HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1988-04-19 FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
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• TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Clerk
APRIL 1 .9 , 1988
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in :regular session on
Tuesday , April 19 , 1988 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca ,
New York , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairman Montgomery May , Carolyn Grigorov , Virginia
Langhans , Robert Miller , Robert Kenerson , William Lesser ,
John C . Barney ( Town Attorney ) , Robert R . Flumerfelt ( Town
Engineer ) , Susan C . Beeners ( Town Planner ) , George R . Frantz
(Assistant Town Planner ) .
ALSO PRESENT : David R . Norcross , Jeremy Schaad , Nandine Boyle , David
V . Han , Sara B . Canaday , Thomas H . Johnson , David
Auble , Doug Wilcox , Tom Murray , Iska Ziver , Shirley
Egan , George Hascup , Jean Brockway ,
Chairman May declared the meeting duly opened 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 April
11 , 1988 , and April 14 , 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 the
Clerk of the Town of Ithaca , upon both the Clerk: and the Building
Commissioner of the City of Ithaca , upon the Tompkins County
Commissioner of Public Works , upon the Finger Lakes Region of the NYS
Office of Parks , Recreation , & Historic Preservation , upon the
Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , and upon the applicant on
April 12 , 1988 .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR A PROPOSED
12 - FOOT BY 62 - FOOT ADDITION TO THE P & C MARKET , LOCATED AT EAST HILL
PLAZA ON JUDD FALLS AND ELLIS HOLLOW ROADS , TOWN OF' ITHACA TAX PARCEL
N0 . 6 - 62 -1- 191219
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings
as posted and published and as noted above .
David Norcross , Director of Real Estate for P & C Food Markets ,
addressed the Board and stated that a small addition is being
proposed , which is approximately 12 feet in width and 62 feet in
depth . Mr . Norcross offered that the purpose of the addition was to
allow for improvement of the existing bakery and to relocate some of
the existing machinery . Mr . Norcross stated that the employee lounge
would be relocated , along with a Manager ' s office . Mr . Norcross noted
that , in the course of the site planning , one corner of the existing
building runs over the existing water line which the P & C Market has
agreed to relocate , as part of the proposal , at the request of the
0
Southern Cayuga Lake Intermuncipal Water Commission .
Planning Board - 2 - April 19 , 1988
. Town Planner Susan Beeners wondered if the addition would
increase the amount of the sales floor area , with Mr . Norcross
answering , no .
Chairman May noted that this was a Public Hearing , and asked if
anyone present wished to speak . No one spoke . Chairman May closed
the Public Hearing and brought the matter back to the Board for
discussion .
Robert Kenerson wondered if this would be a one - story addition .
Mr . Norcross responded that it would be a one - story addition . Mr .
Norcross added that the parking space would be reduced by three . Mr .
Frantz , Assistant Town Planner , commented that the existing parking at
the entire plaza is about 525 spaces , not counting an additional
gravel parking lot which Cornell has developed behind the P & C .
Chairman May asked about employee parking . Mr . Norcross
responded that he was not at the P & C on a regular basis , adding that
he has not seen the employee parking to full capacity .
Mr . Frantz stated that the staff ' s only reservation concerning
the expansion was the fact that Local Law # 1 passed. in 1983 requires a
20 - foot safety zone around the building . Mr . Frantz noted that ,
currently , there is a 9 - foot safety zone . Mr . Frantz offered that the
20 - foot safety zone was for fire protection .
• There appearing to be no further discussion , Chairman May asked
if anyone were prepared to make a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Mr . Robert Miller :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the Consideration of Site Plan Approval for a
proposed 12 - foot by 62 - foot addition to the P & C Market , located
at East Hill Plaza on Judd Falls and Ellis Hollow Roads , Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 62 - 2 - 1 . 121 ,
2 . This is an Unlisted Action for which the Planning Board has been
legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency for environmental
review .
3 . The Town Planner has recommended a negative determination of
environmental significance for this action , subject to the
mitigating measures included in the project proposal .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board , acting as Lead Agency for the
environmental review of this action , make and hereby does make a
negative determination of environmental significance .
