HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1989-12-19 s
• FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
DateG ��.�0
24
. TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Clerk
DECEMBER 19 , 1989
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday , December 19 , 1989 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street ,
Ithaca , New York , at 7 : 30 p . m .
PRESENT : Chairperson Carolyn Grigorov , Virginia Langhans , James
Baker , Montgomery May , Robert Kenerson , William Lesser ,
Robert Miller , Erik Whitney ( Acting Town Engineer ) , Susan C .
Beeners ( Town Planner ) , John C . Barney ( Town Attorney ) ,
George R . Frantz (Assistant Town Planner ) ,
ALSO PRESENT : Mr . & Mrs . Gerald Sincock , Mrs . Ann Mersen , Thomas
Mills , M . Zaitlin , Roberts Cotts , Michael R . May , Esq .
Herb Brewer , Mr . & Mrs . Brian Lanphere , Mr . & Mrs .
Louis Mac era , Robin Welch , Jan Asendorf , John Hanrahan ,
Kinga & Peter Gergely , Gregory Menzenski , Cheryl
Larkin , Tammo Steenhuis , Carmine Gerard , Harrison Rue ,
Larry Fabbroni , Leslie Smith - Darling , Thomas Darling ,
Elliott Lauderdale , Myrtle Whitcomb , John . Whitcomb , Ron
& Bonnie Simpson , Fred T . Wilcox III , Harry Fertik ,
David Fernandez , George Kugler , Dick Perry , Carl
Sgrecci , Tom Niederkorn , Alan Wood .
• Chairperson Grigorov 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 December 11 , 1989 , and December 14 , 1989 ,
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 the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning , upon both
the Clerk and the Building Commissioner of the City of Ithaca , and
upon the applicants and / or agents , as appropriate , on December 12 ,
1989 .
Chairperson Grigorov read the Fire Exit Regulations to those
assembled , as required by the New York State Department of State ,
Office of Fire Prevention and Control .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A MODIFIED SITE PLAN FOR
THE TOMPKINS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE , LOCATED AT 904 EAST SHORE
DRIVE , TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCELS N0 . 6 - 18 - 2 - 8 , - 91 AND - 10 ( SPECIAL
LAND USE DISTRICT N0 , 5 ) , WITH SUCH MODIFICATION PROPOSED TO INCLUDE
PAVEMENT , LANDSCAPE , AND CURBING REVISIONS . TOMPKINS COUNTY CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE , OWNER / APPLICANT . ( ADJOURNED FROM NOVEMBER 21 , 1989 . )
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the
above - noted matter duly opened at 7 : 46 p . m . and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
- ` Maps were appended to the bulletin board .
Planning Board - 2 - December 19 , 1989
• Attorney Michael May addressed the Board and stated that he was
representing the Chamber of Commerce .
Mr . David Fernandez , of the Cayuga Landscape Co . , Inc . ,
approached the Board and explained the changes shown on the revised
site plan . Mr . Fernandez , commenting on the schematic paving plan
showing drainage and curbing , stated that , essentially , there are no
changes in the paving or the drainage pattern from the initial site
plan when the building was initially approved . Mr . Fernandez
[ indicating on map ] pointed out the direction of flow .
Mr . Fernandez offered that , as orginally shown , the parking would
be angled parking . Mr . Fernandez stated that the key change is the
addition of timber curbing around the interior of the parking island ,
which has been brought around close to the exit and entrance signs .
Mr . Fernandez said that the Chamber added curbing to the interior of
the island . Mr . Fernandez said that there would be a minimum 5 - foot
concrete walkway along the west side of the parking lot which is shown
to the point where the walkway would have to begin to curve toward the
RV parking sign area . Mr . Fernandez referred to the enlargement of
the planting islands along East Shore Drive , adding that , essentially ,
the concept is to plant that grove of Birch and Amelanchier in an
island bed of naturalized perennials , such as Daylilies and other
things .
• Mr . Fernandez stated that the main identification sign is already
in place , adding , the only signs that are really necessary are the
entrance and exit signs which are placed in similar spots to the
original drawing , commenting that the parking sign for recreational
vehicles would be placed in [ indicating on map ) " this " area . Mr .
Fernandez indicated that there would be signs for handicapped parking
spaces , adding , all the signs would be constructed of wood to match
the main identification sign for the facility . Mr . Fernandez offered
that there would be a commercial cedar post lighting system - - two
large lights , one at each of the smaller islands in the center of the
parking lot , adding , they would be stained to match the siding on the
Chamber building and would stand about ten feet in height .
Chairperson Grigorov noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone present wished to speak . No one spoke . Chairperson
Grigorov closed the Public Hearing at 7 : 56 p . m . and brought the matter
back to the Board for discussion .
Ms . Langhans inquired about the lighting . Mr . Fernandez
responded that the initial site plan prepared prior to the building ' s
construction showed 3 ' - 4 ' high bollard lighting about 8 " square . Mr .
Fernandez noted that both the bollard lighting and the post lighting
are shown on the map , commenting that either style would be acceptable
to the Chamber .
