HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Correspondence 2001 TIIE
DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP
February 15, 2001
Mr. Ed Gatch
Postmaster
United State Post Office
757 Warren Road
Ithaca, NY 11850
Dear Ed:
Attached please find a copy of a resolution passed by the Board of Directors of the Ithaca
Downtown Partnership pertaining to levels of service at the downtown Ithaca Post Office.
This resolution was prompted by a series of complaints from Ithaca residents and
businesses concerned about several different aspects of postal service at the downtown
facility.
First and foremost was concern about your announcement that promised 24 hour access
would not be provided at the Ithaca facility. This concern has been aired not only by the
Downtown Partnership, but also by members of the County Board of Representatives and
Congressman Hinchey's office. We understand that Congressman Hinchey has been able
to identify a solution to this problem that will work for both the Post Office and the
community.
We have also received complaints about long lines resulting from limited window service
employees as well as concerns about the 5:00 pm deadline for daily mail pick-up.
Proper mail service is key to any city. Today, the downtown Post Office serves as the
only official postal center for the City of Ithaca, a municipality of roughly 30,000 people.
It is an unrealistic and inappropriate policy to expect this volume of residents and
businesses to travel to another community to transact much of their postal business.
Despite suburban growth in the northeast portion of our metropolitan area, downtown
Ithaca still serves as the major commercial center of the region. Offices and businesses,
both public and private, expect a level of service that is appropriate for a major office and
business center. Traveling to another community to find the needed level of service is not
-appropriate.
202 The Commons, Suite 304 • P.O.Box 6884 • Ithaca,New York 14851.6884
607/277-8679 • Fax 607/277-8691
E-mail: Ithaca@lightlink.com
We urge you to adopt changes that will allow 24 hour access to postal boxes, increase
window staffing at key time periods and extend mail pick-up service beyond 5:00 pm.
We will be contacting you soon to set up a time to further discuss these issues.
Yinrely,
7GaFrguso
Dan Lamb, Office of Congressman Hinchey
Alan Cohen, Mayor, City of Ithaca
Nancy Schuler, County Board of Representatives
Jean-McPheeters,Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
Cathy Valentino, Town of Ithaca Supervisor
John Schroeder, Government Relations Chair
RESOI_wriol FRo%,i THE GOVERNMEN'r Rr-.bYrKDNS AND PUBLIC SEMCEomEvumrEEv FOR
CONSIDER,"MON BY THE I,rFIACA DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHip BOARD:
Resolution Concerni"n9y Lobby, Hours & Service's
at the New Downtown Ithaca Post "
Or"'IIce Station
WHEREAS provision of a full range of post office services within the downtown Ithaca
business district is vitally important to existing downtown retailers and cus-
tomers, office tenants and clients, residents and visitors, and to the viabili-
ty of future prospects for expansion and growth of all these elements of a
healthy downtown communityand
WHEREAS, contrary to earlier indications, the lobby of the newly-opened downtown
post office facility does not feature the 24-hour access that downtown post
office box holders desire and need; therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Ithaca Downtown Partnership requests local U.S. Postal Service
officials to provide post office box holders at the downtown station with
keys allowing these customers full 24-hour access to their boxes; and be it
further
RESOLVED that the Partnership requests, the U.S. Postal Service to consider the oper-
ational and staffing modifications necessary to provide the following im-
provements to downtown services:
(a) The pick-up of mail from the downtown office at a time later than the
current 5:00 p.m. pick-up deadline — a deadline which does not ade-
quately reflect the needs of downtown commercial customers: and
(b) An increase of staffing for the downtown office that better accommo-
dates customer demand (weekend lines, in particular, have recently
been long).
jer
Stedinger
1.20
Ka
,y Street
Ithaca, N.Y.". 14850 - 1704
February 25, 2001
�4 .I
" ..
Ms.Catherine Valentin ,, u er�r'isc r aI��.C' 1W "
Town of Ithaca.
215 N. Tioga Street
Ithaca, New w `orl 1
Dear Ms.Catherine:
I will not be able to attend the Town meeting can March 5th at Northeast
elementary school. However, I would still like to express my concern with
the impacts associated with, relining the sewer that parallel. Ilansha w Road
east of Community Co� rner*s. In particular, I understand that the town
proposes to create a permanent access road for heavy vehicles crn top of the
existing sewer line, c ive,n that the exisiting sewer line is to be relined, it
does not seem necessary to construct a permanent access road can top of the
existing seer line. This would destroy the very beautiful and attractive
natural area that has developed in the little valley between. Siena and
Triphammer, as well as creating a corridor for unsupervised mischief.
Thank you for your time and your care with this issue.
Sincerely,
r�
edil;er ,
,-J ha, Town resident,ince 1,977
IP'h.D. Envir. Systems Engineenn
Cornell Profess,ii-cif .:®ivi.l.
and Environ.. Engineering
•� cc: "I"o �n Engineering 'department
�_.. .._..........
, .. __ ....
I'HA(,A
Ann E. Hale�k �
205 Salem .Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
!"March 28, 2001
Town of Ithaca
Engineering/Planning Department
215 No, Tioga St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear ' o n of Ithaca Enginee,ring/Planning Dept.,
We have lived on Salem Drive since 1989, This whole time, I've found that it's
common for people to refer to the area where we live as 'Cigarette ,alley' because many
of the streets are named after brands of cigarettes I like my neighborhood but I fid this
reference to cigarettes objectionable. I do not smoke and few people in my neighborhood.
smoke, We spend lots of"resources teaching children at school that they should not
smoke, However, this neighborhood where many families live has streets named after
cigarettes. 'Phis is not the message that I want to give my children; that cigarette brands
should be immortalized by naming, streets after them. Children can't legally purchase
cigarettes. In fact, we don't have streets named after brands of"alcohol or types of drugs.
