HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1994-06-07TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
June 7, 1994
FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
Date
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The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday, June 7, 1994, in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street,
Ithaca, New York, at 7 :30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairperson Robert Kenerson,
Hoffmann, James Ainslie, Herber
Stephen Smith, Gregory Bell,
Planner), Daniel Walker (Town
(Assistant Town Planner), Loui
John Barney (Town Attorney).
Virginia Langhans, Eva
t Finch, Candace Cornell,
Jonathan Kanter (Town
Engineer), George Frantz
se Raimondo (Planner I),
ALSO PRESENT: Attorney Shirley Egan, Lewis Roscoe, Bruce
Brittain, Nancy Brcak, Brent Stephans, John
Gutenberger, James Skaley, Larry Fabbroni, Steve
Lucente, Jon Lucente, Jerrold Davis, Peter
Rothbart, Arno Selco, Rocco Lucente, David Allen.
Chairperson Kenerson declared the meeting duly opened at 7 :32
p.m. and accepted for the record the Secretary's Affidavit of
Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in the
Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on May 23, 1994, and May 31, 1994,
respectively, together with the Secretary's Affidavit of Service By
Mail on said Notice upon the various neighbors of each of the
properties under discussion, as appropriate, upon the Clerks of the
Town of Dryden, City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca, upon the
Tompkins County Commissioner of Public Works, upon the Tompkins
County Commissioner of Planning, and upon the applicants and /or
agents, as appropriate, on May 31, 1994.
Chairperson Kenerson read the Fire Exit Regulations to those
assembled, as required by the New York State Department of State,
Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
AGENDA ITEM: PERSONS TO BE HEARD.
Town Attorney John Barney addressed the Board and welcomed the
new Town Planner, Jonathan Kanter, and stated that he looked
forward to working with Mr. Kanter.
PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION TO THE TOWN
BOARD WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED REZONING OF 271 + /- ACRES,
COMPRISING THOSE PORTIONS OF TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NOS. 63 -1-
10, 63 -1 -111 64 -1 -1, AND 64 -1 -2, BOUNDED BY NYS ROUTE 366 ON THE
NORTH, GAME FARM ROAD ON THE EAST, CASCADILLA CREEK ON THE SOUTH,
AND JUDD FALLS ROAD ON THE WEST, FROM RESIDENCE DISTRICT R -30 TO
SPECIAL LAND USED DISTRICT (SLUD). CORNELL UNIVERSITY, OWNER;
LEWIS ROSCOE, AGENT.
" f
Planning Board 2 June 7, 1994
Chairperson Kenerson declared the Public Hearing in the above -
noted matter duly opened at 7:36 p.m. and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted
above.
Chairperson
Kenerson
stated
that this
was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone
from the
Public
wished to
speak.
Chairperson Kenerson stated that the Planning Board was
considering the actual Special Land Use District (SLUD) agreement
that the Town Board would consider and put into Town Law to govern
this particular piece of property. (Special Land Use District
(SLUD) is attached hereto as Exhibit #1)
Brent Stephans, President of the Forest Home Improvement
Association, addressed the Board and read the following: "Forest
Home Improvement Association has no quarrel with Cornell University
developing Precinct 7 per say. Our concern has been and continues
to be over the impact vehicular traffic will have on our community
and other neighboring residential neighborhoods as a direct result
of increased traffic flowing to and from the developed Precinct 7.
The GEIS addresses the traffic increases and then cavalierly
dismisses the problem with a solution of adding traffic lights. We
urge the Planning Board to remember that our neighborhood is
densely populated with narrow streets and no sidewalks. Children,
elderly pedestrians, child walkers, and other pedestrians are
frequently encountered during the Cornell rush.hours. Adding more
traffic to the already congested flow puts pedestrians in more
jeopardy during peak traffic hours and at other times. Please
remember that it is not the impact of traffic in the neighborhood,
it is the impact of traffic on the neighborhood that you should be
most concerned about. Thank you."
Chairperson Kenerson closed the Public Hearing and brought the
matter back to the Board for discussion.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked Mr. Stephans if there was
a specific item in the Special Land Use District (SLUD) that was
particularly bothersome to him.
Mr. Stephans responded that he felt that the traffic issue
should be included in the Performance Standards portion of the
SLUD.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann addressed the public and stated that
she understood that the traffic was important, but that she felt
that the Planning Board could manage the traffic issues with what
is in the documents and through the changes that were done to the
Findings Statement to address the traffic impacts.
Board Member Candace Cornell addressed the public and stated
y �
Planning Board 3 June 7, 1994
that the Planning Board felt that they had worked on behalf of the
public concerns regarding the traffic issues.
There appearing to
be
no further
discussion,
Chairperson
Kenerson asked if anyone
were
prepared to
offer
a motion.
MOTION by Herbert Finch, seconded by Candace Cornell:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby recommends
to the Town of Ithaca Town Board the adoption of the proposed
rezoning of 271 + /- acres, comprising those portions of Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel Nos. 63 -1 -10, 63 -1 -111 64 -1 -1, and 64 -1 -2,
bounded by NYS Route 366 on the north, Game Farm Road on the east,
Cascadilla Creek on the south, and Judd Falls Road on the west,
owned by Cornell University, from Residence District R -30 to
Special Land Use District (SLUD).
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Ainslie, Hoffmann, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be Carried Unanimously,
Chairperson Kenerson declared the matter of the Recommendation
to the Town Board the adoption of the Cornell University Special
Land Use District to be duly closed at 7:44 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 17, 19940
Motion by James Ainslie, seconded by,Candace Cornell:
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of May 17, 1994, be and hereby are approved as
written.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Ainslie, Hoffmann, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 5, 1992.
Motion by Herbert Finch, seconded by Virginia Langhans:
Planning Board
0
June 7, 1994
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of March 5, 1992, be and hereby are approved as
written.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Finch, Cornell, Smith.
Nay - None.
Abstain - Hoffmann, Ainslie, Bell.
The MOTION was declared to be carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 7, 1992.
MOTION by Candace Cornell, seconded by Stephen Smith.
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of April 7, 1992, be and hereby are approved as
written.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Nay - None.
Abstain - Hoffmann, Ainslie, Bell.
The MOTION was declared to be carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - May 5, 1992.
Motion by Virginia Langhans, seconded by Herbert Finch.
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning
Board Meeting of May 5, 1992, be and hereby are approved as
written.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Finch, Cornell, Smith.
Nay - None.
Abstain - Hoffmann, Ainslie, Bell.
The MOTION was declared to be carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - July 7, 1992.
Motion by Candace Cornell, seconded by Virginia Langhans.
RESOLVED,
that the
Minutes
of
the Town of
Ithaca
Planning
Board Meeting
of July 7,
1992, be
and
hereby are
approved
with
one
Planning Board 5
correction:
June 7, 1994
On Page 1, under PRESENT, the name of Candace Cornell need to
be added.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Finch, Cornell, Smith.
Nay - None.
Abstain - Hoffmann, Ainslie, Bell.
The MOTION was declared to be carried.
