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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1999-11-16TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOVEMBER 16. 1999 �1 The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 16, 1999, in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, at 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Fred Wilcox, Chairperson; Eva Hoffmann, Board Member; George Conneman, Board Member; James Ainslie, Board Member; Tracy Mitrano, Board Member (7:36 p.m); Larry Thayer, Board Member; Jon Kanter, Director of Planning; John Barney, Attorney for the Town (7:40 p.m); Daniel Walker, Director of Engineering (7:59 p.m.); Susan Ritter, Environmental Planner; Mike Smith, Planner, OTHERS: Karen Wizevich, PRI; Bill Seldin, 120 Northview Road; Dale Stevens, 199 Prichard Street Corning; Tom Bell, Trumansburg; Ryan Wilcox, 109 Juniper Drive; Dan Lane, Ithaca High School; Amy Nettleton, Elemental Landscape; Tammi Aiken, TG Miller; Warren Allmon, PRI; Chris Ballentine, PRI; David Herrick, TG Miller; Phil Pronjanski, PRI; Debbie Teeter, Cooperative Extension; Monika Roth, Cooperative Extension. Chairperson Wilcox declared the meeting duly opened at 7:32 p.m., and accepted for the record the Secretary's Affidavit of Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on November 8, 1999, and November 10, 1999, together with the properties under discussion, as appropriate, upon the Clerks of the City of Ithaca and the Town of Danby, 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 10, 1999. (Affidavit of Posting and Publication is hereto attached as Exhibit #1.) Chairperson Wilcox read the Fire Exit Regulations to those assembled, as required by the New York State Department of State, Office of Fire Prevention and Control. AGENDA ITEM: PERSONS TO BE HEARD. Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:33 p.m., and asked if any member of,the public wished to be heard. With no persons present to be heard, Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 7:34 p.m. AGENDA ITEM: SEQR Determination, The Home Design & Build Center, 614 Elmira Road. Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Bill Seldin, 120 Northview Road, stated that this would be office space. It is subject to a more restrictive zoning. There is no adverse affect. The offices and displays are for residential design and construction. There is no retail sales or inventory. The building is going from a convenience store with the traffic calculations at 78 trips in the morning and 87 in the afternoon. This business will generate 4.3 trips in the morning and 4.2 trips in the afternoon. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 21, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE The current access configuration is noted as Adequate. In 1994, Tom Bell came before the board to utilize the convenience store and the area behind the store. At that time the board approved the use and suggested that it would only be approved for 3 years in light of anticipated changes by the Department of Transportation. The Department of Transportation at that time was redoing Route 13. In 1996, Mr. Roscoe had gone bankrupt. They wanted to get a variance for a convenience store. At that time the issue of access came up. The Planning Board suggested Mancini Drive to get rid of one of the entrances on Route 13. John Vasse, Realtor, determined that the property could not be used for industrial use and yield a reasonable return. Mr. Vasse was talking about the convenience store area. The main reason was the 2,400 square feet and it would be hard to use for light industrial or factory use. On that occasion the street access was discussed and the board, according to the minutes, found that since the improvements to the road were going to be made by the Department of Transportation the Planning Board would not be asking for any more southerly ingress because new improvements would be made by the Department of Transportation. It was a condition in the minutes of August 6, 1996 that the board would approve the present traffic configuration at that time subject to receipt of a Department of Transportation letter that all improvements would be complete. The letter was issued on August 20,1996. This project is decreasing the traffic. It is consistent with the surrounding area. There is no controversy anticipated. None of the proposed modifications will change the existing parking or circulation. Mr. Seldin stated that the existing sign is a neon sign of 60 square feet. They are reducing it to 48 square feet. It is within the permitted code. The existing illuminated lettering on the front of the building will be removed. The directional lights will not have spillage. It will shine on the sign itself. The security light will remain the same. The current sign is backlit. There were four halogen spotlights lighting the sign. The halogen spotlights will be removed. The substitute sign will be 66 square feet. Fifty square feet is permitted. A variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals is needed. Mr. Seldin asked the Planning Board to make a recommendation in favor of the site plan and the variance to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Dale Stevens is the owner of the business. Dale Stevens, 199 Prichard Avenue, Corning, stated that there will be four individual businesses located at the site. They anticipate a staff of four people. After 3 to 4 years they anticipate having as many as 12 employees working. Most of what they do will be in their client's home. There will be kitchen and bathroom displays and other product materials for their clients to view on the premises. They anticipate as many as 10 to 15 client visits per day. The traffic count mentioned is 4. Most of the sales staff will be coming and going during the middle of the day and evening. It will be spread out over the course of the day. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be Saturday hours also. Mr. Seldin stated that the hours of operation are a positive change from the convenience store. Board Member Ainslie stated that he is glad someone is making use of one of the vacant buildings 011 Route 13. PLANNING INBOARD PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Chairperson Wilcox stated that the size of the sign has become smaller. They left 3 inches of space between the posts and the sign. Board Member Hoffmann stated that someone mentioned the figure of 66 square feet. Mr. Stevens stated that it is a combination of the large sign and message board. When he realized that they were not conforming, Mr. Stevens re- measured everything to be more accurate. Board Member Hoffmann stated that it was mentioned that the four- halogen spotlights would be removed. Would the sign still be backlit? Mr. Stevens stated that the sign has internal florescent tubes. There is no need for external lights to shine on the sign or parking lot. The sign will be lit at night and the security light will be on. Board Member Hoffmann asked if the sign would be lit the entire night. Mr. Stevens stated that there is no need to have the sign lit all night. They will put the lights on a timer. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the store is not open after 5 p.m. Why would the lights need to be on? Mr. !'Stevens responded that the signs have advertising value. They would like to have the lights shut -' off at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. Board Member Hoffmann asked when the current sign is lit and how it is lit. Is it lit internally? Mr. Seldin responded that it is lit internally. The sign was lit until 10:30 p.m. Board Member Hoffmann asked if the security light is shielded. Mr. Seldin stated that it is a halogen light and it would stay on all night for security purposes. Mr. Kanter stated that it has a glass enclosure around it. Board Member Hoffmann stated that they do not want lights that produce glare. If there is glare, another glass cover should be put on it. Mr. 