HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1988-02-02 .Y 41LED TOWDate 3
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Clerk
FEBRUARY 2 , 1988
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , February 2 , 1988 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ,
Ithaca , New York , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May , Carolyn Grigorov , James Baker ,
Robert Kenerson , David Klein , William Lesser , Robert Miller ,
Virginia Langhans , John C . Barney , Esq . , ( Town Attorney ) ,
Robert R . Flumerfelt , P . E . ( Town Engineer ) , Susan C . Beeners
( Town Planner ) , Andrew Frost ( Town Building Inspector / Zoning
Enforcement Officer ) .
ALSO PRESENT : Sue Centini , Kinga Gergely , C . Gerard , Donovan
Benninger , Donna J . Burun , Stanley L . Burun , Illa
Gergely , Zoltan Gergely , Milton Zaitlin , Robert J .
Smith , Harry Fertik , Robert Hines , Esq . , Franklin
Butler , Mike Porter , Patty Porter , Peter Gergely , Joan
Horn , Robert Horn , Cynthia Herzing , Sadie Benson , Aafke
Steenhuis , Tammo Steenhuis , Ron & Bonnie Simpson , Fred
T . Wilcox III , Edward A . Mazza , Esq . , Lawrence P .
Fabbroni , Orlando Iacovelli , Earl B . Stanley , Dorothy
Buerk , Clare Nicholetti , Lynn Smith - Lovin , Miller
McPhezor , Frank Shipe , Margery Shipe , Karen Baum , Peter
Stace , James L . Gulledge , Bruce Brittain , David J .
Kuckuk , Terry Nicholetti Garrison , Mary Ann Oyer , Randi
Beckmann , Bill Tomek , Slade Kennedy Jr , Roger W .
Garrison , Donald Seifert , William J . Petrillose ,
Lucille Schneider , Edward Bosworth , J . W . & Anna
Gebauer , Mildred Brammer , Joe Salino , Joseph M . Salino ,
Frank Eldridge , Mary Eldridge , Marlee C . Barry , Einar
Holm , Margaret Holm , Jennifer Greene , Carla Muskat ,
Joseph L . Jeraci , Paula Sidle , Thomas H . Johnson , David
C . Auble ,
Chairman May 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 January 25 , 1988 and January 28 , 1988 , respectively ,
together with the Clerk ' s Affidavit of Service by Mail of said Notice
upon the various neighbors of each of the properties under discussion ,
as appropriate , upon both the Clerk and the Building Commissioner of
the City of Ithaca , upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Public
Works , upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , and upon the
applicants on January 26 , 1988 .
FIRE SAFETY NOTIFICATION
Chairman May read aloud the Fire Safety and Exit Notification
Regulations as required .
; Planning Board - 2 - February 2 , 1988
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR
PROPOSED " KLONDIKE MANOR " , A 16 - LOT SUBDIVISION PLUS OPEN SPACE ,
PROPOSED TO BE LOCATED ON TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCELS NO . 6 - 53 - 1 - 17 . 1 ,
- 17 . 2 , - 51 AND - 10 , 9 . 63 ACRES TOTAL , ON CODDINGTON ROAD , NORTHWEST OF
JUNIPER DRIVE . ORLANDO AND RALPH IACOVELLI , APPLICANTS . ( ADJOURNED
FROM JANUARY 19 , 1988 . )
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 7 : 34 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Messrs .
Orlando and Ralph Iacovelli , Engineering Consultant Lawrence Fabbroni ,
and Attorney Edward A . Mazza were present .
Attorney Mazza addressed the Board and stated for the record that
the Public Hearing regarding " KLONDIKE MANOR " was closed at the
January 19 , 1988 Planning Board meeting , ' and requested that
information at tonight ' s meeting be additional information .
Mr . Fabbroni appeared before the Board and appended several maps
to the Bulletin Board . Mr . Fabbroni said that the major revision was
to create a 30 - foot green space or open space adjacent to a 60 - foot
right - of -way [ pointing to map ] . Secondly , another revision was to
develop a 20 - foot access to the park and this lot [ indicating on map ] .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that the above two items have been accomplished .
Another request was a concept of what the final grades of the road
would be . Mr . Fabbroni pointed to the map and stated that the solid
• contour lines depict the change in contour to accomplish the road in
the location opposite Spruce Way which the Board requested , and which
results in a road , as the developer depicted it , as generally coming
from Coddington Road around to this point [ indicating on map ] ,
opposite where Lots No . 6 and 5 come together , of roughly 7 % grade ,
adding that the road continues on in " this " area at 512 % grade , or if
you view the contours , it is matched to the existing grade as close as
possible . Continuing , Mr . Fabbroni stated that from this point on
down it would be 71 % . Mr . Fabbroni , noting another subject that was
discussed was the lots , stated that in moving the right - of -way 30 feet
north the developer redistributed the lines around and provided a
20 - foot right - of -way , and still provided lots well in excess of 15 , 000
square feet . Mr . Fabbroni pointed out that there is a lot of history
and a lot of similar lots that Planning Boards have permitted as they
look at current curvilinear type patterns , as compared to grid
patterns . Mr . Fabbroni remarked that the lot on the corner of
Northview Road and Coddington Road is smaller than the much discussed
triangular lot . Mr . Fabbroni noted that in discussions with Ms .
Beeners [ indicating on map ] this particular lot shown as going through
Pennsylvania Avenue is one that the County has taken over . Mr .
Fabbroni stated that these lots are questionable title lots at the
moment because of the hanging history of this paper street
right - of -way , adding that without the Town ' s condemnation of these
rights - of -way the titles may never be cleaned . up . Mr . Fabbroni
discussed the possiblity of the road intersection on Coddington Road
being aligned opposite Spruce Way , Mr . Fabbroni noted that the
topography , land use , and ownership is being dealt with for this
proposal .
, Planning Board - 3 - February 2 , 1988
• At this time , noting that the Public Hearing had been closed ,
Chairman May asked the Board for any questions or comments .
Chairman May directed that the petition received from the
surrounding neighbors be entered into the record . [ Attached hereto as
Exhibit 1 . 1
Mr . Lesser wondered what arrangement had been made with the Grays
as to the right - of -way . Mr . Iacovelli responded that he had spoken
with Mr . Gray and a tentative agreement had been reached , based on the
outcome of tonight ' s meeting .
Mr . Miller wondered if the proposed structures were the same as
those next to the Coddington Restaurant . Mr . Mazza responded that
those structures are in the City and belong to Mr . Iacovelli ' s
brother , James . The proposal tonight is to subdivide this land in the
Town .
Mr . Lesser , referring to the area with the triangular lots , asked
if the developer was proposing that the road at that point was going
to be 107 feet wide . Mr . Fabbroni said that the road could be brought
back to what is required for the 60 - foot right - of -way . Mr . Lesser
wondered about the access to the other triangle of land , if indeed
there is no road . Mr . Lesser asked if the buffer strip [ indicated in
blue on map ] was going to be turned over to the Town as a park . Mr .
Fabbroni responded that it makes the most sense to deed it as open
• space . Attorney Mazza stated that , essentially , it is land that would
be unusable other than to the Town or the neighbors on that side ,
however it provides more space between the street right- of -way and the
back end of those lots .
Town Engineer Robert Flumerfelt stated that in regard to the plan
under discussion , it is favored that the intersection remain on
Coddington Road opposite Spruce Way , Continuing , Mr . Flumerfelt
stated that the roadway grades are certainly within the Town
standards , adding that the length of the road ( 1200 feet ) is slightly
longer , which would result in a cul de sac longer than the Town ' s
1000 - foot standard . However , in recent conversations with personnel
at NYSEG , Supervisor Desch has found that NYSEG is willing to sell
parts of the right -of - way for uses such as highway purposes . The
suggestion was mentioned that it would be an excellent idea to require
the purchase of a piece of that NYSEG right -of-way extending
southeasterly for eventual connection to Juniper Drive , as this would
provide an alternate outlet , not only for this area , but also for the
Juniper Drive residents . Mr . Flumerfelt stated that NYSEG wants to
maintain the right to use that land for possibly an electric
transmission line from Milliken to Candor .
Chairman May asked if there were any other questions or comments
from the Board .
Carolyn Grigorov wondered what type of buildings are proposed , as
that seems to be what the neighbors are concerned about . Attorney
Mazza stated that the proposal is to subdivide the land into lots .
