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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Minutes 2010-06-21 u {. Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board . Monday, June 21 , 2010 at 4 :30 p. m . i � 4n 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 Agenda 1 . Call to Order ' { 2 . Report of Town Officials 3 . Report of Town Committees } 4 . Intermunicipal Organizations } 5 . New York State Retirement System 6 . Consider Authorization to Sign MOU Agreement with . Teamsters Local 317 7 . Discuss Traffic Study Issue 41 8 . Discuss Mitigation Fees s a� 9 . Discuss Critical Environmental Areas a . Consider forming an ad -hoc Committee 10 . Consider Cell Tower Possibility a . Consider forming an ad -hoc Committee bill and rich 11 . Discuss -Study Sessions and SAC Meetings 12 . Consent Agenda a . Town of Ithaca Abstract b . Approval of Minutes 13 . Review of Correspondence 14 . Consider Adjournment TOWN OF ITHACA TOWN BOARb SIGN - IN SHEET DATE : June 21 , 2010 (PL EASE PRINT TO ENSURE ACCURACY IN OFFICIAL MINUTES) PLEASE PRINT NAME PLEASE PRINTADDRESS / AFFILIATION RID $oaf 's , Study Session of the Ithaca Town Board Monday, June 21 , 2010 at 4 : 30 p . m . 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 Minutes Board Members Present : Herb Engman , Supervisor; Council Persons : Bill Goodman , Pat Leary , Tee-Ann Hunter, Rich DePaolo , Susan Riha and Eric Levine Staff Present : Bruce Bates , Director of Code Enforcement ; Al Carvill , Finance Director; Judy Drake, Human Resources Manager; Jon Kanter, Planning Director; Paulette Terwilliger, Town Clerk Call to Order Supervisor Engman called the meeting to order at 4 : 32 p . m . A gentleman was present and wished to address the Board . The Board invited him to speak. Tom MacDonald , Ellis Hollow Rd Apartments — Mr. MacDonald was concerned about the pathway linking the Ellis Hollow Apartments and the East Hill Plaza . He was pleased to see that it was just paved , but the lighting remains and issue . It is dangerous and there was a robbery recently at the Best Western and he is concerned for the safety of the seniors who live at the apartments . His second concern was regarding the crosswalk from Rite Aid to East Hill Plaza . He did not understand why there is not a traffic light there with a pedestrian button to allow for safe crossing . His third concern was the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the apartment complex . Sometimes they beep and can 't be turned off. This is sometimes due to a faulty or expired battery and it is annoying and may cause extra calls placed to the fire department . He suggested that a sticker with the expiration date of the battery be placed on the fusebox panel in each apartment which would allow the inspector(s) to ensure that the batteries were good . Mr. Engman stated that he would look into the three issues and asked that he leave his contact information . AGENDA ITEM Report of Town Officials Hector Street and Columbia Street Bridge Interceptors -m Public Works Jim Weber was not present and will report on these at the July meeting . Sustainability Planner — Ms . Drake reported that the Town has received over 70 applications and they are under review by County Personnel and Mr. Engman added that the Town of Dryden has submitted a draft of an agreement for the Town to review. TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 2 of 11 AGENDA ITEM Report of Town Committees Personnel Committee — Councilwoman Hunter reported that the last meeting was devoted to the updating the Personnel Manual and aligning the Union and non - Union benefits . Recommended changes will go to the Board . The Committee also talked about college reimbursement and Ms . Drake is drafting a policy. Budget Committee — Has not met since last report given at the regular meeting . Public Work's Committee — Councilman DePaolo reported that the Committee discussed rehabilitating Helen 's Way and they decided that it would be best to solicit ideas from the residents . They also discussed the Excavation Law which is coming up at the regular July meeting and whether or not we should keep the work in -house or go with a firm like DELTA . The Committee asked Mr. Weber for more information on which roads would likely to be used for heavy construction and/or drilling . They discussed J Licitra' s thesis and what the scope would be and whether it is acceptable to the Committee and the Town . Other brief topics were the Town Hall roof and drainage ditches versus piping . Mr. Engman added that DELTA will be coming July study session . Planning Committee — Councilwoman Riha reported that the Committee discussed the possible Planned Development Zone ( PDZ) for