HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1985-02-05 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
FEBRUARY 5 , 1985
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , February 5 , 1985 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ,
Ithaca , New York , at 7 : 00 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May , Barbara Schultz , Carolyn Grigorov ,
Edward Mazza , Virginia Langhans , David Klein , Bernard
Stanton , Lawrence P . Fabbroni ( Town Engineer ) , Peter M . Lovi
( Town Planner ) , Nancy M . Fuller ( Secretary ) .
ALSO PRESENT : Town Councilwoman Gloria Howell , Eleanor Sturgeon , Ralph
R . Varn , Richard C . Varn , Richard J . Correnti , Mark Van
Summern , Robert S . Wordell , Mario Giannella , Larry
Rosenberg , Betsy Crane , Carolyn Peterson , Jerold
Weisburd , Claudia Weisburd , Arnold Albrecht , Robert R .
Flumerfelt , William P . Grover , Dell L . Grover , James
Iacovelli , Roger M . Battistella , Raymond Delli -Carpini ,
Jim McKinley , William C . Reed , James Forman ( WHCU News ) ,
Darryl Geddes ( WTKO News ) , Deborah Gesensway ( Ithaca
Journal ) .
EXECUTIVE SESSION
• Chairman May declared an executive session of the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board duly opened at 7 : 00 p . m . A personnel matter was
entirely discussed and no action of any kind was taken by the Planning
Board .
Chairman May declared the executive session duly closed at 7 : 29
p . m . Mr . Stanton was not present for the Executive Session ,
COMMENCEMENT OF REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
At 7 : 30 p . m . , Chairman May declared the February 5 , 1985 meeting
of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly opened and accepted for the
record the Clerk ' s Affidavit of Posting and Publication of the Notice
of Public Hearings ( 3 ) , in Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on January
28 , 1985 and January 31 , 1985 , respectively . Mr . Stanton arrived .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING DETAILS FOR
THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN APPROVED JANUARY 15 , 1985 FOR A 22 - LOT
SUBDIVISION IN THE VICINITY OF DOVE DRIVE , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL
NO . 6 - 61 - 1 - 8 . 12 , RALPH VARN , DEVELOPER .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted matter
duly opened at 7 : 30 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of Public
Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
The Board members had before them all relevant drawings and
documentation with respect to the Hungerford Heights Final Subdivision
Jiq
Planning Board 2 February 5 , 1985
Plat Plan , Water , Sewer , and Highway Plan and Profiles ; Engineering
• Details - - all showing revision date of January 26 , 1985 , together with
a letter from Ralph R . Varn , dated January 31 , 1985 to Robert R .
Flumerfelt , P . E . , Assistant Town Engineer responding to Mr .
Flumerfelt ' s review comments dated January 25 , 1985 .
Chairman May noted that there was no change in the Subdivision
Plan , no change in the layout , however , there were some minor
additional engineering details and the Engineer of Record was changed .
Chairman May noted the final revision date of January 26 , 1985 .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that he would like to declare , for the record ,
his conflict of interest .
Chairman May asked if there were anyone present who wished to
speak to the matter of the Varn Subdivision . No one spoke . Chairman
May closed the Public Hearing at 7 : 33 p . m .
Chairman May asked if there were any comments from the Board
members . There were none .
MOTION by Mr . Montgomery May , seconded by Mr . Edward Mazza :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board accept and hereby
does accept the three new drawings with respect to the Hungerford
Heights Subdivision with revision date of January 26 , 1985 , to wit :
Hungerford Heights - Final Subdivision Plat ; Hungerford Heights
Water , Sewer , & Highway Plan and Profiles ; Hungerford Heights
Engineering Details .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Schultz , Grigorov , Mazza , Langhans , Klein , Stanton .
Nay - None ,
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Mr . Larry Rosenberg , 38 Dove Drive , and Mr . Mario Giannella , 6
Dove Drive , spoke from the floor and asked what had been changed with
respect to the Varn Subdivision , Chairman May explained that there
were no changes in the subdivision plans ; there were no changes in the
lots ; there were some additional manholes described on the engineering
details . Chairman May stated that this approval just makes the record
complete .
Chairman May declared the matter of the Varn Subdivision ,
Hungerford Heights , duly closed .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 15 , 1985
Postponed until the next regular meeting [March 5 , 1985 ] .
STAFF REPORT - Peter M . Lovi
Planning Board 3 February 5 , 1985
• Mr . Lovi stated that the question he has for the Board is that
most of what he has to report on he has decided to bring before the
Board in informal discussions , either now or later - - ( 1 ) Robert Drake ,
with a minor subdivision of some lands off Woodgate Lane , is planning
to come before the Board at its next meeting , and he would like to
schedule a public hearing for him to do that . Mr . Lovi stated that he
had suggested a single map and he would bring it before the Board and ,
if that were okay , he would schedule the hearing . Mr . Lovi asked , if
it was not okay and the Board wanted additional information , that the
Board , please , tell him . Mr . Lovi proceeded to show the Board the map
which , he noted , was made up of two surveys dated January 25 , 1985 ,
entitled " Part of Lands of Robert Drake - Off Woodgate Lane " , prepared
by K . A . Baker L . S . Mr . Lovi indicated two stubs of proposed roads , one
of which extended Woodgate Lane , Mr . Lovi explained which parcel Mr .
Drake wished to subdivide from which parcel and , indicating on the
survey , pointed out which piece was attached to the neighboring
property and the piece that was going to be given to Mr . Drake ' s
brother as a gift ,
Mrs . Langhans wondered what was in the middle of all this land .
Mr . Lovi responded , nothing , adding that it may be further subdivided
way in the future . Chairman May asked if there were any structures on
the property , to which Mr . Lovi responded , no , adding that it is just a
minor subdivision of land which Mr . Drake was going to give to his
brother . Mr . Mazza wondered if Mr . Drake were actually going to extend
the road , with Mr . Lovi responding , yes , and indicating on the survey
• the two points from which the road was to be extended . Chairman May
wondered if the roads would be dedicated to the Town eventually . Mr .
Lovi responded , eventually , adding that when he spoke to Mr . Drake he
understood that the road would be built to Town specifications ,
however , he would make it a point to confirm that again . Mrs . Schultz
wondered how big the parcels would end up being . Mr . Lovi stated that
the one parcel would have 170 feet of frontage and extend back to a
point ; the other parcel which is going to his brother is two acres .
Mr . Lovi stated that this land is probably zoned Agricultural . Mr .