Planning Board - 4 - February 2 , 1988
• The proposal in the cluster was for rental , which is no longer being
considered by the Board , and the present proposed plan is for a
traditional subdivision plan .
Robert Miller asked if the developer had plans of the types of
duplexes proposed , with Mr . Mazza responding that he did not see
anything in the Subdivision Regulations which makes that an issue for
subdivision of the land .
Mr . Lesser wondered about the arrangement of connections to
develop the lower portion . Mr . Fabbroni said the developer would go
along with the Board ' s recommendation .
Ms . Beeners asked Mr . Iacovelli when he anticipates building on
the northern section . Mr . Iacovelli answered that he probably would
build two houses a year , starting from Coddington Road and working
down .
Virginia Langhans inquired as to the width of the NYSEG
right - of -way , with Mr . Fabbroni answering , 66 feet .
At this point , the Board discussed the construction of a
connection between the proposed new road and Juniper Driver prior to
the issuance of any building permits for any dwellings on lots north
of the NYSEG right - of -way .
• David Klein wondered about the 20 - foot right - of •-way between lots
No . 2 and 3 . Mr . Klein noted that the right -of -way crosses land ( the
Gray parcel ) the developer does not own . Attorney Mazza stated that
the developer will enter into negotiations and have a tentative
agreement with Mr . Gray ,
Chairman May referred to the petition [ noted as Exhibit 11 signed
by the neighbors . Mr . May noted that there are roughly 40 homes
represented in the petition , adding that almost all of them seem to be
contiguous to this project . Mr . May stated that he is concerned
whether the issue of public controversy had been addressed or any
mitigating factors had been provided to the public controversy .
Mr . Fabbroni commented that , in fairness to the developer , the
Board requires the completed form either at Sketch Plan Approval or
prior to Preliminary Subdivision Approval , adding that some things
have to be perfected as you go along , and if there is public
controversy the developer will make note of it . Mr . Fabbroni noted
that the discussion has to do with the mitigating factors . Mr . Miller
remarked that he felt the problem was that the neighbors do not want
their property devalued because they do not know what is going to be
built .
Town Attorney Barney stated that the length of the cul de sac is
a subdivision regulation , not a State law , so the Board is empowered
• in the granting of Premliminary and Final Approval to waive various
requirements of the subdivision regulations . Mr . Barney felt that the
Town would not have any great liability if they chose to approve a
Planning Board - 5 - February 2 , 1988
® subdivision which had a longer than 1000 foot cul de sac . Mr . Barney
stated that , on the other hand , that is a policy decision and there is
nothing incumbent upon the Board obliging them to approve such a
subdivision . Ms . Beeners offered that that waiver would be reported
to the Town Board ,
Mr . Lesser wondered about a couple of aspects regarding the
subdivision . Mr . Lesser noted that the owners of the land do have the
right to develop the land within the subdivision regulations .
However , Mr . Lesser felt that the developer is before the Planning
Board with requests for fairly substantial exemptions from the
regulations . Mr . Lesser felt that the 1000 foot cul de sac is for
fire safety , and the access to Lot No . 16 is on a road that does not
meet most of the requirements required . Mr . Lesser stated that the
subject proposal strains at the very bounds of what would be minimally
acceptable for a subdivision in this area .
Ms Beeners asked that the proposed number of cars be clarified .
Ms . Beeners noted that the EAF was submitted when cluster was under
discussion , adding that the maximum potential development , as
development is permitted in the R- 15 zoning , would be the 32 units ,
and noting that it is shown on page three of the EAF that 96 parking
spaces are proposed . Ms . Beeners said that that number should
probably be corrected to be in line with what would be the permitted
occupancy on each lot . Mr . Fabbroni responded that the off - street
parking would be 48 and the maximum vehicular trips per hour would be
48 .
Attorney Barney wondered if he were understanding correctly in
the presentation to the Board that if the developer constructed
two - family houses on these lots that they would be occupied by no more
than three unrelated persons or by two families or by one family and
two unrelated persons , as presently specified in the Ordinance , with
Mr . Fabbroni responding , that is correct , and adding that the
developer will abide by the Zoning Ordinance .
There appearing to be no further comments or questions , Chairman
May asked if anyone cared to make a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the consideration of Subdivision Approval for
proposed " Klondike Manor " , a 16 - lot subdivision plus open space ,
proposed to be located on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcels No .
6 - 53 - 17 . 1 , - 17 . 2 , - 5 , and - 10 , 9 . 63 acres total , on Coddington
Road , northwest of Juniper Drive ,
2 . This is a Type I Action for which the Planning Board has been
• legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency for environmental
review .
Planning Board - 6 - February 2 , 1988
• 3 . The Town Planner has recommended a negative determination of
environmental significance , subject to certain requirements of
further project approval .
4 . The recommended conditions set forth in the Full Assessment Form ,
Part II - A , prepared by the Town Planner , dated January 29 , 1988 ,
and revised February 2 , 1988 , have been adopted by the applicant
as part of the applicant ' s proposal and request for approval .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , acting as Lead Agency in
the environmental review of this Type I Action , make and hereby does
make a negative determination of environmental significance .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Baker , Klein , Langhans , Ken erson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
MOTION by Mr . Montgomery May , seconded by Mr . James Baker :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the consideration of Subdivision Approval for
proposed " Klondike Manor " , a 16 - lot subdivision plus open space ,
proposed to be located on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcels No .
6 - 53 - 17 . 1 , - 17 . 2 , - 5 , and - 10 , 9 . 63 acres total , on Coddington
Road , northwest of Juniper Drive .
2 . This is a Type I Action for which the Planning Board , acting as
Lead Agency for environmental review , has made a negative
determination of environmental significance .
3 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on February 2 , 1988 , has
reviewed -the following material :
" Preliminary Subdivision Plat - Klondike Manor " , dated
January 21 , 1988 , by L . Fabbroni , P . E . , L . S .
Full Environmental Assessment Form , dated January 7 , 1988 .
4 . The applicant has represented to the Planning Board that
occupancy of any dwelling erected in the proposed subdivision
will be as presently defined in the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance unless the Ordinance is changed .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
1 . That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board waive and hereby does
• waive certain requirements for Preliminary Subdivision Approval ,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver
will result in neither a significant alteration of the purpose of
Planning Board - 7 - February 2 , 1988
• subdivision control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the
Town Board ,
2 . That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board grant and hereby does
grant Preliminary Subdivision Approval to the subdivision as
herein proposed , with the following conditions :
a . The provision of runoff calculations with plans and
specifications for drainage improvements as a requirement
for final subdivision approval ,
b . Because the Town Engineer has recommended that the road
intersection on Coddington Road be aligned opposite Spruce
Way , the Planning Board recommends to the Zoning Board of
Appeals that , with respect to Lot No . 8 , a variance of
Article IV , Section 16 , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance , to permit a lot 65 ± feet wide at the front yard
setback , and , a variance of Article IV , Section 14 , of said
Ordinance , to permit a side yard setback of 8 ± feet , be
granted , the Planning Board having determined that :
i . There is a need for the proposed use in the proposed
location .
ii . The existing and probable future character of the
neighborhood in which the use is to be located will not
be adversely affected .
iii . The proposed change is in accordance with a
comprehensive plan of development of the Town .
c . The construction of a connection between the proposed new
road in the Klondike Manor subdivision and Juniper Drive
prior to the issuance of any building permits for any
dwellings on lots north of the NYSEG right of way .
d . The granting of a variance for Lots No . 2 , 6 , and 7 with
respect to lot depth .
e . Lot No . 16 , as shown on said map , will not be used as a
building lot , and no building permit shall be issued for
same , unless and until it is combined with another parcel or
parcels in a manner and with access approved by the Planning
Board , and a restrictive covenant to that effect , in form
and substance satisfactory to the Attorney for the Town , is
recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk ' s Office .
f . The construction of a minimum 12 - foot -wide , paved or oil and
stone , path / driveway to the 0 . 8 - acre park site ,
g . The provision of a 20 - foot -wide potential trail easement
between Lots No . 12 and 13 .