The Recording Secretary, Starr Hays, addressed the Board and
stated that the minutes to be approved at the Planning Board
Meeting of June 21, 1994, were all of the remaining minutes
regarding the Cornell University Precinct 7, Generic Environmental
Impact Statement. Ms. Hays stated that the Minutes for approval at
the July 5, 1994 Planning Board Meeting were the remaining minutes
regarding the Ithacare Project. Ms. Hays asked if there were any
objections from the Board Members. There were no objections.
Chairperson Kenerson stated that there was some time prior to
the next scheduled Public Hearing and asked if the Board had
anything they wished to discuss.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that she had been
considering the dilemma over the obstruction of the views at the
proposed Ithacare site and asked if it would be feasible to move
the overlook north, toward the City of Ithaca, to protect the views
without having to change the proposed Ithacare building site.
Board Member James Ainslie stated that the view of the lake
was not obstructed which should be the real concern.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that if the Planning Board
moves the overlook north to the end of Ithacare's property, and an
additional building was proposed to be built on the adjoining
property, how would the Board protect the view.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that if Ithacare is built
in that spot, the Board could request the overlook be moved and
still retain the view. Ms. Cornell wanted to know if it was
possible to move the overlook to protect the view, and if so, the
Board should consider that as a mitigation measure.
Planner I, Louise Raimondo stated that there was enough room
to move the overlook north without interfering with the site
distance from the access road. Ms. Raimondo stated that moving the
overlook was an option.
Planning Board 6 June 7, 1994
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO THE TOWN OF ITHACA TOWN
BOARD CONCERNING TROY ROAD AND CODDINGTON ROAD WATER EXTENSION
PROPOSAL AND WEST HAVEN ROAD SEWER PROPOSAL.
Chairperson Kenerson declared the above -noted matter duly
opened at 8 :04 p.m.
Troy Road
Town Engineer Daniel Walker addressed the Board and stated
that the Town Board had requested that the Planning Board make a
recommendation on extending the water on Troy Road. Mr. Walker
gave a brief outline showing where the water extension was proposed
and answered any questions the Board Members had. Mr. Walker
stated that Mr. & Mrs. Jack Little would be participating 10 to 15
percent in the actual construction cost of the extension, or about
$2,000 per unit had been offered by the Little's as part of the
approval of their subdivision.
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that the extension
on Troy Road would be serving what is essentially a developed area,
given the size and configuration of the lots. Mr. Frantz stated
that the extension would not result in any significant adverse
impacts with regard to the neighborhood character.
There appearing to be no further discussion, the Chairperson
Kenerson asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion.
MOTION by Candace Cornell, seconded by Virginia Langhans:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby recommends
that the Town of Ithaca Town Board approve the water extension
project on Troy Road.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be Carried Unanimously.
Coddington Road
Town Engineer Daniel Walker addressed the Board and asked them
to refer to the evaluation memo dated May 6, 1994, prepared by
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz. (Attached hereto as Exhibit
#2)
Mr. Walker pointed out the location of the proposed extension
on the map included with Mr. Frantz' report, and reviewed the
proposal and answered the questions of the Planning Board Members.
Planning Board 7 June 7, 1994
Mr. Walker stated that the water would serve Coddington Road and
South Woods Subdivision. Mr. Walker stated that the Coddington
Road Community Center initiated the request for water extension in
the area. Mr. Walker also stated that sewer could be added in this
area along the Six Mile Creek trailway.
Chairperson Kenerson stated that the Planning Board had the
following options that could be recommended to the Town Board.
(i)Leave alone, no water or sewer; (ii)extend water to the
Community Center; (iii)make sewer connection; (iv)do not make a
sewer connection; and (v)make water and sewer connections in one
shot. Chairperson Kenerson stated that the Board Members needed to
determine which they felt was appropriate for the area and make
that recommendation.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that she would recommend
to the Town Board that the extension of both utilities be granted
but only with a method of limiting density, such as Conservation
Zoning, as had been recommended in the Six Mile Creek Valley
report.
Town Attorney John Barney stated that the Town Board is
exploring options available for controlling the density within the
Town of Ithaca.
Board Member Gregory Bell asked if the Planning Board needed
to do an Environmental Impact Statement on the sewer extension.
Attorney Barney responded that as the Lead Agency, the Town
Board had the responsibility to prepare the Environmental
Assessment.
Chairperson Kenerson stated that the matter would be further
discussed after the 8:30 p.m. Public Hearing.
AGENDA ITEM. SANCTUARY WOODS SUBDIVISION. CONSIDERATION OF
PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR A TWELVE LOT SUBDIVISION ON
TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NOS. 73 -1 -6, 73- 1 -7.21 AND 73- 1 -8.2,
5.33 + /- ACRES WITH WATER AND SEWER CONNECTIONS AND APPROXIMATELY
760 LINEAR FEET OF ROADWAY. A TEMPORARY TRAIL RIGHT OF WAY IS
PROPOSED TO FULFILL THEIR PARK AND RECREATION LAND DEDICATION.
STEPHEN LUCENTE, APPLICANT.
Chairperson Kenerson declared the Public Hearing in the above -
noted matter duly opened at 8:30 p.m. and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted
above.
Larry Fabbroni addressed the Board and stated that the
proposal was for a twelve lot subdivision which would buffer the
Allen Property. The portion of the land currently owned by Rocco
Planning Board 8 June 7, 1994
Lucente would be deeded over to Stephen Lucente. The cul -de -sac
and walkways are temporary to fulfill the park and open space
dedication requirement. Mr. Fabbroni stated that more formal maps
would be provided to the Town of Ithaca before coming before the
Planning Board for final subdivision approval. A permanent portion
of land would be provided for open space requirement when Rocco
Lucente attempts to develop his portion of the land at some time in
the future. Rocco Lucente would provide the .53 acre requirement
for this subdivision in addition to the normal 10 percent
requirement for his parcel at the time of development. Mr.
Fabbroni stated that the surface on the trail could be gravel.
There was some
Fabbroni regarding
discussion among the
the Environmental Assessment
Planning Board and Mr.
Form that was
submitted
for this
project.
There was
concern over
the total
number of
family or
acres in the project,
two family dwellings,
whether it was intended
and off - street parking
for single
needs.
Town Attorney John Barney stated that there were no parking
requirements for two family homes or less.
Mr. Fabbroni stated that there would be access to bus service,
via Northeast Transit, Cornell, and public transit.
Chairperson Kenerson noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone from the public wished to speak.
Arno Selco, 311 Salem Drive, addressed the Board and asked if
the intentions were for the lots to be sold off as vacant lots or
if homes would be constructed and then sold.
Mr. Fabbroni stated that Mr. Lucente was hoping to have four
units constructed this year.
Stephen Lucente
responded
that
the
homes
would be built and
then
sold,
but that
he was not
going
to
be selling
lots.
Mr. Selco stated that there is a vacant lot at the end of the
proposed Town of Ithaca future road between his property and Mr.
Amato's property at 401 Salem Drive, and the neighborhood children
have been playing there. Mr. Selco asked about the safety of the
children playing there if there would be heavy equipment going
through that area unannounced.
