HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1993-11-02FILED
7OWN OF ITHACA
Date
�f 9"
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
November 2, 1993
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday, November 2, 1993, at the Town Hall, 126 East Seneca
Street, Ithaca, New York, at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairperson Carolyn Grigorov, Robert Kenerson, Virginia
Langhans, Eva Hoffmann, James Ainslie, Herbert Finch,
Stephen Smith, Floyd Forman (Town Planner), Louise
Raimondo (Planner 1) , Daniel Walker ( Town Engineer) , John
Barney (Town Attorney).
ALSO PRESENT: Ed Bredbenner, Tom Murray, Tim Ainslie, David
Bravo - Cullen, Mark Macera, Fred Noetscher, Carl
Guy, Attorney Elena Salerno - Flash, Chris Sapara-
Grant, Noel Desch.
Chairperson Grigorov declared the meeting to be duly opened at
7:36 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 October 25, 1993 and October 28,
1993, respectively, together with the Secretary's Affidavit of
Service by Mail of said Notice upon the Clerk of the City of
Ithaca, upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, upon the
Tompkins County Assessment Department, upon the NYS Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, upon the NYS
Department of Transportation, and upon the applicants and /or
agents, as appropriate, on October 27, 19936
Chairperson Grigorov read the Fire Exit Regulations to those
assembled, as required by the New York Department of State, Office
of Fire Prevention and Control.
AGENDA ITEM: PERSONS TO BE HEARD.
Chairperson Grigorov asked if there was anyone present from
the public that wished to address the Planning Board. No one
spoke. Chairperson Grigorov closed this portion of the meeting at
7:38 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING: MODIFICATIONS TO SITE PLAN,
COURTSIDE RACQUET & :FITNESS CLUB, INC. CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN
APPROVAL FOR THE PROPOSED CONVERSION OF 940 + /- SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR
AREA IN AN EXISTING SQ. FT. BUILDING FROM RESTAURANT USE TO A
SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC, ELIMINATION OF A 24 SEAT, 750 SQ. FT.
OUTDOOR EATING AREA, AND MODIFICATIONS TO PARKING, DRAINAGE, AND
SITE LANDSCAPING, TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO. 62 -1 -5, BUSINESS
"C" DISTRICT. COURTSIDE RACQUET & FITNESS CLUB, INC., APPLICANT;
THOMAS MURRAY, AGENT.
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the above -
noted matter duly o=pened at 7:39 p.m. and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted
above.
Thomas Murray addressed the Board and stated that the Planning
Department required that Courtside personnel look at and address
the exterior problems with regards to the parking lot and the
drainage problems that exist. The Town Planner had stated that a
temporary Certificate of Occupancy would be granted on the
condition that the exterior renovations be completed by June of
1994. Mr. Murray concurred that there was indeed a drainage
problem and that he would address the problem. Mr. Murray also
stated that the cost to pave the Darkina lot would be $50.000.00.
and that he did not have that much money. Mr. Murray's concern was
that he would do the renovations with the Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy and then he would not be able to secure the funds to make
the improvements at which time the Town would revoke the
Certificate and that: would close the business down. Mr. Murray
then stated that he did not want to take on the risk of being shut
down. Mr. Murray continued by stating that they wanted to add an
office for sports medicine facility (McCune & Ainslie) of about 940
sq. ft. with one therapist and one support staff person on duty
with hours of gam to 5pm. The parking requirements would be about
5 spaces for the sport medicine facility; 2 spaces for staff
personnel and 3 parking spaces per hour for patients. The site
plan was drawn up by David Bravo Cullen of Corner Stone Architects.
David Bravo Cullen then addressed the Board with a brief
description of the Site Plan. Parking for the Courtside Racquet &
Fitness Club has been reconfigured for 134 Spaces with 15 spaces on
the far side of the Courtside building which will be shared with
Judd Falls Plaza. With regards to drainage, there will be catch
basins to run South West to the West of the driveway at Mitchell
Street, which empties into a gorge on Mitchell Street. With
respects to landscaping Mr. Bravo Cullen stated that there would be
small trees and mulching against the building which would include;
6 crabapple trees on the west side of Courtside, 5 white pine trees
around the dumpster enclosure on the Northeast side of the parking
lot in an attempt to make the space look nicer, and some scattered
burning bushes.
Board member Virginia Langhans asked Mr. Bravo Cullen if there
were any gutters on the building now. Mr. Bravo Cullen responded
that there were no gutters right now.