the Conifer area and went through the draft line by line . They gave their suggested changes and comments to them and expect to get something back . They also talked to Ithaca Beer and encouraged them to start a draft of their proposed PDZ . The Committee expects to hear from AGORA regarding the Vine Street Cottages proposal and they need to talk to the Public Works Committee regarding some drainage issues . Codes & Ordinances — Councilman Goodman reported that the stream setback map is ready and going to the TB on July 12th for referral to other Boards and/or Committees . They also talked about the Limited Historic District and suggested a few changes . Comments from the Conservation Board regarding the Conservation Zone and the need for Forestry Management . Trails Committee -- Councilman Levine reported that there is a Community meeting tomorrow evening to discuss Fire and Emergency Vehicle Access for West Hill . Operations — was cancelled . Comprehensive Plan — Supervisor Engman reported that the neighborhood meetings have been held . He thought the Committee was getting good comments about why people like to live in the Town and some comments on how change and development issues are universal and not unique to Ithaca . Councilwoman Hunter added that the East Hill residents really like their trails and parks . She wanted to make sure that people were thanked for coming and/or able to see the notes developed from the meetings so residents know they were heard . TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 3 of 11 AGENDA ITEM Intermunicipal Organizations Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Cooperation — Councilman DePaolo announced that they will be meeting June 30th at 7 : 30 in Interlaken and will be discussing and drafting a resolution regarding hydrofracking throughout the affected municipalities in the watershed . TCCOG — Supervisor Engman reported that they are discussing dog control and the Council is urging everyone under the Tompkins County Animal Control to get a census done this year. He hopes to have a plan to present to the Board in July . There was an attempt to do a coordinated census , but it did not work out so all of the towns will be doing their own . Other Councilman Goodman asked about the status of the Ulysses water issue . Supervisor Engman stated that he knew they were working on it and they have a Water Committee and would be sending a memo out fairly soon . Other than that , no new news . AGENDA ITEM Discuss New York State Retirement System Ms . Drake explained the resolutions and why the Town has to establish the workday length (s) and the new law. If elected or appointed officials want to opt- in to the retirement system , this needs to be done . Six hours a day for five days is the minimum to set the guidelines . Once those are set to determine full time , members can opt- in and claim the. hours they work and claim those hours for partial "days of service" credit . Discussion followed about what types of activities qualify as "work" for an official . The state does have guidelines to follow and they do conduct audits . Irregularities found during an audit are held against the person claiming those hours , not the Town . The resolutions will be posted with the last four digits of official ' s social security numbers redacted . a. Consider Approval of Establishing Standard Workday TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-120 : Establishment of NY State and Local Retirement Systems Standard Work Day Motion made by Councilman Goodman , seconded by Councilman Levine . WHEREAS , New York State and Local Retirement Systems requires municipalities to set a standard work day to report all employees participating in the New York Retirement System ; and WHEREAS , the Town last updated the list to the retirement system was in January 2009 ; now therefore be it TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 4 of 11 RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby set the following standard work day for the following classifications as required by the NY State and Local Retirement System for the Town of Ithaca : Five days a week, six hours a day. Town Supervisor Members of Planning Board Councilperson Members of Zoning Board of Appeals Justices Crossing Guards . 7. 