HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1987-02-17 yY
FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
Date
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Clerk • �
FEBRUARY 17 , 1987
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , February 17 , 1987 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ,
Ithaca , New York , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May ( arrived late ) , Vice Chairman
Carolyn Grigorov , James Baker , William Lesser , Virginia
Langhans , David Klein , Robert Kenerson , John C . Barney , Esq .
( Town Attorney ) , Robert R . Flumerfelt , P . E . ( Town Engineer ) ,
Susan C . Beeners ( Town Planner ) , Andrew S . Frost ( Town
Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement Officer ) , Mary S .
Bryant ( Recording Secretary ) .
ALSO PRESENT : Larry Phillips , Jerold M . Weisburd , Harison Rue ,
Norbert H . Schickel Jr . , William J . Schickel , Thomas R .
Salm , Lawrence Hoffman , Pamela Clermont , Edna Clausen ,
Vice Chairman Grigorov , acting as Chairman , declared the meeting
duly opened at 7 : 30 p . m . and accepted for the record the Clerk ' s
Affidavit of Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings
in Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on February 10 , 1987 and February
• 12 , 1987 , respectively , together with the Sec-retary ' s Affidavit of
Service by Mail of said Notice upon the various neighbors of each of
the properties under discussion , as appropriate , upon the Clerk of the
City of Ithaca , upon the Building Commissioner of the City of Ithaca ,
upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , and upon each of
the applicants and / or agent , as appropriate , on February 12 , 1987 .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 3 , 1986
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Mr . James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting of June
3 , 1986 , be and hereby are approved as written .
There being no further discussion , the Vice Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - Grigoroly , Baker , Lesser , Langhans , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 2 , 1986
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Mr . David Klein :
• RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting of
September 2 , 1986 , be and hereby are approved as written .
Planning Board - 2 - February 17 , 1987
• There being no further discussion , the Vice Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Baker , Lesser , Langhans , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 6 , 1987
MOTION by Mr . David Klein , seconded by Mrs . Virginia Lanhgans :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting of
January 6 , 1987 , be and hereby are approved as written .
There being no further discussion , the Vice Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Baker , Lesser , Langhans , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 20 , 1987
• MOTION by Mr . James Baker , seconded by Mrs . Virginia Lanhgans :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting of
January 20 , 1987 , be and hereby are approved as written .
There being no further discussion , the Vice Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Baker , Lesser , Langhans , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE FINAL
SUBDIVISION :PLAN OF COMMONLAND COMMUNITY , A 124 - UNIT CLUSTERED
SUBDIVISION AT 1459 SLATERVILLE ROAD , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO .
6 - 58 . 1 . HOUSE CRAFT BUILDERS , INC . , JEROLD M . WEISBURD , PRESIDENT .
Vice Chairman Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the
above - noted matter duly opened at 7 : 40 p . m . and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
Mr . Weisburd was present . A colored subdivision map of the
above - noted lands was appended to the bulletin board .
Mr . Weisburd appeared before the Board and explained the
modification of the site plan with respect to 8 . 1 acres , noting a
distance of 30 feet which is being maintained from any existing
building at Commonland and describing the Cluster Regulations which
call for a 30 - foot buffer between any building and a property line ,
Planning Board - 3 - February 17 , 1987
• and indicated that he is doubling the distance to 60 feet . Mr .
Weisburd recalled that the site was originally approved for 25
townhouses and stated that they have redesigned for 18 larger , more
conventional , zero lot line houses . Mr . Weisburd proposed that the
entire road be a Town road and to build a sewer to Town specifications
which would :become Town - owned . Mr . Weisburd stated that all of the
units would have direct frontage on the Town road , pointing out that
he did not show an access road off Penny Lane or Penny Drive mainly
because there are quite a few options . One possibility would be to
put a connecting road to line up with Towerview Drive which goes into
the Grandview Subdivision . Another possibility would be to extend
Penny Lane out directly to the west . The other possibility would be
to extend Penny Drive out to the end . Mr . Weisburd stated that even
though the original access was approved by the Board , it was not
heavily favored by Mr . Fabbroni . The road was changed to follow the
City right of way . Mr . Weisburd described some of the problems with
the change . ( 1 ) It is offset about 100 feet - from Towerview Drive .
( 2 ) there seem to be some legal snafus connected with that
intersection . The City has a right of way which extends from
Slaterville Road all the way to Penny Lane and beyond . His
[ Weisburd ' s ] right of way does not go far enough . ( 3 ) An access road
that would line up with Towerview Drive has a problem in that it would
line up right next to Mrs . Marion ' s house , within 30 feet of the
building itself or less . ( 4 ) In this plan [ indicating on the map ] all
the land would be deeded over to the Town . The same would be true of
option ( 5 ) which would be the extension of Penny Drive . A right of
way could easily be deeded over which would extend to the property
line for future expansion . One other possibility would be to maintain
it as it is , using Abbey Road as the main way in and out . Mr .
Weisburd said that Abbey Road originally was going to come directly
down from Slaterville Road to Penny Lane , and because of NYSDOT
requirements , he had to make it a longer road and less of a gradient ,
and , in order to have the radius , it became a much wider road - - quite
a bit wider than the Town standard .
Mr . Weisburd stated that he was proposing three four - plexes and a
six -plex , with each of them separated by full fire walls . Mr .
Weisburd described the two types of units , noting that one would be
one - story with a full basement , with the basement being available for
partial finishing , The siding would be dark brown clapboard siding
similar to what is at Commonland now . The end units would be larger
units with two fully- finished floors plus an unfinished basement . Mr .
Weisburd stated that he was asking for preliminary and final approval
conditional on the engineering drawings for the road and sewer being
satisfactory to the Town Engineer before any certificates of occupancy
are issued for any units on that road , noting that this would allow
him to procE! ed with working drawings , submit them to Mr . Frost ,
proceed with some of the earth work , and , at the same time , work on
the engineering drawings . Mr . Weisburd pointed out that Penny Lane is
already built but is not fully surfaced yet , adding that at least half
of the grave_ has been put on and was inspected by Mr . Fabbroni and
• the highway superintendent .