Town Attorney John Barney stated that the proposed Sanctuary
Woods Road project development poses no threat to the childrens
play area or Mr. Selco's home on Salem Drive.
Board Member Virginia Langhans asked if the Town owned the
Right of Way that exits into Sapsucker Woods Road.
Planning Board 9 June 7, 1994
Town Attorney John Barney responded that the Town did not own
the right of way, the Town owns the easement over the sewer and
water lines.
Ms. Langhans stated that the land with the easement belonged
to Rocco Lucente and asked if he could sell that land to Stephen
Lucente.
Town Engineer Daniel Walker stated that Rocco Lucente could
sell the land to Stephen Lucente but the easement stays with the
property regardless of who owns the property. Mr. Walker stated
that the Town of Ithaca has intentions of mowing the right of ways
once a year to control the brush growth.
Peter Rothbart of 310 Salem Drive, addressed the Board and
asked if the road would carry through to Salem Drive.
Larry Fabbroni responded and stated that as of now the road
does not carry through to Salem Drive, but could be considered in
the future.
Mr. Rothbart stated that he felt that the cul -de -sac should
remain permanently due to the number of children that play and live
in the area. Mr. Rothbart stated that if the road goes through,
there could be serious safety problems. Mr. Rothbart also stated
that when construction started, he wanted the Planning Board to
limit the work hours to later in the morning and no construction on
weekends, because a lot of people in the neighborhood work nights.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked if the Planning Board could
limit construction work to work days only.
Town Attorney John Barney responded that the Planning
Board
could limit the
hours,
but that he
did not feel that it was
a good
idea. Attorney
Barney
stated that
the question is whether
it is
fair to impose
on this
developer a
different standard than
anyone
else would
have
in
the
Town in
the
course of construction.
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that the problem
would be that it would have to apply to everyone including the
homeowner who would be replacing his garage roof on the weekend.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked if that meant that if the
Board asked contractors not to build on weekends then homeowners
could not build on weekends either.
Mr. Frantz responded, exactly.
David Allen, 254 Sapsucker Woods Road, addressed the Board and
stated that the traffic problem was bad enough on Sapsucker Woods
Road currently, and if the Planning Board allows the road to be
Planning Board 10 June 7, 1994
opened, there would be more
someone would be killed if
speed up that road now.
major problems. Mr. Allen stated that
the road went through because people
Jerrold Davis of 309 Salem Drive, addressed the Board and
stated that the Planning Board needs to pay close attention to the
wet areas when considering future development in that area.
Chairperson
Kenerson stated that there
has been a wetland
survey done for
the
property in question.
Chairperson
Kenerson stated that this was
a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone
else
from the public wished
to speak. No one
spoke. Chairperson
Kenerson closed the Public
Hearing and brought
the matter back
to
the Board for discussion.
Board Member Candace Cornell stated that there would be more
traffic on Sapsucker Woods Road, and that the road has problems
already. Ms Cornell stated that in the future the Planning Board
needs to be careful not to compound the problem.
There being no further discussion, Chairperson Kenerson asked
if anyone were prepared to offer a motion.
MOTION by Candace Cornell,
WHEREAS:
seconded by Herbert Finch:
10 This action is the Consideration of Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for the proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 73- 1 -8.2, 24.6 +/- acres total, into 2 parcels,
1.22 +/- acres and 23.38 +/- acres, respectively, for the
purpose of completing the proposed Sanctuary Woods
Subdivision, located on the west side of Sapsucker Woods Road,
Residence District R -15, Stephen Lucente, Applicant; Rocco
Lucente, Owner, and
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 Subdivision
Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, at
has reviewed and accep t
Assessment Form Part I
prepared by the Town
entitled "Preliminary
prepared by Lawrence P.
21, 1994, and revised
materials, and
a Public Hearing held on June 7, 1994,
ed as adequate the Short Environmental
prepared by the applicant, a Part II
Planning staff, a subdivision plat
Subdivision Plat, Sanctuary Woods,"
Fabbroni, Surveyor, and dated January
April 12, 1994, and other application
Planning Board 11 June 7, 1994
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative
determination of environmental significance with respect to
the proposed action;
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 - Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
MOTION by Virginia Langhans, seconded by James Ainslie.
WHEREAS.
19 This action is the consideration of Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for the proposed subc
Parcel No. 73- 1 -8.2, 24.6 +/-
1.22 +/- acres and 23.38 +/-
purpose of completing the
Subdivision, located on the
Road, Residence District R -15.
Rocco Lucente, Owner, and
livision of Town of Ithaca Tax
acres total, into 2 parcels,
acres, respectively, for the
proposed Sanctuary Woods
west side of Sapsucker Woods
Stephen Lucente, Applicant;
2. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 7, 1994,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate the Long Environmental
Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part II
prepared by the Town Planning staff, a subdivision plat
entitled "Preliminary Subdivision Plat, Sanctuary Woods,"
prepared by Lawrence P. Fabbroni, Surveyor, and dated January
21, 1994, and revised April 12, 1994, and other application
materials, and
3. This is an Unlisted Action
Planning Board, acting as Lead
has, on June 7, 1994, made
significance, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED.
for which the Town of Ithaca
Agency in environmental review,
a negative determination of
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain
requirements for Preliminary Subdivision Approval, as shown on
the Preliminary Plat Checklist, having determined from the
materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a
Planning Board 12 June 7, 1994
significant alteration of the purpose of subdivision control
nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board.
2. That the
Planning
Board hereby grants Preliminary
Subdivision
Approval
for the
proposed subdivision of
Town of
Ithaca
Tax
Parcel No. 73- 1 -8.2, 24.6 +/- acres total, into 2 parcels,
1.22 +/- acres and 23.38 +/- acres, respectively, for the
purpose of completing the proposed Sanctuary Woods
Subdivision, as shown on the subdivision plat entitled
"Preliminary Subdivision Plat, Sanctuary Woods," prepared by
Lawrence P. Fabbroni, Surveyor, and dated January 21, 1994,
and revised April 12, 1994, conditioned upon the following:
a. The 1.22 +/- acre parcel to be conveyed to Stephen
Lucente must be consolidated with Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 73 -1 -7.2 for the purpose of completing the
proposed Sanctuary Woods Subdivision.
b. The final subdivision plat shall show all the tax parcels
in their entirety and with each tax parcel properly
labelled.
c. A metes and bounds description of the temporary walkway
easement and temporary cul -de -sac easement shall be shown
on the final plat, and that such easements be in a form
acceptable to the Town Attorney, and approved by the Town
Attorney prior to final subdivision approval.
d. A permanent park and recreation dedication of ten percent
(2.46 acres) shall be established when the remainder of
the parcel owned by Rocco Lucente (Tax Parcel No. 73 -1-
8.2) is subdivided, as determined by the Planning Board,
which 2.46 acres shall be in addition to the .53 acre
park and recreation dedication to be placed on the
remainder of the parcel (Tax Parcel No. 73- 1 -8.2) by
reason of the Sanctuary Woods Subdivision of Stephen
Lucente being considered simultaneously with this
subdivision.
e. The temporary easement referred to above shall remain in
effect until such time as there is a future subdivision
of said Tax Parcel No. 73 -1 -8.2 and an alternative park
and recreation dedication is made acceptable to the Town
of Ithaca Planning Board and Town Board.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Planning Board 13 June 7, 1994
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be Carried Unanimously.
