HomeMy WebLinkAboutZBA Minutes 1987-04-15 FILED
TOWN OF ITHACA
Date 30 !M7
• TOWN OF ITHACA Clerk
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
April 15 , 1987
A regular meeting of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of
Appeals was held on April 15 , 1987 in the Ithaca Town Hall , 126
East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York ,
PRESENT : Chairman Henry Aron , Joan Reuning , Jack Hewett ,
Building Inspector Andrew Frost , and Town Attorney John C .
Barney .
ALSO. PRESENT : John E . Ault , Kit Lambert , Anna Stuliglowa ,
Mark H . Gardner , Carl R . Updike , John Y . Lambert , Jr . , George
Rhoads , and Randy Hubbell .
The public meeting opened at 7 : 00 p . m .
Chairman Aron stated that all posting and publication of the
public hearings had been completed and that , proper affidavits of
same were in order .
The first item on the agenda for consideration was as
• follows :
APPEAL of Charles Platkin , Appellant , from the decision of
the Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement Officer denying
permission for the occupancy of a two - family dwelling
containing , one , five - bedroom dwelling unit and one , one -
bedroom dwelling unit , located in Residence District R - 15 at
1476 Slaterville Road , Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 58 - 2 -
23 , by a total of six unrelated persons . Permission is
denied under Article IV , Section 11 , paragraph 2 ,
subparagraph 2a . ( 3 ) , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance ,
whereby a total of no more than three unrelated persons may
occupy a two - family dwelling .
Chairman Aron reported that Mr . Platkin had called him that
afternoon and had told Mr . Aron he was not feeling well and
therefore was not able to attend the meeting . A motion was then
made by Joan Reuning as follows :
It is moved that the matter of Charles Platkin be adjourned
until the June 10 , 1987 meeting .
Jack Hewett seconded the motion .
The vote was as follows :
• Aye - Aron , Reuning , Hewett
Nay - None
The motion was carried .
2
The second matter on the agenda was as follows .
APPEAL of Douglas H . and Lucia L . Armstrong , Appellants ,
from the decision of the Building Inspector / Zoning
Enforcement Officer denying Certificates of Compliance for
two new lots created by the subdivision of Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No . 6 - 58 - 2 - 3 , 0 . 69 acres net to road right of
way , Residence District R - 15 , located at 121 Honness Lane ,
Residence District R - 15 , with frontage also on Terraceview
Drive , into two lots , the first of such two new lots
containing an existing single - family house , with attached
deck , and fronting on Honness Lane with approximately 160
feet of frontage on Honness Lane at the front yard setback ,
and with a depth of approximately 89 feet , and with a rear
yard of approximately 15 feet , and containing approximately
14 , 500 square feet , AND , the second of such two new lots
fronting on Terraceview Drive containing an existing garage
with attached concrete slab , an existing barn , and an
existing , shed , with approximately 90 feet of frontage on
Terraceview Drive at the front yard setback , and with a
depth of approximately 160 feet , and containing
approximately 14 , 500 square feet , AND FURTHER , denying a
• Building Permit for the renovation of said existing garage
structure located on the second of said proposed two new
lots and proposed to contain a three - car garage with a two -
bedroom rental unit above , with said existing garage
structure proposed to be relocated such that the front yard
and side yard setback requirements of the Zoning Ordinance
are met . With respect to the first of such two new lots ,
fronting on Honness Lane , permission is denied under Article
IV , Section 16 , paragraph 1 , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance , ( Size of Lot ) , pursuant to which the minimum lot
size is 15 , 000 square feet and whereby a depth of 150 feet
is required , and under Article IV , Section 14 , of the Town
of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , ( Yard Regulations ) , whereby a
rear yard of not less than 30 feet is required , .AND , with
respect to the second of such two new lots , fronting on
Terraceview Drive , permission is denied under Article IV ,
Section 16 , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , ( Size of
Lot ) , pursuant to which the minimum lot size is 1 5 , 000
square feet and whereby the minimum lot width is 100 feet ,
and Building Permit is denied under Article XIV , Section 75 ,
of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance . Certificates of
Compliance are denied under Article XIV , Section 76 , of the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance ,
Chairman Aron presented a photograph of Mr . and Mrs .
Armstrong ' s property and passed it around to the Board for
viewing and also mentioned that Mr . and Mrs . Armstrong had been
before the Planning Board for subdivision of their property .
3
Mr . Douglas Armstrong addressed the Board . Mr . Armstrong
referred to a map presented with his application . He explained
that the initial reason for asking for the subdivision of the two
lots was that for 13 years of living at 121 Honness Lane they had
never had any building around them but in the last two years to
the west of them there have been two duplexes built and on the
east there is: a single family unit plus the road going into the
Jonson development , and behind them are 85 units being
constructed by Ivar Jonson , Mr . Armstrong went on to say that .
this was not too bad at the beginning but now the Jonson
properties have marched right up to the south lot line and in
order to try to shield their property from the property behind
them they would like to move the garage as shown on the map dated
September 16 , 1986 designated " Garage fronted by concrete slab " .
He continued that they would like to move the garage 30 feet to
the west and 14 feet north and that it would be a three car
garage on the ground floor , 30 x 22 , and a two bedroom rental
unit on top . He went on to say that the shed behind the barn is
used for garden equipment , etc . and would be left where it is .
