HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2012-06-19TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday. June 19. 2012
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes).
7:05 P.M. SEQR Determination: East Hill Farmers Market, 380 Pine Tree Road.
7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed East Hill Farmers Market located at 380 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 62-1-5,
Community Commercial (CC) Zone. The proposal involves using the former Courtside building site for a once
a week, seasonal, farmers market. The market would operate on Thursday from 3 pm to 7 pm and would
accommodate 20-30 vendors. No construction is proposed, as small tents will be set up by the vendors each
week. The proposed use is not specifically permitted in the CC Zone and therefore the Planning Board must
find that the proposed use is substantially similar to a use permitted as of right in the CC Zone and does not have
greater adverse effects upon traffic, noise, air quality, parking, or any other attribute reasonably relevant (Town
Code Section 270-135 (R)). Cornell University, Owner; Ithaca Farmers Market, Applicant; Monika Roth,
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, Agent.
7:15 P.M. SEQR Determination: Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility 2012 Additions, 106 Seven Mile Drive.
7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HKARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed additions at
the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility located at 106 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33-2-
6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves a 4,200 +/- square foot addition to the existing pole
bam, a 2,700 +/- square foot addition to the existing annex building, and a new 240 +/- square foot mechanic's
storage shed located on the north side of the existing main Public Works Facility building. The proposal will
also involve new stormwater facilities and landscaping. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Creig Hebdon, P.E.,
Town Engineer, Agent.
7:30 P.M. Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Comell University Fleet Services Consolidation and Parking
Area project located at 209 Solidago Road (off Palm Road), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 64-1-2, Planned
Development Zone No. 9. The proposal involves constmcting a new 100 to 130 space parking lot to consolidate
the Comell fleet services. The project will also include new stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, landscaping,
signage, and modifications to the Transportation / Mail Services Building to accommodate the fleet repair and
maintenance activities. Comell University, Owner/Applicant; Tammi B. Aiken, P.E., Agent.
7:45 P.M. Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Gourd Workshop located along Rachel Carson Way at
EcoVillage at Ithaca, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28-1-26.84, Planned Development Zone No. 8. The
proposal involves constmcting a 900 +/- square foot workshop building in an open field to be used as a
workshop, display area, and office. The project also includes a gourd garden, fencing and a shed. EcoVillage at
Ithaca Village Association Inc., Owner; Graham Ottoson, Applicant; Noah Demarest, Agent.
8. Approval of Minutes: June 5,2012
9. Other Business:
10. Adjournment
Susan Ritter
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 19.2012
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 19, 2012, 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 Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed East Hill Farmers Market located at 380 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 62-1-5, Community Commercial (CC) Zone. The proposal involves using the
former Courtside building site for a once a week, seasonal, farmers market. The market
would operate on Thursday from 3 pm to 7 pm and would accommodate 20-30 vendors. No
construction is proposed, as small tents will be set up by the vendors each week. The
proposed use is not specifically permitted in the CC Zone and therefore the Planning Board
must find that the proposed use is substantially similar to a use permitted as of right in the
CC Zone and does not have greater adverse effects upon traffic, noise, air quality, parking,
or any other attribute reasonably relevant (Town Code Section 270-135 (R)). Cornell
University, Owner; Ithaca Farmers Market, Applicant; Monika Roth, Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Tompkins County, Agent.
7:15 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed additions at the
Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility located at 106 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 33-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves a 4,200 +/-
square foot addition to the existing pole bam, a 2,700 +/- square foot addition to the existing
annex building, and a new 240 +/- square foot mechanic's storage shed located on the north
side of the existing main Public Works Facility building. The proposal will also involve new
stormwater facilities and landscaping. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Creig Hebdon,
P.E., Town Engineer, 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.
Susan Ritter
Director of Planning
273-1747
Dated: Monday, June 11,2012
Publish: Wednesday, June 13,2012
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 bv the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in the Town of Ithaca
Town Hall. 215 North Tioga Street. Ithaca. New York, on Tuesday. June 19. 2012 commencing
at 7:00 P.M.. as per attached.
Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board - 215 North Tioga Street.
Date of Posting: June 11,2012
Date of Publication: June 13, 2012
Sandra Polce, Senior Typist
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK) SS;
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13'^ day of June 2012.
Notary Public
CARRIE WHITMORE
Notary Public, State ot htaw York
No. 0lWH'30>:"-877Ticga Ccutu/ (^(J^
Commission Expires December 26,
Wednesday, June 13,2012 | THE ITHACA JOURNAL
TOWN OF ITHACA
PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARINGS
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
By direction of the Chair
person of the Piannlt^
Board. NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Public Hearings
wili be held by the Planning
Board of the Town of Ittiaca
on Tuesday. June 19,
2012, at 215 North Tioga
Street, ithaca. N.V.. at the
following times and on the
following mattm:
7;05 P.M. ConsiderBtion of
Preliminary and Bnal Site
Plan Approval »id Special
Permit for the proposed
Hill Farmera Market lo
cated at 380 Pine Tree
Road, Town of Ithaca Tw
Pared No. B2-1-5. Cotn-^
rmnty Commercial (CO
Zone. The proposal Ih-
volves using the former
Courtslde building site fore
nice e week, seasonal,
farmers market. The mar
ket would operate on
Thursday from 3 pm to 7
pm and would accommo
date 20-30 vendors. No
GonBlrucHon is proposed,
as srrtall tents will be set up
by the vendors each week.
The proposed use Is not
specifically permitted in the
CC Ztxte e^ therefore Ihe
Plannhg Board must find
that the proposed use is
substantially similar to a
use permitted as of right in
the CC Zone and does not
have greater adverse ef
fects upon trafAc. noise, air
qudlly. parking, or any oth
er sttribute reasonably rele
vant (Town Code Section
27W35'(R». •^matt.Unl-
veisity. Owrer; ' Ithaca
r^rni^ Maiksi. Ap[itic^
Monica ftoth. Cotndl Co-
opdaSve if
Tompklns Cou^^. Agent.
7:15 P.M. Consideration of
Prsllmiriaiy and f^nd Site
Plan Approval for the pro-
pgpBfd addilions at the
Town of ilhaca Public
Works Faculty located at
106 Seven Mile Drfva.
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 33-2-6.1, Low Density
Residentiai Zone. The pro-
posd Involves a 4.200 */•
square foot addition to the
existing pole bam. a 2.700
*/■ square foot addition to
the ensting annex building,
and a new 240 +/- square
foot mechanic's storage
shed located on the north
side of the existing main
PubBc Works FacBty build
ing. The proposal wil also
.involve new stormwater fa-
dllUw and tandecaping.
Town of . Ithaca.G^^/Ap^cant; Creig
P.E. Town Engi
neer. Agent
SB^PIanning Board will at,^^^^^^^^said place
thereto. Persons m^j^pgar ly agent or in per-
Iw. InctMduals with visual
Inyainiierits. hearing
lnytffinents or other spe-del negds. c«fil be provf^
with assistance as neces
sary, upon request. Per
sons desiring assistance
must make such a request
rtot less than 48 hours prior
to the tirne of the pubik:
hearing.
Susan Ritter
QrectoroF Plaining
273-1747
Dstod;
Motid^. June 11.2012
6/13/2012
Town of Ithaca
Planning Board
215 North Tioga Street
June 19,2012 7:00 p.m.
PLEASE SIGN-IN
Please Print Clearly, Thank You
Name Address
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Board Members Present:
Hollis Erb, Linda Collins, George Conneman, John Beach, Jon Bosak, Eric
VanderMaas
Staff Present:
Chris Balestra, Planner; Mike Smith, Planner; Dan Tasman, Planner; Bruce Bates,
Director of Code Enforcement; Creig Hebdon, Town Engineer; Dan Thaete, Town Engineer; Susan
Brock, Attorney for the Town; Deb DeAugistine, Deputy Town Clerk
Call to Order
Ms. Erb called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and accepted the secretary’s posting of the public
hearing notices.
