HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2012-12-04TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday. December 4. 2012
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes).
7:05 P.M. SEQR Determination: Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations (Modification), 134 Conservatory
Drive.
7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HKARTNG: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit for the proposed modifications to the Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations project located
at 134 Conservatory Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential
Zone. The modifications include using a different metal panel system for the exterior of the
building and eliminating the proposed changes to Conservatory Drive and parking to the south of
the building. Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Dustin Ehrlich, King & King Architects, Agent.
7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board
of Appeals regarding sign variances for the proposed banners located on the Ithaca College
campus, Danby Road and Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium
Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves installing approximately 37 banners (29.5" x 69"
in size) on existing light poles along many of the campus roads and entrances. Ithaca College,
Owner/Applicant; Richard Couture, Associate Vice-President for Facilities, Agent.
7:30 P.M. Discussion of a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 221 entitled "Signs", to
provide an exemption for certain banners that are located at least 500 feet fi*om public roads.
7:45 P.M. SEQR Determination: Cornell University Water System Improvements Project, Dryden Road.
7:45 P.M. PUBLIC HKARTNG: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit for the proposed modifications to the Cornell University Water System Improvements
Project, located along Dryden Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 65-1-5.2, Low Density
Residential Zone. The request is for a time extension until March 31,2014 to demolish the existing
Cornell University 0.5 million gallon water tank, in order to provide additional time to transfer
cellular communication antennas located on the water tank to a new monopole. The December 16,
2008 Site Plan Approval for the Cornell University Water System Improvements project required
the demolition of the water tank to be completed within four years of the approval. Cornell
University, Owner/Applicant; Kristin E. Gutenberger, Manager, Real Estate Operations.
8. Approval of Minutes: October 2,2012 and October 16, 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. December 4.2012
By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Heanngs will be
held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, December 4, 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
modifications to the Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations project located at 134 Conservatory
Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential Zone. The
modifications include using a different metal panel system for the exterior of the building and
eliminating the proposed changes to Conservatory Drive and parking to the south of the building.
Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Dustin Ehrlich, King & King Architects, Agent.
7:15 P.M. Consideration of a Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals regarding
sign variances for the proposed banners located on the Ithaca College campus, Danby Road and
Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential Zone.
The proposal involves installing approximately 37 banners (29.5" x 69" in size) on existing light
poles along many of the campus roads and entrances. Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Richard
Couture, Associate Vice-President for Facilities, Agent.
7:45 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed
modifications to the Cornell University Water System Improvements Project, located along Dryden
Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 65-1-5.2, Low Density Residential Zone. The request is for a
time extension until March 31, 2014 to demolish the existing Cornell University 0.5 million gallon
water tank, in order to provide additional time to transfer cellular communication antennas located
on the water tank to a new monopole. The December 16, 2008 Site Plan Approval for the Cornell
University Water System Improvements project required the demolition of the water tank to be
completed within four years of the approval. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kristin E.
Gutenberger, Manager, Real Estate Operations.
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, November 26,2012
Publish: Wednesday, November 28,2012
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 by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in the Town of Ithaca
Town Hall. 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca. New York, on Tuesday. December 4, 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: November 26, 2012
Date of Publication: November 28, 2012
Sandra Polce, Senior Typist
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK) SS:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28'^ day of November 2012.
(/- mcLA
Notaiy Public
DEBORAii KELLEY
"Notary EubiiCT State of New York
" No. 01KE6025073
"Oualtfied in Schuyler County,
Commission Expires May 17,20 £L
THE ilHACA JOURNAL
,p#WESpAY, NOVEMBER 201^1
tSS/^OF rFHACA
PLANNING BOARD
NOTfCE OF PUBLIC
HEARINGS
Tuesday. December 4.
2012
cfirectiOA of the Chair-
fi^fson of the Planning
Muti-NOUCE IS HEREBY
that PubKc Hearings
^ be held 1:^ the Planning
of the Town of Ithaca
Tuesday. December 4.