• There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Planning Board - 3 - April 19 , 1988
. Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
MOTION by Mrs . Carolyn Grigorov , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the Consideration of Site Plan Approval for a
proposed 12 - foot by 62 - foot addition to the P & C Market , located
at East Hill Plaza on Judd Falls and Ellis Hollow Roads , Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 62 - 2 - 1 . 121 ,
2 . This is an Unlisted Action for which the Planning Board , acting
as Lead Agency for environmental review , has , on April 19 , 1988 ,
made a negative determination of environmental significance .
3 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on April 19 , 1988 , has
reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form , letter from
Tanner Building Company dated April 7 , 1988 , site and building
plans , and other submissions for this proposal .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
• 1 . That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Site Plan
Approval for the addition to the P & C Market as proposed ,
subject to the following conditions .
a . The completion of any improvements required by the Town
Engineer and the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermuncipal Water
Commission with respect to watermain relocation and any
other water line improvements prior to the issuance of a
certificate of compliance for the proposed addition .
b . The submission of a plan showing proposed expansion of the
East Hill Plaza safety zone in order to achieve compliance
with Town of Ithaca Local Law No . 1 , 1983 , with any
reorganization of parking spaces in the adjacent parking
made necessary by expansion of said safety zone , as well as
related signage , to be subject to the approval of the Town
Engineer and to be implemented prior to the issuance of a
certificate of compliance for the proposed addition .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
• Chairman May declared the matter of the proposed 12 - foot by
62 - foot addition to the P & C Market duly closed .
Planning Board - 4 - April 19 , 1988
• PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION OF TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 ,
LOCATED ON EAST KING ROAD , MULTIPLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT , INTO TWO
PARCELS OF 23 . 1 AND 4 . 8 ACRES EACH , AND FURTHER , CONSIDERATION OF
APPROVAL OF A REVISED SITE PLAN FOR STAGES 1 AND 2 OF " BUTTERFIELD " ,
SAID STAGES PROPOSED TO CONSIST OF 48 ATTACHED SINGLE - FAMILY DWELLING
UNITS WITH ULTIMATE SITE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED TO INCLUDE A TOTAL OF 86
DWELLING UNITS , AND FURTHER , CONSIDERATION OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL
WITH RESPECT TO A REQUEST FOR THE CLUSTERED SUBDIVISION OF SAID 48
STAGE 1 AND 2 DWELLING UNITS PLUS OPEN SPACE LOTS . BUTTERFIELD
ASSOCIATES , DEVELOPER ; DAVID C . AUBLE , APPLICANT .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings
as posted and published and as noted above .
Mr . Auble addressed the Board and stated that he was before the
Board to complete the presentation for Preliminary Site Plan Approval
for the ButterField development .
Mr . Auble noted that there have been some changes on the plans ,
as there were a few gray areas that had to be clarified .
At this time , Thomas H . Johnson , Land Planner for the project ,
appeared before the Board and appended maps to the bulletin board .
• Mr . Johnson , indicating on the appended maps , stated that
relative to the motion for subdivision , the first subdivision is the
subdivision that divides " this " area , which is called a buffer lot ,
from the rest of the parcel . Mr . Johnson stated that " this " drawing
is a color version of the multi - family site plan revision . Mr .
Johnson mentioned the preliminary cluster subdivision approval for the
remainder of the parcel .
Mr . Johnson stated that the appended plan is a little bit
different from the plan for which the multi - family already exists .
Mr . Johnson remarked that the developer is asking for approval for the
first two phases , adding that the number of lots has been reduced from
108 to 86 . Mr . Johnson noted that the houses would be owned and not
rental units , adding that there would be a large green space system
which would be maintained by a Homeowners ' Association . Mr . Johnson
stated that there are now four different kinds of architecture ,
therefore , the clusters have great variety and individuality . Mr .
Johnson said that the reserve buffer is being established at the west
end of the property , commenting that the road system has been revised
at the suggestion of the Town Supervisor , Town Engineer , and Town
Planner . Mr . Johnson stated that , as before , the streets and roads
will have curbs , and drainage will be to the project lake or the
northerly swale .
Chairman May noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if
• anyone present wished to speak .
Planning Board - 5 - April 19 , 1988
• Shirley Egan , Associate University Counsel at Cornell University ,
spoke from the floor and wondered how many units there were in Phase
1 . Mr . Johnson responded that there were 20 units in Phase 1 , 28
units in Phase 2 , Phase 3 , 30 units , and Phase 4 ,, eight units . Mr .