Mr . Armstrong said that the barn and shed are iri decent shape but
the garage , due to hydrostatic pressure caused by a pond that was
formerly on the property , broke the walls and the walls actually
are moving under the garage and if left it will fall down . Mr .
• Armstrong explained that they were planning on building a
concrete block base , three car garage , and then move the upper
part of the old structure to the base .
Mr . Armstrong further stated that one of the reasons for his
application being denied was that the side yard setback was only
15 feet on the first lot with a rear yard of approximately 15
feet , where a rear yard of 30 feet is required . He stated that
this is based on the premise that the house is facing Honness
Lane but the map shows that the front door of the house fronts
Terraceview Drive and in that case all the lot size setbacks
would be alright .
Chairman Aron asked if the house always had the address of
121 Honness Lane and Mr . Armstrong responded that that was
correct . Chairman Aron asked if Mr . Armstrong now wanted the
Board to consider that his new address would be on Terraceview
Drive and Mr . Armstrong said that in 1973 they redid the whole
house , closing off the front of the house and moving the front
door to the other side where it now fronts on Terraceview Drive .
He said that he simply meant that if the front of the house were
to be considered on Terraceview Drive all the setback
requirements would be in order .
Mrs . R euning asked if Terraceview was a Town road and Mr .
Armstrong responded that it was and was taken over by the Town as
• the entrance into the Jonson development .
Chairman Aron opened the public hearing and no one from the
4
public appeared . The public hearing was then closed .
Chairman Aron then read the document entitled " Armstrong
Subdivision , 121 Honness Lane , Douglas and Lucia Armstrong ,
Owners / Subdividers , Planning Board , April 7 , 1987 " , a copy of
which document is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 .
While reading the documents Chairman Aron interjected that
the Planning Board had determined that the setback requirements
were deficient based on the fact that the 121 Honness Lane
address prevailed and therefore the Zoning Board of Appeals would
consider this appeal in the same light . There was discussion on
this matter after which the Board concurred .
Chairman Aron also asked Attorney Barney which survey map
was being referred to in paragraph b of the proposed resolution
on page 2 of said document and it was determined that although
there were two maps it was the same on both maps .
A motion was made by Jack Hewett as follows :
It is moved that this Board grant a variance of the
requirements of Article IV , Section 16 , paragraph 1 , of the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , to permit the subdivision
Of two lots , each 14 , 400 square feet in net area , one lot
with a depth of 89 + feet and a width of 160 + feet and the
second lot with a width of 90 + feet and a depth, of 160 +
feet , and ,: the granting of a variance of the requirements of
Article IV , Section 14 , to permit a rear yard depth of 15 +
between the existing house deck and the proposed subdivision
line , with such granting being recommended by the Planning
Board .
Joan Reuning seconded the motion .
The voting was as follows :
Aye - Aron , Reuning , Hewett
Nay - None
The motion was carried .
The next item on the agenda was as follows :
APPEAL of Belcor Associates , Ltd . , Appellants , Mark H .
Gardner , Belcor Realty , Agent , with respect to the
subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 27 - 1 - 24 . 3 ,
4 . 24 gross acres , located in an Agricultural Zone ,
( Residence District R - 30 Regulations applicable ) , with
• frontage on Sheffield Road and backlot of Mecklenburg Road ,
with 50 . 9 feet of frontage on Mecklenburg Road , into three
lots , i . e . , two approximately one - acre lots and one
• 5
approximately two - acre lot , from the decision of the
Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement Officer denying under
Article XIV , Section 76 , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning
Ordinance , a Certificate of Compliance for said new two - acre
lot with 50 . 9 feet of frontage on Mecklenburg Road , 150 feet
of frontage at the front yard setback being required under
Article V , Section 23 , paragraph 2 , ( minimum width and depth
of lots ) , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , and
further , with respect to an existing 40 feet by 240 feet
structure located on said new two- acre lot , from the
decision of the Building Inspector / Zoning Enforcement
Officer denying permission for the modification of a
variance granted by the Board of Appeals on November 20 ,
1985 , from the requirements of Article XI , Section 51 , and
Article V , Section 18 , ( Use Regulations ) , of the Town of
Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , which permitted the use of said
existing 40 - foot by 240 - foot structure , previously used for
poultry research , for the limited storage of boats and motor
vehicles , such modification being a request for permission
to include the general storage of household goods , AND
FURTHER , from the decision of the Building Inspector / Zoning
Enforcement Officer denying permission , also under Article
XI , Section 51 , and Article V , Section 18 , ( Use
•
Regulations ) , of said Zoning Ordinance , for the use of an
existing 40 - foot by 80 - foot structure , located on one of the
new approximately one - acre lots fronting on Sheffield Road ,
formerly used as a barn , for the storage of lumber and
salvage materials .
Chairman Aron presented pictures which were taken the past
Monday of the property in question and passed them around to the
Board for viewing . He then read from the Appeal of Mark H .
Gardner , for Belcor Realty , a copy of which document is attached
hereto as Exhibit 2 .
Chairman Aron declared the Zoning Board of Appeals the lead
agency in this matter as to environmental assessment .