In a community where :I lived previously, the name of a street was changed. 1.
would like to see ifwe can change the name of our street.. I mentioned this to people at
our school, bus stop and they liked the idea, No one likes the name of our street! I realize
that it: cannot be an easy process to change the name of our :street. However, if we wanted �.µ.
to start this process, how would we proceed' What steps would we need to take and in
what order? Would you need some petition from residents on this street?What would
happen after that?' What'hat about choosing a new name? Who would do that?
w
If your office is not the place to send this letter, please let me know who I should �
contact instead. Via„
Thank you very much for any help I loop forward to hearing from you, You
could contact me by mail, e-mail (p,014,6()gL) g N.,tdjj)or phone evenings: 607-257-
8826)1
8uncsre.,y yours,
.nn f. Ila ek
}
-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Walker
Sent: Tuesday,May 01,200112:06 PM
To: 'Ann E.Hajek'
Subject: Salem Drive,Request for information on a Name Change
Dear Ms Hajek,
I have reviewed your letter regarding a possible name change for Salem drive with the Town
Supervisor. While we understand your concern about the connection of the street name with a
cigarette brand, there are an number of reasons for not changing the name. The Town Board is
the body that would have to approve a street name change and based on the amount of
resistance from residents that has been met in the past about name changes and even street
number changes the Board would probably not approve of a change. The major impact on towm
residents is that over 50 addresses would change, which creates a large load on each resident to
notify their business acounts and everyone that sends them mail. The other problem is for
locating of properties by emergency services personnel who are familiar with the existing street
names and locations.
The process for formally requesting a change would be to present a petition to the Town Board,
Through the Town Clerk's office, signed by a majority of the the residents and property owners on
the street in a form that lists address, printed name and signature.
Again, I do not believe that the Town Board would favor such a change because of the number of
residents that would be effected.
If you have any other questions please free to call me or the Town Supervisor, Cathy Valentino,
at the Town Offices.
Daniel R. Walker
Town Engineer
Town of Ithaca
215 N.Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607)273-1747 Fax (607)2731704
email DWalker@town.ithaca.ny.us
JUN 19 SIM
L..... rbrd Hill cud
ATTIfs; ; "OWE . Ithaca, New York. 14850
June 18, 2071
Cathy Valentino,lentin , Sup r ispur, Toga of Ithaca
23.5 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Dear CAthy,
Thank you for having provided me the opportunity to meet with you on
the problems of the Schoolhouse and Chapel., in l spode with ,you l
beard the proisingnews that the West dill, Cemetery Association has
moved, to accept a bid from tree ser,vice for the removal o the Auld
maples that threaten true buildings. l am grateful gest the tree problem
may be finally resolved.
The need for sever hook-up and appropriate zoningremain outstanding
issues if guess buildings are to function properly and in keeping with
'the u g t r of the area. l will follow through on y,our suggestion
that l confer with Historic Ithaca for input , and l will contact you
following that.
Rosalind and re disappointed, and saddened 'by the Court's decision
regarding redistricting. firmly, believe your stance correct and
thank you for the steps ou took on b b if of this Ira, .
Cordially,
r .
June 18,2001
Mayor Alan J. Cohen
Alderperson Patricia Vaughan
Alderperson Susan Blumenthal
City Hall
108 East Green Street
Ithaca,NY 14850
Dear Mayor Cohen-and AIderpersons Vaughan and Blumenthal:
We are writing to you as residents of Belle Sherman in the City of Ithaca. We need your help.
As reported on front page of the June 12, 2001 Ithaca Journal,Emann Inc., a Maryland Corporation,has
informed the Town of Ithaca that it intends to develop a ten and one half acre site adjacent to the Eastwood
Commons Condominiums, to be known as the Steeples GIen development. There are different densities and
configurations under consideration by the Town of Ithaca-one plan would involve construction of eighty-seven
four-bedroom townhouses. Most alarming to us, some of the plans being discussed seek to open the 300 block of
Eastwood Avenue from the City into the Town of Ithaca as a transportation artery into and out of the project.
The 300 block of Eastwood Avenue is currently a dead-end street and part of what is a very quiet and
desirable neighborhood. The increased traffic from the Steeples Glen project onto Eastwood Avenue will seriously
diminish our quality of life and property values. Among other impacts, open access to Eastwood Avenue will
channel commuters heading to Cornell and to most other Ithaca places of employment onto Eastwood Avenue and
other side streets in Belle Sherman. This is an area substantially without sidewalks, except for Cornell Street,
where Ithaca City School District students walk at the street's edge to Belle Sherman Elementary School and to bus
stops for middle and high school students at the corner of Woodcrest Avenue and East State Street. It will also
.- create a short cut for some of the traffic that now uses East State Street and Honness Lane to reach Snyder Hill.
l !
1
The Steeples Glen project has alternative and sufficient access via Harwick Road from Honness Lane. The
residential density of Steeples Glen should be designed with the sufficiency of that access in mind. We do not seek
to prevent Emann Inc. from developing the property, however, we do not wish their success to be at the expense of
our neighborhood.
As your constituents, we respectfully ask you to ensure that the 300 block of Eastwood Avenue remains a
dead-end street, and to that end, we request you to take the following actions on our behalf:
1. Mr. Mayor, please immediately communicate to,the relevant political and administrative bodies of
the Town of Ithaca,including its Planning Board, your intention to ensure that the 300 block of
Eastwood Avenue remains a dead-end street. Please also communicate this intention to the
relevant agencies of the City of Ithaca and to the Common Council.