Board member May wondered if the Chamber anticipated that the two
Tights , with a 10 - foot high standard , would light the entire parking
area . Mr . Fernandez answered that they are high - intensity sodium
100 -watt bulbs . Chairperson Grigorov wondered if the bollard "'lghts
Planning Board - 3 - December 19 , 1989
• would have been in the same position . Mr . Fernandez answered , yes .
Mr . Fernandez stated that the building itself acts as a light , because
there are so many exposed lighted windows .
Ms . Langhans asked if there were many activities in the evening
at which there would be a large gathering . Mr . Herb Brewer , member of
the Chamber , responded that there have not been too many up to this
time , adding that the Visitors ' Center closes, at 5 : 00 p . m . Ms .
Langhans wondered when the lighting would be in place . Mr . Brewer
responded that the lights would be in place by July 31 , 1990 . Mr .
Fernandez stated that , at the present time , the entrance and exit
signs are not lighted , but that issue would be looked into by Mr .
Brewer ,
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that this is the first time
that she and Acting Town Engineer Erik Whitney have seen the plan .
Ms . Beeners indicated that , initially , the plan appears to cover the
landscape areas that were discussed at the last meeting . Ms . Beeners
stated that she assumed asphalt pavement , within the parking lot , was
still being talked about , adding that she thought that should be added
to the plan . Ms . Beeners commented that , per the conversation last
week , she does not see a submission of a timber edging detail . Ms .
Beeners recommended that either the matter be adjourned until a staff
recommendation could be made , or that the Planning Board approve this
modified site plan conditional upon final approval of the site plan by
• the Town Engineering and Planning Departments , and to include such
items as : a submission of the timber edging detail , the relabelling
of the plan indicating that there will be asphalt pavement in the
parking area , and that all improvements are to be completed by July
31 , 1990 . Ms . Beeners noted that it seems a shame that the spruce
trees that are in the island in the middle of the parking lot , as well
as what deciduous vegetation there is on Route 13 , do obscure the
Tower . Ms . Beeners said that the spruce trees are pretty healthy
right now , but in the long - run , maybe they should be replaced with
something that would be a little smaller .
Acting Town Engineer Erik Whitney , commenting on the drainage in
the northwest corner , stated that there should be some minor technical
revisions , as the drainage goes across the property of Frank
Signorelli . Mr . Fernandez agreed with Mr . Whitney .
There appearing to be no further discussion , Chairperson Grigorov
asked if anyone were prepared to make a motion .
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mr . Robert Kenerson :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approve and
hereby does approve the modifications to the previously approved site
plan for the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce , as such have been
presented to and reviewed by the Board this date , December 19 , 1989 ,
being drawing entitled " Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce - - Site
• Plan - - Drainage and Paving Plan " , undated , prepared by Cayuga
Landscape Co . , and documents pertaining to signage and lighting ,
contingent upon the following :
Planning Board - 4 - December 19 , 1989
• 10 the approval of the Town Planning and Engineering Departments ,
with consideration to be given to the lighting of the entry and
exit signs , detail of the timber , and asphalt , noting that the
parking lot is to be covered with asphalt , and
2 * the submission of a site plan showing such details as the Town
Planner and the Town Engineer deem necessary , to include , but not
be limited to , the asphalt , the edging on the timber , the
lighting arrangements , landscaping , and drainage .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Ken erson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairperson Grigorov declared the matter of the Tompkins County
Chamber of Commerce modified site plan approval duly closed at 8 : 05
Pam *
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
WITH RESPECT TO :
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE DEFINITION OF HEIGHT ;
PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO THE
• OCCUPANCY OF TWO - FAMILY DWELLING UNITS . ^
� 1
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the
above - noted matter duly opened at 8 : 06 p . m . and read aloud the Notice
of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
Attorney Barney stated that the two - family definition was an
effort to make absolutely clear that no more than one - family will
occupy each unit of a two - family house , adding , the Town Zoning
Ordinance presently states that a two - family dwelling shall be
occupied by not more than two families .
Chairperson Grigorov noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if there were anyone from the public who had any comments or
questions .
Mr . Tammo Steenhuis , of 266 Pennsylvania Avenue , addressed the
Board and wondered how many people can live in a two - family dwelling .
Attorney Barney responded that there is no absolute limit if everyone
is blood related , commenting that there is no stated limit in the
Ordinance for the traditional family . Attorney Barney said that with
unrelated people there can be up to four - two in each unit without
meeting any additional requirements . Attorney Barney said that if
there are more than two people unrelated in a unit they must then
establish , in a proceeding before the ZBA , that they are living
together as a single housekeeping unit .
Robert Cot ts , of 115 Northview Road , spoke from the floor and
asked what was involved in establishing a group of people as being a
Planning Board - 5 - December 19 , 1989
• family unit . Attorney Barney answered that that is language that is
lifted , almost verbatim , out of a Court of Appeals case , which struck
down a statute which limited the number of unrelated people that could
live together as a family .
There appearing to be no one else from the public who wished to
speak to this matter , Chairperson Grigorov closed the Public Hearing
regarding the occupancy of two - family dwelling units and brought the
matter back to the Board for discussion .