5 hours per day, 5 days a week 8 hours per day, 5 days a week Assistant Director of Planning Highway Superintendent Sr. Code Enforcement Officer Director of Planning Network/Records Specialist Director of Code Enforcement Environmental Planner Budget Officer Planner Town Clerk First Deputy Town Clerk Human Resources Manager Principal Account Clerk Typist Senior Civil Engineer PWF Bookkeeper to the Supervisor Deputy ighway Superintendent Court Clerk Parks Maintenance Manager Secretary Water/Sewer Maintenance Supervisor Senior Account Clerk Typist Civil Engineer Deputy Town Clerk Working Supervisor Senior Typist Heavy Equipment Mechanic Recreation and Youth Coordinator Senior Engineering Technician Keyboard Specialist Engineering Technician I Typist Heavy Equipment Operator Account Clerk Typist Maintenance Worker Planninq Intern Motor Equipment O erator Project Assistant Automotive Mechanic Assistant Senior Civil Engineer (TH ) Laborer Code Enforcement Officer Administrative Assistant PWF Electrical / Code Enforcement Offc . Keyboard Specialist PWF RESOLVED , the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby set the following standard work day for the following classifications as required by the NY State and Local Retirement System for Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission : Five days a week, eight hours a day: General Manager Production Manager Distribution Manager Finance Manager Water Treatment Plant Operator Water Treatment Plant Operator Assistant Instruments/Control Mechanic/Operator Distribution Operator TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 5 of 11 Distribution Operator Trainee Senior Account Clerk Typist Account Clerk Typist A vote on the motion was as follows : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Leary , Levine , Hunter, Riha and DePaolo Motion passed unanimously. b . Consider Approval of Resolution Reporting Hours TB RESOLUTION NO. 2010-121 : Retirement System ' s Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution Motion made by Councilwoman Hunter, seconded by Councilman Goodman , BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca hereby establishes the following as standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these officials to the clerk of this body : Title Name Social Registration Standard Term Participates in Days/Month Security Number Work Begins/Ends Employer's Number Day Time Keeping (based on (Last System Record of 4 digits) (Hrs/day) (Y/N) Activities) Elected Officials Town Supervisor Herbert J . Engman 20373403 6.0 1 /2008- 12/2011 Y 10/ pay Council person William Goodman 43401769 6.0 1 /2008- 12/2011 N 21 .67/qtr Council person Eric Levine 43422146 6.0 1 /2008- 12/2011 N 30.04/qtr Council person Patricia Leary 40381253 6.0 1 %2010- 12/2013 N 42 .42/ qtr Justice David Klein 41115122 6.0 1 /2009- 12/2012 Y 3.03/pay A orated=Officials'- i Town Clerk Paulette Terwilliger 42024802 8.0 1 /11 /10- 12/2012 Y 10/ a Highway 43340553 Superintendent James Weber 8.0 1 /11 /10- 12/2012 Y 10/ a A vote on the motion was as follows : Ayes : Engman , Goodman , Leary , Levine , Hunter, Riha and DePaolo Motion passed unanimously. Consider Authorization to Sign MOU Agreement with Teamsters Local 317 Ms . Drake explained that certain issues were tabled during mediation with the Union and one of these was when someone works out of title for a period of time . For example , during the summer sometimes a heavy equipment operator acts as a crew leader and the heavy equipment operator has very clear guidelines and that level of TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 6 of 11 supervision is out of that job title . This MOU establishes reimbursement and guidelines for those types of instances . TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-122 : Authorization to sign MOU Agreement with Teamsters Local 317 BE IT RESOLVED , that the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca does hereby accept the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to authorize the Town Supervisor and Human Resources Manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding agreement between the Town of Ithaca and Teamsters Local 317 . MOVED : Councilwoman Hunter SECONDED : Councilman DePaolo VOTE : AYES : Engman , Hunter, DePaolo , Riha , Leary, Goodman and Levine Motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Discuss Traffic Study Issue Councilwoman Hunter explained that she requested this agenda item and she thought the Town should look at West Hill wholistically with the accumulated effects of recent and proposed development . She wondered aloud where the tipping point was for when traffic becomes unsustainable . Discussion followed . Councilwoman Riha noted that the Planning Board has seen many traffic studies that take into account what is there and a specific proposed development but nothing generic looking at the whole area . Mr. Kanter noted that the problem is with the City of Ithaca and where everything bottles up at the bottom . Levels of service , which is the standard measurement , are already at an F in that area . Councilman DePaolo