Mr . Mark H . Gardner , representing Belcor Realty , addressed
the Board . Mr . Gardner explained that there is a very pronounced
flurry of activity in the spring and fall when the students enter
and leave school and that is the greatest traffic , but there is ,
however , off and on traffic by Student Agencies all year long .
He stated that there is unpredictable traffic by the tenant . He
continued that it is rental property , part of it being leased to
Cornell and part of it being f i l l ed up with f an s and
refrigerators and the students come and get them whenever they
feel like it . Mr . Gardner further stated that in response to
the Planning Board hearing , they were ready to agree to
• everything that was recommended in the second version of the
Environmental Impact statement . Mr . Gardner stated that they
would be willing to make a road from the 240 foot facility out to
• 6
Mecklenburg Road and terminate use of the existing driveway . He
stated that this was a problem with people getting stuck and
making it impossible for that lot to receive a sewage permit and
making it an unmarketable building lot . He said that they would
terminate use of that driveway and make the road from the longer
barn out to Mecklenburg Road , the way it is shown on the map of
4 / 7 / 87 .
Mr . Gardner further stated that because cars are getting
stuck they would put gravel down . Chairman Aron interjected that
the Planning Board would deal with that sort of thing and stated
that Belcor Realty was before the Board for a modification of a
use variance .
Chairman ' Aron then referred to the pictures taken . He asked
if Belcor Realty appeared before the Board on November 20 , 1985
and Mr . Gardner said this was correct . Chairman Aron stated that
the appearance before the Board on that date was to ask for
permission to ' store boats and motor vehicles only . Chairman Aron
further stated that by looking at the pictures it appeared that
other materials were being stored in the structure and this was a
violation . Chairman Aron inquired how long this violation had
been going on and Mr . Gardner responded that it was for
• approximately " a year , Chairman Aron then asked why they were
before the Board now and Mr . Gardner responded that they were
before the Board because they wanted to sell the barn and also
because they would like to get caught up . Chairman Aron asked if
he knew he was in violation and Mr . Gardner responded that
personally he did not know because he was not with the company
then and had indeed only been with the company for a year .
Chairman Aron then opened the public hearing .
Mr . John Ault who lives on the corner of Mecklenburg and
Sheffield Road addressed the Board . He stated that there had
been a problem with traffic going to the large barn used for
storage which disrupts his household as he has had to pull many
cars out of the road including Mr . Gardner ' s car . He continued
that students have used his phone many times . Mr . Ault referred
to a letter presented to the Board from Kit Lambert of the
American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers dated April 15 ,
1987 , dated April 15 , 1987 . Chairman Aron read said letter to
the Board . A , copy of such document is attached hereto as Exhibit
3 .
Mr . Ault stated that with Mr . Gardner being in violation to
begin with this did not show very good faith in his promising to
remedy the problems which Mr . Ault faced .
• Mr . George Rhoads of 1478 Mecklenburg Road , Ithaca , New
York , then spoke to the Board . Mr . Rhoads said that his house
was the nearest one to the barn in question aside from Mr .
Ault ' s . He stated that there had been no problem from his point
of view .
Attorney Barney asked Mr . Rhoads which side of Mecklenburg
Road he was on and Mr . Rhoads said that he was on the north side
and Attorney Barney asked him to identify his property on a tax
map .
Carl Updike of 421 Sheffield Road , Ithaca , New York , stated
that the property in question was originally his property and the
property has very little traffic. He felt that the problem is
that the people that were hired to plow snow in the wintertime
were not familiar with the proper way to do so and that is why
Mr . Ault was bothered so much but he could have said no to
pulling them out .
Chairman Aron inquired if Mr . Updike appealed to the Board
in 1985 for storage of boats and motor vehicles and Mr . Updike
stated that that was not correct . Chairman Aron referred to a
document stating that this was correct and Mrs . Anna Stuliglowa
of Belcor Realty then stated that she had appeared on behalf of
Mr . Updike . Chairman Aron asked Mr . Updike if he had sold the
property to Belcor and therefore had a vested interest and Mr .
• Updike said that was correct .
Mrs . Anna Stuliglowa , owner of Belcor Realty , spoke about
the economic value of the neighborhood . She maintained that the
current use of the four story barn is dangerous because no one is
there to oversee the property . She further stated that a
prospective buyer , Mr . Hubbell , plans to purchase , improve and
take care of the property and will permit no objects on the
outside of the property . Mrs . Stuliglowa felt that this will
increase the general value of the property in the neighborhood .
She continued that as far as the other storage facility is
concerned they are considering putting in a new road , painting
the building and will also suggest to the tenant that a telephone
be put in so the neighbors will not be bothered .
Chairman Aron asked if in 1985 there were cars and boats in
the storage facility and Mrs . Stuliglowa responded that there
were for about four or five months , but that people who had put
their cars in the facility began to take them out in March and
she realized then that the use of the facility in this way was
not economically beneficial to her , and began to consider the
possibility of using the premises for other purposes . Mrs .
Stuliglowa stated that when she leased the premises to Student
Agencies she was ignorant of the fact that she was not in
compliance with the use variance .
