HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1995-10-03r:
n
U
•
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
OCTOBER 3, 1995
FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
Date
Cierk
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on
Tuesday, October 3, 1995, in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street,
Ithaca, New York, at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairperson Stephen Smith, Candace Cornell, Eva Hoffmann,
James Ainslie, Herbert Finch, Robert Kenerson, Fred
Wilcox, Gregory Bell, Jonathan Kanter (Town Planner),
Daniel Walker (Town Engineer), George Frantz (Assistant
Town Planner), JoAnn Cornish (Planner), John Barney (Town
Attorney).
ALSO PRESENT: Bob Anderson, David Bravo - Cullen, Tom Murray.
Chairperson Smith declared the meeting duly opened at 7:35
p.m. and accepted, for the record, the Secretary's Affidavit of
Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town
Hall and the Ithaca Journal on September 25, 1995, and September
27, 1995, together with the Secretary's Affidavit of Service by
Mail of said Notice upon the Clerks of the City of Ithaca and the
Town of Ithaca, upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning,
upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Public Works, and upon the
applicants and /or agents, as appropriate, on September 28, 1995,
Chairperson Smith read the Fire Exit Regulations to those
assembled, as required by the New York State Department of State,
Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Chairperson Smith stated that he wished to congratulate Board
Member Candace Cornell for receiving the Distinguished Leadership
Award for the Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association,
AGENDA ITEM: PERSONS TO BE HEARD.
There were no persons present to be heard. Chairperson Smith
closed this segment of the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY AND FINAL
SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE, PROPOSED SUBDIVISION OF 0.39+ ACRES
FROM TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO. 33- 3 -5.2, LOCATED AT 638 ELMIRA
ROAD, FOR CONSOLIDATION WITH TAX PARCEL NO. 33 -3 -3, LOCATED AT 630
ELMIRA ROAD, BUSINESS DISTRICT "C ". ITHACA VETERAN VOLUNTEER
FIREMENS ASSOCIATION, OWNER; ROBERT L. ANDERSON, AGENT.
Chairperson Smith 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.
Planning Board Minutes 2 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Robert Anderson, a member of the Veteran Volunteer Firemens
Association, addressed the Board and stated that the Veterans
Volunteer Firemens Association own Tax Parcel No. 33 -3 -5.2 located
at 638 Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca. Mr. Anderson stated that
Joseph Salino wants to purchase a small triangular parcel from Tax
Parcel No. 33 -3 -5.2 to join to the land he owns at 630 Elmira Road,
Town of Ithaca. Mr. Anderson stated that the parcel size in
question is .39 acres. Mr. Anderson stated that Tax Parcel No. 33-
3-5.2 is landlocked and has no services of any type. Mr. Anderson
stated that Mr. and Mrs. Salino have made an offer to purchase this
triangular parcel of land, and the Veterans Volunteer Firemens
Association has accepted that offer. Mr. Anderson stated that the
survey has been done by Robert Russler, Jr., a land surveyor
licensed by the State of New York, Mr. Anderson stated that the
date of the survey was August 9, 1995, Mr. Anderson asked, at the
request of the Veterans Volunteer Firemens Association and Mr. and
Mrs. Salino that the Board vote in favor of this project.
Chairperson Smith noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone from the public wished to speak. No one spoke.
Chairperson Smith closed the Public Hearing and brought the matter
back to the Board for discussion.
• Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that there was a line on the
map that extended around the Salino property that did not extend
all the way to the triangular piece of property, and asked if they
owned all of the land up to the triangle.
Mr. Anderson responded, yes, the Salino's own that length of
property, the line on the map show the driveway.
Board Member Candace Cornell asked if the triangular piece
becomes part of the Salino property, would that make it accessible
to the Mancini property at some point in the future.
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that it would not
provide access to the Mancini property. Mr. Frantz stated that
when Mr. Russler did the survey for this property, he had listed
that the land was to be conveyed by the International Association
of Machinists Local Lodge No. 1607, and for clarification the
survey should be revised to reflect the current ownership before
the Chairperson Smith signs the plat.
The Board concurred with Mr. Frantz's suggestion.
Board Member Hoffmann asked about the driveway that encroaches
on the lot nearby.
• Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that was a long standing
encroachment by Salino on the property. Mr. Frantz asked Mr.
Anderson if there was an easement on that property.
•
•
Planning Board Minutes 3 October 3, 1995
APPROVED 11/7/95
Mr. Anderson responded that there was no easement, and that
there was no problem with him using that part of the property for
a driveway.
There appearing to be no further discussion, Chairperson Smith
asked if anyone were prepared to offer a motion.
MOTION by Fred Wilcox,
WHEREAS:
seconded by Herbert Finch:
1. This action is the consideration of Preliminary
Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision
ac. from Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33- 3 -5.2,
638 Elmira Road, for consolidation with Tax Parcel
located at 630 Elmira Road, Business District
Veteran Volunteer Firemens Association, Owner;
Anderson, Agent, and
and Final
of +/- 0.39
located at
No. 33 -3 -31
`C'. Ithaca
Robert L.
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 on October 3, 1995,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental
Assessment Form Pt. I submitted by the applicant and a Part II
prepared by the Town Planning Department, a survey entitled "
Map of Survey of Lands to be Conveyed by International
Association of Machinists Local Lodge No. 1607, Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York" prepared by Robert S.
Russler, Jr., L.S. dated May 1, 1995, re -dated May 22, 1995,
and further re -dated August 9, 1995, and other application
materials, and
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative
determination of environmental significance with respect to
the proposed subdivision;
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.
vote.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
0
•
•
Planning Board Minutes
Aye - Smith, Cornell,
Bell.
Nay - None.
4
APPROVED 11/7/95
Hoffmann, Ainslie,
October 3, 1995
Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox,
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
MOTION by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Herbert Finch:
WHEREAS:
1. This action is the consideration of Preliminary and Final
Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision of +/- 0.39
ac. from Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33- 3 -5.2, located at
638 Elmira Road, for consolidation with Tax Parcel No. 33 -3 -3,
located at 630 Elmira Road, Business District `C'. Ithaca
Veteran Volunteer Firemens Association, Owner; Robert L.