Mrs . Langhans asked if these would be single family units , with
Planning Board - 4 - February 17 , 1987
• Mr . Weisburd responding , yes . Town Attorney Barney inquired as to the
reason for going to the " Edgewood " mode as opposed to continuing the
common area under the homeowners ' association . Mr . Weisburd responded
that in the financial institutions they call this either " minimus PUD "
or " maximus PUD " and come under " FANNIEMAE " regulations . Mr . Weisburd
stated that , in order for the units to get financing , a developer has
to go through a considerable amount of expense and effort for
classification as a " minimus PUD " , adding that if that is rejected and
it is classified a " maximus PUD " , then an enormous amount of time is
involved as well as a very expensive application in order to obtain
approval , including financing restrictions . Town Attorney Barney
asked if all the other Commonland units have been financed in this
manner . Mr . Weisburd stated that each time another phase is to be
constructed , another approval has to be secured as a " minimus PUD " or
" maximus PUD " . Continuing , Mr . Weisburd described certain problems
with the tax structure , offering that the people at Commonland are
really paying double tax , and adding that they are trying to organize
and petition to change that . Mr . Weisburd stated that what is
happening now is that they own all the common facilities and instead
of assessment: looking at that , they are actually being charged a
higher tax because the policy of the assessment department is that
this is undeveloped land . Mr . Weisburd stated that undeveloped land
has a certain potential and is taxed higher than someone ' s back yard ,
but , in fact , should be taxed lower . These people are paying
thousands of dollars a year in taxes . Mr . Weisburd said that the main
item here is that this is a low density project - - less than three
units per acre . On a higher density project , e . g . , Mr . Schickel ' s
project - - or those in New York City - - the density can easily take
care of it bE! cause you have much more intensive use of the land . In
this project , discussion is on standard subdivision density - -
clustered instead of spread out .
Town Attorney Barney asked Mr . Weisburd how he controlled the
maintenance of the backyards when , basically , each one is individually
owned . Mr . Weisburd responded that this is zero lot line development ,
with the devE! loper offering the people a maintenance package - - an
optional package , and the people would either maintain their own house
and grounds , or sign up for the package . Mr . Weisburd stated that
just the area right around the house would need maintenance .
Ms . Beeners asked Mr . Weisburd how he can guarantee that someone
might not come down and plant a row of poplars along their property
line and the open space . Mr . Weisburd said he did not think there was
any airtight guarantee in any situation , adding , however , basically ,
you put in deed restrictions . Mr . Klein asked if the economic
viability of the homeowners ' association was affected by not adding
another 25 families or houses . Mr . Weisburd stated that this has been
presented to the homeowners and , also , that he gave them budget
breakouts . The vast majority of the expenses , like 80 % of the
expenses that the current homeowners in Commonland pay , is
proportional expense , meaning that it varies with the number of people
• and things such as parking , clearing the walks and mowing . Only 20 %
is fixed expense like the community center , ballfield - - things that
do not vary with more people . The homeowners felt quite content
Planning Board - 5 - February 17 , 1987
knowing that they do not have to redo their budget next year ; they now
have a fixed amount of maintenance and so far there does not seem to
be any opposition . On the developer ' s part they essentially have a
20 % interest in the common facilities which they would normally be
allowed to pass on to the buyers of the new area , but are foregoing
that . HowevE! r , an idea has been expressed to offer a facilities - use
membership . Mr . Klein asked Mr . Weisburd if the homeowners have gone
on record that they do not oppose this change , with Mr . Weisburd
responding , no .
Vice Chairman Grigorov , noting that this was a Public Hearing ,
asked if there were anyone who wished to speak . No one spoke .
Mr . Kenerson asked who owned the property shown on the map in
light blue . Mr . Weisburd stated that this property is not tied in
with Commonland and he has no interest in it at this point . The
property directly adjacent to Commonland Two is 15 acres owned by Mrs .
Marion . There are several other large parcels including some that tie
right into Slaterville Road .
Vice Chairman Grigorov asked again if there were any questions or
comments from the public . No one spoke . Vice Chairman Grigorov
closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 10 p . m . and asked for questions or
comments from the Board . [ Chairman May arrived . Vice Chairman
Grigorov continued as Chairman . ]
Mrs . Langhans expressed concern about putting the access road up
by Towerview Road - - which looks like a short cut to Honness Lane ,
Mr . Flumerfelt was concerned as to how steep the grades were on any
three of those optional access roads . Mr . Weisburd , indicating on the
map , stated that the grade on one was 10 % . Mr . Flumerfelt noted that
the profile liras done with the idea that it would be one -way downhill
into the project . Mr . Flumerfelt said it would have to be steeper if
it were designed as a two -way traffic roadway , and would have to have
a leveling -out place at the top and the grade level brought to
120 - 13 % . Mr . Flumerfelt commented as to the grades for the other two
locations . Mr . Weisburd offered that he did submit a design profile
for one location with the last phase , which was approved by the Board ,
and it did show a fairly steep section . There were two problems to
contend with at that location , one being the sewer line and the other
being the gradient . Mr . Weisburd stated that the Board said he could
go to 15 % which is beyond the normal Town specifications . Ms . Beeners
asked if the original road - - farthest west - - was 10 % , with Mr .
Weisburd responding , yes , assuming a one -way . Chairman May asked Mr .
Weisburd if he wanted to make this a one - way or two -way at this point .
Mr . Weisburd stated that the problem is that , first , it is narrow and ,
second , if you make it two -way , it would have to be steeper . Town
Attorney Barney wondered what happened to the original proposal with
respect to the road going in .
Ms . Beeners stated that in November of 1985 , the Board approved
the relocation of the service road to the easternmost location , and it
was to be a one -way entrance only . Also , it was former Town Engineer
Fabbroni ' s opinion that any two -way access on any of those locations
Planning Board - 6 - February 17 , 1987
• was pretty much ruled out because of the grades . Town Attorney Barney
asked Mr . Weisburd if it were moved easterly at his request . Mr .
