HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2019-09-03TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
Shirley A, Raff'crasp erger Board Room,Town Hall
215 t"' Orth Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
-S'r.l tel'111 L -3 1- Q-1 9
A -GE -N. -IM,
7:00 P.M. PLIBLIC HEARINCF: Consideration of'Prefintinary and 1-`inat Site Nall Approvaland Special Permit for the
proposed Cornell I Iniversity Friedmari Wrestling Center addition proJect, located on the C1 ornell campus at 610
Carnpus Road,Town of lthacaTax 1,)arcel No, 67.-1-113.2, Low Density Residential Zone, an(] a small portion in the
City rat' Ithaca oil Tax Parcel No. 3 1 .- I - 1 .2, The project includes the construction of it 5,500+/- square foot building
addition to the rear ofthe existing Wrestling (enter fiacility, The addition will replace as portion ofthe existing
parking lot at tile Wrestling Center toaCC01111110date the increasing needs of the facility's prograrriming by adding
spaces fora backer room, practice gym, fitness space, lounge and other uses related to the facility. Tile project also
uICILRICS 1`eC()nfigLJdn(1 the parking area to accommodate the addition, zdong with new stornmater facilities and
other site work. Cornell I. Jinversity', Owner; Rachel Kissinger, Corne,11 Frigineering and Pr(ject Management,
Applicant; Kris Cochran, Moody Nolan Architects, Agent,
7:20 P,M, SFQC R Determination: Cayuga Medical Center Patting Improven'lents, 101 1 Lirris B. Dates Drive,
7:20 PAI. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for- the.
proposed parking lot improveinents at the Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Karris B. reales Drive, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No, 24,3-2- 1, Office Park rHnrnercial Zone and Planned Development Zone N(), 3, The
proposal inv(Aves adding 133 paved parking spaces to an existing employee parking lot located behind the hospital,
The project Nvill also include outdoor fighting, landscaping, additional storm drainage and new curbing, Cayuga
Medical Center, Owner,- John A. Ckletano, Assistant Vice President, Applicaril; Fnank L Santelli, P.1"'I., T.G, Miller,
P.C., Agent.
7:40 P.MConsideration ofa sketch plan for the proposed Cornell University Multidisciplinary Building project, locatedeast
of Rice Hall on the Cornell University campus alongTower Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67.- 1 -13.2, Low
Density Residential Zone. '"rhe prqject, involves the construction ofa 90,000+/-, square fool, building that will
replace ain existing parking lot ad " jacent, to Rice and Bruckner Halls. 'Tile new building will house Cornelil's Centers
Maar Cancer Biology and Inunun(flogy, Department Of COMPLItation Biology, Masters of P'tiblic Health Program and
the Atkinson Center, The pro.ject will also include the installation of small plazas, pathways, gardens, stormwater
facilities, outdoor lighting, signage and landscapin,g. TheTclwn oflthaca Planning Board will also consider
proposing to establish itself as, lead agency to coordinate the environnictital review of the proposed actions, Cornell
University, Owner; Rantriath Venkat, 11rc).ject Manager, Cornell University Infrastructure, Properties & Planning,
Applicant/Agent,
Persons to be heard
6, Approval of Minutes: June 18, 2019 and July 16, 2019,
Other Business
8, AdJournnient
Susan Ritter
Director (APlanning
273-1747
NOTE: IVANY MEMBER OFTHE PLANNINC BOARD IS UNABLE TO A'FrU.ND, PLEASE NOTIFY
SANDY POLCE AT 273-1747 or
A quorum of (4) mernbers is Recessary to conduct Planning Board business.)
Accessing Nlecting Materials Online
Site Plan and SubdNision applications and assoclated project materialsare accesAble electronically on (fie Town's website under "Planning Board" im
the "Nieeting Agendas" pagett�ddt� lea as
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TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings
will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following times and on the following matters:
7:00 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed Cornell University Friedman Wrestling Center addition project, located on the
Cornell campus at 610 Campus Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-13.2, Low
Density Residential Zone, and a small portion in the City of Ithaca on Tax Parcel No. 31.-1-
1.2. The project includes the construction of a 5,500+/- square foot building addition to the
rear of the existing Wrestling Center facility. The addition will replace a portion of the
existing parking lot at the Wrestling Center to accommodate the increasing needs of the
facility's programming by adding spaces for a locker room, practice gym, fitness space,
lounge and other uses related to the facility. The project also includes reconfiguring the
parking area to accommodate the addition, along with new stormwater facilities and other
site work. Cornell University, Owner; Rachel Kissinger, Cornell Engineering and Project
Management, Applicant; Kris Cochran, Moody Nolan Architects, Agent.