Anderson, Agent, and
2. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on October 3,
1995, 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
survey entitled " Map of Survey of Lands to be Conveyed by
International Association of Machinists Local Lodge No. 1607,
Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York" prepared by Robert
S. Russler, Jr., L.S. dated May 1, 1995, re -dated May 22,
1995, and re -dated August 9, 1995, and other application
materials, and
3. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board, acting as lead agency in environmental review
with respect to Subdivision Approval, has, on October 3, 1995,
made a negative determination of environmental significance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain
requirements for Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval,
as shown on the Preliminary and Final Subdivision 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, and
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final
Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision of +/- 0.39
ac. from Town of Ithaca,Tax Parcel No. 33- 3 -5.2, located at
638 Elmira Road, for consolidation with Tax Parcel No. 33 -3 -3,
located at 630 Elmira Road, as shown on the survey entitled "
Map of Survey of Lands to be Conveyed by International
•
•
•
Planning Board Minutes 5 October 3, 1995
APPROVED 11/7/95
Associat
Ithaca,
Russler,
and re -d
subject
ion of Machinis
Tompkins County,
Jr., L.S. dated
ated August 9, 19
to the following
is Local Lodge No. 1607, Town of
New York ", prepared by Robert S.
May 1, 1995, re -dated May 22, 1995,
95, and other application materials,
condition(s):
a, submission of
copies of the
the original
plat to be signed
or mylar
by
copy, and four (4)
the Planning Board
Chair prior to
filing in the County
Clerk's Office.
Attorney Barney suggested the following additions:
b, conveyance of
the subdivided parcel
to
the owner of the
Salino parcel
within six months of
this
approval.
C, Delivery to the Town Planner of a copy of the deed to
such owner and of a copy of the communication to the
Tompkins County Division of Assessment requesting
consolidation with Tax Parcel 33 -3 -31
The Board concurred with Attorney Barney's suggestions.
Assistant Town Planner George Frantz suggested the following
addition:
d, revision of the survey map title to reflect the current
ownership of the subject parcel by the Ithaca Veteran
Volunteer Firemens Association.
The Board concurred with the suggestion made by Mr. Frantz.
There being no further, discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Smith, Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairperson Smith declared the matter of Preliminary and Final
Subdivision Approval for the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer Firemens
Association to be duly closed at 7:47 p.m.
J
Planning Board Minutes 6 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
OTHER BUSINESS
Town Engineer Daniel Walker addressed the Board and stated
that a request for a modification of an old subdivision was
received. Mr. Walker stated that the Dawson's own a parcel off of
Renwick Drive and Verdier owns the adjoining parcel. Mr. Walker
stated that there was a very steep slope going down from Dawson's
property, and the Dawson's wanted to expand their parcel slightly
and take over some of the old gardens and clean the site up
somewhat. Ms. Verdier is attempting to sell the parcel, so the
Dawson's made her an offer of a 30 foot portion of her property.
Mr. Walker stated that in order to do that, the lot line needed to
be shifted 30 feet further down the slope. Mr. Walker stated that
this was a part of the old Renwick Heights Subdivision of 1910.
Mr. Walker stated that he did not feel that this was a very drastic
change and made the determination that this was a minor change to
a pre- existing subdivision. Mr. Walker stated that the parcels
would be consolidated and that he had written a letter to Mr.
Dawson, and approved the lot line modification. Mr. Walker stated
that under the subdivision laws the Town Engineer can approve minor
changes like this on existing subdivisions.
Board Member Fred Wilcox asked whether Attorney Barney was
• disturbed because there was no public hearing for the modification.
Attorney Barney stated that he views a lot line modification
of 30 feet and creating a lot that is 30 feet by 150 feet is really
another lot formed. Even though this parcel will be absorbed into
the larger parcel, the process is more than just moving the lot
line a slight distance, it is creating another lot.
Board Member Cornell stated that if there is a request as part
of an approved subdivision, then the Town Engineer can approve the
change. Ms. Cornell stated that she has felt that some things that
the Planning Board is asked to review that are trivial that staff
should be able to handle.
Town
Planner Kanter
stated that some
communities
do not
consider a
simple two -lot
subdivision as part
of their
subdivision
definition.
Mr. Kanter stated that there is
nothing in the State
Enabling Laws that tell
municipalities how to define
what a
subdivision is.
Board Member Cornell stated that if there are no environmental
issues and -no variance required, then staff should be able to
handle the minor issues.
Town Engineer Walker stated that one of the things he looked
at in this particular case is that the lot line has moved back and
• forth several times. Mr. Walker stated that there is another
request from two property owners from the Deer Run Subdivision, and
Planning Board Minutes 7 October 3, 1995
• . APPROVED 11/7/95
whose lot lines were at an odd angle, the lot line was crossing
into the front of the house on one property and the back of the
house on the other property. Mr. Walker stated that they have
asked to rotate that lot line about 30 degrees to straighten that
lot line to make it more perpendicular to the road. Mr. Walker
stated that he was in the process of approving that request and
would bring it to the Planning Board at their next meeting.
Chairperson
Smith
asked why this project
did
not come before
the Board, since
lot line
modifications normally
do.
Town Engineer Walker stated that the Salino project was
creating a new lot off a parcel that there was no previous
subdivision that we know of. Mr. Walker stated that the Dawson
request was a lotted subdivision with lot numbers on it. Mr.
Walker stated that the Salino project was also in a commercial zone
which would allow him to expand his business. Mr. Walker stated
that someone might question the validity of the deed if it did not
have Planning Board approval. Mr. Walker stated that he discussed
that with Mr. Dawson and suggested that he take it to his attorney
and see if they have a problem with that, and if there was the
project should go before the Planning Board. There has been no
response, so Mr. Walker is assuming that they have no concerns
• about the validity of the deed.
Board Member Cornell asked what Attorney Barney's concerns
were about this approval.
Attorney Barney stated that the language in Section 17 of the
Subdivision Regulations says, "If there are modifications of the
final plat requested by the subdivider subsequent to its filing in
the office of the County Clerk, such request should be made in
writing to the Town Engineer, who is hereby empowered to approve
minor practical modification on behalf of the Planning Board."
Attorney Barney stated that it goes on to say if requests for
modification are, in the Town Engineer's opinion, substantial in
nature then the approval of the Planning Board is needed any way.
Attorney Barney stated that there is a subdivision map that is
filed and the subdivider says that he does not like the way it
looks and wants to make a minor adjustment, this process can be
followed instead of going through the Board process to make that
minor change. Attorney Barney stated that here, the subdivider is
not requesting anything, which is what concerns him. Attorney
Barney stated that Section 17 is a provision that should be used
sparingly.
