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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1996-11-19• • • TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOVEMBER 19, 1996 FILED TOWN OF ITHACA/ Dale �LQ Clerk The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 19, 1996, in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, at 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Chairperson Candace Cornell, Eva Hoffmann, James Ainslie, Herbert Finch, Robert Kenerson, Fred Wilcox, Jonathan Kanter (Director of Planning), John Barney (Attorney for the Town), Daniel Walker (Director -of Engineering), JoAnn Cornish (Planner), George Frantz (Assistant Town Planner). ALSO PRESENT: Attorney Edward King, Valerie Bennett,. Jodi.Demko, Lisa Finn, Thomas Murray. Chairperson Cornell declared the meeting duly opened at 7:38 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 November 8, 1996, and November 11, 1996, together with the Secretary's Affidavit of Service by Mail of said Notice upon the various neighbors of each of the properties under discussion, as appropriate, upon the Clerks of the City of Ithaca, Town of Danby, and Town of Ithaca, and 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 November 11, 1996. (Affidavit of Posting and Publication is hereto attached as Exhibit #1.) Chairperson Cornell 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 Cornell requested a moment of silence for City of Ithaca Police Investigator, Officer Michael Padula, who was killed in the line of duty Sunday, night. Chairperson Cornell stated that everyone should congratulate Board Member Herbert Finch on his recent retirement. AGENDA ITEM, PERSONS TO BE HEARD. There being no one present who wished to speak, Chairperson Cornell closed this segment of the meeting. AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT, FOR THE PROPOSED BEELER SUBDIVISION, LOCATED AT 1207 HANSHAW ROAD. Chairperson Cornell declared the above -noted matter duly opened at 7:40 p.m., and read aloud from the Agenda. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 2 NOVEMBER 19,1996 APPROVED = DECEMBER 17, 1996 Attorney Edward King stated that the strip of land in question is level, grassy with flowers and trees, and there are no special water courses or features or wildlife. parcel. Chairperson Cornell asked if there would be any further subdivision or development on this Attorney King stated that there would not be any further development or subdivision. Director of Planning Jonathan Kanter asked if both effected lots have houses on them, except for the new 16 foot wide strip. Attorney King stated that was correct. MOTION made by Mr. Herbert Finch, seconded by Mr. James Ainslie: 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. is There being no further discussion, Chairperson Cornell called for a vote: AYES - Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox. NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. (NOTE: The adopted resolution is hereto attached as Exhibit #2.) Chairperson Cornell duly closed the matter of environmental significance for the two -lot subdivision at 1207 Hanshaw Road at 7:42 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING. CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY AND FINAL SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION OF A STRIP OF LAND 16 FEET BY 190 +/- FEET, ENCOMPASSING 3,040 +/- SQUARE FEET OF LAND, FROM TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO. 71 -3 -3, LOCATED AT 1207 HANSHAW ROAD, FOR CONSOLIDATION WITH TOWN OF ITHACA TAX PARCEL NO. 71 -3 -10, LOCATED AT 110 ROAT STREET, RESIDENCE DISTRICT R45. JOAN R. BEELER, OWNER; JOHN ANDERSON, APPLICANT; EDWARD W. KING, AGENT. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 Chairperson Cornell declared the above -noted matter duly opened at 7:43 p.m., and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above. Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that on the survey entitled "Survey Map, A Subdivision at 1207 Hanshaw Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York" dated November 8, 1996 prepared by Howard R. Schlieder, L.S., P.E., that Ms. Beeler has requested a transfer of the 16 foot wide strip to the west side of the parcel identified as John M. And Jean M. Anderson (Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71- 3 -10). Mr. Frantz stated that he is proposing that the Planning Board approve it with the condition that the 16 -foot strip be consolidated with the Anderson property. Board Member Eva Hoffmann asked if the dotted line on Ms. Beeler's property indicates two separate lots. Attorney King stated that the Beeler 's acquired the rectangular lot with the house on the south side of Hanshaw Road, and then later acquired the second parcel in back of the first original parcel. Attorney King stated that the proposal is to cut off the 16 -foot wide strip from the Beeler property that was acquired when they purchased the second parcel. Board Member Hoffmann asked if these are two separate parcels. The numbers indicate one 0 complete parcel. Attorney King stated that the dotted lines are historical indicators showing how the properties were conveyed to the Beelers. Chairperson Cornell clarified that the Beeler parcel includes the square parcel, the rectangular parcel, and the 16 foot wide strip shown on the survey map. Attorney King stated that was correct. Board Member Fred Wilcox stated that this subdivision would take the 16 -foot access strip away from the back parcel owned by the Beelers. Chairperson Cornell noted that this was a Public Hearing, and asked if anyone else present wished to speak. No one spoke. Chairperson Cornell closed the Public Hearing, and brought the matter back to the Board for discussion. Director of Engineering Daniel Walker stated that the 4 -foot strip is actually a drainage way. There are no real problems at this location as long as no one decides to develop on this drainage ditch. • MOTION made by Mr. Robert Kenerson, seconded by Ms. Eva Hoffmann: . PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 4 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 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 a strip of land 16 feet by 190 +/- feet, encompassing 3,040 +/- square feet of land, from Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -3, located at 1207 Hanshaw Road, for consolidation with Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -10, located at 110 Roat Street, as shown on the survey map entitled "Survey Map, s Subdivision at 1207 Hanshaw Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York" prepared by Howard R. Schlieder, L.S., P.E. and dated November 8, 1996, subject to the following conditions: a. Submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an original or mylar copy of the plat and four dark -line prints; , b. Submission of a Surveyor's Certificate per the requirements of Article VI, Y p q Section 37 of the Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations; C. Within six months of this approval, conveyance of the strip of land 16 feet by 190 +/- feet, encompassing 3,040 +/- square feet of land, as shown on the above referenced survey map to the owners of Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -10, and delivery to the Town Planner of a copy of the recorded deed to such owners and a copy of the communication from such owners to the Tompkins County Division of Assessment requesting consolidation of said strip of land with Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -10. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Planning Board hereby waives the requirement for any park land reservations or payment of a fee in lieu of such land dedication, having determined from the materials presented that a proper case does not exist for requiring that a park or parks be suitably located as part of the proposed plat, and 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. There being no further discussions, Chairperson Cornell called for a vote. • AYES - Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 5 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. (NOTE: The adopted resolution is hereto attached as Exhibit #3.) Chairperson Cornell declared the matter of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the two -lot subdivision at 1207 Hanshaw Road duly closed at 7:50 p.m. AGENDA ITEM: APPROVAL OF MINUTES =OCTOBER 29. 