'Seldin stated that it is an amber light. It does not give off a lot of glare. The location of the light does not pose any of the kinds of problems as with bank lights. Board Member Hoffmann stated that there is a pay phone on the current fagade. Will the pay phone rem''ain? PLANNING BOARD PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Mr. Stevens stated that the pay phone would be removed. Board Member Hoffmann asked if the metal roof is existing or will it be new. Mr. Stevens responded that the roof is existing. They plan no changes to the building except for the addition of a portico and a fresh coat of paint. NOTION made by George Conneman, seconded by Larry Thayer. WHEREAS: 10 This action is the Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design & Build Center, located at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithaca Tax parcel No. 33 =3 -2.42, LI Light Industrial District. The proposed project would include offices and displays for residential design and construction. There will be no retail sales or inventory stored at this site, and no site changes are proposed. Only minor exterior changes to the building are proposed, including the addition of a portico at the entrance. The building is currently vacant, and previously contained the Valley Korners ll convenience store. Thomas A. Bell, Owner; Dale Stevens, Evergreen Home Services, 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 30 The Planning Board, on November 16, 1999, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part 11 prepared by the Town Planning Staff, and an application packet that includes, among other information, a Site Plan, Floor Plan and Building Elevations, all entitled "The Home Design & Build Center, 614 Elmira Road', and dated October 25, 1999, and 4. The Town Planning staff have 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. AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Ainslie, Mitrano, Thayer. NAYS: None. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design & Build Center, and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a sign variance to replace the panels on an existing freestanding sign, located at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33 =3 -2.42, LI Light Industrial District. The proposed project would include offices and displays for residential design and construction. Minor exterior changes to the building are proposed, including the addition of a portico at the entrance. The building is currently vacant, and previously contained the Valley Korners II convenience store. Thomas A. Bell, Owners Dale Stevens, Evergreen Home Services, Applicant. Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m., and asked if any member of the public wished to be heard. With no persons present to be heard, Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 7:54 p.m. Board Member Hoffmann stated that there is a chimney indicated on the drawings, but on the floor plan nothing is shown. What is the purpose of the chimney? Mr. Stevens stated that there is a fitting in the building for a wood stove. It is currently vacant. MOTION made by Tracy Mitrano, seconded by George Conneman. WHEREAS. 1. This action is the Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site plan Approval for the proposed conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design & Build Center, and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a sign variance to replace the panels on an existing freestanding sign, located at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33 -3 -2.42, LI Light Industrial District. The proposed project would include offices and displays for residential design and construction. There will be no retail sales or inventory stored at this site, and no site changes are proposed. Only minor exterior changes to the building are proposed, including the addition of a portico at the entrance. The building is currently vacant, and previously contained the Valley Korners ll convenience store. Thomas A. Bell, Owner; Dale Stevens, Evergreen Home Services, Applicant, and 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, has, on November 16, 1999 made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate the Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, prepared by the applicant, and Part ll prepared by the Town Planning staff, and PLANNING�BOARD PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 21, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE 3. Thel;Planning Board, at a Public Hearing on November 16, 1999, has reviewed and accepted as adequate an application packet that includes, among other information, a Site Plan, Floor Plan and Building Elevations, all entitled `The Home Design & Build Center, 614 Elmira Road," and;dated October 25, 1999, and other information related to the application. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. 7. 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 conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design & Build Center, located at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33 -3 -2.42, LI Light Industrial District, as shown on a Site Plan, Floor Plan and Building Elevations, all entitled `The Home Design & Build Center, 614 Elmira Road," and dated October 25, 1999, and other information related to the application, subject to the following condition: a. Obtaining of any necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals prior to the issuance of any building permits. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. That the Planning Board, acting as the Sign Review Bard, does hereby recommend that the Zoning Board of Appeals approve the sign variance for The Home Design & Build Center for the!, replacement of two panels on the existing freestanding sign, as proposed by the applicant, subject to the following condition: a. That the main sign panel shall not exceed 51 square feet in area, and that the message board panel shall not exceed 15 square feet in area as shown on the revised design submitted to the Planning Board at the November 16, 1999 meeting. AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Ainslie, Mitrano, Thayer, NAYS: None, The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of a Sketch Plan for the proposed Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution, located at 1259 Trumansburg Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -3.1, Residence District R -30. The new museum will be an 18,000 square foot, two expansion, partially below grade. New parking areas will accommodate PLANNING (BOARD PAGE 7 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED- DECEMBER 21, 1999- APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE approximately 65 cars. The Museum is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors per year, including both schools and the general public. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner /Applicants Tammi Aiken, TG Miller, PC and Weiss/Manfredi Architects, Agents. Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Warren Allmon, Paleontological Research Institution, stated that PRI has existed for 68 years. They hope to attract more public interest with the Museum of the Earth. The planning for this museum began about 4 years ago. There has been a great deal of effort put into trying to make a plan for an institution that will bring the resources of PRI and its collections as well as interpreting the regional natural history for the residents. They are excited about working with Cornell University, Ithaca College, State Parks and the other institutions in Town. They would like to tell the Planning Board about their site plan. Michael Manfredi, Weiss Manfredi Architects, stated this is an opportunity to have a museum telling a story about how the earth evolved. This is one of the most geologically interesting areas in this country. The museum is an opportunity to celebrate the landscape and geology of this area. There is an existing historical building on the site. They have been in close communication with State Historic Preservation Office. The building is important historically. One of the tasks is to preserve the building as much as possible. There is also a wetland. It is important to preserve it and build around it. It has ecological value. They would like to use it as a very important component in discussing the relationship between biology and geology. Mr. ii Manfredi stated that they took a thorough look at the geology in the area. They started with the Finger Lakes. It is clear that this was an area of a very intense glaciation. The pattern is seen in the configuration of Cayuga Lake and the various canals. The presence of ground water is evidence of a man made structure. They had an obligation of showing PRI their various options. The building is currently 18,000 square feet. Initially they discussed a larger building. Different areas of the site were looked at. It was deemed that the area along Trumansburg Road was inappropriate. It would block the existing building and was difficult in terms of functioning. One the things that the museum needed was