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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2001-09-04TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD FILE DATE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2001 The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 4, 2001, in Town Hall, 215 North Tioga, Ithaca, New York, at 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Fred Wilcox, Chairperson; Eva Hoffmann, Board Member; George Conneman, Board Member; Tracy Mitrano, Board Member (7:56 p.m.); Larry Thayer, Board Member; Rod Howe, Board Member; Kevin Talty, Board Member; John Barney, Attorney for the Town; Dan Walker, Director of Engineering; Susan Ritter, Assistant Director of Planning; Mike Smith, Environmental Planner, EXCUSED: Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; Christine Balestra- Lehman, Planner. ALSO PRESENT: Doris Siolo, 313 Bella Vista Drive; Ed Green, 301 Bella Vista Drive; Mark Macera, Ithacare; Jessica Keltz, Ithaca Times; David Herrick, TG Miller; Warren Allmon, Director of PRI; Michael Manfredi, Weiss- Manfredi Architects. Chairperson Wilcox declared the meeting duly opened at 7:33 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 August 27 2001, and August 29, 2001, _ 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 August 29, 2001. (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. With no persons present to be heard, Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 7:34 p.m. AGENDA ITEM: SEOR Determination, Museum of the Earth, 1259 Trumansburg Road. Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:34 p.m. David Herrick, TG Miller - The modifications that we are presenting to the Town is inconsequential. They are changes in building material. They are not changes in the extent of impervious surfaces or site work. I would be happy to answer any questions that you might perceive as environmental with respect to this project, but I do not feel that there are any. Chairperson Wilcox - Mr. Herrick, could you detail the changes to the board? APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED Mr. Herrick - We have some changes in curbing. There had been granite curbing along some concrete walk. We decided, as a cost saving measure, as are all of these items, to combine concrete curb and walk together in some locations and minimize granite curbing, that being a more expensive construction items. There are in each of the three parking bays, the deletion of one small light fixture. They are located at the north end of each lot. The original intent was that the spacing of light fixtures beginning at one end to the other was equal. What we found as a cost saving measure was that we could get rid of one small light that is redundant because it is adjacent to a larger site light. The change in the curbing is in front of the existing museum. We will be combining the curb and walkway together. The granite curbing will continue throughout the rest of the site. There has been some change in materials within the plaza. We had a much more extensive flat work or concrete work proposed. We are reducing it and supplementing it with additional, natural rock materials, which we had always had proposed around the Pine tree. The Pine tree remains. We are extending the area of the crushed rock material. The most significant change is in the roof material itself. There was a stainless steel turn standing seam roof proposed. As an alternate, a cooper roof standing seam was less expensive. I brought samples of the materials proposed. As it ages, it turns to a turquoise color. Board Member Thayer - What_ is the timeframe that it takes for the copper to change color? Michael Manfredi, Weiss- Manfredi Architects - It can be up to 30 years to get up to a high level of patina. Fortunately, because there is less pollution, it takes longer to patinated. There is probably a noticeable difference within the first six months. It will go to a kind of chalkier, darker, softer brown, copper color. Then that in turn will start to shift to a green. There is very little pollution here, so it will take longer. Board Member Thayer - Is it reflective when it is first put down? Mr. Manfredi - When it is first put down it will be reflective. The first change is that it will go dull. Board Member Hoffmann - Is it pure copper? Mr. Manfredi - Yes, it is. There is some copper on the existing building. We thought it would be too expensive. This is probably the first project where a contractor has come back with cost savings to go to copper. We are still puzzled, but we are willing to accept it. Mr. Herrick - Another small change in the roofing is a reduction in the overhang. The reductions ranged from 12 to 14 inches. The last modification is an alternate material for paving strips. We had initially considered lenrock stone for those paver strips. We are now looking at textured and sand blasted concrete as an alternate. There were some cost savings in these changes. The layout and quantity remains the same. It is a change in material. Board Member Conneman - What is the price difference between the granite curb and concrete curb? 2 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED Mr. Herrick - The cost savings is $4 to $5 per foot. The concrete is less expensive than the granite. Board Member Hoffmann - There was something in the Memorandum of Understanding with the State Historic Preservation Office about use of native stone. Could you consider using some other stone material, which is less expensive? Warren Allmon, Director of PRI - I do not know of any cheaper stone. The only stone that we would consider using is lenrock for appearance