AGENDA ITEM
Persons to be heard –
No one came forward to address the Board.
AGENDA ITEM
SEQR Determination:
East Hill Farmers Market, 380 Pine Tree Road
Monica Roth and Cathy Koken, Farmers’ Market Manager, were present. Ms. Roth stated that the
idea for a market at East Hill Plaza came about because they had been looking for a new neighbor-
hood to serve with local goods that the market sells. Cornell is very excited about it. The space can fit
25 to 30 vendors using the lawn area, which will preserve most of the parking and provide a nice
grassy surface for customers to walk on.
Mr. Bosak pointed out that the Farmers’ Market requires owners to be on site and asked if it will be
difficult for vendors to be present at more than one market. Ms. Roth responded that they’re reserv-
ing this market for the new startups because the Saturday and Sunday markets at Steamboat Landing
and the Tuesday market at DeWitt Park are full. They think this will be a viable venue and will pro-
vide an opportunity for new vendors to get started.
Mr. Conneman asked how many vendors will be selling food as opposed to the other things they sell.
Ms. Koken responded that market management doesn’t take control over how many agricultural ven-
dors there are at any given market. They typically get more agricultural applications than food and
craft. Ms. Roth added that some of the craft folks are doing it as a sideline, and the weekday markets
don’t always work for them because they have other jobs.
To questions from Ms. Erb, Ms. Roth stated that the applicants are responsible for trash control and
Cornell Real Estate is responsible for lawn mowing. Vendors can use the toilet facilities at Rite Aid.
There’s also a public restroom at the P&C. Gregor Brous is also very supportive and probably won’t
mind if they use Agava’s facilities because he’s interested in connecting with the farmers. Signage was
discussed. Ms. Roth said it would be best to have a sign on Pine Tree Road at the entrance and a
smaller sign on Mitchell Street. Signs could be sandwich-board style. She said it would be nice to leave
the signs up to serve as a reminder to passersby during the week. Mr. Bates stated that as long as they
meet the requirements of the code, they can use a sign at each entrance.
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 2 of 11
PB Resolution No. 2012-036: SEQR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan & Special Permit
East Hill Farmers Market, 380 Pine Tree Road, Tax Parcel No. 62-1-5
Moved by John Beach; seconded by George Conneman
WHEREAS:
1.This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed East Hill Farmers Market located at 380 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 62-1-5, Community Commercial (CC) Zone. The proposal involves using the former Court-
side building site for a once a week, seasonal, farmers market. The market would operate on
Thursday from 3 pm to 7 pm and would accommodate 20-30 vendors. No construction is pro-
posed, as small tents will be set up by the vendors each week. The proposed use is not specifically
permitted in the CC Zone and therefore the Planning Board must find that the proposed use is
substantially similar to a use permitted as of right in the CC Zone and does not have greater ad-
verse effects upon traffic, noise, air quality, parking, or any other attribute reasonably relevant
(Town Code Section 270-135 (R)). Cornell University, Owner; Ithaca Farmers Market, Appli-
cant; Monika Roth, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, Agent, and
2.The proposed site plan and special permit are unlisted actions for which the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board is acting in an uncoordinated environmental review of these actions, and
3.The Planning Board, on June 19, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environ-
mental Assessment Form (EAF) Part I, submitted by the applicant, and Part II prepared by Town
Planning staff, a narrative and two sketches, date stamped May 18, 2012, provided by Steve Ket-
telle, IFM Board President and Monika Roth, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins
County, and other application materials, and
4.The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental signifi-
cance with respect to the proposed site plan approval and special permit,
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 II, and,
therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Vote:
Ayes – Erb, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Bosak, VanderMaas
AGENDA ITEM
PUBLIC HEARING
: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit
for the proposed East Hill Farmers Market located at 380 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 62-1-5, Community Commercial (CC) Zone. The proposal involves using the former Courtside
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 3 of 11
building site for a once a week, seasonal, farmers market. The market would operate on Thursday
from 3 pm to 7 pm and would accommodate 20-30 vendors. No construction is proposed, as small
tents will be set up by the vendors each week. The proposed use is not specifically permitted in the
CC Zone and therefore the Planning Board must find that the proposed use is substantially similar to
a use permitted as of right in the CC Zone and does not have greater adverse effects upon traffic,
noise, air quality, parking, or any other attribute reasonably relevant (Town Code Section 270-135
(R)). Cornell University, Owner; Ithaca Farmers Market, Applicant; Monika Roth, Cornell Coopera-
tive Extension of Tompkins County, Agent
Ms. Erb opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Ms. Erb stated that the Pine Tree Road listserv mentioned this meeting and within two days, she had
heard positive feedback from 12 households; additionally, three friends had stopped her on the street
with overwhelming support for the market. Ms. Roth said they met with P&C owners, who are eager
to meet farmers.