Planning Board - 8 - February 2 , 1988
• h . The provision of a landscape management and supplementation
plan for the 30 - foot buffer area , as a requirement of final
subdivision consideration .
i . Provision of a deed , or other evidence satisfactory to the
Attorney for the Town , assuring that a conveyance will be
available , at the required portion of the NYSEG easement , to
the Town for road purposes , before final subdivision plat
approval .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Baker , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
Nay - Klein , Miller .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
[ FULL ASSESSMENT FORM , PART II -A ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT 2 . 1
Chairman May declared the matter of Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for KLONDIKE MANOR duly closed at 9 : 43 p . m .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION OF A 1 . 32 ± ACRE PARCEL ( GROSS ) , LOCATED AT 228
FOREST HOME DRIVE , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO , 6 - 66 - 3 - 16 , RESIDENCE
DISTRICT R- 15 , INTO TWO LOTS OF . 65 ± ACRES EACH . JAMES L . GULLEDGE ,
• OWNER / APPLICANT . ( ADJOURNED FROM JUNE 16 , 1987 ) .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 9 : 45 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Mr .
Gulledge was present , along with his Attorney , Richard Stumbar .
Mr . Gulledge appeared before the Board and read out loud a letter
for the record addressed to the Planning Board from Mr . Gulledge ,
dated February 2 , 1988 . [ LETTER ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT 3 . 1
Chairman May , noting that this was a Public Hearing , asked if
there were anyone present who wished to speak .
Bruce Brittain , President of the Forest Home Improvement
Association , spoke from the floor and presented a petition on this
issue to the Board ,
Virginia Langhans wondered what percentage of the neighborhood
signed the petition . Mr . Brittain responded that there were 60
signatures or more .
Paula Sidle of 215 Forest Home Drive stated that she was
concerned with trees being removed .
• Mrs . Steenhuis of the Forest Home Nursery School spoke from the
floor and stated that she was concerned with the proposed plan , as it
would only leave a 20 ' to 25 ' X 30 ' play yard . Mrs . Steenhuis also
Planning Board. - 9 - February 2 , 1988
• stated that she is concerned about the increased traffic , and exhaust
fumes . Ms . Beeners stated that there has been informal use permitted
by the owners of the subject property regarding the play yard , and
does not know of any formal agreement for this use between the Forest
Home Chapel and the owners .
Attorney Stumbar stated that there is no legal right by the
Nursery School or request from them to Mr . Gulledge to use his
property . Mr . Stumbar noted that , whether or not there is a
subdivision , Mr . Gulledge ' s property has been used without permission ,
remarking that Mr . Gulledge has not opposed it , but the nursery school
has no legal right to use the area . Mr . Stumbar felt that most of the
traffic in that area is , in fact , day care traffic .
Continuing , Mr . Stumbar noted [ indicating on map appended to the
bulletin board ] that the subject lot is a very odd shaped lot , adding
that this parcel is by far the largest parcel in the neighborhood .
Mr . Stumbar felt that the lots that would be created by the proposed
subdivision are very much in keeping with the character of the
neighborhood as far as size and depth , commenting that both lots will
be much larger than most of the small lots along Forest Home Drive ,
Mr . Stumbar stated that the architectural design of the proposed
residence will be in keeping with the Forest Home neighborhood , and it
will not be student housing . Mr . Stumbar said that three of the
larger trees will have to be removed .
• Bill Tomek , of 190 Pleasant Grove Road , wondered about
trespassing as far as the Chapel day care is concerned .
Attorney Stumbar , noting that a member of the Planning Board owns
property contiguous to the property in question , stated that there
could be a possible conflict of interest . Mr . Stumbar wondered what
the precedent was for withdrawing on the vote . Virginia Langhans
stated that there have been other members on the Board who have been
adjacent to other developments and they had not excused themselves .
Mr . Barney noted that there is not an ethical description that states
the Board member should withdraw from voting ; that it is up to the
Board member , in this case Mrs . Langhans , Mrs . Langhans stated that
she would consider abstaining at the time of the vote .
Chairman May asked if there any more comments from the public ,
and , there being no response , closed the Public Hearing at 10 : 10 p . m .
Chairman May turned the matter over to the Board for discussion .
Virginia Langhans wondered about the interested buyers for the
property . Mr . Gulledge responded that the buyers would prefer not to
buy the entire lot , adding that he would like to build on a portion of
the lot , and is not really interested in selling the entire property .
Mr . May felt that there is considerable public disagreement to this
proposal in the form of a petition . Also , Mr . May noted that there is
considerable impact to the Chapel , and there are a large number of
• variances which are required in order to make the subdivision work .
Planning Board. - 10 - February 2 , 1988
Mr . Gulledge stated that the house is approximately 30 - 40 feet
away ( uphill ) behind the Church offices .
David Klein referred to the Zoning Ordinance , Article XIII ,
General Provisions , Section 68 , which states , " When there is more than
one principal building on a lot in any district the space between such
buildings must be at least equal to the sum of the side yards required
by such buildings or the sum of the rear and the front yards as the
case may be . " Chairman May stated that it cannot be ignored that the
proposed house is quite close to a public facility .
There appearing to be no further comments or questions , Chairman
May asked if anyone cared to make a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Montgomery May , seconded by Dr . William Lesser :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of a 1 . 32 ± - acre parcel ( gross ) , located at
228 Forest Home Drive , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 66 - 3 - 161
into two lots of . 65 ± acres ( gross ) each .
2 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on February 2 , 1988 , has
reviewed the following materials :
• Application materials dated January 22 , 1988 , including SEQR
Full Environmental Assessment Form , Site , Topographic ,
and Building Plans and Building Elevations .
Correspondence and petition received from residents since
the proposal was first reviewed by the Planning Board
on June 16 , 1987 .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
1 . That the Planning Board deny and hereby does deny the subdivision
as proposed , on the grounds that the proposed subdivision would
be contrary to the intent of the subdivision regulations to
guide , promote , and protect the community ' s physical , social , and
aesthetic development in order to preserve the character of the
Town , as set forth in Section 2 of the Town of Ithaca Subdivision
Regulations ,
2 . Further , that the Planning Board recommend and hereby does
recommend to ' the Zoning Board of Appeals that a request for
variance of the requirements of Article IV , Section 16 , of the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance pertaining to front yard
dimensions , be denied , the Planning Board having determined that :
a . There is no evidence of need for the proposed subdivision in
the proposed location .
• b . The existing and probable future character of the Forest
Home neighborhood may be adversely affected by the addition
Planning Board - 11 - February 2 , 1988
• of a new house on a lot irregular in topography and
dimension .
c . The proposed change is not in accordance with a comprehen -
sive plan of development of the Town .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Baker , Klein , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Langhans .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
Chairman May declared the matter of the Gulledge subdivision
request duly closed at 10 : 35 p . m .
[ Secretary ' s Note : At the request of the Chairman , let the record
show that Mr . Felix Friedmann appeared at the Town of Ithaca Offices ,
Planning Department , and requested that his name be removed from those
signatories of the Petition in opposition to the Gulledge Subdivision .
See attached Exhibit 4 . 1
PUBLIC HEARING_ : CONSIDERATION OF THE REAFFIRMATION OF SUBDIVISION
APPROVAL GRANTED BY THE PLANNING BOARD ON JULY 31 1984 , FOR THE
SUBDIVISION INTO TWO LOTS OF TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 56 - 3 - 6 ,
APPROXIMATELY 1 . 6 ACRES , LOCATED AT 1526 SLATERVILLE ROAD , PETER A .
STACE , OWNER / APPLICANT .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 10 : 36 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Mr . Stace
was present .
Mr . Stace addressed the Board and stated that he wanted to
separate the existing property for potential sale . Mr . Stace stated
that the proposal was approved previously , but was not properly
recorded with the County Clerk .
Chairman May wondered if the lot was a legal building lot , with
Mr . Stace answering , yes .
Chairman May noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if
there were anyone present who wished to speak . No one spoke .
Chairman May closed the Public Hearing at 10 : 38 p . m . , and brought the
matter back to the Board .
Susan Beeners stated that a negative declaration was granted by
the Planning Board on July 3 , 1984 , adding that the Planning Board
approved the subdivision contingent upon having the final subdivision
plat submitted for approval by the Town Engineer .
• There being no further comments or questions , Chairman May asked
for a motion .