^2. 8t 2IS North Tioga'
•Meet. Ithaca, N.Y., at the
mowlrig tlmea and on thO
mtowlnp matters;
SEipeliM of PreUmln^
aHand'Flnal S(te Plan Ap-
and SpeicM Permit
m tha:propmed modSca-
wia to the Itheca Coile^s
H Center. Renowatlons
located at 134 Con-
Mvatory Drive Town gf
jmcaTax Parcel No. 41-j-
|k. Medun Oenslly Re«s.
WW Zone. The modifl-
Sfeha include usmg a dif-
^^nt metal pvte! system
for the exterior of the buitd-
ino and ellmlrtallng the pro
posed dtarrges to Conser
vatory Drive and paridng to
the south oF the bulldln^^..
IttiacB Coliego,
Owier/Appticant: Dustin
EhHich. King & King ArcN-
tegts. Agent.
MsP-W-
Baneldefatfon of a flecort^
fflMatloo to the Town OfjS^^Sbdl^ B&erd of A^
varian-
11^ liHeca
«irh^>. Pant^
raid . end Goddngton
'Rnd. Town of Hftece Tax
fiaicel No. 41-l-30.2i Md.
(Hum Density Residential
Zone. Ifie propo»l In-
voK/ee installing appiord-
mately 37 banrtera (2&5' x
69' in si2^ on existing ngbt
poles along many oF tl^
campus ro^E aitd entiai)-
ces. Itoaca CoNegei
Owner/ltodlcanl; Richard
Couture. Associate Vlc»
President for ^dllBes.
Agent.
7:49P.Fiit.
Conekleraiion of PreUndnaf
ry and Rnal Site Pl^
prove! and Specif Perrnil
for the propo^ modFlcAr
iions to the Coirwil Urdver-
sliy Water System Im
provements Prefect, locat
ed along Dryden Road.
Town oF Ithaca Tax l^rcd
No. 6S-I-S.2. Low Density
Residential Zone. The re
quest is for a time exten-
SEhh tmtl Mecch 31. 2014
d«|iolah ti» etdsting
iSigrtf University 0.S mlL
Hbh i^ilon water tank. In or
der lo provide additional
to transfer cellulard^i^aiiication antennas
tppaM da the water tank
to a new monopde. The
December 16, 2008 ^
Hffi Approval tor the Cor
nell University Water Sys
tem Improvements project
required the demolition of
the water tank to be com-
pleled within fopr yaare of
the approval. Cqr^ Uni-
Ovw/A«d|eant;
Said Pbniig Board wE a
said times and said dsn
hear aB pelsorts in suppor
of such matters or ot^
lions thereto. Persons may
appear by agent or in per
son. Indlviduels with visua
impaitmenls. hearing
impainnents or other spe
cial needs. wiH be provided
with assistance as neces
sary. upon request- Pa--
sons desking assl^ance
must make such a request
not less than 48 hours prior;
to ihb time of toe public'
hearing. i
Susan Ritter
Director of f^lannlng '
273-1747
t^ed Mor^ky. NovenOier
26.2012 '
11/28/2012
Town of Ithaca
Planning Board
215 North Tioga Street
December 4,2012 7:00 p.m.
PLEASE SIGN-IN
Please Print Clearly. Thank You
Name Address
"Sccrn"
1 *b 'Vr^^hi^Oc^o X-rviAr^
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Board Members Present:
Fred Wilcox (Chair), Linda Collins, George Conneman, John Beach, Ellen
Baer, Jon Bosak, Hollis Erb
Staff Present:
Sue Ritter, Director of Planning;Chris Balestra, Planner; Mike Smith, Planner; Bruce
Bates, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Deb DeAugistine, Depu-
ty Town Clerk
Call to Order
Mr. Wilcox 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:
Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations (Modification), 134 Conservatory
Drive
Rick Couture, Ithaca College, Dustin Ehrlich, King & King Architects, and Scott Hughes, landscape
architect, were present. Mr. Couture stated that there’s been a change in what was initially proposed
for the exterior of the building in terms of the metal panel system. They have also reduced the
amount of landscaping around the building.