thought we should look beyond levels of service and think about how long it takes to cross the street to get the mail , or how long it takes to pull out of one 's driveway . Look at less quantitative things and move from thinking of it as a "traffic study" and think of it as more of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) , Discussion followed on why even do a study if the "elephant in the room " is the octopus area? Why pay someone to tell us there is a problem when we all know there is a problem ? A traffic study does not necessarily give solutions , where a GEIS does look at mitigations . But then again , the mitigation is fixing the octopus which is not even in the Town and therefore out of our purview. Discussion followed on working with the City to determine solutions and the perception that the City is not willing to address this . The Board felt that nothing should be assumed and the City should be approached . The octopus can not be avoided and must be discussed . Discussion then turned to nodes and whether they really would work . What are the thresholds in terms of size and amenities provided to make a node really work? We need outside , professional evaluation of the concept and what is really required to make them work in our particular area . Supervisor Engman noted that if the development does not happen in the Town , it is just going to happen in the next town over and they TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 7 of 11 will still come through the Town to get to the City . He thought nodal development is the only mitigation theory proposed right now that has a chance of working . Discussion followed . Mr. Kanter discussed the Comprehensive Plan as well as possible Planned Development Zones and how they can help shape and encourage nodal development and allow the Town to plan the area(s) as a community . In a recent housing survey there were projections for housing in the county so there are numbers out there . There are three possible nodes being talked about now; one each on South Hill , East Hill and West Hill . The East Hill area is ahead in the commercial component and the West Hill has a lot of proposed housing element , but little commercial . Councilman Goodman reiterated that the Comprehensive Plan Committee should be looking at this first and then give suggestions etc . to the Board . Councilman DePaolo added that the Board has not looked at this issue in 6 months and this is a good time to check in . He thought the pace of the Committee is slow and this is a good time to have the Board think about, what direction it wants to go and to begin approaching the City about collaboration . Councilman DePaolo also offered that the development going on now is shaping the Comprehensive Plan and we have to assume that this development is going to happen and we need to look at what we need to change when certain thresholds are reached . Councilman Goodman stated that a comprehensive study would cost a lot more than the $30K we have set aside . Mr. Engman stated that it sounds like the Board wants to go towards looking at the feasibility of nodal development instead of a classic traffic study. Look at what is likely going to happen in the near future , look at the node on West Hill which is the one that is really moving along in the planning stages and proposals on the table already. The Board discussed parameters of what they wanted to study . Councilman DePaolo talked about also looking at a full build -out analysis using current zoning and the three major employers employment forecast . Down - zoning is also an option to look at to control build-out . Supervisor Engman added that we have to keep in mind that we don 't want to take away totally the value of a property but we do want some limits to preserve the public good and we have to be very definitive about the public good we are preserving . Councilwoman Hunter again suggested communicating with the City . Councilman Goodman added that Jennifer Dodson , the Chair of the Planning Committee of Common Council had said she would like to get the two Planning Committees together to talk about joint issues . The City has suspended its comprehensive planning , but communication should still happen . The Board then began to discuss the idea of mitigation fees presented at a recent meeting . Mr. Kanter had handouts of questions he had after the presentation and development proposals coming on -line and recently completed ones . (See Attachment # 1 ) . There are a lot of legal questions and he thought we should have our attorney look at the presentation and those questions . Do we want to look at all three nodal development areas or focus on one? Councilman DePaolo