HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA Minutes 1979-07-160
TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
JULY 161 1979
The Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals met in regular session on
Monday, July 16, 1979, in Town Hall, 126 East Seneca Street, Ithaca, New
York, at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Peter K. Francese, Jack D. Hewett, Joan G. Reuning,
Edward W. King, Edward N. Austen, John C. Barney (Town
Attorney), Lawrence P. Fabbroni (Town Engineer/Building
Inspector), Nancy M. Fuller (Secretary).
ALSO PRESENT: Herbert N. Monkemeyer, E. L. Rose Gostanian Monkemeyer,
Frederick S. Webster, Architect, Joe Novak, Tom Barley,
Evan N. Monkemeyer, Gale Austen, Claudia Weisburd, Jerold
M. Weisburd, Robert D. Sweet, M. Virginia Sweet, Madelyn
Glase, Paul Harvey (WHCU News), Carole Eisenberg (Ithaca
Journal).
Chairman Francese declared the meeting duly opened at 7:48 p.m. and
accepted for the record the Clerk's Affidavit of Posting and Publication
of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on
July 6, 1979 and July 11, 1979, respectively, together with the
Secretary's Affidavit of Service by Mail of said Notice upon the various
neighbors of the properties in question, as appropriate, upon the
Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, and upon each of the appellants
and/or agent, if any, on July 10, 1979.
ADJOURNED APPEAL OF HERBERT MONKEMEYER FROM THE DECISION OF THE BUILDING
INSPECTOR DENYING A PROPOSED MULTIPLE FAMILY BUILDING TO BE USED IN PART
FOR AN ARTISTS' GALLERY AND ASSOCIATED ART SALES AND TO BE HIGHER THAN 2
STORIES ON THE ROAD SIDE AT 1059 DANBY ROAD, PARCEL N0, 6-43-1-3.21
ITHACA, N.Y. PERMISSION IS DENIED BY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR UNDER
SECTIONS 26, 27, 28, OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE.
Chairman Francese declared the Adjourned Public Hearing in the
above -noted matter duly opened at 7.50 p.m. and read aloud from the
Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above.
Mr. Herbert Monkemeyer appeared before the Board and stated that he
and Mr. Webster, Architect with the firm of Sargent Webster and also of
the New York State Board of Examiners, were here to answer questions.
Mr. Monkemeyer stated that questions with respect to the art field could
be answered by Mr. Barley of the Tompkins County Arts Council,
Chairman Francese commented to Mr. Monkemeyer that we went over this
last time but we will go over it again. Chairman Francese stated that
two variances are being discussed. (1) use variance for art studio
activities, that is, display, showing, and sale, which the Town Ordinance
says one cannot do in a multiple residence. Chairman Francese noted that
the Town Ordinance is a permissive zoning ordinance, meaning unless it is
in there, you cannot do it. (2) area variance for the height of the
Zoning Board of Appeals 2 July 16, 1979
® structure. Chairman Francese stated that the Building Inspector has
determined that the height of the barn is above the height normally
permitted under Section 28, paragraph 2. Chairman Francese stated that
there is probably no doubt that this structure exceeds two stories, but,
even if there were, it probably should have a variance. Chairman
Francese noted the matter also of the rear yard which under the ordinance
should be not less than twice the height of the nearest structure.
Chairman Francese commented that that could be about 35', thus, the rear
yard should probably be about 70', which could be on the edge of a
particular problem. Chairman Francese stated that, if the Zoning Board
of Appeals were to grant a variance for each of these three items, i.e.,
one use variance and two area variances, then the Town Board can go ahead
with final site approval and this art colony could continue.
Chairman
Mr. Monkemeyer
indicated
his concurrence, commenting, as
long as
they
are not in the
position of
admitting a height of over two
stories,
and
adding, but under the way
Chairman Francese is handling it,
that is
not
necessary. Mr.
Monkemeyer
stated that they were prepared to
defend
the
height matter.
Chairman
Francese stated
that
there
may be some conditions as
according to
the Stipulation of
April
5,
1979.
