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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2009-01-20Final Town of Ithaca Planning Board FILE _ Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2009 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca Present: Rod Howe, Chair; Members Susan Riha, Kevin Talty, Hollis Erb, Fred Wilcox and Jon Bosak Absent: George Conneman Staff: Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; Dan Walker, Town Engineer; Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town and Paulette Terwilliger, Deputy Town Clerk Others: John Rancich, Steve Beyers and Mary Russell, Carrowmoor Chairman Howe called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Agenda Item: Persons to be Heard There was no one wishing to address the Board at this time. Agenda Item: Consideration of acceptance of the draft scopina document for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Carrowmoor development project located off Mecklenbura Road (NYS Route 79). north of Rachel Carson Way, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 27 -1 -14.2, Aaricultural and Medium Density Residential Zones. The proposal includes the development of 400 +/- residential condominium units, a community center complex, up to 36,000 square feet of neighborhood oriented commercial uses, up to 32 living units in an elderly residential building, a child care center, and other mixed -use development on 158 +/- acres. The project will also include multiple new roads and walkways, open recreation areas stormwater facilities and community gardens. Town of Ithaca actions also include consideration of adoption of a proposed local law to enact a Planned Development Zone in conjunction with the Carrowmoor proposal The Planning Board may also consider scheduling a public scopina session to hear public comments on the draft scopina document for the Carrowmoor development EIS. John Rancich, Owner/ Applicant; Steven Bauman, Aaent; Mary Russell, Attorney John Rancich, Steven Bauman and Mary Russell Chairman Howe noted that the redline version and the final draft were helpful to compare side -by -side and tonight's decision is whether the Board is comfortable that the document is thorough enough to move forward with formal presentation of the document. PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 2 The applicant and his representatives did not have a formal presentation but rather were available to answer questions. Board Comments /Questions Board Member Wilcox had a question about the wording "proposed measures for maintenance and protection of traffic." on page 9, Item 10. Discussion followed. It was determined that it is standard DOT language. The Board added the word "flow" after traffic. Board Member Erb had comments about the Aesthetic Resources on pages 7 and 8. She wanted the Pine Tree Rd and Snyder Hill Rd intersection added because it is on the Conservation Board's list of important viewsheds to be protected. There was some discussion and Mr. Bauman stated that they had looked at that site and the hog barn there blocked any line of sight view of the Carrowmoor development. It was decided that the applicant would add a paragraph or two explaining that the site had been looked at and the results. Board Member Erb also wanted some night -time illustrations about the lighting impact. There was some discussion about how that would be done, technically. Mr. Rancich stated that he would do it if there was a way to do it. Board Member Erb noted that the Board had asked about the lighted tower at the Ithaca College Athletic and Events Center. She was concerned about the Great Hall lighting. Board Member Riha thought the two did not compare because the IC tower was very tall. Mr. Kanter did not know if a light analysis could be done on what is essentially going to be a new neighborhood. Board Member Erb accepted that there may not be a way to measure it but stated that it would be a new "bubble of light." Chairman Howe added that the Board would just have to make sure that they follow the Town Code. Board Member Erb was concerned about the glare from the roofs of the houses, because the way the houses were lined up, they could combine for the same effect as a solid roof. Mr. Rancich stated that the diagrams shown are just place holders, not absolute sitings, and reiterated that a lot of the roofs would be green. He went on to say that he had learned an interesting idea from bird experts when discussing his windfarm; if windows are tilted slightly down to reflect the ground, birds will not fly into them as often, so he is looking into that also. This would reduce glare. It was decided to add a 6e "discuss the potential for glare from surfaces in the project." Board Member Talty was concerned about the traffic study and the idea that commuters maybe coming up to Carrowmoor; meaning Carrowmoor may generate its own traffic. Mr. Rancich stated that the consultants are experienced with the issue and the concept and will report on it in depth. Board Member Riha felt that the availability of the facilities to non - Carrowmoor residents was one of the positive aspects of the project. PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 