented that there sometimes are
problems with one person in a garage where one kid works on a car
in his garage half the night .
Mr . Reed stated that the possibility of a homeowners '
association exists but they do not want to have those surcharges
that are often a part of that concept , adding that those kinds of
maintenance fees take the project out of the range of persons who
can afford to live there . Mr . Reed stated that they want it
simple .
Mr . Klein spoke of the ownership of the garages as being a
good point of this potential project and wondered if the
developer had studied putting the garage as a part of the unit
where the definition of the lot line is , such that a person could
say - - this is my garage and my unit . Mr . Klein commented that
such an approach would also give a better back yard .
Mr . Stanton commented on how people who live near Belle
Sherman School tend to extend their property into the School
grounds . Mrs . Langhans mentioned that those living near
Northeast School do the same thing .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that if what is being talked about for
the " park " area is picnic tables and play areas , it should be
clear that from the Town ' s point of view there is no interest in
that , pointing out that the Town has 13 acres of park across the
street . Mr . Lovi suggested that the developer should keep in
mind , if the flat area is for active space , the question of
whether that compromises the marketing . Mr . Lovi stated that the
attitude of the Town with respect to an active site should be up
front .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that he wished to ask a couple of
questions at this point having to do with the reason he had
suggested to Mr . Goldberg that he come before the Board with his
proposal informally - - ( 1 ) whether the Board wants to consider
cluster development for this site ; ( 2 ) if the consensus is that
the Board does not want a park interior to this development , what
Planning Board 9 February 21 , 1984
• direction should the developer proceed , be it either some other
approach to park development or no park and , at the same time
adjust the site plan for a preliminary subdivision hearing to
reflect that direction ; ( 3 ) whether he should try to make the
lots a little bigger than 20 ' . Mr . Fabbroni stated that those
general things are what should come from this informal meeting so
that they can come in with a meaningful site plan and not just
another alternative .
Chairman May agreed that the Board should provide direction
for the developer and asked for the opinion of the Board as to
the cluster approach . Mrs . Grigorov indicated that the
clustering was something she approved of but she would like to
add that if the center area is the best place for an active park
it would be too bad to pass it up . Mr . Goldberg wondered about
the use of the area farther north as park and an open area under
the aegis of a homeowners ' association in the center .
Chairman May indicated that he felt the Board could respond
to the matter of clustering , to the number of units , and should
address to some extent the matter of the open space , however , the
developer needs to do work on that question also as to how he
would want to handle it . Chairman May asked for the Board ' s
feeling as far as the cluster concept goes . Mr . Stanton stated
that a 40 -unit clustered project is good as far as he is
concerned . Chairman May stated that he liked cluster himself
even though he did have trouble with the developer not utilizing
the solar energy aspect as fully as he would like to see . Mr .
Reed noted that the orientation of the project allows for the
east light in the morning with good light in the unit all day .
Mr . Reed stated that an east / west orientation is the best way to
site this project on this property , adding that they had many
discussions on this and noting that the project would have to be
turned 90 degrees for solar . It was the consensus of the Board
that the cluster approach was acceptable .
Chairman May asked for the Board ' s feeling on the number of
units being proposed - - 40 . It was noted that the number of
units had been reduced to 40 from the earlier discussion of 48
which is below the 3 . 5 units per acre permitted assuming that a
park area is not taken out . It was the consensus of the Board
that this was a resonable number of units with which the Board
had no problem .
Chairman May asked for the Board ' s feeling as to the open
space . Mr . Goldberg stated that the Board ' s discussion on this
aspect has opened his eyes to problems and that the problems the
Board noted are his concerns now . Mr . Goldberg stated that he
really did not want a soccer field there either . Mr . Goldberg
stated that he has no problem with that area run by a homeowner ' s
association with whatever legalities , etc . , there need be ,
however , they need direction as to how much park the Board wants .
Mr . Goldberg stated that they are obligated to 2 . 2 acres and
asked if the Board wanted that or does it want more . Chairman
f
r
Planning Board 10 February 21 , 1984
May stated that Mr . Goldberg needed to address how he is going to
handle the back yards , adding that the Board would like as much
parkland as makes sense .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that it appears that the Board does not
want a public park in the middle and if that is , indeed , the
case , then staff can work on a usable area which could be their
recommendation to the Board and the developer as to open space .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that it is important to come out of here
tonight knowing that the Board does not want a public park in the
middle . Chairman May and Mrs . Grigorov indicated that they were
not sure the Board said that , noting that the gradients are most
desirable there . Mr . Klein wondered if the Board must take a
park , pointing out that it has the right to take land but it can
take money in lieu of parkland as long as that money goes into
the park fund . Mr . Fabbroni noted a very recent court decision
which would appear to indicate that a municipality can require
the setting aside of open space but cannot require it being
deeded to the municipality . The Secretary reminded the Chair
that it has been the practice of the Town to have homeowners '
association agreements reviewed by the Town Attorney and
presented to the Town Board for its approval . Mr . Reed stated
that an agreement could also be dealt with within the deed .
Messrs . Goldberg , Novarr , and Reed thanked the Board and Mr .
Fabbroni for its time and consideration and indicated that they
would be returning in the near future .
NON -AGENDA ITEM PRESENTATION BY WALTER J . WIGGINS , ESQ . WITH
RESPECT TO CHANGE IN THE SITE PLAN FOR PROPOSED COUNTRY INN
DEVELOPMENT AT 1152 DANBY ROAD ADJACENT TO EXISTING L ' AUBERGE DU
COCHON ROUGE ,
Mr . Wiggins appeared before the Board and thanked the
members for allowing him to be included in the Agenda . Mr .