Johnson commented that Phases 3 and 4 were not shown on the plan , as
the developer was not seeking site plan design approval for them at
this time .
Jean Brockway , 166 Ridgecrest Road , spoke from the floor and
wondered how many houses would be attached to each other . Mr . Johnson
responded that all of the complexes will be two units attached to each
other .
There appearing to be no one else from the public who wished to
speak to this matter , Chairman May closed the :Public Hearing and
brought the matter back to the Board for discussion .
Attorney Barney inquired as to whether this was a clustered
subdivision , with Mr . Johnson answering , it is cluster . Attorney
Barney wondered about the roads that were to be conveyed to the Town .
Mr . Johnson responded that [ pointing to map ] there would be a 60 - foot
right - of -way into " here " and a 50 - foot right - of -way across the back to
" here " , and a 60 - foot right -of -way out " here " .
Chairman May asked about the maximum length of the private roads ,
• with Mr . Johnson responding , probably about 300 feet in length , and
approximately 20 feet wide , with a few 18 feet wide . Chairman May
wondered about emergency vehicles getting in and out . Mr . Johnson
said that there would be a hammerhead intersection and a bit of a
turnaround " here " . Town Engineer Robert Flumerfelt noted that the
Fire Department has indicated that they would back out , up to a
300 - foot distance . Mr . Johnson stated that he had reviewed the issue
with the Fire Department and they accepted the road system .
Virginia Langhans mentioned an easement for a bike path . Ms .
Beeners stated that the bike path has not been totally defined yet ,
but would be defined prior to any Final Subdivision Approval . Mrs .
Langhans wondered if it were always necessary to have a walkway or
bike path through every development . Ms . Beeners commented , when one
is faced with a situation of not having a sidewalk program along a
Town road , then an alternative would be to link together some off - road
trails that would , essentially , parallel some of the major roads .
There appearing to be no further discussion or comments from the
Board , Chairman May asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion .
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mr . Robert Kenerson :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the Consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
• proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No .
6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 , located on East King Road , Multiple Residence
District , into two parcels of 23 . 1 and 4 . 8 acres each , and
Planning Board - 6 - April 19 , 1988
further , Consideration of Approval of a Revised Site Plan for
Phases or Stages 1 and 2 of " ButterField " , such Phases or Stages
proposed to consist of 48 attached single - family dwelling units
with ultimate site development proposed to include a total of 86
dwelling units , and further , Consideration of Subdivision
Approval with respect to a request for the clustered subdivision
of such 48 Phases or Stages 1 and 2 dwelling units plus open
space lots .
2 . This is a Type I action for which the Planning Board has been
legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency for environmental
review . The Tompkins County Health Department , Tompkins County
Planning Department , and Tompkins County Highway Department are
potentially involved agencies which have been informed of this
action .
3 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on April 19 , 1988 , has
reviewed the Long Environmental Assessment Form , revised plans ,
engineer ' s report , and other submissions for the proposal .
4 . The Town Planner has recommended that a negative determination of
environmental significance be made for the proposed Stages or
Phases 1 and 2 .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
• That . the Planning Board make and hereby does make a negative
determination of environmental significance for the aforementioned
subdivision into two parcels and the proposed site and subdivision
plans for Phases or Stages 1 and 2 as proposed .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
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 Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No .
6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 , located on East King Road , Multiple Residence
District , into two parcels of 23 . 1 and 4 . 8 acres each , and
further , Consideration of Approval of a Revised Site Plan for
Phases or Stages 1 and 2 of " ButterField " , such Phases or Stages
proposed to consist of 48 attached single - family dwelling units
with ultimate site development proposed to include a total of 86
dwelling units , and further , Consideration of Subdivision
Approval with respect to a request for the clustered subdivision
Planning Board - 7 - April 19 , 1988
• of such 48 Phases or Stages 1 and . 2 dwelling units plus open
space lots .