There appearing to be no further discussion from the Board ,
Chairperson Grigorov asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Kenerson , seconded by Dr . William Lesser :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and hereby
does recommend to the Town Board the adoption of Proposed Local Law
No . for the year 1989 , Amending the Zoning Ordinance Relative to
the Occupancy of Two - Family Dwelling Units , as proposed , and as
attached hereto . [ See Exhibit # 1 for attachment . ]
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
• The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
At this time , the Board proceeded to the definition of height .
Attorney Barney stated that the limitations relative to height
were being proposed for amendment to provide two measures to see
whether a building met the limitations on height - one was an exterior
measure , that is , a building in the Town of Ithaca may not exceed 30
feet from the lowest point of exterior grade . Secondly , Attorney
Barney said that because grade is something that can shift a little
bit , or maybe a whole lot , a measurement from the interior was
introduced , which basically says that a building cannot exceed 34 feet
in height as measured from the lowest floor of a building - - whether
that is a floor in a basement , floor in a crawlspace , or a floor in a
cellar - - to the top of the roof .
Attorney Barney said that it was found that a steeply pitched
roof , two - story house , cannot , under the above definitions , have a
cellar , because when one adds the 8 ' - 10 ' one gets with a cellar to the
number of feet for the two stories , plus the fairly steeply pitch
roof , the interior dimension is exceeded , adding that this has caused
a couple of applications before the ZBA for variances from the
requirement , and it has also probably caused a number of traditional
colonial style homes ( two - story ) into non - conforming ' status , which
means that when one wants to add on to their homes they have to seek
• approval from the ZBA , because they are altering an existing
non - conforming use .
Planning Board - 6 - December 19 , 1989
• Continuing , Attorney Barney stated that , as a result , an
amendment or modification has been suggested to the Zoning Ordinance
which would alter the interior limitation from 34 feet to 38 feet ,
when one is measuring from a cellar floor . Attorney Barney said that
the definitions initially proposed were the New York State Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code for cellar and basement . Attorney
Barney noted that the definition of a " basement " is that space of a
building that is partly below grade which has more than half of its
height , measured from floor to ceiling , above the average finished
grade of the ground adjoining the building , and the definition of a
" cellar " is that space of a building that is partly or entirely below
grade , which has more than half of its height , measured from floor to
ceiling , below the average finished grade of the ground adjoining the
building . Attorney Barney stated that the modification suggested is
that four feet be added to the height maximum on the interior
measurement , if a building has a cellar . Attorney Barney offered that
under Building Code requirement , a cellar is not a habitable space ,
one cannot sleep in a cellar , but one can sleep in a basement if it is
more than 50 % above grade .
Town Planner Susan Beeners mentioned the question of controlling
fill when houses are being constructed .
Chairperson Grigorov noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone present had any questions or comments .
• Harrison Rue , of 564 Elm St . Ext . , spoke from the floor and
referred to the control of fill . Mr . Rue stated that he - did not think
the Planning Board saw the diagram of the particular building that
Chase Pond has asked for variances for . Mr . Rue said that the
building is actually 28 . 8 feet above grade as measured . Mr . Rue said
that the building meets the exterior dimension of 30 feet , and the
developer is simply asking to be able to put a basement under any one
of those buildings that is appropriate . Mr . Rue commented that there
are rock conditions on site , but in those cases crawlspaces are being
used .
Elliott Lauderdale , of 381 Stone Quarry Road , approached the
Board from the floor and spoke about the different styles of homes
with pitched roofs .
There appearing to be no one else from the public who wished to
speak to this matter , Chairperson Grigorov closed the Public Hearing
at 8 : 30 p . m . and brought the matter back to the Board for discussion .
There appearing to be no further discussion , Chairperson Grigorov
asked if anyone were prepared to make a motion .
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mr . James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and
hereby does recommend to the Town Board that the matter of the
proposed definitions of height , basement , and cellar be referred to a
reconstituted Codes and Ordinances Committee for study of how to
Planning Board - 7 - December 19 , 1989
• provide for an adequate height . limitation with respect to houses with
steeply pitched roofs , and the related question of controlling fill to
avoid abuse .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - Kenerson .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
Chairperson Grigory declared the matters of the Zoning Ordinance
definition of height , and the Zoning Ordinance amendment relative to
the occupancy of two - family dwelling units duly closed at 8 : 45 p . m .
PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE
PROPOSED SUBDIVISION OF A 1 . 07 -ACRE PARCEL FROM TOWN OF ITHACA TAX
PARCEL NO . 6 - 50 - 1 - 5 . 2 , 1 . 73 ACRES TOTAL , LOCATED AT 115 RICH ROAD ,
RESIDENCE DISTRICT R- 15 . LOUIS AND LUCILE MACERA , OWNERS ; ANNE MACERA
LANPHERE , APPLICANT ; BRIAN E . LANPHERE , AGENT .
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the
above - noted matter duly opened at 8 : 46 p . m . and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
• A map was appended to the bulletin board .