Weisburd , commenting that it was a combination of things , stated that
Mr . Fabbroni was happier with the road by Marion ' s and Mrs . Clausen
did not particularly want it between her two properties . Mr . Weisburd
stated that when he first proposed it he did not realize that
Towerview was going to be offset , and suggested that one possibility
for the Town is that the developer pass over to the Town whatever
rights they have for those various roads . Mrs . Langhans wondered if a
decision about a road could be postponed . Ms . Beeners responded that
one concern to think about would be a fire truck coming down a 100 - 15 %
slope into an. area where there are limited shoulders for pulling off .
Ms . Beeners Spoke of weighing that kind of access over a very ample
Abbey Road access , which has been constructed and approved , and posed
the question as to the service road being an essential thing .
Chairman May stated that he had some concern with a road through
Mrs . Clausen ' s area - - the westerly road - - a road with a 10 % slope
and one which might be 15 % . Chairman May felt that in this day and
age a 15 % slope is not very wise . Mr . Flumerfelt said that , perhaps ,
if a secondary access road is deemed necessary or desirable , it might
be well to make it temporary , and , if the public road should continue
on to the northwest , that could serve as a two -way access back out to
Slaterville ]toad and form a loop . Mr . Flumerfelt offered that ,
perhaps , the service road , one - way - in , could then be abandoned . Mrs .
Langhans submitted that that could be 10 - 15 years . Vice Chairman
Grigorov wondered if the temporary road would serve a useful function .
Town Attorney Barney suggested that the function of it would be to
give you an alternative method of getting in if something happened to
Abbey Road . As an example , Town Attorney Barney described a
subdivision in the Village of Lansing where there was an emergency
gravel road only , which was not built to Village specifications , with
a chain across it , adding that it was not used for any purpose except
for emergency fire or medical services in the event the main access
was unusable for some reason . Vice Chairman Grigorov suggested that
the road should be decided upon before approval . Ms . Beeners stated
that when you. consider the design of Penny Lane down to the cul de
sac , which was approved by the Highway Superintendent and the Town
Engineer , if the Board could determine that the current access is
adequate for at least an initial phase of this phase , such as the
eight units that are on Penny Lane , then , perhaps , the Board could
allow Mr . Weisburd to get the building permits for the first eight
units , but rE!quire that prior to a certificate of occupancy being
issued , or , to any further building permits being issued , that an
access road be completed in a location suitable to the Planning Board
and the Town Engineer , Ms . Beeners suggested that , at least , that
would permit Mr . Weisburd to begin on a road that is basically
approved . As far as an actual location of an access road , Ms . Beeners
stated that the one she preferred was the one that goes between the
Clausen properties , even though it is disrupting some old buildings
that have been there a long time . With respect to the easternmost
• access that i ,� on the City right of way , there is an offset problem j
with Towerview Drive . Ms . Beeners suggested that , perhaps , there
would be a way to go with the original location between the Clausen
Planning Board - 7 - February 17 , 1987
• properties and make it such that it would be usable by emergency
vehicles with a chain on it , and , also , there could be the possibility
of abandoning that at a future date , if that road were extended
through that stub , or if Penny Drive were extended . Mrs . Langhans
suggested that the Board could inform Mr . Weisburd to proceed with
four units , with the decision on where to put the road coming later .
Mrs . Langhans expressed her concern that a " temporary " road oftimes
becomes a " permanent " road . Mrs . Langhans inquired about the legal
ramifications of putting a road in with a chain across it . Town
Attorney Barney responded that this can be done with the consent of
the owner , adding that only a Town road has to be a certain number of
feet wide and built to Town specs . Mr . Klein asked if it is not a
Town road , who is responsible for plowing and salting for emergency
situations . '.Gown Attorney Barney indicated that , generally , the Town
would if they wanted to keep it available for emergency service . Town
Attorney Barney offered that the only problem here is that , if there
is no homeownersassociation or something of that nature ,
realistically , the only entity to keep the road open would be the
Town . Mr . Weisburd pointed out that there would be hydrants in the
subdivision , coo you would not need to get a tanker in there .
Mr . Klein stated that the Board was concerned with a second
access to the whole area , once the development was at full occupancy .
Mr . Weisburd mused , what if there were a road that was one -way going
out from the middle where there would be a one - way , do not enter , on
• each end of the road . Mr . Kenerson asked if something was already
approved for access . Mr . Weisburd , indicating on the map , pointed the
one way road which was initially approved , adding that the engineering
work has been done on it as a one -way road . Mr . Weisburd recalled
that the Board. then said to put the road in another location and that
was also approved , although it was not fully engineered . Mr . Weisburd
stated that , upon reflection , and seeing how it lines up with
Towerview Drive , it may not be a move for the better . Mr . Klein
offered that if it is truly a limited use road then its location with
respect to Towerview may not matter all that much .
Vice Chairman Grigorov asked if anyone wished to comment on the
design of the project . Town Attorney Barney asked who maintains the
exterior of the buildings of Commonland , with Mr . Weisburd responding
that the people own the exterior of the building but it is maintained
by the residents ' association . Mr . Klein asked if the Town currently
maintains any ,sewer lifts , with Mr . Flumerfelt responding , yes , adding
that on this project the sewer was originally a private sewer system
with lift stations , pumping stations , however , this project is
proposed to be a Town sewer with pumping station . Mr . Flumerfelt
stated that he felt it should be investigated how far that sewer might
be able to serve to the north and west , whether it is feasible to
extend the sewer farther that way , and if so , how big a service area
there can be . Mr . Flumerfelt stated that , if the Town takes that over
as a public sewer , the lift station should be sized large enough to
take care of the service area .
• Town Attorney Barney asked Mr . Weisburd who was going to
construct the sewer , with Mr . Weisburd responding that he would
Planning Board - 8 - February 17 , 1987
• construct it according to Town specifications . Town Attorney Barney
asked if it would be deeded over to the Town , with Mr . Weisburd
stating that he did not know how that actually was done . Mr .
Flumerfelt stated that normally there would probably be a 20 - foot
easement for maintenance and repairs . Mr . Klein stated that he was
concerned with access to the location of the lift station . Chairman
May asked where the proposed location of the lift station would be ,
with Mr . Weisburd indicating same on the map , and stating that the
lift station and access is a fairly level drive in . Mr . Klein
wondered if it would make any engineering sense to put the lift
station between the clusters . Mr . Weisburd stated that it would be a
little steeper there because you are going across the contours
completely , but it would be closer , and adding that he did not feel it
would be a problem to do that . Chairman May wondered , if the Town
were going to maintain that lift staton , would it not want a minimum
of a temporary road to it . Mr . Flumerfelt concurred with Chairman
May , Mr . Weisburd stated that the road between the buildings is fine
with him .