Town Attorney Barney pointed out that what is being done tonight is
contemplated by the Stipulation, adding that in preliminary settlement of
the litigation this Stipulation was entered into which called for
® application for rezoning, submission of plans, and, if necessary,
solicitation of a variance. Mr. Barney stated that this is basically
what we are here for tonight.
Mr. Fabbroni requested permission to state for the record that he,
personally, as the Building Inspector, sees the question of height before
the Board tonight as almost totally separate from the questions of height
that the Town has in matters of enforcing the New York State Building
Code. Mr. Fabbroni stated that he did not wish to prejudice any actions
the Board might take tonight as against any actions the Town might take
as far as the Building Code goes.
Chairman Francese asked if anyone had any questions for the
applicants, Mr. Webster, or Mr. Barley. Mr. King offered that, as the
Board forumulates a resolution, he would invite their participation and
also Mr. Barney's. Mr. Austen stated that he went up and looked at it
and he had no questions. Mrs. Reuning asked Mr. Fabbroni if this
building does meet the multiple residence code as far as he knew, further
asking if he had examined it in that light. Mr. Fabbroni responded that,
at this point, he would have to say no, but, the logical end, based on
the Board of Appeals' action here, site plan approval, etc., would go
back to the Town Board and upon their action, he would send plans to the
New York State Building Codes Review Board. Mr. Webster commented that
he agreed to a certain extent with Mr. Fabbroni, but there are trade-offs
that would make it acceptable to the Review Board of the Building Codes
Council. Mr. Barney stated that he agreed, essentially.
Zoning Board of Appeals 3 July 16, 1979
® Chairman Francese asked Mr. Fabbroni if he had any problem with an
approval being contingent upon approval of the Building Codes Council,
Mr. Fabbroni described his reservations on this type of contingency,
noting, among other things, that if the Board says to him that height is
not a big objection and if the Codes Council feels there are adequate
trade-offs for life safety, they will feel more comfortable having that
kind of statement in hand. Mr. Barney suggested any such approval be
subject to approval of the appropriate authorities which may be Mr.
Fabbroni.
Mr. Tom Barley stated that he was involved with the New York State
Council on the Arts and, soon, the National Endowment for the Arts. Mr.
Barley stated that the New York State Arts Council has approved this
project and the intent to incorporate the gallery space and operate it as
a non-profit entity. Mr. Barley explained that this means it goes beyond
hanging and selling paintings, it also means educational seminars, jobs,
etc. Mr. Barley commented that particularly in the rural part of the
State there is a serious need for what Mr. Monkemeyer is attempting to
do. Mr. Barley noted again that the NYS Council on the Arts has already
approved this, making it entitled to funding, educatinal workshops, and
stated that that has a positive bearing on the matter. Chairman Francese
commented to Mr. Barley that he [Barley] would say that this art colony
would be of substantial benefit to the community.
Mr. King offered the following Findings of Fact.
® WHEREAS, the matter before the Board concerns requested variances on
approximately 1.38 acres of land on the east side of Route 96B and
containing the barn or art gallery, the cottage, and a four -unit
farmhouse; and
WHEREAS, the matter before the Board has been referred to the Board
by the Town of Ithaca Town Board for variances so that said Town Board
may consider the rezoning of such 1.38 acres (approximately) of land to
multiple residence, and
WHEREAS, the Town Board apparently favors the granting of these
necessary variances to permit continued use for art studio purposes,
NOW, THEREFORE, DO WE, the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of
Ithaca, FIND:
1. The land concerned to be that shown on the plot plan which has
been presented to the Board.
2. The area is presently zoned Business "C".
3. The land exists in a mixed zone area comprised primarily of
Business "C", R-30, and R-9 uses with a multi -family area zoned to the
north of the R-9 area.
414. The rear yard, which would be the east side of this plot, to the
east of the barn -studio, has a proposed sixty foot (601) width.
Zoning Board of Appeals
G]
July 16, 1979
5. The height of the barn is such that it might possibly require a
is slightly larger rear yard, applying Section 28, subdivision 2, of the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance.