2 . This is a Type I action for which the Planning Board , at Public
Hearing on April 19 , 1988 , has reviewed the Long Environmental
Assessment Form , revised plans , engineer ' s report , and other
submissions for the proposal , and has made a negative
determination of environmental significance .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
1 . That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Preliminary
Subdivision Approval with respect to the proposed subdivision of
Parcel No . 6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 into two parcels of 23 . 1 and 4 . 8 acres
each , and , Preliminary Subdivision Approval for the clustered
subdivision of the proposed 48 dwelling units in Phases or Stages
1 and 2 plus open space lots , and Preliminary Site Plan Approval
for such proposed 48 dwelling units in Phases or Stages 1 and 2 ,
with the following conditions :
a . Acceptance of the location of the proposed public roads and
other proposed public facilities by the Town Board prior to
consideration of Final Subdivision Approval .
b . Alignment of the intersection of the proposed Town road in
• Phase or Stage 1 at East King Road opposite the 60 - foot
" Future Highway Access : Approved by the Planning Board on
June 16 , 1987 , in a plat entitled , " Subdivision Plat , King
Road East , Two Lot Subdivision " , dated June 2 , 1987 ;
Developer , Donald Lucenti ; Surveyor , L . Fabbroni .
c . Provision of an easement to the Town of Ithaca in a location
to be determined by the Town Planner for public pedestrian
and bicycle access in Phase or Stage 1 , or 2 , between the
proposed Town road and the northern line of the property ,
said easement to be shown on a proposed final subdivision
plat before approval .
d . Approval of covenants and deed restrictions , or a synopsis
thereof , by the Planning Board prior to Final Subdivision
Approval , with such covenants and deed restrictions to
include provisions for the restriction of pets in a manner
adequate to prevent injury to wildlife in South Hill Swamp ,
and , approval of covenants and deed restrictions by the Town
Board prior to the issuance of any building permits .
e . Submission of a landscape schedule prior to Final
Subdivision Approval .
f . A 20 - foot permanent easement , and additional temporary
easements as may be necessary , shall be provided for the
• construction and maintenance of a future public sanitary
sewer main from the proposed sanitary sewer main within the
Phase or Stage III area of the proposed subdivision to East
Planning Board - 8 - April 19 , 1988
• King Road , the southerly end of which shall be located at
any point designated by the Town Engineer along the westerly
600 feet of road frontage of Parcel No . 6 - 44 - 1 - 4 . 31 .
g . If Phase or Stage 1 and Phase or Stage 2 roads are not being
constructed simultaneously , a temporary turnaround shall be
provided at the end of the proposed public road in Phase or
Stage 1 or the road shall be completed through Phase or
Stage 2 .
h . The Town roads shall be constructed in accordance with Town
of Ithaca specifications unless modified with the consent of
the Town Engineer and Town Board .
i . Compliance by the developer with all conditions and
requirements set forth in Local Law No . 3 - 1983 , and Local
Law No . 3 - 1987 , and associated Resolution , as the same may
be amended from time to time .
2 . That , as the applicant has proposed completion of Phases or
Stages 1 and 2 of the development by September 1991 , the Planning
Board recommend and hereby does recommend to the Town Board the
following :
a . That Section 4 , Paragraph B , of Local Law No . 3 - 1983 , as
• amended by Local Law No . 3 - 1987 , be further amended as
follows :
" Be The Town now makes a legislative finding that the owner
would reasonably require a period ending September 30 ,
1991 , to commence and complete the construction of the
Phase or Stage 1 and 2 improvements on the project . "
b . That Section 4 , Paragraph C , of Local Law No . 3 - 1983 , as
amended by Local Law No . 3 - 1987 , be amended to read as
follows :
" C . Any building permit issued subsequent to the enactment
of this law may be revoked or modified at the option of
the Town Planning Board if :
i0 construction of Phases or Stages 1 or 2 has not
been substantially commenced by October 1 , 1988 ,
or ,
ii . construction of Phase or Stage 1 and 2 has not
been substantially completed by September 30 ,
1991 .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
• Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
Planning Board - 9 - April 19 , 1988
• The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for Stage I and II of ButterField duly closed .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A REVISED SITE PLAN FOR
" SPRINGWOOD TOWNHOUSES " , PHASE II , 40 DWELLING UNITS PROPOSED , LOCATED
AT 123 EAST KING ROAD , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL N0 , 6 - 43 - 2 - 8 ,
MULTIPLE •RRESIDENCE DISTRICT . HERBERT N . MONKEMEYER , OWNER ; EVAN N .
MONKEMEYER , AGENT .
NOTE : THE APPLICANT HAS REQUESTED A POSTPONEMENT OF THIS MATTER .
Chairman May declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter duly opened and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings
as posted and published and as noted above .