• Chairman Aron reminded her that she knew that she was
granted a use variance for a specific purpose and that as a
realty person she should have known what the variance pertained
8
to . He suggested that she was responsible for the violation
taking place and Mrs . Stuliglowa insisted that the violation was
not done willfully . Chairman Aron said that the purpose of the
Zoning Board of Appeals was to give a use variance and then rely
on the recipient of that variance to make sure that it was used
in the proper manner . Mrs . Stuliglowa said that it was an
oversight and apologized to the Board .
Chairman Aron then addressed the matter of the 40 x 80 foot
dilapidated barn which needs a tremendous amount of repair for
storage of lumber and salvage material . Chairman Aron asked Mrs .
Stuliglowa to expand on this matter further .
At this point Mr . Randy Hubbell of 1308 Mecklenburg Road ,
Ithaca , New York , spoke to the Board . He stated that he was
desirous of purchasing the building in question and planned to
use it for dry storage of lumber and tools with the heavy lumber
being on the bottom floor . He went on to say that he would be
storing roughly 1800 board feet of used lumber and the salvage
material would consist of furniture , dressers , and miscellaneous
odds and ends which furniture would be rebuilt as his father
owned an antique shop . Mr . Hubbell stated that he would oversee
the premises by being there every night and every other day .
Chairman Aron then read " Part III " from the Environmental
Assessment - Belcor Subdivision document , a copy of which is
attached hereto as Exhibit 4 . Chairman Aron said that he had a
note from the Town Planner who recommended that a pay telephone
should be installed within the premises so the neighbors would
not be disturbed .
Mr . Ault asked what kind of lighting would be provided on
the premises and Chairman Aron stated that if this Board granted
a use variance then Belcor Realty could go back to the! Planning
Board and then they will speak about lighting and safety , etc .
Chairman Aron then read the " ADOPTED RESOLUTION " Belcor
Subdivision , Planning Board April 7 , 1987 " , a copy of which
document is attached hereto as Exhibit 5 .
As to the environmental assessment a motion was made by Joan
Reuning as follows :
This Board recommends a negative determination of
environmental significance with the conditions as listed by
the Town Planner in Part III of the Environmental Assessment
Beclor Subdivision document , dated 4 / 2 / 87 , revised
4 / 14 / 87 .
• Jack Hewett seconded the motion .
The voting was as follows :
• 9
Aye - Aron , Hewett , Reuning
Nay - None
The motion was carried .
Attorney Barney stated that Mrs . Stuliglowa had done a
market survey back in 1985 preparatory to taking on the cars and
boats and asked Mrs . Stuliglowa what was involved in that market
survey . Mrs . Stuliglowa responded that one of her employees
called around and found out what was being charged for storage
and it was his sense that there was a market there . She stated
that they went with that kind of lease based on their sense that
there was some sort of market for it at that time . Mrs .
Stuliglowa stated that it cost a lot of money to service this
type of business and it was not cost effective . Attorney Barney
asked what she had done to increase business and she stated that
she had posted flyers , had called dealerships , and had done
everything she could to get business but only ended up with about
a dozen cars which were there for four months , from November
through winter . Mrs . Stuliglowa continued that since they were
such a young company it was apparent that it would take quite a
while to make money and they could not afford to keep the place
• unoccupied . She continued that at this point they found that
Student Agencies wanted to lease the space . Attorney Barney
asked when the lease was signed and Mrs . Stuliglowa responded
that it was in April . Attorney Barney asked if there were other
car storages that were successful in Tompkins County and Mrs .
Stuliglowa responded she did not know .
Mr . Gardner said the difference between storage of cars and
boats and the use for which it was now being used by Student
Agencies is unique in that they pay a very good price for cold
unheated storage for square foot all year round , year after year ,
and it is an economically sound use of the building .
Attorney Barney stated that with storage and cars there
would not be the traffic that there was with having students
going in all the time to pick up items .
Chairman Aron asked how long the lease with Student Agencies
ran and Mr . Gardner said that it ran until September of 1987 and
hoped to renew it .
Chairman Aron said that he was disappointed that the terms
of the variance had not been adhered to and this was an annoyance
to him and to the Board and that he was very much taken aback by
the whole thing . Chairman Aron stated that apparently in the
lease nothing was stated as to noise , hours , etc . and that in
• fact the students went there at all hours of the night .
Chairman Aron then inquired how much storage was in the
• 10
building and Mr . Gardner stated that it was a quarter full , that
there were three blocks , one of which is subleased to Cornell
University for dorm furniture .
Chairman Aron inquired of Mr . Gardner what would happen if
the Board did not look at this appeal favorably and Mr . Gardner
responded that they could always return to the rental for cars
and boats but that financially it would not be to their benefit .
Chairman ' Aron said that financially it was not the business
of the Board and that the responsibility of the Board was to make
sure that the variance on the property already was used properly .
Mr . Gardner stated that the Student Agencies opportunity is
really sound from a rental point of view and he did not see
another customer coming along that would be as good as Student
Agencies .
Chairman Aron stated that the Board was concerned about the
welfare of the neighborhood and not whether Belcor would be well
off financially .
Mr . Gardner stated that if Belcor was making economic use of
• the building they would maintain the building and go along with
all of the stipulated improvements .
Joan Reuning inquired what part Mr . Hubbell played in this ,
and Mr . Hubbell responded that he would like to buy the four
story barn and would do everything possible to make improvements
to same .