Fabbroni stated that it was and proceeded to describe the background of
the area . Mr . Klein asked if the lot with the 170 ' frontage complied
with Health Department standards . Mr . Lovi pointed out that the lot
with the 170 - foot frontage would be attached to another lot . Mr . Lovi
noted that the Subdivision Regulations are quite precise in what is
required , however , the Planning Board can waive some of them . Mr . Lovi
stated that , if it is the Board ' s pleasure , he could say to Mr . Drake ,
here are the Town Subdivision Regulations , give us all of this ,
however , he was not sure this was appropriate in this case . Mrs .
Grigorov wondered how many units were being considered . Mr . Lovi
explained that Mr . Drake is not building anything ; he is giving a
two - acre piece of land to his brother . Chairman May he
that Mr .
Lovi and the Board might want to take a look up there . Mr . Lovi stated
that Mr . Drake has completed a Short EAF which he will review prior to
the February 19th meeting .
• BUILDING INSPECTOR ' S REPORT - Lewis D . Cartee
The Secretary distributed Mr . Cartee ' s Report of Building Permits
Issued for the month of January 1985 which showed that 5 permits were
Planning Board 4 February 5 , 1985
• issued for $ 323 , 823 . 67 in improvements , as compared with January of
1984 when 4 permits were issued for $ 9 , 400 . 00 in improvements .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR AN
EXTENSION TO THE ITHACA COLLEGE EGBERT UNION . DOUGLAS HOFFMANN ,
ARCHITECT .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted matter
duly opened at 8 : 00 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of Public
Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Mr . Richard J .
Correnti of Ithaca College , Mr . Mark Van Summern , Architect , and Mr .
Robert S . Wordell , Site Planning Engineer , were present . Mr . Van
Summern stated that he was with the firm of Van Summern and Weigold ,
Architects & Planners , and noted that Mr . Hoffmann , Architect , of
Chandler Cudlipp Associates Inc . , was unable to attend , so he would be
speaking to that aspect of the project . [ The record contains a seven
sheet set of drawings , all entitled , " Additions & Renovations to Egbert
Union , Ithaca College , Ithaca , New York " , and including - - Campus
Master Plan , L - 1 ; Layout Plan , L - 2 ; Grading and Drainage , L - 3 ; Planting
Plan , L - 4 ; North Elevations ; East and West Elevations ; South
Elevation ; all undated . ]
Mr . Van Summern appended a very large colored drawing entitled
" Site Plan " [ Egbert Union ] to the bulletin board and oriented the Board
to the project under discussion . Mr . Van Summern pointed out that the
addition to Egbert Union is on the north side of the existing Union ,
• both adjacent to it and connected to it . Utilizing the very large
colored drawing , Mr . Van Summern pointed out the connecting link via ,
what he termed , an arcade , to the Muller Faculty Center which connects
beneath grade to the new bookstore facility . Mr . Van Summern
described , in addition , some renovations to the existing parking area ,
new landscaping , and also a three -bay loading dock for trucks and
service vehicles , noting that they now have two bays . Mr . Van Summern
pointed out that the new addition itself provides a new entrance way at
grade to the building and directly to student functions . Mr . Van
Summern described the multi -purpose aspects of the new Egbert Union ,
pointing out student activities areas which also could be used by
outside groups , and noting the area which doubles as classroom space
which , he commented , they are sorely in need of . Mr . Van Summern
described how the architects have linked both the existing Union with
the " new " Union and with the existing Campus , and showed the present
linkage and the completing of the whole arcade . Mr . Van Summern
described certain renovations in some detail , noting in particular the
new central entry which , he described , as being a little more handsome
than at present . Mr . Van Summern described the interior access into
the arcade and some of the materials being used . Mr . Van Summern
stated that the addition is two and one - half stories and pointed out
that that height is just about the height of the underneath side of the
existing Union . Mr . Van Summern described how the expansion is in
keeping with the concepts and materials around the Ithaca College
Campus , and commented on how the Muller Faculty Center idea is carried
• through , noting the use of the aggregate wall panel system . Mr . Van
Summern spoke of the beautiful view toward Cayuga Lake , to the north ,
and pointed out the viewing area . Mr . Van Summern noted the way in
Planning Board 5 February 5 , 1985
• which this section of the Campus Quad is completed through this design .
Mr . Van Summern stated that , at this point , Mr . Robert Wordell of
Albertson Sharp Ewing Inc . , Landscape Architects and Engineers , would
like to speak about materials and plantings .
Mr . Wordell stated that one of the important things they had to
think about was that they were trying to put a facility into an already
developed part of the Ithaca College Campus , thus , they had to
integrate with what was there . In this connection , and also utilizing
the large drawing on the bulletin board , Mr . Wordell pointed out the
existing parking lot , noting that it was being reduced by about 12
parking spaces . Mr . Wordell described how they were trying to define a
specific parking area , and noted that it is quite busy and is presently
accommodating two - bays requiring truck stacking . Mr . Wordell described
improvements in the loading dock area . Mr . Wordell indicated several
places where access is to be provided for handicapped persons . Mr .
Wordell pointed out a multi - purpose exterior meeting area and commented
on the southwest exposure . Mr . Wordell pointed out how the design
showed off the new coffee house and pub and described the new outside
terrace . Mr . Wordell stated that they tried to preserve as many
plantings as possible in order to support the strengths of the present
landscaping and pointed out , particularly , that certain evergreens will
be maintained . Mr . Wordell stated that existing landscaping will be
reinforced with other evergreens and flowering shrubs and trees ,
indicating where , on the " mall " , there will be an additional layer of
trees . With respect to lighting , Mr . Wordell stated that , overall ,
they have tried to light the new development the same as the rest of
the Campus and described the proposed light poles about 12 ' high ,
pointing out that there would be some increased lighting where there is
increased activity . Mr . Wordell described bollard lights about 4 ' high
in the " drop - off " area for the busses . Mr . Wordell commented that the
parking area could be used in the off - school times for special
functions .
Chairman May thanked the gentlemen for an excellent presentation
and asked if there were any questions from the public about the Ithaca
College plans for the expansion of the Egbert Union . No one spoke .
Chairman May closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 15 p . m . , and asked for
comments from the Planning Board members .
Mr . Mazza wondered what the arcade was going to be made out of .
Mr . Van Summern pointed out on a large elevation drawing where the
arcade was located and , noting a difference in grade height of about
12 ' or so , described how they had taken advantage of a natural bank .
Mr . Van Summern described the brick side wall , a sloped metal roof with
a glass facade on it , and showed how the added metal roof areas would
carry through the ideas of the existing building into the new building .
Mr . Van Summern indicated and described a 10 - foot corridor of space
with a glass curtain wall made of 1 " insulated solar bronze glass and
described , also , the view into a lower courtyard below .