added that it seems our focus area is smaller than the ones discussed at the presentation and would we be able to recoup the monies spent in a small area? TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 8 of 11 Supervisor Engman noted that he talked to the presenter because it seemed that the mitigation fees seem to work best for municipalities who are encouraging development , not the opposite and they agreed . We are talking about three nodes with limited development and beyond that we are talking about limiting growth . Do we have enough development to justify it or do we want to look at it broader and see if we want more development beyond these nodes . Mr. Engman noted that a lot of the infrastructure and mitigation costs had to do with traffic lights and bridges and the like and a lot of the roads are state or county owned in those areas being talked about . Discussion followed and it was also noted that some large developments already done and/or in the works , the mitigation fees would come too late . The Board had specific questions that they asked Mr. Kanter to begin a study looking at the whole nodal areas in the Town and see what it would look like and what it would cost . Mr. Kanter was still not clear on how this fit in with the Comp Plan and who should be doing what and should the Comp Plan Committee focus on the nodes now. He thought it would be better to let the Comp Plan Comm get something on paper on what they envision the nodes to be and where and that will drive the study. Councilman Goodman added that he would be happy if developers put monies into a kitty for sidewalks and trails and the like . Discussion followed . It was decided that Councilwoman Hunter, with Mr. Kanter's help , would work together to flesh -out the questions they want to ask and contact the mitigation company and ask questions about size , inter-municipal options , nodal development and its appropriateness , the different concepts of nodal development as well as estimates on costs of the different types of studies . Do we limit a study to the nodes or the larger area? Those types of questions may be able to be answered free of charge . She felt there was a time constraint because of the pace of the development already in the process . Mr. Kanter also asked which of the attorney' s for the Town should research this a little more . It was decided that Ms . Brock would be the attorney to talk to their legal department to get a picture of the legalities of mitigation fee programs . AGENDA ITEM Discuss Mitigation Fees — This agenda item was combined with the previous item . AGENDA ITEM Discuss Critical Environmental Areas (CEA) Supervisor Herb discussed the need to define critical environmental areas to help protect the Town as drilling goes forward . If we have CEA' s we automatically become an interested agency when the State conducts their SEAR reviews . He was thinking of a small adhoc committee with only one or two Members working with staff . The committee would only exist for this project . Councilwoman Riha volunteered and Councilwoman Hunter suggested Supervisor Engman because he is already familiar with the CEA's in existence and the one 's on the table . a . Consider forming an ad-hoc Committee — Board Members Susan Riha and Herb Engman will work with Susan Ritter TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 9 of 11 AGENDA ITEM Consider Cell Tower Possibility — Supervisor Engman gave the background and then stated that he thought we should set up another small adhoc committee to go with Mr. Weber to talk with Verizon to see what they are really proposing and how much they are thinking about paying . Then once those parameters have been discussed , it would come to the full Board for review and the possibility of starting the planning process where the public would be involved . a . Consider forming an ad- hoc Committee — Councilmen Goodman and DePaolo AGENDA ITEM Discuss Study Sessions and SAC Meetings Supervisor Engman started the discussion by reminding the Board that having both the study sessions and the SAC were test periods and he wanted comments from the Board as to their usefulness . Discussion followed and the consensus was that the Study Sessions were useful , but there should be a time limit of no later than 7p . m . The Board felt that the discussions were helpful and kept the regular meeting from going to long . As far as the SAC meetings prior to the Study Session , they have not been well attended and with the notes and agendas going out prior to the meetings to the board , maybe the need is being fulfilled that way . The Board agreed with the suggestion that there be a little bit of time at the beginning of the Study Session