3 Board Member Riha asked about the phasing of the project and protections about finishing the project. Chairman Howe thought 3b addressed it, and Mr. Kanter stated that the Board could find a lot of those types of details in the local law being drafted and discussed by the Town Board. The local law is very detailed, and there are protections for the construction of the infrastructure. There was some discussion on the viability of the businesses. Mr. Rancich noted that the types of businesses will be controlled by the Home Owners Association, and if something wasn't working out, it would be replaced. Board Member Bosak was concerned about the statement on page 5, under 3b, "...financial guarantees that are intended to mitigate impacts of the complex and long -term aspects of the development process." He thought it was too nebulous. Discussion followed. Mr. Bauman noted that a lot of items in the scoping document are specifically detailed and addressed in the local law, so when taken together, they may make more sense. Chairman Howe noted that the Scoping Document says it will point to different sections of the local law, and he asked that they really pay attention to that to enable the Board to follow along throughout. It was decided to leave the language as it is. Board Member Bosak noted a typo on the Site Conditions document and a couple of grammatical changes in the draft Scoping Document. The Board agreed on some other minor housekeeping changes to the document. Board Member Bosak added that he would be particularly interested in the outcome of the light issue discussed earlier. He felt light pollution is a big issue. Ms. Brock added "commercial lights" after "residential lights" under Lighting on page 8, number 8. Motion made and seconded. Change made and approved. ADOPTED RESOLUTION Planning Board Resolution No. 2009 - 004 Acceptance of Draft Scoping Document and Scheduling of Public Scoping Session Carrowmoor Development & Planned Development Zone Tax Parcel No. 27 -1 -14.2 Mecklenburg Road (NYS Route 79) Town of Ithaca Planning Board January 20, 2009 Motion made by Hollis Erb, seconded by Kevin Talty. PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 4 WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board is considering approvals for the proposed Carrowmoor development project located off Mecklenburg Road (NYS Route 79), north of Rachel Carson Way, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 27 -1 -14.2, Agricultural and Medium Density Residential Zones. The proposal includes the development of 400 +/- residential condominium units, a community center complex, up to 36,000 square feet of neighborhood oriented commercial uses, up to 32 living units in a residential building for the elderly, a child care center, and other , mixed - use development on 158 +/- acres. The project will also include multiple new roads and walkways, open recreation areas, stormwater facilities, and community gardens. John Rancich, Owner; Steve Bauman, Agent; Mary Russell, Attorney, and 2. The proposed actions, including site plan and subdivision approval by the Planning Board and rezoning to a Planned Development Zone by the Town Board, are Type I actions pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality Review, and 3. A Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, and additional application materials have been submitted by the applicant for the above - described action, and 4. The Town of Ithaca Town Board, through a sub - committee, has drafted a local law outlining the requirements of the proposed Planned Development Zone (PDZ), and 5. The Town of Ithaca Town Board at its meeting on September 8, 2008 reviewed the draft Local Law establishing a PDZ for the proposed Carrowmoor development, and referred the draft Local Law in conjunction with the development proposal to the Planning Board for a recommendation, and 6. The Town of Ithaca Town Board at its meeting on September 8, 2008 requested that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board act as lead agency for purposes of coordinating the environmental review of the project pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617 (SEQR) and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code, and 7. The Carrowmoor developers submitted a letter, dated September 15, 2008 indicating that they are committing to producing a full Environmental Impact Statement on the project as an integral part of the development review process for the Carrowmoor development, and PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 5 8. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board at its meeting on October 7, 2008 reviewed a sketch plan for the proposed Carrowmoor development and indicated its intent to serve as lead agency to coordinate the environmental review of the proposed development, and 9. The Town of Ithaca Planning Department, on behalf of the Planning Board, distributed a Lead Agency concurrence letter to potential involved and interested agencies on October 14, 2008, and received no objections to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board serving as Lead Agency on this matter, and 10. The Planning Board, having reviewed the Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Part 1, prepared by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 of the Full EAF, prepared by the Planning staff, and having received no objections from involved or interested agencies, established itself as lead agency at its meeting on January 6, 2009 to coordinate the environmental review of the proposed Carrowmoor development, and 11. The Planning Board issued a positive determination of environmental significance at its meeting on January 6, 2009 in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above referenced action as proposed for the reasons stated in the EAF Parts II & III, and, confirmed that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) will be prepared, and 12. The Carrowmoor developers have submitted a Draft Scoping Document (dated December 30, 2008, revised January 12, 2009, and further revised January 20, 2009) outlining the proposed scope and content of a DEIS for the Planning Board's consideration, and the Planning Board has reviewed and discussed said Draft Scoping Document at its meeting on January 20, 2009, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby accepts the Draft Scoping Document for the proposed Carrowmoor development, dated December 30, 2008, revised January 12, 2009, and further revised January 20, 2009, as adequate for purposes of obtaining comments from the public and involved and interested agencies regarding the scope and content of the DEIS for the Carrowmoor development, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby schedules a Public Scoping Session to be held on February 17, 2009 in order to obtain comments from the PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 6 public and involved and interested agencies regarding the scope and content of the DEIS for the Carrowmoor development. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Wilcox, Riha, Bosak, Talty, and Erb. NAYS: None Absent: Conneman The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item: Consideration of adoption of the Statement of Findings for the Cornell Transportation- focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t- GEIS). The t -GETS includes an identification, examination and evaluation of transportation- related impacts of hypothetical Cornell University population growth scenarios over the next decade on transportation systems and neighborhoods. The t -GEIS addresses these impacts by evaluating and proposing mitigation measures to encourage alternatives to single - occupancy vehicle use by those traveling to and from Cornell. Chairman Howe noted that the Board is discussing, not adopting the Statement of Findings. He said the Board is determining whether they agree with the wording of it and whether they want to move it forward for Adoption of the Findings. Board Member Riha asked for an explanation on what "adopting the findings" is. Mr. Kanter answered that that means it is done and the Board would then use it. Board Member Riha noted that other GEIS's that she has seen or dealt with were binding, and she wanted assurance that this is not, in the sense that it does not set the stage for all future transportation decisions until some revision or supplement but that it is meant more for a guide. Mr. Kanter agreed that it was to provide an information base for those who need or wish it. Chairman Howe thought the Annual Report which will detail the reviews that Cornell has done for the mitigations and strategies will be very helpful. Board Member Bosak's overall concern was some of the wording seems to go beyond what TGEIS does, making it sound sufficient as opposed to helpful. For example, the statement "The Board finds that because of this holistic examination, the TGEIS allows the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and other public bodies to understand the broad context...." What this is saying is that we find that this TGEIS is all you need to understand the broad context of and so forth ... if we change that "allows" to "helps" it changes the statement. Same with "The mitigation strategies identified in the TGEIS are likely to satisfactorily mitigate the potential...." He couldn't find that it satisfactorily mitigates it from now into the future. He felt that if the word "satisfactorily" were replaced with "likely" then that would be okay. There were other words PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 7 discussed and some minor typos and housekeeping changes made. Substantive changes were made to items: E5, insert "even if there is no Cornell growth, as examined" after "finds that" in the first sentence. And the "the Board finds that these. (omit mitigations, insert strategies) could have the affect of mitigating ". E8, take out "approximately 75% of', add the word "largely" after (....ten years) and the word "further" after "reduce impacts." E9, second sentence changed to "The t -GETS demonstrated that background growth itself (even if underestimated in the t -GETS analysis) has a comparatively larger impact on neighborhood livability than do the Cornell commuter population growth scenarios." And delete "would improve neighborhood livability" from