HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2009-06-02FILE
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REGULAR MEETING
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009
215 NORTH TIOGA STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK
Board Members Present
Fred Wilcox, Vice - Chairperson; George Conneman, Hollis Erb, Jon Bosak, Susan Riha,
Kevin Talty, and Ellen Baer, Alternate.
Excused
Rod Howe, Chairperson.
Staff Present
Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; Dan Walker, Director of Engineering; Bruce
Bates, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Mike Smith,
Environmental Planner; Carrie Coates Whitmore, First Deputy Town Clerk.
Others
Virginia Freeman, Dave Auble, Rick Couture, Tom Hoard, Peter Trowbridge, Donald
Sherwood, Scott Wiggins, Wally Wiggins.
Call to Order
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox declared the meeting duly opened at 7:03 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 May 22, 2009 and May 27, 2009,
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 May 27, 2009.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox stated 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
None.
AGENDA ITEM
SEAR Determination: Sherwood 2 -Lot Subdivision, 254 Dubois Road
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox welcomed Mr. Donald Sherwood and asked him to give a brief
overview of his application. Mr. Sherwood explained he was proposing to consolidate
the ownership of the pond with the neighbor's property.
Planning Board Minutes
June 2, 2009
Final
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox asked Mr. Sherwood if he was aware of any environmental
impacts. Mr. Sherwood responded no. He explained that the land is land- locked and
does not have utilities.
With no questions from the Board, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox solicited a motion on the
proposed SEAR resolution. Board Member Erb moved and Board Member Riha
seconded the proposed resolution. With no discussion, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox called
for a vote — carried unanimously.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009-040: SEOR, Preliminary and Final Subdivision
Approval, Sherwood 2 -Lot Subdivision, 254 Dubois Road, Tax Parcel No. 23.4-13
MOTION made by Hollis Erb, seconded by Susan Riha
WHEREAS:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed two -lot subdivision located at 254 Dubois Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 23.4 -13, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal includes
subdividing +/- 1.32 acres from the western side of 254 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel
No. 23.4-13), including a portion of the pond, which will then be consolidated
with 258 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel No. 23.4 -12). Donald Sherwood & Anne
Ouellette, Owners /Applicants, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting
as Lead Agency in this uncoordinated environmental review with respect to
Subdivision Approval, and
3. The Planning Board on June 2, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and
Part ll prepared by the Town Planning staff, a survey map entitled "Proposed
Subdivision Plat Lands of Donald Sherwood and Anne Ouellette, Military Lot 40,
Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Tax Map No. 23. -1 -13"
prepared by Reagan Land Surveying, April 2009, and other application materials,
and
4. Town planning staff has recommended a negative determination of
environmental significance with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance for the reasons set forth in the Environmental Assessment
Form Part ll referenced above, 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.
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Final
A vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Conneman, Bosak, Baer, Riha, Talty, Erb.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-
lot subdivision located at 254 Dubois Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23 -1-
13, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal includes subdividing +/ -1.32
acres from the western side of 254 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel No. 23- 1 -13),
including a portion of the pond, which will then be consolidated with 258 Dubois
Road (Tax Parcel No. 23- 1 -12). Donald Sherwood & Anne Ouellette,
Owners /Applicants
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. and solicited questions
and comments from the Board. There being none, he invited the public to address the
Board. With no one interested in speaking, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox closed the public
hearing at 7:07 p.m.
Board Member Riha confirmed with the neighbor that she was willing to accept the
parcel.
Board Member Conneman moved the proposed resolution and Board Member Riha
seconded. There being no discussion on the proposed resolution, Vice - Chairperson
Wilcox called for a vote — carried unanimously.
PB RESOLUTION 2009 -041: Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval,
Sherwood 2 -Lot Subdivision, 254 Dubois Road, Tax Parcel No 23.4-13
MOTION made by George Conneman, seconded by Susan Riha.