Chairman May stated that the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter has been postponed at this time , at the request of the owner ,
Mr . Herbert N . Monkemeyer , pending re - submission of the application .
MOTION by Robert Kenerson , seconded by Robert Miller .
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board postpone and
hereby does postpone the Consideration of Approval of a Revised Site
Plan for " Springwood Townhouses " , at the request of the owner , pending
• re - submission of the application .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
SKETCH PLAN REVIEW OF PROPOSED RETAIL AND MULTIPLE RESIDENCE
DEVELOPMENT IN THE VICINITY OF IDE ' S BOWLING CENTER , JUDD FALLS AND
ELLIS HOLLOW ROADS . SCOTT HAMILTON , OWNER ; GEORGE HASCUP , ARCHITECT .
Chairman May opened the discussion on the above - noted matter and
read aloud from the Agenda as noted above .
George Hascup , Architect for the project , addressed the Board and
appended maps to the bulletin board .
Mr . Hascup stated that the developer is proposing a mixed use
development . Mr . Hascup commented that the developer thought the
mixed use would be the most appropriate type of development , rather
than going for a Community Corners type of development . Mr . Hascup
noted that the apartment residents would use the adjacent retail and
recreation facilities . Mr . Hascup offered that a new attractive
facade ' would be put in place for Judd Falls plaza , adding that it
• would be a two - story facade with a linear atrium . Mr . Hascup
[ indicating on map ] stated that " this " building has a second story
mezzanine in the arch . Mr . Hascup offered that a long linear skylight
Planning Board - 10 - April 19 , 1988
• that would be exposed at the ends is being proposed , noting that there
is enough pressure for , perhaps , two stories of offices with shops on
the inside of the small arcade . Mr . Hascup commented that there
probably would be a bike store on the bottom with a cafe at the other
end with offices up above . Mr . Hascup noted that there would be a
single row of angled parking by " this " [ indicating on map ] building .
Mr . Hascup offered that the main strategy for the whole development is
to consolidate the parking at the site . Mr . Hascup stated that the
idea is to consolidate a loop road , parking in the back of the bowling
alley , with a new commercial office building on the front . Mr . Hascup
noted that a separate retail building would form a frontage to
Mitchell Street , and multiple residences would define the back of the
site and face the tall pine trees bounding East Lawn Cemetery , Mr .
Hascup offered that this was an appropriate housing solution of 42
units , rather than maximum site coverage , and with the complex
topography which would pressure the parking too much , and commented
that he thought , rather than going to a two - story townhouse type
apartment , a more interesting approach , at this point , would be to
consolidate a very small apartment tower , with four to five units per
floor , and go up six to seven stories . Mr . Hascup offered that there
would , obviously , have to be a landscape screening between the
apartment complex and the bowling area .
Mr . Hascup stated that the first Phase would be the new facade
across the face of Ide ' s Lanes , adding that the apartment complex
• phase would come in the future . Mr . Hascup noted that the immediate
pressure is on the retail and the office .
Chairman May wondered how much of the site was Business " C " . Ms .
Beeners answered that it is the entire area , including the old Ideman
house .
Virginia Langhans stated that she was concerned with the seven
story apartment complex . Mr . Hascup stated that the developer was not
locked into a seven story solution , commenting that the developer
thought that the seven story building would be a better impact on the
environment , and make it easier for parking and planning for the whole
site . , Attorney Barney mentioned the fact that he did not know what
authority there was in the Town to go beyond three stories . Ms .
Beeners stated that the present definition of multiple was that
structures shall conform with other buildings in the vicinity , and in
no case shall there be no more than two stories on the roadside . Mr .
Hascup stated that the developer has other plans available . Chairman
May noted that it would be a good idea to review other plans .
Virginia Langhans wondered about the size of the units . Mr .
Hascup responded that the units would consist of two or three
bedrooms .
Ms . Beeners stated that she understood that the Judd Falls area
was at capacity at the present time . Chairman May commented that
• several years ago the Planning Board sent a resolution to the Town
Board concerning Judd Falls Road traffic , and the :intersection . Ms .
Beeners stated that she would research the resolution .
Planning Board - 11 - April 19 , 1988
• Chairman May commented that a development of the above nature , at
that particular location , and at the present time , would seem to be a
great concern in the traffic area .