Ms. Erb closed the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
Mr. Bosak pointed out that more uses are allowed as of right on the property than were listed in the
resolution. He wondered how many conformant businesses could be on that piece of land and what
their impacts might be – probably overwhelmingly more than the impacts of a farmers market. The
Board agreed to modify the resolution.
Ms. Erb pointed out that she and Mr. Bosak worked with Ms. Roth on the Agriculture and Farmland
Protection Plan, which calls for finding additional places for CSA dropoffs and farmers markets, so
this fits with the plan the Town Board accepted.
A discussion on parking was initiated by Mr. Bates, who asked if there will be direction for people on
where to park or if shoppers will just pull in and start parking. Ms. Roth responded that they’ll have
to do temporary striping and use some directional signs. There will also be people helping to direct
traffic. Mr. Bates said that when people pull off Pine Tree Road, it’s important that they travel to the
other end of the lot to park instead of clogging everything up off Pine Tree Road, so he’d like drivers
to be directed to the parking area. Mr. VanderMaas agreed with Mr. Bates, saying that in his experi-
ence, when pulling off Pine Tree Road into the Rite Aid parking lot, it causes confusion if another
car is there. Parking should be diverted to the rear of the lot.
Mr. Bates said that there should be temporary directional signage to move people to the back; then
they can park anywhere they want. Ms. Roth agreed, saying it is their intention to have everyone park
in the back of the lot.
PB Resolution No. 2012-037: Preliminary and Final Site Plan & Special Permit, East Hill Farmers
Market, 380 Pine Tree Road, Tax Parcel No. 62-1-5
Moved by Linda Collins; seconded by Jon Bosak
WHEREAS:
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 4 of 11
1.This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed East Hill Farmers Market located at 380 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 62-1-5, Community Commercial (CC) Zone. The proposal involves using the former Court-
side building site for a once a week, seasonal, farmers market. The market would operate on one
weekday from 3 pm to 7 pm and would accommodate 20-30 vendors. No construction is pro-
posed, as small tents will be set up by the vendors each week. The proposed use is not specifically
permitted in the CC Zone and therefore the Planning Board must find that the proposed use is
substantially similar to a use permitted as of right in the CC Zone and does not have greater ad-
verse effects upon traffic, noise, air quality, parking, or any other attribute reasonably relevant
(Town Code Section 270-135 (R)). Cornell University, Owner; Ithaca Farmers Market, Appli-
cant; Monika Roth, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, Agent, and
2.This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting in an uncoordi-
nated environmental review with respect to the project has, on June 19, 2012, made a negative de-
termination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a Part II prepared
by Town Planning staff, and
3.The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 19, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as
adequate, a narrative and two sketches, date stamped May 18, 2012, provided by Steve Kettelle,
IFM Board President and Monika Roth, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County,
and other application materials,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board hereby finds that the proposed East Hill Farmers Market use is substantially
similar to a Greenhouse which may include outside displays (Section 270-134 (B) (7)), Retail food
store/grocery (Section 270-126 (A) (1)), Retail sales of candy, ice cream, gifts, flowers and similar small
items (Section 270-126 (A) (2)), Arts and crafts gallery/studio (Section 270-126 (A) (4)), and Plant
nursery which may include outside displays (Section 270-126 (A) (10)), which are all listed as uses
permitted as of right in the Community Commercial Zone, and that the proposed farmers market
does not have greater adverse effects upon traffic, noise, air quality, parking, or any other attribute
reasonably relevant than the uses permitted as of right. The proposed farmers market will not involve
any construction or permanent structures, the use is proposed to be once a week and seasonal, noth-
ing will remain on the site after the market hours except for possible signage, the site has sufficient
parking, and the market expects to draw from existing traffic and residents already in the area,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board hereby grants Special Permit for the proposed East Hill Farmers Market at
380 Pine Tree Road, finding that in addition to the above, the standards of Article XXIV, Section
270-200, Subsections A – L, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met,
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 5 of 11