Mr. Wilcox asked why there’s a reduction in landscaping. Mr. Hughes responded that they had to do
whatever they could to bring the project back within their budget. The changes in the circle and park-
ing area also reduced the amount of landscaping they will need.
Ms. Erb noted that her copy of page C-400, the Planting Plan, indicated it was a draft. Mr. Ehrlich
stated that nothing has changed.
Mr. Bosak asked what negative visual impact would result from the changes to the project, outside the
landscaping that is no longer necessary because they eliminated some basic features. Ms. Erb used the
example that they reduced the big trees from three to one. Mr. Hughes responded that they reduced
those because they reduced the amount of paving and the number of benches since they no longer
needed them. Ms. Erb noted that the lack of shade will be internal to the college.
PB Resolution No. 2012-078: SEQR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan & Special Permit, Ithaca
College – Hill Center Renovations (Modifications), Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Town of Ithaca
Planning Board, December 4, 2012
Moved by George Conneman; seconded by Hollis Erb
WHEREAS:
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 2 of 9
1.This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed modifications to the Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations project located at 134
Conservatory Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential Zone.
The modifications include using a different metal panel system for the exterior of the building
and eliminating the proposed changes to Conservatory Drive and parking to the south of the
building. Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Dustin Ehrlich, King + King Architects, Agent, and
2.This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting as Lead Agency
in an environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval and Special Permit, and
3.The Planning Board, on December 4, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Envi-
ronmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part I, submitted by the applicant, and Part II prepared by
Town Planning staff, drawings titled “Exterior Renderings”, dated September 15, 2012, “Site
Demolition Plan” (C100), “Site Layout Plan and Details” (C200), “Grading Plan” (C300), “Soil
Erosion & Sediment Control Plan and Details” (C301), “Site Utility Plan and Details” (C302),
and “Planting Plan” (C400), all dated 09-07-12, prepared by King + King Architects, 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: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Baer, Bosak, Erb
AGENDA ITEM
Public Hearing:
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed modifications to the Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations project located at 134
Conservatory Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential Zone.
The modifications include using a different metal panel system for the exterior of the building and
eliminating the proposed changes to Conservatory Drive and parking to the south of the building.
Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Dustin Ehrlich, King & King Architects, Agent
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. and closed the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
PB Resolution No. 2012-079: Preliminary and Final Site Plan & Special Permit, Ithaca College –
Hill Center Renovations (Modifications), Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Town of Ithaca Planning
Board, December 4, 2012
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 3 of 9
Moved by Hollis Erb; seconded by John Beach
WHEREAS:
1.This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed modifications to the Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations project located at 134
Conservatory Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential Zone.
The modifications include using a different metal panel system for the exterior of the building
and eliminating the proposed changes to Conservatory Drive and parking to the south of the
building. Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Dustin Ehrlich, King + King Architects, Agent, and
2.This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency
in an environmental review with respect to the project has, on December 4, 2012, made a nega-
tive 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 II pre-
pared by Town Planning staff, and
3.The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on December 4, 2012, has reviewed and accepted
as adequate, drawings titled “Exterior Renderings”, dated September 15, 2012, “Site Demolition
Plan” (C100), “Site Layout Plan and Details” (C200), “Grading Plan” (C300), “Soil Erosion &
Sediment Control Plan and Details” (C301), “Site Utility Plan and Details” (C302), and “Planting
Plan” (C400), all dated 09-07-12, prepared by King + King Architects, and other application mate-
rials,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board hereby grants Special Permit for the proposed modifications to the Ithaca
College Hill Center Renovations project, finding that 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:
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 modifications to the Ithaca College Hill Center Renovations project, located at
134 Conservatory Drive on the Ithaca College campus, as described on the drawings listed above,
subject to the following conditions:
a.submission of one set of the final site plan drawings on mylar, vellum, or paper, signed and
sealed by the registered land surveyor, engineer, architect, or landscape architect who prepared
the site plan material, prior to the issuance of a building permit, and
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 4 of 9
b.submission of record of application for and proof of receipt of all necessary permits from
county, state, and/or federal agencies, prior to the issuance of any certificates of occupancy,
and
c.the “Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Plan and Details” (Sheet C301) drawing to be re-
viewed and approved by the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department, prior to starting any
site work.