7:20 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed parking lot improvements at the Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Harris B.
Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-3-2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone and
Planned Development Zone No. 3. The proposal involves adding 133 paved parking spaces
to an existing employee parking lot located behind the hospital. The project will also
include outdoor lighting, landscaping, additional storm drainage and new curbing. Cayuga
Medical Center, Owner; John A. Gaetano, Assistant Vice President, Applicant; Frank L.
Santelli, P.E., T.G. Miller, P.C., Agent.
Said Planning Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections
thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing
impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons
desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing.
Susan Ritter
Director of Planning
273-1747
Dated: Monday, August 26, 2019
Publish: Wednesday, August 28, 2019
TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Sandra Polce, being duly sworn, depose and say that I am a Senior Typist for the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York; that the following Notice has been duly posted on the sign
board of the Town of Ithaca and that said Notice has been duly published in the local newspaper,
The Ithaca Journal.
Notice of Public Hearings to be held by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in the Town of Ithaca
Town Hall 215 North Tio a Street Ithaca New York on Tuesday, September 3 2019
commencing at 7:00 P.M., as per attached.
Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tio a Street.
Date of Posting: August 26, 2019
Date of Publication: August 28, 2019
Sandra Polce, Senior Typist
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK) SS:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 281h day of August 2019.
_ 11/
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�gEBORAHRE[.LEY-
Notary public= State of New york
r,W-., 01 K' E6025073
Qualified in Schuyier County,
Commission Ey
pires May 17, 20
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TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Town Planning Board Members Present: Fred Wilcox, Chair; Cindy Kaufman, Joseph
Haefeli, John Beach, Yvonne Fogarty and Jennifer Karius Absent: Liebe Meier -Swain
Town Staff Present: Chris Balestra, Planning; Marty Mosely, Code Enforcement; David
O'Shea, Civil Engineer; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
Call to Order
Mr. Wilcox called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Consideration of Preliminary and- Final Site PIan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed
Cornell University Friedman Wrestling Center addition project, located on the Cornell campus at
610 Campus Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-13.2, Low Density Residential Zone, and a
small portion in the City of Ithaca on Tax Parcel No. 31.4-1.2. The project includes the
construction of a 5,500+1- square foot building addition to the rear of the existing Wrestling Center
facility. The addition will replace a portion of the existing parking Iot at the Wrestling Center to
accommodate the increasing needs of the facility's programming by adding spaces for a locker
room, practice gym, fitness space, lounge and other uses related to the facility. The project also
includes reconfiguring the parking area to accommodate the addition, along with new stormwater
facilities and other site work. Cornell University, Owner; Rachel Kissinger, Cornell Engineering
and Project Management, Applicant; Kris Cochran, Moody Nolan Architects, Agent.
Brad Newhouse, Director of Project Management at Cornell Facilities and Campus Services;
Andy Sciarabba of TG Miller; and Rachel Kissinger, Project Manager
Mr. Newhouse presented a PowerPoint of the project supporting the information provided in the
packet.
Board Questions
Ms. Kaufman asked who uses the back doors other than for emergency egress because there is no
canopy and it looks like the doors are in the parking lot and a very stark look to the back of the
building.
Mr. Newhouse responded that the rear entrance would only be for emergency access in or out
and the parking space are needed; if the rear of the building was changed or "softened" with
landscaping or a canopy and entrance way the parking spaces would be lost. He added that the
renovation includes a newer, nicer entry for the athletes with areas to remove street shoes and the
like.
Ms. Kaufman asked about HVAC equipment on the roof and Mr. Newhouse confirmed that there
will be nothing on the roof to maintain the clean lines; it will all be under the roof with easy
access for maintenance.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 1
Mr. Wilcox commented on the history of CU wrestling and asked about the small size of the
parking spaces and what the board has approved in the past. He is not in favor of small spaces
but, the board has approved them in the past.