Board Member Wilcox stated that by moving the lot line 30
degrees two parcels are created that have to be consolidated and
• conveyed. Mr. Wilcox asked how far the Town should go with this.
•
•
U
Planning Board Minutes 8
APPROVED 11/7/95
i
October 3, 1995
Board Member Cornell asked if the proposal Dan is working on
now should be brought to the Board.
Town Engineer Walker stated that technically the subdivider of
the Deer Run Subdivision is requesting this change. Mr. Walker
stated that this change would keep the two lots totally equal and
is actually a better lot configuration that the original lot was.
Board
Member Wilcox asked
if it was the intent for the
subdivider
to make those small
changes
and have the engineer
approve it
between approval and filing
of
the final plat.
Attorney Barney stated that it clearly says, if there are
modifications to the final plat requested subsequent to its filing
at the Office of the County Clerk,
Board Member Cornell stated that with Deer Run, it seems clear
that what Attorney Barney read would apply.
Board Member Wilcox asked if there were existing houses on the
two lots in the proposal.
Town Engineer Walker responded, yes.
Chairperson Smith stated that Mr. Walker needed some guidance
from the Board as to what it considers a minor modifications, to
see what limitations should apply in these circumstances.
Attorney Barney stated that there was case law about the
Planning Board delegating some of its authority. Attorney Barney
stated that the Town looked into the possibility of having two lot
subdivisions dealt with entirely at the staff level. Attorney
Barney stated that after doing some research, the Town concluded
very clearly that the authority could not be delegated. The
Subdivision Law says that two lot subdivision is a subdivision,
Town Law says that the Planning Board must take care of all
subdivisions. Attorney Barney stated that you could redefine so
that a two lot subdivision is not a subdivision for purposes of
subdivision approval process, that is okay. Attorney Barney stated
that was another reason he would take the conservative approach on
using this approval process.
Board Member James Ainslie asked if the assessment of this
property would be changed by this modification.
Town Engineer Walker responded, no. Mr. Walker stated that
the lots would stay equal in 'area.
Planning Board Minutes 9 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Chairperson Smith noted that it was time for the next Public
Hearing and that if the Board wished to further discuss the
modification approved by Town Engineer Daniel Walker, that could be
addressed later in the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY AND FINAL SITE
PLAN APPROVAL FOR THE PROPOSED SITE PLAN MODIFICATION OF COURTSIDE
RACQUET AND FITNESS CLUB FOR CHANGES IN PROPOSED INTERIOR USES,
RELOCATION OF AN EXISTING COOLING TOWER, AND A PROPOSED EXTERIOR
STAIRWAY, SAID FACILITY LOCATED ON TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO,
62 -1 -5 AT 16 JUDD FALLS ROAD, BUSINESS DISTRICT "C ", THOMAS MURRAY,
COURTSIDE RACQUET AND FITNESS CLUB, INC., OWNER /APPLICANT.
Chairperson Smith declared the Public Hearing in the above -
noted matter duly opened at 8:15 p.m. and read aloud from the
Notice as posted and published and as noted above.
David Bravo - Cullen of Corner Stone Architects, addressed the
Board and stated that he had received approval. of site plan in May
1995, and showed the Board a copy of the plan. Mr. Bravo - Cullen
stated that the changes were very minor to the outside, an outside
stairway is proposed on the west side of the building instead of
the south side of the building. Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that they
• were proposing a cooling tower on the north side of the building.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that inside, the proposed changes are a
consolidation of existing day care. Currently there is daycare in
several places throughout the facility, and they wish to
consolidate them into one place on the first floor in what was
previously called "new leased space ". Mr. Bravo- Cullen stated that
the daycare area on the first floor would be turned into a toilet
room and locker area for people confined to wheel chairs and two
tanning booths. Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that the second floor
which is the vacated infant day care would become free for space as
an office and two massage rooms. Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that they
would be putting in new windows.
Board
Member
Candace
Cornell asked whether there would be a
retail section
at
the facility.
the massage rooms, it was
determined that
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded, no.
Thomas Murray owner of Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club,
addressed the
Board and
stated that through trying
to find someone
to lease the
space for
the massage rooms, it was
determined that
the amount of
space available was more than what
was needed, so
therefore the
switch of
the childcare to the front
space.
Board Member Cornell asked if there would be separation
• between the infant child care and the care center for the older
children.
Planning Board Minutes 10 October 3, 1995
APPROVED 11/7/95
Mr. Murray responded that there would be a knee -high wall
between the two spaces for separation with visibility and a
childrens bathroom within that space, with a five- foot -high wall
to allow staff to hear what is going on in the restroom.
Board Member Fred Wilcox stated that he was pleased to see
that the staircase that had previously been proposed close to the
property line was moved.
Board Member Cornell asked if the Building and Zoning Officer,
Andrew Frost, had reviewed the newly proposed staircase.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that Mr. Frost had seen it and was
the person that referred him to the Planning Board,
Chairperson Smith asked what material the staircase would be
made of.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that it would be steel with a mesh
design so that the snow could go through the steps instead of
building up on them.
Board Member Cornell asked if the stairway would be covered.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that they would not be covered.
Chairperson Smith asked what the purpose of having the cooling
tower outside was.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that the cooling tower was
currently located inside and that it was not getting enough air,
which was causing problems.
for.
Board Member Cornell asked what the coolant tower was needed
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that it was part of the heating and
cooling system for the facility.
the air conditioning process. Mr.
put a new cooling tower in that
It is used to dissipate
Murray stated that in
building he would have
heat in
order to
to tear
apart the roof
or wall in order to move into the building
because
it comes in as
requirement, it
one large unit.
seemed to make most
Between that issue and
sense to have it outside.
the air
Board Member Cornell asked if the tower was noisy.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that it makes some noise. Mr. Murray
stated that it would be located within the existing landscaped
area, and are looking to take away three parking spaces and extend
the landscaping area with the same materials around it.
Planning Board Minutes 11 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Chairperson Smith asked how high the tower would be.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that the cooling tower would be 13
feet high.
Board Member Cornell asked if the tower would be located in
the part of the property that faces the cemetery.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded, yes.
Board Member Bell asked what the fence would be made of.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that it would be a wooden fence
similar to the fence that already exists there.