Louise Raimondo, Planner 1, stated that there was no natural
drainage at all now.
2
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
David Bravo Cullen stated that the plan to repair the Parking
lot and driveway area would be to remove the broken pavement and
patch it with four inches of crusher run until sometime in the
future when Mr. Murray would repave the entire lot.
Chairperson
Grigorov
stated
that this
was a Public Hearing and
asked
if anyone
from the
that
public
broken pavement and install two catch basins which would
also have
wished
pipes to
to
speak.
Courtside
Ed Bredbenner from the East Lawn Cemetery stated that there
was a serious drainage problem in the area of discussion already
and that it has gotten worse with the development that had taken
place in that area. Mr. Bredbenner wondered if this project would
help or hinder the drainage problem.
Chairperson Grigorov stated that this was a Public Hearing
and asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one spoke.
Chairperson Grigorov closed the Public Hearing and brought the
matter back to the Board for discussion.
Chairperson Grigorov asked if the landscaping would be done at
as a separate project or if it would be done with the rest of the
improvements.
Mr.
Bravo Cullen responded that
the landscaping
would
be
completed
in the Spring of 1994. Mr.
Bravo Cullen stated
that
the
broken pavement and install two catch basins which would
also have
pipes to
take down spouts from future
gutters for the
Courtside
Building.
Mr. Murray added that the
drainage problems
would
be
corrected
as soon as possible.
Chairperson Grigorov stated that she thought the landscaping
was needed.
Board Member ,lames Ainslie asked Mr. Murray if he would have
a problem running drainage down through to Mitchell Street and if
he owned the property all the way down to Mitchell Street.
Mr. Murray responded that he did not own the property. The
owner was Scott Hamilton, but Mr. Murray had signed a letter of
intent with Mr. Hamilton that stated that Mr. Hamilton would
provide an easement: to Mr. Murray to allow the pipe to be run
through the property to Mitchell Street for drainage purposes. Mr.
Murray stated that as a side note, Mr. Hamilton is considering
finding a way to deal with his drainage problem as well.
Q
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
Town Engineer Daniel Walker stated that the area has been in
a disturbed state for quite a while. The culvert systems in that
area has a lot of capacity, there's a drop inlet there that is
about 8 -10 feet deep, and they have 10 inch pipes and that should
be fine for their needs.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked Mr. Murray if the
basketball hoop has been removed. Mr. Murray responded that it had
already been removed.
Chairperson Gri.gorov stated that the County responded that
there were no negative impacts involved with this project.
Board Member Stephen Smith asked what the surface was. Town
Engineer Dan Walker responded that it was a subsoil.
Board
Member
Stephen Smith asked if the
additional draining
would
will be
cause
it to
erode
more than
it already
is.
Louise responded that she thought that the area was seeded as
part of the road project.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that she understood that the
plantings that are there now were done by the County when they did
the Judd Falls Road re- construction. Are the plants that are shown
on Courtside's planting in addition to the plants that are there
now.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked how many parking spaces
there would be.
Mr. Murray stated that with the reconfiguration there are 134
spaces and they fee]!. that there are more there now than what is
needed.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that she was puzzled because
there are more parking spaces now than there were before because as
she read the papers it sounded as though Courtside would need fewer
spaces now with the physical therapist than with the restaurant
that was there.
Mr.
Murray
stated
that there are more than what he perceives
as what
will be
necessary.
Ms. Hoffmann stated that if the spaces are not needed, why
doesn't he turn them into plantings and green spaces and then pave
them later if needed.
Mr. Murray stated that it is cheaper in the long run.
P,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
November 2, 1993
Board Member
Eva
Hoffmann
asked
about
parking
spaces for the
handicapped. Ms.
Hoffmann
also
asked
about
space
for bikes.
Mr. Murray stated that they have spaces for handicapped
parking close to the entry. Mr. Murray further stated that the
racks for bikes to hie kept could be done seasonally. Mr. Murray
has a stand that holds bikes that can be moved if and when needed.
Chairperson Grigorov asked if bike spaces were sufficient now.
Mr. Murray responded that the space was more than sufficient
currently.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked if the lighting had
changed.
Mr. Murray responded that he was anticipating the lighting and
is awaiting quotes for lighting now. Lighting was not incorporated
into this plan but he does anticipate upgrading that.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked if there would be a signage
change.
Mr. Murray stated that with the additional service being offer
that there would be a sign posted with whatever the current zoning
specs are.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked if the changes that were
being provided for the therapist would be internal. Mr. Murray
responded that all changes were within the building.