2. Alderpersons Vaughn and Blumenthal, please immediately introduce in Common Council all
necessary measures for the Council to act to keep the 300 block of Eastwood Avenue a dead-end
street and to communicate the Council's intention to the City's Board of Public Works and
Planning Board.
We thank you very sincerely for your dedication to this matter, which is of the utmost importance to us.
Name Address Telephone
3/ Z 'CrSfkJ o2 �-- /02
•r�
f June 18,2001
Mayor Alan J. Cohen
Alderperson Patricia Vaughan
Alderperson Susan Blumenthal
City Hall
108 East Green Street
Ithaca,NY 14850
Dear Mayor Cohen and Alderpersons Vaughan and Blumenthal:
We are writing to you as residents of Belle Sherman in the City of Ithaca. We need your help.
As reported on front page of the June 12,2001 Ithaca Journal,Emann Inc., a Maryland Corporation,has
informed the Town of Ithaca that it intends to develop a ten and one half acre site adjacent to the Eastwood
Commons Condominiums, to be known as the Steeples Glen development. There are different densities and
configurations under consideration by the Town of Ithaca—.one plan would involve construction of eighty-seven
four-bedroom townhouses. Most alarming to us, some of the plans being discussed seek to open the 300 block of
Eastwood Avenue from the City into the Town of Ithaca as a transportation artery into and out of the project.
The 300 block of Eastwood Avenue is currently a dead-end street and part of what is a very quiet and
desirable neighborhood. The increased traffic from the Steeples Glen project onto Eastwood Avenue will seriously
diminish our quality of life and property values. Among other impacts, open access to Eastwood Avenue will
channel commuters heading to Cornell and to most other Ithaca places of employment onto Eastwood Avenue and
other side streets in Belle Sherman. This is an area substantially without sidewalks,except for Cornell Street,
where Ithaca City School District students walk at the street's edge to Belle Sherman Elementary School and to bus
stops for middle and high school students at the corner of Woodcrest Avenue and East State Street. It will also
create a short cut for some of the traffic that now uses East State Street and Honness Lane to reach Snyder Hill.
IF
The Steeples Glen project has alternative and sufficient access via Harwick Road from Honness Lane. The
residential density of Steeples Glen should be designed with the sufficiency of that access in mind. We do not seek
to prevent Emann Inc. from developing the property, however, we do not wish their success to be at the expense of
our neighborhood.
As your constituents, we respectfully ask you to ensure that the 300 block of Eastwood Avenue remains a
dead-end street, and to that end, we request you to take the following actions on our behalf:
i
1. Mr. Mayor, please immediately communicate to the relevant political and administrative bodies of
the Town of Ithaca, including its Planning Board, your intention to ensure that the 300 block of
Eastwood Avenue remains a dead-end street. Please also communicate this intention to the
relevant agencies of the City of Ithaca and to the Common Council. �
7,
2. Alderpersons Vaughn and Blumenthal,please immediately introduce in Common Council all 4`.
necessary measures for the Council to act to keep the 300 block of Eastwood Avenue a dead-end
street and to communicate the Council's intention to the City's Board of Public Works and
Planning Board.
We thank you very sincerely for your dedication to this matter, which is of the utmost importance to us.
NameAddreess -Telephone
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.lune17, 2001
Catherine Valentino
l'cmin 1; a„a lwisor•
°brawn of Ithaca
1.5 N. "f`ica as Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Ms. Valentino:
We are writing to express concern about the 81 f(tur—hedreaorn. townhouse development Ening
proposed for the Eastwood C(' )n mons neighborhood, We, represent the two homeowners
associations on adjoining properties, We understand that, the proposal will be under review once
the developer presents a specific plan. We won],(] like to he informed ahc:rut opportr.anities to
review this plan and provide comment,
The land being considered was intended for expansion of the owner-occupied condominiums that
presently exist on neighboring lands, We moved to this neighborhood assuming that the
development of'this 1rroperty would he consistent with the character of the neighborhood. This
type of owner-occupied housing still snakes a. last of sense in terms of creating attractive, livable
neighborhoods while providing diverse; housing options within the Town. Placing rentaal.
properties f"carni ra transient population in the middle of this neighborhood ood does not make sense as it
will impact in as maJor way the desirability of this area for owner-occupied living.
The proposal is also at adds with the plans of Cornell to hcause rracare cif its students in dormitory
ca:ar7a111aarrities located close to campus. The,suggestion thaat these rental unit; will, be occupied by
veterinary ,students seems a fantasy. Conversations will't college officials and veterinary students
have uncovered nra reason why this population needs Or watl(.s this kind of liousing in this
location Reduced numbers of students seeking Gaff-campus housing, could undermine the
business plans cif dais developer,
Most Of us are long-teras residents of the Town and the Ithaca area. We have personal interests,
as you do, in ensnaring a viable andvital future for t.he: °1"rawr,r. Consequently, we would like to be
kept involve(] in the review process as it rnoves forward,
;lost ffia.,a m)x 640,3 fthi c , New York 14851 (607) 277-3232
Sincerely yours,
Brian Chabot
President, F.astwood Commons Sunnyhill Residents Association
-'Th4om
President, Eastwood Commons Residents Association
cc: Fred Wilcox III
Chair, Town Planning Board
Kathleen Friedrich
1201 Trurnansburg Road
Ithaca.NY 14850
July 22,2001 Home Phonc(607)277-1663 JUL 2 4 2001
_
Ms. Cathy Valentino ATTEST-
ITHACA TPWN CLERK
Town of Ithaca Supervisor
2,15 N. Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Ms. Valentino,
As I write this letter,there is someone tying in the middle ofTrumansbUrg Road outside my house, being tended
to by EMS workers from Cayuga Medical Center, My ftont lawn is littered with, broken glass and other debris from
yet another collision occurring here at the intersection with Bundy Road. [low many more people will be iRjured
or killed before something is done about the situation here? How much more property damage?flow many more
mailboxes replaced?Since the recent Octopus"improvements"and subsequent development along Bundy Road, I
have been forced, at considerable expense,to add a back entrance to my home in order to avoid using the front. It
has become a dangerous prospect just to retrieve my mail. And I can't begin to tell you how difficult it is to enter or
exit my driveway. I know that some of the accidents I have seen here will be on record. But I have also witnessed
more than a few near misses as well as property damage caused on a hit-and-run basis that certainly went
unreported.