• Mr . Stanton wondered if there were direct access to the bookstore .
Mr . Van Summern stated that there was and proceeded to indicate access
in two places . Councilwoman Howell commented that it will not be
Planning Board 6 February 5 , 1985
noticeable from the ground . Mr . Van Summern responded , no , not from
above , but from below it will look like a one - story building .
Chairman May asked where the Town staff stood at this point . Mr .
Lovi stated that both Mr . Flumerfelt and he have gone over the plans
and found them complete and have no questions . Mr . Lovi pointed out
that the Environmental Review has been done by the Dormitory Authority ,
Mr . Lovi stated that he had no questions .
Mr . Mazza asked about access for fire trucks , emergency vehicles ,
etc . Both Mr . Van Summern and Mr . Wordell described three accesses for
emergency vehicles and noted that they have been passed by Code . Mr .
Fabbroni , commenting that he was just curious , asked if there was any
way to camouflage the loading dock . Mr . Wordell commented that the
College was asking the same question and explained the circumstances
which led to what he termed the compromise shown on the plans because
buildings and grounds wanted a straight run and the administrators
wanted it hidden .
The Board members indicated that they felt very comfortable with
the proposed plans for the expansion of the Ithaca College Egbert Union
and could not foresee a need for any further information .
MOTION by Mr . Bernard Stanton , seconded by Mrs . Carolyn Grigorov :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board grant and hereby
does grant Preliminary Site Plan Approval for the proposed additions
and renovations to Egbert Union , located upon the Campus of Ithaca
College , as shown on plans and detail drawings presented by the
Architects , Chandler Cudlipp Associates Inc . and Van Summern and
Weigold , and the Landscape Architects / Engineers , Albertson Sharp Ewing
Inc . , at Public Hearing , this date , February 5 , 1985 , and
FURTHER RESOLVED , that said Planning Board waive and hereby does
waive Final Site Plan Approval .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Schultz , Grigorov , Mazza , Langhans , Klein , Stanton .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of Site Plan Approval for the
additions and renovations to Egbert Union on the Ithaca College Campus
duly closed . Messrs . Correnti , Van Summern , and Wordell thanked the
Board members for their time and consideration . The Planning Board
congratulated the College for a job well done and wished everyone good
luck .
INFORMATIONAL DISCUSSION IN RE FOREST HOME DRIVE
Mr . Stanton suggested , since the Agenda was running a little
early , that it might be useful , since a member of the Town Board was
present , for the Planning Board to know the position of the Town at
Planning Board 7 February 5 , 1985
• this point with respect to the matter of the opening , or the closing ,
of Forest Home Drive . Speaking to Mr . Fabbroni about the meeting which
he had read about in the Ithaca Journal , Mr . Stanton asked if he were
correct in thinking that there will be another meeting in the near
future . Mr . Fabbroni responded , yes , February 14th , and added that
Frank Liguori , Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , is pretty much
the spokesman for what went on . Mr . Fabbroni commented that an attempt
is being made to resolve what is wrong with the road and to delineate
options to keeping it in service - - if there are any options . Mr .
Fabbroni commented further , that what Mr . Stanton saw in the paper was
what came of a Town Board meeting where they resolved to pursue keeping
the road open on behalf of the townspeople . Mr . Fabbroni stated that
he reported to the Town Board , through the use of the Town video
equipment , on a walking tour of the area . Chairman May noted that the
Planning Board has not commented , and , asking that he be corrected if
he were wrong , offered that the Planning Board feels it in the best
interest of the Town to keep it open . No one corrected Chairman May .
Mrs . Langhans stated that Supervisor Desch was on the radio and said
that it was to Cornell ' s benefit to have it open because of undeveloped
land in the area . Mr . Klein added that Supervisor Desch had also
stated that he understood why the City does not want to pay for it .
Mr . Fabbroni spoke of about 1 , 000 feet of road , commenting that it was
not surveyed , and briefly described the part totally closed and the
one -way part .
SIX MILE CREEK OVERSEER COMMITTEE - Peter M . Lovi
Mr . Lovi stated that he would like to speak briefly on the most
recent , yesterday evening , meeting of the Six Mile Creek Overseer
Committee to which he is the Town ' s liaison . Mr . Lovi stated that the
Committee is developing a master map for the Six Mile Creek Watershed
area which will show existing cultural features including trails , " new "
trails in the near - term , and trails to be eventually constructed , as
well as engineering features - - water mains , lines , valves , etc . Mr .
Lovi stated that this map will also show adjacent properties owned by
the City and , maybe , plans to acquire adjacent lands . Mr . Lovi stated
that there was more discussion of some other things which have been
discussed for some time , such as conservation easements as being a
possibility short of full acquisition . Mr . Lovi stated that he would
keep the Planning Board and the Town Board fully apprised .
PRESENTATION TO TOWN OF ITHACA OF SUSAN C . BEENERS ' MASTER OF LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE THESIS , TO BE FILED IN THE TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT
LIBRARY .
The Secretary introduced Ms . Beeners who graciously dedicated a
bound copy of her Master ' s Thesis entitled , " Utica Valley Urban
Cultural Park " to the Town of Ithaca . Ms . Beeners thanked her
colleagues connected with the Town of Ithaca for their support and
encouragement while she was writing her Thesis . Ms . Beeners briefly
described the contents of her thesis , noting that it presented a
. comprehensive land use plan for Utica Valley , the five hundred acre
Mohawk River flood plain within the City of Utica , and a site
development plan for the ninety acres within the Valley which surround
Utica Harbor east of the Mohawk River and
Planning Board 8 February 5 , 1985
• west of North Genesee Street , Ms . Beeners noted that she chose Utica
Valley for the study because its diversity of site circulation offered
an opportunity to apply the concept of movement systems at different
scales of urban design , from land use planning for the entire Valley ,
to design of urban cultural interpretive areas around Utica Harbor .
Chairman May and the members of the Board congratulated Ms .
Beeners on her achievement and expressed their appreciation for her
presenting a copy of her Thesis to the Town , stating that it would be a
very fine addition to the Town Planning Library .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE FINAL SUBDIVISION
PLAN FOR A 124 - UNIT CLUSTERED SUBDIVISION AT 1459 SLATERVILLE ROAD .
TAX MAP NUMBER 58 . 1 , JEROLD WEISBURD , ARCHITECT / DEVELOPER .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted matter
duly opened at 8 : 30 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of Public
Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Mr . Weisburd was
present .