access from the existing building to the new museum. What started to evolve, as a way of massing the building was to break it in two. This way the pieces would be much more commensurate in scale with the existing building. It would have less impact on the site. The site also slopes. There is a ten -foot change of grade. They are looking at nestling the building into the site. It will make it a more efficient building thermally. The sight lines will be improved. There will be less impact relative to the existing building. There is an attempt to push the building down to develop a gentler relationship to the new building. From that came the idea of breaking the parking into a series of smaller areas rather than one large parking lot. It would also shield the parking by a series of berms. They also want to make use of the fact that there is ground water and manage the water in such a way that there is a water detention area. It is an attractive landscape element year round. There is the development of a wetland area. They would like to turn that into a more significant feature. The building is broken into PLANNING BOARD PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 21, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE two pieces. The building is connected below grade. The sense is that the building has become a gorge. The building can start to frame smaller more intimate views. They have also tried to position the building so that there is a very large viewshed along Trumansburg Road. Mr. Manfredi stated that they are beginning preliminary ideas of how the plan should be configured. They are trying to preserve the spruce tree. There is a plaza area that will be shared by both buildings. They took a section from Trumansburg Road to the edge of the site. They are starting to look carefully about how to shield the parking and how to berm it. There is a drop in the topography, and the way in which the parking is shielded. They are beginning to think about establishing height lines to the existing building. There will be material to make it more evident. As it is looked at from different views, the new museum is shielded by a berm. They are trying to develop alignments and relationships with the existing building in terms of materials, coloration and massing. The model has been photographed so that the board could get a sense of how it would look. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the view shown is not at eye level. Mr. Manfredi stated that it does give an idea of how it would look. They are looking at ways of developing the length below grade. They propose removing some of the non - historic elements in the existing building. Chairperson Wilcox asked Mr. Manfredi to explain picture number 3. Mr. Manfredi responded that it is a great shot of the dedication on June 26th, 1927. Mr. Herrick is here to talk about the site issues. David Herrick, TG Miller, stated that the idea is to keep the entrance at Trumansburg Road consistent with its current location. They would like to make the intersection a 90- degree angle. There have been discussions with Gordon Rymles, the regional engineer in Cortland. He did not have any objections at this time. There is a one way circulation pattern. The idea is to drive in to the plaza which helps you to focus on the museum as you are coming in. The opportunity is to go into the parking lot or walking in along the adjacent sidewalks to the plaza. There is a parking area designated for bus parking and overflow parking. The parking will allow for a better feel of how the grading will work to mask the parking. The slopes will be worked back into the pavements in an adverse manner so that they have the front of the cars buried against the highest portions of the berms. This minimizes the view of the parking areas from Trumansburg Road. They are looking at gravel parking surfaces. It could be asphalt in the future. They are looking for more natural materials for the parking. The entrance and exit drives would be asphalt pavement. Mr. Herrick stated that they are looking at constructing grass lined swales adjacent to the parking areas. They will be providing other amenities. One would be for filtering out sediment and it would provide some level of storm water detention. The balance of detention would come from an area that may be expanded. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 9 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Water and sewer services will be manipulated on the property in order to accommodate the new building. There will be some relocation of utilities. This will be worked out with Mr. Walker. Chairperson Wilcox stated that access of service vehicles to the rear seems circuitus as a result. The existing building narrows the access drive. Mr. Herrick stated that large tractor - trailer vehicles would need to pull forward on the exit drive and back their way in. They recognize that it would be a concern given the location of the building annex and the existing shed. There will be ample room in the back for the loading dock area. Board Member Ainslie stated that the board was given a note from the Tompkins County Planning Department that mentioned that Harris Dates Drive might be worked into the site. The Planning Board took a site walk. It did not seem that it would work. Mr. Manfredi stated that they did look at it. The existing facilities and buildings are in the path of what would be a connector. Moving to the east means going onto the private drive of the hospital. He stated that they wanted to keep the existing trees. They were concerned about cutting into it. Mr. Allmon stated that they are projecting about 50,000 visits per year to the museum. A very busy day at this museum would be 1,000 people in one day. It would happen only with a special event or a rainy day in August. The average visitors per day would be 200 to 300. It would be spread out over the hours of operation. The hours of operation have not been decided. They would be similar to most museums. The peak times at the museum will not coincide with the rush periods on Route 96. They do not think it will generate a lot of additional traffic during peak time on Trumansburg Road. The visitors that they are anticipating are 50% within 50 miles and 50% outside 50 miles. They are anticipating about 10% of the visitors being school groups. They will have buses, but it will not be most of their traffic. The general idea about visitorship is that it would never be extremely crowed. They do hope that at least one or two days a year it would be extremely crowed. Board Member Mitrano asked when they would expect to open. Mr. 'Allmon responded that the tentative opening is 2001. Attorney Barney asked if the project is funded. Mr. Allmon stated that it is not fully funded. They have received several large leadership gifts. Mr. Kanter asked Mr. Allmon to explain the role of the State Dormitory Authority. Mr. Allmon stated that one of the lead commitments to the campaign came from the State. It came in a member item from Senator Seward, Natural Heritage Trust, through the Community Facilities Enhancement program. Two separate pieces came from Jim Seward and Marty Luster. One came through the Empire State Development Corporation and the other was from the Dormitory Authority. The total is $1.7 million. The total cost of the project is $7 million to $8 million. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 21, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE Board Member Thayer stated that he is concerned about the parking lot. It was mentioned that there is a narrow entrance road. If someone drives to the first parking lot near the museum and it is full, they will need to drive around the loop to get to parking lot 2. Has any thought been given to a back road to the parking lot? If someone goes in one parking lot, they will be able to get into another parking lot. Mr. Herrick responded that they have not considered any connectivity between the lots. Board Member Hoffmann stated that each parking bay has a driving area and another area to park. Therefore, four different parking bays are needed. There could be an equal amount of parking in two or three bays. There is a lot of driving area for parking space. The board does not like a lot of asphalt. Mr. Herrick stated that they are trying to develop a view that is masked. Keeping the parking against the hillside so that you are not looking at a flat area of parking. Board Member Hoffmann stated that it might be possible to cut down on the disturbed area. Mr. Manfredi stated that they are trying to balance breaking the parking into smaller modules so that there are larger areas of grassed surface between parking bays. It also allows the parking to be terraced more effectively without an imbalance of cut and fill. They are less efficient in one sense. The efficiencies are in lessening the visual impact of the parking and allowing the cars to be shielded more effectively. It is a trade off. There is a little bit of a downside. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the visual barriers are from the east and west. What about a barrier from the south as one drives along Trumansburg Road? Mr. Manfredi stated that the berming is wrapping around. There is some shielding. One of the challenges is that if the building were close to Trumansburg Road, the natural reaction would be to put the parking in the back. They are unable to do so. It would have a negative impact on the existing building. Board Member Ainslie asked if parking spaces have been designated for the handicapped. Mr. , Herrick stated that there is a possibility of having it close to the existing building. Another possibility was having it close to the first parking bay. Board Member Ainslie asked what the percentage needed to be. Mr. Herrick stated that they need 2% of the parking to be for the handicapped. Mr. Manfredi stated that the whale skeleton would be reassembled and positioned in the lobby. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 11 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED- DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Chairperson Wilcox stated that they would like some figures on the cut and fill and the issues with the sloping terrain of the front yard. They would also like to see why what has been proposed is a reasonable balance to mitigate all the potential factors. What is the benefit? A traffic analysis will be required. Mr. Allmon stated that they would be open six days a week. The days will not be determined. During the summer they were open Monday through Saturday. They would not open before 10:00 a.m., and they would not stay open more than one or two evenings a week. It would be 10:00 a.m. to 5 or 6:00 p.m. The peak hours are not early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Midday is the peak time for school groups. Weekends are peak times for families. Saturday will be our busiest day. Holidays and rainy days are also busy. Mr. Kanter asked if a dinamation display would be something that they will be getting back into. Mr. Allmon stated that part of the interior plan includes a 1500 square foot temporary exhibit space. There will be regularly changing exhibits. Board Member Hoffmann stated that she thinks it is wonderful to have this museum available to the public. She knows that they are trying to do something that is visually exciting. She does like the idea of splitting the building. It has a lot of possibilities. Board Member Hoffmann stated that she does have questions. In addition to the space that needs to be paved or graveled in the parking area, they have created a new driveway when there is one already. The proposed one leads into the space between the two buildings. She wonders if it is necessary except for visually. It does give an exciting look to the place. Board Member Hoffmann stated that she questions why they are putting it the way that they are when they are leaving the spruce tree. The spruce tree is in the middle of the view as seen from the proposed new entrance drive. Mr. Manfredi stated that they would be limbing some of the spruce tree. They did want to keep the spruce tree. They do need a significant loop. It made sense to extend the grass area and it was a natural progression to see the road. It did give them a chance to look at this as something that has grown out of the landscape. Board Member Hoffmann stated that she is sorry to hear that they are thinking of cutting the limbs off the spruce in order to open up the view. Mr. Manfredi stated that there would be a lot of grading that occurs, so it does need to be done a little. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the tree is beautiful the way it is. It would be a shame to alter it. She thought that the distance between the gable wall of the existing building and the wall of the new building is very close. The wall will be seen from the new building, but not the same from elsewhere. Would not it create a nicer space if the northern most building were pivoted to the east? PLANNING BOARD PAGE 12 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE There would be a wider interior courtyard space. It would create two distinct outdoor spaces that could have exciting things happening. The view of the wall would not be blocked. Mr. Manfredi stated that they debated it at length with the State Historic Preservation Office. They want to keep the loading to the rear. The more that they shift this, the more difficult it will be to access the loading area. The loading dock is essential to have in the back. They are trying to have a balance. Board Member Ainslie asked if they were trying to expand the wetland. Mr. Manfredi stated that they would like to extend the grass areas around the wetland. It would give° it more impact. The areas that are wet would predominately remain cattails and shrubs that like wet areas. They would then have grasses that are occasionally wet. Then closer to Trumansburg Road would be smaller grasses. They would like to think that this is an opportunity to learn about various ecosystems and how they respond to different soil conditions. Board Member Thayer asked if the roof of the new building would be the same as the old building. It is a beautiful shale roof. Mr. Manfredi stated that they would be looking at a metal roof that has a coloration that matches the slate. Slate would require a steep pitch and it would bring it into conflict with historic issues. The model is never quite what will be seen. In some places the roof will not be seen. Mr. Kanter stated the possibility of a shared parking arrangement with one of the adjacent land owners have been discussed. Where have those discussions gone at this point? Mr. Allmon stated that they have good relations with their neighbor. They have shared the parking lot on occasion for overflow on special events. If the peak days are not work days, he anticipates that they would be able to use it. They also have a good relationship with the hospital, but it is more complicated. The pedestrian access from PRI to the hospital could be developed in the future. Mr. Kanter stated that the board should have received a letter and correspondence from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Those discussions are underway. Chairperson Wilcox stated that the board likes to question everything and find out that the alternatives have been thought about and can explain what was chosen. Board Member Hoffmann asked what is the opinion of SHPO. Mr. Kanter stated that Mr. Lord is in agreement with the current concept design of the building. It is outlining some thoughts on how things should proceed. Chairperson Wilcox stated that this structure and the neighboring structures are important. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 13 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED- DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Mr. Manfredi stated that they have done historic work. This should be a tremendous asset to the community. Board Member Hoffmann asked if there was a photograph showing how the roof lines would look against the trees from Trumansburg Road. Mr. Manfredi stated that the model could show the view from Trumansburg Road. Elevations are always deceptive because you never really see things in true elevation. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the right most corner of the new building is almost to the top of the trees on the model. The drawings do not show it that way; it is shown much lower. Mr. Manfredi stated that the trees are quite a bit higher than the model is indicating. Board Member Hoffmann asked if the photographs or the drawings were more realistic. Mr. Manfredi stated that the photograph is more realistic. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the photographs do not show the new buildings. Mr. Manfredi stated that the model is less realistic because the trees are not as high. They are closer to the elevation drawing. Mr. Kanter stated that he would like to discuss the traffic analysis so that the applicants would have a better idea of what the board is looking for. The environmental review will be coordinated with the other involved agencies. They have heard concerns from the County Planning Department about traffic on Trumansburg Road. The board may want to see a fairly detailed traffic study of some kind. At some point guidance will need to be given to the applicant. The board has heard a lot about the hours of operation and the anticipated number of visitors. It will be very important in terms of setting a magnitude of what types of traffic will be coming to the site. Overall volumes over a period of time will be significant. We need to get an idea of where they are coming from. The types of vehicles and how many buses could be expected over certain periods of time. Mr. Allmon stated that the first step would be to see how museum generated traffic would affect the area. This would tell if there would be the traditional commercial retail implications. Chairperson Wilcox stated that the capacity on Route 96 and the existing load would need to be looked at. Mr. Kanter stated that the nearby intersection of Dates Drive with the hospital would need to be looked at. He is concerned about the wording of the County Planning Department's letter that was implying a preconceived notion that there would be a significant impact on Trumansburg Road without seeing a traffic study. The response was not to prejudge the project. Board Member Ainslie asked if there is an accurate traffic count at this time. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 14 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Mr. Allmon stated that PRI has 10,000 to 12,000 visitors people per car. This does not mean much for the new museum. known where the visitors come from and that the summer is busy, space, they had 5 times more buses than before. per year. There are at least two The scale will be different. It is Since they have opened the new Mr. Herrick stated that the function of the museum needs to be looked at and how the traffic generated by the museum may or may not be an impact. Board Member Hoffmann asked if the board could hear the landscaping ideas. Amy Nettleton, Elemental Landscaping, stated that the primary landscape areas are the drives that come with the site. The grass berms shield the parking grounds on the other side by the wedge with wetland at the base. The idea of the space is to develop it with vegetation and tiering it with wetland plants. The slope would be stepped up with bands of various grasses. They are in the early stages of design and they have not made any specific plans at this point. They are also looking at a more intimate garden area in the back of the museum. They are in the early stages of developing ideas for it. Board Member Hoffmann stated that there are two spruces in the drawings. The second spruce is not shown. Ms., Nettleton stated that it is much smaller than the larger spruce that is being preserved. It is not thriving. They are looking at if the tree will be saved or removed. Mr. Manfredi stated that they would like to save it. It looks like it is dying. They need to determine whether it is beyond being able to be saved. It is unclear what can be done with it. Board Member Hoffmann stated that if it cannot be saved it is all the more reason to keep the large spruce in its natural state. Chairperson Wilcox asked what would happen with the willow tree. Mr. Manfredi stated that they did look at trying to save the willow tree. They tried to determine whether the tree was part of the original landscaping plan. More than likely, it was not. The conifer trees were a preferred tree type. The spruce trees were planted symmetrically around the building. They do need to increase the water detention area. It would be difficult to do. Once the water detention area is increased, it is likely that it will be too wet for the willow to survive. They are trying to work around an existing building and a series of trees that they would like to save. Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 9:06 p.m. MOTION made by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Larry Thayer. WHEREAS: PLANNING BOARD PAGE 15 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE 7. The' Paleontological Research Institution is proposing to expand its current facilities with the construction of an 18,000 square foot two -story building, to be known as the Museum of the Earth, with parking to accommodate approximately 65 cars, on a portion of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -3.1, totaling 6.35 ± acres in size, located on Trumansburg Road, R -30 Residence District, and 2. The proposed project is an Unlisted Action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and Town of Ithaca Local Law No. 5 of the Year 1988 Providing for Environmental Review of Actions in the Town of Ithaca, and 3. A Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Part 1, will be submitted by the applicant for the above - described actions, along with other application materials, and 4. A letter, dated November 9, 1999, was sent by the Planning Department to involved and interested agencies indicating the Planning Board's intent to act as lead agency with respect to the above - referenced actions, and requesting concurrence with said designation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby proposes to establish itself as lead agency to conduct a coordinated environmental review of the proposed Paleontological Research Institution's Museum of the Earth project, located on Trumansburg Road. Town of Ithaca approvals include site plan approval by the Planning Board and special approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby requests the concurrence of all involved agencies on this proposed lead agency designation, said concurrence to be received by the Town of Ithaca Planning Department within thirty days from the date of the above - referenced November 9, 1999 letter. AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Ainslie, Thayer. NAYS: None. ABSENT: Mitrano. The MOTION was declared to be carried. AGENDA ITEM: Presentation and discussion regarding Agricultural District #2 Eight Year Review — Monika Roth and Debbie Teeter, Cornell Cooperative Extension. Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 9:09 p.m. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 16 NOVEMBER 161999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED - APPROVE Monika Roth, Cornell Cooperative Extension, stated that the Town has a small section of land i n Agricultu'llral District #1. The western portion of the Town is in Agricultural District #2. They are visiting every town to inform them that the Agricultural District is under review. Every eight years the Ag. District comes under review to determine the level of agricultural activity and its continuation in the district.0 The other is to determine the non - agricultural impacts. The responsibility for doing the review is joint. The Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and the County Planning Board do the review jointly. The County Board of Representatives will approve the district. During the review period is the time that property owners can decide to remove their property out of the district or others can ask to have their land added to the district. They go through a process of identifying and looking at the map to find out if there are areas that are no longer agricultural. They would like to take those lands out. This is where the help of towns is needed. Ms. Roth stated that it is a 300 -day review. They would like to have most of the major changes identified in time for the public hearing on January 18, 2000 at the County Board of Representatives. It will be easy to work with the Town because the town has designated their Agricultural Districts. They would like to look at where the Town's Agricultural Zones and the Agricultural District match or do not match. Then identify why they do not match. If there are areas that need to be removed they want to look at it. If a property owner wants to be in the Ag. District they have 'a right to be in the district. People have asked to have land taken out of the district and those requests have been honored as well. The main limitation that they have run into is that there is a limitation on the extension of public water and sewer. There maybe restrictions placed on the extension of water and sewer. In the Town of•Lansing, when the water line was installed there was a restriction on the number of laterals. The water line could be present, but new dwellings could not be hooked up. It