Board Member Bell asked if that would allow for air to flow
through it.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that the air flow happens higher up
and that there was also space between the fence and the cooling
tower. Mr. Murray stated that there was approximately 7 feet on
either side of the cooling tower.
Chairperson Smith noted that this was a Public Hearing and
asked if anyone from the public wished to speak. No one spoke.
Chairperson Smith closed the Public Hearing and brought the matter
back to the Board for discussion.
Mr.
Bravo - Cullen
stated
that
there was previously 132 parking
spaces,
and now there
would
be 130
spaces.
Board Member Cornell asked how noisy the tower was.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen responded that he did not know, but that it
would not be as noisy as traffic going by the property. Mr. Murray
stated that there was a pretty old system in club currently and it
can not be heard inside.
Board
Member
Cornell
asked
where the location
of the nearest
emergency
exit was
relative
to
the location of
the
day care.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen showed Ms. Cornell where the emergency exits
were located on the drawing.
Mr. Murray stated that the separation wall between the child
care and infant child care areas was short enough where infants
could be handed over the wall in the event of an emergency.
Attorney Barney stated that there were presently two locations
•
for the existing day care. Attorney Barney asked if there were two
people monitoring the day care areas.
Planning Board Minutes 12 October 3, 1995
OAPPROVED 11/7/95
Mr. Murray stated that part of the reasoning of placing all
child care together would be for more efficient staffing, and that
he has two to three people monitoring the children currently in
each child care area.
Board Member Cornell
asked
if
Courtside abided
by the State's
recommendation
about
the
number
of
care takers for
infants.
Mr. Murray stated that they are a babysitting service, not a
day care service. Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated that there was a ratio
of 4:1, infants to adults and the state recommends a ratio of 3:1.
Mr. Murray stated that there have been times that he has helped out
in the child care areas when additional help is needed.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann asked if the windows on the south
elevation were boarded up.
Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated
since Courtside was initially
that he was trying to say that
the previous windows, which i
the building.
that the windows have been blocked
completed. Mr. Bravo - Cullen stated
the new windows are the same size as
still an architectural feature of
• Board Member Hoffmann stated that it should
the first page of the EAF that the cemetery is
use. The Board concurred with this suggestion,
hereby amended as above,
be indicated on
an adjacent land
and the EAF is
Chairperson Smith asked if there was any further discussion.
There being no further discussion, Chairperson Smith asked if
anyone were prepared to offer a motion.
MOTION by Candace Cornell, seconded by Gregory Bell:
WHEREAS:
1. This action is the Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site
Plan Approval for the proposed Site Plan Modification of
Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club for first floor interior
alterations, including a new daycare area (formerly the
proposed new leased space) , an infant daycare area and
associated lavatory, two new tanning booths, handicapped
lockers and associated lavatory; second floor interior
alterations to include two new massage booths and an
additional office, (formerly infant daycare and tanning booth;
exterior alterations to include: new exterior stairs and
associated new door proposed to be located on the west side of
the building (formerly proposed for the south side of the
• building), the removal of three parking spaces on the
northeast corner of the building for the addition of a cooling
tower with associated curbing, fencing and landscaping, the
Planning Board Minutes 13 October 3, 1995
0 APPROVED 11/7/95
•
changing of a handicapped parking space to a standard parking
space on the east side of the building and the addition of one
parking space on the south side of the building (formerly the
location of the proposed new stairs) for a total loss of two
parking spaces. In addition, 23 new windows are being
proposed to be located in various locations on both the first
and second floors. Said facility located on Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 62 -1 -5 at 16 Judd Falls Road, Business District
C., Thomas Murray, Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club, Inc.
Owner /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 Site Plan
Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing on October 3, 1995,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental
Assessment Form Pt. I submitted by the applicant and a Part II
prepared by the Town Planning Department, a site plan entitled
"Alterations to: Courtside Racquet & Fitness Club ", dated
December 6, 1993 and revised April 25, 1995 and September 5,
1995, Floor Plans entitled "Alterations to: Courtside Racquet
& Fitness Club, First Floor Plan ", dated July 10, 1995 and
revised 7/17/95 and 8/8/95, "Second Floor Plan" dated July 10,
1995 and revised 7/17/95 and 8/8/95, "Exterior Elevations ",
dated July 17, 1995, and "Detail Floor Plans" dated July 10,
1995 and revised 7/17/95, 8/8/95 and 9/5/95, prepared by
Cornerstone Architects, and additional application materials,
and
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative
determination of environmental significance with respect to
the proposed site plan;
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, neither a Full
Environmental Assessment Form nor an Environmental Impact Statement
will be required.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for vote.
Aye - Smith, Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Planning Board Minutes 14 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
MOTION by Candace Cornell, seconded by James Ainslie:
•
WHEREAS:
1. This action is the Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site
Plan Approval for the proposed Site Plan Modification of
Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club for first floor interior
alterations, including a new daycare area (formerly the
proposed new leased space), an infant daycare area and
associated lavatory, two new tanning booths, handicapped
lockers and associated lavatory; second floor interior
alterations to include two new massage booths and an
additional office, (formerly infant daycare and tanning booth;
exterior alterations to include: new exterior stairs and
associated new door proposed to be located on the west side of
the building (formerly proposed for the south side of the
building) , the removal of three parking spaces on the
northeast corner of the building for the addition of a cooling
tower with associated curbing, fencing and landscaping, the
changing of a handicapped parking space to a standard parking
space on the east side of the building and the addition of one
parking space on the south side of the building (formerly the
location of the proposed new stairs) for a total loss of two
parking spaces. In addition, 23 new windows are being
proposed to be located in various locations on both the first
and second floors. Said facility located on Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 62 -1 -5 at 16 Judd Falls Road, Business District
C., Thomas Murray, Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club, Inc.
Owner /Applicant, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review,
has, on October 3, 1995, made a negative determination of
environmental significance with regard to Preliminary and
Final Site Plan Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing on October 3, 1995,
has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental
Assessment Form Part I submitted by the applicant, a Part II
prepared by the Town Planning Department, a site plan entitled
"Alterations to: Courtside Racquet & Fitness Club ", dated
December 6, 1993 and revised April 25,
1995, Floor Plans entitled "Alteration
& Fitness Club, First Floor Plan ", d�
revised 7/17/95 and 8/8/95, "Second Flc
1995 and revised 7/17/95 and 8/8/95,
dated July 17, 1995, and "Detail Floo7
1995 and revised 7/17/95, 8/8/95 an
Cornerstone Architects, and additional
1995 and September 5,
to: Courtside Racquet
.ted July 10, 1995 and
or Plan" dated July 10,
"Exterior Elevations ",
Plans" dated July 10,
1 9/5/95, prepared by
application materials.