Mr. Wilcox noted that the project will have to comply with the Town's lighting law and added
that the Town is pushing for 3K degree kelvin Fahrenheit and lower and although the Board
can't require it, the recent NCRE agreed to it and we are hoping you will also.
Mr. Newhouse stated that they will also agree to the 3K degree kelvin for the lights.
Mr. Haefeli noted that the application states that participation is not going to increase asked how
the parking spaces were used now and their anticipated use in the future as well as how this will
affect parking when there are events there or events that overlap with nearby venues.
Mr. Newhouse responded that most of the existing spaces are Mobile Parking where you pay by
the minute with no particular designation and relocating them will fall to the Transportation
Department. He said participation is not going to increase during the day since the athletes and
coaches remain the same and that events are scheduled in such a way that only a few occur
around the same time.
Some discussion followed on parking and the difficulties on campus.
Ms. Fogarty asked about staging and Mr. Newhouse responded that the red -dashed lines indicate
staging areas and they realize it will be an issue and they will have a preconstruction manager
monitoring it.
Ms. Fogarty asked how much material will be removed from the site and Mr. Sciarabba
responded that some masonry and asphalt will be removed. He did not have an approximate
number of truckloads.
This prompted a lengthy discussion on the amount of truck trips anticipated and whether a Road
Use Agreement (RUA) should be initiated. Mr. O'Shea stated that the Town does calculations
for that and the project is not anticipated to be anywhere near the number to trigger a RU.
Ms. Brock researched the Iaw which said that a RUA is required for a project that generates more
than 500 truck trips which is defined as a trip involving a truck with a gross weight of 30 or more
tons.
Ms. Fogarty was concerned about tracking the amount and the need for an agreement.
Mr. O'Shea said they will look into that, but he doesn't anticipate it and Mr. Wilcox said he
would be hard pressed to think this project would generate that.
Ms. Fogarty was concerned about keeping track of that and who does it because it has happened
in the past where a RUA was not initiated and the truck trips far exceeded the limit and there was
road damage.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 2
Mr. O'Shea stated that the way it has been done in the past is they look at the grading and figure
out the cut fills and materials and determine the estimated amount but as for a live count, there is
no way to do that.
Ms. Fogarty responded that it really does affect the town and there needs to be some way to
compensate the town if the roads are damaged and she would like to make sure the issue is part
of the conversation.
Mr. Beach asked if the three arenas are ever used at the same time and Ms. Kissinger responded
that the times that she is aware that that happens is sometimes during hockey and volleyball
season and when that happens, the sites for parking are the Crescent lot and along Garden Ave.
and all of the end parking areas along Tower Rd as well as the garages. She said she could get
more information if he would like but Mr. Beach was satisfied with the answer.
Mr. Wilcox said it is a good point, but Cornell Police ticket a lot when those times happen. He
understands parking is a problem up there.
Ms. Fogarty asked if the emergency access concerns have been resolved and Mr. Mosely said it
has not; it is a question about how emergency access is going to be maintained during
construction because it is such a small site.
Mr. Newhouse responded that they have met with Chief Parsons and did a series of analysis to
show how to get an aerial truck in the lots and Chief Parsons stated that in the event of an
emergency, he would not be taking the truck around the back and would utilize the 10' sidewalk
instead and he was with the east side access.
Mr. Wilcox responded that we would need documentation on that conversation and assurance
from the Chief.
Mr. Mosely asked if they had done an analysis of post -construction emergency access and Mr.
Newhouse said they have and he will add that to the written documentation.
Ms. Fogarty said that she really liked the TG Miller document which detailed who was
responsible for what and she wanted to compliment them on that document.
Ms. Fogarty asked about the line saying the building is known to contain asbestos and Mr.
Scriarabba responded that that is put into all of their SWPPPs because until anything is tested,
you have to assume that there may be asbestos.
Ms. Kissinger said that she has documentation that the building does not contain asbestos.
Mr. Mosely noted that because the parcel extends into the City of Ithaca, an MOU between the
two municipalities may be necessary and he will be reaching out to the Building Department to
discuss that.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 3
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. There was no one wishing to address the
Board on this project and the hearing was closed and turned back to the Board for determination.
Changes were made to the draft resolution to reflect submission of documents discussed.