the end of the last sentence E18, delete "town- gown ", insert "between the University and Municipalities" after collaboration. The Certification of Findings to Approve, item 3; delete "considering" and add "incorporating as conditions to decisions on future actions where appropriate" Page 4, second sentence, change to "One of the purposes of the t -GEIS is to identify mitigations for the transportation- related impacts from increased numbers of people commuting to or from work or classes at Cornell." There was some discussion about whether to allow Mr. Brittain to address the Board. It was decided that the Board would hear comments at the next meeting before formally adopting the document. Agenda Item: Nomination and Election of Vice Chairperson for 2009. ADOPTED RESOLUTION: PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009 - 005 Nomination and Election Planning Board Vice Chairperson 2009 Town of Ithaca Planning Board January 20, 2009 MOTION made by Jon Bosak, seconded by Kevin Talty. RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board does hereby nominate and elect Fred T. Wilcox, III as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Board for the year 2009. FURTHER RESOLVED, that said election shall be reported to the Town Board. PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 8 A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Riha, Bosak, Talty, and Erb. NAYS: None Abstentions: Wilcox Absent: Conneman The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item: Approval of Minutes: January 6, 2009. ADOPTED RESOLUTION PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009 — 006 Adopt Planning Board Minutes Minutes of January 6, 2009 Planning Board January 20, 2009 Motion made by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Hollis Erb. WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from the meeting on January 6, 2009, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board approves the minutes, with corrections, to be the final minutes of the meetings on January 6, 2009. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Wilcox, Riha, Bosak, Talty, and Erb. NAYS: None Absent: Conneman The motion passed unanimously. Agenda Item: Other Business and Next Meeting's Agenda Update on old Courtside site on Pine Tree Road being used as a staging area for CU Heating Plant renovation. Chairman Howe reported that the Chair of the Planning Committee might be attending meetings. Board Member Riha asked what the Board's policy was in evaluating future impacts of wetlands on neighboring properties. Dan explained his review process. PB 1 -20 -2009 Pg 9 Town Resident Survey is underway. Balloon -fly for Verizon tower happened. Board Member Bosak emailed other board members a link to some pictures. Meeting was adjourned, upon motion, at 8:34 p.m. RespectKO svb erwilliger, Deputy Town Clerk TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tuesday, January 20, 2009 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes). 7:05 P.M. Consideration of acceptance of the draft scoping document for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Carrowmoor development project located off Mecklenburg Road (NYS Route 79), north of Rachel Carson Way, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 27 -1 -14.2, Agricultural and Medium Density Residential Zones. The proposal includes the development of 400 +/- residential condominium units, a community center complex, up to 36,000 square feet of neighborhood oriented commercial uses, up to 32 living units in an elderly residential building, a child care center, and other mixed -use development on 158 +/- acres. The project will also include multiple new roads and walkways, open recreation areas, stormwater facilities, and community gardens. Town of Ithaca actions also include consideration of adoption of a proposed local law to enact a Planned Development Zone in conjunction with the Carrowmoor proposal. The Planning Board may also consider scheduling a public scoping session to hear public comments on the draft scoping document for the Carrowmoor development EIS. John Rancich, Owner/ Applicant; Steven Bauman, Agent; Mary Russell, Attorney. 7:30 P.M. Consideration of adoption of the Statement of Findings for the Cornell Transportation- focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t- GEIS). The t -GEIS includes an identification, examination and evaluation of transportation- related impacts of hypothetical Cornell University population growth scenarios over the next decade on transportation systems and neighborhoods. The t -GEIS addresses these impacts by evaluating and proposing mitigation measures to encourage alternatives to single - occupancy vehicle use by those traveling to and from Cornell. 4. Nomination and Election of Vice Chairperson for 2009. Approval of Minutes: January 6, 2009. 6. Other Business: 7. Adjournment. Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY SANDY POLCE AT 273 -1747. (A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.) Regular Meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board January 20, 2009 Please Sign In (not required) ��I. DLI H 4A V f C'\ I � 0 jejn C) t4e_ �� �� k 0--j �0.