to answer any questions on the proposed Regular Meeting Agenda . AGENDA ITEM Consent Agenda The abstract had not been reviewed yet , so it was pulled until the end of the meeting . a . Approval of Minutes TB RESOLUTION NO , 2010-124 : Town of Ithaca Minutes of July 7, 2010 WHEREAS , the draft minutes of the July 7 , 2010 Regular Meeting of the Town Board have been submitted for review and approval ; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby approves the submitted minutes as the Final minutes of the July 7 , 2010 Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca . MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Councilwoman Hunter VOTE : Ayes -- Engman , Goodman , Riha , and Hunter Nays — None Abstention — Leary Absent — DePaolo and Levine Motion Passed TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 10 of 11 AGENDA ITEM Retirement incentive Supervisor Engman explained that the NYS Retirement System has come out with an early retirement incentive and Ms . Drake has done some research on who may be eligible , and the Board has some decisions to make . Because the decision deals with the work history of certain individuals , he made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the topic . Councilwoman Leary seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Board entered Executive Session at 6 : 53 p . m . Motion made by Councilwoman Hunter and seconded by Councilwoman Riha to come out of executive session . Approved unanimously . Board reentered open meeting - at 7 : 17 p . m . a . Town of Ithaca Abstract TB RESOLUTION NO . 2010-124 : Town of Ithaca Abstract WHEREAS , the following numbered vouchers have been presented to the Ithaca Town Board for approval of payment ; and WHEREAS , the said vouchers have been audited for payment by the said Town Board ; now therefore be it RESOLVED , that the governing Town Board hereby authorizes the payment of the said vouchers in total for the amounts indicated . VOUCHER NOS . 8521 -8583 General Fund Town wide 339846. 34 General Fund Part Town 541 . 53 Highway Fund Part Town 159, 003.22 Water Fund 313, 727. 88 Sewer Fund 171 , 718 . 45 Risk Retention Fund 111 .28 Warren Road Walkway 31091 . 81 Forest Home Lighting District 84 .44 Glenside Lighting District 33 .54 Renwick Heights Lighting District 44 .64 Eastwood Commons Lighting District 61 . 07 Clover Lane Lighting District 7 .71 Winner's Circle Lighting District 11 . 55 Burlei h Drive Lighting District 26 . 98 West Haven Road Lighting District 107. 15 Coddin ton Road Lighting District 62 .35 Trust and Agency 4 ,300 .00 TOTAL 945 , 112 . 94', MOVED : Councilman Goodman SECONDED : Councilwoman Hunter TBS 6-21 -2010 Page 11 of 11 VOTE : Ayes -- Engman , Goodman , Leary, Levine , Riha , Hunter and DePaolo Nays — None Passed unanimously Meeting was adjourned at 7 : 18p . m . Submit by Paulette Terwilliger, Town Clerk Mitigation Fees : Possible Follow-up Questions Legal Issues : How do we gain confidence level in legal basis for mitigation fees ? (Ask Attorney for Town to do legal research and provide opinion/recommendations) Cost: Consultants indicated possible cost range of anywhere between $ 100,000 and $400,000 to $500,000 for GEIS and Capital Improvement Plan CIP. Is the Town willing to pay the up-front costs for the GEIS and CIP, and if so, where do we get the money? What is the likelihood that the Town would recoup the costs of preparing the GEIS and CIP and over how long a time? How would we set the costs : acreage of parcels , frontage, other? Costs of improvements : Consultants indicated an approximate split of 80% private cost and 20% public cost for capital improvements . Is the Town willing to pay for this (amount is undetermined until CIP is completed) ? Area(s) of Study: What areas of the Town would be covered under a GEIS and CEP study? Would it be just West Hill? Could it include South Hill and/or East Hill . How would we determine the boundaries of the GEIS and CIP? Development: Does the Town have enough pending or potential development to justify a mitigation fee approach? How would we determine that? Comprehensive Plan : How would a GEIS/CIP study fit in with the Comp Plan update process ? The consultant suggested waiting until a Comp Plan is completed before starting a GEIS/CIP process . Could the GEIS/CIP in effect be the GEIS for the Comp Plan that we discussed with the Comp Plan Committee? If that is the case, would the GEIS have to be completed before the Town Board adopts the Comp Plan update (probably so) ? West Hill Traffic Study: Could a West Hill traffic study be part of a GEIS/CIP process ? It would appear that such an approach might be a more productive process because it would cover a defined