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 de-
termined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a significant altera-
tion 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 East Hill Farmers Market, located at 380 Pine Tree Road, as described in the
narrative and sketches listed above, subject to the following conditions:
a.that the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals makes the determination required by
Town Code Section 270-135 (R) regarding the proposed use in the Community Commer-
cial Zone, prior to opening the farmers market, and
b.if necessary, sign permits to be obtained for any signage identifying the farmers market,
prior to placement of signs on the property, and
c.directional signs shall be present during the hours the farmers market is open to direct ve-
hicle parking to the western portion of the parking lot.
Vote:
Ayes – Erb, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Bosak, VanderMaas
AGENDA ITEM
SEQR Determination:
Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility 2012 Additions, 106 Seven Mile Drive
Creig Hebdon stated that the ZBA had granted the necessary variances for the project to go forward.
He ran through the project introduced at sketch plan, which is primarily to expand their storage facil-
ities. The storage barn will be used for equipment that is currently stored outside all winter. Another
storage building will be used mainly for items like seeds and straw bales for the Parks Department.
Another building will consolidate all water and sewer repair equipment. There will also be a storage
shed outside the mechanics room for little-used equipment that’s in the way. To mitigate one of the
current problems on the site, they will place a berm to divert water to an underground and above-
ground biodetention system and keep all water on site. They will plant some shrubs on top of the
berm to add greenery. They will try to match the colors and motifs of the existing buildings.
PB Resolution No. 2012-038: SEQR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Town of Ithaca,
Public Works Facility, 106 Seven Mile Drive, Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1
Moved by George Conneman; seconded by Jon Bosak
WHEREAS:
1.This action involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed
additions to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility, located at 106 Seven Mile Drive, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves construct-
ing a 4,200+/- square foot addition to the existing pole barn, a 2,700+/- addition to the existing
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 6 of 11
annex building, and a 240+/- square foot mechanic’s storage shed addition to the existing main
Public Works Facility building. The proposal will also involve new stormwater facilities and land-
scaping. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Creig Hebdon, P.E., Town Engineer, Agent; and
2.This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting in an uncoor-
dinated environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval; and
3.The Planning Board, on June 19, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environ-
mental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by Town Public Works Department staff; a Part II
prepared by Town Planning staff; site plans entitled “Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility,” in-
cluding sheets 1 through 8 titled “Overall Site Plan,” “Grading Plan,” “Annex Addition,” “Annex
Addition Elevation(s),” “Pole Barn Addition,” “Pole Barn Addition Elevation(s),” “Mechanics
Shed,” and “Mechanics Shed Details,” prepared by the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department,
dated 4/09/2012, and other application materials; and
4.The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental signifi-
cance with respect to the proposed site plan;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental
significance in accordance with 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 II, and,
therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Vote:
Ayes – Erb, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Bosak, VanderMaas
AGENDA ITEM
Public Hearing:
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed addi-
tions at the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility located at 106 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 33-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves a 4,200 +/- square foot
addition to the existing pole barn, a 2,700 +/- square foot addition to the existing annex building,
and a new 240 +/- square foot mechanic’s storage shed located on the north side of the existing main
Public Works Facility building. The proposal will also involve new stormwater facilities and landscap-
ing. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Creig Hebdon, P.E., Town Engineer, Agent
Ms. Erb opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Hearing no one, Ms. Erb closed the public hearing at
7:51 p.m.