Mr . Weisburd appended a large copy of the " original " final
subdivision plan as approved and stated that he would use that map to
key the Board in from that point . Mr . Weisburd stated that what they
are suggesting is that three units from " Round Rock " [ indicating ] would
be " moved " to " The Meadows " [ indicating ] and one unit from " The Pines "
[ indicating ] , which was omitted because of site restrictions , also
• would be " moved " to " The Meadows " . Mr . Weisburd pointed out that
" Round Rock " was approved to have nine units and the road was to come
straight down , but , after lengthy discussions with the NYS DOT and as
the road was required to be built , and the sewer line also , it is clear
that it is a very tight area . Mr . Weisburd commented that right now
with the road in place , as one comes in , it is sort of nice and " this "
[ indicating ] area is sort of open , however , if " Round Rock " were to be
built as approved it would be very tight .
Mr . Weisburd stated that he would like to comment on one issue
that came up at the informal meeting on this last month [ See Minutes ,
Planning Board , January 15 , 1985 ] , being the matter of density and what
they were doing . Mr . Weisburd stated that he had drawn up something in
order to illustrate the density as it exists in the approved plan and
then he drew an area around all of the buildings , which is the real
density , commenting that , obviously , you cannot consider cluster lines
because that figure is an arbitrary figure . Mr . Weisburd appended this
drawing to the bulletin board and indicating upon it , he described the
" movement " of units from " Round Rock " and " The Pines " to " The Meadows "
and within the " The Meadows " itself . Mr . Weisburd noted that there
will be 19 units in " The Meadows " and six in " Round Rock " . Mr .
Weisburd displayed the revised plan , noting that this is what he had
shown the Board earlier .
Chairman May commented to Mr . Weisburd that he was sort of
• centering the six units in " Round Rock " . Mr . Weisburd agreed and
proceeded to describe the existing transformer pad which they cannot
Planning Board 9 February 5 , 1985
build on and also pointed out the sewer line , and stated that he wanted
to leave as much open as he possibly can by the turn - around .
Mr . Stanton wondered if those six units would have a carport . Mr .
Weisburd pointed out that his plan showed six carports and stated that
that is an option . Mr . Weisburd stated that he suspected that only
three will be sold . Mr . Lovi commented that the plan showed quite a
bit of parking . Mr . Weisburd showed where they have had parking and
described the history of the parking in the development area . Mr .
Weisburd stated that he was trying to keep out of an area where it is
tight . Chairman May commented that he thought Mr . Weisburd was saying
that if he did not have a carport , he would have parking there . Mr .
Lovi pointed out that Mr . Weisburd does have other kinds of parking for
that phase .
Mr . Weisburd stated that he has heard from DOT in connection with
their Route 79 improvement and , noting that some land will be taken
out , indicated where - - up by the drainage ditch . Mr . Weisburd
described a piece of his property about 20 ' x 20 ' and the drainage
ditch involved and an outright easement to the State . Mr . Weisburd
stated that he wanted to bring this up to the Planning Board also this
evening because it is an alteration to the amount of land in the
subdivision . Mr . Weisburd stated that he did not think it would be a
problem but , in any event , he has no choice . Mr . Weisburd presented a
small 8z " x 11 " drawing showing what would be taking place in
connection with the State improvement of Route 79 . Chairman May stated
• that he agreed there was really no choice , commenting that they are
taking land away from him too . Mr . Weisburd stated that , in essence ,
it does not really affect anything but , technically , it is a reduction
in their land and should come up before the Planning Board . Mr .
Weisburd stated that . 015 acres of land is involved .
Mr . Fabbroni asked how the access drive off the north end of the
parking lot was going to be treated . Mr . Weisburd explained ,
indicating on the plan , that all the parking would be in a certain spot
and access would be from the parking lots . Mr . Weisburd described a
path that goes in front of the buildings which is wide enough for a van
for , say , moving furniture . Mr . Weisburd stated that he would keep it
looking like a path , but it would be solid enough for a small truck .
Mr . Weisburd described a screen from the main entrance road . Mr .
Stanton wondered about access and Mr . Weisburd described same by
pointing out and indicating on the plan . Mr . Klein commented that it
struck him as " different " to go to six units there in " Round Rock . "
Mr . Weisburd described how he felt about this structure in
architectural terms . Mr . Weisburd commented that a change in design
did not make him feel uncomfortable .
Chairman May commented that he thought Mr . Weisburd was actually
changing his design in the lower area , " The Meadows " , because of the
slope of the land . Mr . Weisburd responded that that was really not the
reason , adding that the reason is quite complicated . Mr . Weisburd
• listed his reasons , stating - - ( 1 ) it is nice to change ; ( 2 ) new
technologies ; ( 3 ) a certain amount of assumptions which turned out to
Planning Board 10 February. 5 , 1985
be expensive , not that this is not expensive , because the units will be
more expensive ; ( 4 ) market faith .
Chairman May asked if there were any comments from the public .
Mrs . Carolyn Peterson , 110 Dey Street , City of Ithaca , spoke from
the floor and stated she has concerns about building in the area of the
watershed , she always has had concerns and still has concerns . Mrs .
Peterson stated that she was rather dismayed that the Planning Board
was considering building there close to the border of the watershed .
Mrs . Peterson stated that she was Chairman of the Six Mile Creek
Oversee Committee and it is their hope to use the area as an
undeveloped area for recreation of a very passive kind . Mrs . Peterson
asked Mr . Weisburd why he chose that area rather than centering it ,
adding that she was also concerned about soils and drainage . Mr .
Weisburd responded that , for one thing , they are simply balancing out
what they are doing in " this " phase [ indicating ] . Mr . Weisburd stated
that this part of the development is a year or two away and is keeping
the numbers the same . Mr . Weisburd stated that they did not find that
there was any reason not to put them in that area of " The Meadows " ,
and , in fact , as to the question about erosion and landslides that was
an issue in the original approval meetings , the answer is not evident
on these drawings but was shown at the last meeting . Mr . Weisburd
described the " new " design and spoke of " grid beam " and pylons , adding
that , in terms of net loss of permeable area , it is almost zero , adding
that roof water goes over ground , so the net effect in terms of run
• off , in terms of reducing it , is almost zero . Mr . Weisburd stated that
he did not feel that the area is particularly fragile and sets up a
reason not to have these units there . Mr . Weisburd commented that it
seemed to him , as an architect , like a very nice idea to have that
double row as a sort of urban streetscape , adding that the recreational
space is also nearby and the community center and the pond .
Chairman May commented that this " new " building in " The Meadows "
is a little farther away from the property line . Mr . Weisburd stated
that that was correct , adding that , also , that was the side that drains
directly into the pond . Pointing to the drawing , Mr . Weisburd stated
that the space between " this " building and " that " building is a ridge .