sake. Sandstone is sometimes shipped in for garden rock. It does not last as long. It is not as attractive. There is usually a reason when something is cheaper. We are going to try to put as much lenrock as possible back into the site. It can be done late into the project when we are finishing off the site work. If we have a nickel left over, that is what we are going to do. I would like to see the paving strips come back in. Lenrock is the right stone for many reasons. It is local and because the rest of the building is made of it. The Ellis Hollow Quarry was recently sold. We do not know how that will impact our negotiations with them. Chairperson Wilcox -The issue came up with regard to what the New York State Office of Historic Preservation would say about the changes. Mr. Allmon - I talked with Richard Lord today from SHPO. He is our program officer. He has not looked at these changes because he has been on vacation. I talked with him at some length to describe the changes._ We focused on the roof._ He thought the change in roof material would. most concern him. He asked for a color rendering to show what a green roof looks like. Mr. Lord's main concern is in the darkness. He would like this building to disappear. Dark buildings disappear faster than light buildings. He would like to learn more about the darkness difference between the two. A problem is not anticipated, but at worse case we would need to go back to the gunmetal colored roof. It might be known by Friday or next week. We are asking for conditional approval to these pending SHPO determination. Board Member Hoffmann - Many buildings in European cities have oxidized copper roofs. Generally they turn a very green color over hundreds of years. Copper roofs are more common on important, historic buildings. Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 7:47 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -75 - SEOR, Site Plan Modifications, Museum of the Earth - Paleontological Research Institution, 1259 Trumansburg Road, Tax Parcel No. 24. -34 i. MOTION made by George Conneman, seconded by Rod Howe. WHEREAS. 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modifications to the Museum of the Earth, located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, Residential District R -30. Said modifications include using an alternate roofing material, reduction in the roof overhang, substitution of sandblasted concrete for stone pavers, substitution of concrete curb for granite along entry drive, reduction of K APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED concrete paving in the plaza, and the removal of three light fixtures in the parking lots. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner /Applicant; David A. Herrick, Agent. 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, and 3. The Planning Board, on September 4, 2001, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and a Part ll prepared by Town Planning staff, and a modified site plan entitled "Site Layout Plan," drawing number C101, and dated August 3, 2001, and other application material and, 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval, 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. The vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Thayer, Howe, Tally. NAYS: None, ABSENT: Mitrano. The motion was declared to be carried. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed site plan modifications for the Museum of the Earth, Paleontological Research Institution's new public education and exhibit facility, located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, Residence District R -30. Proposed modifications include using an alternate roofing material, a reduction in the roof overhang, substitution of sandblasted concrete for stone pavers, substitution of-concrete curb for granite long entry drive, reduction of concrete paving in the plaza, and the removal of three light fixtures in the parking lots. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner /Applicant; David A. Herrick, Agent. Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. With no persons present to be heard, Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -76 - Site Plan Modification, Museum of the Earth - Paleontological Research Institution, 1259 Trumansburg Road, Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1. MOTION made by Larry Thayer, seconded by Kevin Tally. E APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modifications to the Museum of the Earth, located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, Residential District R -30. Said modifications include using an alternate roofing material, reduction in the roof overhang, substitution of sandblasted concrete for stone pavers, substitution of concrete curb for granite along entry drive, reduction of concrete paving in the plaza, and the removal of three light fixtures in the parking lots. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner /Applicant; David A. Herrick, Agent. 