WHEREAS:
This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed two -lot subdivision located at 254 Dubois Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 23.4 -13, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal includes
subdividing +/ 1.32 acres from the western side of 254 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel
No. 23.4-13), including a portion of the pond, which will then be consolidated
with 258 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel No. 23.4 -12). Donald Sherwood & Anne
Ouellette, Owners /Applicants, 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 Subdivision Approval, has
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June 2, 2009
Final
on June 2, 2009, made a negative determination of environmental significance,
after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental
Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Part II prepared by the
Town Planning staff, and
3. The Planning Board on April 7, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and
Part II prepared by the Town Planning staff, a survey map entitled "Proposed
Subdivision Plat Lands of Donald Sherwood and Anne Ouellette, Military Lot 40,
Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Tax Map No. 23.4-13"
prepared by Reagan Land Surveying, April 2009, and other application materials,
and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for
Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and
Final Subdivision Checklists, having determined from the materials presented
that such waiver will result in neither a significant alteration of the purpose of
subdivision control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board, and
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Subdivision
Approval for the proposed two -lot subdivision located at 254 Dubois Road as
shown on the survey map entitled "Proposed Subdivision Plat Lands of Donald
Sherwood and Anne Ouellette, Military Lot 40, Town of Ithaca, County of
Tompkins, State of New York, Tax Map No. 23.-1 -13" prepared by Reagan Land
Surveying, April 2009, subject to the following conditions:
a. submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an
original or mylar copy of the final subdivision plat, and three dark -lined
prints, prior to filing with the Tompkins County Clerk's Office, and
submission of a receipt of filing to the Town of Ithaca Planning
Department, and
b. within six months of this approval, consolidation of the +/- 1.32 acre parcel
with Tax Parcel No. 23.4 -12, and evidence of such consolidation to be
submitted to the Town of Ithaca Planning Department.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES. Wilcox, Conneman, Bosak, Baer, Riha, Tally, Erb.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
The motion was declared to be- carried unanimously.
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Final
AGENDA ITEM
SEAR Determination: La Tourelle Yellow Barn Conversion, 1152 Danby Road
Scott Wiggins came before the Board and gave a brief overview of his application. He
stated that the proposal is to convert the yellow barn into two residential apartments, a
3- bedroom hotel suite, two offices, and to continue the use of the hotel maintenance
department and hotel storage in the building.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox solicited questions and comments from the Board. Board
Member Erb commented that she was glad that the project came before the Board
before it was complete. She did not think the project would impact traffic, lighting,
neighbors, etc.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox noted for the record that Mr. Wally Wiggins was helping with
the estate of his uncle, but he did not think it was necessary to recuse himself. With no
further discussion, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox solicited a motion from the Board. Board
Member Talty moved the proposed SEAR resolution and Board Member Erb seconded.
There being no discussion, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox called for a vote — carried
unanimously.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009 -042: SEOR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan, La
Tourelle Yellow Barn Conversion, Tax Parcel No. 36 -1 -4.5
MOTION made by Kevin Tally, seconded by Hollis Erb.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the
proposed conversion of the Yellow Barn at the La Tourelle Resort property
located at 1152 Danby Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 36- 1 -4.5, Planned
Development Zone No. 1. The project involves converting the existing mixed use
yellow barn from 3 apartments, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage to a
mixed use building with 2 apartments, a 3 bedroom hotel suite, 2 resort related
offices, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage. One new accessible
parking space is proposed on the east side of the barn. Walter J. Wiggins,
Owner /Applicant; Scott D. Wiggins, Managing Director, Agent, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting
as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, on June 2, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant,
and Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, drawings titled "Existing Basement
Plan" (sheet A 1.10), "First Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.11), "Second Floor Plan" (sheet
A 1.12), and "Existing Third Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.13), all dated 03 -04 -09 and
prepared by DLK / Architecture, P.C., narrative and photos included in bound
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Final
packet titled "La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa – Request to Town of
Ithaca Planning Board for Approval to Convert La Tourelle's Yellow Barn to a
mixed Use Facility (One 3 bedroom Resort Suite and Two Long Term Rental
Apartments), date stamped May 4, 2009, and other application materials, 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 Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality
Review for the above referenced actions as proposed, based on the information in the
EAF Part I and for the reasons set forth in the EAF Part 11, and, therefore, a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Conneman, Bosak, Baer, Riha, Tally, Erb.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN. None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed
conversion of the Yellow Barn at the La Tourelle Resort property located at 1152
Danby Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 36- 1 -4.5, Planned Development Zone
No. 1. The project involves converting the existing mixed use yellow barn from 3
apartments, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage to a mixed use building
with 2 apartments, a 3 bedroom hotel suite, 2 resort related offices, a resort
maintenance area, and hotel storage. One new accessible parking space is
proposed on the east side of the barn. Walter J. Wiggins, Owner /Applicant; Scott
D. Wiggins, Managing Director, Agent.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. He then noted that Mr.
Wiggins was on the radio this morning talking about the project and asked if Mr.
