HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1991-08-27•
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TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
AUGUST 27, 1991
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met for informal discussion, with
notification, at the home of Board member Robert L. Kenerson, 1465
Mecklenburg Road, on Tuesday, August 27, 1991, at 7 :30 p.m.
PRESENT: Carolyn Grigorov, Robert Kenerson, James Baker, Virginia
Langhans, William Lesser, Eva Hoffmann, Judith Aronson, Floyd
Forman (Town Planner), George Frantz (Assistant Town Planner),
John Barney (Town Attorney).
Following refreshments, discussion commenced at 8 :00 p.m.
1. Town Planner Floyd Forman reported on meetings with Cornell Real
Estate regarding landscaping at East Hill Plaza. Various planting
proposals were discussed. Coordination of the improvements at both
the East Hill Gulf station and the East Hill Plaza itself were
discussed.
Mr. Forman also reported on
realignment of Pine Tree Road.
Department of Public Works plans
Board in October 1991 and hopes
January 1992,
the proposed County plans for the
It was noted that the County
to make a presentation to the Town
to put the project out to bid in
Mr. Forman reported on Planning Department staff meetings with T.
G. Miller Associates and Mr. Earland Mancini regarding the proposed
five - parcel subdivision backlot of Elmira Road and Five Mile Drive.
It was noted that a revised plat will come before the Planning Board,
at Public Hearing, on September 3, 19910
A possible modification of the Planning Board approval of the
Hasbrouck Apartments expansion and renovation was discussed. The
proposed modification involves the elimination of interior courtyard
dormers for those.existing buildings to which a third floor will be
added.
2. Board Member William Lesser asked for description of the role of the
Corps of Engineers with respect to wetland protections. Mr. Forman
explained some of the aspects of the permitting process as well as the
question of the Town's rights, vis a vis filling, in light of the
Town's permitting procedure for filling under Section 70 of.the Zoning
Ordinance. Discussion followed among Messrs. Forman, Barney, Frantz,
and Planning Board members regarding the Corps' jurisdiction and the
Town's jurisdiction'. Developments such as Mancini's Elmira Road and
Lucente's Briarwood were included in the discussion.
3. Mr. Forman spoke to his thoughts for revising, clarifying, and
strengthening the current Zoning Ordinance's provisions as they relate
to business and industrial development. Mr. Forman offered, with
respect to "special permits ", that some of the uses apparently allowed
"by right" should be allowed under a special permit process, citing as
` Planning Board Discussion Meeting -2-
August 27, 1991
;'. an example, fast food restaurants. Mr. Forman indicated that he would
like to see included in the Ordinance better measures for ensuring
that proposed improvements are completed as approved, suggesting
letters of credit, performance bonds, cash, etc. Referring to Section
77 of the Ordinance where variances and special approvals are noted,
Mr. Forman suggested the inclusion of an expiration process for
special permits. Mr. Forman further suggested the inclusion of
requirements for landscaping.
C7
A general discussion followed regarding commercial development.
Concepts and staff recommendations in re future business districts.
Changes in lot coverage, intensity of use, parking in the rear of
buildings, were among the issues discussed.
Mr. Lesser asked for clarification of those uses which would be
subject to special approval /permit. Mr. Forman described certain uses
which may have significant adverse impacts over which, under a special
approval /permit process, the Planning Board could have more leeway to
deny a proposal as submitted, or could apply specific conditions.
Discussion ensued with respect to various mechanisms for the managing
of commercial development. Special Land Use Districts, Planned Unit
Developments, and Planned Development Districts were put forth as
instances of such various mechanisms. Ways to deal with the future
needs of the Town and its residents and the Planning staff's feeling
that the Town needs to reserve land for such future needs were
discussed.
49 The Planning Board members and the Planning staff discussed the
comprehensive plan, its progress, the issues associated with it, and
their ideas for it.
5. In a general discussion, matters of paper generation, Planning Board
procedures, and length of meetings, especially public hearings, were
discussed. It was agreed that future meetings of the Board will end
at 11:00 p.m.
The role of the Environmental Review Committee of the
Conservation Advisory Council in the planning process was also
discussed. It was noted that the Town Board will speak to this at its
September 12th meeting.
6. The August 27, 1991 informal discussion meeting of the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board ended at 10:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
George R.
Frantz,
Assistant
Town
Planner
Nancy M.
Fuller,
Secretary
to the
Planning Board