6. There is no present use of a large tract immediately to the east
of this plot and no buildings existing near the barn -studio which would
be adversely affected by permitting the rear yard to be slightly less
than that called for under Section 28, subdivision 2, of said Zoning
Ordinance. It would appear that the effect of that potential problem in
the rear yard would be negligible on the adjacent property.
7. Under these circumstances, in order to permit the Appellant to
continue the present mixed use of this area for multi -residence and for
art studio or art gallery display and incidental sales activities, the
Board finds that it would be necessary to grant (1) an area variance in
respect of the rear yard and also such a variance in respect of the
height of the building, it appearing that the multiple residence article
(Section 28, subdivision 5) generally limits the height of buildings to
112 stories on the road side." and (2) that the continued use would
require a use variance to permit the art gallery display and incidental
sales activities.
8. This proposition comes to this Board under a Stipulation entered
into between the Town of Ithaca and the Appellant Monkemeyers in Cortland
County Supreme Court on April 5, 1979.
9. It appears, further, that a further area variance may be
required in that the front yard to the west of the farmhouse westerly to
the State Route 96B may be less than the fifty feet (50' ) required under
Section 28, subdivision 2, of said Zoning Ordinance, but, that the
structure has been there for many years.
10. The land is presently occupied by twelve (12) dwelling units,
there being four (4) in the house on the west, one (1) in the cottage on
the south, and seven (7) in the barn -gallery on the east.
MOTION by Mr. Edward King, seconded by Mr. Peter Francese:
RESOLVED, that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Ithaca
adopt and hereby does adopt the foregoing Findings of Fact.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote.
Aye - Francese, Hewett, King, Reuning, Austen.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared by the Chair to be carried unanimously.
MOTION by Mr. Edward King, seconded by Mr. Peter Francese:
RESOLVED, that, based on the foregoing Findings, the Zoning Board of
is
Appeals of the Town of Ithaca grant and hereby does grant conditional
variances to the Appellant for this 1.38 acre plot to continue its use
for no more than twelve (12) dwelling units and with an accessory and
Zoning Board of Appeals 5 July 16, 1979
ancillary use of the barn as artists' studios in a manner and method
presently used for display and gallery purposes and possible sale of
artistic products made of the tenants' art. Art works made by persons
other than tenants may be displayed. Such conditions are as follows:
1. That the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca actually rezones this
plot to a multiple residence district subject to the variances hereby
granted.
2. That there be at no time more than twelve (12) dwelling units
inclusive of art studios on the plot.
3. That the buildings be or be__brought into compliance with all
applicable building construction codes or approved variances therefrom.
4. That there be compliance with any other pertinent terms of the
Stipulation entered into between the Town of Ithaca and the Appellants on
April 5, 1979, in the action in the Supreme Court, Cortland County, a
copy of that Stipulation to be made a part of this record.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that based on the foregoing conditions,
said Zoning Board of Appeals grant and hereby does grant area variances
as follows:
(a) Sanctioning the proposed sixty foot (601) rear yard (easterly
side) depth.
® (b) Sanctioning the front yard (on the west) being less than fifty
feet (50') .
(c) Sanctioning the use of the art studio despite the fact that its
height may be more than the two stories permitted under the Town of
Ithaca Zoning Ordinance Section 28(5).
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said Zoning Board of Appeals grant
and hereby does grant a use variance to permit the accessory use of the
barn -gallery for artistic displays, showings, and incidental sales.
By way of discussion, Mr. Monkemeyer stated that they reserve all
rights to the non -conforming use which they have had over the years prior
to zoning. Mr. King asked Mr. Monkemeyer to be specific as to what use
he considered non -conforming. Mr. Monkemeyer responded that the three
buildings have been multi -family since before zoning, adding that there
have been three or more units on the plot since before zoning. Mr. King
asked, "What building on the plot?" Mr. Monkemeyer responded that all
three buildings have been residential buildings. Discussion followed
between Mr. Barney and Mr. Monkemeyer. Chairman Francese stated that Mr.
Monkemeyer's reservation will be shown on the record. Chairman Francese
further stated to Mr. Monkemeyer that the Board has heard his
reservations and, too, there is a Motion on the floor which has been
seconded and he would call for a vote.
is Mr. Barney stated that it should be clarified whether the owner
wants a variance or not. Chairman Francese stated that he thought Mr.