Planning Board - 12 - February 2 , 1988
• MOTION by Mrs . Carolyn Grigorov , seconded by Mr . James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board reaffirm and
hereby does .reaffirm the Subdivision Approval as granted by the
Planning Board on July 3 , 1984 , for the subdivision of Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No . 6 - 56 - 3 - 6 , ( approximately 1 . 6 acres ) , also known as 1526
Slaterville Road , into two lots , subject to the submission , in a form
acceptable to the Town Engineer , of a final subdivision plat for the
approval of the Town Engineer , and further subject to the filing in
the Office of the Tompkins County Clerk of such final subdivision
plat , as approved by the Town Engineer , within ninety days .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Baker , Klein , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of consideration of the
Reaffirmation of the Stace Subdivision Approval duly closed at 10 : 40
p . m .
PUBLIC HEARING_ : CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR THE PROPOSED
CONVERSION OF " JOHNNY ' S SUPER SERVICE " , LOCATED AT 1103 DANBY ROAD ,
TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 43 - 2 - 1 , FROM GASOLINE SERVICE AND
VEHICLE REPAIR TO SELF - SERVICE GASOLINE SERVICE AND CONVENIENCE STORE .
JOHN C . AND KIM KLEIN , OWNERS ; JOSEPH SALINO , APPLICANT .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened at 10 : 41 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of
Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Mr .
Salino was present .
Mr . Salino addressed the Board and stated that he is proposing a
Convenience Store and Gas Station . Mr . Salino said that to accomplish
this the overhead doors would have to be removed , and a double door
constructed for an entrance into the convenience store . Continuing ,
Mr . Salino said that a wall would be removed between the service bay
and the existing store to enlarge the convenience store area .
Ms . Beeners stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals examined the
proposal on December 16 , 1987 , adding that the Zoning Board of Appeals
was acting as Lead Agency in the environmental review . The original
proposal included a laundromat in the south end of the building .
Virginia Langhans wondered what happened with the laundromat
proposal . Mr . Salino responded that the Zoning Board of Appeals
limited the proposal to seven washers and seven dryers . Mr . Salino
stated that that limitation was not financially feasible .
• Chairman May wondered if the Negative Declaration could be
accepted for the conversion including a laundromat . Ms . Beeners noted
Planning Board - 13 - February 2 , 1988
• that the laundromat was proposed in addition to the convenience store
use . Ms . Beeners stated that Mr . Salino actually received a negative
declaration for more uses than what is intended at this time .
Chairman May , noting that this was a Public Hearing , asked if
there were anyone present who wished to speak to this issue . No one
spoke . Chairman May closed the Public Hearing at 10 : 43 p . m . and
brought the matter back to the Board .
David Klein wondered about a site plan . Ms . Beeners stated that
the Zoning Board of Appeals placed certain conditions on granting
approval for the convenience store , gas , and laundromat use . Ms .
Beeners commented that those conditions are in the Zoning Board of
Appeals resolution of December 16 , 1987 , adding that one of those
conditions was that there be a presentation to the Planning Board of
the site layout . Also , signage and striping would be placed to
indicate where there would be no parking and parking for compact
vehicles . Ms . Beeners stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals
conditions would stand on any use that would be developed on the
property . Mr . Klein stated that the site plan is hard to read , and
that he was not particularly opposed to the concept , but the site plan
is quite sketchy in nature . Continuing , Mr . Klein remarked that the
plan is not dimensioned , and does not show clearances where the
highway ends and where the property starts . Mr . Klein felt that he
had nothing to base the site plan review on , and that a more accurate
drawing should be submitted . Ms . Beeners stated that there are at
• least ten different versions of the plan in the file showing exactly
what Mr . Klein was referring to . Mr . Klein wondered if the entire
area was covered with blacktop . Ms . Beeners responded that the north
side does run into the blacktop of East King Road , and the South side
of the property is a driveway that Mr . Salino has not been able to
gain access to . Mr . May stated that he was confused about the parking
spaces . Mr . Salino responded that the parking spaces are all
basically the same size , but a couple are designated for compact cars
to give more space in between .
Mr . Flumerfelt stated that he and Ms . Beeners had viewed the
proposed parking arrangement and it is feasible as shown on the site
plan . Mr . Klein stated that if the Town Engineer is satisfied with
the layout as proposed that he would withdraw his request for a new
site plan .
There appearing to be no further comments or questions , Chairman
May asked if anyone cared to make a motion .
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mrs . Carolyn Grigorov :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the consideration of Site Plan Approval for the
proposed conversion of " Johnny ' s Super Service " , located at 1103
• Danby Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 43 - 2 - 1 , from gasoline
service and vehicle repair to self - service gasoline station and
convenience store .
Planning Board - 14 - February 2 , 1988
• 2 . This is an Unlisted Action for which the Zoning Board of Appeals ,
acting as Lead Agency for environmental review , made a negative
determination of environmental significance on December 16 , 1987 ,
subject to certain conditons .
3 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on February 2 , 1988 , has
reviewed the following materials :
Site Plan , entitled " Proposed Site Plan for Convenience
Store and Self- Service Gas - - Joseph M . Salino " , dated
January 20 , 1988 .
Floor plan dated January 20 , 1988 .
Building elevation plan dated January 20 , 1988 .
Site location map .
The Minutes and Resolution from the December 16 , 1987 ,
Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing ,
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Site Plan
Approval for the proposed conversion of the existing facility into a
convenience store and self- service gasoline station , with the
understanding that any development of a laundromat in the existing
building will require site plan review by the Planning Board , and may
also be subject to approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals .
• There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Baker , Klein , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of Site Plan Approval for the
proposed conversion of " Johnny ' s Super Service " duly closed at 10 : 54
p . m .
SKETCH PLAN REVIEW : CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED REZONING OF TOWN OF
ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 45 - 2 - 14 , 67 ± ACRES TOTAL , LOCATED ON
RIDGECREST AND TROY ROADS , BACKLOT OF EAST KING ROAD , FROM RESIDENCE
DISTRICT R30 TO RESIDENCE DISTRICT R15 , AND FURTHER , CONSIDERATION OF
THE PROPOSED CLUSTERED SUBDIVISION OF SAID PARCEL INTO 99 CONDOMINIUM
UNITS AND 38 CONVENTIONAL LOTS . DAVID C . AUBLE , OWNER/ APPLICANT .
Chairman May opened discussion on the above - noted matter at 10 : 55
P . M . Mr . David Auble was present , along with Landscape Architect , Mr .
Thomas H . Johnson ,
Mr . Auble appeared before the Board , introduced his Landscape
Architect , Tom Johnson , and gave a brief description of the property .
• Mr . Johnson addressed the Board and appended maps to the bulletin
board . Mr . Johnson stated that the total acreage of the project was
65 . 5 acres , adding that the land slopes down toward the City of Ithaca
Planning Board. - 15 - February 2 , 1988
with views of Cayuga Lake , Mr . Johnson commented that the developer
would like to preserve the view as much as possible , and that would be
accomplished with an open space system . Continuing , Mr . Johnson
offered that -the central area will be single family attached homes ,
with single detached family homes surrounding the property . Mr .
Johnson noted that the clusters will be patterned on the types of
buildings that are normally seen in a rural landscape . The buildings
will be Greek Revival style farmhouses . Mr . Johnson noted that the
site is basically an open site , but the developer plans to plant trees
around the single family homes for a wooded atmosphere . Indicating on
the map , Mr . Johnson stated that the little black dots are retention
ponds , and noted that they are not placed with engineering accuracy at
this time , as this was a sketch plan . Mr . Johnson said that there
will be a semi - private trail system through the open space . Mr .
Johnson stated that there are 99 condominiums and 38 single family
lots proposed ,. adding that the sketch plan was drawn as R15 zoning ,
with 150 ' X 100 ' lots , and nine acres of open space . The density
would be approximately 2 . 1 units per acre .
Mr . Lesser wondered where the park land was located . Mr . Johnson
responded that the boundary lines between the clusters and the park
land is not defined as a precise line on the sketch plan , but would be
approximately at the edge of the trees around the clusters , noting
that there would be a homeowners ' association . Ms . Beeners stated
that in discussions with the developer it was concluded that perhaps
some of the open space that is shown on the King Road end of the
• property as being public open space for a park site might be the best
place for a public trail . Mr . Johnson , pointing to the map , stated
that Ms . Beeners and the developer discussed bringing in a little
driveway and having a couple of parking spaces so that people would
have access to this very large natural area .