1996. MOTION by Mr. Herbert Finch, seconded by Mr. James Ainslie: RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board Meeting of October 29, 1996, by and hereby are approved as written. There being no further discussion, Chairperson Cornell called for a vote. AYES - Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson. • NAYS - None. ABSTAIN - Wilcox. The motion was declared to be carried. AGENDA ITEM: OTHER BUSINESS, Board Member James Ainslie stated that two people who sat through a long discussion at the previous meeting wondered why the Planning Board puts times down on. their agendas and do not go by them. Chairperson Cornell asked Board Member Ainslie if he received a complaint. Board Member Ainslie stated that he received a personal complaint. Attorney for the Town John Barney stated that for a point of reference, the Zoning Board of Appeals does not put times on their agendas. They take the appeals in order they appear on the agenda. Someone that is coming before the Zoning Board of Appeals, does not know when they might be called. Attorney Barney stated that this is done as a favor to people, to try and give an estimate time as to when they may get to the meeting. If the meeting runs over their scheduled times, then the people need to wait. People would need to accept this. The Board does not know • ahead of time which matters may create more controvacy or need more explanation or study than anticipated by the staff when they put the agenda together. The other alternative is to lengthen the • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 6 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 meeting out. For example, the agenda shows a Public Hearing at 7:40 p.m. and another Public Hearing at 8:05 p.m. where the staff could show the Public Hearings at 7:40 p.m. and the next at 8:40 p.m., but the Board would not be happy if they finished the 7:40 p.m. Public Hearing in 15 minutes and then have to wait 45 minutes to start the next Public Hearing. The people would need to come at their own risk, but these are approximations. They could go on earlier or later than their scheduled times. Chairperson Cornell stated that it also depends on the applicant, and how prepared the applicant is. The staff does not know these things ahead of time when setting up the agendas. Board Member Hoffmann stated that it is unfair to expect the staff to be able to predict a length of time for both the applicant's and the Board's discussion about an issue. Chairperson Cornell stated that no matter what committee people are on, it is hard to set an agenda. Chairperson Cornell announced that on Saturday, November 23, 1996, at the Ramada Inn, a conference will be held entitled "Working Together to Secure a Future for Agriculture in Tompkins County", sponsored by the Tompkins County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board and Cornell •Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. Chairperson Cornell stated that she will attend this workshop, and would encourage other Board Members to attend. Board Member Wilcox stated that he appreciated the Town Planning Staffs tour of agricultural land. It was very instructional. AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT, FOR THE PROPOSED SITE PLAN MODIFICATION FOR COURTSIDE RACQUET AND FITNESS CLUB, LOCATED AT 16 JUDD FALLS ROAD. Chairperson Cornell declared the above -matter duly opened at 8:01 p.m., and read aloud from the Agenda. Planner JoAnn Cornish stated that this is a small change to a previously approved site plan. On the Site Plan entitled "Alterations to: Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club, Inc., 16 Judd Falls Road, Ithaca, New York" prepared by Cornerstone Architects dated December 6, 1993, revised April 251 1995, September 5, 1995, November 27, 1995, and October 9, 1996. The northeast corner of the building shows a little striped rectangle that represents the cooling tower. Mr. Murray was before the Planning Board approximately a year ago, asking for permission to put the cooling tower in. At that time, Mr. Murray was proposing to remove three parking spaces, enclose the cooling tower with •a fence, and add landscaping. Since that time, the cooling tower has been installed, and it took far less space than anticipated. In fact, the three parking spaces are usable, and Mr. Murray uses one • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 7 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 himself near his office in the corner of the building. The other two spaces are used by employees. Mr. Murray has requested a modification to the site plan, so he does not have to remove those three parking spaces. Mr. Murray has put the fence up, and the landscaping that currently exists is in good shape. Chairperson Cornell asked if there is any danger parking next to the cooling unit. Planner Cornish responded, no. The noise might be a factor, but she did not hear any noise when she visited the site. She does not think there is any danger. Board Member Herbert Finch stated that he visited the site, and everything looks very good. Planner Cornish stated that Mr. Murray has just recently painted the building. Board Member Hoffmann stated that painting the building has made a huge difference. Board Member Wilcox stated that he would like to see the plantings come up a little taller to cover the fence. • Board Member Hoffmann asked what has happened to the improvements Mr. Murray applied for earlier. Planner Cornish's letter mentioned that Mr. Murray was going to add exterior stairs, windows, a door on the east end of the building, etc. She also stated that the plantings along Judd Falls Road appear to be different than what it shown on the plans. Planner Cornish stated that was correct. The first plantings looked very nice when they planted them, but they died. In the spring, Ms. Cornish informed Mr. Murray that the plantings would need to be replaced. The second plantings are deciduous shrubs which will grow quite tall and provide shade. Board Member Hoffmann asked if this new plan would qualify for a site plan improvement when Mr. Murray is building the stairway, and other improvements he applied for earlier. Planner Cornish stated that they were part of the site plan that was approved last year. MOTION made by Mr. Herbert Finch, seconded by Mr. Robert Kenerson: 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. • • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 8 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 There being no further discussion, Chairperson Cornell called for a vote: AYES - Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox. NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. (NOTE: The adopted resolution is hereto attached as Exhibit #4.) Chairperson Cornell declared the matter of environmental significance for the Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club at 16 Judd Falls Road duly closed at 8:07 p.m. 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 THE CONFIGURATION OF PARKING AND LANDSCAPING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE EXISTING 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 Cornell declared the above -noted matter duly opened at 8:08 p.m., and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above. Board Member Wilcox asked why condition 2, clause "a" is in the resolution. Planner Cornish stated that the Planning Staff did not collect a review fee from Mr. Murray at the time of the application. Board Member Wilcox asked if it is appropriate that this clause remain. Planner Cornish stated that it is part of the checklist, so it is appropriate. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the applicant did not sign the Short Environmental Assessment Form, and that he did not answer the last question on the form. Planner Cornish stated that was correct, and the form was mailed to the applicant to sign. Board Member Hoffmann asked when the other improvements that were approved by the Planning Board would be completed. •Thomas Murray stated that those improvements would be done when he signs tenants to lease space, which would probably be next summer. That is the busy time of year. The staircase • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 9 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 might not continue to be part of the plan. Mr. Murray stated that he would be coming back to the Planning Board due to the size of the project, if he decided to do anything else. Chairperson Cornell asked if the staircase was for safety purpose. Mr. Murray responded, no, that was access to the second floor for office space. Mr. Murray stated that if he was to build the staircase it had to be metal. Chairperson Cornell noted that this was a Public Hearing, and asked if anyone else present wished to speak. No one spoke. Chairperson Cornell closed the Public Hearing, and brought the matter back to the Board for discussion. MOTION made by Ms. Eva Hoffmann, seconded by Mr. Herbert Finch: 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 for the proposed site plan entitled "Alterations to: Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club" dated December 66, 1993 and revised April 25, 1995, September 5, 1995, November 271 1995, and October 9, 1996, prepared by Cornerstone Architects, and additional application materials subject to the following conditions: a. Payment of additional review fees due. b. Submission of an original or mylar copy of the final site plan. There being no further discussions, Chairperson Cornell called for a vote. AYES - Cornell, Hoffmann, Ainslie, Finch, Kenerson, Wilcox. NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. (NOTE: The adopted resolution is hereto attached as Exhibit #5.) • Chairperson Cornell declared the matter of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 10 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED =DECEMBER 17, 1996 Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club at 16 Judd Falls Road duly closed at 8:15 p.m. NEW BUSINESS: ECOVILLAGE DISCUSSION. Director of Engineering Walker stated that .EcoVillage had a fire on Saturday night, which destroyed eight units and the Common House for their residential area. Mr. Walker stated that unit 1 is apparently where the fire started, and the four duplex units attached were unoccupied and uncompleted. They had no interior wall boards up yet, that it was just framed in. The Common House was in the same state, the exterior was up and they were working on the interior partitions. This was the worst possible situation for a fire with this open construction. There was a fair amount of building materials such as hardwood stacked and stored inside the Common House. The fire was noticed by EcoVillage residents approximately 6:00 p.m. Saturday night, which appeared to have started in unit 1. The fire department arrived on the scene approximately 6:10 p.m., and units 1 and 2 and the Common House were fully engulfed. There was a slight wind blowing the fire back and forth. Mr. Walker stated that he happened to be in Town, and arrived at the scene approximately 6:15 p.m., and by the time he arrived units 3 and 4 were fully engulfed with unit 5 starting to smoke. The first units from the fire department arrived in the loop area, and emptied their pumper tanks onto the buildings. Then they proceeded to drive an engine around the west side of the fire, and planted it at the end of the pond. The engine had to be pulled out later. They were able to get a draft hose into the pond and were able to pump water back to supply one of the engines. Mr. Walker stated that when he arrived at the scene he used the emergency access road. There was no problem with the main road, it was wide enough so traffic could pass. There is a fire stand pipe located on the north side of the pond. The original plans had a dry hydrant located at the end of the access road. Mr. Walker stated that his understanding was that the fire department met with the EcoVillage representatives and the developer recently, and had discussed the stand pipe location and access. Chairperson Cornell asked what is the difference between a dry hydrant and a regular hydrant. Director of Engineering Walker stated that the dry hydrant is a dry draft tube that is buried into the ground that runs into the pond. There is a fitting on the end that would allow a pumper to hook up to it and suck water out of the pond. It provides access to the water even if the pond is frozen over. The fire department brought one engine around the back to hook up to this unit, at that point unit six was fully engulfed and unit seven was starting to smoke. By the time the fire department was set, all the units were fully burning. Units nine and 10, and the southeasterly units and the northeasterly units had occupants in some of them. Units nine and 10 were occupied, and all the rest of the units were evacuated. The fire department was able to put water on the other buildings to prevent them from burning. Mr. Walker stated that he left the scene approximately 7:00 p.m., and the fire department had the fire some what under control. Most of the fire was out around 8:00 p.m., and clean up operations were under way. The interesting thing was, that there seemed to be a lot of confusion. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 11 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 When he left approximately 7:00 p.m., the driveway was lined up with vehicles on both sides of the road, but it was still wide enough so the emergency vehicles could move back and forth. The fire departments were drawing water from a hydrant on West Haven Road, which was located approximately a mile away. They were able to bring water back and forth on the tankers. The fire department apparently approved the stand pipe location, but there is no roadway on the south side of the buildings. Fortunately, the ground was firm enough along the yard so they could get trucks in there and not get stuck. Mr. Walker stated that this was not part of the original site plan, except that the pond was labeled optional. He said he does remember the optional note on the fire line when the Planning Board had discusses on this project. There was no sense of putting in the fire line if the pond was not going to be built. The Planning Board felt the pond was a good amenity, and the Board told them they could build the pond if they were able, but the applicant indicated that they may not have the funds to do. Board Member Ainslie asked if there was any live hydrants on site. Director of Engineering Walker stated that there are no pressurized hydrants on site. • Board Member Ainslie stated that he thought there was going to be at least one live hydrant on the site. Director of Engineering Walker stated that EcoVillage's water supply comes from a pump house on West Haven Road, and they pump the water approximately a half mile uphill. They were using a four -inch PVC line, and they have adequate pressure and flow for domestic use. There is not adequate flow for a fire hydrant, and there is no storage tank. Board Member Ainslie asked if the Planning Board was smart to allow EcoVillage not to have a live hydrant up there. Director of Engineering Walker stated that this complex was consistent with building codes. The water system is certified for public, but it is outside the Town's pressure zone. During the earliest discussions of the Planning Board had with the developer, it was suggested that the Town should extend the water service with adequate pressure and flow to serve EcoVillage complex. When the applicants first came in they did talk about it, and then the costs proved to be too high to build a water tank and build a water line to meet the Town's specifications to allow the Town to accept ownership of the water system. Board Member Ainslie stated that the people at the open house were discussing building • second neighborhood. They could get into the same situation with the fire and water. 