Wiggins stated that he was somewhat embarrassed by the situation
facing him , however , he did appreciate being able to discuss the
matter with the Board immediately . Mr . Wiggins stated that when
he and his architect started into the final drawings and when
they had the property surveyed he realized that he had completely
forgotten about a parcel of land which he had conveyed to his
daughter , the unfortunate part being that three - quarters of the
proposed Chateau was on that parcel - - his daughter ' s land and
she lives in Tahiti . Mr . Wiggins stated that he contacted his
daughter and she made it quite clear that she does not want The
Chateau on her land . Mr . Wiggins appended to the bulletin board
the site plan , dated February 1 , 1984 which the Board had
reviewed at its February 7th meeting , together with the revised
site plan dated February 21 , 1984 , and also the survey dated
February 8 , 1984 as prepared by George C . Schlecht , L . P . E . ,
L . L . S .
Indicating on the maps and commenting on necessity being the
mother of invention , Mr . Wiggins stated that a new configuration
• . Planning Board 11 February 21 , 1984
for The Chateau had been drawn . Mr . Wiggins noted that the
project has been squeezed down and stated that it is actually
better for everyone . Mr . Wiggins pointed out that The Chateau is
now farther away from two residences and the acreage involved is
17 . 9 rather than 20 . 4 . Mr . Wiggins briefly described the new
configuration of The Chateau , noting a center portion slightly
separated from each of the two legs . Mr . Wiggins indicated on
the drawing certain revised access ways , pathways , and parking .
Mr . Wiggins indicated a more appropriate placement of the pool
and pointed out the open tennis court . Mr . Wiggins asked if the
Board had any questions .
Chairman May commented that the removing of the land owned
by Mr . Wiggins ' daughter from the area under consideration opened
up that land to development . Mr . Wiggins responded that he
supposed that was true , however , he had no qualms with getting
restrictions . Mr . Klein noted that Phase 1 of The Chateau
appears to be about 40 feet from the lot line of Mr . Wiggins '
daughter ' s parcel . Mr . Wiggins , indicating on the new drawing ,
stated that he was quite happy to have a certain area of the land
he had conveyed to his daughter restricted .
Mr . Stanton , Mrs . Schultz , and Mrs . Grigorov indicated that
they had no problem with the revisions presented by Mr . Wiggins .
Mr . Wiggins stated that he will represent to the Board that
his daughter has no interest in developing this land , adding that
she does not want it to be developed and is happy to have The
Chateau farther away . Mr . Wiggins commented again on the three
separated parts of The Chateau , separated and yet connected , and
noted that the number of units is still 80 .
Mr . Stanton stated that he rather liked the new plan . Mr .
Klein agreed , commenting that there is better advantage taken of
the views with this approach . Mr . Lovi stated that , also , there
is an improvement in the way the parking is integrated into the
site , commenting that , with the previous plan , one had to cross
over the " street " .
Mr . Lovi pointed out that previously 20 . 4 acres had been
included in the multiple residence zone and stated that the Town
Attorney will probably request modifying the zone to Mr . Wiggins '
actual parcel . Mr . Wiggins responded , yes . Mr . Lovi noted again
that the architect had drawn the footprint of the tennis court
and that it was shown as an open , two - court , tennis court .
It was the clear consensus of the Board that the members had
no problem with the drawing dated February 21 , 1984 and that Mr .
Wiggins should proceed . Mr . Wiggins thanked the Board ,
explaining that he wanted to bring this matter right in because
he did not want to appear before the Board for Site Plan Approval
and suddenly have them looking at a different building . Chairman
May asked that Mr . Wiggins show on the final site the landscaping
f . Planning Board 12 February 21 , 1984
. plan . Mr . Wiggins noted the " tree legend " on the drawing before
the Board .
Mr . Lovi stated that , in order for the Board ' s feelings on
this revised layout to be clear , he would appreciate the Board ' s
considering the following statement which he would be presenting
to the Town Supervisor , being that the Planning Board members
agreed that the site plan drawing dated February 21 , 1984 , as
presented by Mr . Wiggins , has the same elements and attributes as
had been previously accepted by the Planning Board , arranged in a
slightly different order . Each of the Board members present
individually stated that he or she had no disagreement with Mr .
Lovi ' s statement .
At this point , Chairman May stated that he wished to speak
with the Board members with respect to the Town Board Resolution
adopted on February 13th having to do with Mr . Wiggins ' rezoning
request . Chairman May noted that each Board member had received
a copy of this Resolution prior to tonight ' s meeting and , he
assumed , reviewed it . The Board indicated that they were
familiar with the Resolution and it appeared to be in order . The
members noted that the Resolution calls for the drafting of a
Local Law to be approved by the Town Board as an amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance to establish the Multiple Residence District ,
Chairman May pointed out that Section 3 , on page 3 , of the
Resolution states " The Chairman of the Planning Board shall
review this resoltuion and submit any comments , after discussion
with the Planning Board , to the Supervisor and the Town
Attorney . " The Board members discussed the Resolution with the
Chairman and the following statement of consensus was stated by
Chairman May . " With respect to the Resolution adopted by the
Town Board on February 13 , 1984 , in the matter of the rezoning
from Residence District R30 to Multiple Residence District , the
Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed said Resolution ,
discussed it at its meeting of February 21 , 1984 , and indicated
to the Chairman of the Planning Board that he may inform the
Supervisor and the Town Attorney that the Planning Board has no
problem with said Resolution as submitted for their comment . "
WORKING REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AND ZONING ORDINANCE .
It being 9 : 25 p . m . , Chairman May suggested that the
above - noted Agenda Item be postponed . Chairman May urged that
these matters be taken up in the very near future and agreed with
Mrs . Grigorov that they be placed first on the Agenda .
ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , Chairman May declared the February 21 , 1984
meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at
9 : 30 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary ,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board .