MOTION by Herbert Finch, seconded by Candace Cornell.
WHEREAS.
1. This action is the Consideration of Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for the proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 73- 1 -7.21 5.33 +/- acres total, into 14 lots,
located on the west side of Sapsucker Woods Road, Residence
District R -15. Stephen Lucente, Applicant, and
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 Subdivision
Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 7, 1994,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short Environmental
Assessment Form Part I
prepared
by the applicant, a
Part II
prepared by the Town
Planning
staff, a subdivision plat
entitled "Preliminary
Subdivision Plat, Sanctuary
Woods,"
prepared by Lawrence P.
Fabbroni,
Surveyor, and dated
January
21, 1994, and revised
April 12,
1994, and other application
materials, and
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative
determination of environmental significance with respect to
the proposed action;
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 - Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be Carried Unanimously.
MOTION by Stephen Smith, seconded by Herbert Finch.
Planning Board 14
WHEREAS.
June 7, 1994
1. This action is the consideration of Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for the proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 73- 1 -7.2, 5.33 +/- acres, into 14 parcels, for the
Sanctuary Woods Subdivision, located on the west side of
Sapsucker Woods Road, Residence District R -15. Stephen
Lucente, Applicant, and
2. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 7, 1994,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate the Long Environmental
Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part II
prepared by the Town Planning staff, a subdivision plat
entitled "Preliminary Subdivision Plat, Sanctuary Woods,"
prepared by Lawrence P. Fabbroni, Surveyor, and dated January
21, 1994, and revised April 12, 1994, and other application
materials, and
39 This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review,
has, on June 7, 1994, made a negative determination of
significance, and
4. The applicant has proposed to provide a temporary walkway
easement and to construct a walkway as an interim park and
recreation dedication, pending a more comprehensive park
development in conjunction with other lands of Rocco Lucente,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain
requirements for Preliminary Subdivision Approval, as shown on
the Preliminary Plat Checklist, having determined from the
materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a
significant alteration of the purpose of subdivision control
nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board,
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary Subdivision
Approval for the proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 73- 1 -7.2, 5933 +/- acres, into 14 parcels, as
shown on the subdivision plat entitled "Preliminary
Subdivision Plat, Sanctuary Woods," prepared by Lawrence P.
Fabbroni, Surveyor, and dated January 21, 1994, and revised
April 12, 1994, conditioned upon the following:
a. The final subdivision plat shall show all the tax parcels
in their entirety and with each tax parcel properly
labelled.
Planning Board 15 June 7, 1994
b. The Town Board approves the location of the proposed
road, temporary easements, and utilities for this
subdivision.
c. A metes and bounds description of the temporary walkway
easement and temporary cul -de -sac easement shall be shown
on the final plat, and that such easements be in a form
acceptable to the Town Attorney and shall be approved by
the Town Attorney prior to consideration of final
subdivision approval.
d. A permanent park and recreation dedication of ten percent
(0.53 acre) for this parcel shall be included in the park
dedication when the remainder of lands owned by Rocco
Lucente (Tax Parcel No. 73- 1 -8.2) are subdivided, as
determined by the Planning Board.
e. Execution of a consent by Rocco Lucente in recordable
form implementing paragraph do above by which he agrees
that a portion (0.53 acre) of his remaining land, Tax
Parcel No. 73- 1 -8.2, will be added to the usual park set
aside when said land is subdivided.
f. The portion of the parcel labelled "to be added to
Patricia Lucente lot" shall be numbered and shown as a
separate lot on the final plat, and said lot shall be
consolidated with Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 73 -1 -6.
g. The road right of way to be dedicated to the Town of
Ithaca shall be shown as a separate, numbered lot in the
final plat.
h. Delivery of deeds from (i) Rocco Lucente, for the portion
of the subdivision that lies on lands currently owned by
Rocco Lucente, and (ii) Mrs. Margaret Hughes, for the
remaining property in the subdivision, and approval of
these deeds by the Town Attorney prior to Final
Subdivision Approval.
i. The temporary easements referred to above shall remain in
effect until such time as there is a future subdivision
of Tax Parcel No. 73 -1 -8.2 and an alternative park and
recreation dedication is made acceptable to the Town of
Ithaca Planning Board and Town Board.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Ainslie, Hoffmann, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
Planning
Board
16
June 7, 1994
The
MOTION was
declared to be
Carried Unanimously.
Chairperson
Kenerson
declared
the matter
of
the Sanctuary
Woods
Preliminary
Subdivision
duly
adjourned
at
9:57
p.m.
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO TOWN OF ITHACA TOWN BOARD
CONCERNING TROY ROAD AND CODDINGTON ROAD WATER EXTENSION PROPOSAL
AND WEST HAVEN ROAD SEWER PROPOSAL. (CONTINUED.....)
Chairperson
Kenerson requested
the
Board to continue
discussion on the
above -noted matter at
10:07
p.m.
Coddington Road
Board Member Virginia Langhans asked if the Town of Ithaca
puts sewer on Coddington Road whether the Planning Board would have
the option of requesting cluster to keep the units away from the
watershed, and could regulate density at the same time.
Board Member Stephen Smith asked how many residents requested
water on Coddington Road.
Town Engineer Daniel Walker responded that approximately 10
people signed petitions stating that they wanted water on
Coddington Road and approximately 750 of the residents on Troy Road
requested water.
The Planning Board Members discussed environmental protection
possibilities for the area with water and sewer installed with
staff.
Town Planner Jonathan Kanter stated that he felt that
clustering and Conservation Development District would be
appropriate and that the Planning Board should include that as a
recommendation to the Town Board.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked how much money the Town of
Ithaca could save to do both the Troy Road and Coddington Road
water extensions at the same time.
Town Engineer Daniel Walker stated that the Town could save
about -10% of mobility costs.
Ms. Cornell stated that she would recommend that the Town
Board approve extension to the Community Center only if provisions
were made to control density.
There appearing to be no further discussion, Chairperson
Kenerson asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion.
Planning Board 17 June 7, 1994
MOTION by Candace Cornell, seconded by Stephen Smith:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby recommends
that the Town of Ithaca Town Board consider extending water up
Coddington Road, approximately 2,000 feet, to provide service as
far as the Coddington Road Community Center. The Planning Board
also recommends that the Town Board consider extending sewer in
this same area in order to protect the Ithaca City Watershed, The
Planning Board requests that measures be taken to control density
in the area through such means as implementing a Conservation
District.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Cornell, Smith.
Nay - Bell.
Abstain - Finch.
The MOTION was declared to be carried.