Joan Reuning said that she felt that the Board was dealing
with a modified use variance in the one building for cars an d
boats , and Mr . Hubbell ' s purchasing of the property dealt with a
variance for the barn for storage of lumber and salvage
materials .
Chairman Aron stated that the property was not subdivided
yet and once it was subdivided Mr . Hubbell would then have to
come back to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance for the
use of the property .
At this point Attorney Barney stated that he had been at
the Planning Board meeting concerning the Belcor application and
the Planning Board felt that they were not going to pass on the
subdivision at that time since it was the Zoning Board of Appeals
that granted the original variance and since there was now
conflict with that variance the Planning Board wanted to see what
the outcome of the Zoning Board of Appeals application was before
• they acted on the subdivision . Attorney Barney further stated
that as far as the barn was concerned the application of Belcor
dealt with both issues so the Board should consider both
• 11
buildings .
Chairman ' Aron inquired of Mr . Frost what his assessment of
the barn was and Mr . Frost stated that he would prefer to have a
licensed engineer make a determination as to the structural
I
ntegrity of the building as to storage of lumber and salvage
material . Mr . ' Frost stated that once that was done he might have
other considerations such as the fire safety of the building .
Kit Lambert wondered if storage of lumber and salvage
materials was a proper use for the barn and Chairman Aron
indicated that, was for the Board to determine .
11
Attorney Barney asked Mr . Ault how frequently over the past
several months he had to respond to pulling someone out of the
driveway or letting persons use the telephone and Mr . Ault
responded that it was regular over the past six months , and in
fact , two or three times a week , varying from 5 : 00 P . M . to 9 : 00
p . m . at night and sometimes later and on weekends at all hours of
the day .
Mrs . Stuliglowa asked why Mr . Ault had not brought this to
the attention ';'of Belcor and Mr . Ault responded that he had called
• Belcor Realty on several occasions and had been assured that
something would be done about it but nothing ever was .
The public hearing was then closed .
Chairman Aron then summarized , pointing out that the rental
to Student Agencies was a good moneymaking operation for Belcor
Realty and the leasing for storage of boats and cars was not .
Chairman Aron repeated that the Board was not concerned with
whether Belcor. Realty is making a lot of money but was primarily
concerned that' the use variance was being used properly .
Joan Reuning asked what Belcor Realty would consider a
solution to the problem and what would they do to improve the
situation should the variance modification be granted .
Mrs . Stuliglowa responded that they would meet the
requirements as outlined in the environmental assessment
recommendations , i . e . , limit the hours students would be on the
premises , fix the driveway so it would no longer pass Mr . Ault ' s
house , and put in an exterior pay telephone .
Chairman Aron asked if the lease with Student Agencies could
be amended and Mrs . Stuliglowa responded that they had every
reason to believe that Student Agencies wanted to renew the lease
• and she did not see any problem with their adhering to the new
rules .
Chairman Aron asked if the Board members would be more
12
comfortable going to the property to view it before making a
decision . Joan Reuning said that she had no real problem with
granting the modification of the use variance with the
understanding that it be on a trial basis to make sure that all
the promises made were being kept . Jack Hewett stated that he
could not second a motion of that sort because of what has
happened over the past year . Chairman Aron agreed . He suggested
that the Board stay with the original use variance as granted in
1985 and deny the request for a modified use variance . Chairman
Aron further suggested that the Board adjourn the. matter until
September of 1987. and then have the zoning enforcement officer
report to this Board that the use variance had been complied with
as granted in 1985 . Joan Reuning asked if the lease would be
allowed to run its course and Chairman Aron said he would like
the lease to be allowed to run its full term as he did riot want
to create any hardship for Belcor although they had created their
own hardship in a way .
A motion was made by Henry Aron as follows :
This Board denies the application for a modified use
variance and also grants an adjournment for the Jength of
the lease to Student Agencies until September of 1987 , at
• which time the building inspector will check out the
premises and report to this Board then whether Belcor Realty
has been complying with the 1985 use variance .
Jack Hewett seconded the motion .
The voting was as follows :
Aye - Hewett , Aron
Nay - Reuning
Attorney Barney reminded the Board that the motion could not
be carried because even though there was a quorum present. , three
affirmative votes of the members of the Board present was
required to pass the motion .
Chairman Aron then adjourned this matter to May 27 , 1987 at
which time a vote will be considered whether or not to grant a
modified use variance , such meeting not be a public hearing .
Discussion was then held on the matter of the barn .
Joan Reuning made a motion ^ as follows ;
This matter should be adjourned until May 27 , 1987 so that
the members of the Board could view this barn .
• Jack Hewett seconded the motion .
• 13
The voting was as follows :
Aye - Aron , Reuning , Hewett
Nay - None
The motion was carried .
Joan Reuning suggested that the engineer Mr . Frost had
suggested look at the barn and have the report by the May 27th
meeting .
Attorney , Barney said the report should take into account
what Mr . Hubbell wants to use the barn for .
There being no further business to come before the Board ,
the meeting was adjourned at 9 : 30 p . m .
Respectfully submitted ,
J
Beatrice Lincoln
Recording Secretary
• Approved :
Henzky Aron , Chairman
Exhibits 1 through 5 attached
•
Armstrong Subdivision , 12. 1 Honness Lane -- 1
Douglas and Lucia Armstrong , Owners / Subdividers
Planning Board , : April ' 7 , 1987
ADOPTED RESOLUTION : SEAR
Armstrong . Subdivision
Planning Board , :pr_ llr 7 , 1987
MOTIgN by Mrs . Virginia Langhans ., seconded by Mr , James Baker .