Mr . Lesser asked why the access to Ridgecrest Road is limited to
service , remarking that there is a great distance between the road
access and the farthest house , and noting that that is a lot of
traffic to pour out on a single road . Mr . Johnson stated that the
formal entrance to the development would be more appropriate here
[ indicating on. map ] . Mr . Johnson offered that the developer , because
of the steepness of the grade , is looking at the possibility of a
secondary access to Ridgecrest Road , Mr . May stated that the Board
would definitely require a second access . Mr . Klein stated that he
felt the plan has a nice feel , particularly using the single family
homes along the perimeter . Ms . Beeners stated that , since these homes
would be owner - occupied condominium units at a very low density , and
combined also with the peripheral lots or buffers , it was recommended
that the developer consider the R15 cluster .
Mr . Kenerson asked about the plans for building the project . Mr .
Auble responded that the plans are to sell the single family home
sites , and hopefully , design - build the homes on those sites . Mr .
Auble commented that this project is a long - term development approach .
Ms Beeners asked the Board if the conventional plat as shown
looks conceptually in a format that the developer should proceed in
Planning Board - 16 - February 2 , 1988
preparing a Premliminary Conventional Plat to establish density . Mr .
May stated that what is shown is satisfactory .
Chairman May asked if there were any other comments . There being
none , Chairman May declared the matter of the Auble Sketch Plan Review
duly closed at 11 : 19 p . m .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - December 17 , 1985
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mrs . Carolyn
Grigorov :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board
Meeting of December 17 , 1985 , be and hereby are approved as presented .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Baker , Grigorov , Miller , Lesser , Langhans , Klein , Kenerson .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
At this point , Attorney Barney noted for the record that his law
firm is representing Mr . David Auble , as well as Mr . Jones . However ,
Mr . Barney stated that neither Mr . Auble nor Mr . Jones is being
represented in conjunction with any application before any of the Town
of Ithaca Boards . The firm is only involved in the purchase of the
land in question .
ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , Chairman May declared the February 2 , 1988 meeting
of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 11 : 25 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Mary S . Bryant , Recording Secretary
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
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A small to moderate impact as a result of construction
on slopes ranging from 5 to 20 per cent is expected to be
controlled in the process of project implementation . Site
soils are typical to the northwestern end of the Coddington
Road corridor with shallowness to bedrock and seasonal
wetness posting moderate constraints to site development ,
which impacts are expected to be controlled through adequate
drainage design , erosion control , and revegetation . Any
blasting that may be required during excavation is expected
to be routine and of no significant adverse impact to
adjacent residents .
s - .. T
A. PACT ON W.S?., a
Site drainage as - proposed on the preliminary plat , is
adequate in the minimization of impact to drainage patterns .
Some existing. site drainage which currently collects near
Pennsylvania Avenue " Extension " would be diverted
northeasterly and should assist in alleviating drainage
problems on the - " EXPtension " . Drainage outfalls near lots 12
through 15 would be into a largely undevelopable area 50 - 75
feet from a N . Y . S . U . E . C . protected stream . Subject to
further drainage design as would be required for final plan
C no significant adverse impact is expected to that-
stream .
IMPACT ON PLA ITS Ar1D_ANIMA 'I�S
The proposed subdivision would involve substantial
clearing of a 1 1 / 2 to 27acre mixed evergreen stand in the
area of Lots 10 through 13 . This stand has apparently been
(absent of mariagemcnt for several • years . No sig i -f icant
adverse impact is expected from the clearing that would be
necessary , provided that selective clearing is practiced
where possible , and that revegetation is conducted .
IMPACT ON OPEN SPACE AND RECREAmION
No significant adverse impact is expected in this
regard . The site is 750 - feet at its northeast corner from , %
City Watershed lands and the former D . L . & W . switchback
where trails both exist and are being planned .
The park lands proposed , while not conforming to
Subdivision. Regulations requirements with respect -to
frontage and dimension , are generally consistent with the
concept of a linear park system linked by a planned trail
along the NYSEG right of way , as was approved in concept by
• the Town Board in 1984 . The southeastern . 2 + / - acre park
site is generally usable as a trail spur / sitting area and
EXHIBIT 2 -
Col.
native plant preserve , and might be expanded in the future
to include approximately 1 / 3 acre or more of undevelopable
• land on the adjacent lands of Sincebaugh along the D . E . C .
protected stream . The northwestern 8 + / - acre park site ,
with grades of approximately 10 per cent , would have limited
field potential but could be developed with a play/ exercise
structure and sitting area .
A 20 - foot wide potential trail right of way between
lots 12 , and 13 is proposed as a requirement for final
subdivision consideration .
bQI QN TRANa�Q TATIOj�
The traffic generated by the proposed development is
within the capacity of the existing and proposed road
system , however .,_:he proposed road(_Collegeview Lane "
exceeds , at 1260 + L- feet . the 1000foot maximum_ lengt; h for
Attltcqlde sac Permitt in tha _Subdiv_ isior� Regulaons , It
is . recommendrd. that the develo er cony ru t onnection
P t-_c—ec----------
betweenl' Collegeview Drive " and - JuniperIDrivato -mitigate
thi__ s _exce _ssive lena'th and to provide both a second means of
access into Klondike Subdivision and an outlet for Juniper
Privye Prior to the issuance of any cert 9ficates of
compliance for the lots north of the NYSEG right of way_
The potential extension of " Collegeview Lane " northerly
or easterly , if adjacent vacant .lands are developed , may
reduce future traffic volumes on Juniper Drive . The
provision of a 30 - foot buffer between " Collegeview Lane " and
the back yards of certain houses on Juniper Drive , if
eAxistin g vegetation is illd n;, ained and supplemented , should
assist in mitigating impacts to these residences , Which
would be 10 to 20 feet higher in elevation than the finished
grade of " Collegeview Lane
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Ther; would be a modeTate impact as a result in the
change in lard use from vacant land to housing . The
addition of 32 dwelling units ( 16 'Lots , 3 . 32 dwelling units
per acre ) is within permitted R - 15 densities and typical
area densities , and is generally within site development and
municipal service capacities , subject to the further
requirements of project approval .
Variance of certain Zoning Ordinance requirements may
be needed as follows :
a . Lot 8 : 100 ' lot width required , 65 ' proposed ; 10 '
side yard required , 8 + / - feet proposed ( note that the
configuration of this lot is. due in part to the road
location opposite Spruce Way as required by the Town
Engineer .
b . Lot 16 may need variance from the requirements of
N . Y . S . Town Law 280 - a , and variance of Zoning Ordinance
• requirements pertaining to frontage on a public road .
( 2 )
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C , Lots 2 , 6 , and 7 may not meet minimum requirements
for lot depth , unless the Planning Board can interpret them
as legal building lots .
19 . There has been some public controversy from residents
adjacent to -the project site on Juniper Drive , related to
concerns about traffic impact , the location of " Collegeview
Lane " , and development intensity .
RECOMM_ENDAUQbl
Site engineering as proposed at time of review
indicates that any potential localized impacts with respect
to land and drainage are expected to be controlled .
Traffic volumes are within existing and proposed road
capacities , with_r adi culation -deguate provided that a
connection is constructed . betwse , �' Coilegeview "
Juniper Drive . The provision of a 30 - foot buffer between
" Collegeview Lane " and the residential properties on Juniper
Drive is expected to substantially mitigate the impact of
" Collegeview Lane " on these . properties , provided that
existing vegetation - within this ' buffer ' is supplemented by
new plantings .
A negative determination of environmental significance
— is recommended for the proposed I. londike Manor Subdivision
subject to certain requirements of further project approval
which are proposed to include the following :
L
a . Runoff calculations and specific drainage design
shall be included as a requirement for final subdivision
approval .
b . Eecause the Town Engineer recommends that the road
intersection on Cuddington Road be aligned opposite Spruce
Way , it is recommended that the Planning Board recommend to
the Zoning Board of Appeals that a variance of lot width
requirements ( 1U0 ' required , e5 ' proposed ) and sideyard
setback ( 10 ' required , 8 + / - feet proposed ) be granted for
Lot 8 .
c . The construction of a connection _betwee_n
Collegeview_I, ar�e " and_Juniper Drive _ rior to the issuance
of any certificates _of comp lance or lots north of the
NYSEG right o wa
d . Interpretation of Lots 2 , 6 , and 7 as legal
building lots , or the granting of variances for these lots
with respect to lot depth .
e . The granting of variance , for Lot 16 , from the
requirements of N . Y . S . Town Law 280 - a , and from the Zoning
Ordinance requirements with respect to frontage on a public
road .
f . The construction of a minimum 8 - feet wide , paved
( or oil and stone ) path/ driveway to the 0 . 8 acre park site .