Mrs . Lucile Macera addressed the Board and mentioned that the
word subdivision probably frightened all of her neighbors because they
immediately thought of a housing development . Ms . Macera said that
the issue involves slightly over one acre of her land , which is at the
rear of the existing house . Ms . Macera noted that there is no access
from Rich Road to the proposed lot . Ms . Macera stated that she is
merely asking for a variance to have the house constructed with access
from Rich Road . Ms . Macera remarked that the survey map shows that
all the set -back requirements can be met , adding that one house is
proposed to be constructed on the lot .
Chairperson Grigorov noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone from the public wished to comment .
John Hanrahan , of 114 Rich Road , spoke from the floor and stated
that he lives directly opposite the existing driveway . Mr . Hanrahan
noted that his neighborhood is zoned R - 15 . Mr . Hanrahan feels that
this is a single - family residential street , and objects to
constructing a house in the back of an existing lot and allowing
houses to be behind each other . Mr . Hanrahan is concerned about the
area becoming multi - family . Mr . Hanrahan felt that the possibility
exists for eight college students to inhabit one house on one lot .
Mr . Hanrahan noted that a previous variance had been granted on the
lot in question . Ms . Macera responded that the previous variance was
• for an addition of five feet on an apartment which is attached to
their house .
Planning Board - 8 - December 19 , 1989
• Gregory Menzenski , of 126 Rich Road , spoke from the floor and
stated that he was opposed to the subdivision approval on the
following grounds :
1 . The approval of the request would change the very character
of the neighborhood , adding that it is a family
neighborhood .
2 . R - 15 zoning exists to control the type of dwellings that are
built in the area and to maintain property values . Based on
the resulting potential density if the subdivision were
approved , there , essentially , would be an island of
multi - family or city zoning that would exist within the R- 15
area .
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that the R- 15 zone
does allow two - family homes , adding , all the other lots on Rich Road
are allowed to have a two - family home .
Mrs . Ann Mersen , of 123 Rich Road , approached the Board and
stated that Rich Road is a very short , quiet , dead- end street , and
consists of only eight residents . Ms . Mersen feels that the area
should be maintained as it now exists .
Gerald Sincock , of 122 Rich Road , addressed the Board and stated
that he objected to another building on the site .
• Cheryl Larkin , of 111 Rich Road , spoke from the floor and stated
that when the house in question is built she will not have any
privacy , as it will be in her backyard .
Robin Welch , of 118 Rich Road , spoke from the floor and voiced
her objection to the subdivision approval .
Jan Asendorf , of 114 Rich Road , addressed the Board and wondered
about the 100 ' requirement if 15 feet is only needed for emergency
vehicles . Mr . Frantz replied that that is presumed according to the
State . Attorney Barney responded that Section 280a of the Town Law
prohibits construction of buildings except on platted roads or public
roads , except , where there are practical difficulties and unnecessary
hardship , the ZBA can authorize a building permit for construction off
a platted road , if there is access to the area where the construction
is going to occur .
Sally Sincock , of 122 Rich Road , approached the Board and asked
if the Macera request does get passed , can it get passed with a very
strict rule that it cannot be subdivided again .
There appearing to be no one else from the public who wished to
speak to this matter , Chairperson Grigorov closed the Public Hearing
at 9 : 26 p . m . and brought the matter back to the Board for discussion .
• Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that it should be noted that
the involved land (Macera properties ) is the last and only land that
Planning Board - 9 - December 19 , 1989
• is not owned by Ithaca College . Ms . Beeners offered that to secure a
frontage variance it would be , her understanding that either hardship
or practical difficulty would have to . be shown , but not both , in an
area variance , compared to a use variance .
There appearing to be no further discussion or comments from the
Board , Chairperson Grigorov asked if anyone were prepared to offer a
motion .
MOTION by Mr . Robert Miller , seconded by Mr . Robert Kenerson :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the Consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of a 1 . 07 - acre parcel from Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No . 6 - 50 - 1 - 5 . 2 , 1 . 73 acres total , located at 115 Rich
Road , Residence District R- 15 ,
2 . This is a Type II action requiring no further environmental
review .
3 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on December 19 , 1989 , has
reviewed the proposed subdivision plat and other application
materials .
• THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Final
Subdivision Approval to the proposed subdivision as presented , subject
to the following conditions .
1 . The grant of variance or other approval by the Zoning Board of
Appeals with respect to frontage requirements and construction of
a building off of a public road .
2 . That any construction occur at least 70 feet southeasterly of the
northwesterly line , 15 feet from the southwesterly line , 30 feet
from the southeasterly line , and 15 feet from the northeasterly
line .
3 . That any occupancy of any building constructed on the proposed
lot be limited to no more than one family .
4 . That there be no further subdivision of said proposed lot .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
• Chairperson Grigorov declared the matter of the Macera / Lanphere
1 - Lot Subdivision duly closed at 9 : 45 p . m .
Planning Board - 10 - December 19 , 1989
• PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF FINAL SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE
PROPOSED " K DIKE MANOR " SUBDIVISION , PROPOSED TO CONSIST OF 12
BUILDING LOTS PLUS OPEN SPACE , ON TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCELS N0 .