WHEREAS
1 .0 This action is the consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of Town of. Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 58 � 2 � 3 ,
located at 11 121 Honness Lane with frontage also on Terraceview
Drive , Residence District R- 15 , into two .Lots of 14 , 400 square
feet each with dimensions of 90 ± feet by 3. 60 ± feet , AND FURTHET� ,
the consideration of a recommendation to the Zoning Board of
Appeals , to permit - such subdivision , in regard to a request for
variance of the . ' requirements of Article IV , Section 16 , paragraph
1 , of .. the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , with respect to one
lot with a depth of B9 ± feet and a width of 160 ± :feet ( 14 , 2110 ±
feet ) , and , with respect to the second lot with a width of' 90 ±
feet and 'a depth of 160 ± feet ( 14 , 400 ± feet ) , whereby the minimum
lot width is 100 feet and- the minimum lot depth is 150 feet , . at
the: front : yard setback . ( 15 , 000 square feet net area ) , AND
FURTHER , the consideration of a recommendation to the Zoning
Board . of Appeals , _ . in regard to . a request . , for variance . of the .
requirements of Article IV , Section 14 , of said Ordinance whereby
the minimumrear yard depth is 30 feet .
2 . This is an Unlisted Action for which the Planning Board has been
legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency for . :Environmental.
review .
3 . The Town Planner has recommended a negative determination of
environmental significance , with the following conditions :
a . The granting by the Zoning Board ' of Appeals of ' a variance of
the requirements of Article IV , Section 16 , paragraph l , . of
the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance to permit the
subdivision of two lots , each 14 , 400 square feet in net area
with lot dimensions of 90 ± feet by 160 ± feet , one lot c% ith a .
depth of 89 ± feet and a width of 3. 60 ± feel: and the acond
F_ ot with a width of 90 ± feet, and a depth . of 160 ± feet , and ,
the granting of a variance of the requirements. of Article
IV , Section 14 , to permit a rear yard depth of 15 ± between
the existing house deck and the proposed subdivision line ,
• b . The provision of any easements for any joint u.se of the
driveway and the proposed garage spaces , subject to the
approval of the Town Attorney ,
xh ; LIT /
Armstrong Subdivision , 121 Honness Lane - 2 -
Douglas and Lucia. Armstrong , Owners / Subdi.viders
Planning Board , April 7 , 1 .987
•
c . The provision of a . final subdivision map , for approval by
the . Town Engineer , prepared by a licensed surveyor or
engineer , and suitable for fi7. ing in the Of f ice of . the
Tompkins County Clerk .
4 . The circumstances on the subject property and on adjacent
properties4 represent a .unique situation,
THEREFORE , IT IS RESOLVED :
That the Planning Board , a.ct_ i_ nq a 3 Lead Agency in the
environmental review of this Unlisted action , make and hereby does
make a negative , determination of environmental significance , with the
following conditions :
a . The granting by the Zoning Board of Appeals of a variance . of the
requirements of Article IV , Section 16 , paragraph 1 , of . the Town
of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , to permit the subdivision of two
lots , each 14 , 400 square feet in net . area , one lot with a depth
of 89 ± feet and a width of 160 ± feet and the second lot with a
width of 90 ± feet and a depth of 1. 60 ± feet , and , the granting of
a variance of the requirements of Article . IV , Section 14 , to
permit a - rear yard depth of 15 ± between- the existing house deck
• and the proposed subdivision line r
b . Conveyance to the Town of Ithaca of the, easement rights for
garage access , as shown on the survey - map submitted .
c . The provision of . a final . subdivision map , prepared by a' - licensed
surveyor or engineer , suitable for. filing by the . Tompkins County
Clerk , for approval by the Town Engineer .
Aye - May , Gr_ igorov , Mazza , Kenerson , Lesser , Baker , Klein , Langhans .
Nay - None .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY .
ADOPTED RESOLUTION : . Armstrong Subdivision
Planning Board , April . 7 , 1987
MOTION by Mrs . Virginia Langhans , seconded . by Mr_ . Robert Kenerson :
WHEREAS .
• 1 . This action is the consideration of Subdivision Approval for the
proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 584 - 2 - 3 ,
located at 121 Fionness Lane with frontage also on Terraceview
Drive , Residence District R- 15r into two lots of 19 , 400 square
Armstrong Subdivision , 121 Honness Lane ~ 3 -
Douglas and Lucia Armstrong , Owners / Subdivi_ ders
Planning Board , April 7 , 1987
feet each with dimensions of 904= feet by 3. 60 ± feet , AND FURTHER ,
the consideration of a recommendation to the Zoning Board of
Appeals , to permit . such subdivision , in regard to a request for
variance of the requirements of Art .i_ cle IV , Section 16 , paragraph
1 , of the Town of Ithaca Zoning . Ordinance , with respect to- one
lot with a depth of 89 ± feet and a, width of 1604- feet ( 3: 4 , 240 ±
feet ) , and , with respect to the second loft with a width of 90 ±
feet and a depth of 1601 feet ( 3. 4 , 400 ±. feet ) , wherehiy the minimum
, lot , width is 100 feet and . the h-lini_mu.m lot depth is 150 feet , at
the . front yard setback ( 15 , 000 square feet net - area ) , AND
FURTHER , . the consideration of a recommendation to the Zoning
Board of Appeals , in regard to a request for variance of the
requirements of Article IV , Section 3. 4 , of said Ordinance whereby
the minimum rear yard . depth is 30 feet . .