Wiggins would explain one of the unique possible uses for the suite.
Mr. Wiggins explained that they have a lot of girlfriend getaways — groups of two, four,
six, etc women who travel together. They'll visit the local wineries, enjoy the spa, and
enjoy dinner. He believed that the three - bedroom suite would be very popular with
those groups because it has a large livingroom area, television, and television projection
system. Mr. Wiggins added that the suite will also be convenient for.families and he
was hopeful that the facility would be used for small gatherings such as meetings or
receptions.
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Final
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox invited the public to address the Board and there being no on
interested in speaking, he closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
With no questions or comments, Board Member Riha moved and Board Member Erb
seconded the proposed resolution. Attorney Brock noted that there was a typo in the
resolution; remove "and" from the end of Whereas clause number 3. Board Member
Riha and Board Member Erb agreed. Vice - Chairperson Wilcox called for a vote —
carried unanimously.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009 -043: Preliminary and Final Site Plan, La Tourelle
Yellow Barn Conversion, Tax Parcel No. 36 -1 -4.5
MOTION made by Susan Riha, seconded by Hollis Erb.
WHEREAS:
This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the
proposed conversion of the Yellow Barn at the La Tourelle Resort property
located at 1152 Danby Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 36- 1 -4.5, Planned
Development Zone No. 1. The project involves converting the existing mixed use
yellow barn from 3 apartments, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage to a
mixed use building with 2 apartments, a 3 bedroom hotel suite, 2 resort related
offices, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage. One new accessible
parking space is proposed on the east side of the barn. Walter J. Wiggins,
Owner /Applicant; Scott D. Wiggins, Managing Director, Agent, 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 the project has, on June 2,
2009, 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 lI prepared by Town Planning staff,
and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 2, 2009, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate, drawings titled "Existing Basement Plan" (sheet A1.10),
"First Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.11), "Second Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.12), and "Existing
Third Floor Plan" (sheet Al. 13), all dated 03 -04 -09 and prepared by DLK /
Architecture, P. C., narrative and photos included in bound packet titled "La
Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa – Request to Town of Ithaca Planning
Board for Approval to Convert La Tourelle's Yellow Barn to a mixed Use Facility
(One 3 bedroom Resort Suite and Two Long Term Rental Apartments), date
stamped May 4, 2009, and other application materials,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
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Final
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 conversion of the Yellow Barn at the La Tourelle
Resort and Spa property located at 1152 Danby Road as shown on the drawings
titled "Existing Basement Plan" (sheet A 1.10), "First Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.11),
"Second Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.12), and "Existing Third Floor Plan" (sheet A 1.13),
all dated 03 -04 -09 and prepared by DLK /Architecture, P.C., and a narrative and
photos included in bound packet titled "La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa
— Request to Town of Ithaca Planning Board for Approval to Convert La
Tourelle's Yellow Barn to a mixed Use Facility (One 3 bedroom Resort Suite and
Two Long Term Rental Apartments), date stamped May 4, 2009, subject to the
following conditions:
a. submission of record of application for and proof of receipt of all necessary
permits from county, state, and /or federal agencies, and
b. submission of one set of the final floor plan drawings on mylar, vellum, or
paper, signed and sealed by the registered land surveyor, engineer,
architect, or landscape architect who prepared the material, prior to the
issuance of a building permit, and
C. issuance of a building permit is required to make all modifications.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Conneman, Bosak, Baer, Riha, Tally, Erb.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN. None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM
Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Ithaca College Temporary
Residence Hall (Terrace Site) located on the Ithaca College campus at 953 Danby
Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 41 -1 -30.2 and 42 -1 -13.1, Medium Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves placing a 2 story temporary modular
residence hall building to the southeast of the existing Terrace buildings. The
building would accommodate approximately 100 students and will remain in
place for at least 4 years. Ithaca College, Owner /Applicant; Richard Couture,
Associate Vice - President of Facilities, Agent. .