There are two primary reasons behind this ongoing problem:
I,. The existing traffic pattern is inadequate to deal With the increased development along Bundy Road.
There is no turn lane or any other feature to facilitate turns from Trumanshurg Road.Consequently,
northbound traffic, rather than wait for cars to clear the intersection,passes on the shoulder of the road,
sometimes through my front yard. In fact, these northbound vehicles seldom even slow down to make this
maneuver. This behavior is shared even by those driving large trucks and,yes---TCAT buses. My
driveway is directly across from Bundy Road and I have had more than a few vary close calls because the
driver in front of me was turning tip Bundy Road, I ),vas trying to enter my driveway,and the driver
behind thought he could fit between the two of us.
2. The excessive speed of motorists is not being addressed. Vehicles of every type and size barrel through
here recklessly with apparent impunity.This has been a residential area for some time and the speed limit
really needs to be lowered. But, be that as it may,there is absolutely no excuse for not enforcing the
current speed limit of 45 miles per hour. And yet, even as this most recent accident is cleared away,police
presence has disappeared and traffic seems to be back to"normal", which is to say well over 45. In fact, it
is generally much faster than is allowed on most interstates,
Yes, I am angry. In efforts to call attention to this situation, I have spoken in the past to a number of officials,
representatives,,and agencies whose responsibilities include dealing with such problems. Among other things, I
was told a study could be done. I was told"No passing"signs could be posted. I was told a study had been done,
showing that there was not enough traffic to merit doing anything. One official,who shall remain anonymous,
suggested that I stand in front of my house several hours every day for a week catching violations of the law on
videotape. Ile,didn't say how I might fit this into a 10 hour work day,but if I did:so, maybe something could be
done.
I urge you to consider this situation and take measures to improve it before the next accident happens here. And
there is no doubt in my mind that, if no action is taken, Such incidents will continue to occur on a regular and ever
more frequent basis.
Sincerely,
t,
t
$TATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF T Ater Fr;,'RTAT1ON
333 EAST WASHINGTON 'r R t E T
SYPACUSE, N,Y. 13202
Jon F E ilimgev.
F(Y; ONA1 C71G"p;CY7
June 25, 2(.fl.)'l
Iw^Ts. Catherine Valentino
Town of Ithaca Supervisor
215 Jwiorth 'T`io a Street:
Ithaca, New York 14850
[)ear Ms, Valentino
RE: PIN 3033116 ROUTE 366/CASCAINLLA
CREEK, TOWN OF UHACA, ToMPKINS
COUNTY
The Department is offering clarification on issues discussed by the Town and Cornell University at as
meeting held June 6, "001, regarding the realignment of Judd Falls Roar as proposed by the protect to
replace the Route.3166 bridge over C~"ascadilla Creek, This information is provided aas a follow-tip to the
phone conversations between 'Mary Jane Meier and Sue Ritter, and John Fietzx and Cathy Valentino, on
June fa and 13, respectively.
Turing the rnorning hours, roughly haalf of"the vehicles traveling east on Route 366 turn heft onto
Judd Falls Toad northbound. The selection of the proposed location of the Judd Falls Toad intersection
with Route 366 was designed to,maximize the lett turn storage, length along Route 366, and to provide as
much intersection sight distance as Possible for the, vehicles entering onto Route. 366. The proposed sight
distance value associated with the relocation of Judd Falls Road exceeds the nainimurn acceptable value.
Based on the results of the multiple iterations conducted by the l)epaartment, any change frorn the
proposed intersection location will negatively affect tither the operation of the intersection or the
intersection sight distance. There are no innovative nreaasures to maximize intersection operation that.
allow for'Judd halls Road to remain where it is located today.
The Department has based its study of they various solutions to address the;, failing operation of the
intersection can engineering principles, 'Where possible„ the Department has accommodated the requests
and constraints received as input from the public,causing minor setbacks in maintaining the project
schedule. The results have been wonhwhrle, as the design aahernaat.ive represents a cornprornise between
the competing interests present in than community. The Department will be progressing the, project as
proposed.
t
Ms. Catherine Valentino
June 25, 2001
Page 2
Since we have not heard back from you since our last conversation, we have initiated the process to
formulate a map to purchase the right of way for the relocated Judd Falls Road alignment as a fee
appropriation. Shortly we will file this map and the State will own the property. Once the project is
completed, we will transfer the ownership of the land and roadway maintenance responsibility to the
Town.
As details of the design are refined we will seek the Town's and Cornell's input on the landscaping
plans we prepare. We appreciate your continued cooperation in carrying this project forward.
Very truly yours,
L �
OHN E. FIETZ+P.E,
egional Design Engineer
t
CA
,.a
STATE OF N E"v*^1 YORK
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
333 EAST WASH IN G, STREET
'SYRACUSE, N,Y, 13202
r 0s;,,::'r;.