Chairperson Grigorov stated that this was a public Hearing and
asked if there were any further discussion. There being no further
discussion Chairperson Grigorov asked if any were prepared to offer
a motion.
MOTION by Robert Kenerson, seconded by Herbert Finch.
1. This action is the Consideration of Modifications to site
Plan, Courtside Racquet & Fitness Club, Inc. for the proposed
conversion of 940 +/- sq. ft. of floor area in an existing
22,000 +/- sq. ft. building from restaurant use to a sports
medicine clinic, elimination of a 24 seat, 750 sq. ft. outdoor
eating area, and modifications to parking, drainage, and site
landscaping, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 62 -1 -5, Business
"C" District, located at 16 Judd Falls Road, Thomas Murray,
Agent, and
5
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
November 2, 1993
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board is legislatively determined to act as Lead
Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan
Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on November 2,
1993, has reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short
Environmental Assessment Form Part I prepared by the
applicant, a Part II prepared by the Planning staff, and a
site plan entitled "Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club," dated
October 25, 1993, prepared by Cornerstone Architects, and
additional application materials, and
4. The Town Planning staff have recommended a negative
determination of environmental significance with respect to
the proposed site plan, as proposed,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative
determination of environmental significance in accordance with the
New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above
referenced action as proposed and, therefore, an Environmental
Impact Statement will not be required.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Grigorov, Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Finch, Smith,
Cornell.
Nay - None.
Abstain - Ainslie.
The MOTION was declared to be carried.
Candace Cornell asked if the therapy group would be serving
people from the public or if they would be focusing on the
clientele of the club.
The Therapist responded that they would probably treat both.
Chairperson Grigorov asked if there were any further
discussion. No one responded. Chairperson Grigorov asked if
anyone were prepared to offer a motion.
MOTION by Virginia Langhans, seconded by Herbert Finch.
E
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
WHEREAS:
10 This action is the Consideration of Modifications to Site Plan
Approval for Courtside Racquet & Fitness Club, Inc. for the
proposed conversion of 940 +/- sq. ft. of floor area in an
existing 22,000 +/- sq. ft. building from restaurant use to a
sports medicine clinic, elimination of a 24 seat, 750 sq. ft,
outdoor eating area, and modifications to parking, drainage,
and site landscaping, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 62 -1 -5,
Business "C" District, located at 16 Judd Falls Road, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review,
has, on November 2, 1993, made a negative determination of
significance, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing on November 2, 1993,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short Environmental
Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part II
prepared by the Planning staff, and a site plan entitled
"Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club," and dated October 25,
1993, prepared by Cornerstone Architects, and additional
application materials.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
i. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain
requirements for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, as
shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklist, having
determined from the materials presented that such waiver will
result in neither a significant alteration of the purpose of
site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by
the Town Board, and
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final
Site Plan Approval to the. proposed site plan entitled
"Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club," and dated October 25,
1993, prepared by Cornerstone Architects, subject to the
following conditions:
a. Submission of an original and two copies of the final
site plan with the architect's seal and signature for
approval by the Town Engineer and Town Planner.
b. That an easement for stormwater drainage across Ide's
Bowling /Judd Falls Plaza be obtained from the property
owner, and recorded, such easement to be in form and
substance acceptable to the Attorney for the Town.
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
November 2, 1993
c. That an agreement concerning relocation of the 20 parking
spaces designated as overflow parking by deed restriction
between Ide's Bowling /Judd Falls Plaza and Courtside
Racquet and Fitness Club in form and substance acceptable
to the Town Attorney be executed by the owner of The
Courtside property and the owner of Ide's /Judd Falls
Plaza property, recorded in the Tompkins County Clerks
office and be filed with the Town.
d. That no building permits for any construction on the
Courtside property be issued by the Town until conditions
(a.), (b.) and (c.) above are met.
e. That the drainage improvements as shown in the approved
site plan
be completed by June
30, 1994,
to the
satisfaction
of the Town Engineer.
f. That the
landscaping improvements
as shown
in the
Courtside
Racquet and Fitness Club
Planting Plan dated
10/7/93 and the Planting Schedule
dated 10/13/93
be
completed
to the satisfaction of the
Town Planner
by June
30, 1994.
g. That no permanent Certificate of Occupancy be issued by
the Town until all of the conditions shown above have
been fulfilled.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Grigorov, Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Finch, Smith,
Cornell.