6 - 53 - 1 - 17 . 11 - 17 . 2 , AND - 10 , 8 . 23 ACRES TOTAL , LOCATED ON CODDINGTON
ROAD NEAR JUNIPER DRIVE , RESIDENCE DISTRICT R - 15 , SAID SUBDIVISION
HAVING BEEN GRANTED PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL BY THE PLANNING
BOARD ON JULY 19 , 1988 . ORLANDO IACOVELLI , OWNER / DEVELOPER ,
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the
above - noted matter duly opened at 9 : 49 p . m . and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above .
Maps were appended to the bulletin board .
Mr . Lawrence Fabbroni , Engineer for the project , addressed the
Board and stated that the Planning Board had granted Preliminary
Approval on July 19 , 1988 , and the approval by the Planning Board
asked the developer to provide for the extension to what is now the
Sincebaugh land . Mr . Fabbroni said that the road right of way has
been extended to the Sin cebaugh lands with a temporary cul - de - sac .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that the road configuration is identical to
the one the Planning Board approved on July 19 , 1988 . Mr . Fabbroni
noted that the Town Board had directed the developer to look at
alternatives between , basically , a corridor that would take into
account an alternative that the Planning Board had looked at several
• times .
Mr . Fabbroni stated that he felt the intersection of Collegeview
Lane downhill from Spruce Way is a better alternative to access the
developer ' s property .
Mr . Fabbroni offered that the area to be subdivided has been a
meadow and brushlike hillside for the past decade . Mr . Fabbroni said
that all sewer mains are gravity sewers . Mr . Fabronni said that all
watermains are eight inch ductile iron pipe . Mr . Fabronni stated that
all the road systems are designed to Town of Ithaca Subdivision
Regulations and the Town of Ithaca Highway Specifications . Mr .
Fabbroni noted that all drainage considerations include a design for a
25 -year flood reoccurance interval .
Chairperson Grigorov noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if there were anyone from the public who had any comments or
questions .
Kinga Gergely , of 106 Juniper Drive , spoke from the floor and
pointed out that Mr . Fabbroni missed the point completely when the
Juniper Drive Neighborhood Association asked that the Spruce Way
intersection be considered . Ms . Gergely stated that the JDNA is
greatly concerned about the safety of that intersection , density , and
the lack ' of buffering .
• George Kugler , of 101 Pine View Ter race , addressed the Board and
voiced his objection to the intersection plan .
Planning Board - 11 - December 19 , 1989
• Fred Wilcox III , of 109 Juniper Drive , approached the Board and
stated that he was concerned about density .
Robert Cotts , of 115 Northview Road , appeared before the Board
and noted that the Town Board preferred the Spruce Way intersection .
Mr . Cotts asked about parkland . Mr . Fabbroni responded that the total
parkland is . 826 acres .
Ron Simpson , of 112 Pineview Place , spoke from the floor and
stated that he thought one of the important issues about the project
was the visual impact of the development . Mr . Simpson expressed a
concern about security lighting . Mr . Simpson said that he felt all of
the properties that the Iacovellis have developed all look alike , and
would like some condition that the developer agree to architectural
variation . Mr . Simpson stated that he felt the Town needs an
Architectural Review Board . Mr . Simpson mentioned putting laundry
facilities in the back of the houses . Mr . Simpson also mentioned that
there should be a minimal impact on the mature trees at the northern
end of the property .
Leslie Smith - Darling , of 111 Pine View Terrace , addressed the
Board and stated that she has a safety . concern regarding the site
distance at the intersection .
Board member May stated that he believed the prior Town Engineer ,
• Robert Flumerfelt , confirmed the site distance at the intersection .
At this point , William Lesser stated that he remembered quite
distinctly that Mr . Flumerfelt had confirmed the site distance .
There appearing to be no one else from the public who wished to
speak to this matter , Chairperson Grigorov closed the Public Hearing
at 11 : 25 p . m . and brought the matter back to the Board for discussion .
There appearing to be no further discussion or comments from the
Board , Chairperson Grigorov asked if anyone were prepared to offer a
motion .
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mr . Montgomery May :
WHEREAS :
1 . This action is the Consideration of Final Subdivision Approval
for the proposed " Klondike Manor " Subdivision , _ proposed to
consist of 12 building lots plus open space , on Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcels No . 6 - 53 - 1 - 17 . 1 , - 17 . 2 , and - 10 , 8 . 23 acres total ,
located on Coddington Road near Juniper Drive , Residence District
R- 15 .
2 . This is an Unlisted action for which the Planning Board , acting
as Lead Agency for environmental review , on July 19 , 1988 , made a
• negative determination of environmental significance , and granted
Preliminary Subdivision Approval to the plat as then presented ,
with certain conditions .
Planning Board - 12 - December 19 , 1989
• 3 . The Town Board , on August 8 , 1988 , accepted the proposed street
alignment and open space dedication shown on the preliminary plat
dated July 6 , 1988 , subject to certain conditions , following
their review of the July 19 , 1988 Preliminary Plat Approval , and
their review of a request , dated August 5 , 1988 , from the Juniper
Drive Neighborhood Association , for consideration of further plat
alternatives .