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Rick Couture came before the Board and thanked them for the opportunity to present
the College's sketch plan for their proposed temporary residence facility. He directed
the Board's attention to their packet and noted that the material submitted by the
College provides detailed information.
Mr. Couture went on to explain the background of the proposed project. He stated that
over the course of the past year Ithaca College missed its enrollment target by over 200
students. The College has been going through serious budget situations and is in the
process of announcing cuts in positions. They have tried to address budget shortfalls
by looking at the incoming freshmen class for Fall 2009. He said that the College
looked at how students were recruited, the financial aid packages offered to students,
and the type of students that they were actively recruiting to the campus.
Mr. Couture stated that the combination of a revised financial aid package program and
active recruitment of students indicating Ithaca College as their first choice lead to a
positive response, and the College has an incoming freshman class that is
approximately 600 more students than available beds.
Ithaca College provided in the Board's material proposed short -term and long -term
plans. Mr. Couture explained that the College will be working with a consultant to
develop long range plans in terms of existing housing facilities and policies. They hope
to have a proposal ready to present to the College's Board of Trustees in May 2010.
Mr. Couture went on to explain the short -term plans that the College is proposing. It
involves offering incentives for a certain number of students to move off campus, and
they are anticipating that 50 additional upperclassman will take them up on their offer.
They are also looking at existing facilities in terms of temporary housing spaces. Ithaca
College has entered into an agreement with Comfort Inn and Suites and will be using 60
of their beds.
Mr. Couture stated that the College is also proposing a temporary facility on campus
that will house approximately 100 students. He said the College feels that the proposed
combination of short -range goals will help them get through the upcoming school year.
They also feel that it is important to look at the situation on a four -year basis because
the College guarantees on- campus housing for 4 years.
Mr. Couture explained that they tried to come up with a number of different options in
terms of siting the building on campus where it would have the least amount of impact.
He directed the Board's attention to the map provided in their packets that shows the
four possible site locations. The preferred location is next to the terraces because it is
within a residential cluster of buildings. The location is also tucked away in a corner of
the campus that is virtually not visible to 85% of the rest of campus, Route 96B, or
Coddington Road. He added that the College looked at three other locations with their
second choice being next to Roland Hall, which is an existing quad residence hall. This
location poses a .couple of problems —the service road would need to be relocated and
it could be a cramped living style given the close proximity to Roland Hall. Mr. Couture
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went on to briefly explain the third and fourth locations and cited visibility, pedestrian
traffic, viewshed, separation from other residential areas, and lack of readily accessible
parking as reasons for preferring not to locate the temporary residence hall in those
locations.
Mr. Trowbridge noted that the preferred site offers a somewhat built -in landscape to
help screen the building. He added that the 3D model does not show landscaping on
the front of the building at this time. Mr. Couture stated that one negative of the site is
that the College will lose between 20 and 40 parking spaces by locating the building on
site 1. He provided information in the packet that describes the strategies the College
will employ in the fall to reduce the number of freshmen with cars on campus. Mr.
Couture wrapped up his presentation by offering to answer questions.
Board Member Conneman asked if temporary meant temporary or if a building would be
built at that location in the future. Mr. Couture responded that it could be and that the
College and its consultant would be looking at the type of housing that needs to be built
for the long term. Board Member Bosak followed up by stating that he understands.the
College's problem and that he does not have a problem with the suggested site, but he
was a third of the way through the reading material before he realized that the building
was temporary. He said that it raises a red flag for him because it is a huge
environmental impact to build a building only to tear it down four or five years later. Mr.