Zoning Board of Appeals 6 July 16, 1979
Monkemeyer has said that he does. Mr. Monkemeyer stated that, in the
interests of settling this case and in the interests of the kind of money
expended, he would seek the variance.
Further discussion of the Motion took place during which Mr. King
stated that one further condition he would like to add is that all
conditions be met. Following further discussion, Mr. King withdrew his
further condition.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote.
Aye - Francese, Hewett, King, Reuning, Austen.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairman Francese declared the Adjourned Public Hearing in and the
matter of the Herbert Monkemeyer Appeal duly closed at 8:50 p.m.
APPEAL OF ROBERT D. AND M. VIRGINIA SWEET, APPELLANTS, FROM THE DECISION
OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR DENYING BUILDING PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A SECOND HOUSE WITHOUT SUFFICIENT ROAD FRONTAGE AT 1401 SLATERVILLE ROAD,
PARCEL NO. 6-58-1-12.2, ITHACA, N.Y. PERMISSION IS DENIED BY THE
BUILDING INSPECTOR UNDER ARTICLE XIII, SECTION 67, AND ARTICLE IV,
SECTION 16, OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE.
Chairman Francese declared the Public Hearing in the above -noted
matter duly opened at 8:51 p.m. and read aloud from the Notice of Public
Hearings as posted and published and as noted above. The Appeal Form as
signed and submitted by Robert D. Sweet under date of July 2, 1979, reads
as follows: "(1) The only feasible use of our 20.+ acres of hilly back
land is as a site for our personal home. (2) Denial will require us to
pay $10-$12,000 for a lot with services but without acreage. (3) The
neighbors will not be adversely affected because their houses will be
about 175' away. (4) The spirit of the zoning ordinance will be upheld."
[Plot Plan attached.]
Mr. Sweet appeared before the Board and stated that he and his wife
would like to build a home for their own use at the rear of 1401
Slaterville Road, Mr. Sweet stated that they have several parcels to the
edge of 1401 which is rental property, adding that they used to own 1403
Slaterville Road which they sold to Mr. Novak in 1972. Mr. Sweet stated
that there was a slight change in plans because of finances and so the
garage has been joined to the house [proposed] and angled straight out.
Mr. Sweet stated that the side numbers do not change, however, the 45'
shown from the corner where the Novak property turns is now longer -- it
is about 601. Mr. Sweet stated that they have a total of about 20 acres
of back land.
Chairman Francese noted that the only way to get to that back land
is through a 12 -foot wide area at the north side running southerly and
widening to about 22.5 feet. Mr. Sweet stated that that was correct,
adding that they bought that land a long time ago and when they sold 1403
it had a wider lot. Mr. Sweet commented that at that time there was talk
Zoning Board of Appeals 7 July 16, 1979
® of extending Honness Lane, adding that he doubted if he will live long
enough to.see one. Chairman Francese wondered, if this is the only way
to get to the 20 acres of land, what might happen to some future owner
who would have 20 acres of land and only one house. Chairman Francese
commented that he or she might have a real problem. Mr. Sweet offered
that whoever owned it would have to come here and plead. Mr. Sweet
stated that they tried to buy some land from the neighbors, Mr. Baker and
Mr. Guidi, and they will not sell.
Mr.
Fabbroni stated that he
would
like to comment that the
basic
problem
is that he does not have
a 15 -foot
right of way without
making
the lot
for 1401 an illegal width.
Mr.
Fabbroni stated that that
is the
basis for the variance from a 15 -foot frontage on a road and a legal lot
in the rear. Chairman Francese wondered what the land is like behind.
Mr. Sweet stated that it is rough and undulating, however, where they
wish to build is fairly level. Mr. Sweet stated that the sewer line runs
just behind the rear property line of 1403 and because that is the only
area fairly level they cut through 13 feet in depth and, so, they can
site a house where they are planning it and have gravity sewer to the
north. Mr. Fabbroni pointed out that the sewer runs parallel to
Slaterville Road and described what Mr. Sweet owns.