Vote
:
Ayes: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Baer, Bosak, Erb
AGENDA ITEM
Public Hearing:
Consideration of a Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Ap-
peals regarding sign variances for the proposed banners located on the Ithaca College campus, Danby
Road and Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41-1-30.2, Medium Density Residential
Zone. The proposal involves installing approximately 37 banners (29.5” x 69” in size) on existing
light poles along many of the campus roads and entrances. Ithaca College, Owner/Applicant; Rich-
ard Couture, Associate Vice-President for Facilities, Agent.
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Wilcox stated that Mr. Couture appeared at the COC meeting because they want to put up ban-
ners on the property; right now they’re not allowed. He said that Mr. Bates allowed IC to put up a
selection of banners for one week at an entrance to the college to help COC members make a deter-
mination as to what might be appropriate language in a local law. Ms. Balestra pointed out that the
banners being proposed are 10 square feet smaller than those pictured in the packet.
Mr. Couture said they would like to get a variance to the sign law so they can place a number banners
up – mostly along the IC drive – as part of their branding campaign. This is for recruitment and also
to make the campus more attractive when they have events going on. The marketing communication
group put together a campaign where they’d like to hang 37 banners. They will be on existing light
poles, mostly in the interior of campus where no one will see them from the road.
Mr. Bosak stated that he has no problem with the proposal, but asked whether, by branding, they
mean the association with the logo and the colors. Mr. Couture said that is correct.
The Board agreed the banners look very elegant, and noted that the proposed banners are even small-
er. Mr. Erb commented that these are more internal and far less distracting than the ones proposed
for Route 96.
Mr. Wilcox closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
PB Resolution No. 2012-080: Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals –
Sign Variances, Proposed Ithaca College Banner Signs, Danby Road, Coddington Road, internal
campus roads, Town of Ithaca Sign Review Board (Planning Board), December 4, 2012
Moved by Ellen Baer; seconded by George Conneman
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 5 of 9
RESOLVED
, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as the Town of Ithaca Sign Review
Board, hereby recommends to the Zoning Board of Appeals, approval for the request of sign variances
for approximately 37 banner-like signs on Ithaca College-owned light poles, each at 29.5” x 69” in
area (14+/- square feet), as indicated in the submitted narrative, date-stamped October 15, 2012, and
on the submitted map and drawings, dated-stamped October 15, 2012, where banners are prohibited
signs; where signs in residential districts are restricted to four square feet in size; and where the num-
ber of signs in residential districts is restricted to one free-standing or wall sign.
Such approval is recommended with the following conditions:
a.Each of the proposed signs on the light poles shall not exceed 15-square feet in total sign area,
as defined in the Town of Ithaca Sign Law,
b.The proposed signs shall not be illuminated, and
c.If any of the signs become ripped or tattered, they will be promptly replaced or removed.
Vote:
Ayes: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Baer, Bosak, Erb
AGENDA ITEM
Discussion of a local law amending the Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 221 entitled “Signs”, to pro-
vide an exemption for certain banners that are located at least 500 feet from public roads
Ms. Erb asked for a point of clarification regarding residential and agricultural districts; she was con-
fused because Ms. Balestra’s memo says all districts. She is concerned about conservation zones.