0
•
•
Planning Board Minutes 15 October 3, 1995
APPROVED 11/7/95
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. 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
"Alterations to: Courtside Racquet & Fitness Club ", dated
December 6, 1993 and revised April 25, 1995 and September 5,
1995, Floor Plans entitled "Alterations to: Courtside Racquet
& Fitness Club, First Floor Plan ", dated July 10, 1995 and
revised 7/17/95 and 8/8/95, "Second Floor Plan" dated July 10,
1995 and revised 7/17/95 and 8/8/95, "Exterior Elevations ",
dated July 17, 1995, and "Detail Floor Plans" dated July 10,
1995 and revised 7/17/95, 8/8/95 and 9/5/95, prepared by
Cornerstone Architects, and additional application materials
subject to the following conditions:
a, submission of a landscape plan for the area labeled
"Extend Landscaping ", showing plant materials which are
appropriate for forming an effective vegetative screen
for the proposed 14 foot high cooling tower, to be
approved by the Town Planner,
b, submission of a revised site plan showing the proposed
new door to the daycare area.
C, submission of an original or mylar copy of the final site
plan.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a
vote.
Aye - Smith, Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox,
Bell.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairperson Smith declared the matter of Preliminary and Final
Site Plan Modification of Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club to be
duly closed at 8:40pm.
Planning Board Minutes 16 October 3, 1995
eAPPROVED 11/7/95
OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that after the Ryder Truck
proposal was approved, she remembered reading in the minutes that
the plantings have been done on the Scott Hamilton Property, Ms.
Hoffmann asked where they had been done because she did not see any
plantings on that property.
M
Referring back to the Dawson proposal which was discussed
earlier in the meeting tonight.
Chairperson Smith stated that he felt that the Planning Board
members were saying that the projects should come before the Board
for review and approval instead of being approved by the Town
Engineer.
Board Member Herbert Finch stated that he did not understand
the legal problem that Attorney Barney was describing in relation
to the Town Engineer approving these types of changes.
Attorney Barney stated that his concern is that this change is
making a new, land - locked parcel to be consolidated with another
parcel at some point in the future; not simply moving a lot line.
• Attorney Barney stated, to his mind, creating that much of a
deviation is more than a minor modification of a lot line.
Board Member Finch stated that he has felt that there have
been minor issues that the Board gets involved with and has
wondered why the staff could not have handled it.
Attorney Barney stated that another issue was the delegation
of authority. Attorney Barney stated that he was not sure how
valid this provision is since it was put in when the subdivision
regulations were adopted in 1984. Attorney Barney stated that the
provision reads, "If there are modifications of the final plat
requested by the subdivider subsequent to its filing in the Office
of the County Clerk, such request shall be made in writing to the
Town Engineer who is hereby empowered to approve minor practical
modifications on behalf of the Planning Board. When, in the
opinion of the Town Engineer, the request for modifications are
substantial in nature, scope, or extent, and materially effect the
subdivision plat as approved by the Planning Board, the Subdivider
shall not proceed without the approval of the Planning Board."
Attorney Barney stated that he was unsure what was minor and what
would not be minor and where that line would be drawn. Attorney
Barney stated that he needed to research whether or not this was a
valid delegation of authority.
Board Member Cornell stated that if the Town Engineer
consulted with the Planning staff to make the determination of
whether or not a modification was minor and practical might work.
Planning Board Minutes 17 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Board Member Wilcox stated that he felt that minor meant not
creating a new lot, under the way the statutes are written as
expressed by John Barney.
Attorney Barney stated that the intention is to adjust errors
made by the subdivider. Attorney Barney stated that he would do
some research on this issue to satisfy himself as to whether or not
it is legally permissible delegation.
Town Planner Jonathan Kanter stated that the wording was
developed by the Town. Mr. Kanter stated that the wording did not
come from State Law so it could be changed.
Town Planner Kanter stated that regarding the Cornell
University Special Land Use District Proposal was seen by the Town
Board.at their Meeting on October 2, 1995, and was not adopted.
Mr. Kanter stated that there were some additional minor wording
changes that needed to be addressed. Mr. Kanter stated that there
were also additional comments made at the Public Hearing which were
primarily repetitious of what was heard before. Mr. Kanter stated
because of that, the Town Board decided not to take action on it
yet, until they incorporate the wording changes. Mr. Kanter stated
that the Town Board went on to approve the establishment of a
• Transportation Committee as a precursor of the SLUD. Mr. Kanter
stated that the Committee would be constituted of two Town Board
Members, one Planning Board Member, which would be either the Chair
or a designated member, three representatives of Cornell, to be
determined by Cornell, one representative of the Forest Home
Improvement Association, to be selected by the Association, and one
representative from the East Ithaca area, to be selected by the
Town Board, Mr. Kanter stated that will be set up and a meeting of
that Committee will be scheduled for sometime in late November.
Mr. Kanter stated that the Planning Board should consider who they
wish to be their representative on this committee.
Board Member Eva Hoffmann stated that she would be interested
in being a member of the Transportation Committee.
The Board Members concurred with Ms. Hoffmann being the
representative for the Planning Board on the Transportation
Committee,
Town Planner Kanter stated that he would report that to the
Town Board,
AGENDA ITEM: PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF SUGGESTED REZONING OF
CERTAIN PARCELS, REFERRED BY THE CODES AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEE FOR
PLANNING BOARD COMMENT.
• Chairperson Smith declared the above -noted matter duly opened
at 8:45pm, and read aloud from the Planning Board Agenda.