Couture explained that the structure would be similar to the administration annex and
the Boardman Place. It will be a number of trailers that will be wheeled in. Board
Member Bosak stated that he personally would not have a problem with it if the College
would bite the bullet and say that a building would be built there. Mr. Couture
understood Board Member Bosak's point and noted that their immediate goal was to do
whatever they could to make up the 600 on- campus bed deficit. They would be working
with the consultant to look at College Circle Apartments, existing residence halls and
existing policies to develop a far - reaching logical plan to deal with the housing situation.
Board Member Bosak wondered if it was possible to build the building in such a way
that it would be a reusable building as a permanent structure rather than ask the Board
to contemplate all the construction problems that go with building such a structure.
Board Member Wilcox asked Mr. Couture to explain how the building will appear. Mr.
Couture explained that it is a modular building; the trailers will be wheeled on campus
and the trailer sections will be joined together. He said that there will be very little
construction because the modular unit is manufactured off -site. The College is talking
with a New Hampshire company that will bring the units to the campus and join them
together. Foundation and utility work will need to be done, but there will be minimal
construction traffic and noise. Board Member Erb added that the modular sections can
be deconstructed and taken away.
Board Member Talty asked if this was a case where the left hand did not know what the
right hand was doing. He commented that it is almost a 30% increase. Mr. Couture
explained that the College aggressively pursued students who listed Ithaca College as
their number one choice. In Mr. Couture.'s opinion, he thought that in the past the
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Final
College had been trying to recruit a level of student that had SAT scores that were well -
above the bread -and- butter student. The College put a lot of financial aid back into the
college and tried to use that to attract students to attend. Mr. Couture understood that
the incoming class is the single largest class the College would have. He agreed that
the College was caught a little flat- footed. Board Member Talty commented that
Admissions have wait lists for that purpose. Board Member Erb explained that students
more often are lost if they are only wait - listed. Board Member Talty stated that there is
X- amount of teachers, X- amount of cafeteria space, X- amount of housing, etc. and he
could understand going 10 -15% over, but thought this was above the normal
percentage. Mr. Couture stated that the College was pleasantly surprised. Board
Member Talty commented that it was a good problem to have.
Board Member Talty then asked what the expectation is for the next incoming class of
freshmen in 2010. Mr. Couture was not sure and did not foresee the College wanting to
have 600 students more than they have beds for every year. Board Member Talty
asked if the College expected to have 2,000 students the next school year. Mr. Couture
thought that it could happen, but thought that the Admissions Department and the new
Vice - President of Enrollment will get a mandate from President Rachon that they need
to look at the total enrollment at Ithaca College and the number the College is
comfortable being at.
Alternate Board Member Baer stated that if the proposal is going before the Board of
Trustees in May 2010 and the College does have 2,000 students, it would be likely that
the College would be coming back to the Planning Board for temporary housing
because they are not going to put up permanent housing in two months. Mr. Couture
responded that he is asking for the building for 4 years because this particular class will
take 4 years to graduate and the College is obligated to provide on- campus housing for
all 4 years. He went on to say that the Director of Admissions would be better able to
comment because enrollment is not his area of expertise.
Board Member Erb commented that when the economy tanks at the wrong time, it is
more desirable to stay in school than to go look for a job. Vice - Chairperson Wilcox
suspected that the number of students that accepted Ithaca College's offer to attend
probably increased.
Board Member Erb said that she liked the terrace site the best, Roland Hall second and
did not like third and fourth locations. She did not want locations three and four to
become the core of the next set of dormitories.
Board Member Bosak confirmed that the proposed building is modular units that will be
trucked in and stacked. He asked if the modular units would be reused after or if they
would be sent to a landfill. Mr. Couture explained that the New Hampshire company
has offered the College to have the units under a finance lease option, which means the
company would buy them back at the end of 4 years. The company feels strongly that
there will be a market for the modular units in the future. Board Member Bosak wanted
to have conditional language included with site plan approval for that. Vice - Chairperson
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Wilcox had a problem with Board Member Bosak's proposal. He felt that the Board
could not ask the company to commit to reusing the modular units 4 years from now.
Board Member Bosak thought that it was important to understand that the units are
reusable structures and intended to be reused. Board Member Conneman reassured
Board Member Bosak that the units would not be thrown away. Attorney Brock said that
Ithaca, College could submit something saying the units were reusable. Board Member
Conneman gave an advertisement as an example of a submission.