Vice Chairman Grigorov asked Mrs . Clausen for her comments . Mrs .
Clausen stated that she did not think the road was a 10 % grade , adding
that it was 15 in other areas and she suspected it is 15 in her area .
Mrs . Clausen stated that it is not exactly level and is a narrow strip
which has been a driveway to her house since before she moved in ,
adding that there is a , garage in back of her house which she does not
use . Mrs . Clausen stated that there is a way for service vehicles to
• get in for deliveries . Town Attorney Barney asked who owns the strip
now . Mrs . Clausen stated that it passed to Mr . Weisburd with the
sale . Mrs . Langhans asked who owns the land to the east of the garage
and barn , with Mrs . Clausen responding , Mr . and Mrs . Zichetella . Mr .
Kenerson inquired about the Department of Transportation in regard to
their approving access to State highways . Mr . Weisburd stated that
the intersection has to be submitted to DOT for approval of the
engineering drawings , adding that they did not go completely through
the approval process with DOT because construction was not going to
take place for a while , and a bond was not taken out . Mr . Weisburd ,
noting that his engineering drawings submitted for one -way entry has
radii on it that meet DOT specs , stated that there would be a problem
with a two -way , but as a one -way it would be okay . Mrs . Langhans
wondered what is actually across from Towerview Drive , with Mr .
Weisburd responding , Mrs . Marion ' s house and indicating on the map
that it is very close to that alignment , and adding that the other
parcel has the City right of way which he does not own . Mr . Weisburd
offered that , in any case , nothing could be deeded over , and it is
even questionable whether the right of way could be given over in its
entirety . Mrs . Langhans asked about the legality of the City right of
way with respect to why the Town could not use it as an emergency
road . Mr . Weisburd noted that even if they did have a right of way
which connected Penny Lane to Slaterville Road , and if it were
improved , the Town would still be taking over that road which is on
someone else ' s property . Mr . Weisburd stated that they do not have
the land and cannot deed it to the Town , adding that he can only give
to the Town the rights for a right of way , and that is somewhat
questionable . Mr . Weisburd stated that the only land
Planning Board - 9 - February 17 , 1987
• he owns is the land between Mrs . Clausen ' s properties . Town Attorney
Barney stated that when they talked about moving the access to the
easterly side , it was conditioned on the developer obtaining title to
the land . Chairman May asked Mr . Weisburd if he had made any attempt
to obtain title . Mr . Weisburd stated that they made a considerable
attempt and negotiations did not go anywhere , adding that he felt that
Mrs . Marion was not prepared , and is not prepared , to sell land at
this point .
Vice Chairman Grigorov asked if there were any further comments
or questions from the Board . There being none , Vice Chairman Grigorov
asked for a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Dr . William Lesser :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the consideration of modifications to the Final
Subdivision Plan of Commonland Community , with respect to the
proposed development of 18 townhouses on an 8 . 1 acre site for
which 25 townhouses were originally approved , and which proposed
development would represent the completion of the Commonland
Community cluster development .
2 . This is an Unlisted action for which the Planning Board is acting
• as Lead Agency for environmental review . The Tompkins County
Health Department and the New York State Department of
Transportation are potentially involved agencies which are being
notified of this action as part of SEQR coordinated review .
3 . A negative declaration of environmental significance is
recommended by the Town Planner , subject to certain conditions .
THEREFORE , IT :CS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board , acting as Lead Agency in the
environmental review of this Unlisted Action , make and hereby does
make a negative declaration of environmental significance for this
action , subject to the following conditions .
A . Approval of the final site plan by Planning Board , to include
approval of the final service road location by the Planning
Board , and with the service road design to be approved by the
Town Engineer and by the N . Y . S . Department of Transportation as a
condition of final site plan approval , such road to be a one -way
road into the development to be located as originally proposed at
the westerly end of the development .
Be Any revisions necessary for adequate public or private
circulation on the proposed roads , and provision for road
extension to serve lands to the west .
• C . Any revisions necessary for adequate public or private sewer
service .
Planning Board - 10 - February 17 , 1987
• D . Approval of the covenants and deed restrictions by the Town Board
with respect to which the Planning Board recommends that such
covenant : and deed restrictions be modified to include the
requirement that no trees or shrubs in excess of eight ( 8 ) feet
in height shall be planted in the open space easement .
E . Approval and acceptance by the Town Board of the proposed sewer
arrangement together with any necessary easements for maintenance
and access to same .
There being no further discussion , the Vice Chair called for a
vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Klein , Baker , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mr . Robert
Kenerson :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the consideration of modifications to the Final
Subdivision Plan of Commonland Community , with respect to the
• proposed development of 18 townhouses on an 8 . 1 acre site for
which 25 townhouses were originally approved , and which proposed
development would represent the completion of the Commonland
Community cluster development .
2 . The Planning Board , at a Public Hearing on February 17 , 1987 , has
reviewed the following material :
Project description , dated February 4 , 1987 .
Commonland II Covenants and Restrictions .
Short Environmental Assessment Form .
" Corrtmonland Two - Preliminary Site Plan , Drawings No . 7 - R- 1
and 8 - R- 111 , by Jerold Weisburd , House Craft Builders ,
Inc . , dated February 2 , 1987 .
" Commonland Two - Preliminary Street Elevation , Drawing No .
7 - R- 2 " , dated February 10 , 1987 .
3 . This is an Unlisted action for which the Planning Board , acting
as Lead Agency for environmental review , has made a negative
declaration of environmental significance for this action ,
subject to certain conditions .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant preliminary
approval to the above - referenced action , with further approval
• conditional upon the following :
A . Approval of the final site plan by Planning Board , to include
Planning Board - 11 - February 17 , 1987
• approval of the final service road location by the Planning
Board , and with the service road design to be approved by the
Town Engineer and by the N . Y . S . Department of Transportation as a
condition of final site plan approval , such road to be a one -way
road into the development to be located as originally proposed at
the westerly end of the development .