0 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 12 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED = DECEMBER 17, 1996 Director of Engineering Walker stated that some builders and most people do not realize that the greatest risks for a fire is during construction, especially in cold weather. The fire department has not come up with a cause yet for the fire. Some people have speculated that a space heater could have over heated, and this is not an uncommon occurrence in cold weather construction. Chairperson Cornell stated that the problem was not because of this village. It was because the housing was still under construction. Director of Engineering Walker stated that was correct, plus under the worst possible conditions. Chairperson Cornell asked if the Town was going to be obligated to build a new water tower on West Hill, Board Member Finch stated that it would cost the Town a lot of money. Director of Engineering Walker stated that he was not involved with the discussions during the building permit process and the evaluation process from the fire department to review the site and access issues. Mr. Walker stated that he does not think the fire department recommended • putting the fire hydrant there, and that the applicant probably requested that location. Chairperson Cornell stated that there needs to be a hard surface around the dry hydrant so a tanker could get there. Director of Engineering Walker stated that was correct. Mr. Walker stated that he had a concern about the location of the stand pipe. If there was three or four feet of snow on the ground, the stand pipe would not have been accessible. Chairperson Cornell stated that this area could turn into a muddy area. Director of Engineering stated that this area is built up high because there has been a lot of construction equipment traveling over the south portion of the building, so they put gravel in to stabilize the surface. If the trucks get off that surface, the ground would be very soft. Attorney Barney asked how many trucks got stuck. Director of Engineering Walker stated mentioned that two trucks got stuck.. There parked too far off the shoulder that may have number of on lookers before they closed the is Attorney Barney asked if this Board that he knows of one getting stuck, but someone else also may have been a few vehicles on the road that got stuck. There was over 100 fire fighters and a fair roads to keep people out. had not insisted the road to be built to the Town's • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 13 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 standards, would all the fire engines been able to get in there. Director of Engineering Walker stated that he was glad that there was 20 foot wide roads because vehicles needed to pass each other when they were bringing water in and sending empty trucks out. If there was not the full width of the road, there would have been more difficulty getting in and out. Approximately 7:00 p.m., where he was standing on the eastern side of the residence units, there was a pumper from Ithaca putting water on the fire, and another pumper and two tankers came around the south side of the units, and had to park bumper to bumper. That could be contributed to the coordination efforts of the firemen not being familiar with the set up and some confusion about where they should be going. Mr. Walker stated that what concerned him, is 40 to 50 houses are close to each other, and one volunteering company drove an engine in between two units. The purpose of that was to try and keep the other buildings cooled with water. There was a slight wind to contribute to the spread of the fire, but the wind was not windy as it could have been. If the fire had jumped to the other buildings, they could go very quickly also. Board Member Ainslie asked if EcoVillage's fire insurance will have a terrible time redoing a policy the way this complex is set up. Director of Engineering Walker stated that this complex meets the New York State Building • Codes. Board Member Ainslie asked how many people would be involved in this complex. Director of Engineering Walker stated that there are 30 units. If each family unit have 3 to 4 people in it, then there could be approximately 120 people in question. Mr. Walker stated that he does not think that the residences of EcoVillage will be seeking a variance for sprinklers for the Common House. If it is up to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals they would not grant it, and if it is up to the State they would not grant it either. Attorney Barney stated that the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals has already granted them a variance to put in a less than required standard sprinkler system. There is a sprinkler system going in, it would be an $8,000.00 system opposed to an $80,000.00 system. Director of Engineering Walker stated that EcoVillage has water available if they wanted to put a fire pump in to access the pond water. They do have good domestic pumping capacity that would serve the sprinkler systems. The main thing is that the Common House would be the only building that would be unoccupied for extended period of times. If a fire started in the Common House it might not be noticed right away, whereas if the units are fully occupied with smoke alarms, they would probably be better protected because the fire would be noticed sooner. Once the units are finished with sheet rock, the fire would tend to spread slower. • Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that he heard that the fire department did not use the PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 14 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 emergency access road. Director of Engineering Walker stated that was correct. They did not come from the West Haven Road access road, probably because they did not know where the road was. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that this is also a long standing problem with the access road at Penny Lane. Director of Engineering Walker stated that they did not have an access problem getting to the site from the main road. Station 6 had to come down from Sheffield Road, and most of the volunteer units came from the south. It would be a better access for them to come down the main road. If the road had been blocked, they could have used the emergency access road. Mr. Walker stated that he is not sure if they used the access road after he left the scene. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the fire departments could have saved themselves a mile or two in terms of round trips to the hydrant on West Haven Road if they used the emergency access road. Director of Engineering Walker stated that the closest hydrant is approximately a half mile down. There are hydrants approximately 600 feet apart on West Haven Road. If they utilized these hydrants to run water back and forth they would have been closer and pressure might have been better. It is possible the fire departments could have utilized the access road if they had had their act together to hook onto a hydrant on West Haven Road and run a hose to a second pumper to bring the water in. Mr. Walker stated that he was a little surprised that EcoVillage did not build the pipe line when they built the pond, but he knew the cost was pretty high for that and they were limited to a budget. Chairperson Cornell asked approximately how much would it cost. Director of Engineering Walker stated that it would be approximately be $20.00 a foot, which would be $20,000.00 for 1,000 feet. Planner Cornish asked how much would it approximately cost to build a road to get access to the dry hydrant. Director of Engineering Walker stated that would cost the same as putting the pipe into the ground. Chairperson Cornell asked if Mr. Walker thinks that EcoVillage might ask the Town for a water tower. • Director of Engineering Walker stated that there might be a request for the water tower, • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 15 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 especially when the second neighborhood comes in. Chairperson Cornell asked if the Town has an obligation. Director of Engineering Walker responded, not necessarily. Board Member Ainslie stated that he knew the person who lived in the first house on West Haven Road going south. He did not have enough water many days to go to the upstairs. Mr. Ainslie asked if that pressure in the line increased within the past five years. Director of Engineering stated that Fine does not have any more pressure than before. Board Member Ainslie asked if this person could not get water to his upstairs, how can the fire department hook into the hydrant to fill tankers. Director of Engineering Walker responded, yes, that they would pump with a suction on the line. Board Member Ainslie asked even if the pressure was not full. • Director of Engineering Walker stated that the line is 12 inches, which is over sized for domestic use. By being 12 inches, they were probably able to draw approximately 1,000 gallons a minute with the pumps from the engines without causing any damages. The pressure would drop to the residents on West Haven Road. Board Member Ainslie asked if there is adequate water on West Hill. Director of Engineering Walker stated that there is not adequate water pressure on parts of the West Hill. Board Member Ainslie stated that the only reason he brings this up is because there were hydrants put on Route 96. There are tags on them that state if people want to hook in they would need to call to try and get water up there. Really these hydrants look like hydrants, but they are not active ones. Director of Engineering Walker stated that hydrants are color coded. The hydrants on West Haven Road are colored yellow, which means minimal water supply. Red means do not hook up to this hydrant. Yellow means they could get water out, but be careful. The volunteer companies are not used to the hydrants. 