4 . The Planning Board , at Public Hearing on December 19 , 1989 , has
reviewed , among other items , the proposed Final Plat application ,
the record of the August 8 , 1988 Town Board meeting , and the
record of alternative plats for the site .
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Final
Subdivision Approval to the proposed " Klondike Manor " Subdivision , as
shown on " Final Subdivision Plat , Klondike Manor " , dated January 9 ,
1989 , revised November 9 , 1989 , and December 18 , 1989 , subject to the
following conditions .
1 . Construction of a minimum 8 - foot- wide paved , or oil and stone ,
path driveway to the 0 . 3 - acre park site within the access strip
along the south edge of Lot 8 , except as the location may be
modified , prior to construction , upon recommendation by the Town
Planning Department and upon approval of the Planning Board and
Town Board ,
2 . If the lot reserved by the developer for future use is not
consolidated within five years with another parcel so as to make
the consolidated lot a legal - sized R - 15 lot , said lot shall be
conveyed to the Town of Ithaca and added to the area reserved for
park and playground purposes .
3 . Deed restrictions , subject to the approval of the Town Attorney
and Town Planner , shall be recorded , at the expense of the
developer , which restrictions will require :
a . that no principal building be constructed on Lots 3 - 7 within
50 feet of the south line of the lots , and
be that there will be no construction of any nature in the most
southerly 20 feet of said lots and no vegetation shall be
removed within such 20 - foot buffer .
4 . The proposed hedgerow planting along the north edge of the
proposed road , as shown on the plat , shall be increased by a
second row of viburnums , or equivalent , from Coddington Road to a
distance of approximately 20 feet east of the structures on the
Gray property , subject to the approval of the Town Planner .
• 5 . The name of the road be changed to Klondike Lane .
Planning Board - 13 - December 19 , 1989
• 6 . A revised plat , showing the aforesaid change of road name ,
setbacks , and planting buffers be provided for final signature by
11
the Planning Board Chairperson .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
Chairperson Grigorov declared the matter of the " Klondike Manor "
Final Subdivision Approval for 12 building lots plus open space duly
closed at 11 : 30
SKETCH PLAN REVIEW : PROPOSED " SHALEBROOK " SUBDIVISION , PROPOSED TO
CONSIST OF APPROXIMATELY SIX STAGES WITH STAGE 1 PROPOSED TO CONSIST
OF 23 LOTS PLUS'',; OPEN SPACE ON 29 ± ACRES , 1138 TRUMANSBURG ROAD , TOWN
OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO . 6 - 27 - 1 - 11 . 2 , 152 ± ACRES TOTAL , RESIDENCE
DISTRICT R- 15 . RICHARD AND JO PERRY , OWNERS ; THOMAS NIEDERKORN ,
AGENT .
At this time , Thomas Niederkorn requested that because of the
late hour he would like the above - noted matter adjourned to another
time .
• It was the consensus of the Board that the proposed Shalebrook
Subdivision matter be adjourned until January 9 , 1989 at 7 : 30 p . m .
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Shalebrook Subdivision matter
duly adjourned at 11 : 34 p . m .
AGENDA ITEM : OTHER BUSINESS
Town Planner Susan Beeners stated that other business included
approving the proposed Schedule of 1990 Planning Board Meetings .
MOTION by William Lesser , seconded by Robert Miller :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approve and
hereby does approve the schedule of Planning Board meetings for 1990 .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Ken erson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
At this time , Chairperson Grigorov read aloud a letter addressed
to her from Montgomery May , dated December 18 , 1989 , in which Mr . May
• stated that he would resign his position on the Planning Board
effective December 31 , 1989 .
Planning Board - 14 - December 19 , 1989
• RE -APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING BOARD CHAIRPERSON
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded by Mr . Robert Miller :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and
hereby does recommend to the Town Board the re - appointment of Mrs .
Carolyn Grigorov as Chairperson of the Planning Board for the year
1990 .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Kenerson , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
ELECTION OF PLANNING BOARD VICE CHAIRPERSON
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mr . Robert Miller :
RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board elect and hereby
does elect Mr . Robert Kenerson as its Vice Chairperson for the year
1990 .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
• Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Lesser , Miller .
Nay - None .
Abstain - Kenerson .
The MOTION was declared to be carried .
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 24 , 1989
MOTION by Robert Kenerson , seconded by James Baker :
RESOLVED , that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board
Meeting of October 24 , 1989 , be and hereby are approved as written .
There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote .
Aye - Grigorov , Langhans , Baker , May , Lesser , Miller , Kenerson ,
Nay - None .
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously .
AGENDA ITEM : PRESENTATION OF " INLET VALLEY CORRIDOR STUDY - - PLANNING
ASPECTS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES " , BY CORNELL UNIVERSITY CITY AND
REGIONAL PLANNING INTERNS LAURA WALSH AND KEVIN
QUIST .
• Chairperson Grigorov opened the presentation on the above - noted
item at 11 : 45 p . m .