Nay - None,
Abstain - Ainslie.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairperson Grigorov stated that this was a public hearing and
asked if anyone wished to speak; no one spoke. Chairperson
Grigorov declared this part of the meeting duly closed at 8:25p.m.
AGENDA ITEM. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE REZONING OPTIONS OPEN TO
ITHACARE WITH REGARD TO THE PROPOSED ITHACARE SENIOR LIVING
COMMUNITY, TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON A 27.5 + /- ACRE PORTION OF TOWN OF
ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO. 39- 1 -1.3, 66.6 + /- ACRES TOTAL AREA, LOCATED
ON THE WEST SIDE OF DANBY ROAD (NYS RTE 96B) APPROXIMATELY 1,500
FEET SOUTH OF THE ENTRANCE TO ITHACA COLLEGE, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT
DISTRICT. ITHACARE CENTER, APPLICANT; DAVID E. CHASE, L. ROBERT
KIMBALL AND ASSOCIATES, INC., AGENT
POP
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
Chairperson Grigorov declared the Public Hearing in the above -
noted matter duly opened at 7:40 p.m. and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted
above.
Mark Macera, Executive Director of Ithacare, addressed the
Planning Board and introduced as part of the record representatives
of Ithacare; Mr. Carl Guy, a member of Court Street Companies; Mr.
Fred Noetscher, a member of the architectural and engineering firm
L. Robert Kimball & Associates. Mr. Macera stated it was a
pleasure to be able to present Ithacare's project to the Planning
Board. For the record, Mr. Macera thanked the Town Planning
Department staff for being available to Ithacare's representatives
as a resource to complete the necessary documentation that has
permitted them to come before the Planning Board and make the
request for rezoning. Mr. Macera stated that it was a very
exciting time for Ithacare and everyone associated with the
project, particularly the 81 residents who are looked forward to
the construction of a new state -of- the -art facility. Mr. Macera
stated that the new facility would provide contemporary housing and
services that are presently unavailable at Ithacare. Mr. Macera
stated that there was insufficient capacity to meet the immediate
need of other seniors which have indicated an interest in moving to
Ithacare.
Town Planner Floyd Forman addressed the Board and stated that
the reason that Ithacare appeared before the Planning Board at this
meeting was to discuss zoning possibilities available to Ithacare
and make a recommendation to the Town Board. Mr. Forman stated
that after the rezoning goes to the Town Board the Planning Board
will then hold a Public Hearing.
Mark Macera gave the Planning Board members a brief summary of
the services provided by Ithacare. Mr. Macera stated that Ithacare
had occupied the current structure for 20 years, and that there is
a growing number of elderly in the community that need the services
that Ithacare offers.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked Mr. Macera if Ithacare
would continue providing services in their current location.
Mr. Macera responded that they would not be continuing
services at the old :location, but that the new facility would care
for the 81 current residents of Ithacare. Mr. Macera stated that
Ithacare is proposing 160 units including. 60 adult care
facilities, 20 assisted living, and 80 independent living units.
Mr. Macera stated that Ithacare wishes to maintain an
interdisciplinary program and create a cooperative relationship
with Ithaca College to take advantage of the services that Ithaca
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
College offers. Some! of these services include: physical therapy,
speech pathology, audiology, recreation therapies, and the various
other services that could come into play. Clearly, opportunities
exist to enhance the quality of their life of seniors through an
intergenerational program with the College. Mr. Macera stated that
Ithacare's application for a Special Land Use District (SLUD)
designation has resulted from joint discussions between Ithacare
representatives, legal council, Town and planning staff. Mr.
Macera asked the Planning Board if there were any questions or
comments.
Board Member Virginia Langhans asked if Ithacare would offer
skilled nursing care.
Mr. Macera responded that Ithacare's continuum would include
independent living, assisted living, and the Adult Care Facility
(ACF) levels of care. This continuum of care would permit
residents to remain at Ithacare so that they would not have to move
or be displaced. At the point in time that someone requires 24
hour a day skilled nursing which by definition describes the
services of a nursing facility. Ithacare coordinates a transfer to
a local skilled nursing facility. Ithacare accomplishes this
through case management. However, Ithacare has future plans to add
a skilled nursing facility, but right now the conditions would not
permit that.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked Mr. Macera what the current
zoning was on the proposed parcel. Mr. Macera responded that it
was currently zoned Industrial.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that she thought that the
Planning Board was trying to move away from Special Land Use
Districts (SLUDs).