Board Member Gregory Bell stated that the Planning Board would
be sending mixed signals to the Town Board if the Planning Board
asked to extend water and sewer on Coddington Road only if
protection of watershed can be provided.
Town Attorney John Barney stated that Mr. Bell was correct,
and that Conservation Zoning Districts would need to be considered.
Attorney Barney stated that the Planning Board could not ignore the
need of the Coddington Road Community Center while trying to
establish such a district.
The
Board
Members
discussed
would
were prepared to offer a motion.
be
need to
Finch,
be applied
in order
West Haven Road
the density restrictions that
to protect the city watershed.
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz addressed the Board and
stated that he gave the proposal his complete endorsement from a
land use planning perspective. Mr. Frantz stated encouragement of
development in that the area because it is close to the City of
Ithaca, adjacent to a bus route, and is exactly where the Town of
Ithaca wants development to occur.
There appearing to
be no further discussion, Chairperson
Kenerson
asked if
anyone
were prepared to offer a motion.
MOTION by
Herbert
Finch,
seconded by Virginia Langhans:
RESOLVED,
that the
Town of
Ithaca Planning Board hereby recommends
that the
Town of
Ithaca
Town Board approve the sewer extension
Planning Board
project on West Haven Road and Mecklenberg Road.
vote.
June 7, 1994
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
Aye - Kenerson, Langhans, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Cornell, Smith,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be Carried Unanimously.
Chairperson Kenerson declared the matter of sewer extension on West
Haven Road duly closed at 10:43 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM: REPORT OF THE TOWN PLANNER.
Town Planner Jonathan Kanter addressed the Board and stated
that he was pleased to be part of the Town of Ithaca staff. Mr.
Kanter stated that he looked forward to working with the Planning
Board in the future.
Chairperson Kenerson stated that the Board was glad to have
Mr. Kanter with the Town of Ithaca.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon MOTION, Chairperson Kenerson declared the June 7, 1994
meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at
10:51 p.m.
6/14/94.
Respectfully submitted,
StarrRae Hays, Recording Secretary
Town of Ithaca Planning Board.
FINAL
W2 6M
SPECIAL LAND USE DISTRICT
Local Law No. - 1994
. �.; �
1 �1h�! r OF iri.lhl.ri
ANNING. Zt'„N'iNG. FNC
A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL
LAND USE DISTRICT (LIMITED MIXED USE) FOR THE CORNELL UNIVERSITY
PRECINCT 7
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as readopted, amended, effective February
26, 1968, and subsequently amended, be further amended as follows:
1. Ordinance Amended. Article 2, Section 1 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance
be and hereby is amended by adding to the permissible districts itemized in said section a district
designated as "Special Land Use District No. _" , which Special Land Use District is shown
on a map entitled " " dated , a copy of
which map was filed with the Town of Ithaca Planning Department (which map is hereinafter
referred to as the "Special Land Use District Map ") and which District consists of all of the lands
bounded as follows:
North of the centerline of Cascadilla Creek;
South of the centerline of Route 366;
East of the intersection of the above; and
West of Town of Dryden Line,
2. Uses Permitted. The uses permitted in this Special Land Use District are set forth
below, all of which uses shall be conducted by an educational institution or an agency or third
party affiliated with an educational institution. The permitted uses are:
(a) Classroom, seminar and studio buildings.
(b) Offices for or associated with educational purposes.
(c) Libraries.
(d) Greenhouses for or associated with educational purposes.
(e) Gardens, natural areas, agricultural plots and fields, and orchards for or associated
with educational purposes.
(f) Laboratories for or associated with educational purposes.
3. Educational Uses Permitted with a Special Approval. In addition the following
uses, as part of, associated with, or in support of educational purposes conducted by an
specland.Ur, wpS]ithUocallaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
educational institution or an agency or third party affiliated with an educational institution and
not intended for the general public, are permitted but only upon receipt of a special approval for
same by the Planning Board in accordance with the procedures described below:
(a) Conference centers.
(b) Restaurants, cafeterias or other food service uses.
(c) The following convenience, service, or business facilities provided the same are in
buildings owned by an educational institution and provide services principally to the
students, staff and employees of the same educational institution and are not provided for
the general public's use and are contained in areas of 2,000 square feet of floor area or
less:
(i) Bookstore;
(ii) Travel agency;
(iii) Bank;
(iv) Parcel pick -up & delivery;
(v) Printing or copying facilities;
(vi) Barber shop or beauty shop.
(vii) Convenience food markets.
(viii) Drug stores.
(d) Athletic, health, recreational or cultural facilities.
(e) Child day care or elder day care center, medical center.
(f) Maintenance, repair, servicing, utility, supply and storage facilities provided the same
are owned by, and are provided solely to service, an educational institution and are not
provided for the general public's use.
(g) Barns and other animal handling facilities used in the furtherance of the teaching
and/or research functions of an educational institution.
2
specland. Ur, wpSl iLh UocaUaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
(h) Antennae, ray domes, satellite dishes, and similar technical or scientific structures
provided the same are used solely by an educational institution in furtherance of its
teaching or research programs and are not permitted accessory uses set forth below.
(i) Offices, laboratories, or greenhouses owned by third parties but sponsored by,
affiliated with or cooperating with, an educational institution for mutual benefit. .
(j) Off street parking lots or garages which are not permitted accessory uses set forth
below.
4. Other Uses Permitted with a Special Approval. In addition, the following public
and quasi- public offices and facilities are permitted but only upon receipt of a special approval
for same from the Planning Board in accordance with the procedures described below:
(a) Post Office;
(b) Fire station;
(c) Local, state or federal governmental offices.
5. Accessory Uses. Permitted accessory uses shall include the following:
(a) Off - street garage or parking spaces for employees, occupants, users or visitors in
connection with a use permitted above, but subject to the provisions of Section 45 and
Section 69 of this Ordinance and
(i) Providing parking for no more than twenty cars; or
(ii) Providing parking accessory to a building for which site plan approval has
been obtained and the parking arrangements were shown on the site plan as so
approved.
(b) Parking garages primarily for employees, occupants, users or visitors to a use
specified in paragraph 2 above, and located wholly within or underneath such structure
or use specified in paragraph 2 above, and not occupying more than 25% of the
structure's total floor area nor involving spaces for more than 20 cars.
(c) Outdoor recreational areas including walkways, parks, trails, picnic tables, and other
similar recreational facilities.
1
specland. Ur, wp51 ith IlocaUaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
(d) The following accessory buildings no larger than 2,000 square feet of floor area:
(i) Storage sheds;
(ii) Pavilions;
(iii) Gazebos;
(iv) Bus shelters; or
(v) Tanks.
(e) Accessory uses within a use permitted above, such as employee or student cafeteria,
and lunch room but not larger than 2,000 square feet in size unless included in the
original plans of a structure
(i) For which site plan or a special approval is being sought; or
(ii) For which such approvals were previously obtained;
in which event the size may be as approved by the Planning Board, even if larger than
2,000 square feet.
(f) Any municipal, public, or privately owned utility facility, 2,000 square feet or less
in size, necessary to the development or maintenance of utility services for a principal use
permitted above.