Chairman Francese asked for Mr.
stated that Mr. Sweet owns close to
plan for a house he wishes to put on
City of Ithaca Watershed.
Fabbroni Is opinion. Mr. Fabbroni
20 acres of land, this is the only
its and the other neighbor is the
Mrs. Reuning wondered about any fire hazards. Mr. Sweet stated that
it is 260 feet from the center of the highway and the nearest hydrant is
in the center of the Glover property, adding that the house would be
about 250 feet away from a hydrant. Mr. King wondered if he were correct
about there being a statute for a 25 -foot fire lane. Mr. Fabbroni stated
that that was not the figure, adding that that is what the 15 feet is all
about.
Chairman Francese noted that Mr. Novak, Mr. Sweet's neighbor was
present, and commented that Mr. King was also a neighborhood resident.
Mr. Novak stated that he just came in case he could answer any questions.
Mr. Novak stated that he had no objections, adding that there is a lot of
land there. Mr. Novak stated that the most sensible thing he is
proposing is using the driveway. Mr. Sweet stated that he owns 1401 in
which there have been three apartment units since around 1952. Mr.
Fabbroni stated that, on those facts only, there is no problem since the
use is grandfathered in.
Chairman Francese asked if there were any further questions. There
were none. Chairman Francese stated that he would offer the following
Findings of Fact:
1. Mr. Novak,
the
neighbor to
the east of Mr. Sweet,
appeared and
indicated
that
he had no objection
to Mr. Sweet's
proposed new
residence
to the
south of his
property.
Zoning Board of Appeals 8 July 16, 1979
® 2. Mr. Sweet indicated that he intends to continue ownership of 1401
Slaterville Road, a three-family dwelling.
3. The proposed new dwelling will be served by Bolton Point water and
City of Ithaca sewer.
4. There are some 20 acres of vacant land owned by Mr. Sweet
surrounding the proposed new dwelling unit and Mr. Sweet indicates
that he proposes to build no other dwelling units.
5. This proposed dwelling is a one -family unit in which Mr. and Mrs.
Sweet will reside.
6. There is no access from Slaterville road to this property except
across a 109.5 -foot section of land owned by Mr. Sweet on which
there now exists a three-family dwelling unit.
7. The proposed access to this new dwelling would be over the westerly
portion of the lot which is approximately 25 feet wide at its
narrowest point between the westerly side of the existing
three-family unit and the westerly lot line.
At this point, Mr. Fabbroni commented that if the Board does not
recognize some lot for the three-family at some point in time if there
were a sale there would be a problem. Discussion followed.
® 8. This proposed use presents the distinct possiblity that at some
future time the owner may wish to split off a lot with the
three -apartment unit at 1401 Slaterville Road, and that this
proposed development might make such a subdivided lot not conform to
the Statute requirements, but that it appears that there would exist
sufficient area to permit a variance for the width of such a
subdivided lot.
MOTION by Mr. Peter Francese, seconded by Mr. Edward Austen:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals adopt and
hereby does adopt the foregoing Findings of Fact with respect to the
Sweet Appeal.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote.
Aye - Francese, Hewett, King, Reuning, Austen.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
MOTION by Mr. Peter Francese, seconded by Mrs. Joan Reuning:
RESOLVED, by the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals, based upon
Facts found and adopted, that a Building Permit be issued to Mr. Robert
® D. Sweet, as requested, for the construction of his proposed home to be
located on premises known as Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 6-58-1-12.2,
as shown in the Sketch attached to his application with the modifications
Zoning Board of Appeals 9 July 16, 1979
® as were noted by the applicant at this public hearing and as set forth in
the record.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote.
Aye - Francese, Hewett, King, Reuning, Austen.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairman Francese declared the Public Hearing in and the matter of
the Sweet Appeal duly closed at 9:20 p.m.
APPEAL OF INLET VALLEY LAND CO-OP, INC., APPELLANTS, JEROLD M. WEISBURD,
AS AGENT, FROM THE DECISION OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR DENYING PERMISSION
TO BUILD A PRIVATE SCHOOL AT 171 CALKINS ROAD, PARCEL NO, 6-33-1-4,
ITHACA, N.Y. PERMISSION IS DENIED BY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR UNDER
ARTICLE XI AND ARTICLE V, SECTION 4, OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING
ORDINANCE.