PB Resolution No. 2012-039: Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Town of Ithaca Public
Works Facility, 106 Seven Mile Drive, Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1
Moved by Eric VanderMaas; seconded by Linda Collins
WHEREAS:
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 7 of 11
1.This action involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed
additions to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility, located at 106 Seven Mile Drive, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves construct-
ing a 4,200+/- square foot addition to the existing pole barn, a 2,700+/- addition to the existing
annex building, and a 240+/- square foot mechanic’s storage shed addition to the existing main
Public Works Facility building. The proposal will also involve new stormwater facilities and land-
scaping. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Creig Hebdon, P.E., Town Engineer, Agent; and
2.This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting in an uncoordi-
nated environmental review with respect to this project has, on June 19, 2012, made a negative
determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by Town Public Works Department
staff, and a Part II prepared by Town Planning staff; and
3.The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 19, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as
adequate site plans entitled “Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility,” including sheets 1 through 8
titled “Overall Site Plan,” “Grading Plan,” “Annex Addition,” “Annex Addition Elevation(s),”
“Pole Barn Addition,” “Pole Barn Addition Elevation(s),” “Mechanics Shed,” and “Mechanics
Shed Details,” prepared by the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department, dated 4/09/2012, and
other application materials;
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 de-
termined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a significant altera-
tion 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 grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the
proposed Public Works Facility Additions, as shown on the site plans noted in Whereas #3 above,
subject to the following conditions:
a.Submission to the Planning Department of one original large-size set of the approved draw-
ings on mylar, vellum, or paper, signed and sealed by the registered land surveyor(s), engi-
neer(s), architect(s) or landscape architect(s) who prepared the site plan materials, prior to the
application for any building permits, and
b.Granting of any necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Vote:
Ayes – Erb, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Bosak, VanderMaas
AGENDA ITEM
Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Cornell University Fleet Services Consolidation and
Parking Area project located at 209 Solidago Road (off Palm Road), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.
64-1-2, Planned Development Zone No. 9. The proposal involves constructing a new 100 to 130
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 8 of 11
space parking lot to consolidate the Cornell fleet services. The project will also include new storm-
water facilities, outdoor lighting, landscaping, signage, and modifications to the Transportation /
Mail Services Building to accommodate the fleet repair and maintenance activities. Cornell Universi-
ty, Owner/Applicant; Tammi B. Aiken, P.E., Agent
Ms. Aiken gave an overview of the project. The project involves renovations to the mail services gar-
age. Currently there are four service bays and eight overhead doors; they will be adding a new 16-foot-
wide overhead door and an exterior door on the south elevation of the building and will be infilling
an existing overhead door. The interior modifications also include three offices, a conference room, a
kitchenette area, a bathroom/shower, locker rooms, and a computer lounge. They will organize the
lot to make better and more efficient use of the parking lot area. The campus-to-campus buses will be
located in the existing lot. There will be space for electric car stations. They will add three ADA fleet
parking spaces. The new lot will be gravel with 100 parking spaces and room for 30 future spaces.
They will install a landscape buffer all the way around the open sides of the lot and a no-mow turf.
The landscape island in the middle will serve as a storm drainage and bioretention area. The biore-
tention area to the south is a considerable distance from the unique natural area of the creek. Ms. Erb
requested that a drawing be provided at the next meeting to show this; she also wants to be assured
that their stormwater will be diverted away from the manure storage of the dairy barn. Mr. Bates said
the DEC was handling that project. Mr. Hebdon and Mr. Thaete said that it’s outside the Town’s
SWPPP area. Ms. Aiken will check into it.
Ms. Aiken said that the old facility will be used by the athletics department for a similar use. The traf-
fic at the intersection of Game Farm Road and Route 366 won’t be impacted by the move – it will
mostly be a time-of-use difference. There will be no fencing; they saw no need for security, but there
will be a key kiosk with card access so people can go in after hours and pick up or drop off a vehicle.