June 25, 2001
Cornell University
University Relations
305 Day Hall
Ithaca, New York 14853-2801
Akar Mr. I:)uilleaa:
ISE: PIN' 0331 fi ROUTE 366/(:" SCAD1:1.,I.A
tMry EEK, ToW OF ITI-I kf:"a"w, "l`4:7'MP IN
COUNTY
This is in rc Terence to your letter claated May 2, 2001 regarding tlae replacement of the Route 3 i
bridge over+C"ascadilla Creek, We understand you met with the Town of Ithaca on Juune, 6, We have
since discussed the merits of this project and the proposed realignment of Judd Falls Road with the
Town. The Department continues to fcac;us on the need for the project to replace the deficient bridge and
to reduce the delay encountered by traffic through the intersection of Route 366/Dine Tree I d/Wilson
Lab Drive,
During the moming hours, roughly half of the vehicles, traveling east oil Route 366 turn left onto
Judd Falls Road northbound, The selection of the, proposed location of the Judd Falls Road intersection
with Route 366 was designed to maximize the left turn storage length along Route 366, and to provide;
standard intersection sight distance for the vehicles entering canto route 366. The proposed sight
distance value associated with the relocation of Judd. Falls Road exceeds the minimurn acceptable value
required. Based ora the results of the multiple iterations conducted by the Department, any change from
the proposed intersection location will negatively affect tlae operation of both intersections. There are no
innovative measures to maximize intersection operation that allow for Judd Falls Road to remain where,. it
is located.today.
The Department has based its study of the various solutions to address the failing operation of the;
intersection can engineering principles. Where possible, the Departinent has accommodated the requests,
and constraints received as input from the public,causing minor se.baacics in maintaining the pre:ject
schedule. The results haave. been worthwhile, as the design alternative represents as compromise between
tlae competing interests present in tile; community. The Department will be Progressing the prcject as
proposed.
Mr. Dullea
June 25, 2001
Page 2
By relocating Judd Falls Road 60, in to the east, we optUnize the proposed profile of"Judd Fallq Road
across the side hill. ' will contume to work with the T(:)wn and Cornell as we progress the projectas
indicated in the plans you possess, dated 4/20/01.
As details of the de:sign are refined we will seek the'l'awn's and Cornell's input on the landscaping
plans we prepare.
Very tr mrs,
JO ! P. EDINGER, P.E.
Regional Director of Transportation
cc: C. Valentino,'Town of Ith ca.S mIs
W. Wendt., Cornell University
J, Gutenberger, Cornell University
r
T
June 30, 2001 F2
J u L 3 2001 Ell
TOWN OF ITHACA
Mayor Alan J. Cohen PLANNING,ZONIN(',, ENGfNEERING
Alderperson Susan Blumenthal
Alderperson Patricia Vaughan
City Hall
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Mayor Cohen and Alderpersons Blumenthal and Vaughan:
Attached you will find two copies of a letter addressed to you from residents of the
Belle Sherman neighborhood, almost entirely property owners, in the City of Ithaca(two
different copies were circulated). The letter describes and we are concerned about a
development being planned for a parcel in the Town of Ithaca, adjacent to the City,to be
known as "Steeples Glen." We are writing to respectfully request your help, by all legal
means, to ensure that the 304 block of Eastwood Avenue in the City of Ithaca remains a
"dead-end" and is not used in any way as an access for the project. We very respectfully
ask that you take early and decisive action before the planning process in the Town goes
further, to ensure that the developer, Town planners, and fire and safety officials are aware
-% of the fact that there will be no access to the project via Eastwood Avenue so that they can
adjust their plans accordingly.
By copy of this cover letter and the underlying letter from neighborhood residents,
we are also notifying,the Town of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, Board of
Public Works, Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Brian H. Wilbur, Planning and
Development Director K Matthys Van Cort, Superintendent of Public Works William
Gray, and Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Richard Ferrel of our intention
to ensure that our neighborhood is preserved. We have also enclosed for your information
a copy of the June 12 Ithaca Journal article and a copy of one of the preliminary plans
showing the opening of Eastwood Avenue as an artery into the project.
We are extremely grateful for your assistance and support, and we look forward to
a constructive and definitive conclusion to this matter.
Sincerely
�% ( �u b- �
-- Melissa Stucky Richard D. Glick
aiT- 70
e
CC (with letter from Belle Sherman Residents):
VTown of Ithaca Board, Cathy Valentino, Chair
Town of Ithaca Planning Board, Fred Wilcox, Chair
Board of Public Works, Alan J. Cohen, Chair
Board of Fire Commissioners, Robert Romanowsld, Chair
Fire Chief Brian H. Wilbur
Planning and Development Director H. Matthys Van Cort
Deputy Director of Planning JoAnn Cornish
Superintendent of Public Works William Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities Richard Ferrel.
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August 28, 2001
I'd's. Catherine Valentino
Town of Ithaca Supervisor
215 N, Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Ms. Valentino
Thank you very much for attending the irneeting with Ernann, Inc,, and my neighbors
on August 5. Brian Chabot and I originally wrote to you can June 17, 2001 , stating a few of
our concerns about the proposed Steeple's Glen development on vacant land next to
Eastwood Commons. That letter written at that time could l be considered "r-nodlerate" iin
terms of my objection to this development, After discussing the matter with more
homeowners in Eastwood Commons, I feel) that I should submit this letter stating stronger
opposition.
As you know, Eastwood Comr-eons and the surrounding neighborhoods along
Honness Lane, alaterville Toad and East State Street, Woodcrest Avenue, and Eastwood
Avenue consist primarily of owner-occupied homes. Development of student rental
apartments "next door" to Eastwood Commons would simply destroy a quiet„ peaceful area
of the town we have grown to love and appreciate very much. Several horneowners in
Eastwood Commons told me they moved here from Collegetown, Belle Sherman, and other
neighborhoods close to Cornell specifically to get away from the noise, litter, and
sometimes irresponsible behavior of college Students. Now, they are very disheartened at
the possibility of living in a. neighborhood with more student apartments..