Ms. Brock responded that the sign law has a section on residential and agricultural districts. It has
another section on signs allowed in business and industrial districts. The law is old and the names
don’t exactly match some of our districts now, so the Code Department has been interpreting the
provisions relating to the residential and agricultural district as also applying to conservation zones.
The law says that all signs that are allowed in residential and agricultural districts are also allowed in
business and industrial districts; it allows them by reference without having to spell it out. So this new
law only has to change the residential and agricultural districts.
Ms. Erb said she was perfectly content when she read it as “residential and agricultural,” but is not if
this law will allow the same signs to apply also in conservation zones. She thinks that is afoul of her
interpretation of what a conservation zone is supposed to be.
Ms. Brock explained that the Town Board made a change that requires signage to be at least 500 feet
from the lot line of any adjoining owner, which means the number of parcels where these signs can
actually go by right is greatly reduced. They also have to be 500 feet from a public road.
Mr. Bosak said he’s troubled because the Town has a practice of not having anything covering conser-
vation zones; we’ve developed not a policy but a tradition of considering laws related to residential
and agricultural districts as applying to conservation zones. He thinks the Town should fix that. Mr.
Bates said that this is the interpretation of the Codes Department when it comes to the sign law.
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 6 of 9
Ms. Brock pointed out that the COC is completely overhauling the sign law, so this is a bridge while
the new law is being written.
Ms. Erb wanted to go on record strongly suggesting that something ought to be developed that is
backed off more in a conservation zone. Conservation zones should be addressed separately within
the sign law. Mr. Bosak agreed, but also said that the 500-feet requirement makes it so unlikely that
he is willing to leave it to the revision.
Mr. Balestra said this is not a formal recommendation, but the Board’s can be relayed to the Town
Board in time for their meeting of December 10th.
AGENDA ITEM
SEQR Determination
: Cornell University Water System Improvements Project, Dryden Road
Kristin Gutenberger said they are seeking an extension for the removal of the water tank because
they’re building a monopole to relocate the antennas on the tank. The water tank has been decom-
missioned for two years; the monopole project will take four years. They thought initially that the
monopole would be finished by now, but the process has been slower than they anticipated. They’re
confident it will be finished by late winter or early spring; then the carriers can take down their poles
from the water tank and relocate them. The easiest way to take the tank down is by pulling the sup-
ports out from under it, and the ground needs to be as hard as possible for this. Since the monopole
will not be done until spring, they need to put the tank removal off until next winter.
PB Resolution No. 2012-081: SEQR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit: Time Extension for Water Tank Demolition, Cornell University Water System
Improvement Project, Tax Parcel No. 65.-1-5.2, Dryden Road (NYS Rt. 366), Town of Ithaca
Planning Board, December 4, 2012
Moved by John Beach; seconded by Ellen Baer
WHEREAS:
1.This action involves Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Per-
mit for the proposed modifications to the Cornell University Water System Improvement Project,
located along Dryden Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 65.-1-5.2, Low Density Residential
Zone. The request is for a time extension until March 31, 2014 to demolish the existing Cornell
University 0.5 million gallon water tank, in order to provide additional time to transfer cellular
telecommunication antennas located on the water tank to a new monopole. The December 16,
2008 Site Plan Approval for the Cornell University Water System Improvement Project required
the demolition of the water tank to be completed within four years of the approval. Cornell Uni-
versity, Owner/Applicant; Kristin E. Gutenberger, Manager, Real Estate Operations, Agent; and
2.This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting as Lead Agency
in the environmental review with respect to this project; and
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 7 of 9
3.The Planning Board, on December 4, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Envi-
ronmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a Part II prepared by Town
Planning staff, a “Water Tank Demolition Extension Request Narrative” with attachments, date-
stamped November 16, 2012, prepared by the applicant, and other application materials; and
4.The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental signifi-
cance with respect to the proposed time extension;
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: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Baer, Bosak, Erb
AGENDA ITEM
Public Hearing:
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the pro-
posed modifications to the Cornell University Water System Improvements Project, located along Dryden
Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 65-1-5.2, Low Density Residential Zone. The request is for a time exten-
sion until March 31, 2014 to demolish the existing Cornell University 0.5 million gallon water tank, in order
to provide additional time to transfer cellular communication antennas located on the water tank to a new
monopole. The December 16, 2008 Site Plan Approval for the Cornell University Water System Improve-
ments project required the demolition of the water tank to be completed within four years of the approval.