(g) Signs, associated with the above uses but only in accordance with the Town of Ithaca.
Sign Ordinance or similar law as then in effect.
(h) Antennae, ray domes, satellite dishes, and similar technical or scientific structures
provided the same are used solely by an educational institution in furtherance of its
teaching or research programs and are not more than 12 feet in height nor more than 12
feet in diameter.
(i) Upon receipt of special approval from the Planning Board, any municipal, public, or
privately owned utility facility, larger than 2,000 square feet in size, necessary to the
development or maintenance of utility services for a principal use permitted above.
6. Overall Density Limitation. No more than 4,000,000 square feet of enclosed space
specland.Ur, wpSlithUocallaw May 26. 1994 2:17pm
(including space below, at, and above grade level) shall be permitted within the boundaries of
this Special Land Use District.
7. Performance Standards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any use permitted in this
Special Land Use District shall be in conformity with the following additional standards:
(a) Density: Total maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.9. FAR is building floor area
above grade divided by the total ground area of the site as hereinafter defined. Ground
area is any given piece of land of any size so long as all buildings on it are counted and
a given piece, or any part of a piece of land is not counted more than once. For example
a building one story above grade, having a ground area defined as the size of its footprint,
has a FAR of 1.0. The same amount of floor space is two stories above grade, that is
covering half of the ground area of the original lot, would also be FAR 1.0. The same
amount of floor space in 8 stories, covering 1 /8th of the original lot, is also FAR 1.0.
However, a building with half the square feet of floor space placed on the same lot would
have a FAR of 0.5 regardless of the number of stories into which the floor area is
divided.
(b) Height: Maximum height of 50 feet measured from the lowest point of grade at the
exterior building wall to the highest point of the roof of the building, but excluding
rooftop appurtenances such as mechanical equipment, exhaust pipes, radio antenna
provided such appurtenances do not themselves exceed an additional 12 feet in height.
Upon special approval of the Planning Board, the height limitation of 50 feet may be
increased to a maximum of 70 feet.
(c) Ground Coverage: Total coverage of ground by structures, road pavement, parking
lots and pedestrian area pavements shall not exceed 45% of the site. Total maximum
ground coverage by buildings alone shall not exceed 25% of the site.
(d) Road Setback: From a public road a front setback of at least 100 feet from the road
right -of -way line. In addition, if a building exceeds 30 feet in height above grade, the set
back shall be increased 3 feet for each one foot of height in excess of 30 feet.
(e) Noise: No use shall operate or cause to be operated any source of sound in such a
manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth for the land use
category stated below when measured at the boundary of the site nearest the receiving
land use.
Receiving
5
Sound
specland.lir, wpSlithllocallaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
Land Use Category
Residential Use
Natural Areas
All Other
Time Level Limit
7
a.m. -
7
p.m.
65
dBa
7
p.m. -
7
a.m.
55
dBa
7
a.m. -
7
p.m.
60
dBa
7
p.m. -
7
a.m.
50
dBa
7
a.m. -
7
p.m.
68
dBa
7
p.m. -
7
a.m.
58
dBa
For any source of sound which emits a pure tone, a discrete tone or impulsive sound, the
maximum sound limits set forth above shall be reduced by 5 dBa.
(f) Vibration: No activity shall cause or create a discernible steady state or impact
vibration at or beyond the boundary of the site.
(g) Atmospheric Emissions: There shall be no emission of dust, dirt, smoke, fly ash, or
noxious gases or other noxious substances which could cause damage to the health of
persons, animals, or plant life.
(h) Odor: There shall be no emission of any offensive odor discernible at the boundary
of the site. This standard is not intended to restrict customary agricultural practices.
(i) Glare and Heat: No glare or heat shall be produced that is perceptible beyond the
boundaries of the site. Exterior illumination shall be shaded and directed to prevent glare
or traffic hazard on surrounding properties and streets.
0) Radioactivity and Electromagnetic Interference: No activities shall be permitted
which emit dangerous radioactivity. No activities shall be permitted which produce any
electromagnetic disturbance adversely affecting the operation of any equipment outside
the boundary of the site.
(k) Fire and Explosion Hazards: All activities involving, and all storage of inflammable
and explosive materials, shall be provided with adequate safety devices against the hazard
of fire and explosion and with adequate tire - lighting and fire suppression equipment and
devices standard in the industry and as may be required by any applicable codes, laws,
or regulations. All burning of such waste materials in open fires is prohibited.
(1) Vermin: There shall be no storage of material, either indoors or out, in such a
2
specland.Ur, wpSlithltocallaw May 26, 1994 2 :17pm
manner that it facilitates the breeding of vermin or endangers public health or the
environment in any way.
(m) Natural Areas Protection: No structure shall be built within a Natural Area
(Cascadilla Creek Stream Corridor, McGowan Woods) as shown on the Special Land Use
District Map, or within 75 feet of a Natural Area, without first obtaining the Special
Approval of the Planning Board. In addition to the other criteria governing granting of
Special Approvals, the Planning Board shall not grant Special Approval for such a
structure unless the Board finds the proposed structure and its proposed location
(i) is related to, can be made an integral part of, and enhances the recreational or
educational use and enjoyment of, the Natural Area (such as a trail, bench, or
observation platform), or
(ii) is a necessary addition to a structure that had already been constructed within
the Natural Area or the 75 foot buffer at the effective date of the creation of this
Special Land Use District; and in either event
(iii) accomplishes its purpose in the least intrusive manner to the environment of
the Natural Area,
8. Site Plan Approval. A site plan for a proposed use must be submitted and approved
by the Planning Board before a building permit may be issued, in conformance with site plan
requirements set forth at Sections 46 -a et. seq. of the Zoning Ordinance. Unless specifically
requested by the Planning Board, property lines and adjacent public streets need not be shown
on the site plan submitted if in excess of 300 feet distant from the proposed site, but shall be
shown on a location map. Further, subparagraph 4 of Section 46 -b shall be modified as to site
plan approvals previously granted to structures in the special land use district, or to structures not
required to have had a site plan approval at the time of original construction, to provide that no
approval of the modified site plan by the Planning Board shall be required if the modification:
(a) Involves
(i) Construction of a new building or structure with a footprint of 2,000 square
feet or less; or
(ii) Alteration of an existing structure involving the addition or modification of
less than
(A) 10,000 square feet or
7
specland. Ur, wp5l ith Uocallaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
(B) 10% of the enclosed space of any structure of greater than 20,000
square feet of enclosed space, whether on one or more stories,
whichever is less; or
(iii) Construction or relocation of fewer than 20 parking spaces provided there is
no net reduction in parking spaces; or
(iv) Any maintenance or repairs not materially affecting the appearance of the
site, or construction, repairs, alterations, or renovations materially affecting the
exterior of a building or the site where exterior work is anticipated to cost less
than $100,000 (1993 price, subject to Cost of Living Index adjustment);
and in any event
(b) does not alter proposed traffic flows and access; and
(c) does not directly violate any express conditions imposed by the Planning Board in
granting any prior site plan approval.