area, result in specific recommendations , and include a plan for improvements necessary to accommodate projected growth in that area. It would also be more comprehensive than just a traffic study, perhaps including sewer and water needs , fire service, storm water improvements and other infrastructure. Inter-municipal Approach : Are there examples of municipalities that have conducted inter-municipal GEIS/mitigation fee systems? Would the Town of Ithaca want to pursue such an approach ? Moratorium: The consultant indicated that other municipalities that conducted a mitigation fee system adopted a moratorium on the study area. Is that an option that the Town would pursue ? Other Municipalities : What other municipalities (in addition to Colonie and Clifton Park, NY) implemented mitigation fee systems through a GEIS process ? (Perhaps the consultant could provide this additional information . ) Town of Ithaca Planning Department Draft — June 21 , 2010 4 WEST HILL DEVELOPMENT I. Carrowmoor — Mecklenburg Rd . , opposite Rachel Carson Way Proposal : 400 +/- d.u . (mix of multi-family, townhouse , duplex , one-family) 36 ,000 +/- sq . ft . neighborhood commercial Clubhouse, community facilities Higher priced housing , but 10 % for middle-income families Acreage/Zoning : 93 . 5 ac . Agricultural 65 . 6 ac . Med. Density Resid . ( 159 ac total) Devel . Potential (exist. Zoning) : Between 255 and 330 d . u . Proposed Zoning : Planned Development Zone (PDZ) II. Holochuck Homes — Trumansburg Rd . , behind Museum of the Earth, across from Fire Station Proposal : 106 +/- d .u . townhouses ( 1 d . u . per acre density) 75 acres to be conveyed to State Parks , incl . land for Bl . Diam. Trail Price range : $250 ,000 to $350 ,000 (21 2-bedrm; 85 3 -bedroom) (No Zoning Change) Acreage/Zoning : 60 +/- ac . Conservation Zone 40 +/- ac . Low Dens , Resid. 9 +/- ac . Med . Density Resid . ( 109 acres total) III. EcoVillage — Third Neighborhood, Rachel Carson Way Proposal (conceptual) : Up to 30 add ' l . d . u . plus Common House Future Education/Visitor Center (Could be up to total of 150 d.u . if all 5 neighborhoods built) Existing Zoning : Planned Development Zone IV. Cornell Property — Trumansburg Rd. (behind Fire Station) Proposal (informal discussion) : Assisted Care Facility (80 beds) Senior Housing (50 to 60 d.u . ) Park- and-Ride Lot Small Neighborhood Commercial Component Walking Trails (Later Phase could include some middle-income , individually-owned housing) Acreage/Zoning : 33 . 5 ac . Med. Density Resid. Devel . Potential (exist. Zoning) : 117 +/- d.u . V. Conifer Remaining Lands — North of Mecklenburg Rd . ,/Conifer Dr. Proposal (sketch plan) : 100 +/- d .u . (single-family ; duplexes) Acreage/Zoning : 48 . 9 ac . Med. Density Resid. Devel . Potential (exist. Zoning) : 171 +/- d.u . Other Large Properties With Development Potential Tompkins County : 35 .7 ac . (LDR/PDZ) Cayuga Medical Center : ( ? ac . ) (PDZ/OPC) Gy Corp . : 67 ac . (MDR) Perry Farm: 56 ac . (MDR) Kaderli Trade Inc . : 102 ac . (MDR) Recent Completed Developments Linderman Creek (3 Phases) : 152 d .u . Overlook at West Hill : 128 d .u . Conifer Village Senior Apts . . 72 d . u . (55 years +) EcoVillage ( 1St & 2nd Neigh . ) : 60 d . u . + 2 Common Houses TOTAL (since 1995 ) : 412 d.u . (approx . 30 d .u . per year) Town of Ithaca Planning Department June 23 , 2009 I BACKGROUND - WEST HILL MEETING I . 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan : The Plan Anticipated Additional Development on West Hill around Hospital and Where Sewer, Water & Public Transit are Available . Plan Discussed Advantages & Disadvantages of Devel . on West Hill : Advantages : Large vacant parcels , public transit available Hospital area provided opportunities for higher density housing , senior housing, medical offices , nursing homes , etc . Disadvantages : Traffic impacts on residential neighborhoods Threat to prime agricultural areas Impacts to environmentally sensitive areas Limits on water & sewer capacity (some have been addressed with new sewer, water lines) Not close to stores , major employment centers (Hospital has been expanded and enhanced significantly since 1993 Plan) Anticipated Land Use Patterns Map Called For: Focus future housing into areas cur. Served by public sewer & water. Protect prime agricultural land on West Hill . Protect significant natural areas . Provide future neighborhood- scale commercial in Suburban & Urban Residential Areas to serve new residential development. Showed growth areas on West Hill following boundary of water pressure zone . II . Other Plans Done : Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Transportation Plan Route 96 Corridor Management Study