Be Any revisions necessary for adequate public or private
circulation on the proposed roads , and provision for road
extension to serve lands to the west .
C . Any revisions necessary for adequate public or private sewer
service .
D . Approval of the covenants and deed restrictions by the Town Board
with respect to which the Planning Board recommends that such
covenants and deed restrictions be modified to include the
requirement that no trees or shrubs in excess of eight ( 8 ) feet
in height shall be planted in the open space easement .
E . Approval and acceptance by the Town Board of the proposed sewer
arrangement together with any necessary easements for maintenance
and access to same .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Klein , Baker , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Vice Chairman Grigorov declared the matter of consideration of
modifications to the final subdivision plan of Commonland Community
duly closed at 9 : 15 p . m . , and returned the Chair to Chairman May ,
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND PRELIMINARY
SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR EASTWOOD COMMONS PHASE III , 66 UNITS AND
PAVILION , PROPOSED TO BE LOCATED NEAR HONNESS LANE ON HARWICK ROAD AND
SUNNY HILL LANE , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 60 - 1 - 25 . 42 , MULTIPLE
RESIDENCE DISTRICT . EASTWOOD COMMONS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ,
OWNER / DEVELOPEF: ; NORBERT H . SCHICKEL JR . , PRESIDENT . ( ADJOURNED FROM
JANUARY 20 , 1987 , WITH PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT THAT TIME . )
Chairman May declared the above -noted matter duly opened at 9 : 16
p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings as posted and
published and as noted above . Mr . Schickel was present . Chairman May
noted that Town of Ithaca Local Law No . 4 - 1987 with respect to
Eastwood Commons was before the Board .
Chairman May asked Mr . Schickel if anything more had been done as
far as drainage is concerned . Mr . Schickel stated that he had done
• nothing more as far as calculation of water runoff . Chairman May
stated that he had a great deal of concern in the area of drainage .
Ms . Beeners stated that it was her belief that the drainage plan for
Planning Board - 12 - February 17 , 1987
• the new phase was essentially similar to what was originally approved ,
after extensive drainage studies , together with the fact that there
are requirements for approval of a revised drainage plan with the Town
Engineer approving the installation of it , all built into the draft
resolution with respect to the project , and also , there is a condition
that the Town can go back in and require Mr . Schickel to make
improvements anywhere in the development at any time if drainage is a
problem . Ms . Beeners recommended to Mr . Schickel that he not spend
any more time in doing detailed site planning work until there was
some kind of approval on the concept for the revised plan . Mr .
Flumerfelt stated that , in reviewing the new site plan , the basic
drainage arrangement going in each direction was essentially the same
as approved in the original development plan and that there might be
minor modifications necessary once the final arrangement of buildings
and area coverage are approved . Mr . Flumerfelt stated that culvert
sizes and ditch sizes could be checked at that time .
Referring to Local Law No . 4 - 1987 , Chairman May stated that the
Town Board is requiring that presently - named Sunny Slope Lane be
completed from Harwick Road northwesterly to a point 280 feet from the
intersection of Harwick Road . Chairman May also referred to the
section of the Local Law which indicates that the Planning Board must
find that the clusters are compatible with the overall design ,
density , and character of the earlier phases . Referring to the Local
Law , Chairman May noted that " Prior to the application to the Town
Planning Board for final site plan approval for each phase , the
applicant shall submit his plans to the Town Planner who shall review
the same and make recommendations to the Town Planning Board . "
Chairman May stated that he felt final site plan approval should not
be given tonight as the recommendation from the Town seems quite
specific . Ms . Beeners referred to the preliminary subdivision phasing
plan map on which Mr . Schickel has indicated basic delineation between
different clusters and has also labeled the plan with a number of
parking spaces that would be allocated for each cluster . Ms . Beeners
stated that a final subdivision plan would be one that would be an as
built of the foundations as they have been poured . Ms . Beeners stated
that there are also revisions as far as making jogs in a couple of
lines to indicate these specific parking spots that would be
transferred to the homeowner . Ms . Beeners discussed the site drainage
plan and the site water and sewer plan which the Board had received
previously . This was based on the original proposal of 70 units . Mr .
Fabbroni approved the drainage plans for the 70 units . Ms . Beeners
recommended to Mr . Schickel that , until some of the things were
straightened out with the Town Board and the Planning Board as to this
number of units , he not put any time in printing utility and drainage
plans up to date . The plan before the Board was 30 feet between
buildings and 1. 5 feet between the garages and the actual dwellings .
Ms . Beeners said there were some adjustments made from the plan that
was submitted in November as far as building 35 units . The open space
between the existing phase and the new units has been improved . Town
Attorney Barney asked about the phasing of these units . Ms . Beeners
• responded that the Town Board requirement was that Harwick Road be
completed to the point just beyond the 30 units and that building
permits could be issued for three buildings .
Planning Board - 13 - February 17 , 1987
• Mr . Schickel stated that the same pattern for building is being
followed as in the past . Continuing , Mr . Schickel stated that when he
is ready to build a three or four unit building , there is a
construction loan . When the building is in place there is a survey
made with a survey map which is presented and filed before the first
unit of that cluster is conveyed . The land around the unit is
conveyed to the residents ' association . Mr . Schickel asked Town
Attorney Barney what concerns the Board has . Town Attorney Barney
responded that the Board needs plans in accordance with the
subdivision regulations which specify a final site plan plat . Town
Attorney Barney saw a problem with that coming up to the inch , but did
not see a problem with coming up with an approximate plan . Mr .
Schickel stated that he outlined an area to go with each building ,
and , there are some slightly larger units . Mr . Schickel stated that ,
in the past , on the final in -place survey made by a licensed surveyor ,
the actual dimensions were shown and that is what he proposed to do
with this plan . Mrs . Langhans , commenting that there have been other
developers with less site plan information , stated that she felt Mr .