George Frantz , Assistant Town Planner , commented that a seven
story building could be constructed , given the lay of the land ,
however , the precedent problem has to be considered . Mr . Frantz
stated that one problem with constructing a seven story building on
the site is the fact that , according to the Zoning Ordinance , the
westernmost yard could not be 30 feet , it would have to be equal to
the height of the building , noting , as one builds higher and higher
the set - backs get wider and wider . Mr . Frantz did not see any problem
with the mixed use , i . e . , the residential adjacent -to the business , if
the full set - backs are required . Mr . Frantz noted that , from a
planning perspective , it is better to strive for the increased density
closer to the City , and thus relieve pressure on development elsewhere
in the periphery of the Town .
At this time , Chairman May indicated that it would be very
helpful if the developer could come back to the Board with what could
be put , commercially , on the site , in addition to what presently
exists .
Chairman May wondered if there was sufficient buffering along
Judd Falls road concerning the parking . Mr . Frantz responded that
• there was 15 feet .
Chairman May asked if there were any other comments . There being
none , Chairman May declared the matter of the Ide ' s Bowling Center
Development Sketch Plan Review duly closed .
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A REVISED SITE PLAN FOR COURTSIDE
RACQUETBALL AND FITNESS CLUB , 16 JUDD FALLS ROAD , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX
PARCEL NO . 6 - 62 - 1 - 5 , WITH REVISIONS PROPOSED TO INCLUDE AN OUTDOOR
BASKETBALL COURT AND AN OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL COURT , ISKA ZIVER AND
THOMAS MURRAY , APPLICANTS .
Chairman May declared the discussion of the above - noted matter
duly opened , and read aloud from the Agenda as noted above .
Mr . Murray addressed the Board and stated that the proposal was
for the creation of a green grass area at the front side of Courtside
Racquetball and Fitness Club , commenting that there had been a request
from the Town to do some landscaping in the front . Mr . Murray offered
that , along with the landscaping , he wants to make that area useful as
a recreational area . Mr . Murray offered that some blacktop area would
be removed from the northeast corner of the parking lot , and a sandpit
volleyball pit would be placed there . Mr . Murray noted that the
parking situation has been reviewed , commenting that the Club would
have approximately 84 parking spaces .
• Chairman May remarked that , as to the parking , from a safety
standpoint , he had some concerns about closing the entrance . Robert
Flumerfelt , Town Engineer , offered that , in his opinion , the
e
Planning Board - 12 - April 19 , 1988
visibility is not the greatest for entering and exiting . Mr .
Flumerfelt felt that there might be more benefit in closing the
entrance than keeping it open . Mr . Flumerfelt offered that there are
so many exits and entrances along Judd Falls Road now that one less
would be welcome .
At this point , the Board discussed fencing that would have to be
erected on the site . Mr . Frantz mentioned constructing a berm , as an
alternative to fencing .
Chairman May indicated that a new Site Plan needs to be
presented , noting that the new plan would supply the Board with some
more information , and also the plan should note the parking situation .
William Lesser wondered if the basketball court would remain
where it now exists . Mr . Murray answered , yes .
There appearing to be no further discussion , Chairman May stated
that he would entertain a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Mrs . Virginia
Langhans :
RESOLVED , by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , that the matter
of consideration of approval of a revised site plan for Courtside
• Racquetball and Fitness Club , 16 Judd Falls Road , Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No . 6 - 62 - 1 - 5 , with revisions proposed to include an outdoor
basketball court and an outdoor volleyball court , be and hereby is
adjourned to May 17 , 1988 .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Klein .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairman May declared the matter of Consideration of Approval of
a Revised Site Plan for Courtside Racquetball and Fitness Club duly
adjourned .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF
CONDITIONS IMPOSED IN THE SEPTEMBER 15 , 1987 , PLANNING BOARD SITE PLAN
APPROVAL OF AN AIR STRUCTURE ENCLOSING TWO TENNIS COURTS AT " LA
TOURELLE " , SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT NO . 11 1150 DANBY ROAD , TOWN OF
ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO , 6 - 36 - 1 - 4 . 2 , AND FURTHER , CONSIDERATION OF A
REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF LOCAL LAW NO . 3 - 1984 PERTAINING TO SAID
SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT NO , 1 , SAID REQUEST BEING TO PERMIT COOKING
OPERATIONS AND BEVERAGE SERVICE IN " LA TOURELLE " FOR RECEPTIONS AND
SIMILAR EVENTS , WALTER J . WIGGINS , OWNER / APPLICANT .