Mr . Klein wondered how far away from the property line the closest
building was , to which Mr . Weisburd responded , about 451 , adding that
it has to be 30 feet in any case as required by the Subdivision
Regulations .
Chairman May asked if there were any other questions .
Mrs . Peterson stated that she would prefer , of course , that that
urban environment be created in another area and not impact on that
area .
Chairman May asked if there were any more questions from the
public . No one spoke . Chairman May closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 50
• p . m . , and asked that the Board turn to the matter of the Short EAF
which the Board members had before them and which had been signed and
submitted by Claudia Weisburd for House Craft Builders , under date of
Planning Board 11 February 5 , 1985
• 2 / 5 / 85 . Chairman May noted that all questions had been answered in the
negative and the Town Planner , Mr . Lovi , had reviewed the submittals
and recommended as follows : " As this project has already been
extensively reviewed at the time of the original subdivision approval
and there are no changes to the density , number of units , or other
environmental factors , I recommend a declaration of negative
significance . " Chairman May asked if there were any questions , or
comments , or disagreements . There were none .
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mrs . Barbara
Schultz :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , acting as lead
agency in the review of the proposed amendment to the Final Subdivision
Plan of Commonland Community approve and hereby does approve the Short
Environmental Assessment Form as completed , and
FURTHER RESOLVED , that pursuant to the State Environmental Quality
Review Act , Part 617 , this action is classified as Unlisted , and
FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has
determined from the Environmental Assessment Form and all pertinent
information that the above -mentioned action will not significantly
impact the environment and , therefore , will not require further
environmental review .
• There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Schultz , Grigorov , Langhans , Klein , Stanton .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Mazza .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May asked that the Board return to its consideration of
the proposed amendments to the Final Subdivision Plan ,
Mr . Stanton stated that he thought the proposed movement from nine
units to six units in " Round Rock " is a step in the right direction and
it is an improvement from the whole project ' s perspective to reduce the
density in " Round Rock " .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that , as far as the site plan goes , the
original set of documents detail the grading plan which we have seen to
date has proved itself out in every single respect , so there is reason
to believe that , as long as these additional four buildings are worked
according to that grading plan , we would have no problems . Mr .
Fabbroni pointed out that the pond is built and it functions , adding
that it gives a good view of how our presumptions and assumptions have
worked out . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Town is just as sensitive as
the City , and commented that that bank needs stabilization in and of
• itself to stop what is going on in the gorge . Mr . Fabbroni commented
on what he termed , the wash - out , noting that , as was said when
Commonland was approved , 250 ' to 300 ' from these buildings , southwest
of these buildings , the bank at the angle of repose it has needs some
Planning Board 12 February 5 , 1985
things done . Mr . Fabbroni suggested that the bank could be riprapped
and , so , stop the rate at which it is seeking its own angle again .
MOTION by Mrs . Barbara Schultz , seconded by Mr . Bernard Stanton .
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approve and
hereby does approve Amendments to the Final Subdivision Plan of
Commonland Community , 124 units , clustered , as presented at Public
Hearing , this date , February 5 , 1985 , by Jerold Weisburd ,
architect / developer , House Craft Builders , Inc . , and as shown on
Drawing No . 5 - R , entitled Commonland Community Phase - III , dated
1 / 29 / 85 , rev . 2 / 5 / 85 , stamped and sealed by Jerold M . Weisburd ,
Registered Architect .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Schultz , Grigorov , Langhans , Klein , Stanton .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Mazza .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of the amendments to the
Commonland Community Final Subdivision Plan duly closed at 9 : 00 p . m .
INFORMAL DISCUSSION : RAY DELLI -CARPINI - CONCERNING PLANNING BOARD
REQUIREMENTS FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW AND A RECOMMENDATION TO THE ZONING
BOARD OF APPEALS IN RE A CHURCH ON PINE TREE ROAD ,
Mr . Lovi stated that he had asked Mr . Delli - Carpini to come before
the Board this evening to , again , look at a survey on which he has
supplied certain information , so that its sufficiency can be determined
in order for the Board to make a recommendation to the Zoning Board of
Appeals . Mr . Lovi noted that , although not a scale drawing , Mr .
Delli - Carpini has shown on the survey , which he had enlarged ,
additional measurements , has indicated the parking , where he would
propose to put a sign , the length of the driveway , the size of the
garage in question , an enclosed garbage shed with dimensions given , and
a security light . Mr . Lovi asked if there is any information in
addition to what the Board has here that it would like for a final site
plan , please make it known at this time .
Chairman May referred to the survey map with the information
written on by Mr . Delli -Carpini , and stated that the Board needed to
understand the garage a little better , adding that there are several
lines marked on the drawing and asking for clarification from Mr .
Delli -Carpini , Mr . Delli - Carpini indicated on the drawing what the
various items were , noting , among other things , the former three - bay
garage about which he stated that they have removed one wall and also
that the part that was the third bay of the garage is currently a
garage . Chairman May wondered what the 20 . 5 feet referred to .
Indicating on the drawing , Mr . Delli -Carpini stated that the 20 . 5 feet
i41 s the short wall of the garage [ west side ] , adding that the other wall
[ east side ] is 22 feet , and further adding , that the overall of the
Planning Board 13 February 5 , 1985
. south wall of the whole building is 20 . 5 feet plus 14 feet which is
still the garage part . Mr . Delli - Carpini stated that the room that
they are using is actually 20 . 5 feet square . Mrs . Schultz asked who
uses the garage , to which Mr . Delli -Carpini responded that he did ,
adding that a small room above the garage is not used . Mrs . Grigorov
asked if there were a bathroom . The Secretary stated that Mr . Cartee
had reported to the Zoning Board of Appeals that there is no bathroom
in the garage ; facilities are in the house . Chairman May stated that
he would like to see the parking more carefully defined and asked if
there were a gravel drive . Mr . Delli - Carpini described the bushes
defining the driveway and parking area and explained his future plans
for parking and a gravelled area . Mr . Delli - Carpini pointed out on the
drawing the parking area , to the north of the circular driveway , which
he had delineated and which was shown as an area 30 ' x 75 ' . Chairman
May asked that the actual parking area be shown on a revised drawing
using cross - hatching to delineate it . Mr . Mazza asked about lighting .
Mr . Delli -Carpini described the exterior light in place on the garage
and indicated where it was shown on the drawing . Mr . Lovi , noting that
the Town site plan regulations call for a topo map , stated that the
land involved here is very slightly sloped , and commented that it is
very expensive to have a topo map drawn up . Chairman May stated that
he would recommend to the Board that that requirement be waived . Mrs .