Chairman Francese declared the Public Hearing in the above -noted
matter duly opened at 9:21 p.m. and read aloud from the Notice of Public
Hearings as posted and published and as noted above. Mr. Austen asked
permission to be excused and was granted same.
® Mr. Weisburd appeared before the Board and noted that each had a
copy of his Appeal dated July 6, 1979. [The Appeal reads: "Having been
denied permission to build a private school at 171 Calkins Road, Parcel
No. 6-33-1-4,...Article XI, and Article V, Section 18, par. 4...Approval
of the Zoning Board of Appeals is necessary." The Board members also had
in hand a copy of that portion of the May 15, 1979, Planning Board
Minutes pertaining to the Inlet Valley Co -Op. Mr. Weisburd, commenting
that he would take it from the top, stated that the land under discussion
is located off Route 13 near Early Bird Farm and Mr. Brink's Farm at the
bend in Calkins Road, contains 98 acres and straddles Woodcock Creek,
Mr. Weisburd described orchards and pines. Mr. Weisburd stated that they
have proposed a Cooperative where the land is never to be subdivided but
is owned by the Co -Op. Mr. Weisburd stated that people buy lots, or
sections, in the form of proprietary leaseholds and there are 10 lots.
Mr. Weisburd stated that one lot of the ten is presently being proposed
as a small private school for not more than 50 students, commenting that
it is all on one side of the proposed new road. Mr. Weisburd stated that
the school is proposed for pre -K through 6th grade and presented to the
Board preliminary designs for the proposed school. Mr. Weisburd stated
that the building itself is about the size of a house which helps in
financing and it is proposed to be clapboard and to utilize passive solar
devices. Mr. Weisburd stated that there is proposed to be one large
floor, a loft, and a basement containing the nursery school. Mr.
Weisburd stated that any future addition is not contemplated now and they
do not wish to present any such thoughts now, adding that they are not
looking for approval for any extension. Mr. Weisburd noted that the
® parking is proposed to be a little different from that shown on the plans
and indicated a loop for a bus. Mr. Weisburd stated that there is an
existing drive that the Co -Op owns. Mr. Weisburd stated that people have
Zoning Board of Appeals 10 July 16, 1979
® purchased the old farmhouse property, commenting that it is about 1.1
acres and was sold -off as a separate parcel. Mr. Weisburd stated that
the Co -Op owns the barn and has access, adding that, if the school does
happen, the kids can exit right into the school from the bus which will
be a public bus. Mr. Weisburd described the various ways the students
might get to and from school such as walking, bus, or car-pooling. Mr.
Weisburd also described the staggering of the school hours. Mr. Weisburd
stated that one point he would offer is that the way it reads in the
zoning code, a school is a permitted use in this area but requires
approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Chairman Francese asked if all of this land has been surveyed. Mr.
Weisburd stated that it had and pins are in. Mr. Weisburd stated that
the proposed school lot has not been surveyed because it is an additional
expense and would be coming out of the school expenses. Indicating on
the drawing, Chairman Francese asked how people got to a particular lot.
Mr. Weisburd stated that it is a private road so no one has frontage on a
road. Mr. Weisburd described what he termed a proprietary lease forever.
With respect to water, Chairman Francese asked if Mr. Weisburd had
established samples. Mr. Weisburd stated that they have established one
good well, adding that they have done test holes for the Health
Department and the Health Department has approved almost everything. Mr.
Weisburd stated that they are waiting on the SPEDES permit approval.
Again utilizing the drawings, Mr. Weisburd and the Board discussed a dam
with Mr. Weisburd noting that it is to be a concrete dam 20 feet high and
® 12 feet across. Mr. Weisburd stated that the pipes go all the way down
to the Brink Farm, commenting that the lease has expired so the rights
have expired, and noting that the water has been potable for about 30
years. Mr. Fabbroni stated that the dam goes down into a pond which Mr.