Planning Board Minutes 18 October 3, 1995
OAPPROVED 11/7/95
Town Planner Jonathan Kanter stated that the suggested
rezoning proposal came about at the request of the Town Board which
was concerned with some of the remaining zoning districts on
properties that have been zoned as either SLUDs, Multiple Residence
Districts, or in some cases, other non - residential types of
districts. Mr. Kanter stated that most of these properties are
where parcels were rezoned with specific development proposals that
were being considered at the time. Mr. Kanter stated that the Town
Board asked the Codes and Ordinances Committee to look at some of
these parcels and come up with some recommendations as to whether
the existing zoning is still appropriate. If the existing zoning
was determined not to be appropriate, to then recommend possible
changes of the zoning. Mr. Kanter stated that staff had provided
the Planning Board Members with a full description of the analysis
which has been done over the past few months. Mr. Kanter stated
that this is for preliminary feedback from the Planning Board, and
that the landowners had not yet been contacted on this yet, and
that this would then go back to the Codes and Ordinances Committee
before it goes into a more formal proposal.
Mr. Kanter stated that there were six sites being recommended
for rezoning and that they could review each one briefly.
e Mr. Kanter listed the proposed rezoning locations: the Indian
Creek SLUD, located off Trumansburg Road; two Multiple Residence
District Parcels located on East King Road; part of the Noah's Boat
Yard property off of East Shore Drive; the remaining Ithaca College
parcel on Danby Road adjacent to the Ithacare parcel; and Mr.
Auble's property at the intersection of East King Road and Danby
Road. Mr. Kanter stated that some of the proposals are fairly
straightforward and should be easy to handle. Some of the other
proposal will be more complicated and should be discussed one at a
time.
Mr. Kanter stated that Indian Creek Retirement Community is a
69.8 acre parcel that was zoned for SLUD number six in 1989, for a
specific development proposal for the retirement community
consisting of 140 units and no development activity ever took place
on that site. Mr. Kanter stated that there was no current
development on that site. Mr. Kanter stated that looking at the
Comprehensive Plan, the recommendations are for Agriculture and
Conservation Open Space on large parts of the property and then a
small strip of Rural Residential on Trumansburg Road directly.
Board
Member Cornell
asked
if that
was the portion of
Trumansburg
Road where there
is no
sewer and
water service.
•
•
r�
U
•
Planning Board Minutes
19
APPROVED
11/7/95
October 3, 1995
Town Planner stated that there is a water main along there but
no sewer currently. One idea was to extend sewer from the Poyer
Subdivision on Evergreen Lane, but that has not happened yet. Mr.
Kanter stated that most of the site is in a New York State
Agricultural District which is an indicator of good potential for
farming. Mr. Kanter stated that the staff recommendation and the
Codes and Ordinances Committee agree on this property, that it be
rezoned back to its original AG- Agricultural District,
Board Member Bell asked if the staff was aware of any activity
for development on any of these proposals.
Mr. Kanter stated that there was a particular parcel that the
staff was aware of potential development, which will be addressed
when that property comes up later in this meeting. Mr. Kanter
stated that there was nothing specific that staff was aware of for
a number of years on this site.
Attorney Barney stated that the process here was to get a feel
from the Planning Board if there was an objection or a problem with
the recommendation before notifying the landowners.
Board Member James Ainslie stated that Mr. Babcock has the
property for sale.
Chairperson
Smith
asked
if there was an
objection to the
recommendation.
No objections
were indicated.
Attorney Barney stated that the Board needed to come to a
consensus because it will come back to the Board to be approved
formally as a recommendation to the Town Board, but at this point,
it was being returned to the Codes and Ordinances Committee, and
then notify the owners that these are under consideration and let
them come and voice their opinion to the Committee.
Chairperson Smith asked what the opinion of the Board was on
the Cornell University property off East King Road, adjacent to
Hospicare.
Town Planner Kanter stated that this property and the Manos
property were part of the original Beacon Hills Development, which
also became known as the original Chase Pond project and
Butterfield Subdivision. Mr. Kanter stated that after the original
proposals did not work out, the middle parts of the property were
sold, the West part for Hospicare and the East part for what is now
the Saunders Road Subdivision, Mr. Kanter stated that Hospicare is
R -30 and Saunders Road is R -15. Mr. Kanter stated that the
recommendations were based on rezoning to the same as the
surrounding properties.
Planning Board Minutes 20 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Chairperson Smith asked if there were any objections to the
recommendations for the two parcels on East King Road,
0
•
The Board concurred with the recommendations.
Chairperson
Smith
asked
that the
Board
address the
recommendation
for
Noah's
Boat
Yard located
on East
Shore Drive.
Town Planner Kanter stated that this MR Zoning was strange
because they were unable to find any record of why this property
was zoned Multiple Residence. Mr. Kanter stated that staff could
not find any proposal for the rezoning or proposed development
records for this property. Mr. Kanter stated that part of this
property went up to the Unique Natural Area at Renwick slopes.
Board Member Fred
Wilcox asked if rezoning to
an R -30
would be
more appropriate due to
he thought that there
the steep slopes. Mr. Wilcox
was R -30 property bordering
this
stated that
parcel.
Mr.
Kanter stated that there was R
-30 near this property,
but
the rationale
was that the remainder
of the Noah's Boat
Yard
property
is R -15, so it seemed to make
sense not to split up
the
property
too much. Mr. Kanter stated
that the other part of
the
property
is Business E District.
Board Member Wilcox corrected his earlier statement,
indicating that there was no R -30 District bordering it.
Board Member Hoffmann stated that there was some discussion
about the Cornell Cooling Plant being built, and Cornell and the
Town of Ithaca trying to buy this piece of property jointly.
Board Member Cornel
consideration in the deci:
Town Planner Kanter
interesting in was the
railroad on the south end
1 asked if that should be taken into
;ion making process of this piece of land.
stated that the main area Cornell was
waterfront part which is west of the
Chairperson Smith asked if there were any objections to this
recommendation. No one had any objections as presented.
Chairperson Smith asked that the Board address the Ithaca
College parcel which is located on Danby Road adjacent to Ithacare .
Town Planner Jonathan Kanter stated
is split off, and the site on the North
Kanter stated that was the bulk of the
Kanter stated that the South Hill Retail
of that site. Mr. Kanter stated that a
property is zoned R -9 on the West side
that the site on the South
is the old NCR site. Mr.
Industrial District. Mr.
Site is just to the North
part of the Ithaca College
toward Stone Quarry Road,
Planning Board Minutes 21 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
which did not make much sense since that area is so steep. Mr.
Kanter stated that the possibility of having sewer there was not
very likely.
Chairperson
Smith
asked
if
there was
any reason why the
rezoning needed
to be held
to
the
property lines.
Mr. Kanter responded, no. Mr. Kanter stated that they wanted
to keep the process as clean and simple as possible.