does keep land in agricultural. They would like to identify potential infrastructure and development. Chairperson Wilcox asked what the benefits are to having land included in the Agricultural District. Ms. Roth responded that the main benefit for an active farmer is that they can receive an agricultural exemption. They need to apply every year. In order to receive the exemption, there needs to be 10 or more acres in agricultural production for two years. It has to be generating at least $10,000 worth of Agricultural Sales. Most farmers feel that it is a significant benefit. Many feel that they could not hold onto the land if they had to pay the taxes at the full rate. If a farmer has a 50= acre field 'and 500 feet of road frontage, the assessment would be restricted to a one -acre parcel. It would be equivalent to what other property owners that only have a house would be assessed. Keeping an area predominately agricultural is a benefit to farmers. It does create an agricultural neighborhood. It helps farmers to operate more effectively and efficiently. Board Member Mitrano asked Board Member Ainslie what his thoughts are on this. Board Member Ainslie stated that it does help a lot. His son rents two farms from the widow of his second cousin. He works the land so she qualifies because the farm grosses over $10,000. It was a $132,000 reduction in her tax assessment. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 17 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVE Ms. Roth stated that a lot of farmers are owning less land and renting. As long as they can rent land from neighbors, the neighbor can qualify for the agricultural assessment also. The State requires that 50% of the land in the Ag. District is active agricultural land. Last time they were at 51 %. They do want to make sure that they do take out parcels that are clearly not agricultural. It does encompass areas that are not agricultural. When they first drew up the districts, they decided not to have the Swiss cheese effect. If there was a small parcel that was not actively farmed, but completely'surrounded by farms, they included it in the district. Board Member Ainslie stated that there is a restriction that if you have land in an Ag. District and you have taken the reduction in the assessment, the discount needs to be paid back when the land is sold. Ms. Roth stated that the person who makes the conversion pays the penalty. Chairperson Wilcox asked if Ms. Roth needed anything from the Planning Board. Ms. Roth replied that she wanted to make sure that the Town gives them any information that they need before the end of the year. This would enable them to incorporate it into the public hearing. Board Member Ainslie stated that Mr. Frantz has been promoting the Purchase of Development Rights to save farm land. One parcel was appraised and the appraiser did not understand the program, and the difference between the agricultural value and the development value. The appraiser did not understand the program and only assessed $500 per acre. The Town Board is still working on the Purchase of Development Rights program. Mr. Kanter stated that it will be talked about at the November 18, 1999 Town Board meeting. There are some obvious properties that can be removed from the Ag. District. Part of Ceracche, Perry Lane, Linderman Creek on Mecklenburg Road, and the Sterling House Sterling Cottage portion of Perry farm can all be removed. The Town has acquired several large pieces of parkland that need to be removed. The Vasse farm on Sandbank Road could be included. The owner needs to agree with it. Ms. Roth stated that they have talked with the owner previously and will discuss it with them again. Mr. Kanter stated that parts of the Ceracche and Perry farms are being farmed, but will probably be developed at some point. Ms. Roth stated that the Ecovillage area has also been considered. Mr. Kanter stated that they already have their first residence group developed. They have the second group proposed. They are farming part of the area. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 18 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED -APPROVED - DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE OTHER BUSINESS. Chairperson Wilcox stated that he received a letter at home regarding the Cornell University North Campus Residential Initiative project. See Attachment #1. Board Member Conneman asked what is going to happen at the November 30th Planning Board meeting. Chairperson Wilcox stated that they have to hold a public hearing because the original public hearing was advertised with a recommendation to rezone to a Recreational District. He will ask that the public and applicant restrict their comments to any new information or any information that is different as a result of the proposed R -30 zoning. The applicant knows that the board only needs to (near new information. Scott Whitham from Historic Ithaca will be present. The Planning Board has been deliberating at length. He hopes that after the public hearing they can move into review and approval of the Statement of Findings. Then see if there are four votes for or against the project. Board Member Conneman asked if the board could convince Cornell University not to bring up the irrelevant issues. It is irrelevant for Ms. Egan to bring up the lawsuit with Union College and Schenectady. There are many irrelevant items that they keep bringing up. If the board can get those out of the way a decision can be made. Chairperson Wilcox stated that it is difficult to decide when the public does not address the issue. The public does have the right to speak. Board Member Hoffmann stated that it is very important that the applicant has the opportunity to present the project just in case there is someone in the audience who was not there the time before. When Cornell University or any other applicant takes advantage of it, it is contrary to how the meeting should go. They are only supposed to supply information about the project. If there is a second meeting on an issue, the applicant should do a brief overview of the project. One could also ask if anyone is unfamiliar with the project, and if everyone present is familiar with it, there would be no need for the applicant to do a presentation. Chairperson Wilcox stated that if there is someone present that is not familiar with the project he would not ask the applicant to do the entire presentation for one person. Board Member Conneman stated that he also feels that if there are nine people that want to comment on traffic, let one comment. Then the next one can state that they agree. If they have a different point to make, he is willing to listen. At the last public hearing, each athlete made the same point. Board Member Mitrano stated that people of Forest Home have made the same comments as well. It is hard for the chair to know if they are going to make a different comment. PLANNING BOARD PAGE 19 NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVED - DECEMBER 21, 1999 - APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE Board Member Conneman stated that if one talks about traffic in Forest Home and' another traffic in front of Helen Newman, that is fine. The board does not need nine people to tell them about going past Helen Newman. He feels it is fair to let everyone talk, but the same point does not need to be made repeatedly. Board Member Mitrano asked if Board Member Conneman was upset about the athletes who spoke. Board Member Conneman stated that he was upset because the petitions handed in by the athletes were signed in a dorm and many places where no one knew anything about the project. They were given the petitions without being told about the issues. Board Member Hoffmann stated that the exact same points were made. The athletes focused on needing all three fields. She believes that one board member may at sometime have suggested eliminating "one field. They focused on that comment as if that was the only thing that they had heard about the project. Board Member Ainslie stated that after a Cornell University football game, he ran into George Bayer. He was on the Planning Board previously and lives in Forest Home, Mr. Bayer commented that if Cornell University said that they are going to put a road from Pleasant Grove Road, make them do it. There are some things that do not get followed through. Chairperson Wilcox stated that he spoke with one member of the Cornell contingent who asked him about the petitions. Chairperson Wilcox explained that they were not worth the