® g . The provision of a 20 - feet wide potential trail
right of way between Lots 12 and 13 .
( 2 )
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h . The provision of a landscape management and
supplementation plan for the 30 - foot buffer area , as a
requirement of final subdivision consideration .
I
James L . Gulledge
168 Pleasant Grove Road
Ithaca , New York 14850
( 607 ) 257 - 6393
February 02 , 1988
T0 : Town of Ithaca Planning Board
SUBJECT : Comments regarding my proposal to subdivide 228 Forest Home Drive .
You have all recieved a packet of material from the Town Planner which
includes my proposal to subdivide the 1 . 3 acre parcel known as 228 Forest Home
Drive . Some of these materials and this commentary have been distributed to
those present here tonight .
There is little more I wish to add at this point to the specific information
that I have submitted in the proposal . I would like to clarify one document ,
however . This is in reference to attachment 2 , the survey map that I have
used as a base upon which to show a possible lot dividing line and house posi -
tion , along. with distances to relevant boundaries . The survey map was
prepared by Mr . George Schlecht for the sale of 228 Forest Home Drive by Mr .
Jon Reis to me . It is the most recent survey available . However , all nota -
tions regarding the proposed new house and the possible lot line plus dimen -
sion lines from the proposed new house to property bounderies were added by
me . . Mr . Schlecht is not in any way responsible for these .
At the June 1987 hearing , a number of issues and concerns were raised by this
ers of the Forest Home Community . These have been addressed
board and by memb
in the revised and expanded proposal being considered tonight . The town plan -
ner has reviewed all of the material presented . In her report , ( part 2 of the
SEQR form , " Project Impacts and their Magnitude " ) , she considered the proposed
subdivision ' s impact on land , water , air , plants and animals , aesthetic
resources , historic and archaeological resources , open space and recreation ,
transportation , energy , noise and odor , public health , and , finally , growth
and character of the community or neighborhood . She concluded that :
"From an environmental standpoint , upon review of the
proposal and the new information submitted by the
applicant , no significant adverse impact is expected
from the proposed subdivision and new dwelling that
would not be mitigatible in the process of further
design development and as subject to certain other
requirements . "
I would like to comment further on certain aspects of these matters as they
have to do with aesthetic resources , historic and archaeological resources ,
and growth and character of the community .
During the course of developing the concept sketches of the proposed
® residence , the topographic map and other information presented in the proposal
EXHIBIT 3 -
( 2 )
before you , I have talked with a number of concerned citizens . Other than
individuals , I have talked with leaders of the Forest Home Improvement Associ -
ation and of the Forest Home Chapel ' s administrative board . My responses to
technical concerns regarding drainage and potential environmental disturbance
as well as concerns for size and design of the new residence are before you in
the submitted proposal .
However , I realize that there is still concern over several issues that some
feel that I have not yet adequately addressed . I am anxious to do so in a
complete and forthright manner . I think Mr . David Kuckuk ' s letter to the
planning board outlines the community ' s central concerns . Let me consider
each of these :
1 . Impact on existing residence : A number of residents have expressed con -
cern that subdividing the property will significantly lower the desireability
of the present house on its reduced lot . In testing the real estate market ,
although the house has not been advertised or - formally put " on the market " , I
have found that this is not so . There are at present at least two parties
seriously interested in purchasing the renovated 19th century dwelling . One
of these parties is ready to proceed to the purchase offer stage: as soon as we
have resolved the subdivision issue . This party , a couple , both professors at
Cornell are found of old homes and in fact while at their last university
restored an 18th century country home . They have been fully briefed on my
plans for the subdivision and in fact feel that an appropriately designed new
residence placed as proposed will be a positive addition to Forest Home .
A note : In Mr . K.uckuk ' s letter he states that the proposed subdivision will
® reduce the front yard below Zoning Ordinance requirements . As the Town Planner
notes in her SEQR report , "The exisgint Pond House would , after the proposed
subdivision have a total of 255 +J - feet of frontage along the Forest Home
Drive right of way , of which between 60 and 100 feet could be interpreted as
front yard . Reducing the southwestern side yard width from the current 80 '
to the proposed 20 ' feet will not change the way or degree in which the old
house does or does not conform to the current zoning ordinance , which of
course practically no Forest Home Residence does .
2 . Front yard development of the proposed new lot . I agree with Mr . Kuckuk
that this is an extremely important question . It is as important as the
design of the new house itself . How it is resolved will have a major esthetic
impact on the Chapel , the present and new residences , and of course , the
entire neighborhood . At this stage , I have not attempted to address the prob -
lem . The sketched in driveway access on attachment 3 , the topographic map , is
by no means meant to be final and fixed . If preliminary subdivision approval
is given , I would expect to work with an appropriate Forest Home committee and
a landscape designer to settle on a mutually satisfactory solution .
3 . Appropriateness ( of the new residence ) to the neighborhood . As is
apparent in the concept sketches , attachments 5 & 6 in the present proposal , I
want the the new residence to reflect the traditional design motifs of Forest
Home and our area . I am particularly fond of two of our traditional regional
styles : namely the Greek Revival , best reflected in Forest Home , I think , by
David Bates ' home and the Italinate as simply reflected in 228 Forest Home
® Drive . I feel that design elements echoing the simple and restrained classic
nature of the Greek Revival will work best in the new residence .
( 3 )
( 3 )
• A particular point has to do with the present stone retaining wall which will
be partially removed . I plan to salvage the stones and use them to face the
terrace at the front of the new residence . This will , I feel , help integrate
the new house with its site . The visual. result will be to connect the founda -
tion of the new residence with the remainder of the retaining wall which
extends over into the upper hillside garden area of 228 Forest .Home Drive .
As with the problem of front yard development , I would like to discuss and
refine solutions to these matters with an appropriate Forest Home committee .
On the issue of quality I will put it in terms of financial committment .
Using building costs for quality structures obtained from . a builder of custom
homes ( who did the renovation work at 228 Forest Home Drive ) and with whom I
have developed the concept sketches , I expect the building costs of the 1800
finished square foot residence to be between $ 135 , 000 and $ 140 , 000 or between
$ 75 and $ 77 per square foot .
Financing will be a combination of private and bank . Before commencing , the
financing package for the project will be completely arranged and committed .
If deemed necessary , the financial package can be reviewed by appropriate Town
of Ithaca officials .
4 . Assurance of performance and compliance . This is a most difficult problem
to address at this stage because there is , to my knowledge , no body properly
constituted to deal with such matters . Perhaps the ultimate control rests
_ with the Town of Ithaca Building Inspector who must give a certificate of
occupancy before the new residence can be used . However , at that stage it is
late to change many things . In conjunction with appropriate persons and my
attorney , I would like to discuss ways to give the planning board and Forest
Home residents confidence that agreed to design and planning concepts are
adhered to while I proceed with the project . I am open to any reasonable sug -
gestions as to ways to address this problem .
5 . Although not mentioned by Mr . Kuckuk , another subject that I feel is of
concern and one that has been mentioned by others is "What happens to the
properties when they are sold ? Can they be converted to uses not in keeping
with the present character of Forest Home ? " I , too , feel that such an
eventuality would most be undesireable . Therefore , if subdivision of 228
Forest Home Drive and building of a new residence is approved , I will , when
the properties are sold , include restrictive covenants in the transferring
deeds to prevent their use other than as single family residences . This , I
might point out , is unusual in an older neighborhood . In order to preclude
undue future hardship on new owners in the event other Forest Home property
owners are not so concerned with such matters and the neighborhood does shift
to a majority of non - single family , owner occupied residences , the restrictive
covenants will provide for the release of the owners of the subdivided 228
Forest Home Drive from the restrictions .
At this point I feel that I should stop and respond to any questions that you
have . After hearing from members of the community , my attorney , Mr . Richard
Stumbar would like to make a few remarks .