Schickel has ,sufficient plans . Chairman May asked Ms . Beeners about
the 30 - foot height and the western site boundary visible from
Slaterville Road and if that adjoining property should be developed in
the future . Ms . Beeners responded that the principle views from the
adjacent Clermont lands are going to be to the south and to the west ,
basically away from the Schickel project . Chairman May also asked
what was wrong with the original concept which was a more random
• fashion instead of straight line orientation . Ms . Beeners responded
that there was not anything wrong with random clustering . Chairman
May stated that the original design was far more interesting than the
current , adding that he did not like the wall of buildings and the
garages in the front . Mr . Schickel stated that they have not built
any of the original buildings since the first ones were built , adding
that there have been five different building types and , in every case ,
it was a response to what people wanted , and further adding , that the
original units had some very serious drawbacks , one of them being that
two of the units did not have cross -ventilation , and one of the units
did not have a view and did not get any sunlight . Mr . Schickel stated
that the present proposal is a distillation of all of the things they
have experienced on the site . It is a way to get cross - ventilation in
every unit , and a view to the west and to the south , and to get
sunlight in every unit , adding that these things are all amenities
that people cherish very much . Mr . Schickel stated that he did not
feel this is a wall of buildings , but a road with penetrations through
it and with buildings at different angles . Mr . Schickel stated that
they did not stay with the original design but moved from it to
capitalize on the characteristics of the site . Mr . Schickel offered
that this part of the site has different opportunities and different
problems than other parts of the site , and that this design is a
skillful capitalization of the opportunities to make a beautiful
development . Chairman May noted that there were a number of people in
the present development who did not think of the project as a
beautiful development .
• Chairman May asked for any other comments from the Board . Mrs ,
Langhans stated that she had talked with a person who is a resident of
Planning Board - 14 - February 17 , 1987
• Eastwood Commons and asked her about this and she has no objection to
it at all . Ms . Beeners stated that at the last Town Board meeting
there was no :real discussion except for a couple of details about the
bicycle path and when it was going to be constructed . Also , there was
less concern from the public about the density or the change in design
than what was initially brought forth from the public at the December
31st Town Board meeting . The same people , only in smaller groups ,
have been coming to further Town Board meetings . Ms . Beeners offered
that she felt the public has accepted the plan now .
Mr . Klein stated that he felt this is a radical change from the
initial concept , noting that Mr . Schickel has had a chance to
experience the market and , obviously , has learned from his
experiences . Mr . Klein stated that he would like to see more
articulation in these units rather than their rather rigid layout on
the site , adding that he has , however , modified it to a certain
extent , particularly the group to the east . Mr . Klein stated that his
biggest concern from a visual point of view was really on the east
with clusters 26 - 29 where they are three stories in height , adding
that the most negative comments have been voiced in this area . Mr .
Klein offered that the landscaping in that buffer zone is important ,
it is also a drainage swale , so it cannot totally be covered by
vegetation . Mr . Klein stated that he felt the Town Planner should
look into the kinds of landscaping proposed and try to soften the
appearance . Mr . Schickel stated that they are trying to come up with
• the best development within the constraints of the site .
Chairman May asked if there were any further comments or
questions from the Board . There being none , Chairman May asked if
anyone cared to make a motion .
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mr . David Klein :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is a consideration of Site Plan Approval and
Preliminary Subdivision Approval for Phase III of Eastwood
Commons , 66 units and pavilion , proposed to be located in a
Multiple Residence District near Honness Lane on Harwick Road and
Sunny Slope Lane , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 60 - 1 - 25 . 42 .
2 . The Town Board on February 26 , 1973 resolved to establish a
Multiple Residence District and a Cluster Development therein on
Honness Lane , such District also known as Eastwood Commons . A
Local Law Amending the Zoning Ordinance Requirements for the
Eastwood Commons Multiple Residence Zone was adopted by the Town
Board on February 9 , 1987 [ Local Law No . 4 - 1987 ] .
3 . The Planning Board , at a Public Hearing on January 20 , 1987 , and
on February 17 , 1987 , has reviewed the following plans :
• " Eastwood Commons - Phase III , Honness Lane , Ithaca , New
'17ork " , by Schickel Design Company , Inc .
" Site Development Plan " , Sheet S - 1 , dated November 12 ,
Planning Board - 15 - February 17 , 1987
• 1986 .
" Pavilion Working Drawings ( Elevations ) " , Sheets A- 3 and
A - 4 , dated September 24 , 1986 .
" Building # 39 and Townhouses , Elevations " , Sheets A- 6 and
A - 7 , dated May 1 , 1986 .
" Site Development Plan " , Sheet S - 1 , dated November 12 ,
1986 , revised for January 20 , 1987 to show " Preliminary
Subdivision Phasing " .
" Site Storm Drainage " , dated September 17 , 1986 , revised
October 10 , 1986 .
Long Environmental Assessment Form , dated October 13 , 1986 ,
revised January 14 , 1987 .
4 . The " Site Development Plan " , Sheet S - 1 , dated November 12 , 1986 ,
revised for January 20 , 1987 , to show " Preliminary Subdivision
Phasing " , and the Long Environmental Assessment Form , dated
October 13 , 1986 , revised January 14 , 1987 , show revisions and
new information in response to input from the Planning Board and
the public at a November 4 , 1986 Planning Board Public Hearing on
the project .
5 . The Town Planner , on January 20 , 1987 and February 17 , 1987 , has
recommended that the Planning Board act as Lead Agency for the
environmental review of this Type I action , and has recommended a
negative declaration of environmental significance for this
• action , subject to certain conditions which are part of the Local
Laws pertaining to this development and which are part of this
Planning Board Resolution . The Tompkins County Health
Department. , the Tompkins County Highway Department , and the New
York State Department of Transportation are potentially involved
agencies which have been notified as to the Lead Agency
recommendation .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
I . That the Planning Board act as Lead Agency in the environmental
review of the Site Plan and Subdivision Plan for Phase III of
Eastwood Commons , as a Type I action .
II . That the :Planning Board make and hereby does make a negative
determination of environmental significance for this action ,
subject to certain conditions which are part of the Local Laws
pertaining to this development and which are part of this
Planning Board Resolution .
III . That the Planning Board waive and hereby does waive the following
requirements , having determined from the materials presented that
such waiver will result in neither a significant alteration of
the purpose of subdivision control nor the policies enunciated or
implied by the Town Board .