paper that they were written on as far as he was concerned. The fact that a segment of the public signs petitions indicating that they are opposed or in favor of some thing does not have any bearing on how he makes his decision. The board is present to make good land use decisions not to make the majority happy. This gentleman was not happy to hear that after they went through all the work to gather the petitions. Board Member Conneman stated that there were two letters from that meeting from faculty members. These letters had the exact identical paragraph in them. Cornell University gave them the paragraph and these two people copied the same paragraph. It is plagiarism. Mr. , Kanter stated that in discussions with Kathy Wolf, she mentioned that Cornell University has listened to the suggestion that the parking areas might be reconfigured. They are coming up with a modified parking arrangement as an alternate. The plan will be ready Friday, November 19, 1999 if any member of the board would like to look at the plan in the Planning Department. AGENDA ITEM: ADJOURNMENT: Upon MOTION, Chairperson Wilcox declared the November 16, 1999 Meeting of Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 9:38 p.m. 1 PLANNING BOARD PAGE 20 "NOVEMBER 16 1999 APPROVED -APPROVED -APPROVED -DECEMBER 21, 1999 -APPROVED - APPROVED - APPROVE P epared by Carrie L. Coates, Keyboard Specialist/Minutes Recorder November 9, 1999 Mr., Fred Wilcox III 109 Jun_ iper Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Wilcox, My name is Adam Lindenbaum and I'm a sports columnist for the Cornell Daily Sun. My column appears every other Tuesday this semester, and this week's topic of discussion was the Cradit- Moore house and its future effects on Cornell Intramural and Club sports. I was in attendance during the November 2, 1999 Town Planning Board meeting, where you briefly introduced the possibility of moving the Cradit -Moore house to the comer of Jessup and Pleasant Grove Roads. This proposal, in my mind, is a fantastic middle ground between the needs of the University and Historic Ithaca. At a minimal loss of two basketball courts, historical integrity and a safe playing field can be achieved. My interest in your brief proposal was strong enough to cite your idea in my November 9 column. My intent for this column was to get student voices heard, and assuming your idea is proven architecturally feasible, I hope it can gather student support. I have included a copy of my column, and hope you find my perspective on the issue an insightful one. Please contact me with any concerns or questions you may have. Regardless, I will see you on November, 30, 7:30 p.m. Sincerely, Adam Lindenbaum Cornell Daily Sun ajl23 @comell.edu 256 -0024 _ FTA::[i,,: Irz exchar ¢e for S /F .tl � �dar3 LI`f1i aLL 010. vin$ three1 qr IN [. r 1f Uflltl at"mmutes; fdGts� couple of jokes, and a some well= placed,exaggerahons 66d rrietapliors, aril you've'ot yourself a good coiutnn Triirgs are .,going to work "a little differently today. = I vvatit ,z your opinion: . Ife re °s the Background just Fiefore the kickoffof tiny second it frainural football game this season; tFe referees asked the game's - participants to slgu a petition. The cause -was to move a house to order.to maintain the I number of athletic fields for intramural and.club sports in the face of upcoming 'North Campus construction. n Rorie peote siged, but the referees gave very fevr details Ytdt See EYE, page 15 If i t kS -• i' Irz exchar ¢e for S /F .tl � �dar3 LI`f1i aLL 010. vin$ three1 qr IN [. r 1f Uflltl at"mmutes; fdGts� couple of jokes, and a some well= placed,exaggerahons 66d rrietapliors, aril you've'ot yourself a good coiutnn Triirgs are .,going to work "a little differently today. = I vvatit ,z your opinion: . Ife re °s the Background just Fiefore the kickoffof tiny second it frainural football game this season; tFe referees asked the game's - participants to slgu a petition. The cause -was to move a house to order.to maintain the I number of athletic fields for intramural and.club sports in the face of upcoming 'North Campus construction. n Rorie peote siged, but the referees gave very fevr details Ytdt See EYE, page 15 If I IM Will h She d t � § It ou Se 4 t i a&e 24 F of the h H around 'Fall Creek and l eebe £ake The d 'W of ownership changes are ha bu>t y J<lobody cared at .Elie ti 0, because we just the house was eventually occu ,ted for. Watxtkcl to get the game startei, but I felt the sttua P �� tioii desetved some mve„stigatioit,.. Yeas by 1DY Norman Moore, a pioneer' of untYtst: iy does l�iorth Catnpus need new athlehe . h' health services and; a well recognized well f�elds� personality . Even thou Ine field between Mary Donlon Hall and Helen 8h Cornell currently owns the Ga ut= Nei man' Hull currently. . serves . the :mend and .Moore .I those ut favor of g1 . the house r II { >intact feel' that movuig it: away:frora Forest vyorrir3n s, rug bx teams, iitrariiural softtiali. games, grid new student recreation. TWo dorms aiid a would reduce its> iistorical sigiu%ican ; student center will be built in'the middle of taus What is at st lee rn this situotiotr field, evicting these, atfiletic activities. froth their The evidence is overwhelming that Cor el h'orne 0 should move this; house. Besides t}ie fact that it .is theirs to : move,. the offer made - is genemjs :.and The Qbvious. responso is to =put the displaced res tfitl of the house and its S ibrts on .tessup Meld wliich very often appears to I. be empty Jessup is alreaciyrused for intramural sort- I'm againsf moving; the site northbood on cep`s football,, softball: and various . summer sport Pleasant Grove Road because I agree a „site's'loca- cwnps; and needs rest periods between =seasons to ttOn has much to do with its histancal significance. ensure the, peril al growth. A Cayuga Heights B mot *`the 'xadit11!Ioore.house away froin its ordinance also pro- tiiginal ration; it is reduced to being an old build - h;ibits . iritercollegiate trig without history tw athletic activity on My. family has the. field, so club : rz : _ recently I restoNd a teams would still be F recognized hisrcric homeless r �r site in New` Yoik .. _ h If you've checked State, a: 73 year.old _ .._ land c6iri -1 � a Ithaca, and that r options to build new j .w athletic fields are limited. ?isa,���� I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I What is the.'pro-��% posed site? y of ` 2R The proposed sitea r for the three new fields is on North rr >�' 4 Campus where the �Pleasant Grove f' Apartments once stood, between the y Low Rise buildings u� x” and Pleasant Grove Vka�r! WV Road (Fl & 2 on the .v "y_ Campus Map). The Town of Ithaca Graphic court Planning Board has already recommend- ed to the Town Board that the land be zoned as recre- ational land; this would proride adequate field spare for all club. intramural and general recreation ery of construct it, but the ' s congregation disap- < _ geared over time. The '60s and '70s M were a dead period F for the ' synagogue's rrr activity, but my fam- r' IN ily has restored it in both structure and x Y ' spirit over the last 10 years. r What I'm saying is, try to see the big picture. Just because this old house does- "' " n't fit in with archi- The Hillier Group /Dagit Saylor Architects tectural styles of pro - posed modem build- ings; just because no one is living in the house now; and just because a current concrete need for the house cannot be found does- n't mean that these needs will not surface in the future. My Proposal. The Cradit -Moore house, cur- rently located at 'A ", should be moved to "B" rather than building new basketball courts there. i. _ t is dief problem? Cradit Moore house stands on Pleasant Grove Road, dust off the comer of �f6W.p Road and dangerously close to the proposed northeast.cotiier . of one field, A proposed .plan by' Assistan# Town Pr George Frantz to both Build. the field and kip the house intact reveals several risks to athlet- . io participants t'Arst, the northwest corner oftle field will only. hve five feet of space from thy, fields proposed pgrkin.g 16t. Not much runniri' --room f or confer kick,, is there? . Sadbrid, the field in question' has a change in Bade in the direction of play While many fields are §(aped across the direction of ;play„ the. proposed site will provide an unfair, advantage -for the feain going downhill My family could gogue, but 141 cover a.tieed for this What should be c ,J, he . proposed Nc .pair. of outdoor l ash Jessup and Pleasant nice? Certainly Are 1 The four outdoor be intact