Homeowners in Eastwood! Commons are very socially and environmentally
conscious„ they care about the quality of life for themselves and their neighbors, loud
music, hate-night parties, roaming pets, trespassing, and litter will not be tolerated, The
Sheriff's Department wild be kept busy responding to complaints from my neighbors. II have
nothing against college students; I was once one myself. However, to have a large
concentration of tlhern living in an owner-occupied residential neighborhood would be a
tragedy. Furthermore, I don't believe the students would like to live in an area with
constantly complaining neighbors either.
I moved into Eastwood Commons in 1979. It was one of the best decisions I have
ever made. Nlow, I see the likely possibility that the value of my property will plummet! My
neighbors feel the: same way. The annual real estate tax revenue of $150,000 mentioned in
the letter from Douglas Sutherland of MCK Building Associates could be offset by the
reduced value of properties and homes there now should Steeple's Glen, be built. I see no
economic benefit for the Town of Ithaca. Rather, I envision a devastated neighborhood
consisting of low-value condominiums and other homes and less-caring owners. Please
don't allow this to happen. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincer6ly Yours,
7�
Thomas l
President
cc: Fred Wifcox III
)to7o-77
Catherine Valentina
Ct
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 9:08 PM
To: cvaluntin,o town,ithaca.ny.0 __..
uNeot: Hee p for the traffic calming project
Cathy: Thanks fox attending nding our meeting 1dast, nzght:: at was good to have
you here, and your L,1.1ggF'sb:a.oC"s and offers of town help were 'llostM ��
With respect t k:o the latter:
Do tes � kt � ol wra dresses f0l'
re -es31ai� ofthe following stakeholders,
Cayuga Heights F r.re Department—
City
epa t ment --t ity of Ithaca t r r-e Ptepar f.rrwnt- On
TCAT-
ADA
I �d
Pine Tree Road Civic Pla Association?
- ,
�"a.rwti, artsawrer we have t:iro:pu-h and our looters are ready to go, do you thin
the
Town „ ul" da the mailing for1s" By
this, x guess I TCik:"c7n to a,llddre.:.,.!d,
stuff, seal, ,.:mnd stamp enrrc9a.:rpes. Thane wi.11 be apaproNmaately 18
stakeholder J et.t ers.
17
Please 'let lunar know if this falls within i.n your of f e:r-.. „oi frcw much of it,
does..
Thanks,
Ruth
Yj f Y
w
y;/1
� .ry
Catherine Valentino
Froin: jawcorn e,l 1,eidu
Sent: Tuesday, AugUst 21, 2001 1:5x7 P'M
"ro. cvalenfino @town.fthaca.ny.us
IN: www.town.ithaica.ny.us/p lan 1.htm @cornell.odu
Subject: teeple's Glen Project
Dear Ms , Valentino,
I am seriously concerned about the possibVity of the Steeple ' s
Glen
project becoming a reality. Building student rental apartments next
door
to Eastwood Cocnons and in the middle of all owner -occupied homes is
completely inappropriate. Such a development is not fair to the presenl:
residents of the area or to the students who may live there ,
Eastwood Conmons, where I live, is a haven of peace, quiet, and
clean
attractive surroundings , A high percentage of the residents are elderly
and/or retired. The good quality of life, which results from superior
management of owner- occupied condominiums, allows many of us to delay
for
years having to move into as retirement community. The noise, traffic,
litter, etc . that students will bring surely will ruin our quiet life
and
our property values .
Studenttoo should have their own kinds of life and pleasures,
their.
parties and their peLs. Dropped into the middle of our neighborhood,
they
certainly will be plagued by azea resident' complaints and visits from
the
Sheriff . Surely the Steeple' s Glen developer can find as more suitable
place for student apartments.
I know we cannot hope for the land in question to remain as open
fields . However, we can hope that as developer could be persuaded to
bui Id
condominiums similar to the ones nearby. They would probably sell
readily,
as do most units at Eastwood Commons
The developer of Steeple' s Glen has said that he does not like to
build where he is not wanted. I think it should be made plain to him
that
the kind of building he plans is totally unwanted.
Jeanne
A. Whik'.,
IBC
Strawberry Hill Rd.
email:
jawMcornell .edu
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Mar Hassell
From: Susan Mc reNy[prabod'hif ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us]
Seat:: Sunday, September 30, 2001 10:48 AM
To: mrussOl town.ithaca,ny.us ` .,...�
Subject Will Burbank - How Sorry ll am I Voted for Him
, .
This is the memo which .T sae nL out to all the people in Ec oVillage.
Subsequent to this C was contacted by a Susan I'i Lus who 1: according to
my
information was Lhe woman who came in ratter the the; cenmienc.~ementt of the
incident S describe below and created such a scene. T talked with her,
for
awhile but ended the conversation by saying C thought the matter was
being
dela with by the authorities . I presume you are: the authority. Susan
Titus told race, and this is all hearsay, that Sally Wessels:; had told her.