Grigorov asked about the sign noted on the drawing . Mr . Delli - Carpini
described what he planned for signage , speaking of an L - shaped sign ,
unlighted , of about 4 ' x 4 ' , and commented that he had been told by
someone in the Planning Office that he was allowed , he thought , a 24
square foot sign . Mr . Mazza asked how many people attended a meeting ,
to which Mr . Delli -Carpini responded , about a dozen adults . Mr .
Stanton wondered how many Mr . Delli -Carpini thought there might be in
about five years from now . Mr . Delli -Carpini stated that they did not
expect to grow that much , but if they go beyond 36 people , which they
can accommodate now , they have options such as building on the vacant
land adjacent , which they own . Chairman May wondered if Mr .
Delli -Carpini understood that 36 people is the limit as indicated by
the Zoning Board of Appeals . Mr . Delli - Carpini commented that he did
not think that was the case , adding that Mr . Cartee was talking about
the facility itself holding 36 people . Mr . Stanton asked if he were
correct in stating that at the moment Mr . Delli - Carpini has no plans to
build in the vacant land . Mr . Delli - Carpini stated that that was
essentially correct , adding that the situation with the vacant lot has
to be clarified because of a stipulation in the deed of title .
Mr . Lovi requested Chairman May to direct the Secretary to prepare
appropriate notifications to the newspaper for a public hearing on
February 19th with respect to Planning Board site plan review in the
Delli - Carpini application for a church at 203 Pine Tree Road and , also ,
for a public hearing at the same meeting with respect to the Drake
subdivision discussed earlier .
INFORMAL DISCUSSION : ROGER BATTISTELLA - CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF
A FARM WINERY ON SLATERVILLE ROAD .
The Board members each had received with his / her Agenda a copy of
the following documents prepared by Mr . Roger Battistella :
Planning Board 14 February 5 , 1985
• 1 . Discussion Draft - - Farm Winery Zoning Appeal : R- 15 to R- 30 .
" FARM WINERY DEFINITION
' A farm winery is a premise located on a farm in New York State in
which wine is manufactured or sold . A licensed farm winery cannot
maunufacture more than 50 , 000 finished gallons of wine annually . '
' The wine has to be produced entirely from New York State grapes ,
or , under recent amendment to the ABC Law enacted at the Authority ' s
request , any other fruit or agricultural products grown in New York
State '
( Source : Alan J . Gardner , ' Legal Requirements in Establishing and
Operating a Farm Winery ' . Farm Winery Proceedings . Geneva : New York
State Agricultural Experiment Station 1979 . )
FARM WINERY LEGISLATION
See attached New York State Liquor Authority alcoholic beverage
control law and rules .
LOCATION OF PROPOSED FARM WINERY
1551 Slaterville Rd . See attached survey map for lot size and
boundaries .
STRUCTURE SIZE
Dutch - style barn 30 ' X 52 ' . Frame construction ( board and batten )
set on cinderblock foundation , 35 ' to peak . Barn consists of full
basement ( 10 ' ceiling ) and two floors , with full utilities .
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
Family business .
RETAIL SALES HOURS
• Seasonal variation : Daily , 11 am . - 5 pm . , beginning Memorial Day
and ending Labor Day . Weekends only for remainder of year .
VOLUME
Beginning with 1 , 000 gallons and expanding by 1 , 000 gallons
annually to tenth year , with production levelling off at approximately
10 , 000 gallons .
TRAFFIC PROJECTION
Estimates are based on the following assumptions , the
reasonableness of which have been verified by Mr . William Brown ,
Secretary , Finger Lakes Wine Council - - a consortium of local farm
wineries for joint purchasing and promotions :
1 . Total production will be sold on site .
2 . Average visitor can be expected to purchase two bottles of
wine .
3 . There are two occupants per automobile on average .
4 . Roughly 500 visitors annually are required for each thousand
gallons of wine sales .
5 . Number of automobiles annually per thousand gallons of wine
equals 250 .
The number of visitors per day ( 365 ) will begin at 1 . 4 ( 1000
gallons ) and level off at 14 ( 10 , 000 gallons ) .
The number of automobiles per day ( 365 ) will begin at 0 . 7 ( 1000
gallons ) and level off at 7 ( 10 , 000 gallons ) .
PARKING
See attached plan . New York State Department of Transportation
has authorized construction of 2nd driveway accessing Rte . 79 , together
with piping and filling of drainage ditch from existing culvert face to
distance near back of barn .
Planning Board 15 February 5 , 1985
WASTES GENERATION -DISPOSAL
On average , two ( 2 ) gallons of waste water are required for each
gallon of wine . Solids consisting of grape skins will be returned to
fields .
In addition to clean washing and rinse water , waste water entering
sewage system occasionally will include dead yeast cells and potassium
bitartrate ( cream of tartar ) , when fermentation vessels are cleansed . "
2 . Sketch Site Plan ,
3 . Short Environmental Assessment Form , completed and signed by Roger
M . Battistella under date of January 23 , 1985 , with all questions
answered " no " ; reviewed by Peter M . Lovi , Town Planner , under date
of January 30 , 1985 , with the following recommendation :
" On the basis of the following findings , I recommend that a
negative determination of environmental significance be made :
1 . This project will not create a substantial adverse change in
existing air or water quality .
2 . Noise levels associated with automobile traffic will
increase , though I do not believe a projected average traffic
flow of 7 cars / day at full capacity to be significant , given
the overall level of traffic on State Route 79 ,
3 . All solid wastes will be returned to the site ; water will be
disposed of through the sanitary sewer system .
4 . There will not be a potential increase in erosion , flooding ,
• or drainage problems if proper soil maintenance practices are
followed . Proposed Department of Transporation drainage
improvements will not be compromised by this project .
5 . The project will not destroy large quantities of vegetation
or fauna , and will in fact cultivate a high value crop .
6 . There is no evidence that the project will interfere with the
movement of any resident migratory fish or wildlife species
nor will the project have any substantial adverse impacts on
a threatened or endangered species of plant or animal .
7 . A projected maximum of 5000 visitors annually will not
interfere with the predominantly residential character of the
area .
8 . The project will create a material conflict with the Town
Zoning Ordinance . However , a portion of the vineyard is
zoned R30 , and a roadside stand for the sale of farm products
is a permitted use in such zones . Though the Zoning Board of
Appeals is responsible for interpreting the Zoning Ordinance ,
and the Town Board is the only body empowered to make
legislative determinations , I do not believe that this
material conflict is significant .
9 . This project will not impair the archeological ,
architectural , or historic qualities of the area . Insofar as
the owner has made a substantial restoration of the barn and
an investment in the vineyard , I believe that the aesthetic
character of the area has been improved .
10 . There will be no significant difference in the types or
quantities of energy used in this project as compared with
residential uses in our Town .