9. Procedures Related to Site Plans. In considering whether or not to grant site plan
approval, the Planning Board may
(a) Utilize the considerations set forth in Section 46 -d and other provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance, or any successor statute, and, in addition, consider whether the proposed
project and such designated area meet the requirements of this Special Land Use District
such as density, ground coverage, noise, etc. set forth above: (e.g. sufficient land area
should be included and designated for this site so that the proposed building(s) on the site
do not exceed 25% of the site); and
(b) Impose upon the applicant such reasonable conditions as it deems necessary to
protect the general welfare of the community, to assure adequate compliance with all
applicable provisions of this Local Law or the Zoning Ordinance, or to minimize or
eliminate any significant adverse environmental effects that may occur as a result of the
approval of the site plan.
10. Completion or Updating of Special Land Use District Map. Without limiting the
foregoing, the Planning Board may require, as a condition of approval of any site plan, that the
Special Land Use District Map be completed and updated to show the approved site plan,
together with all other sites that are related to buildings in the Special Land Use District in
specland.11r, wp51 ith Ilocallaw May 26, 1994 2:17pnm
existence on the effective date of this Local Law.
11. Special Approval. In granting Special Approval in any instance specified above, and
in addition to the criteria for site plan approval, the Planning Board shall determine that:
(a) the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community in harmony with the
general purpose of this ordinance shall be promoted.
(b) The premises are reasonably adapted to the proposed use.
(c) The proposed use and the location and design of any structure shall be consistent
with the character of the district in which it is located.
(d) The proposed use shall not be detrimental to the general amenity or neighborhood
character in amounts sufficient to devaluate neighboring property or seriously
inconvenience neighboring inhabitants.
(e) The proposed access and egress for all structures and uses shall be safely designed.
(f) The general effect of the proposed use upon the community as a whole, including
such items as traffic load upon public streets and load upon water and sewerage systems
is not detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the community.
The Planning Board may impose upon the applicant such reasonable conditions as it
deems necessary to protect the general welfare of the community.
12. Definitions. For the purposes of this Special Land Use District, the following terms
shall have the following meanings and shall be subject to the following procedures:
(a) Site. A "site" shall be initially the area of land designated by the applicant to be
allocated to a proposed project (or, in the case of existing structures, to the existing
project or structure). If the applicant desires
(i) After having previously obtained site plan and/or special approval to
(A) Decrease or reconfigure such site; or
(B) Add one or more structures to such site; or
(ii) To add one or more structures to an area presently in existence for which no
9
specland.11r, wpSlitkllocallaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
site plan or special approval has been heretofore obtained,
the applicant may apply for a modification to the previous site plan and/or special
approval and may, at the applicant's discretion, request that the site previously approved
be reconfigured, enlarged, or reduced in size so that the proposed modified site with any
proposed additional structures would be in compliance with the performance standards
and other requirements set forth above or elsewhere in this Ordinance. The criteria
applicable to the review of initial site plan and or special approval applications shall be
equally applicable to the application for a modification of a site plan or site. However,
in reconfiguring, enlarging or reducing the area of a site, no piece of land shall be
designated as part of more than one site (i.e. no piece of land may be counted for
compliance purposes for two sites).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no site shall exceed 30 acres in size, nor shall any site
include any land within a Natural Area.
(b) Owned. Property is "owned" by the person(s) or entity(ies) holding the fee title to
at least a 51 % interest in the property, except that if the property is leased under a
written, bona fide, recorded lease for a term of more than 35 years, the property shall be
deemed "owned" by the person(s) or entity(ies) holding at least a 51% interest as tenant
in such lease. If a requirement for a permitted use in this Special Land Use District is
ownership by an educational institution, at least 51% of the interest in the property must
be held by such institution to qualify (i.e. the educational institution must "own" the
property).
(c) Educational Institution. An "educational institution" is a corporation, foundation, or
other generally recognized entity organized and operated principally for the purpose of
educating persons with essentially three components: (1) a 'curriculum; (2) a plant
consisting of adequate physical facilities; and (3) a properly qualified and accredited staff
to carry out its educational objectives. The following are included as educational
institutions:
(i) A college or university chartered by the State of New York.
(ii) A college or university or post - graduate institution providing a recognized
course of study and accredited by a recognized accrediting organization.
(iii) A public school operated by a state - recognized Board of Education.
(iv) A private school having received appropriate approval from the Board of
10
specland, Ur, wp51 ith Uocallaw May 26, 1994 2:17pm
Regents or Department of Education of the State of New York to operate as a
school.
13. Amendment of Zoning Map. The official zoning map of the Town of Ithaca is
hereby amended by adding this Special Land Use District in the area described above.
14. Invalidity of Portion of Local Law. In the event that any portion of this local 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,
15. Effective Date. This law shall take effect 20 days after its adoption or the date it
is filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, whichever is later.
11
r
WN CLERK 273 -1721
TOWN OF ITHACA
126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
HIGHWAY 273 -1656 PARKS 273035 ENGINEERING 273 -1747
FAX (607) 273 -1704
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Board members
FROM: George Frantz Q
DATE: May 10, 1994
RE: Water Main Extensions: Troy and Coddington Road areas.
PLANNING 273 -1747 ZONING 273 -1783
Last night the Town Board heard public comment on extensions of public water from
Ridgecrest Road to the 200 block of Troy Road (portion south of East King Rd.), and the
area of Coddington Road from Burns Road to the Coddington Road Community Center.
Residents in both areas have problems with water quality and quantity. The Community
Center itself has been experiencing increased problems with low flow and water quality,
which have affected the operation of the daycare center, and have restricted its ability to serve
as a community center for the Coddington Road neighborhood.
The Town Board directed me to forward copies of the attached memo to the Planning Board
for your review and information.
Please contact me at 2734747 if you have any questions or comments:
TOWN OF ITHACA
126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
21 HIGHWAY 273 -1656 PARKS 273 -8035 ENGINEERING 273 -1747
FAX (607) 273 -1704
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Dan Walker
FROM: George Fran
DATE* May 6, 1994
PLANNING 273 -1747
ZONING 273 -1783
RE: Planning Implications of Extending Public Water in along Coddington Road and the
200 block of Troy Road.
The Town Board has before it proposals to extend public water service to two areas of South
Hill which currently are not served. The first involves the construction of a water line across
the Little property from Ridgecrest Road to Troy Road, and along up to 2,500 feet of frontage
along Troy Road. The second involves extending the Coddington Road water main
approximately 2,000 feet to the Coddington Road Community Center.
This memo assesses the land use implications of the above proposed water service extensions.
It evaluates the extensions in light of the Town's Comprehensive Plan and their potential
impacts with regard to neighborhood character, changes in use or intensity of land use, and
potential for stimulating growth in the areas to be served.
Troy Road
The extension of water service to the 200 block of Troy Road should not result in any
significant changes in existing neighborhood character, which can be described as rural
residential. The frontage along Troy Road consists of 16 residential lots ranging in size from
less than one acre to 17 acres, and the Eldridge Wilderness owned by the Nature
Conservancy. Homes are already occupying 10 of the 16 lots.