III . Implementation Measures Accomplished to Follow Plan Recommendations Agricultural Zone on much of West Hill to preserve agric . lands . PDR Program to further preserve agric . lands . Conservation Zone to preserve Indian Creek/Lake Slopes UNA; Coy Glen Conservation Zone in preparation . New Parks and Preserves added to West Hill : West Hill Park, West Haven Preserve, Glenside Preserve , Dress Woods Preserve , Tutelo Park developed. Interconnected Trail System in planning (Town Trail Committee set up to work on this and other trails) , Trumansburg Rd . Sidewalk proposed in Federal Stimulus Funding package . Worked with TCAT to Enhance Transit Service at Linderman Creek and Overlook Apartments , Route 96 Corridor Management Study : Inter-municipal Planning Effort with County, City, Towns of Ithaca, Ulysses , TCAT, ITCTC to look at transportation options under traditional and nodal development patterns . Adopted Multiple-Residence Zones in Selected areas in Growth Area Shown on Anticipated Land Use Patterns Map in Comp Plan (Linderman Creek and Overlook at West Hill) to implement Comp Plan recommendations re- affordable housing . Adopted PDZ at EcoVillage site to encourage innovative cluster/mixed development. i POSSIBLE WEST HILL TRAFFIC STUDY Introduction/Background : • West Hill residents are concerned with development and growth on West Hill , and in particular, the associated cumulative traffic impacts of possible growth. e Two large projects are currently under review by the Town : Carrowmoor (400 +/- dwelling units and 30,000 sq. ft. of neighborhood commercial) and Holochuck ( 106 dwelling units) . Both projects will involve EIS ' s and full traffic studies . • Other possible development could be pending (e. g. , Cornell parcel on Route 96) . • The Route 96 Corridor Study (Draft) was completed. This recommends pursuing the concept of nodal development in the vicinity of the Cayuga Medical Center. • The Town of Ithaca is in the process of updating the 1993 Comprehensive Plan, which should include reviewing and evaluating growth potential, development patterns, development scenarios and related impacts in all parts of the Town, including West Hill. Suggestion for Possible Approach to a Traffic Study: Conduct a traffic study of West Hill (as well as possibly other areas of the Town) in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan update process . The following components could be part of the process . A. Planning & Engineering Staff: Compile existing traffic and transportation system data on West Hill (from sources such as the Town of Ithaca Transportation Plan, Route 96 Corridor Study, Cornell t-GEIS , existing EIS ' s and/ or traffic studies — e. g. , Overlook, Linderman Creek, Holochuck) . B . Planning Staff & Comp Plan Committee: Do a development potential/build-out analysis of vacant and underutilized parcels on West Hill under existing zoning (including current development proposals) to look at the possible cumulative impacts/worst-case scenario to establish a baseline for comparative analysis . C . ITCTC : Run the build-out scenario outlined in `B " above in ITCTC ' s traffic model to assess the generic impacts/problems that this level of development might cause on the existing West Hill transportation system. D . Comp Plan Committee with Staff: Based on the draft goals and objectives developed in the ongoing Comp Plan update, identify possible development/growth scenarios (for West Hill in this case) . This might include possibly two or three scenarios , including a nodal development scenario as outlined in the Route 96 Corridor Study. E. Hire a Consultant: Conduct a transportation impact analysis of the Comp Plan development scenarios referenced in "D" above with suggested mitigation measures as appropriate. F. Comp Plan Committee: Use the transportation impact analysis to recommend/fine-tune growth scenarios . Possible Timeframe and Cost of Traffic Study: Possible Timeframe Possible Cost A . Compile Existing Data Jan. — Feb . 2010 - - (Town Staff) B . Build-out Analysis March 2010 - - (Town Staff/ Committee) C . Traffic Model of Build-out Analysis April 2010 $2,000 - $3 ,000 (ITCTC) D . Comp Plan Growth Scenarios May — June 2010 - - (Committee/ Town Staff) E. Transportation Impact Analysis July — August 2010 $ 15 ,000 - $25 ,000 of Growth Scenarios (Consultant) F. Recommend/Fine-tune Growth Scenarios Sept. — Oct. 2010 - - (Committee) POSSIBLE TOTAL COST : $ 17 ,000 - $28 ,000 (say $30,000) * Cost estimate is only a guess at this point. A detailed scope would have to be worked out, and a RFP/RFQ sent out to potential consultants for their approach and cost proposals . Draft — October 23 , 2009 Town of Ithaca Planning Department