Planning Board 16 February 5 , 1985
• 11 . The New York State Department of Transportation has
authorized a second driveway on Slaterville Road . The
parking areas appear adequate for the projected traffic flow .
The use of pesticides should be controlled and monitored
closely so that there is no possibility of runoff into the
City of Ithaca reservoir . There are no other aspects of the
project which might create either a short - run or long - term
hazard to human health or safety .
12 . The proposed use is compatible with existing uses , both in
type and intensity .
13 . I cannot foresee the creation of a future , material demand
for any action which may have a significant environmental
impact as the result of this project . "
Mr . Battistella stated that he was present to answer any questions
the Board might have . Mr . Battistella stated that he tried to spell
out the major dimensions of what he has in mind in the " Discussion
Draft " .
Mrs . Langhans , commenting that there is an awfully steep drop
there , asked , with respect to parking , if Mr . Battistella were going to
be grading that area adjacent to the road , adding that the sketch plan
showed a tentative plan for parking and driveway improvement . Mr .
Battistella responded that he is in the process of completing
negotiations with the State in order to have a second access to the
highway . Mrs . Grigorov stated that the barn , as it has been restored
. by Mr . Battistella , is very nice looking . Mr . Battistella agreed that
the barn looked very good , adding that the restoration was done by Mr .
James Iacovelli . Mr . Fabbroni asked if the parking area would " bench
out " from the existing lay of the land . Mr . Battistella stated that
there will be some grade there , but when the State comes in to build
the culvert , they will have to use fill . Mr . Battistella stated that
he will use that fill , and other fill , to improve the grade .
Chairman May asked what the Planning Board needs to do eventually
with this proposal . Mr . Lovi indicated that the Planning Board should
review the site plan on the project and make a recommendation to the
Zoning Board of Appeals . Mr . Fabbroni explained that the Zoning Board
of Appeals has to speak to the matter because of the R15 zoning in the
front portion of the parcel , adding that it would probably be safe to
assume that the operation is okay in the rear part of the land which is
zoned R30 . Mr . Fabbroni commented that it was a variance matter of
sorts , but the major consideration is access and a site plan that is
consistent with the use , rather than the use itself , and added that the
barn was used for agricultural purposes at the time the farm was in
operation . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the comings and goings of the
patrons of the winery is the biggest area of concern . Mr . Fabbroni
noted that he , and the Board , are more than familiar with the drainage
in the area , and spoke of it as one of the two major waterways coming
from East Ithaca . Mr . Fabbroni pointed out that Mr . Battistella is in
the process of improving the situation , both by the State and by
• himself , by the covered culvert shown on the sketch plan , so , he will
be able to move the drainageway away and get the area levelled off .
Mr . Fabbroni , commenting that the parking area might turn out to be on
the level of the barn and with Mr . Battistella agreeing , stated that ,
Planning Board 17 February 5 , 1985
• therefore indirectly , what the Board sees on the plan ties in with the
Town ' s whole drainage scheme up the hill and insures that he
[ Battistella ] will not be washed out by future development farther up .
Mr . Fabbroni pointed out that Mr . Battistella will also be working with
the local State people who issue the permits with respect to access and
work the grade out as much as possible . Mr . Fabbroni also noted again
that the winery would need a variance but the vineyard is okay in R30 ,
adding that there is minimal commercial activity that is anticipated by
calling oneself a farm winery .
Mr . Lovi commented that with part of the vineyard in R30 where a
farm stand is permitted and with a winery of this type being much more
like a farm stand , there are some grounds for considering a variance in
that sense . Mrs . Langhans asked if the operation was sort of like a
business . Chairman May commented that he had trouble calling that barn
a roadside stand . Mrs . Grigorov said that she thought it was
analogous . Chairman May noted that the winery is a seasonal use
essentially . Mr . Battistella stated that the time of sales would be
quite limited . Mrs . Langhans wondered if Mr . Battistella really
thought that this was an appropriate business to go into at a time when
so many wineries are closing . Mr . Battistella indicated that he was
not overly pessimistic . Mrs . Grigorov wondered how soon Mr .
Battistella might have wine ready for sale , to which Mr . Battistella
responded , in about 24 months . Chairman May stated that he thought the
barn and the vineyard fields looked very nice . Mr . Stanton , commenting
that sometimes people start out with one thing and wind up selling
other things , asked Mr . Battistella if he intended to sell milk and
bread . Mr . Battistella stated that the New York State License
requirements limit the sales and added that he did not intend to become
a grocery store . Mrs . Grigorov stated that generally she had a very
favorable impression herself . Chairman May agreed and stated that
there was no question that there had been a material improvement to the
property , particularly the barn , and the vineyard certainly looks nice .
Mr . Fabbroni commented that the project is a lot cleaner to look at it
in the form Mr . Battistella envisions , that is , a " farm winery " as it
is regulated by the ABC Board and the Department of Ag and Markets .
Chairman May stated that the Board would expect to see Mr .
Battistella at Public Hearing on February 19th , Mr . Fabbroni stated
that Mr . Battistella should have a plat plan prepared which includes a
cross - section of the parking area and driveways perpendicular to the
road .
INFORMAL DISCUSSION :
ON DANBY ROAD , DELL GOVER - CONCERNING A CLUSTERED SUBDIVISION
Mr . Mazza stated that he was , at this point , stepping away from
his position as a member of the Planning Board , Mr . Mazza appended a
large drawing to the bulletin board entitled " Sketch Plan " , Grover
Clustered Subdivision , dated 2 / 5 / 85 , prepared by Robert R . Flumerfelt ,
P . E . Mr . Mazza stated that he and Mr . Dell Grover are involved ,
• together with William Reed and William Grover , as principals , in this
development which is proposed to be 32 -units of clustered housing on
property owned by Dell and William Grover on the Danby Road , south of
Planning Board 18 February 5 , 1985
• NCR on the west side of Danby Road . Mr . Mazza stated that Mr .
Flumerfelt is acting as the Engineer for the principals , adding that
Mr . Flumerfelt is a part - time Engineer with the Town of Ithaca and that
he had talked with the Town Supervisor about this situation and has
been told that there is no problem and also that there is no problem
with his being involved .