• 1 . The 30 - foot distance requirement between buildings , as
required in Article V , Section 6 , of the Town of Ithaca
Subdivision Regulations , is hereby waived to require instead
Planning Board - 16 - February 17 , 1987
• a minimum distance of 15 feet between dwellings and the
associated garages appurtenant to each unit .
2 . The 30 - foot height requirement for buildings , as required in
Article V , Section 6 , of the Town of Ithaca Subdivision
Regulations , is hereby waived to require instead a maximum
height of 35 feet .
IV . That the Planning Board , finding that the proposed mixture of 4 - ,
5 - , and 6unit buildings , as presented on January 20 , 1987 and
February 17 , 1987 , is compatible with the overall design ,
density , and character of the earlier phases of the Eastwood
Commons development , grant and hereby does grant Final Site Plan
Approval and Preliminary Subdivision Approval to the project , as
presented on February 17 , 1987 , subject to the following
condition ,:) .
1 . The Planning Board requires submission of a Final
Subdivision Plan , suitable for filing in the Tompkins County
Clerk ' s Office , to be signed by the Chairman of the Town of
Ithaca Planning Board , such map to be filed in the Tompkins
Country Clerk ' s Office within 10 days of its signing , as each
building in Phase III is built , prior to issuance of any
certificates of occupancy for units within such building .
2 . The Planning Board requires submission of a Final Site
• Drainage , Utilities , and Landscape Plan , for approval by the
Town Engineer and the Town Planner , prior to the issuance of
any building permits . The Planning Board requires approval
of the drainage improvements by the Town Engineer as finally
installed .
3 . The Planning Board requires that all Phase III construction
traffic shall use the Harwick Road entrance to Eastwood
Commons , and shall not use the wildflower Drive entrance to
Eastwood Commons .
4 . The Planning Board requires a renaming of the proposed
" Sunny Slope Lane " in accordance with the requirements of
the United States Postal Service and the Ithaca Fire
Dispatching Unit , prior to issuance of any building permits .
5 . The Planning Board requires provision of a 15 - foot right of
way between Parcels 19 and 20 to serve Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No . 6 - 60 - 1 - 25 . 1 ( the Orcutt property ) , prior to the
issuance of any certificate of occupancy for Phase III .
6 . The Planning Board requires removal of the 50 - foot road
right of way reservation from the Eastwood Commons map and
from the Orcutt map , prior to the issuance of any
certificate of occupancy for Phase III .
• 7 . The Planning Board requires provision of any easements
associated with access and utilities for Town of Ithaca Tax
Planning Board - 17 - February 17 , 1987
Parcel No . 6 - 60 - 1 - 36 ( the Robertson property ) , prior to the
issuance of any certificate of occupancy for Phase III .
8 . The Planning Board requires drainage improvements , as
requested by and subject to the approval of the Town
Engineer , along the northeast edge of Lot 19 , prior to May
31 , 1987 .
9 . The Planning Board requires completion of a path , adequate
for use by bicyclists and pedestrians and subject to
approval by the Town Engineer and Town Planner , to connect
Eastwood Commons with the East Ithaca Recreation Way , prior
to September 1 , 1987 .
10 . The approval by the Town of Ithaca Town Board of the
Eastwood Commons Phase III declaration of covenants and
restrictions .
11 . The compliance by the developer with all requirements of the
Local Laws governing the Eastwood Commons Subdivision
development .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Klein , Baker , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
• Nay - May .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
Chairman May declared the matter of consideration of Final Site
Plan Approval and Preliminary Subdivision Approval for Eastwood
Commons Phase III duly closed at 10 : 05 p . m .
PUBLIC HEARINGe SITE PLAN REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF A
RECOMMENDATION TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS WITH RESPECT TO A
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL APPROVAL OF A SCHOOL USE AND FOR A VARIANCE TO
PERMIT A BUILDING OVER 30 FEET IN HEIGHT , FOR THE PROPOSED NEW SCHOOL
OF COMMUNICATIONS BUILDING , TO BE LOCATED ON THE ITHACA COLLEGE
CAMPUS , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 41 - 1 - 30 . 2 . ITHACA COLLEGE ,
APPLICANT ; LAWRENCE HOFFMAN , HOL & T ARCHITECTS , AGENT .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 10 : 10 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings, as posted and published and as noted above . Mr .
Lawrence Hoffman of HOL & T Architects and Mr . Thomas R . Salm of Ithaca
College were present . A large map of the proposed Communications
Building to be located on the Ithaca College Campus was appended to
the bulletin board .
Mr . Hoffman addressed the Board and stated that the selected site
is north of the Student Union [ Egbert Union ] and on the opposite side
• of the existing Campus loop road . There is also proposed a
modification of two existing parking lots and the creation of a new
parking lot in an area currently utilized as playfields . Indicating
Planning Board - 18 - February 17 , 1987
• on the map , Mr . Hoffman stated that the building will be built on the
location of parking lot " N " . The site is a gentle slope coming down
and the parking lot is just a few feet below the road . There is a
15 - foot drop between the parking lot and Allen Field . The building is
being built across that slope so that there is a major new parking
area developed on the area where Allen Field is , with grade level
entrances coming in to Level I of the building directly from the
parking areas . There will be a new major pedestrian spine between the
Student Union and the entrance to the proposed Communications Building
which is one level up . The building is roughly 240 feet long and 120
feet wide , containing three levels . Mr . Hoffman noted that the first
level is partially buried in the ground and above grade on " this " side
[ indicating ] , with a portion being single - storied above ground . Mr .
Hoffman indicated on the map how the facade one sees is basically a
single story facade , and noted how , back into the building , how it
becomes a two - :story facade . Mr . Hoffman pointed out that the building
is two stories " here " and three stories from the far side - - basically
39 feet to 40 feet in height . They have tried to keep the building as
low as possible because of Egbert Union insofar as the view is
concerned . Mr . Hoffman stated that the height limitation and the fact
that it is an institution of higher learning building in a residential
zone are two rla� asons for being at this meeting tonight . Mr . Hoffman
stated that the Board ' s concurrence on the proposed building is
important because the regulatory agencies at the State level through
which this project is being financed asked right up front - - " Do you
have any zoning problems ? " Mr . Hoffman commented that they are not
quite ready yet for " final " site approval as they are not at that
stage yet , adding that , hopefully , preliminary site work will be done
over the course of the summer , with construction of the building due
to start in the fall .