The area is designated "rural residential" and "conservation open space" on the Anticipated
Land Use Patterns map in the Comprehensive Plan.
Although several of the existing lots could potentially be subdivided in the future, the current
R -30 zoning density and the lack of public sewer is expected to limit the number of potential
Although several of the existing lots could potentially be subdivided in the future, the current
R -30 zoning density and the lack of public sewer is expected to limit the number of potential
new lots created as a result of extending public water to the area. (liven this, the extension
of public water to the Troy Road area is not expected to result in arty significant adverse
impacts with regard to the existing neighborhood character, changes in the use or intensity of
land use, or the potential for stimulating growth in the area.
Coddington Road
Under the current R -30 zoning, extending public water service southeasterly along Coddington
Road to the Coddington Road Community Center has the potential for generating significant
changes in the existing neighborhood character, in the use or intensity of land use, and the
potential for growth in that portion of the Town.
The Comprehensive Plan Anticipated Land Use map designates the portions of the area on the
south side of Coddington Road "rural residential" and the area on the north side "conservation
open space." Currently the development in the area can be characterized. as "rural
residential ", with most homes located on lots in the range of two acres in size or larger.
Up to 14 parcels could be directly served by the proposed water main extension. Of those
parcels, 11 have existing homes constructed on them, one is the South Hill Cemetery, and one
has the Coddington Road Community Center.(map attached)
One of the 14 parcels which would be directly served by the proposed water main has
significant development potential. Tax Parcel No. 47 -2 -3, located on the north side of the
road, consists of approximately 44 acres of open field and old field forest extending from
Coddington Road down to Six Mile Creek. The long and narrow configuration of this parcel
does limit its development potential somewhat due to the 1,000 ft. maximum cul -de -sac limit
in the Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations. However, its owners, also own the adjacent
Tax parcel No. 47- 2- 14.62, which has frontage on Bums Road. A residential development
that takes advantage of frontage on two roads could extend almost to Six Mile Creek.
The proposed water main extension may also stimulate development of Tax Parcel No. 47 -2-
6.2, which consists of over 110 acres of recently abandoned agricultural land, and on a
smaller scale the 15 acre Tax Parcel No. 47 -1-4,
Tax Parcel No. 47 -2 -6.2 extends from Coddington Road all the way to Six Mile Creek.
Unlike Tax Parcel No. 47 -2 -3 discussed above, it has adequate width to allow construction of
two public roads off Coddington Road into the site, and thus is not encumbered by the 1,000
ft. maximum cul -de -sac limitation. There is also opportunity for additional access from
coddington Road via additional road frontage in the Town of Danby.
The northwestern corner of this parcel will be approximately 500 ft from the end of the
proposed extension. From the standpoint of development potential it should thus be
2
considered served by public water.
Tax Parcel No. 47 -1 -4 would have some development potential with the extension of public
water and sewer. Development on the parcel is constrained by its relatively narrow width.
Because the area is not served by public sewer, the ability of the Town to invoke cluster
subdivision as a mechanism for preserving the rural character and major open spaces, vistas,
and to protect to the extent possible the integrity of the Six Mile Creek watershed area is
limited. Given current Tompkins County Health Department policies regarding minimum lot
sizes for private septic systems, the type of subdivisions the Town can expect to see in the
area will be ones with lots in the range of one- to two acres in size. These subdivisions are
the least desirable in terms of efficient development of public infrastructure such as roads and
water lines, and preserving neighborhood character and open space resources. Nor would
such development be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan as adopted.
My assessment is that, without some sort of changes in land use regulations or other measures
by the Town, extending the water main along Coddington Road is likely to result in
significant changes in the existing neighborhood character, changes in the use or intensity of
land use, and an increase in the potential for stimulating growth in the area. The changes, in
my opinion, would not be in character with the intensity of development envisioned for the
area in the Comprehensive Plan.
There are however steps that the Town Board could take to mitigate the potential
development related impacts of extending the water main. Among the options is a reduction
in allowed residential densities through zoning measures such as the conservation district
proposed in the 1991 "Six -Mile Creek: a Heritage to Preserve" report by the Conservation
Advisory Council. The resultant reduction in development densities would make the cluster
subdivision concept a more effective mechanism for preserving open space by reducing the
overall number of lots allowed per parcel, and greatly increasing the amount of permanent
open space preserved through the cluster concept.
The Six Mile Creek corridor and City Watershed lands could be protected through the buffer
area and attendant mandatory cluster subdivision measures also recommended in the report.
These measures could allow extension of the water line into the area, while at the same time
preserving its rural character and the environmentally sensitive areas close to Six Mile Creek.
Another option, recommended by the CAC Agriculture Committee in its report "Planning for
Agriculture in the Town of Ithaca ", is for the Town to reevaluate the concept of the townwide
water and sewer district concept, and to possibly redraw the boundaries of the water and
sewer districts to exclude parcels such as Tax Parcel No. 47 -2 -6.2 from the district. It is not
known whether or not this option is feasible from a legal or fiscal standpoint, however it is
worthy of investigation.
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G -2 Water and Waste Water Collection and Treatment Systems
GOAL: To provide high - quality public water and sewage utilities at
reasonable cost and to protect public health and safety in regard to
private water and septic systems.
The objectives are to have
10 Public water and sewer utilities located, constructed,, and maintained in
accordance with the goals and objectives of this Plan.
I An assessment of the quality and cost of water and waste water collection
and treatment systems, both public and private.
Recommended Actions for Each Objective:
10 Public water and sewer utilities located, constructed, and maintained in
accordance with the goals and objectives of this Plan.
To accomplish this objective the Town should
a) Make an overall assessment of water and sewer systems in the Town.
Prepare and adopt a flexible long -range (ten -year) plan for guiding major
maintenance, upgrading, and extension projects. More detailed water and
sewer capital improvement planning with a shorter planning horizon
(three to five years) should flow from the long -range plan. Regularly
review and revise the long -range and short -range plans.
b) Limit extension of water and sewer services into areas not designated for
intensive development except when required for public health and safety.
c) Give higher priority in the Capital Improvements Program to maintenance
of public utilities than to construction extension of new utilities.
d) Follow State and Town Environmental Quality Review Regulations when
considering the construction of new or expanded public utilities,
especially the thorough examination of the potential for future
development and its possible impact on existing land. uses.
e) Review and revise existing contingency plans for waiver and sewer
services. Contingencies to plan for include complete failure of any one of
the three public water systems in the Town, extreme drought, or an
immediate and major public health problem outside of water and sewer
service areas.
f) Explore alternatives to extending water and sewer services in response to
public health and safety concerns.
2 An assessment of the quality and cost of water and waste water
collection and treatment systems, both public and private.
To accomplish this objective the Town should
a) Gather and analyze baseline data on the quality and cost of drinking water
and waste water collection and treatment throughout the Town, for both
public and private systems. (Work with the County regarding private
systems.)
b) Determine where problems exist with quality or cost, where there may be
problems in the future, and what approaches should be used to address
them.