Mr . Mazza also appended a USGS map to the bulletin board which , he
stated , would give the Board a rough idea of where the property is and
its features . Mr . Mazza pointed out the location of Ithaca College ,
NCR , the Lake , and Route 96B ( Danby Road ) . Utilizing the sketch plan ,
Mr . Mazza indicated the structure existing on the property [ 1020 Danby
Road ] which is not a part of this project and pointed out the proposed
lot boundary for that structure as the lot will be reduced from its
present size . Mr . Mazza stated that that is the house Mr . William
Grover lives in . Mr . Mazza described an old roadside stand which
exists on the property and which is going to be torn down . Mr . Mazza
stated that there is also an old house on the property and something is
going to be done with it , commenting that it will go in one form or
other . Mr . Mazza stated that what they intend to do is put in a cul de
sac , which he indicated on the sketch plan . Mr . Mazza indicated the
existing sanitary sewer line and the proposed extensions off that and
the proposed water main off the existing water main on Danby Road . Mr .
Mazza stated that there will be a total of 32 units clustered in groups
of fours . Mr . Mazza pointed out how the clusters are all pretty much
facing northwest and commented on the tremendous view of the Lake and
• West Hill and the sunsets , adding that they want to take advantage of
those views . Mr . Mazza noted that , just for the moment , the topo is
from the USGS maps , however , the houses will be put far enough apart so
the views are not obstructed by other buildings . Mr . Mazza stated that
it may very well be possible that the bedrooms would be on the lower
level and the living area on the upper level , as well as a deck , to
take advantage of the views . Mr . Mazza described the access to the
clusters off the proposed road except for cluster " 7 " for which , if
they can work it out with the State DOT , they would like to have a
driveway come in to from Danby Road " here " [ indicating ] . Mr . Mazza
pointed out that this way they would be able to keep more green space
in the project , adding that they want to keep as much green space as
possible , but they do have to have a road in there but would like to
minimize the amount of roads covering the green space . Mr . Mazza
pointed out that the NYS DOT is responsible for establishing how access
is gained to a State Highway and , therefore , their requirements may
result in these accesses being adjusted to meet those requirements .
Chairman May asked how many acres of land were involved in this
proposal . Mr . Grover responded that there are about 72 acres of land .
Mrs . Langhans asked for clarification as to where on Danby Road . Mr .
Mazza stated that William Grover ' s house is 1020 Danby Road and the
so - called " blue house " is 1018 , adding that as you go north there are a
couple of houses and then vacant NCR property . Chairman May wondered
about parking . Mr . Mazza stated that that depended on whether they can
• get this driveway access or not , otherwise , the driveways would
probably be " here " [ indicating ] . Chairman May wondered if there would
be a central parking area . Mr . Mazza stated that the parking would be
Planning Board 19 February 5 , 1985
• at the individual homes , adding that it is their intention to sell off
the units as separate units , like Commonland Community , Mr . Mazza
stated that he had talked to Mr . Lovi about the height , adding that the
idea is for some of the units to have the garage on the lower level ,
then the bedroom level , and then the living area . Mr . Mazza commented
that it is sort of a gray area as to this idea being " 3 " stories . Mr .
Mazza stated that in some of the other units maybe there would be a
detached garage , or even attached , and then two stories .
Chairman May asked Mr . Lovi if he thought there was no problem
with a garage and then two stories . Mr . Lovi stated that he could not
speak to that , adding that the Board would have to ask Mr . Cartee as
the person who interprets the zoning ordinance .
Referring back to the sketch plan , Mr . Mazza noted how the units
were angled for a view to the north and to the west . Mrs . Langhans
commented that she thought the proposed cul de sac seemed to detract
from the view . Mr . Mazza pointed out that this drawing was only a
sketch plan . Mr . Flumerfelt displayed a conventional grid sketch plan
of the proposal and pointed out that the result would be about 36
units . Mr . Mazza noted that the sanitary sewer can be installed
without a lift station . Mr . Fabbroni wondered what , if any ,
consideration had been given for access either to the south or to the
west of this particular property . Indicating on the sketch plan , Mr .
Mazza showed the space left open for access to backland which , he
stated , they do not own .
• Discussion followed with respect to how the lots will be sold , in
fee simple ; with respect to any homeowners ' agreements ; and with
respect to the role of the Town Board , Mr . Stanton commented that he
liked the proposal of having the garage as part of the system . Mr .
Mazza stated that they could be prepared for a Preliminary Subdivision
Approval hearing on February 19th , Mr . Fabbroni stated that he would
like to see some provision for that land to the west even if only by
the use of dashed lines and also some provision for extension of the
water main , commenting that , in that regard , there might possibly be
need for an easement permitting enough room for a right of way and
utility easement . Mr . Fabbroni stated that also there should be plans
for landscaping presented . Mr . Mazza agreed , however , he pointed out
that they really do not want to obstruct the views with large trees .
INFORMAL DISCUSSION9 THERM - CONCERNING THE RELOCATION OF A BUILDING
TO THE VICINITY OF PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE .
Mr . Arnold Albrecht appeared before the Board and stated that he
would like to speak in an informal manner about Therm ' s plans to
relocate a warehouse that already exists inside another warehouse . Mr .
Albrecht displayed a partial site plan of the Therm property , a copy of
which each Board member had received with his / her Agenda , which
indicated where the warehouse was coming from and where it was going
to . Mr . Albrecht stated that the large building delineated as
• " warehouse " already exists and inside it , shown as a " square " on the
drawing is what is goi
dng to carefully dismantled and rebuilt attached
to the building marked on the drawing as " house " .
Planning Board 20 February 5 , 1985
• Chairman May wondered what it will look like . Mr . Albrecht
responded that it will have steel sides and a steel roof . Mr . Mazza ,
having resumed his seat at the Planning Board table , asked what the
relocated building would be used for . Mr . Albrecht stated that it will
be used for cold storage , and described its being set upon a slab . Mr .
Mazza wondered where the driveways were and Mr . Albrecht showed them by
indicating on the drawing . Mr . Albrecht commented that this is a
temporary situation until Therm builds another building .
Chairman May asked if anyone had any particular problems with
Therm ' s proposal . None were indicated . Mrs . Schultz stated that she
had never heard a neighbor ever say a word against Therm . Mrs .
Langhans stated that she had no problems . Mr . Klein stated that he
would , most probably , not have any problems , however , this map does not
have a whole lot of detail although it does indicate that the relocated
building will be 130 feet from the property line . Mr . Albrecht stated
that the building is one - story , metal , and commented that the " house "
is old . Councilwoman Howell wondered if anyone lived there , to which
Mr . Albrecht responded , no , adding that it is also used for storage .
Mr . Albrecht indicated that he would return for site plan approval
at the first meeting in March [ March 5th ] .
SCHEDULE OF PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ' ATTENDANCE AT TOWN BOARD MEETINGS
After discussion , it was agreed that Mr . Klein would attend the
• February 11th Town Board meeting , Mr . Stanton , the March 11th , and Mr .
Mazza , the April 11th .
ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , Chairman May declared the February 5 , 1985 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 .