• • 1
Planning Board - 15 - December 19 , 1989
• Maps were appended to the bulletin board .
Town Planner Susan Beeners introduced Laura Walsh and Kevin
Quist , City and Regional Planning Interns .
Ms . Walsh stated that the study was developed with the idea that
it would be included in the Comprehensive Plan ,
Kevin Quist addressed the Board and began with a description of
the goals and objectives .
Ms . Walsh said that the major goal was to provide a set of
guidelines for development along the Route 13 corridor , and because
there are water / sewer lines going in it is necessary to accommodate
new development pressures with more stringent site plan review and
more stringent land use controls . Ms . Walsh , referring to the
objectives , stated that she thought it was important to provide a
means of efficient and socially - conscious development along the
corridor strip . Ms . Walsh commented that they want to concentrate
development along this road in Ithaca so that argicultural and open
space land can be preserved in other areas of the Town . Ms . Walsh
said that they also want to encourage aesthetically pleasing
development and development that will blend with historic beauty ,
historic character and the natural beauty of the area . Ms . Walsh
stated that she thought it was very important to control traffic
• circulation along the strip so that it does not become the nightmare
that the City of Ithaca strip is now .
Mr . Quist stated that he and Ms . Walsh had viewed the Inlet
Valley Area to see what it had to offer . Mr . Quist said that first of
all there is Route 13 ; many stretches of it are beautiful , but it has
some problems in that it is kind of a main State Highway , adding , to
mix those two things is kind of difficult .
Indicating on the map , Mr . Quist pointed out the service area of
the water / sewer lines . Mr . Quist noted that the Route 13 corridor in
the Town of Ithaca is capped on each end by a NYS Park ; Buttermilk
Falls State Park to the north and Robert Treman State Park to the
south .
Ms . Walsh said that a lot of the houses along the route have very
shallow set -backs , and they are vulnerable to the noise and the fumes
generated by Route 13 , commenting that there are some large farmhouses
and some houses on large lots , adding that this is a less than ideal
environment for residential uses . Ms . Walsh stated that the report
proposes a change in the zoning to mostly commercial . Ms . Walsh
remarked that it would not be like Tops or Wegmans development , but
professional offices and very controlled commercial development .
Ms . Walsh mentioned the Cayuga Inlet Trail , in that , when
constructed , the trail will provide a vital link among four of I
• Ithaca ' s State Parks : Taughannock , Buttermilk Falls , Enfield , and
Treman Marina .
Planning Board - 16 - December 19 , 1989
• Ms . Walsh stated that the NYS Office of Parks , Recreation and
Historic Preservation has recently proposed the conversion of
approximately six acres of open meadow located at the intersection of
Enfield Falls Road and the Elmira Road to recreational facilities .
Ms . Walsh added that the changes would provide a safer , more
efficiently designed park which would better meet existing demands
within the Park ' s carrying capacity . Ms . Walsh commented that since
the two existing park entrances will be abandoned and a new one
located on Enfield Falls Road near the intersection of Route 13 ,
access into non - park lands adjacent to the new entrance should be
carefully scrutinized .
Ms . Walsh mentioned the establishment of a Conservation Overlay
District on the Flood Plains and Unique Natural Areas , Ms . Walsh
stated that it is not only necessary to protect development from the
ravages of floods in the flood plains , but also to preserve flood
plains , wetlands , and other environmentally sensitive areas . Ms .
Walsh said that the establishment of overlay districts is an extremely
effective way of accomplishing this , adding , the overlay district
would be placed on top of the existing or future zoning , on flood
plains , wetlands , and other important natural areas . Ms . Walsh said
that along with the flood plain area , all the areas that have been
designated Unique Natural Areas by the Tompkins County Environmental
Management Council are also suggested to be covered by such an
overlay .
• Mr . Quist said that after analyzing the current situation and the
market forces , and the Unique Natural Areas involved , they came up
with a proposed new Land Use Plan . Mr . Quist stated that they thought
with the new development pressures that will be spurred on by the
Ithaca area urban growth , and the water / sewer mains , perhaps this
would be the best area in the Town to concentrate commercial
development .
Mr . Quist suggested in the report that the area back behind Route
13 between Seven Mile and Five Mile Drives [ indicating on map ] be
rezoned as Light Industrial ; the area in the " red " is commercial land ;
the area " here " would be an R- 15 zone which would be lower density ,
residential land .
Continuing , Mr . Quist noted that the large " orange " area is
proposed to be a mixed residential and commercial zone , where
clustering concepts can be used to avoid the extremely sensitive
environmental areas .
Mr . Quist also stated that he proposes the adoption of a new site
plan review ordinance . Mr . Quist offered that the basic idea of the
new ordinance would encompass more of the new development in the area .
Town Planner Susan Beeners suggested that the Board take the
presented report into consideration as one of the things that has to
• be looked at in the comprehensive planning process . It was the
consensus of the Board that Ms . Beener ' s suggestion be met .