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 September 4, 2001, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, and 3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 4, 2001, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a modified site plan entitled "Site Layout Plan," drawing number C101, and dated August 3, 2001, and other application material; NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 10 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 Checklists, 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 Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed site modifications to the Museum of the Earth located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, as shown on the modified site plan entitled "Site Layout Plan" drawing number C101, dated August 3, 2001, and other application material, subject to the following condition: a. submission of an original or mylar copy of the final site plan to be retained by the Town of Ithaca. b. submission of written approval of all of the changes by the New York State Historic Preservation Office, prior to issuance of a building permit and if such approval is not received, any changes not approved shall revert to the status prior to their modification. The vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Thayer, Howe, Tally, NAYS: None. 5 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18, 2001- APPROVED - APPROVED ABSENT: Mitrano. The motion was declared to be carried. AGENDA ITEM: SEQR, Determination, Longview, an Ithacare Community, 1 Bella Vista Drive. Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:52 p.m. Mark Macera, Ithacare - We are visiting with the Town Planning Board again in a proposal to modify the site plan as a consequence of the Special Land Use District. Public Law requires that each and every modification of the plan be brought back before the Planning Board for review and approval. We have been back two or three times to amend the site plan to include the addition of a light post, to locate a storage shed, and for the promenade. This marks the fourth time due to a modification extension of the walking trail. I suspect that we will be meeting again with adjustments in the future as a result of feedback received in our day to day operations from our residents. I have an aerial photograph of the site for the board. The most recent proposal introduced a promenade. It is a covered walking surface for the residents to be able to exit the building and move about the site and get to the north lawn by accessing the trail either at the northeast point of the site or by exits located around the building on the northern and western sides of Longview. One of the objectives of the residents that has become clear_in the _three years that we have been located here is that they are interested in walking and exercising. Over the last three years there has been growing interest in residents to not only to move about the site, but to circle the building. They could use the nature trail that exists as part of the original site plan. It is accessed over at the southwestern portion of the site. There are several dedicated public parking spots to access the site. They can gain access by climbing a very modest slope that exists. It proves to be very difficult for residents. One of the problems residents have been having over the last couple of years is that they feel isolated to the extent that they cannot be seen from the building when on the trail. The residents have seemed to enjoy walking the parking lot because they feel safer walking the parking lots competing with traffic than they do on the far portion of the trail, simply because they are within eyeshot and earshot of people if they need help. We proposed the promenade and it was completed just before the first of July. It has been used extensively. Also in the past couple of years, as the residents have exiting the building and moving around the southern and western portion of the site, there is one parking lot that is adjacent to the pond or wetland area where they have been trying to navigate the slope. It is a relatively steep slope. It presents some safety hazards and threatens their well- being. Residents from time to time have attempted to walk around the building in this area. One of the things that we are proposing as an adjunct to this promenade and the original trail is to add a little off -shoot that is depicted in the materials in yellow and black that would connect the promenade and the trail. Residents that wanted to walk this site could move completely around the building recognizing that they would access the trail and be in closer eyeshot and earshot of the staff. We make several trips a day to check the trail to make sure no one is having any difficulty. In addition to that, when we built the promenade, some of the soil and spoil that was excavated from the site was filled and laid along the steep slope on the west side of the building to make it easier for residents to move along the west side of the building. no APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED One complication is that an outlet runs through the site. There is a culvert area that is a holding creek with riprap there presently. They are proposing to put a pipe there in that area and make an even grade to the left and right of the pipe so people can move from the promenade across the shunt to the trail without having to travel the steep slope. Board Member Hoffmann - How would you put in such a pipe and how you would keep the drainage situation from the wetland while you are improving the trail? Mr. Macera - We are not making any changes to the current situation other than taking an open creek and putting in a three foot culvert made of corrugated vinyl pipe to carry the water that pre- exists this project across the same area. We will be using the same diameter spec. that was used to provide for moving the water across the site. Board Member Hoffmann - The current situation is a ditch that the trail goes across. Mr. Macera - There currently is no trail that crosses the area. We are proposing an additional shunt, which does not exist now. We are proposing to create a path or walking area from the promenade, across the lawn, along the edge of the woods and then across the