2 . This is an . Unlisted Action for which the Planning Board , acting
as Lead Agency for environmental review , has made a negative
determination of environmental significance , with certain
conditions .
3 . The Planning Board , at a Public Hearing on April 7 , 1987 , has
reviewed the following material . .
" Survey Map , No .' 121 Honness Lane " , dated September 16 ,
1986 , by T . G . Miller Associates , PX . , amended for
.. . ,.April 7 , 1987 to show the proposed subdivision and
building relocation .
SEQR Short EAF ,
Appeals Form . .
Proposal dated March 23 , 1987 , from Douglas and Lucia
,Armstrong .
4 . . ' The circumstances on the subject property and on adjacent
properties represent a unique situation .
THEREFORE ,. IT IS RESOLVED
1 . That the Planning Board waive and hereby does waive certain
requirements for Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval ,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver
w ill result in neither a significant alteration of the purpo.se .. of
subdivision control nor the policies enunciated or :implied by the
Town Board ,
2 . . . That the Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Preliminary
and Final Subdivision Approval to the subdivi. s _i . on as herein
proposed , with the following conditions :
• a . The granting by the Zoning Board of Appeals of a variance of
the requirements of Article IV , Section 3. 6 , paragraph 1 , of
the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance , to permit + ; e
subdivision of two lots , each 14 , 400 square feet in net
Armstrong- Subdivision , 121 Honness Lane - 4
Douglas and Lucia Armstrong , Owners / Subdividers
Planning Board , April 7 , 1 .987
•
area , one lot with a depth of 89 ± feet and . a width of 160 ± .
feet and the second lot with a . width of 90 ± feet and a depth.
of 160 ± feet , and , the granting of a variance - of . the '
requirements of Article IV , Section 14 , to permit a rear
yard depth of 15 ± betweenthe existing house. deck . and the
proposed subdivision 1j} c , with such granting being
recommended by the Planning Board .
, b . . Conveyance to the Town of 1.. i:haca of the easement rights for
garage . . access , as shown on, . the survey . map submitted .
c . The provision of a final subdivision map , prepared by . a
Licensed surveyor or engineer , suitable for filing by the
Tompkins County . Clerk , for approval . by the Town Engineer .
Aye - May , Grigorov , Mazza , Kenerson , Lesser , Baker , Klein , Langhans .
Nay - None .
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY .
•
Nandy M . F,,,VT1era , Secretary , .
Town of Ithaca Planning Board ,
April 9 , 1987 .
r
TOWN OF ITHACA FEE : $ 10 . 00
t, 126 Fast Seneca StreetRECEIVEas
Ithaca , New York 1. 4850 C61� H
(. 607 ) 273 - 1. 747
(:HECK
• A P P E A L ZONING :
to the For Office Use Only 4
• Building Inspector.
' and
Zoning Board of Appeals .
of the
Town of Ithaca -, . New York
Saving been dented permission to subdivide . into two , one acre tential building,
sites ' and one , . two acre general use storage ace j. ty , to use a large sing e- story barn
for gener'A storage on the two acre parcel , and to use a multistory barn on one one acre
parcel . for storage of salvage material ..
It 1478 'MECKLENBURG ROAD Town of Ithaca Ta
Parcel : No . . 27-1-24 : 3 , as . shown on the ac.compan ,yi. nf
application and / or - plans or other supporting documents, for the stated reason
that - : the issuance of . such permit . would be In violation of :
•-•-Art . XI , Section 51 , Art . V , Section 23 , Paragraph 2 . --
Article ( s ) . Section ( s )
• 1 . of the 'town of Ithaca . Zoning Ordinance ,
the UNDERSIGNED respectfully submits thisappeal from such denial and , in '
support of the appeal. , affirms that -strict observance of the Ordinance would
impose PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES and / or UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP as follows
The single story barn , 40 ' x240 ' , designed as a large scale chicken house , currently, authorized
for storage of cars and boats would best be used for one annual loading and unloading of
house o . go s IDY -13";MI s Lenan , to ens encLes . NOzse , z � c , MM PtEencial
harm are irtinimized by the infrequent use and benign character of stored . goods .
Use of this building for raising animals or storage of farm. produce would cause . substantially
great:
Jr1le our , sCory arni x , eslgn as a traaztzona am an aLser converge or usa
as a large scale chicken house with concrete floors , would most economically be used as
ong erm s �orage Tor: r dnd sa vage materia s . mafferla . swou . a enclosed in
walls of barn-board . siding ; completely secure and under lock . No vehicles or materials
UL any Kina WOuld , be sEoreU ou �sz e , and tis res � ric � lon wou pe passe on as a restric ion
on the dead 'in any . sale of the existing . barn . % s barn is out of date and unsuited for
ral51119, anima S .