PB RESOLUTION 2019-022: Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit
Cornell Friedman Wrestling Center Addition
Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-13.2
610 Campus Road
Town of Ithaca Planning Board, September 3, 2019
WHEREAS:
1. This action involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit for the proposed Cornell University Friedman Wrestling Center addition project,
Iocated on the Cornell campus at 610 Campus Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-
13.2, Low Density Residential Zone. The project includes the construction of a 5,500+/ -
square foot building addition to the rear of the existing Wrestling Center facility. The
addition will replace a portion of the existing parking lot at the Wrestling Center to
accommodate the increasing needs of the facility's programming by adding spaces for a
locker room, practice gym, fitness space, lounge and other uses related to the facility. The
project also includes reconfiguring the parking area to accommodate the addition, along with
new stormwater facilities and other site work. Cornell University, Owner; Rachel Kissinger,
Cornell Engineering and Project Management, Applicant; Kris Cochran, Moody Nolan
Architects, Agent; and
2. This is a Type II Action, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Section 617.5(c)(10) of the regulations of the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the
State Environmental Quality Review Act, because the Action constitutes "routine activities
of educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000
square feet of gross floor area and school closings, but not changes in use related to such
closings." Thus, approval of the site plan and special permit are not subject to review under
SEQR; and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 3, 2019, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate a narrative, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, sheets titled
"Friedman Wrestling Center Addition And Renovation, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY,"
dated June 4, 2019, including sheets C101 -C105 and C201- C202, along with a "Design
Development Building Plan", "Elevations" sheet, and "Sections" sheet, prepared by Moody
Nolan, and other application materials; now therefore be it
RESOLVED That the Planning Board hereby finds that the special permit standards of Article
XXIV Section 270-200, Subsections A — H, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met,
specifically that:
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9/17) Pg. 4
A. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the
property's size, location, and physical site characteristics.
• The property's physical site characteristics are sufficiently sized and Iocated for the
proposed addition, which will fit easily over an existing parking lot.
B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area.
• The proposed building addition is designed to match the existing building (scale, height,
building materials) and is similar to other educational structures on properties that
surround the project. The proposed site layout is similar to the existing site and is also
similar to the site layouts on properties that surround the project.
C. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes,
vibration, illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted use
in the particular zone.
• The proposal will create noise and vibration during construction, but the impacts will be
temporary.
D. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services,
roadways, schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate
capacity to accommodate the proposed use.
• The project will have a positive effect on community infrastructure and services by
meeting the needs of the Wrestling Center with more program space. The surrounding
roadways, water and sewer facilities, police, fire and other protective services are of
adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use.
E. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of the
Town Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan.
F. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic circulation,
and parking and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is safely designed
for emergency vehicles.
• Proof that the site layout is designed for safe access for emergency vehicles to be
provided as a condition of approval.
G. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect
surrounding land uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible.
• The proposal includes protecting and maintaining existing landscaping.
H. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure
complies with all the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270, Zoning,
and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary & Final Site Plan
'Approval for the proposed Cornell University Friedman Wrestling Center addition project,
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9/17) Pg. 5
located on the Cornell campus at 610 Campus Road, as described in the set of site plan
drawings noted in Whereas # 3 above, subject to the following conditions:
a. Before issuance of a building permit, submission of a fully executed (signed)
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Ithaca and Town of Ithaca,
specifying responsibility for all building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of
compliance, and all code -related inspections;
b. Before issuance of a building permit, submission of lighting specification sheets for any
proposed outdoor lighting. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the Town of Ithaca
Outdoor Lighting Law, with LED color temperatures not exceeding 3000k;
c. Before issuance of a building permit, submission of the revised engineering materials
outlined in the Engineering Memorandum written by Dan Thaete, dated 8126/2019; and
d. Before issuance of a building permit, submission of proof from the Ithaca Fire
Department that there is adequate emergency access and turning radius for fire trucks
during and after construction.
2. That the Town of Ithaca PIanning Board hereby authorizes, according to Section 270-227 (A)
(4) of the Town Code, the standard 180 square foot parking space to be reduced to no less
than 136 +/- square feet, finding that the reduction will not cause any adverse effects on the
project, on the surrounding properties, or on the neighborhood.