0 Board Member Ainslie stated that the bad part is, people see the hydrants and think there is water there. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 16 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 Director of Engineering Walker stated that one of the proposal he had before the Town Board in the past, was to put another tank zone in to increase the pressure on that portion West Haven Road. If the project across the road from EcoVillage went through, that would probably have been a requirement because there would have been 200 units there in the same proximity as Eco Village. Chairperson Cornell stated that they were going to pay for the water tank Director of Engineering Walker stated that would be reasonable to ask a developer to pay for the water improvements. Chairperson Cornell asked how much would it cost for a water tower. Director of Engineering stated that it would probably cost approximately $500,000.00 to put the infrastructure in and to provide public water to EcoVillage. Chairperson Cornell asked if the Town could establish a new local water district. Director of Engineering Walker stated that they would not have to because the Town has a Townwide water district. • Director of Planning Kanter stated that he spoke with Ray Wheaten from the fire department. Mr. Wheaten suggested that the Town should not approve any more developments on West Hill until there is a full public water system with adequate pressure. Mr. Wheaten thinks the Town should think about this seriously before EcoVillage comes in with the plans for the second village. Mr. Wheaten is interested in extending West Haven Road through to Bundy Road for the West Hill fire station. The firemen think that this road extension should be proposed in the near future for better access to the West Hill area. Director of Engineering Walker stated that Station 1 had the first engines on the site, which came from the central station. The engine from Station 6, had to come up Sheffield Road to Mecklenburg Road and come down to EcoVillage. Chairperson Cornell asked how long did it take the fire departments to get there. Director of Engineering Walker stated that it probably took them an extra 5 to 6 minutes to do that. If there was a through road, it might have cut at least that much time off of it. Chairperson Cornell asked how long did it take to get up the driveway from Mecklenburg Road. 0 Director of Planning Kanter stated that Mr. Wheaten mentioned that they did not have any problems with the physical state of the new driveway, but the excess length was still a concern. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 Director of Engineering Walker stated that compare the distance from the fire station, it would only take approximately 30 seconds down the driveway. Chairperson Cornell thanked Mr. Walker for hanging tough on the road improvement issues while the Board was deliberating the project. Director of Engineering Walker stated that there needed to be a solid road. The fire department is not happy with the emergency access road as it stands now, and he thought this Board passed it by them and made their comments, but apparently they did not see the plans. The fire department is saying that the turning radius is tight for their bigger vehicles where the access road comes down. The fire department had a meeting on Friday before the fire about EcoVillage. Mr. Walker stated that he did not attend the meeting, but the code enforcement officer attended to represent the Town. They discussed the different ways to access to the buildings and the pond MeWPO Board Member Ainslie stated that he knows how difficult the soils in the area can be from his farm work. Even though fire engines have dual wheels, it is unrealistic for fire engines to drive between two houses unless they have a subsurface built to hold a fire engine. 0 Chairperson Cornell stated that the EcoVillage complex did meet all of the Town's building codes. Director of Engineering Walker stated that the same question came up with Ithacare in regards to the access to the back of the property being not a road, but a stabilized lawn. Granted if there were sprinklers in these units, the sprinklers will work if a fire did start. The question is what happens during the construction process when the building is at the greatest risk. Chairperson Cornell asked how much do sprinkler systems cost. Director of Engineering Walker stated that it depends on what type of system needs to be put in. Planner Cornish stated that the Longhouse, Inc. came into the Zoning Board of Appeals with an estimate of approximately $120,000.00 for their sprinkler system for two triplex units. Director of Engineering Walker stated that would include water supply and a pumping system. It would be approximately $5,000.00 for a house sprinkler system for retrofitting and for putting the pipes in. For one of the duplex units it would cost approximately $3,000.00 to run pipes and two or three heads into each room, but only if they have adequate water, pressure, and flow. A water system will deliver approximately 120 gallons a minute at 60 pounds of pressure that they have there • now, which if only one or two heads fire that would be adequate. If all the heads fire, it is not going to make it, but of course, if all the heads fire the place is probably gone anyway. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 18 APPROVED = DECEMBER 17, 1996 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 Chairperson Cornell stated that she was envisioning the sprinkler system cost for an apartment complex the size of EcoVillage first residence group with sprinklers in each. Director of Engineering Walker stated that if there had been a sprinkler wherever this fire started, it probably would have knocked the fire down so it would not have spread so much. Chairperson Cornell asked if there was any closure to this issue. Director of Engineering Walker responded, no. Mr. Walker stated that he thinks the residents of EcoVillage will have a better understanding of why the Town asked for these different requirements, such as the sprinklers, length of the driveway, and why a hard surface road is maintained as a secondary access. Chairperson Cornell asked if EcoVillage will change their site plans. Attorney Barney stated that it is up to EcoVillage to change their site plans because they have approved site plans. Director of Engineering Walker stated that he thinks they might have to change their site plan, because the fire hydrant at the end of the emergency road was not installed. It said "optional" on the site plan, that they did not have to put it in. Mr. Walker stated that he felt the thought process was that when EcoVillage mentioned they were going to make the pond optional because they might not be able to afford to build it, it did not make sense to put the fire hydrant if there is no pond because there would be no water. If they did build the optional pond, then the fire line was no longer optional, which it is not written on the plans that way. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that he does not know of any development project that has been discussed as much as EcoVillage, and that has had the input of as many experts in land use and design as this project has had. Much of that input had been ignored by the members of EcoVillage. Suggestions such as not locating the project out in the middle of nowhere at the end of a half mile driveway, and allowing through traffic circulation. Many people advised to put the complex closer to West Haven Road or closer to Mecklenburg Road where they would be closer to the pressure zone and closer to the fire hydrant. Board Member Kenerson stated that the Town does not know yet what the insurance company is going to do. EcoVillage cannot continue without an insurance policy. Director of Planning Kanter stated that is true, and wondered what the insurance could require EcoVillage to do in order to reinsure them. O Attorney Barney stated that he does not think the insurance companies can do anything, except raise their coverage rates. This is a lesson well learned. When the next group comes in, • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 19 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED = DECEMBER 17, 1996 this Board will be able to point to the consequences for doing things their way as opposed to following the Town requirements. Director of Engineering Walker stated that if this project had been done as a traditional subdivision with 60 foot separations between buildings, that they might have lost only one building. Chairperson Cornell asked if the burnt buildings are totally destroyed including their foundations. Director of Engineering Walker stated that the 8 units plus the Common House were destroyed. In discussions with Mr. Frost (Director of Building and Zoning), he mentioned that the temperatures rose to approximately 1,900 degrees which was sufficient to totally melt all the copper piping so it is not visible anymore. The fire probably affected the concrete in at least three of the duplex units. The fourth unit, some of the building is half standing, which did not get quite as hot as the other units. The Common House has the back wall still standing, and did not get as quite as hot. Chairperson Cornell asked if they could move some of the burnt buildings farther apart. Director of Engineering Walker stated, not necessarily. • Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that this project is architecturally a solid design. These buildings are no closer together than the vast majority of homes in the City of Ithaca. Director of Engineering Walker stated that besides the access problem, that it would be the water availability. In the City of Ithaca there is a City street 20 feet away from the house. Chairperson Cornell asked if it would be appropriate for the Town to call EcoVillage to see if they need any help in terms of rethinking the project. Director of Engineering Walker stated that they know where the Town Hall is. Director of Planning Kanter stated that the Town could express our sympathies. Chairperson Cornell stated that she has already expressed sympathies. Director of Engineering Walker stated that from discussions of the fire departments with the developer of this project, that they might put more dry hydrants in. The problem is they would need a water source to fill hydrants. One thing that might have helped would have been hydrant connections that EcoVillage could pump into and be charged, but the critical time is the first 10 minutes. The same night the Ithaca Fire Department had another problem on East King Road, a •house fire. The fire department said they were glad they could get the fire out with the water they had on the truck because the nearest hydrant was 1,200 feet away on the public water system. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 Apparently, the Town had money problems when they built that system, so the Town did not put hydrants in every 600 feet like the Town's standards are now. Mr. Walker stated that he would be looking into putting more hydrants on East King Road. Board Member Finch asked where the fire was. Director of Engineering Walker stated that the fire was on East King Road, which might have been one of Monkemeyer's houses between Hospicare and Danby Road. The fire department.might not have known that there was a fire hydrant at Hospicare. They connected to the hydrant at Chase Lane, and ran their house out, but they were 200 feet short. Mr. Walker stated that is one of the things when the Town designed the water system, now the Town looks at the water for fire flow as a critical need and having hydrants every 600 feet would be the standard. If that development was served by a public water main, there would have been a hydrant at each end of the development. The access to the hydrants are a critical thing. One of the dry hydrants, which was shown on this plan, would provide a way to get to the hydrant under any weather conditions because the access road needs to be maintained. Once there is water to the hydrants, the firemen could run a long ways with a two -inch hose if they need to. Attorney Barney stated that the fire would not have been as bad, as Mr. Walker indicated, if the buildings were not under construction. . Director of Engineering Walker stated that the construction was bare pine, and a lot of OSB board. The whole place is OSB, which is the flake board with a lot of glue in it, so it burned like crazy. Director of Planning Kanter stated that the fire department views the West Haven emergency access road as being too narrow and not having an adequate gravel surface to support their biggest trucks. Director of Engineering Walker stated that the road was stable this time, but with the frost coming out of the ground it might be adequate. Director of Planning Kanter stated that after his talks with the fire department, he thinks they might not try to use the access road next time. Director of Engineering Walker stated that after looking at the configuration, the emergency access points do not leave a lot of space between the buildings where they could actually bring a truck in. Board Member Hoffmann stated that they would not want to have two large vehicles meeting each other on that road. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 21 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 Director of Engineering Walker stated that vehicles did meet each other on the secondary road, and could not go anyplace. At one point, they had one truck pumping from the dry hydrant, that three more trucks came in, and they did not have any place to go. The trucks were bumper to bumper, so they had to back them up. The ground was soft on the outside edges. One of the pumpers backed up on the access road and drive up between the buildings. If they had gone five feet too far, they would have more stuck vehicles and there would have been a mess up there. Board Member Hoffmann asked if there was any possibility that the Planning Board or the Town might be in legal trouble because of the EcoVillage fire and wanted to insure that the minutes reflect all the cautions the Boards gave EcoVillage about their project. Attorney Barney stated that he does not know whether the minutes reflect them, but there have been enough letters, correspondences, and meeting outside of the minutes. The very first time EcoVillage came to the Board it showed the half mile. Mr. Walker, Mr. Kanter, Mr. Frantz, and himself were urging them to rethink their project through again. Board Member Finch stated that the minutes would show a lot of the actions the Town had taken about this project. • Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that EcoVillage did argue in public against things such as through roads. Board Member Hoffmann stated that she remembers some of it being said, but it needs to be recorded in the minutes to be valid. Director of Planning Kanter stated that there is enough of it in the minutes, correspondences, letters, and meetings about the EcoVillage project. Board Member Ainslie asked if anyone was aware that when Jerry Weisburd built the Commonlands, there was a fire during construction. Director of Engineering Walker stated that he did not know anything about that. Board Member Ainslie stated that it is not impossible when people are trying to build in cold weather by using space heaters. Mr. Ainslie stated that he did not know how extensive the fire was at Commonland, and that he did not know anything about it until his wife mentioned it to him after the EcoVillage fire. There being no further discussion on the EcoVillage project, Chairperson Cornell closed this segment of the meeting. • AGENDA ITEM: INTRODUCTORY PRESENTATION BY STAFF OF DRAFT 1996 PARK AND • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 22 - -- NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 OPEN SPACE PLAN, TOWN OF ITHACA (POSTPONED FROM OCTOBER 29, 1996, PLANNING BOARD MEETING), Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that