NOTE : THE OWNER / APPLICANT HAS REQUESTED THAT THIS MATTER BE ADJOURNED
. TO MAY 17 , 1988 .
Planning Board - 13 - April 19 , 1988
• Chairman May stated that the Public Hearing in the above - noted
matter had been cancelled at the request of the owner / applicant .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 6 , 1987
MOTION by Virginia Langhans , seconded by Carolyn Grigorov :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board
Meeing of October 6 , 1987 , be and hereby are approved as written .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Miller .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
STAFF REPORT - FARMERS ' MARKET AND OTHER BUSINESS
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that there was an article in
the Ithaca Journal on April 14 , 1988 which noted that the Farmers '
Market would be temporarilly relocating to the " B " parking lot at
Cornell University . Ms . Beeners stated that the Town staff informed
the Market , to the best of their judgment , and as noted in the Zoning
• Ordinance , that that was not a permitted use in an R - 30 Zone . Ms .
Beeners stated that , after the announcement in the paper about the
relocation , there turned out to be some reconsiderations of the use of
" B " lot . Ms . Beeners stated that the Market was temporarilly
relocated to the Kite Hill lot , which is in the City , adding that , as
the weekend developed , and up to this time , there have been some
continued reservations or opposition by other departments , or members
of the Cornell community staff , as to the use of " B " lot . Ms . Beeners
stated that it appeared that somebody was trying to hold it against
the Town for saying - no , you cannot do it , because it is not zoned
properly . Ms . Beeners stated that there also appeared to be some
other things , such as the profit status of the Farmers ' Market ,
commenting , also on the Market ' s part , as to the type of traffic
control and insurance , that that would have to be provided to meet
Cornell ' s demands . Ms . Beeners remarked that for a couple of moments
it appeared the Town was being called the bad guys and was being used
as an excuse for Cornell to deny the use of " B " lot , adding that she
thought there were some other things there , including some
miscommunication in the Cornell bureaucracy , including the Vet School .
Ms . Beeners stated that both she and George Frantz have stayed in
contact with the Farmers ' Market since Thursday or Friday , noting that
several conversations have been held over the weekend , in fact ,
alternate sites have been suggested in the Town that are zoned for
Commercial or Light Industrial or Industrial , where it would be easier
to say , yes , you indeed are within the zoning . Ms . Beeners commented
that she felt in considering whether or not the Farmers ' Market is
• permitted in an R- 30 District , it is a difficult one because the
Market does not have permanent structures , therefore , it is
questionable .
Planning Board - 14 - April 19 , 1988
• Attorney Barney stated that the issue with the Farmers ' Market
was that it was going to be an ongoing recurring thing for a period of
several weeks or months . Attorney Barney commented that what really
scotched it , from Cornell ' s standpoint , was that they began to worry
about the Market ' s profit making , adding , if it is a profit making
enterprise , it is a matter of whether Cornell loses some tax exemption
for real estate tax purposes , as well as for contributions . Attorney
Barney offered that the Vet School raised quite a bit of ruckas about
it , because it would be right in their front yard the day of their
Openhouse . Attorney Barney said that he understood that Pogo
Paolangeli has offered the Market the use of the Watts lot located in
the City , which , as the Board knows , is the center of a controversy
over how many units can be built there . Attorney Barney felt that at
least on a temporary _ basis , it would not be a bad location . Ms .
Beeners stated that her latest communication was that , first , the
Market had requested Mayor Gutenberger , and apparently the Mayor had
acknowledged that , indeed , he would be asking the State for a 60 day
extension for their occupancy at the Taughannock Blvd . site , however ,
Ms . Beeners felt that that would take longer than the upcoming
weekend . Ms . Beeners noted that in discussions with the City , the
Market probably can work out something with the City as a temporary
site . Ms . Beeners stated that the " B " lot still had to be considered
to be one of the possible temporary sites , but it was not one of the
main ones at the present time , because of the recent developments with
the City .
• Continuing , Ms . Beeners stated that she had set aside this time
on the Agenda as a contingency time , just in case there was any need
for a review of the " B " lot location and what possible environmental
impacts there might be . Ms . Beeners remarked that Evan Monkemeyer had
offered use of his Hayloft land .
Ms . Beeners stated that she had drafted a general resolution of
support for the Board to consider .