Town Planner Floyd Forman responded that after thoroughly
weighing the options available, the only reasonable option would be
a SLUD. R -15 is out because a convalescent home is not an allowed
use even by special approval it would need a variance. R -30 is the
facility that would be a convalescent home would not fit into our
present zoning ordinances. There is no institutional zone at this
time so the only option left open would be a SLUD.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked if after rezoning this to
a SLUD, could the Board then rezone it again to an Institutional
Zone.
John Barney responded that the Board could rezone the SLUD to
an Institutional Zone, however, a SLUD has advantages because you
can set very specific and stringent regulations on that parcel.
W
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
The Board, through using a SLUD, can determine exactly what would
be an allowed use and exactly what would not be an allowed use of
the property.
Board Member ,Tames Ainslie asked Mr. Macera if the 27 +/- acres
that would be occupied by Ithacare would be included in the tax
base.
Mr. Macera responded that Ithacare would like to retain its
tax exempt status. Ithacare offers services to many low income
individuals who would be without housing and supportive services
were it not for Ithacare. Mr. Macera stated that the current
Ithacare building and property is tax exempt.
Board Member Herbert Finch. asked what kind of a time schedule
Ithacare was looking at.
Mr. Macera responded that ideally they would like to break
ground in late spring or early summer of 1994.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that she would be
concerned about losing Industrial Zones, however, the Ithacare
facility is needed and the area is beautiful.
Chairperson Grigorov stated that she thought it was good to
have an established successful enterprise instead of someone who is
just starting a business.
Mr. Macera stated that the fact that Ithacare exists and
currently has 80+ clients would result in a minimum occupancy of
500 on the first day of operation.
Board Member Virginia Langhans asked Mr. Macera if Ithacare
working closely with Ithaca College.
Mr. Macera responded that they would interface very closely
with Ithaca College's gerontology institute and the various
academic programs, student work /study programs, student
internships, etc. The notion is an intergenerational relationship
that brings the older members of our society into closer contact
with younger members of our society. An intergenerational program
breeds additional respect and understanding between young and old.
Everything associated with this project is a definite plus.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that she thought that the
location to Ithaca College was wonderful.
Chairperson Gr_igorov stated that the next step would be to
schedule a public hearing.
11
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
Town Planner Floyd Forman stated that he wanted this to be a
discussion for the Board's understanding of the parameters involved
in rezoning and the parcels use under Ithacare. Mr. Forman stated
that Ithacare would be placed on the agenda in December for the
Planning Board to make a formal recommendation to the Town Board
that a Public Hearing be scheduled regarding the rezoning.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked what the slope of the land
was.
Fred Noetscher responded that the he held the slopes on the
roads to no more than 4 percent. There are slopes of 10 - 15
percent on the back portion of the property.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked where the condos would be
placed on the parcel.
Mr. Noetscher responded that it was a long way into the future
but that they would be placed at the top of the parcel overlooking
the view.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked where the bedrock was
located.
Mr. Noetscher stated that the bedrock was most likely shale.
He then proceeded to explain the area Ms. Cornell was referring to
was a wetland, although DEC does not consider it a wetland nor does
the Corps of Engineers, but technically speaking it is a wetland
and has some wetland characteristics. Mr. Noetscher stated that it
was a old barrow pit where someone had gone in there many years ago
and took earth out, probably shale, the ledge rock that is exposed
is wet with a shallow amount of water on it, but that it was
nothing like a swamp. Mr. Noetscher stated that he walked the
wetland.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that it did not matter,
according to the law, what makes a wetland.
Mr. Noetscher :responded that DEC has three criteria which
determines what is and what is not a wetland, and they did not
consider it a wetland.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that for the record stated
that what Mr. Noetscher stated was not exactly true, it doesn't
matter what made the wetland, if it exists, it is a wetland.
12
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
Mark Macera stated that they agreed and felt that the wetland
enhanced the environment of the property for the elderly and the
added feeling of tranquility. There is wild life there and it
would enhance the quality of life for those living there.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked if they planned on
increasing the water flow into the wetland.
Fred Noetscher stated that they were going to study that. The
way that the wetland functions now is that water is collected on
the East side of Danby Road, crosses underneath Danby Road on the
southeast property line, and then runs down and filters into the
area in discussion. It is acting as a retention pond right now, we
may increase that "ever so slightly ", but will not be changing the
overall character under which it is operating.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that she was pleased that the
land would be used for residents to enjoy. Ms. Hoffmann stated
that she thought that was the best use for the land. Ms. Hoffmann
stated that she was happy that Ithacare was sensitive to the fact
that the people who will be living here will like to enjoy the view
and persons that are travelling by would enjoy the view as well.