Board Member Cornell asked about the view across Tax Parcel
No. 39- 1 -1.3, the Ithacare College portion being discussed at this
meeting.
Board
Member Hoffmann stated that
maybe
the
Planning Board
could have
some sort of view protection
built
into
this rezoning.
Board Member Gregory Bell stated that the rezoning process of
the six parcels is subject to SEQR.
Mr. Kanter stated that one would look at the Comprehensive
Plan, which talks about recommending limited industrial areas on
that part of the Town of Ithaca, and the idea is to come up with
areas in the Town which would be appropriate for either less
intrusive light industrial type of development or some kind of
office park development; recognizing that the heavier industrial
types of uses that are permitted in the "I" District are not as
likely as in past years to be locating in the area and are less
desirable types of industry to be located there.
Board Member Gregory Bell asked if there were any known plans
of using this property for educational use, since it is owned by
Ithaca College.
Board Member
Kenerson stated
that
Ithaca
College has stated
that they wish to
stay on the East
side
of the
road.
Attorney Barney stated that the Board should understand that
at this time this entire piece of property is zoned industrial, and
the recommended change would be down- zoning this property.
Board Member Cornell asked if this could be rezoned to a
permanent open space.
Attorney Barney stated that he would like to put more thought
into that suggestion before deciding how much the Town was willing
to pay to have the privilege of having it rezoned to a permanent
open space because it would be pretty close to a taking.
Planning Board Minutes 22 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Town Planner Kanter stated that the R -9 section of this
property might appear to be changing to a higher density or level
of use by changing that to Business "A", but in reality, that part
becomes part of the entire Business "A" parcel. Mr. Kanter stated
that if a site plan came before the Board for approval, it would be
the upper part of the site that would be developed and the bottom
part would remain as open space perhaps.
Town Attorney Barney stated that the Planning Board would have
a chance to deal with the whole parcel if this recommendation is
approved. Attorney Barney stated that if the recommendation is not
approved, then it would remain 24 acres of Industrial and 14 acres
of R -9.
Board Member Cornell stated that she would like to see this
property down zoned even more than this proposal because she does
not feel that the land was appropriate for building.
Town Planner Kanter stated that the Committee also discussed
a new office campus /office park zone, although Business "A" allows
other uses as well, such as some retail uses. Mr. Kanter stated
that the Committee felt that a quick immediate solution, that using
District Business "A" was a lot better than heavy industrial.
Board Member Wilcox stated that it appeared that the Board
felt that there was no problem with the proposed recommendation,
but was unsure if this was the particular right answer.
Chairperson Smith asked if there were any objections to the
recommendation as presented. There were no objections raised at
this point.
Chairperson Smith asked that
the Board
address the Auble
property recommendation,
which is
located
on Danby Road.
Chairperson Smith stated
that the
proposal
is to rezone from
Business "D" to Business "C";
from Residence
R
-15 to R -30; and to
reduce overall size of
Business
"C" and
Multiple Residence
Districts,
Board Member Cornell asked if notice of tonight's discussion
of the proposed changes was published.
Town Planner Kanter responded, no, the agenda was posted in
the Announcement Box located outside of the Town Hall main entrance
and on the Bulletin Board just inside the entrance of Town Hall,
Attorney Barney stated that this was a very preliminary
submission to determine whether or not the Planning Board has
reservations on these changes as recommended. Attorney Barney
stated that the proposals would come back before the Planning Board
before any formal action and a Public Hearing will be held.
Planning Board Minutes 23 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Chairperson Smith asked how the current zoning was determined.
•
Town Planner Kanter stated that the property was rezoned
specifically to box out the specific areas for a proposal made by
MAT Associates in 1969, which consisted of 150,000 square foot
shopping center, 312 multi family units, 25 single family units,
and a service station. Mr. Kanter stated that those pieces were
never subdivided, this is all one parcel from a deed standpoint.
Mr. Kanter stated that the Town Board required a concept plan in
1969, and that is in the record.
Board Member James Ainslie asked whether Mr. Auble was.upset
about the zoning of his land.
Attorney
Barney
responded that he
was not upset at this time,
but may become
upset
when he sees this
proposal.
Board Member Herbert Finch stated that he may think that this
will take away some of his options to develop his property.
Town Engineer Daniel Walker stated that Mr. Auble thinks it is
going to reduce the value of his property.
Chairperson Smith asked what the major differences were
between Business District "C" and District "D ".
Attorney Barney responded that Business District "D" is purely
gas stations.
Town Planner
Business District
neighborhood comme
Kanter stated that
but not something
similar in size to
stated that the
"C" to 6 to 7
rcial center to be
it seems to be an
the size of the
that.
thought behind reducing the
acres was to still allow a
placed there if desired. Mr.
appropriate area for that use,
East Hill Plaza or something
Chairperson Smith asked how that related to the size of Sam
Peters, in acreage.
Attorney Barney stated that this site was considerably larger.
Board Member Cornell asked if the proposals being reviewed
tonight were all of the parcels in the Town of Ithaca that may have
inappropriate zoning.
Planning Board Minutes 24 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Town Planner Kanter stated that there was at least one other
parcel that the Committee had looked at on Fiddler Road which is
zoned Multiple Residence, which has some single family houses
there. Mr. Kanter stated that this parcel was rezoned in the late
1970s, which would have required bringing water and sewer to the
site. Mr. Kanter stated that the proposed development was never
completed due to financial reasons. Mr. Kanter stated that the
area seems appropriate for that kind of development, which is not
fully developed single family neighborhood, but a mixed group of
housing options.
Chairperson Smith stated, going back to considerations for the
Auble property, that the information provided states that there was
formerly a Business "C" District on this property, and asked how
big that was.
Attorney Barney, referring to a sketch prepared by Town
Planner Jonathan Kanter, stated that the sketch showed the existing
zoning as shown currently on the tax maps, and the suggested zoning
if the recommendations were adopted.
Town Planner Kanter stated that he would need to go back and
look at the plans that were submitted at the time that MAT
• Associates brought in the development proposal outlined tonight,
but that there was some Business "C ".
Chairperson
Smith stated
that
it seemed
as though the proposed
Business "C" was
a reasonable
size
for that
area.
Town Planner Kanter stated that one of the other important
parts was while
making
MR a smaller space
by the proposal, and
changing the R -15
to R -30
and providing a
much stronger, larger
buffer to the
State Park, which was a
main concern of the
Committee. Mr.