To a question about snow plowing, Ms. Aiken said that there will be designated snow stockpile areas.
The landscaping plan will accommodate that.
PB Resolution No. 2012-040: Lead Agency – Declaration of Intent, Cornell University Fleet Ser-
vices Project, Tax Parcel No. 64.-1-2, 209 Solidago Road
Moved by John Beach; seconded by George Conneman
WHEREAS
:
1.The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at its meeting June 19, 2012, considered a Sketch Plan for
the proposed Cornell University Fleet Services Consolidation and Parking Lot project located at
209 Solidago Road (off Palm Road), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 64.-1-2, Planned Develop-
ment Zone No. 9. The project involves constructing a new 100- to 130-space parking lot to con-
solidate the Cornell fleet services. The project will also include new stormwater facilities, outdoor
lighting, landscaping, signage, and modifications to the Transportation/Mail Services Building to
accommodate fleet repair and maintenance activities. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant;
Tammi B. Aiken, P.E., Agent; and
2.The proposed project, which requires Site Plan Approval and Special Approval by the Town of
Ithaca Planning Board, is a Type I Action, pursuant to the Town of Ithaca Environmental Review
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 9 of 11
Law, Town of Ithaca Code Chapter 148, Section 148-5.C.3, because it involves the construction
of a parking lot for more than 100 vehicles;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby proposes to establish itself as lead agency to coordi-
nate the environmental review of the proposed actions, as described above, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby requests the concurrence of all involved agencies on
this proposed lead agency designation, said concurrence to be received by the Town of Ithaca Plan-
ning Department no later than 30 calendar days after receipt of Part I of a Full Environmental As-
sessment Form, completed by the applicant.
Vote:
Ayes – Erb, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Bosak, VanderMaas
AGENDA ITEM
Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Gourd Workshop located along Rachel Carson Way
at EcoVillage at Ithaca, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28-1-26.84, Planned Development Zone No. 8.
The proposal involves constructing a 900 +/- square foot workshop building in an open field to be
used as a workshop, display area, and office. The project also includes a gourd garden, fencing and a
shed. EcoVillage at Ithaca Village Association Inc., Owner; Graham Ottoson, Applicant; Noah De-
marest, Agent
Ms. Ottoson stated that she’s a nurse/midwife and is now making lamps and other things from
gourds. She’s been living at EcoVillage for eight years. She started the process of trying to find a place
to do her work at EcoVillage and has had a lot of support from the EcoVillage community. There is a
precedent for small businesses at EcoVillage – two bed and breakfasts, a farm, and a berry field, etc. –
but this would be the first in its own building.
Mr. Demarest stated that EcoVlillage is going through an amendment to the PDZ, and that he and
Ms. Ottoson were at the meeting to create a parallel process for the review of this project so that when
the PDZ is amended, this approval can happen. They were looking for feedback from the Board so
they can prepare for preliminary and final approvals. The proposed location of the workshop is an
unused field along Rachel Carson Way, directly across the street from the third neighborhood. It will
follow that neighborhood and won’t happen until the utilities are in place. The building will measure
30 feet by 30 feet and will be located as far north as possible to still allow garden space in the triangu-
lar area, but also allow future buildings to the south. This is the first of between two and four struc-
tures at this location. There is utility access to sanitary sewer, the fire main, and the domestic water
line. They will surround the building with gourd gardens to provide product. No new parking is
planned; they will use the parking area already planned for TREE. There won’t be a salesroom – only
a small display area.
Ms. Ottoson said that the front of the building is toward the neighborhood because that’s where she
expects her business to come from. She doesn’t foresee much traffic coming from outside.
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Mr. Demarest said that the building will have a wrap-around porch that functions as a work area and
a space for the community to use as a drop off area, hang out area, bus stop, depot, etc. The building
will be handicap accessible.
To a question from Ms. Erb, Mr. Demarest responded that it is appropriate to treat it as a general-
purpose workshop space. The initial use will be as a gourd workshop. They can plan for other uses
without constructing them. As for signage, they do not anticipate anything permanent: maybe a
sandwich board for special events.