prior to the October 29, 1996 Planning Board Meeting, each Board Member was given the first four chapters of the Draft: 1996 Park and Open Space Plan. Chapter.5 is included in the packets for tonight's meeting while Chapter 6, outlining the financial plan for implementing the Plan, is still being written. The staff began the revised Park Plan by inventorying all existing recreational facilities available to town residents, including those provided by the City of Ithaca and the State Parks, and comparing these facilities to the national standard guidelines published by the National Recreation Park Association. These standards were compared to the existing town population and projected future populations based on the Comprehensive Plan. Assistant Town Planner Frantz used the maps in Chapter 3 of the draft plan to review the current and projected needs of the Town's growing population. The distribution of parks and recreational facilities of all categories throughout the town was discussed in depth. The deficiency of parks on West Hill and the need for locating more area parks were of particular interest. • Board Member Ainslie stated that Mr. Frantz was concerned about the lights at Cass Park at the beginning of the presentation. Mr. Ainslie asked Mr. Frantz if he has any idea of putting a lighted park somewhere else in the Town where people could play night softball games. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that this helps address that problem. The biggest problem with Cass Park is that they have to play several games at night on each diamond. If the Town supplies more diamonds, the activities could be spread out throughout the Town. Director of Planning Kanter stated that this would be something the Town needs to decide as part of the park development. Board Member Ainslie asked Mr. Frantz if he planned to have another lighted park. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that he thinks parks should be designed in a manner so it could become necessary 20 years in the future to add lights to the park. It could be done in a way that would not impact the area. Board Member Ainslie asked Mr. Frantz if he knew what it would cost to put the big lights up for the play fields. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that for Cass Park it would cost $145,000.00 just to • repair the lights. • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 23 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 Attorney Barney stated that it was $225,000.00 for lights on the play fields for Lansing School facilities, which was knocked out of their budget when it was voted on. This would be for the installation of the lights, and not the maintenance or utility cost. Park. Planner Cornish stated that it costs approximately $30,000.00 a year of electricity to light Cass Board Member Hoffmann asked if there is a community park area in the Northeast area besides by the school. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that there are no community parks in the Northeast area, but there are neighborhood parks. Board Member Hoffmann asked if the neighborhood parks in the Northeast area have any play fields in them. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that there are no play fields in the Northeast area. The Tareyton Park site has a practice field now, which could possibly accommodate regulation standard softball field. The Town does not own the Tareyton Park, they have a license from Cornell to use • the land. The second problem is the Town would need to be careful about attracting too many people to Tareyton Park because they would be driving up on Salem or Muriel Streets. Unless the Town could develop the area to the north, then there might be better access to the Tareyton Park. In the Northeast area, there is little or no land left. Board Member Hoffmann asked if there were any ballfields at the Northeast school. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that there is large flat lawn area where the children could play. The land would not be large enough to accommodate a regulation size ball field. There are also some ball fields at the DeWitt Middle School. One of the staff's general recommendation would be for the Town to investigate a consolidation of area park system with the City of Ithaca and the Village of Lansing. This would be the logical idea from the standpoint of the Northeast area, because across Uptown Road from the Town of Ithaca is a very nice Village of Lansing park. If this was part of a consolidation system, that it could be called upon to serve the Northeast portion of the Town of Ithaca. Board Member Ainslie asked who controls the nice leveled park on Sand Bank Road. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that is part of the Buttermilk Falls State Park, which the City runs. •Planner Cornish stated that the City of Ithaca has a 99 -year lease on that property, and the City maintains it. Ll PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 24 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 Board Member Finch stated that in the inventory, he did not see anything about the public school playgrounds and playing fields. Those fields are used a lot by Town residents as well as other residents. Mr. Finch asked why the staff left those out of the inventory. tables. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the staff did list them in the text under one of the Board Member Finch stated that he did not see any description as he was reading along. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the staff put the school grounds into a separate category. They are available to the public at least part of the time. Board Member Finch stated that it seems to him that the Town should expect this type of facility included in the inventory. Mr. Finch stated that he was pleased when he received Chapter 5, that the first recommendation would be to work towards a consolidation. Those type of things need to get a higher priority for consolidation. The public schools need to be figured into the facilities that are available. Board Member Kenerson stated that this whole project runs on money, and asked Mr. Frantz if he has been able to project how much money this would cost the Town. Mr. Kenerson stated that the taxpayers are in an ugly mood about increasing taxes. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that Chapter 6 will cover how much it will cost over the next 20 years, and how would the Town pay for it. Board Member Ainslie asked if the Town should charge a fee as do the State Parks. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the only fees that the staff are anticipating are things like rentals for the pavilions. The Town of Lansing does pretty well with renting their pavilions out. There are other sources of revenues. If the Town supplies soccer fields and baseball diamonds for various leagues around Town, that there would be some income from those. Board Member Ainslie asked if the Town maintains the park, and if it took men and used equipment from the Town. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the staff did look into that. The staff has the numbers on what it is costing the Town today to maintain the parks that the Town owns today, and what it would cost when the Town owns 110 to 180 acres. Board Member Wilcox stated that his outlook on this plan is as follows, that he would sit in as a member of this Board and make what he believes would be the correct recommendation to the Town Board, but he would wear a different hat when he has to decide whether he wants to pay for it or not. That would be a different decision in his mind. Mr. Wilcox stated that he could say for the i� LJ • is PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 25 APPROVED - DECEMBER 17, 1996 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 good of the Town that he wants all these parks and improvements, but as a tax paying resident seeing the price, he may say he would not want to pay for it. Mr. Wilcox stated that he has one duty sitting at the table with this Board, and he has a separate duty as a taxpaying resident. Chairperson Cornell asked Board Member Wilcox where does his children play. Board Member Wilcox stated that his children make use of the City and School District properties mostly. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the staff is estimating how much it will cost individual households. Board Member Wilcox asked what does the Town pay the City of Ithaca as far as the Partnership. Planner Cornish stated that the Town pays $160,000.00. Director of Planning Kanter stated that the Recreation Partnership is something that the staff started to balance in the plan. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the bicycle and pedestrian portion of the plan, since they are part of the recreation. The staff is proposing approximately 20 to 21 miles of new bicycle and pedestrian paths in the Town of Ithaca. The paths are intended to connect residential areas to the community parks, residential areas to other residential areas, residential areas to the college and the university, and commercial areas to connect to the City. The path would go through the City wherever possible, to the existing bike way network, or the sidewalk network. The exception to the pattern would be on the West Hill area. In the future the Town would be seeing a string of neighborhoods down West Hill, and a park would need to be built. The bicycle and pedestrian path would continue onto Bostwick Road and then have a connection to Route 13 onto the Inlet Reserve, which would be in the area between the railroad grade and the Cayuga Inlet. This would be a series of wetlands, mature woodlands, and it has been on the Town's Park and Open Space Plan. However, the staff is hesitating to call it a park. It is not suitable for heavy duty pavilion development, picnic ground development, and certainly not ball fields. The area would be more for a natural preserve site. The Planning Board had a brief discussion on the Black Diamond Trail. Chairperson Cornell stated that due to the hour, that the discussion of the 1996 Draft Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan will be continued at the next Planning Board Meeting. • C] • PLANNING BOARD MINUTES 26 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 APPROVED = DECEMBER 17, 1996 AGENDA ITEM: ADJOURNMENT. Upon MOTION, Chairperson Cornell declared the November 19, 1996, Meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 9:56 p.m. DRAFTED: 11/21/96 by DK. Prepared by: Deborah Kelley, Keyboard Specie t, ist/Minutes Recorder Administrates Secreta ,ffor the Town of Ithaca Planning Department. • TOWN OF ITHACA AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION I, Starr Hays, being duly sworn, depose and say that I am a Secretary for the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York; that the following Notice has been "duly posted on the sign board of the Town of Ithaca and that said Notice has been duly published in the local newspaper, The Ithaca Journal. Notice of Public Hearings to be held by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in Town of Ithaca Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, November 19, 1996, commencing at 7:30 P.M., as per attached. Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Bulletin Board, Front • Entrance of Town Hall. Date of Posting: November 8, 1996 Date of Publication: November 13, 1996 Starr Hays, Secreltary, Town of Ithaca. STATE OF NEW YORK ) SS.: COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of November 1996, Mary J. Saxton • Notary Public, State of New York Registration #01SA5044003 Filename: Starr \Agendas \PPAFF \11- 19 -96. PPA Qualified in Tioga County My Commission Expires May 22,1997 • • TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD y Notice of Public Hearings Tues., November 19, 1996, By' di.rection of the, 'Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, November 19, 1 1996, at 126 East Seneca i Street, Ithaca; •NY,' at the ,fol., lowing times and on the fol- low ng matters; 7s40 P.M. Consideration of I Preliminary and Final Subdi- vision Approval for the pro - posed subdivision of a strip; of land 16 h. by 190th:,; encompassingg 3,040 t; square feet of land, from Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71.3.3, located at 12071 Hanshaw Road, for consoli -I dation with Towh of Ithaca i Tax Parcel No. 71.3.10, lo- cated. at 110 Roat Street, Residence District R -15. Joan R. Beeler, Owner; John An-, i derson, Applicant; Edward, W. Kin p, Agent. SM �M. Consideration of; Preliminary . and Final Site, Plan Approval for the pro: ness Club for changes ggeasin the, configuration ndsgcapingnatffhernorthdt corner of the existingg facility,! located at Town of Ithoco Taxi Parcel No. 62.1 .5 at 161uddi Falls Road, Business District', j C, Thomas Murray, Courtside; ( Racquet and' Fitness Club,; Inc.; Owner /Applicant. j Said Planning Board will oh said times and sold place. hear all persons In support ofr such matters or objections{ thereto. Persons may appear`. by aggent or in person. Indi -' I viduals, with visual impair -; ments„ hearing impairments', or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring' assistance i must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearingg. ' ! Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning. 273.1719 November 13, 1996 n U U • COPY TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Tuesday: November 19, 1996 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, November 19, 1996, at 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following times and on the following matters: 7:40 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision of a strip of land 16 ft. by 190 +/- ft., encompassing 3,040 +/- square feet of land, from Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -3, located at 1207 Hanshaw Road, for consolidation with Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -10, located at 110 Roat Street, Residence District R -15. Joan R. Beeler, Owner; John Anderson, Applicant, Edward W. King, Agent. 8:05 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Site Plan Modification of Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club for changes in the configuration of parking and landscaping at the northeast corner of the existing 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 Said Planning Board will at said times and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Dated: Friday, November 8, 1996 Publish: Wednesday, November 13, 1996 Q Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 • • • n TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Tuesday, November 19, 1996 By direction of the Chairperson of the HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, East Seneca Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following matters: Planning Board, NOTICE IS be held by the Planning November 19, 1996, at 126 following times and on the 7:40 P . M . Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision of a strip of land 16 ft. by 190 +/- ft., encompassing 3,040 +/- square feet of land, from Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -3, located at 1207 Hanshaw Road, for consolidation with Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 71 -3 -10, located at 110 Roat Street, Residence District R -15. Joan R. Beeler, Owner; John Anderson, Applicant; Edward W. King, Agent, 8:05 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Site Plan Modification of Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club for changes in the configuration of parking and landscaping at the northeast corner of the existing 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 Said Planning Board will at said times and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Dated: Friday, November 8, 1996 Publish: Wednesday, November 13, 1996 Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 TOWN OF ITHACA • ,r,_ �� 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273 -1721 HIGHWAY 273 -1656 PARKS 2734035 ENGINEERING 273 -1747 PLANNING 273 -1747 ZONING 273 -1783 FAX (607) 273 -1704 TO: FRO DATE: RE: R 5 FAX # FAX # (607) 273 -1704 Number of Pages (including cover sheet):_ is Comments: • TOWN OF ITHACA, NY ID :607273'1704 TRRNSM I T CONF I ill' RT I f= N REPORT NO. • RECEIV TRANSM DATE DURRTI MODE PAGES RESUL • 005 ER 607 272 43135 ITTER TOWN OF ITHACA} NY NOV 08'96 13 30 ON 01' 02 STD 02 T OK NOV 08'96 13 :30 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD ATTENDANCE SHEETQ Date : �0U , Q, 7� PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME ADDRESS OR AFFILIATE (Please PRINT to ensure Accuracy in Official Minutes ) 1'>14 nrcz r T 1E6fdGR .�9Nlti0 4trLen �l 5 -F, r-q f j -1 �� CY"n6LS ' Urra Owv1 e vVes ju