•
( 3 )
PETITION
To be presented to the Town of Ithaca
concerning the proposed subdivision at 228 Forest Home Drive
December , 1987
We , the undersigned , respectfully but urgently request that the
Town of Ithaca not grant a zoning variance to James Gulledge for
the construction of a house at 228 Forest Home Drive . Zoning is
enacted for a purpose , and we see no extenuating circumstances
that would justify an exception to the law . Neighbors to the
proposed building site might be more affected by the project
than would James Gulledge himself , who has no intention of living
in our community . Building on this nonconforming lot would detract
from the historic character of Forest Home , increase housing density ,
add to an already congested traffic situation , decrease neighboring
property values , negatively impact the Forest Home Nursery School ,
and perhaps be a disservice to the eventual owners of both the
existing and proposed houses at this site . We therefore ask that
the zoning variance be denied .
NAME ADDRESS
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Planning Board - 1 - February 2 , 1988
( Verbatim Transcript )
David Klein wondered about the 20 - foot right- of - way between lots No . 2
and . 3 . Mr . Klein noted that the right - of -way crosses land ( the Gray
parcel ) the developer does not own . Attorney Mazza stated that the
developer will enter into negotiations and had a tentative agreement
with Mr . Gra:y .
May - That is an also an area I have trouble with . Lot ' 16 , I do not
believe belongs as part of the proposal .
Klein - But if that is the only way to get there it seems to me that
you have to have something definitive that you control that parcel or
something in writing .
Mazza - I would suggest that that be a condition on a building permit
for that lot .
Klein - I guess you can get there going through the NYSEG
right - of -way , or move it between lots 3 and 4 .
Iacovelli - we have kind of a verbal agreement with the Grays . If you
had requested that the last time I would have had it in writing for
you tonight .
Klein - I have some feelings that I kind of want to share about this
thing . In sort of a perverse way the subdivision issue has kind of
boomaranged , and I guess I personally feel that we have been sort of
boxed into a what I find both alternatives not being terribly
attractive . Obviously , you have the right to develop land in
accordance with the subdivision and zoning ordinances and I guess we
as a Planning Board have to try and deal with how we interpret those
regulations . I think here we have a situation that the neighbors in
single family homes feel either prospect of the traditional
subdivision or the cluster might , in fact , negatively affect their
community , and since this is so close to Ithaca College and there is a
high pattern of student housing in that area , lots of cars and big
parking lots ,, and not too attractive buildings . I really view their
concerns in terms of that ' s going to happen in their backyard . They
do have nice views to the lake and the surrounding area , and I think
and I mentioned this the last time , I think you didn ' t give us an
alternative by showing us like an attractive cluster . You never
really showed me , at least , something that would sort of sell the
cluster , and kind of put us in a position , well if that is what you
are going to give us for the cluster we ought to look at a traditional
subdivision , which is really the reverse of , in a sense , the intent of
the cluster regulations . You show us a grided subdivision and in lieu
of that we might ask to look at a cluster which uses the land better
and perhaps is more sensitive to the neighborhood . Still , as I go
back to this thing this is reasonably literal to what we have
discussed , but if you see 15 plus double potential double units with
parking for 6 cars .
Fabbroni - I think really we just did away with all that because the
sentiment of the Board was no rental in cluster .
EXHIBIT 1
Planning Board - 2 - February 2 , 1988
( Verbatim Transcript )
Klein - What. I am saying is we still didn ' t see a cluster layout that ,
other than in one of these letters that we received , they look kind of
sketchy and haphazard , and I think we have others better looking .
Fabbroni - Correct me if I am wrong , but that was not the sticking
point , so what was the sense of another layout .
Klein - As :L say , I guess I am still somewhat ambivolent in terms of
what might be . If we are looking at a situation and we ' re all
guessing that this is still going to be rental housing . Even though
Eddie is technically correct , on a subdivision we have no control , he
is absolutely correct , not technically correct , we have no control
over what you build there other than the zoning requirements , with
set - backs and one or two family houses and whatever limits that has on
50 % dwelling units or stack dwelling units or whatever , the cluster
gives us some control .
Fabbroni - If the Board as a consensus said , alright we would be
willing to look at 24 rental cluster units , we want you to come back
with elevations , landscape plans , well thought out site plan design
and all this . That is something . to proceed from , that is a message to
us from the Board . We never got that message . We got the message no
cluster if it ' s rental .
Klein - OK , I guess maybe I am getting some mixed signals from the
people that are around there . I don ' t know . We can ' t stop a
development , there is every right to develop , but I think we wanted to
try and hit what is the best alternative .
Grigorov - There are some variances they are asking for though .
Klein - Lot No . 16 . The subdivision , our subdividing the parcel did
not create the configuration . It always had a very small neck at the
back of the Gray parcel . I can see it being part of the park space .
We can treat. it as part of lot 4 - that is where it is contiguous .
How else do you deal with it ? What are the requirements for open
space ?
May - 10 % .
Miller - 10 $ .
Klein - Lot 16 and the park land , if it is a separately mapped lot it
could be withdrawn from the subdivis n . Is that correct ?
May - Oh sure .
Lesser - But then they have no parkland .
Klein - Then park land could be found somewhere else in the southern
part of the site .
EXHIBIT 1
Planning Board - 3 - February 2 , 1988
( Verbatim Transcript )
Fabbroni - If you don ' t approve , we go to the ZBA and quite openly
discuss with them what we would like to do with that parcel in the way
of a building lot and we could come back with a recommendation from
them that we are entitled to a variance on that parcel , and yes they
recognize it as going to be split and the balance given as open space .
At least it gives us an opportunity to speak to that hardship which
noboby wants to hear about . But . . .
Barney - This Planning Board as a matter of policy has to sort of
determine whether they are going to accept the subdivision of those
two lots assuming you get the variance , lets assume anyway you are
gonna get the variance in order to get the access to get up there , and
I sense some hesitation here .
Fabbroni - The alternative of coming back here would be either way .
Barney - Supposing they give you the variance . You get your shot at
the ZBA and they give you the variance and say fine , we don ' t care ,
subdivide . But the actual subdivision is governed by this Board , so
you have to come back to this Board , so you come back with a variance .
Of course , right now we are assuming you are gonna get the variance in
the first place , but I think we are going through an excerise here
that does not make any sense .
Fabbroni - My understanding here is that Monty does not want to
prejudice it by saying he is in favor of it or the Board , they don ' t
want to send it with a recommendation to the Board of Appeals . They
don ' t want to deal with hardship which you don ' t usaully deal with .
Mazza - The :issue with hardship with the whole parcel exists now , and
what we are doing is , that issue is still gonna remain , except that we
are taking part of the land that would be a portion of that hardship ,
and creating open space to the Town contiguous to this linear green
space that the Town hopes to have . We are not creating a new issue ,
that issue is there now . The only . difference being , we are trying to
take part of that and dedicate it as open space in an area which I
understood from the Board last time they thought that was a nice place
to have some green space next to the linear green space .
May - I think somebody is misinterpreting my concern . No . 1 , it does
not seem to fit the subdivision , but most importantly there is not
decent access to it . The access isreally very poor , and therefore ,
it is not a good lot .
Langhans - I should think the Fire Dept . would have problems with it
also .
May - I guess I could live with a recommendation to the ZBA that it
not be granted a variance for reasons of 280 - a , and they decide they
want to grant it .
Barney - If they grant it over your objection Monty then it is going
to come - back here and you are going to have to make a determination at
EXHIBIT 1
Planning Board - 4 - February 2 , 1988
( Verbatim Transcript )
that point whether you are going to approve it or not . I find this
kind of going around the barn .
May - At this point , I don ' t see much of an alternative , I guess is my
problem . Just taking it out of the . subdivision is somewhat difficult
to do ,
Barney - By doing that you also remove your parkland .
Miller - Couldn ' t this property be developed so there are not
variances . Couldn ' t a plan come up so you would not have to ask for
all the variances .
Fabbroni - Not on the piece we are talking about , Bob .
May - There is just no way .
Fabbroni - I guess what we are trying to say is , there would be more
if one owner did not consolidate the four parcels .
Miller - Right now you couldn ' t go up and build a house on it .
May - Could not get a building permit .
Klein - I know we have not resolved the issue of Lot 16 , but in terms
of the other 2 , 6 , and 7 , I guess I could live with 2 and 6 , but
actually I have a real problem with 7 , because that lot is only 90
feet deep . If I ' m reading the reduction right . It seems that the
house on that lot is gonna be 60 feet closer to the person behind it ,
than if it were a 150 foot lot .