(double he _arsy) she had asked how many she could vote for. Apparently
the
old reran who was the Republican monitor told "Ger: "Vote for free and you.
a r e
free. " Shce f}k:'c"ame upset and went out side saying people were being told
to
vote against Will . So they sent someone in to test, r don' t know who,
VTO
asked: "How many can we vote for"?" The elder woman Republican monitor
responded according to her: '"''ou can vote for three but not four, " The
rest is described below. This woman apparently exited the building told
Susan Titus who then carne in and Brat mace at harem; e.der Republican election
inspector. You should know that somehow an Ithaca Journal photographer
showed up Yater. 1 was asked to :peak to ra reporter at the time. T
refused to do so. Just as 1 have refused to menetwith Will Burbank who
has
had two people approach me to "mediate" this misunderstanding, T have
felt
and continue to feel the authorities are the appropriate people to
res ovle
the matter. L just want to finish by saying 1n the course of trying to
get the facts T determined than not one of rhe-.: r?epubl.icanewleacti.on.
inspectors, including myself -- a Democratic inspector, had any idea
there
was a Democ°rat.ic group of three running against Will Burbank. If you
want
mea t.o appear to substantiate what. S have said here, T wil.:l. Tare:: glad to do
SO. I have done my very besrt, to he as aC<"k,.,lrate as possible.
Please know that: it is my opinion that regardless of what inital ly
happened
with the Republican election i nspectors , l feel Will Burbank' s actions
were
highly inappropriate at: best . He had a forum for grievance which he
failed
to utilize. The results of his failure to act within the system are
that
what was probably an innocent: remark has rar,catrme a m<ij.or incident .
Take care,
Date: Tue, 25 Sept 2001 23 : 04 : 01 -17400
>'Fream: Susan McGreivy <=p'artabodhi@e.c:ovill acfe-:. i.thac.°aa .ny.tts>
>Subjec;t: Will Burbank How Sorry l arra T Voted for Him
>As 1: am sure many of you know by now :t work ;as an election inspector at
1
the Fireman's Hall on Route 13 which is used by the EcoVillage
Community.
A very distasteful incident involving Will Burbank occured today which
made
me seriously question the character of Will Burbank, a man whom I voted
for
upon the advice Q this (:arrtrnunir.,y . Et is a decision which I now regret .
>During the tine period when I was on my break having lunch with Joan, a
woman came into the polling place and asked for help. She wanted to
know
how many people she could vote for . The Republican elecLion inspector,
wh(!:a
does not live in our District (District 2)and had no idea who was
running,
responded that she could vote for three, but not four. The woman voted
ancl
then went outside. This is perfecKy appropriate advice according to
the
chief of elecLions . Shortly thereaVer another woman entered and
started
shouting at the election inspector thas L she was trying to get all LM
people to vote for some group of three who were running together . The
Republican inspector didn't even know what she was talking about . The
wonon said that the Republican inspenor had said to "vote three is
free. ''
Whatever that means. I returned to the room just about this time.
>The Republican inspector became concerned because the agitated woman
was
running from car to car talking into Lhe windows . No politicing is
allowed
near the polls. When things quited down she called the central office
only
to find out that the agitated woman lod made a conplaint against her and
the other election inspectors. At Am point I decided to get the facts
about what had happened. The three other inspectors were quite elderly
a T r<3
were obviously becoming agitated. After going over the story a number
OE
times I was quite clear as to what had happened and made at report to
Sheryl
and the other election officers at headquarters. She said she would come
down so we could Me as written report about the incident.
Mout an hour after the incident Will Burbank arrived at the pollinQ,-.J
place
where all four election officers. including myself, were sitting. H(,,,,
was
very aggitated and confronted the older Republican election officer
where
she—was sitting. I will say that his physical posture was more
intimidating than that which Lazio did to Senator Clinton during the
debates. (And that cost him an election . ) He was down at table level
Lrying to control his voice but shouting in whac he Lhought was a
contraled
voice at this poor wonon only about two feet from her face.
Nonetheless,
she patiently explained to him what had happened. Understand that it
was
entirely inappropoiate, and possibly illegal , for a candidate who had
already voted to cone to the polling place. Only ceitified poll
watchers
are allowed to come into the polling place to talk Uo elecKon
inspectors,
It is to prohibic just his kind of incident that these rules exist ,
However, Burbank was not satisfied with the explination he had received
1
from the Republican election inspector and insisted that we were giving
out
information AM had been helpful to his opponents . He said he had had
two separate complaints . This was difficult Lo believe as we had
discussed
the matter as a group previously for purposes of making the report and
determined between us Am only one person had ever asked the question.
"How many people can I vote Mr. ?" Still Mr . Burbank persisted in this
poor woman's face. At this puinL I intervened as it was 4ear she was
experiencing emotional difficulty. I explained to Mr. Burbank that four-
election inspectors were in perfect agreement about what had happened,
two
republicans and two democrats, and no one was trying to "sway" the
election. Still Mr. Burbank persisted shouting now just at the
Republican
election inspector but at myself and the other Democratic woman . On
again an older lady. About this time An head of elections showed up to
take our written repoit (thank God) and Burbank left . By this time my
two
female companions wexe shaking with anxiety and fear. The elder
Demcratic
poll inspector by my side could not keep her hands from shaking she was
so
agitated, Both exclaimed that they would never work an election again.
During this time I kept saying to Burbank four people have told you this
is
not true now you should respect them. However, It was clear he did not
want
to hear or believe this,
>1 need to tell you that in my opinion this is not a man of great
character. Innocent workers in as polling place should never be treated
like this by anyone. it is a thankless and boring job which I know they
have difficulty finding people to perform. The potentiaL loss of these
two
women who said t hey would never work at a polling place again is a small
injury to our democracy but it is an injury. U must say that all of us
finally felt relieved when the chief of elections said that she would
see
that as sherifE was placed at the polling place in order to assure thesle
elderly workers that the incident would not reoccur. Believe me it is
not
fun to have a large angry man in your face who is unwilling to listen to
anyone present . The sheriff did come and stand there and I have to say
it
was very comforting.
>I can' t believe I voted for this guy. And, I cannot believe we will be
well served by a representative of such character !