culvert. Many residents have suggested that we pave the entire trail to make it accessible by those individuals who have difficulty. Board Member Hoffmann - Stone dust gets compacted very well. I have seen people in wheelchairs using this type of path. It does not need to be asphalt necessarily. How do these trails compare with the trails that were originally approved when we first talked about this years ago? Mr. Macera. - Town Planning staff marked the trails. Our contractors then excavated. It was covered with shale that was excavated from the site. We did not use foreign materials on the site. I believe it is precisely the way Planning staff had asked we lay it out. Board Member Hoffmann - Is this the extent of it? Is there anything more to be added that was on the original plan? Mr. Macera - No. Nothing has been added. Board Member Talty - What is the use of the trail on a daily basis? Mr. Macera. - A dozen people or more might be strolling the promenade on a given day. Depending upon special events, the activity might double or triple. Board Member Talty - How many people use the nature trail? Mr. Macera - There might be a couple residents per day that use the nature trail. Board Member Talty - Is it the opinion that the people that are currently using the promenade would start to utilize the nature trail more if we approve the path? 7 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED Mr. Macera - I believe so. The use of the promenade is also people walking circles and going into the building in several spots. Several residents have indicated the desire to be able to walk around the building. It has been very difficult. We looked at the opportunity to shorten the distance and eliminate the problem area from the equation by introducing this section. Chairperson Wilcox - Could we have some details on the recreation area? Mr. Macera - As suggested by your materials, we have worked very closely with the Tompkins Community Action, which is the operator of our child daycare program. It is a preschool. We have a slot for eight or nine children who participate. They are low income individuals. Part of their objective, which overlaps with our objective is to create an intergenerational opportunities that would not only occur inside the buildings, but outdoor activities. The children currently take walks on the site, but there is very little recreational opportunity for them to be able to exercise more appropriately. Introducing these types of materials would allow them to crawl through pipes, climb over little hills, sit at little tables, play in the sand areas and so on. We want to introduce areas which joins with the recreational childcare areas in such a way that either residents can participate in the activities with the children or sit along the perimeter and observe the activities. We have had similar activities in the past that include certain special events. This formalizes the events. Many of the residents have children and grandchildren who visit. It gives them something to do and some place to go to recreate. It is going to help everyone in many ways. Board Member Hoffmann - It is wonderful that you have this component of children being there. It must mean then that the residents like it. I know that often at facilities like this some people like having children around and others do not. Mr. Macera - We, like any other part of society, experience a majority of individuals who are favorably inclined to agree with you. We have extremes and extremists. There are some who feel that there are not enough kids here and there are other who have said if they knew there were going to be children then they would not have moved here. Others enjoy the activities. Then there are others that scowl, frown and object. Those who represent the majority are positive and support the project. There are probably a dozen individuals who object to this. Everything is a series of compromises. Board Member Hoffmann - I think it is great. It is nice to have the ability for several generations to interact. Mr. Macera - I have had discussions with Town Planning staff. I have expressed the concern that every time I come back to you that we are wasting the board's time. We understand the public law that states that any change must come back before the board. I have concerns because we have been here four times. We will be before the board another four to eight times. For instance, a concern in the master plan that we put together was that there was an inability for us to reach consensus with our residents with regards to introducing the promenade, walking areas and recreational areas. We have decided to take it one step at a time, which causes me that each time one aspect is developed to come back before the Town. It is brought before the board, approved, built and then implemented. Then we start on the next phase. I wish I could present all changes at once. 13 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18, 2001- APPROVED - APPROVED There are some changes we want to make for adult recreation. For instance, I have talked with Planning staff about a horseshoe pit. I have been told that we will need to bring that before the Planning Board. It is a recreational area. We also want to put in a Bocci Ball area. We do not know precisely where these will be located. It is likely that we would come back for the horseshoe pit and then for the Bocci Ball area. We want to put in a small pavilion with a relatively flat roof in an area against the trees. It will not obstruct any views. It is essentially not visible to the public. Although, we have residents objecting to any changes we make because it affects