afEer cons outdoor court -pact Newman. Hall =bass where along with Bs r, . play: how ' many . a enough to:play outdo Third, lecatise'of the steep grade change, a 1_2 the kJ'high retaining wall will be iieeded'approxi- ings ely 20 feet from the northeast corner. Also; . itig ntial residents of •the Cradit -Moore house 1d have a 12 foot cliff in their ttiac kY and only 35;1 wou ,,. -- - - from the house: In a word, dangerous What albeiives�have, been proposed? With these unaVotdalle liabilities for the pro- posed plan; .Cornell: is °offering up to $4000 to Historic Ithaca tai �ove the Cradit =Moore house approximately 1% c>f' a mile north on Pleasant Grove Road, With ,the house moved, .the parking lot, retaining wall and grade changes could all be ameliorated. �vtiy are the reside nts,of. Forest Home and his= tart and Forest Home settler Isaac Cradit's home, a model of Greek Revival architecture, was built in 1816 - long before Cornell University was a thought. His house was the overseeing "mansion on the hill," while his employees lived at the bottom V to be built.. the: same. time, o- y have to' bf Or by Town: Plan Will. it III during the r next, scheduled meeting 1999 at MO p.m. at ' where=ttiis issue will sui The intramural athle the righit rack when.th tion for intramural parti tend a mu tit jmi rn s efforts we've made to redis- storie` building.. re? ; h Campus plan 1tSS for a ball: courts at the -Corne "r of rove Road. Would they be y tssary? No rums near the A lot 1 t stilj letion, . providing plenty .6f on North Campus. Helen . door' basketball - facilitirs, i.s are new courts would,provide :s and vegetation to isolate from the Low Rise build- ds, and allow a `saf0 l l+- the Cradit -Moore house moved about '100 y4rds; ig Board Chairman Fred. i 2, 1999 meeting, 'I;he B take place on Noy o, Avri Hall: on Seneca St., be resolved office was certainly on passed around the peti- ,ants. to sign. Where`that was that it provided ly uitent. was to Drdvide iritetested in his issue. `ihe should be found, and the 4pc Board meeting will provide students to become active in Adam lindenbaum is a Sun Left appears every other Tue best possible stifutioi :onnng Town Planning the perfect forum for the discussion. writer One Good Eye TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD 126 East Seneca Street r Ithaca,New York 14850 Tuesday,November 16, 1999 AGENDA 7:30 P.M. Persons to be heard(no more than five minutes). 7:35 P.M. SEQR Determination,The Home Design and Build Center, 614 Elmira Road. 7:40 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING:Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design&Build Center,and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a sign variance to replace the panels on an existing freestanding sign,located at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.33- 3-2.42,LI Light Industrial District.The proposed project would include offices and displays for residential design and construction. There will be no retail sales or inventory stored at this site,and no site changes are proposed. Minor exterior changes to the building are proposed, including the addition of a portico at the entrance.The building is currently vacant,and previously contained the Valley Korners 11 convenience store. Thomas A Bell, Owner,Dale Stevens,Evergreen Home Services, Applicant. 8:00 P.M. Consideration of a Sketch Plan for the proposed Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution,located at 1259 Trumansburg Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24-3- 3.1,Residence District R-30. The new museum will be an 18,000 square foot, two-story expansion,partially below grade. New parking areas will accommodate approximately 65 cars. The Museum is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors per year, including both schools and the general public. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner/Applicant; Tammi Aiken, T.G. Miller, P.C. and Weiss/Manfredi Architects, Agents; 8:45 P.M. Presentation and discussion regarding Agricultural District#2 Eight Year Review -Monika Roth and Debbie Teeter, Cornell Cooperative Extension. 6. Persons to be heard(continued from beginning of meeting if necessary). 7. Approval of Minutes: (None available at time of mailout). 8. Other Business. 9. Adjournment. Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273-1747 NOTE:IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND,PLEASE NOTIFY MARY BRYANT AT 273-1747. (A quorum of four(4)members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.) ' Y TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday,November 16, 1999 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, November 16, 1999, at 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, N.Y.,at the following time and on the following matter: 7:40 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design& Build Center, and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a sign variance to replace the panels on an existing freestanding sign, located at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33-3-2.42, LI Light Industrial District. The proposed project would include offices and displays for residential design and construction. There will be no retail sales or inventory stored at this site,and no site changes are proposed. Only minor exterior changes to the building are proposed, including the addition of a portico at the entrance. The building is currently vacant, and previously contained the Valley Komers H convenience store. Thomas A. Bell,Owner, Dale Stevens,Evergreen Home Services,Applicant. Said Planning Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matter 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. Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273-1747 Dated:Monday,November 8, 1999 Publish:Wednesday,November 10, 1999 The Ithaca Journal Wednesday, November 10, 1999 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999 By dlrertion of the Chairperson of the Planning fidord, NOTICE 6 HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Heoring will be heldb the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, November 16, 1999, at 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following time and on the following matter. 7.40 p.m. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the pro, posed conversion of a former convenience store to The Home Design&Build Center, and a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals re- garding ❑ sign variance to replace the poneis on an ex- isting freeslandtng sign, lo- cated at 614 Elmira Road on Town of Ithoca Tax Parcel No,33-3-2.42,11 light indus- trial District. The proposed Mwould include offices displays for residential design and construction. There will be no retail sales or inventory stared _':o t this site, and no site changes are proposed. Only minor ex- terior changes to the building are proposed, including the addition of a portico at the entrance.The building is cur rently vacant, and previously contained the Volley Korner llconvenience store. Thomas',, A.Bell,Owner,Dole Stevens, Evergreen Home Services, Applicant. Said Plannin Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matter or objections thereto. Persons may aPPear by ogant or in person, Individuals with visual impair- ments mpair ments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance 1 as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such o request nal less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing Jonathan Kanter, AICD. Director of Planning 273-1747 November 10.199-9 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD ATTENDANCE SHEET DATE: November 16 1999 PLEA5E PRINTYOUR NAME PLEASE PRINTADDRESS/AFFILIATION (Please PRINT to ensure accuracy in official minutes) n i LtM AMC 45:4 VC t Y L v - ' 1 ' UL, SIL ('ct�=�,pc�r^•�G`fi �' �� � 1 z D63 cf —T—e- P:e-+ ^• c7 — s TOWN OF ITHACA AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION 1, Sandra Polce being duly sworn, depose and say that I am a Senior Typist 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 the Town of Ithaca Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, November 16, 1999 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, 1999 Date of Publication: November 10, 1999 Sandra Polce, Senior Typist Town of Ithaca. STATE OF NEW YORK) SS: COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of November 1999. &66��� Notary Public DEBORAH KELLEY Notary Public,State of New York No. OIKE6025073 Qualified in Schuyler Cou Commission Irxpir" May 17,20 nty,('