3
TOWN OF ULYSSES
10 Olm .
reet
7'ruryzansbur%, NY 14886
NOV
m
(607) 387-5767
1''cu,r" 607) 3 -584
November 21, 20011
Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
Town of Ithaca
2.15 North Tio a St..
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Dear Cathy,
In addition to the"in-person" presentation at the Ithaca Town hoard rneetin , l am answering
your questions in written form for the record. l hope that this will help allay concerns that the
board may luive about the proposed Ulysses water district.
1. Comprehensive plan and Zoning as it relates to future development in the area of the
water disrtrict;
The Ulysses comprehensive plan would allow for several small nodes of commercial
development along the dot. 96 corridor in. Ulysses. This a ornmercial development would.
include hath typical retail and light industry. This development, however, would be
limited to areas already occupied by existing business and would allow for minor
expansion to these areas rather than the development of whole new areas. For example, it
°S enterprises
W 4.
is intended to encourage more ruterprises at the site of the old Babcock Poultry Farm
headquarters, and at the intersection ofarpol rn Road wid lit. . "f`laese locations are
already being used by commercial businesses and expansion of the present enterprises is
the intent of the plan. The plan, derived from public Survey results, does not seek to
encourage the large box type of development, but rather smaller neighborhood service
type development. Examples of what we call light industry are the Ithaca Millwork
facility and the Hard Cider producer at Monroe Square.
The main dillierence between the flan and present;coning, is than the Plan encourages
greater depth oflot than the 300' depth allowed now. This hopefully will encourage
cluster,type development and placement of business away from the highway. by doing
this the eMct will be a less crowded look to the corridor. I he flan also encourages the
use of present unused structures where possible to reduce the need for new construction,
This is evidenced by the conversion of the Babcock buildings to other business uses.
Residential and agricultural uses would also be allowable in the area. It is important
to realize that most of the road tiontage is being used by homes filling in between the
commercial and agricultural uses., This lack of usable, frontage will mean that any new
residential development to occur will take place behind existing structures in new
subdivisions or cluster developments. Present vonin.g requires a minimum lot size of one
acre, however, the Plan, will make allowances for those willing,to develop cluster type
developments. New residential construction would 'be severely limited by the availability
of land to build on since most of tile remaining open land is owned or operated as larms.
The owners of the land seern to desire to continue as farmers and it is our intent to
encourage them to do so as much as: possible.
2. Existing uses and vacant parcels:
As stated previously, existing land uses in the area include residential, commercial and
agricultural. Most of the vacant parcels are actively being farmed. It is our intent to
keep as much farmland as possible. Under ag district laws, active ffirmland cannot be
assessed a water district charge unless there is afiirmstead located within the district.
'fluit means that there will not be a charge fbr each road tiontage lot sized portion of the
liu-naland. 'fbis will reduce ttic burden on the farmer and tend to lessen his need to sell
off the trontage in order to pay for the water district charges.
3. Demographics and recent growth trends:
Ulysses has seen a,steady trend of residential growth of 15-20 new homes a year for
the last fifteen years, Most of these houses have been spread out throughout the town
and range in value from modest modulars to the larger luxury type homes,. Only three
have been constructed in the area of the, water district. In general all of the new homes
have been built on leas lamer than that which is required. There has been no new
commercial development (construction) other than the new Isa Babcock facility.
4. Future influence of the water district upon development:
Due to the lack of availability of"frontage and previously discussed aspects,of the Rt.
96
corridor, I would not anticipate any residential development pressure in the future.
the possible exception would be the return ofinobile homes to the Washington Heights
Park which were removed on health department order due to water concerns. New
commercial development may be added to the existing nodes as services are needed and
desired by the local population. Development of any kind will not be encouraged
Outside the district boundaries unless extensions are asked for and granted in the future.
Commercial development, other than,tourist type, cannot take place outside the district.
5 Proposed zoning changes and their e5ect
The proposed zoning would allow for more expansion of the commercial,nodes as
well as residential development as previously discussed. Any new commercial or
residential Subdivisions would be subject to Site Plan,Review. This review would
certainly control the appearance and aesthetic quality of the final project. Zoning and
Site Plan Review would not allow for any undesired or unintended growth.
It is hard to tell,with any certainty what will happen in the future,, but I kel that our
comprehensive: plan, zoning and the provisions of site plan review, and subdivision rules
which are in force now or can,to be enacted will insure that any growth that does take place
will be well planned and under our control. Ulysses, is not about to spoil what we have at
present with unwanted or unplanned developmental sprawl.
Sincerely,
Doug Atikstic, 'Lllysses Town Supervisor
w TOWN OF CARO INE
w ' y P 0 Box 136
' M
Slaterville Springs, NY 14881.
Don Barber, Supervisor
(607) 9.3395
p December 2001.
Joan l' oteboom- Towyn Clerk
"'I"owvn of Ithaca
�215 forth Tio a Street
Itha,ca,, "'New York13053
D ear Town Clerk,
The Town of Caroline has recently formed a Committee to develop a disaster preparedness plan.
Fhis Committee has cone to the Caroline Town Board and asked that we contact neighboring towns
requesting a contact persons name that would be willing and able to work in conjunction with our
committee.
The:Caroline Disaster Preparedness Committee has just begun the process ofTgathering
information, They feel, in order for any plan to work, it is imperative that neighboring areas be involved in
the planning process, because they will more than likely be the ones who we would call on if`"a disaster
Were to Occur,
"Thank you in advance for supplying us with a name and phone number for the person who wvould.
assist us.
Very truly yours,
un barber
Upervi sor
CC" Caroline Disaster Preparedness C'ourumittee