.
Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kristin E. Gutenberger, Manager, Real Estate Operations
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. and closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
PB Resolution No. 2012-082: Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit: Time
Extension for Water Tank Demolition, Cornell University Water System Improvement Project,
Tax Parcel No. 65.-1-5.2, Dryden Road (NYS Rt. 366), Town of Ithaca Planning Board, December
4, 2012
Moved by Hollis Erb; seconded by Jon Bosak
WHEREAS:
1.This action involves Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Per-
mit for the proposed modifications to the Cornell University Water System Improvement Project,
located along Dryden Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 65.-1-5.2, Low Density Residential
Zone. The request is for a time extension until March 31, 2014 to demolish the existing Cornell
University 0.5 million gallon water tank, in order to provide additional time to transfer cellular
telecommunication antennas located on the water tank to a new monopole. The December 16,
2008 Site Plan Approval for the Cornell University Water System Improvement Project required
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 8 of 9
the demolition of the water tank to be completed within four years of the approval. Cornell Uni-
versity, Owner/Applicant; Kristin E. Gutenberger, Manager, Real Estate Operations, 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 December 4, 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, on December 4, 2012, has reviewed and accepted as adequate, application
materials including a “Water Tank Demolition Extension Request Narrative” with attachments,
date-stamped November 16, 2012, prepared by the applicant, and other application materials;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board hereby grants Special Permit for the proposed time extension for the demo-
lition of the water tank, finding that 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:
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 time extension to demolish the existing Cornell University 0.5 million gallon water tank,
in order to provide additional time to transfer telecommunication antennas located on the water
tank to a new monopole, as described in the “Water Tank Demolition Extension Request Narra-
tive,” including attachments, date-stamped November 16, 2012, subject to the following condi-
tions:
a.The demolition of the 0.5. million gallon water tank will require a demolition permit
from the Town of Ithaca Building Department, and
b.The demolition shall be completed by March 31, 2014.
Vote:
Ayes: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Baer, Bosak, Erb
AGENDA ITEM
Approval of Minutes
PB Resolution No. 2012-083: Minutes of October 2, 2012, Town of Ithaca Planning Board,
December 4, 2012
Planning Board Minutes 12-04-2012
Page 9 of 9
Moved by Fred Wilcox; seconded by Linda Collins
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from the meeting on
October 2, 2012; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approves the minutes, as amended, to be the final
minutes of the meeting on October 2.
Vote:
Ayes: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Bosak, Baer, Erb Abstentions: Beach
PB Resolution No, 2012-084: Minutes of October 16, 2012, Town of Ithaca Planning Board,
December 4, 2012
Moved by Fred Wilcox; seconded by Hollis Erb
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from the meeting on
October 16, 2012; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approves the minutes, as amended, to be the final
minutes of the meeting on October 16.
Vote:
Ayes: Wilcox, Collins, Conneman, Beach, Baer, Erb Abstentions: Bosak
AGENDA ITEM
Other business
Mr. Conneman stated that his philosophy is that you don't serve forever. He has enjoyed serving two
seven-year terms on the Planning Board and will be glad to serve as long as needed. He thinks it's a
very important board. He has encouraged other people he knows to apply. He also served on the Bol-
ton Point Board for over 15 years, including serving as chair.
AGENDA ITEM
Adjournment
Upon a motion by Linda Collins, the meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra DeAugistrrre, Deputy T lerk