Mr. Couture pointed out that he has been working with the Residence Life Department
to make the facility attractive for the students living there. Mr. Bates stated that he is
familiar with the proposed units and there is an after - market use for them. He has seen
them used as seasonal camps and church classrooms and noted that the Methodist
Church in Norwich used modular units for their church addition.
Board Member Erb stated that she was happy to hear that landscaping would be
included on the preliminary site plan. Board Member Wilcox thought that Ithaca College
was going to try to hide the building as best they can. Board Member Erb asked where
the dining hall is for the students living at this facility. Mr. Couture said that the dining
hall is located between terraces 1 and 2.
Mr. Kanter stated that he was concerned about crowding of extra students in lounges,
etc. and how it would affect the academic program space, classrooms, and classroom
sizes.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox stated that the Board could have had an applicant come in and
specify where they wanted to located the housing and ask if that was okay. Instead, the
applicant has provided the Board with their short- and long -term plans and the four sites
under consideration. He expressed appreciation for the additional information. Board
Member Conneman added that it is nice to have some transparency. The options give
the Board a view of what the College has been doing.
Board Member Erb said she liked the page of information regarding freshmen parking
strategies. The Board commented that the parking fee should be higher.
Board Member Conneman asked that the Board be provided with samples of the
building's materials. Board Member Talty added that he would like to have a plan for
how students are traveling from Country Inn and Suites to Ithaca College. Mr. Couture
said that the College plans to run a shuttle service between the College and Country Inn
and Suites.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox asked if the applicant needed any additional feedback from the
Board. Mr. Couture did not think so and said that they were hoping to have plans ready
to be back before the Board in July for site plan approval.
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox thanked the applicant.
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Final
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox moved and Board Member Conneman seconded approval of
the May 5, 2009 minutes with corrections.
Board Member Bosak said that he had a couple of comments and directed the Board's
attention to Page 2. Board Member Conneman's statement, "...it is unclear to him that
the Board knows what a Board is." Board Member Bosak thought that it should read,
"...it is unclear to him that the Board knows what a node is." He then went to Page 3,
second paragraph, last line and noted that it refers to the Hawkins letter. He asked if
the referenced letter needed to be attached to the minutes. Attorney Brock responded
that it did not because it was part of the public record.
With no further discussion, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox called for a vote — carried
unanimously.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009-044: Minutes of May 5, 2009
MOTION made by Fred Wilcox, seconded by George Conneman.
WHEREAS:
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from May 5, 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 meeting held May 5, 2009.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Conneman, Bosak, Baer, Riha, Tally, Erb.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN. None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM
OTHER BUSINESS
Vice - Chairperson Wilcox stated that he drove by the Courtside site on Pine Tree Road
last week and noticed that Cornell was storing items on the site. Mr. Bates stated that
he was aware of it and he made phone calls and a site visit, which resulted in all
materials being moved off -site by Noon on Friday, May 29th
The Board and staff went on to discuss Cornell using the site for storage even though it
was against site plan approval and what they could do in the future with similar
13
Planning Board Minutes
June 2, 2009
Final
applications. Attorney Brock suggested that the Board continue its discussion in Closed
Session in order to seek advice of legal counsel.
Board Member Riha moved and Board Member Erb seconded that the Board enter
Closed Session to seek the advice of legal counsel. Vice - Chairperson Wilcox called for
a vote — carried unanimously. The Board entered closed session at 8:07 p.m.
Board Member Erb moved and Board Member Riha seconded that the Board return to
regular session. Vice - Chairperson Wilcox called for a vote — carried unanimously. The
Board returned to regular session at 8:15 p.m.
The Board continued to discuss the Cornell site on Pine Tree Road. Attorney Brock
redirected the discussion by noting that she saw another violation on Pine Tree Road.
She commented that the East Hill Carwash has a banner sign erected along Pine Tree
Road.
Mr. Kanter gave the Board an overview of the upcoming agenda items for the June 16th
meeting.
Committee Reports
Board Member Erb gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan Committee. Refer to
Comprehensive Plan Committee notes for details.
Board Member Wilcox reported on the Codes and Ordinances Committee. Refer to
COC notes for details.