Planning Board - 17 - December 19 , 1989
• ADJOURNMENT
Upon Motion , Chairperson Grigorov declared the December 19 , 1989 ,
meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 12 : 15
a . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
Mary Bryant , Recording Secretary ,
Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary ,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board .
•
•
TOWN OF ITHACA
• LOCAL LAW N0 . FOR THE YEAR 1989
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATIVE TO THE
OCCUPANCY OF TWO - FAMILY DWELLING UNITS
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Hoard of the Town of Ithaca as
follows :
Section i . The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as
re-adopted , amended and revised , effective February 26 , 1968 , and
subsequently amended , be further amended as follows .
1 . Article I , Section 1 , Subdivision 6 is amended to read
as follows :
" A ` dwelling ' is a building designed or used exclusively as
the living quarters for one or more families . "
2 . Article I , Section 1 , Subdivision 7 is amended to read
as follows :
" A ` dwelling unit ' is a dwelling , or portion of a dwelling ,
providing complete living facilities for one family . "
3 . Article III , Section 4 , Subdivision 2 ( a ) is amended to
read as . follows .
• 112 ( a ) A two- family dwelling shall be occupied by not more
than two families and each dwelling unit in a two - family
dwelling shall be occupied by not .more than one family . "
4 . Article IV , Section 11 , Subdivision 2 ( a ) is amended to
read as follows .
" 2 ( a ) A two- family dwelling shall be occupied by not more
than two families and each dwelling unit in a two - family
dwelling shall be occupied by not more than one family . "
5 . Article V , Section 18 , Subdivision 2 ( a ) is amended to
read as follows ;
" 2 ( a ) A two- family dwelling shall be occupied by not more
than two families and each dwelling unit in a two - family
dwelling shall be occupied by not more than one family . "
Section 2 . In the -event any portion of this law is declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction , the validity of the
remaining portions shall not be . affected by such - declaration of
invalidity .
Section 1 . This local law shall take effect ten days after
its publication pursuant to applicable provisions of law .
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICA TION
Im ITHACAJOURNAL
State of New York, Tompkins County , ss. :
Gail Sullins being duly sworn , deposes and
says , that she/he resides in Ithaca , county and state aforesaid and that
she/he is Clerk
of The Ithaca Journal a public newspaper printed and published in
Ithaca aforesaid , and that a notice , of which the annexed is a true
copy , was published in said paper
and that the first publication of said notice was on the �(
day of 19 —
Subscribed and savor tobeffirerne this f day
of 19
TOWN OF " ITHACA .
PLANNING BOARD
Notary Public . NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER '19, 1989
By direction 'of 'the"Chairman.
JEAN FORD of the Planning Board, NOTICE
J
Nota {�l11IS . HEREBY_ GIVEN, that Public
ry Cr Strife the
of Nei, yore PlanniHearinng Board of the Towill be held wn at'
No. 4654410 Ithaca on . Tuesday, December
r 19, .1989, in Town Hall , 126
CQU81111eCl In Tompkins County N. Y . , Satnthe followingeca timesmmlSSlon expires Ma / and on the following matters:
Y 31, 19 „ 7 : 30 9 P. M. Consideration of
Approval 'of ' a Modified Site
Plan for the Tompkins County
Chamber of Commerce, lo-
cated at 904 East Shore Drive ,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcels No.
6- 18-2-8, ,'-9, and - 10 (Special
Land Use District No. 5), with
such Modification proposed to
include pavement, landscape,
and curbing revisions. Tomp-
kins County Chamber of Com-
merce , ' Owner/Applicdnt .
(Adjourned from November
21 , 1989. )
7 : 40 P. M. Consideration o'
• Recommendations to the 1 . 07-acne parcel from Town of consist of 12 building 'lots plus Said Planning Board will or
Town Board with respect to : Ithaca Tax Parcel, No. 6;50. 1 - open space, on Town of Ithaca said times and said place hear
Proposed Local Low Amending 5. 2, 1 . 73 acres total , located Tax Parcels No.. 6-53- 1 . 17. 1 , - all persons in support of such
the Zoning Ordinance Defi- at 115 Rich Rood, Residence 17. 2, and - 10, 8. 23 acres total , matters or objections thereto.
nition of Height; Proposed Lo- District. R-30. Louis and Lucile located on Coddington Rood Persons may appear by agent
cal Law Amending -the Zoning' Macero, Owners ; Anne Mace- ' nea7 Juniper Drive; Residence or in person . -
Ordinance Relative to the Oc- ro Lonphere, Applicant; Brion District R- 15, said •Subdivisior Jean H. Swartwood
cupancy of Two-Fomily Dwell - E. Lanphere, Agent. ' having been 'granted Prelimi Town Clerk
ing Units. 8:00 P. M. Consideration of Fi- . nary Subdivision Approval by 273- 1721
7 : 50 P. M. Consideration of nal Subdivision Approval for the Planning Board on Jul yy 19, - December 14, 1989
Subdivision Approval for the the proposed "Klondike Man' 1988. Orlando Iacovelli , Own-
proposed Subdivision of a or" Subdivision , proposed to er/Develope'r.. .'c-Wd.. , .,r...-„• '` ' '