May - Gimme the dimensions again , and I . . .
Klein - Even though it ' s 18 , 000 feet , looks like the boundary the
depth of the lot between 7 and 8 is only 90 feet . And a house built
on that meeting the front yard set -backs is gonna have an extremely
shallow rear yard and be i in essence , 60 feet closer to the lot just
south of that , the border lot , and that ' s one of those things that you
may not think about until that ' s built and realize that that ' s , you
know , really made a 60 foot encroachment in terms of the open space .
Beeners - There is a house position shown on that lot on 7 , and the
plan that ' s up on the board , and that ' s , I scaled out by imagining the
house to be tilted so it was straight up and down , lets say on there
that we would. have 100 x 120 foot lot on that lot , I mean where is the
front yard , I guess is the big problem we are trying to calculate
this .
Fabbroni - If you look at that top map on the board , again that 90
feet comes from moving the road to be opposite Spruce Way . If you
look at that top map you don ' t have the problem with the four lots
that fall in the alternative , for what it ' s worth . Beyond that ,
again , I keep harping on it , there are 15 lots in traditional
EXHIBIT 1
Planning Board - 5 - February 2 , 1988
( Verbatim Transcript )
subdivision that over the years , different strokes for different
folks , I guess were approved as part of the subdivision .
Lesser - Just because some modifications have been accepted does not
mean all of -them are .
May - I think we need to made a final determination here .
Klein - Well , can they withdraw 16 in the open space , and accept 7 as
open space ?
May - Is that what we are hearing from them .
Mazza - If tie makes it as part of his proposal that that not be a
building lot .
Langhans - Then it would be . open space .
Mazza - Not .necessarily . If he conveys it to somebody else , he does
not have to give it to the Town , maybe he can sell it to one of the
neighbors and pick up some of his investment . That ' s not the only
alternative .
Lesser - You ' re saying , you don ' t want the option to go to the ZBA , is
that what your saying ?
Iacovelli - That would suit me .
Lesser - But suppose one of the neighbors didn ' t want to buy it .
Iacovelli - But it doesn ' t hurt to sit there , in other words I can ' t
build on it and will be back here for an option . I won ' t go to the
BZA to ask for a separation of that lot . I just don ' t want an open
space at this time .
Lesser - Would you like perhaps a another postponement and come back
at some time in the future with a statement that a neignbor is
interested in buying that property , and that could be part of the
condition ?
Iacovelli - At the present time there is . a house that is encroaching
on that lot . My first option would be go to that neighbor and see if
he would buy that lot .
Lesser - You put yourself in an odd position because if he knows you
said you can ' t build on it you can ' t do anything else .
Orlando - It doesn ' t hurt to sit there either .
Barney - There has to be an explicit condition that something is going
to happen to that lot , Mr . Iacovelli , I don ' t want to put you in a
box , but today you gotta say I ' m gonna sell to my next door neighbor
because . . .
EXHIBIT 1
Planning Board - 6 - February 2 , 1988
( Verbatim Transcript )
Iacovelli - I can ' t say that .
Iacovelli - I don ' t want to build on it . I think that at some point
in time one of the neighbors would buy it , yes , and there are 2 or 3
people that abut against it , . and I don ' t have that answer for you
tonight .
Barney - What kind of time frame would you feel comfortable in making
some sort of determination on that ?
Mayr Really only one neighbor
Iacovelli - No , 2 or 3 neighbors .
Barney - What time frame .)
Mazza - I don ' t know the answer to that . Make it a fairly long period
of time , to give him an opportunity .
Fabronni - I mentioned , there is a 96 year old lady who lives in that
house . Things could change very quickly or they could be 10 years
from now .
Iacovelli - There is a very stong possibility that if Mrs . Benninger
were to pass away and they were to sell her land , I have talked with
one of the owners of that , that I would purchase that property , and
then I could put a decent house in there and redo that lot . Now that
would be my idea of what should happen to that lot . Now whether it ' s
me doing it or someone else that ' s what should happen .
May - read the draft resolution .
Klein - My only objection is the inclusion of lot 7 . I can see the
BZA going for 2 and 6 , but 7 I still have a lot of problems with . I
guess I would rather see it as part of a buffer .
Grigorov - Then there would be normal access to that .
Iacovelli - There is already a house there so I assume there is
already access there . You can put on the deed that I will not ask for
a building permit or that that ' s restricted so there would be no
building allowed on that lot unless it ' s combined in some way with
another parcel of land .
May - Are we pretty much in agreement with all of the other changes
with this addition ?
Klein - I ' m not in agreement with lot 7 .
EXHIBIT 1
AFFI DAIF17 OF PUBLJCA71ON
THEITHACA JOURNAL TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING ,
BOARD, NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARINGS, TUESDAY, FEB-
RUARY 2, 1988
By direction of the Chairman
of the Planning Board, NOTICE j
IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Public 'I
/ Hearings will be held by the {
Planning Board of the Town of
__ .1 :._.._.:...... ..__..L . ! . _. 9 duly sworn, deposes Ithaca on Tuesday, February ;
2, 1988, in Town Hall , 126 E6;;t
Seneca Street, Ithaca, N. Y. , at
and says , that he resides in Ithaca, Court and State aforesaid and the following times and on the'
h' following matters: - �
7: 30 P. M. Consideration of
x, Preliminary Subdivision Ap
--=»••-- •---�= •: •.. - .. ... .._.__..__.... ....__.__. ._.. _..... .._. ......, proval for proposed "Klondike'
that he is
_ Manor", a 16-lot subdivision j
pplus open space, proposed tot
of Tim ITHACA JotmNAL a public newspaper printed and published be located on Town of Ithaca 1
Tax Parcels No. 6.53. 1 - 17. 1 , :`
17. 2, •5, and • 10, 9. 63 acres'
in Ithaca aforesaid, and that a notice, of which the annexed is a true total , on Coddington Road,
northwest of Juniper Drive
Orlando and Ralph lacovelli;
Appy, Was published LII said Applicants. (Adjourned from
_�'C.7� o .. _.... . ....... ..... Januar 19, 1988. )
paper . _..._.. yy
8 :00 P. M. Consideration of the.,
..._....... .._.._. .... ._. .
Reaffirmation of Subdivision
... ... ... ..-............ . ,
• ••»---•••• Approvalgranted byy the P on-'
ning Board on_July 3, 1984, for :
the subdivision into two lots 'of
..._..__...................... . . . ........ ... . . .......... . . ... ......... . ...._... _.._...:.. ..»._. Town of -Ithaca Tax Parcel No.
6-56-3-6, approximately" 1 .6
acres, located at 1526 Slater- '
and that the fust public ion of said notice was on the .. .......... . vole Rood. Peter A. 'State;_ .)
Owner/Applicant.
r . 8 : 10 P. M. Consideration of
day of ..._...... .. .._..-• -- �L c �-t �� 29 !y Subdivision Approval for the ;. .
" •' • ' --" • • '• proposed subdivision of a
1 . 32-acre plus or minus parcel .
cam , (gross), located at 228 Forest
._._......... ...... ....... ..__... .... L�.Y` � -f_.:, name Drive, Town of Ithaca
OTax Parcel No. 6-66-3- 16, Resi-
dence District R- 15, into two
Subscribed tnd sworn to before me, this .._ _ -__ ... day lots of . 65 plus or minus acres .
each. James L. Gulledge,
Owner/Applicant. (Adjourned
. .... I9.____..... from June 16, 1987. )
8 :45 P. M. Consideration of
Site Plan Approval for the pro- ',
posed conversion of "John-
_. . .. ............. . .................. .. ._ . ....••.... ... ny's Super Service", located ;
Notary Public• at 1103 Danby Road, Town of :1
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 6-43-2-1 ;
JEAN FORD from gasoline service and ve- ?
hicle repair to self-service
Notary Public, State of Ne .,/ York gasoline service and conve- 't
nience store. John C. and Kim
No. 4654410 Klein, Owners; Joseph Solino, j
Applicant.
Qualified in Tompkins County Said Planning Board will of
said times and said place hear I
Commission expires May 31 , 19 • all persons in support of such j
` matters or objections thereto. i
Persons may appear by agent
or in person .
Jean H . Swartwood I
Town Clerk . ,
273- 1721 i
January 28, 1988 I
O �.