Continuing , Mr . Hoffman stated that the lower floor of the
building will house the high - tech areas of the School of
Communications - - radio and TV studios . The middle level will have
five classrooms and an auditorium along a major pedestrian " street " .
The third floor will contain offices and some support space . Because
the programs that go on in the building are very sensitive to sound ,
the mechanical systems for the building are basically located outside
the envelope of the building . Mr . Hoffman stated that the first
phase , along with the building being built , would be the two parking
areas , which will provide a parking area with a modest increase over
what currently exists - - adding twenty cars . The facilities that are
going into this building are facilities that already exist elsewhere
on the Ithaca College Campus - - in Dillingham Center , for example .
Chairman May , noting that this was a Public Hearing , asked if
anyone wished to speak . No one spoke . Chairman May closed the Public
Hearing at 10 : 20 p . m . and asked for comments or questions from the
Board .
Ms . Beeners asked Mr . Hoffman if the satellite dishes and the
• mast that are currently on the roof of Dillingham Center are going to
be moved to the new building , with Mr . Hoffman responding , yes . Ms .
Beeners asked if there were a need to establish more practice fields
Planning Board - 19 - February 17 , 1987
for athletics since two are going to be lost . Mr . Salm responded
that , actually , they will only lose one . Indicating on the map , Mr .
Salm pointed out that there are additional practice fields which have
been basically recreational fields up to this point . Mr . Salm stated
that their tentative plans would be to utilize one of those fields for
a playing field . Mrs . Langhans asked if it were a fairly level area ,
with Mr . Salm responding , yes , it is .
Chairman May asked if there were any further comments from the
Board . There :being none , Chairman May asked if anyone cared to make a
motion .
MOTION b; Mrs . Carolyn Grigorov , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the site plan review and the consideration of a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals with respect to a
request for Special Approval of a School Use , pursuant to Article
IV , Section 11 , Paragraph 4 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance , with respect to the proposed installation of two
roof -mounted satellite dish antennae , and with respect to a
request for variance of Article IV , Section 11 , Paragraph 10 for
the proposed new Ithaca College School of Communications
Building , to be located on the Ithaca College Campus , Town of
• Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 60 - 1 - 25 . 42 , Residence District R- 15 .
2 . This project has been reviewed by the Planning Board at a Public
Hearing on February 17 , 1987 .
3 . This project is a Type I action for which the Zoning Board of
Appeals is the Lead Agency for environmental review .
4 . A negative declaration of environmental significance has been
recommended by the Town Planner , conditional upon the following .
a . The final drainage plan is to be subject to the approval of
the Town Engineer .
b . The installation of the proposed satellite dish antennae is
to be certified by a registered architect or professional
engineer .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to
the Zoning Board of Appeals that a negative declaration of
environmental significance be made for the above - referenced action ,
conditioned upon the final drainage plan being approved by the Town
Engineer .
• There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
t
Planning Board - 20 - February 17 , 1987
• Aye - May , Gri. gorov , Baker , Klein , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mr . Robert
Kenerson :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the site plan review and the consideration of a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals with respect to a
request for Special Approval of a School Use , pursuant to Article
IV , Section 11 , Paragraph 4 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance , with respect to the proposed installation of two
roof - mounted satellite dish antennae , and with respect to a
request for variance of Article IV , Section 11 , Paragraph 10 for
the proposed new Ithaca College School of Communications
Building , to be located on the Ithaca College Campus , Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 60 - 1 - 25 . 42 , Residence District R- 15 .
2 . This project is a Type I action for which the Zoning Board of
Appeals is the Lead Agency , and for which the Planning Board has
recommended to the Zoning Board of Appeals that a negative
declaration of environmental significance be made , conditioned
upon the final drainage plan being approved by the Town Engineer .
• 3 . The following materials have been reviewed by the Planning Board
at a Public Hearing on February 17 , 1987 :
a . SEQR Long Environmental Assessment Form .
b . Appeal Form .
c . Plans entitled , " A New Building for the School of
Communications , Ithaca College " , Sheets 101 , 201 , 202 , 203 ,
301 , and 302 , by Hoffman , O ' Brien , Levatich and Taube , P . C .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
1 . That the Planning Board find and hereby does find the following :
a . There is a need for the proposed use in the proposed
location on the grounds that the existing School of
Communications facilities are inadequate for the needs of
the School , and the proposed new site , at the center of the
Ithaca College Campus , is an appropriate new building
location .
b . The existing and probable future character of the
neighborhood will not be adversely affected on the grounds
• that the project will not represent a significant change in
use from current campus land use patterns and is buffered
from adjacent residential areas .
Planning Board - 21 - February 17 , 1987
• c . The proposed change is in accordance with a comprehensive
plan of development of the Town on the grounds that the
project is consistent in concept with the general purpose of
the zoning ordinance and that the design and type of
building and use proposed warrant the granting of a height
variance .
d . The proposed installation of two roof -mounted satellite dish
antennae will serve an educational purpose and will not
significantly impact views on campus or in adjacent
neighborhood areas .
2 . That the Planning Board report and hereby does report its
approval of the site plan for the proposed facility , such site
plan approval including the proposed installation of two
roof -mounted satellite dish antennae , provided that the requested
height variance and special approval are granted by the Zoning
Board of Appeals , and further conditioned upon the final drainage
plan being approved by the Town Engineer .
3 . That the Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to
the Zoning Board of Appeals that Special Approval for the
proposed use be granted , and that a variance of Article IV ,
Section 11 , Paragraph 10 be granted for construction of the
building as proposed , with the building height not to exceed 50
feet .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Baker , Klein , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of Site Plan Review and
Consideration of a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals with
respect to the proposed new Ithaca College School of Communications
building duly closed at 10 : 30 p . m .
ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , Chairman May declared the February 17 , 1987 meeting
of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 10 : 31 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Mary S . Bryant , Recording Secretary ,
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary ,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board .