Attorney Brock informed the Board that the Lakefront Residential Zoning amendments
would be discussed at the June 8, 2009 Town Board meeting. The Board discussed the
proposed dock length amendments and Board Member Riha commented that the
southern end of the lake by Stewart Park is an actively forming delta. She said that
more and more sediment will be deposited there and over time the delta will grow.
Adjournment
Upon motion, Vice - Chairperson Wilcox adjourned the June 2, 2009 Planning Board
meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Coates Whitmore
First Deputy Town Clerk
14
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes).
7:05 P.M. SEQR Determination: Sherwood 2 -Lot Subdivision, 254 Dubois Road.
7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for
the proposed 2 -lot subdivision located at 254 Dubois Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 23 -1 -13, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal includes subdividing +/- 1.32
acres from the western side of 254 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel No. 23- 1 -13), including a
portion of the pond, which will then be consolidated with 258 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel
No. 23- 1 -12). Donald Sherwood & Anne Ouellette, Owners /Applicants.
7:15 P.M. SEQR Determination: La Tourelle Yellow Barn Conversion, 1152 Danby Road.
7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the
proposed conversion of the Yellow Barn at the La Tourelle Resort property located at
1152 Danby Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 36- 1 -4.5, Planned Development Zone
No. 1. The project involves converting the existing mixed use yellow barn from 3
apartments, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage to a mixed use building with 2
apartments, a 3 bedroom hotel suite, 2 resort related offices, a resort maintenance area,
and hotel storage. One new accessible parking space is proposed on the east side of the
barn. Walter J. Wiggins, Owner /Applicant; Scott D. Wiggins, Managing Director, Agent.
7:30 P.M. Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Ithaca College Temporary Residence
Hall (Terrace Site) located on the Ithaca College campus at 953 Danby Road, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 41 -1 -30.2 and 42 -1- 13.1, Medium Density Residential Zone.
The proposal involves placing a 2 story temporary modular residence hall building to the
southeast of the existing Terrace buildings. The building would accommodate
approximately 100 students and will remain in place for at least 4 years. Ithaca College,
Owner /Applicant; Richard Couture, Associate Vice - President of Facilities, Agent.
Approval of Minutes: May 5, 2009.
Other Business:
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.)
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be
held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y.,
at the following times and on the following matters:
7:05 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2 -lot subdivision
located at 254 Dubois Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23 -1 -13, Low Density Residential
Zone. The proposal includes subdividing +/- 1.32 acres from the western side of 254 Dubois
Road (Tax Parcel No. 23- 1 -13), including a portion of the pond, which will then be consolidated
with 258 Dubois Road (Tax Parcel No. 23- 1 -12). Donald Sherwood & Anne Ouellette,
Owners /Applicants.
7:15 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed conversion of the
Yellow Barn at the La Tourelle Resort property located at 1152 Danby Road, Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 36- 1 -4.5, Planned Development Zone No. 1. The project involves. converting
the existing mixed use yellow barn from 3 apartments, a resort maintenance area, and hotel
storage to a mixed use building with 2 apartments, a 3 bedroom hotel suite, 2 resort related
offices, a resort maintenance area, and hotel storage. One new accessible parking space is
proposed on the east side of the barn. Walter J. Wiggins, Owner /Applicant; Scott D. Wiggins,
Managing Director, Agent.
Said Planning Board will at said times and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections
thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or
other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must
make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing.
Jonathan Kanter, AICP
Director of Planning
273 -1747
Dated: Friday, May 22, 2009
Publish: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday,May 27 2009 THE ITHAC"wAf10YRNAl
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
Sign -in Sheet
Date: June 2, 2009
Print Name Address e-mail
L10 1!6 R"
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LET A-La �
TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, 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, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 commencing _at
7:00 P.M., as Der attached.
Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tioga Street.
Date of Posting: May 22, 2009
Date of Publication: May 27, 2009
-- (:314,
Sandra Polce, Senior Typist
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK) SS:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27`" day of May 2009.
Notary Public
CONNIE F. CLARK
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01 CL6052878
Qualified in Tompkins County O
Commission Expires December 26, 20 1