William Lesser wondered if the indication might be made a little
bit stronger than stated . Mr . Lesser noted that he realized there are
a complex of matters , most of which are totally outside the realm of
control , but , if for example , " B " lot were selected or another area in
the Town , could the Board at least make some statement that the
Planning Board would be willing to do anything within its power to try
to facilitate and expedite an environmental impact evaluation , and a
recommendation for temporary rezoning , or something of that sort . Ms .
Beeners responded that whether it is within this Board ' s power , or
within any Board ' s power , is the question . Attorney Barney stated
that the Farmers ' Market is not the only organization in Town that has
a problem one time or another , noting that there is a question as to
just where is a Town Board stepping across the line into an area that
is really outside their scope of activities .
Chairman May stated that it seemed to him that the resolution
• indicates that the Board has support for the Farmers ' Market , noting ,
to go any further than that without knowing the site , without knowing
the circumstances , without knowing the sponsors ' requirements , and a
.1
Planning Board - 15 - April 19 , 1988
• lot of other things , the Board could create more problems than good .
Mr . Lesser stated that he could see the point .
Shirley Egan from Cornell University spoke from the floor and
stated that it sounded to her like , if Cornell had not objected to the
" B " lot , specifically , the Town might find a way to accommodate that
within the zoning . Chairman May commented that he thought that kind
of speculation , at this point , was probably unwise . Ms . Beeners
offered that , what she had hoped was an emergency plan , if " B " lot was
still in the running at Cornell , and that there would be the
opportunity for at least a look at what the environmental impact might
be , as to the traffic volume and what the whole situation was at the
Planning Board , noting , that that was again not knowing at all what
legal mechanisms there would be to permit the Market to be there , and
commenting , but it was like trying to take one step at a time , and at
least see what the environmental impact was . Ms . Egan stated that ,
basically , the question is moot now with Cornell ' s decision , with
Virginia Langhans agreeing that it seemed to be . Chairman May again
stated that he felt the Board could do more damage trying to push a
sponsor , as the sponsor has to agree to it , and then it goes on for
the next step . Ms . Egan stated , for the record , that Cornell supports
the Market , and wanted to make it clear that Cornell is not
stonewalling it in any way .
At this time , Chairman May stated that he would entertain a
• motion .
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mrs . Carolyn Grigorov :
WHEREAS :
1 . The Ithaca Farmers ' Market has a long history of service to the
Ithaca area .
2 . The Market is in search of permanent and / or temporary locations
and has indicated that is is exploring several alternative sites
in the City and Town of Ithaca .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board report and hereby does
report its support of the Ithaca Farmers ' Market , and requests that
efforts by the City of Ithaca , the Town of Ithaca , Cornell University ,
and other agencies and institutions in the Ithaca area be continued to
find permanent and / or temporary locations for the Market .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Langhans , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
• The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Planning Board - 16 - April 19 , 1988
• Chairman May noted that he felt it would be appropriate to send a
copy of the above resolution to the FarmersMarket , and to Mayor
Gutenberger ,
Chairman May commented that , for everyone ' s information , the City
has some proposals underway to purchase some of the Six Mile Creek
Watershed lands , etc . Chairman May indicated that the Town
Supervisor , Noel Desch , has requested that there be some additional
Town members on the old Six Mile Creek Committee , Ms . Beeners stated
that there is the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee , which she has
been attending , commenting that recently there have been a couple of
meetings of the planning staffs of the different agencies around , to
discuss the benefits of having a new Six Mile Creek Land Use Study
Committee to look at acquisition , which the City is sort of interested
in , and some of the other land use controls such as cluster , and
transfer of development rights that could be . applied to protect the
watershed , adding that she believed the scope of it was looking at
extending into Caroline . Ms . Beeners stated that Supervisor Desch has
indicated to Mayor Gutenberger that , if such a committee is officially
formed , the Town would be a willing participant in it . Ms . Beeners
remarked that it would either be the May 3 , 1988 or May 17 , 1988
meeting that the Planning Board would be asked to appoint a member of
the Board to attend those committee meetings .
ADJOURNMENT
• Upon Motion , Chairman May declared the April 19 , 1988 , meeting of
the Town of Ithaca Planning duly adjourned .
Respectfully submitted ,
Mary Bryant , Recording Secretary ,
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary ,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board .
•