Moved by Mr. Wilcox, seconded by Mr. Beach
Vote: Ayes — Wilcox, Beach, Fogarty, Kaufman, and Haefeli
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed
parking lot improvements at the Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town
of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-3-2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone and Planned Development Zone
No. 3. The proposal involves adding 133 paved parking spaces to an existing employee parking lot
located behind the hospital. The project will also include outdoor lighting, landscaping, additional
storm drainage and new curbing. Cayuga Medical Center, Owner; John A. Gaetano, Assistant Vice
President, Applicant; Frank L. Santelh, P.E., T.G. Miller, P.C., Agent.
Mr. Gaetano was present and summarized the project saying there is a real parking problem at
CMC and the proposal is to essentially formalize an existing informal gravel area being used for
parking now in the rear of the complex. The site had been used in the past for a staging area for
various projects. He said by paving the area and creating 144 parking spots it frees up more
space in the front for patients and visitors.
Mr. Gaetano added that the landscaping will be beneficial to the campus and the lighting will be
reduced to 100 watt and will be motion activated and dimmable.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 6
Mr. Santelli added that truck access will be improved as well as drainage with little change to the
impervious surface total and the plan is for water quality treatment well beyond what is required.
Mr. Wilcox noted that the Environmental Review Committee was very happy with the plan.
Mr. Wilcox asked where the helipad is and added that the picture included in the packet shows
the need for more parking.
Ms. Kaufman asked about pedestrian access to and from the parking Iot to the entrances because
it doesn't look like there are any sidewalks.
Mr. Gaetano responded that there are no sidewalks proposed and there are none throughout the
campus given the topography and the need to maximize spaces. He added that he had met with
Mr. Bates a few years ago and the handicap spots were moved to the front and they also added
parking for those with difficulty ambulating but not with the handicap permit.
Mr. Mosely explained that the parking study and requisite handicap spots were done by lot and
you essentially swap out handicap spots from inaccessible areas of one lot to accessible areas in
another and he asked for clear markings of those spots with the application
The Board started looking at SEQR and made a number of changes as indicated.
Lengthy discussion around the hours of operation question on the form and whether the hours
indicated were the operation of the hospital itself, or the construction project. It was determined
to separate the two and list them; hours of operation are 7 -days a week, 24 hours a day and the
construction hours would be listed as the Town Noise Law of lam — 9 pm. Monday through
Saturday.
Ms. Balestra noted the section regarding fill and excavating and Mr. Santelli responded that he
doesn't have numbers yet but there are certain areas that are paved that will not be and vice
versa. There is a fill site on the property that may be used but the volume is not huge, probably
between 5K and 10K yards of material. The Board decided that this would be covered under the
SWPPP and made no changes.
Mr. Haefeli asked about the Town's lighting law and night sky and Ms. Balestra responded that
the law has not been changed yet.
Mr. Haefeli asked about the lights and the representatives explained that the lots are connected
and it would be odd to have two different colors of light. Some discussion followed and Ms.
Fogarty asked the applicants to research lighting issue and understand what the Board is asking
for and at least consider the LED and 300K kelvin limitation for lighting.
PB RESOLUTION 2019-023: SEAR
Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit
Cayuga Medical Center Parking Improvements 2019
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 7
Tax Parcel No. 24.-3-2.1
141 Harris B. Dates Drive
Town of Ithaca Planning Board, September 3, 2019
WHEREAS:
4. This action involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit for the proposed parking Iot improvements at the Cayuga Medical Center located at
101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-3-2J, Office Park
Commercial Zone and Planned Development Zone No. 3. The proposal involves adding 133
paved parking spaces to an existing employee parking lot located behind the hospital. The
project also includes outdoor lighting, landscaping, additional storm drainage and new
curbing. Cayuga Medical. Center, Owner; Mr. Beach A. Gaetano, Assistant Vice President,
Applicant; Frank L. Santelli, P.E., T.G. Miller, P.C., Agent;
5. This is a Type I Action pursuant to Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 148 — Environmental
Quality Review, for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the only involved agency
and is the lead agency for the environmental review of the project;
6. The Planning Board, on September 3, 2019, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Full
Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3 prepared
by Town Planning staff, a narrative, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, drawings
entitled "Cayuga Medical Center Parking Improvements Project 2019, Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, August 2019," including sheets C101 -C102, C201 -C204,
C301 -C303, LI01, E001, I and 2, prepared by T.G. Miller, PC, dated 8102/19, and other
application materials; and
7. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposal; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative
determination bf environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental
Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for
the above referenced proposal, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set
forth in the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not
be required.