Mr. Bosak listed several items he will want to see addressed for site plan, including single use vs. mul-
tiple use, dust caused by traffic, and future commercial uses. He would also like to see appropriate
labeling for TREE on the site plan, to get a sense of the relationship between the projects.
Ms. Collins said she didn’t realize that Ms. Ottoson was going to be the owner of the building; she
thought EcoVillage would build it. Ms. Ottoson responded that she’s a resident of EcoVillage and is
currently working in her dusty basement. There’s support for living and working in your community.
From her point of view, she probably won’t be doing gourd work in 70 years, and this is a vote of
confidence for the EcoVillage project, so she wants to build a beautiful building that someone will be
able to make good use of when she no longer can.
Ms. Collins asked if it would be possible for someone to buy the building and live in it in the future.
Mr. Tasman responded that it will not be a residence. EcoVillage understood that there was a need
for live-work arrangements in the village itself because there are people with home-based artisanal
businesses. If they had someone living away from the common houses, they would become socially
disconnected from the community and its governance, which is an integral part of living in co-
housing. So they decided that if they were going to have commercial uses that they can’t accommo-
date in the common houses or if people’s businesses outgrow their basements, this might be a way to
do it since it won’t generate traffic from downtown, and they can still have a semblance of a live-work
arrangement.
Ms. Collins wondered if there was a way of preserving the integrity of it being a commercial use, but
not a Starbucks.
Bill Goodman, Town Board member and EcoVillage resident, said that there are three zones at
EcoVillage: 30 acres are a residential zone, 30 acres are set aside as a natural zone, and 120 acres are
set aside as an agricultural zone. The PDZ change is around an acre of the 30-acre residential zone and
will also allow some commercial buildings. In the residential zone, they currently can have single- and
multiple-family residences, the common houses, churches, and a few other uses by special permit.
Nothing like the commercial building is currently allowed in the residential zone. The houses were
built small to be energy efficient, so this would allow some additional spaces for people to do home-
based businesses. There are offices in the common houses – Mr. Goodman has his legal office in the
SONG common house – but the offices are all filled. For someone like Ms. Ottoson who wants to get
out of her basement, they don’t have existing space. She will be taking the responsibility for building
this building. The land at EcoVillage can be owned only by a certain number of entities: the EcoVil-
lage not- for-profit, which owns the agricultural and natural land; the EcoVillage at Ithaca Village As-
sociation, which is a not-for-profit that owns this parcel and is controlled by all the residents; and
Planning Board Minutes 06-19-2012
Page 11 of II
each individual neighborhood, which owns its own land. As a community, they don't want an indi
vidual to be able to subdivide a little portion of land. The land for this building would be owned by
the community and the individual would get a long-term lease. The community itself doesn't want to
get into the business of building buildings and taking on the responsibility of renting out space. Ms.
Ottoson would pay to build her building and they would have provisions in the lease about what hap
pens if she goes out of business or decides to move. If Ms. Ottoson decides to sell, the community will
have the right of first refusal, and she will be able to rent or sell only to other people in the commu
nity because they want to keep control over who comes in.
Mr. Goodman asked Mr. Bosak what he meant about the dust issue. Mr. Bosak replied that while the
applicant doesn't expect many people from outside EcoVillage to visit, if that ends up not being the
case, it will increase traffic on a road that's already problematic.
Mr. Demarest responded that his understanding is that TREE will be paving to that point.
AGENDA ITEM
Approval of Minutes
PB Resolution No. 2012-041: Minutes of June 5, 2012
Moved by John Beach; seconded by George Conneman
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from the meeting on
June 5, 2012; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approves the minutes, with corrections, to be the
final minutes of the meeting on June 5.
Vote: Ayes - Collins, Conneman, Beach, Bosak
Abstentions - Erb, VanderMaas
AGENDA ITEM
Adjournment
Upon a motion by Mr. Bosak the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
ebra DeAugistlQe, Deputy To