Kanter
stated that toward
the park there was a
creek, possible
wetlands,
and steep slopes that were of concern as
well.
Town Planner Kanter stated that DeHarder, who had proposed two
affordable housing developments in March, one on this site and one
on the Raponi property along Coddington Road, has applied to the
State Division of Housing for Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Mr.
Kanter stated that he had heard that Housing Tax Credit were
approved for those two projects and subsequently within the last
two weeks the Planning Department has heard from the property
owners, or representatives of the property owners, for those two
parcels, Auble and Raponi, about beginning the process of
subdividing the parcels so that the land sales could be made to
DeHarder so that they could begin their housing proposals. Mr.
O Kanter stated that, as of this date, the Planning Department has
not seen any specific proposals from DeHarder. Mr. Kanter stated
that they have seen very sketchy concept plans.
Planning Board Minutes 25 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Board Member Cornell asked if the Town could rezone the
property knowing that.
Attorney Barney stated that a property can be rezoned until
the Building Permit is issued.
Town
Planner Kanter stated
that
the DeHarder
concept plan for
the Auble
property is about 160
multi
- family units.
Chairperson Smith asked if there were any objections to the
proposed recommendations for rezoning of the Auble property. There
were no objections from the Board Members at this time.
Board Member Hoffmann stated that the recommended zoning
changes would be a good improvement.
Board Member Cornell asked
if
the
motivation of the Board was
to have less dense development
of
the
area.
Town Planner Kanter stated that the area would be less dense
but recognizing that the basic uses of commercial and multiple
residence seem to be appropriate and follow the recommendations of
the Comprehensive Plan, but not to the magnitude that could be done
• under current zoning. Mr. Kanter stated it did not make sense to
leave the zoning that was done in 1969 for a totally different
development proposal.
Board
Member
Cornell stated that
she was in favor of these
changes as
well as
the others discussed
tonight.
Board Member Wilcox stated that he was comfortable with the
concept, but was unsure if he was comfortable with whether the
lines that have been picked ar the right ones.
Chairperson Smith stated that the lines for Multiple Residence
surrounds the Business "C" was for the possibility of multiple
access points.
Town Engineer Walker stated that there was a through road in
the original concept plan.
Chairperson Smith asked if there was any other discussion
regarding the proposed recommendations for zoning changes. There
was none. Chairperson Smith closed the discussion on the above -
noted matter.
•
Planning Board Minutes 26 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
AGENDA ITEM - OTHER BUSINESS. (Continued)
Chairperson Smith stated that there was an additional item
that he wished to discuss. Chairperson Smith stated that he had
listened to the tapes with the Recording Secretary, Starr Hays, and
they were very difficult to understand and make any sense of.
Chairperson Smith stated that was largely from a lack of control
among the Board members. When an applicant comes forward, Board
Members could ask to be recognized and then speak in a controlled
manner, then wait for the answer before moving on to another
subject or question.
Board Member Cornell asked if the Board Members were supposed
to ask to be recognized.
Chairperson Smith responded, yes, certainly when the applicant
is making the presentation, or a member of the public is speaking.
Chairperson Smith stated that when there are discussions among the
Board it can be clear as long as one person speaks at a time, wait
for the answer before another speak. Chairperson Smith stated that
the Board Member all need to confine their comments and thoughts to
the issue being addressed. Chairperson Smith stated that if the
Board Members had something that needed to be discussed without the
entire Board, to please cover the microphone while speaking and to
try to keep it quiet so that it does not pick up on the tapes.
Board Member Cornell stated that it was very hard to
transcribe from tapes.
The Board concurred with Chairperson's suggestions for a more
controlled manner.
Board Member
Ainslie stated that
Chris
Muka came before the
Board to have a
development
on Sheffield
Road. Mr. Muka is
breaking through
for his cul -de
-sac,
and
has signs up that say
"lots for sale ".
Mr. Ainslie
stated
that
there was no approval
granted by this
Board until
he showed
that there was water
possibilities.
Planner JoAnn Cornish stated that he had only been in for
Sketch Plan.
Board Member Ainslie asked if it was legal for Mr. Muka to
sell a lot.
Town Planner Kanter responded, no, he should not even be
advertising them as lots.
Board Member Ainslie stated that he was worried that someone
• that does not know the area may not be aware of the problem with
water.
Planning Board Minutes 27 October 3, 1995
• APPROVED 11/7/95
Planner Cornish stated that there was a citizen in the Town of
Ithaca that was concerned because they were starting to build homes
because it appeared that there was a lot of activity on that site.
Ms. Cornish stated that Mr. Muka does have a logging permit for
that area, so she explained to the citizen that there was a logging
permit and that he would be notified when Mr. Muka came before the
Board again.
Town Engineer Walker asked where the logging permit was filed.
Planner Cornish responded that she called DEC to make sure
that Mr. Muka did not need a permit, and he doesn't because there
is a substantial wetland on that site.
Board Member
Wilcox
stated that Chris
Muka logged some land on
Route 96 and
left
a
very
visible
scar on
the
earth.
Town Engineer Walker asked if earth was being moved or if he
was just cutting trees.
Board Member Ainslie stated that he was just cutting trees and
moving logs.
• Town Planner Kanter stated that Town staff would check into
it.
Board Member Bell stated that he had a proposal for
consideration of the calendar for the next year. Mr. Bell stated
that today was the beginning for a Jewish Holiday Yom Kippur, which
is considered the peak of the whole annual Jewish holidays, and
given the fact that there are a number of Jewish people in the Town
of Ithaca, Mr. Bell did not think that there should be any meetings
held on this day. Mr. Bell stated that the County Board of
Supervisors has its normal meeting tonight and they had it
yesterday instead of today. Mr. Bell stated that he thought that
the Town should do the same.
The Board concurred with Mr. Bell's statement.
There appearing to be no further discussion, the Chair closed
this segment of the meeting.
•
Planning Board Minutes
•
ADJOURNMENT
28
APPROVED 11/7/95
Upon MOTION, Chairperson Smith closed
meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board
9:40pm.
10/23/95.
•
•
October 3, 1995
the October 3, 1995
to be duly closed at
Respectfully submitted,
Starr Hays, Recording Secretary,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board.
Wza ,d 6
Mary S. Bryant,
Administrative Secretary.