Ms. Hoffmann stated that she would like to think that in any future
expansion Ithacare would continue to be sensitive to that as well.
Ms. Hoffmann also stated that she was worried about the prospect of
losing some land designated as industrial.
Mark Macera responded "Certainly ". Mr. Macera stated that
Ithacare has met with neighborhood residents, by holding open
forums and public meetings. Everyone within proximity to the site
was invited. Mr. Macera stated that Ithacare published the
meetings and entertained the public's concerns. Most concerns were
focused on how the development could possibly negatively impact the
views. Mr. Macera stated that the issue is addressed in the EAF
and Ithacare attempted to address how the views would be effected.
Mr. Macera stated that if you were traveling North on 96B,
depending on the location, you would not even be able to see the
facility. Ithacare is very happy with how they have been able to
develop its building and accommodate the issue of view protection.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that trees, evergreens would
block the view in the future if they were not careful.
Mr. Macera
stated
that
they would be
adding trees
and that
they would consider
the
view
in developing
a landscaping
plan.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked if Ithacare had considered
alternatives if this doesn't work out. Mr. Kenerson asked what the
impact would be.
0
13
Town of Ithaca Planning Board November 2, 1993
Mr. Macera responded that they had reviewed approximately two
dozen sites. Based on the criteria that Ithacare applied,
including issues of proximity to other organizations, the City,
community based services, transportation, utilities, views, and
other factors, this was one of a half a dozen sites that could
adequately address Ithacare's needs. Additionally, in the last
year or so there have been the intensive discussions with Ithaca
College to develop art aggressive cooperative program. Moving away
from this sight would seriously and negatively impact the project.
Mr. Macera stated that Ithacare would hope that that would not be
an outcome.
Board Member Robert Kenerson asked if Ithacare had a number
one priority.
Mr. Macera stated that Ithacare engaged Tom Neiderkorn's firm
to perform a site evaluation. Mr. Macera stated that he would be
more than happy to make it available to the Planning Board.
Board Member Candace Cornell
interested in seeing the study.
Chairperson Grigorov asked if
discussion.
stated that she would be
there were any further
Town
Attorney John
Barney stated to Mr.
Macera that before the
Town of
description
Ithaca could
of the land
act on a rezoning, a meets and bounds
for which the rezoning is sought must be
submitted
to the Town.
Mr.
Macera stated
that Ithacare was
working with Ithaca
College on a very specific description that
should be suitable for
the
Town's
use.
Mr. Macera thanked the Planning Board for the opportunity to
address them.
There being no further discussion Chairperson Grigorov closed
the discussion on the Proposed Rezoning for Ithacare.
AGENDA ITEM. REPORT OF THE TOWN PLANNER.
Town Planner Floyd Forman stated that the next Planning Board
Meeting he would have the Board Members copies of the Final
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Forman stated that the GEIS was on the
agenda for November 16, 1993 for a Public Hearing, hopefully there
would be a bigger turn out for this meeting. There will also be a
4.5 acre lot subdivision for Steve Lucente. There is also a
subdivision of Quick and Frandsen and Park Lane. Park lane is
Eu!
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
November 2, 1993
already built but has not been opened. The Town is trying to
acquire the land to open Park Lane, the land is presently owned by
Mr. Frandsen and Mrs. Quick.
Town Attorney John Barney stated that there was some urgency
on this because the road is in place but it's legal status is
somewhat shaky.
Town Engineer Daniel Walker stated that the Frandsen
Subdivision received preliminary subdivision approval back in 1986
and this would be four more building lots plus the portion of Park
Lane that has been constructed, will be coming for Final
Subdivision Approval. Mr. Walker stated that the Quick Subdivision
would be Preliminary and Final approval and is a four lot
subdivision with one of those lots being Park Lane. Mr. Walker
stated that if any of the Planning Board members wanted a tour of
the site that he would be happy to give them one.
The Planning Board discussed their schedules with Mr. Walker
and decided upon a tour for November 10, 1993 at 10 *00am, and that
anyone interested could meet at the end of Park Lane. Mr. Walker
then stated that he would draw up a memorandum and get it to the
Board Members.
AGENDA ITEM. OTHER BUSINESS.
Chairperson Grigorov asked. if there was any other business for
discussion. There being none Chairperson Grigorov closed this
portion of the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon MOTION Chairperson Grigorov declared the November 2, 1993
meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at
9:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
StarrRae Hays, Recording Secretary
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
15