Brink maintains for his livestock. Chairman Francese wondered if Mr.
Weisburd planned to stop Mr. Brink from using water. Mr. Weisburd stated
that they have no such particular intention but they may wish to use
water for the barn which will have livestock.
Mr. King wondered if Mr. Fabbroni had anything to report from the
Planning Board. Mr. Fabbroni stated that the only report about the
school, which the Board has, is as a potential site on the Co -Op which
was given preliminary approval. Mr. Fabbroni commented that the school
was also mentioned last week [July 10, 1979] during the discussion by the
Planning Board with regard to final subdivision approval, adding that
that meeting was adjourned until tomorrow night [July 17, 1979]. Mr.
King stated that he thought the Board should make any approval contingent
upon the Planning Board approval. Mr. Fabbroni commented that,
personally, he had no problem with the school traffic because with the
bus it would be a lot less. Mr. King commented that the Board had no
idea of the residential intensity in the area. Mr. Fabbroni stated that
there are approximately seven existing homes on Calkins Road, all of
which are behind where the entrance to the Co -Op is and most of them to
the east.
Chairman Francese stated that he would offer the following Findings
® of Fact:
Zoning Board of Appeals 11 July 16, 1979
1. The Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca has granted Preliminary
Subdivision Approval to subject Co -Operative by Resolution of May
15, 1979.
2. The subject parcel is located in an Agricultural Zone and so Section
51 of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance makes applicable thereto
the regulations for an R-30 Zone and, therefore, Section 18,
paragraph 4, is the applicable section.
3. Mr. Weisburd indicates that most of the students in the proposed
private school will either walk or come to school by commercial
transportation. However, the nursery school children, about 15 in
number, will not be bussed but will be transported using a method of
car-pooling. Additionally, the school hours have been staggered
with the nursery school children arriving one-half hour after the
elementary school children and departing at noon, with the
elementary school children having a normal -all -day school day.
4. There are only five to seven existing dwellings along Calkins Road,
5. The proposed development would involve nine residential leasehold
sites and the school on the 98± acres.
6. The proposed school is in character with the area in which it is
proposed to be located since it is of small size and the
neighborhood is lightly populated.
7. Mr. Weisburd indicates that there will be a separate access driveway
and egress driveway to the proposed school thereby permitting the
bus to drop off children without turning around and insuring that
the access and egress to the school be safely designed.
8. Again, the small size of the school would indicate that the traffic
load on public streets and water and sewer systems will not be
detrimental to the health, safety, and general welfare of the
community.
Upon Motion, of Mr. Peter Francese, duly seconded by Mrs. Joan
Reuning, and four aye votes, the foregoing Findings of Fact were adopted
by the Board.
MOTION by Mr. Peter Francese, seconded by Mr. Jack Hewett:
RESOLVED, that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Ithaca
approve and hereby does approve that the Inlet Valley Land Co -Operative,
Inc., be granted a Special Permit to construct a private school at 171
Calkins Road on the easterly side of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.
6-33-1-4 and as in plans submitted to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board
for approximately 50 students subject to the following conditions.
1. That Final Subdivision Approval be granted by the Town of Ithaca
Planning Board.
ft
11
V
Zoning Board of Appeals
12
July 16, 1979
2. That approvals be obtained from all appropriate, responsible
State and Local agencies.
3. That
this
Hearing
approval
be
considered a Special Permit under Section
18, paragraph
4,
of
the Town
of
Ithaca Zoning Ordinance.
There being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote.
Aye - Francese, Hewett, King, Reuning.
Nay - None.
The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairman Francese declared
the Public
Hearing
in
and
the matter of
the Inlet Valley Land Co -Op, Inc.
Appeal
duly
closed
at
10:10
p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon
Motion,
Chairman
Francese
declared the
July 16,
1979
Zoning Board of Appeals.
meeting
of
the Town
of Ithaca
Zoning
Board of
Appeals duly
adjourned
at
10:11
p.m.
Peter K. Francese, Chairman
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy
M.
Fuller,
Secretary,
Town
of
Ithaca
Zoning Board of Appeals.