"961,17BU- 11dinys are oasp „ ecorkomlca y Sulk to _ Ow tfra J. (` , . . Ow S
lnlpacl. , 6n' , )se , ecure
rage
Renewed economic use of these buildings would allow them to be restored and maintained
an enante t eva. ue • oz surroun 3 n property .
� J
Dated : � Z Signed : It� ..
KIT LAMBERT
306 NORTH CAYUGA STREET/ ITHACA . NY 14850 / ( 607 ) 277 -3100
Residential Member American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers
Apn.L.2 15 , 1987
Mn . and Mns . John Autt
Mecktenbung and Shebbietd Roads
Ithaca , New yank , 14850
Dean John and Sue :
It cs my op .in .ion the vatue ob youn nes .Ldenee woutd
subben to a eons .idenabte extent i the use ob the 6anm
buitd.ings adjacent to your pnopenty wene attowed to be used
Jot commene .iat wanehous .ing .
Genenatty speaking pnopenty vaZues .in the Town ob Ithaca
ane greaten than they ane aeras the street .in the Town ob
Fnb .ie.Ld because pnopenty owners have the pno .tect.ion ob zoning
.in the . . Town ob Ithaca to nestn.ict and negutate devetopment
ban th 6t health , satiety and genenat wet ate . An unattended
• warehouse poses eone .idenabte hazards : tta44ic , noise , satiety ,
pn.ivaey;,and bungtany prospects come .to mind .
To attow such an entenpn.ize .in an agn .icuttune zone wautd
cause nes .iden.ts .in the area to tack ba.ith .in the punpos e o b
the Town ab Ithaca ' s Zoning Ond .inanee and those who adm .in .isten
and enbonee .it .
This .is my pnobers .ionat opinion . Ib you need exact
b .igunes as .to the . ass .in value to your pnopenty , ptease .tet
me know .
LSi'ncen .L y ,
Kit Lambent , R . M .
Amen.ican Institute ob
Reat Estate Appna.is ens
40 ,
• C3 . Vegetation or fauna , movement of fish or wildlife
species , significant habitats , or threatened or endangered
species ?
No significant adverse impact is expected . There are no
significant habitats or species on the site .
C4 . A community ' s existing plans or goals as officially
adopted , or a change in use or intensity of use of land or . other
natural resources ?
Proposal is consistent in concept with the use variance
granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals on November 20 , 1985 . As
subject to the recommendations in Cl above , and the conditions
recommended in Part III below , no significant change in intensity
of land use that would be detrimental to the area is expected .
Land use in the general area is a mixture of residential and
agricultural uses , and the proposal would not significantly
impact these uses .
C5 . Growth , subsequent development , or related activities
likely to be , induced by the proposed action ?
Not expected . Any further_ development would be subject to
further review .
C6 . Secondary , cumulative , or other effects not identified
in C1 - C6 ?
Not expected .
• C7 . A ' change in use of either quantity or type of: energy ?
Not expected .
PART III
A negative determination of environmental significance is
recommended , with the following conditions :
a . The barn and the former chicken house are to be
inspected by the Town Building Inspector and both buildings are
to be brought into compliance with whatever the Building
Inspector might require as appropriate to fire and life safety .
b . The construction of a suitable driveway to the former
chicken house is to be established through the 50 . 9 feet of
frontage of this proposed 2 - acre lot , and the existing access
from the west is to be terminated .
c . The hours and frequency of operation are to be limited ,
as to be determined by the Zoning Board of Appeals .
d . For any subdivision approval action , the submission of a
final subdivision plan prepared by a licensed surveyor or
engineer , suitable for filing by the Tompkins County Clerk , and
subject to approval by the Town Engineer ,
Lead Agency : "
Appeal : Zoning Board of Appeals . Subdivision :
• Planning Board
Reviewer : Susan C . Beeners , Town Planner 4 / 2 / 87 , rev . 4 / 14 / 87
xh� I;T
Belcor Subdivision , Sheffield /Mecklenbur. g . Roads - 1 -
Belcor Associates , Ltd .
Planning Board , , April 7 , 1987
ADOPTED RESOLUTION : Belcor Subdivision
Planning Board April. 7 , 1987
MOTION by Dr . William Lesser , seconded by Mrs . Virginia Langhans :
RESOLVED , by the Town of Ithaca Planning. Board , that the request
by Belcor Associates , Ltd . , for subdivision approval of the proposed
subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No . 6 - 27 - 1 - 24 . 3 , 4 . 24 gross
acres , located in an Agricultural Zone ( Residence District R- 30
Regulations applicable ) on . Sheffield Road and backlot of Mecklenburg
Road , into three lots , i . e . , two approximately one - acre lots and one
approximately two -acre lot , be and hereby is denied , without
prejudice , such that the applicant may proceed to the Zoning Board of
. Appeals with respect to the requested modification of existing use
variance and additional use variance , and further , that the applicant
may reapply for subdivision approval , without prejudice , subsequent to
a decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals , with the Zoning Officer
reporting on the matter to both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the
Planning Board .
Aye - May , , Grigorov , Kenerson , Lesser , Baker , Klein , Langhans .
Nay - None . a
Abstain Mazza ,
CARRIED .
Nancy M . F ller , Secretary ,
Town of Ithaca Planning Board ,
April 9 , 1987 .
•
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