them personally. We still need to complete walking trails. The concrete walkway in front of the building extends to the northeast. We know we want to extend the walkway along the road so that they can gain access to the promenade. The only option that I have is to come before the Town Board and ask that the public law be changed. Attorney Barney - There are levels of concern. I suspect that Bocci Ball is not at the top level. When this was originally planned, it was a controversial project. There was concern about providing some public space in an area that would eliminate habitat for many species. It was the reason for this being put in the law. An application could be made for a general plan. This board might approve a blanket approval for those items to be put in. Board Member Hoffmann - There seems to be a problem to have a walkway around the building. It does cost money. Is there some other reason it would be a problem? Mr. Macera - Once we opened our doors and our first residents moved into the building complex, they very quickly endeared themselves to how the building is and was. Anytime we suggest an alteration or change, it offends some of the residents. For instance, putting in the promenade in an area that was essentially open space now exposed those that we refer to in the garden apartments. There are now people walking so many feet away from their patios. Some felt it was an invasion of privacy. They liked their solitude. Clearly if that were part of the original site plan, they might not have a problem with it. Our residents are diverse as the rest of society. We could propose to introduce nirvana there and there would be some people who objected to it for personal reasons. At the time of the original site plan we had larger fish to fry. The western border was not an important focus at that time. Attorney Barney - It is not a problem for Ithacare to come back before the board. Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 8:24 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 -77 - SEOR , Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and Special Approval, Trail and Intergenerational Recreational Area - Ithacare, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Tax Parcel No. 3944.31. MOTION made by Larry Thayer, seconded by Rod Howe, WHEREAS. 9 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Approval for the proposed recreation area and walkway at Longview, an Ithacare Community, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No, 39 -1 -1.31, Special Land Use District No. 7. The proposal includes a trail that connects the existing north lawn promenade walkway with the existing trail west of the building, and an intergenerational recreational area including adult sitting areas and children's playscapes. Ithacare Center Service Co., Inc., Owner /Applicant; Mark A. Macera, Agent. 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, and 3. The Planning Board, on September 4, 2001, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and a Part ll prepared by Town Planning staff, plans titled "Site Plan," "Longview Northlawn Playspace — Appendix 1," and "Appendix 2," received August 15, 2001, and other application material, and 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval; 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. The vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Tally. NAYS: None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Approval for the proposed recreation area and walkway at Longview, an Ithacare Community, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 39. -1 -1.31, Special Land Use District No. 7. The proposal includes a trail that connects the existing north lawn promenade walkway with the existing trail west of the building, and a intergenerational recreational area including adult sitting areas and children's playscapes. Ithacare Center Services Co., Inc., Owner /Applicant; Mark A. Macera, Agent. Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Ed Green, 301 Bella Vista Drive - I have been a resident of Longview for fourteen months. My wife does need a wheelchair on occasion. We have been able to use the promenade very effectively for 10 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18, 2001- APPROVED - APPROVED that. We are also concerned about the lifestyle and the enhancement of the lifestyle at Longview. One of the things that would help us is the play area. We could bring the young children out. The residents can go out and watch and be with them. It has a lot to do for the outlook on life and being able to meet young children of that age. We are hopeful that all of this can take place and gradually we will get it done. Young people can come out and use it. We can observe them, be with them, and have a good time. We are hopeful that things will improve and we will enhance what is there. Doris Siolo, 313 Bella Vista Drive - I have lived at Bella Vista Drive for almost two and half years. moved in about a month after it opened. It is like building your own home. You build this lovely home and then you decide to add a rock garden or plant trees. You simply are not able to do it all at one time. Those of us who have lived at Longview for a long time have had a lot of thoughts as to what should be accomplished, but it will not be done in a day. It has not been done in a day. I am very happy to see these two thoughts coming together. It does give people who wish to go through the nature trail a place to end that is not in the parking lot. It gives the children a slightly enclosed area by creating a low berm around the play area and leaving openings for benches. They have their own headstart teachers. It gives the intergeneration feeling. I am very in favor of both of them. Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. Chairperson Wilcox - The drawings of the play area have less detail than what we have had in the past, but I am happy with it. Board Member Hoffmann - The description on the drawings help. Chairperson Wilcox - Just for the record, Mr. Macera and I are cousins. RESOLUTION NO. 2001 =78 - Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Approval, Trail and Intergenerational Recreational Area - Ithacare, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Tax Parcel No. 39- 1 -1.31. MOTION made by George Conneman, seconded by Tracy Mitrano. WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Approval for the proposed recreation area and walkway at Longview, an Ithacare Community, 1 Bella Vista Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 394-1.31, Special Land Use District No. 7 The proposal includes a trail that connects the existing north lawn promenade walkway with the existing trail west of the building, and an intergenerational recreational area including adult sitting areas and children's playscapes. Ithacare Center Service Co., Inc., Owner /Applicant; Mark A. Macera, Agent. 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 September 4, 2001, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as 11 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, and 3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 4, 2001, has reviewed and accepted as adequate, plans titled "Site Plan," "Longview Northlawn Playspace — Appendix 1," and "Appendix 2, "received August 15, 2001, and other application material, and 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 Checklists, 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 Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed trail and recreational area at Longview, an Ithacare Community, I Bella Vista Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 39 -1 -1.31, Special Land Use District No. 7, as shown on plans titled "Site Plan," "Longview Northlawn Playspace — Appendix 1," and "Appendix 2," received August 15, 2001, subject to the following condition: a. that sedimentation and erosion control measures be maintained throughout construction of the berm and trail, and until disturbed areas have been revegetated. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. That the Planning Board hereby grants Special Approval, determining the following: a. the proposed use and the location, design, size, and general site compatibility of the trail and recreation area shall be consistent with the character of the area in which it is located; bo the premises are reasonably adapted to the proposed use; C, the proposed trail and recreation area shall not be detrimental to the general amenity or neighborhood character in amounts sufficient to devalue neighboring property; d, natural surface water drainageways are not adversely affected and will not create drainage or erosion problems; e. the proposed trail and recreation area will not impact any environmentally sensitive areas including but not limited to wetlands, floodplains, woodlands, steep slopes, and watercourses, and /or other open space areas of importance to the neighborhood or community. `F APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18, 2001- APPROVED - APPROVED The vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Conneman, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty. NAYS: None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEM: OTHER BUSINESS: Chairperson Wilcox - Our next meeting looks to be lengthy. I would like to re -open the discussion of the Planning Board picture being on the website. I have changed my mind. I was concerned about Board Member Hoffmann's desire for privacy. In thinking about it, we are public servants. Being public servants, I think that we give up a little of that privacy. It might be appropriate that in some publication, that we as Planning Board members have our names listed and recognized as members as the Planning Board. Board Member Hoffmann - I do not object to our names being listed. I object to the picture. Chairperson Wilcox - I believe you said that you were uncomfortable being mentioned absent from the picture. Board Member Hoffmann - I do not have a problem with that. Board Member Conneman - If someone were to call the Planning staff, would they not tell them who the members are? Mr. Kanter - Yes. Board Member Mitrano - On the web it gives you extra exposure. There is the difference between being a name that most people will not associate with a person, but on the web there is the immediacy and the association. There is going to be a lot more exposure. Chairperson Wilcox - What is the pleasure of the board? Board Member Conneman - Would we object to a picture of us in tomorrow's newspaper? Board Member Hoffmann - I would opt out of being in that picture too. Board Member Talty - Is this an issue that is before the Town Board and Zoning Board? Board Member Thayer - The Town Board are elected officials. Board Member Howe - I am not opposed, but I do not feel as strongly to have picture on the website. Board Member Conneman - I am not opposed, but I see Board Member Hoffmann's point of view. 13 APPROVED - APPROVED - SEPTEMBER 18,2001- APPROVED - APPROVED Board Member Howe - It sounds as if we do not need to have our picture on the website. AGENDA ITEM: ADJOURNMENT: Upon MOTION, Chairperson Wilcox declared the September 4, 2001 meeting of Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Carne Whitmore, Deputy Town Clerk/Deputy Receiver of Taxes 14