Moved by Ms. Fogarty, seconded by Mr. Haefeli
Vote: Ayes — Fogarty, Haefeli, Kaufman, Wilcox, Beach and Karius
Public Hearing
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. There was no one wishing to address the
Board on this project and the hearing was closed and the matter turned back to the Board.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 8
The draft resolution was moved and seconded for discussion and some minor changes made and
a discussion on the need for an access easement/agreement between CMC and the Town to
ensure the Town can get to the water and and/or sewer infrastructure with the changes in
topography planned as well as a Stormwater Operation and Maintenance Agreement. Conditions
were added to that effect.
PB RESOLUTION 2019-024: Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit
Cayuga Medical Center Parking Improvements 2019
Tax Parcel No. 24.-3-2.1
101 Harris B. Dates Drive
Town of Ithaca Planning Board, September 3, 2019
WHEREAS:
1. This action involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit for the proposed parking lot improvements at the Cayuga Medical Center Iocated at
101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-3-2.1, Office Park
Commercial Zone and Planned Development Zone No. 3. The proposal involves adding 133
paved parking spaces to an existing employee parking lot located behind the hospital. The
project also includes outdoor lighting, Iandscaping, additional storm drainage and new
curbing. Cayuga Medical Center, Owner; Mr. Beach A. Gaetano, Assistant Vice President,
Applicant; Frank L. 'SanteIli, P.E., T.G. Miller, P.C., Agent;
2. This is a Type I Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency
with respect to this project, has made a negative determination of environmental significance,
after reviewing and accepting as adequate a Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1,
submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3, prepared by Town Planning staff, and other
application materials; and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 3, 2019, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate a narrative, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, drawings entitled
"Cayuga Medical Center Parking Improvements Project 2019, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins
County, New York, August 2019," including sheets C101 -C102, C201 -C204, C301 -C303,
L101, E001, 1 and 2, prepared by T.G. Miller, PC, dated 8/02/19, and other application
materials; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Planning Board hereby finds that the special permit standards of Article
XXIV Section 270-200, Subsections A -- H, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met,
specifically that:
A. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the
property's size, location, and physical site characteristics.
• The parking lot already exists and is not being significantly changed. It's suited for the
property on which it exists.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9/17) Pg. 9
B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area.
• The parking lot design includes formalizing an existing lot in a way that works with the
topography and design of the surrounding site.
C. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes,
vibration, illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted use
in the particular zone.
• The proposal will create noise and vibration during construction, but the impacts will be
temporary.
D. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services,
roadways, schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate
capacity to accommodate the proposed use.
E. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of the
Town Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan.
F. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic circulation,
and parking and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is safely designed
for emergency vehicles.
• The new travel lane widths and overall parking lot layout is designed for easy traffic
circulation and safe access for emergency vehicles.
G. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect
surrounding land uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible.
• The proposal includes adding landscaping beyond what exists to enhance the aesthetics
and buffering of the parking lot.
H. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure
complies with all the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270, Zoning,
and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary & Final Site Plan
Approval for the proposed Cayuga Medical Center Parking Improvements Project 2019,
located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, as described in the set of site plan drawings noted in
Whereas # 3 above, subject to the following conditions:
a. Before issuance of a building permit, revision of the SWPPP to include the items required
in the Town Engineering Memo written by David O'Shea and Daniel Thaete, dated
813012019; and
b. Before issuance of a building permit, submission of a revised planting plan (Sheet 1,101)
that shows a mix of Acer rubrum (Red Maple) and blight resistant Castanea dentata
(American Chestnut) trees amongst the proposed landscaping for the project; and
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9/17) Pg. 10
c. Before issuance of a building permit, submission to the Planning Department, along with
full execution and filing of a Stormwater Operation, Maintenance and Reporting
agreement, between Cayuga Medical Center and the Town of Ithaca, satisfactory to the
Attorney for the Town and the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department
d. Before issuance of a building permit, submission to the Planning Department, along with
full execution and filing of an Access Agreement between Cayuga Medical Center and
the Town of Ithaca, satisfactory to the Attorney for the Town and the Town of Ithaca
Public Works Department which provides the Town appropriate access to its existing
sanitary sewer easement.
Moved by Mr. Wilcox, seconded by Mr. Beach
Vote: Ayes — Wilcox, Beach, Kaufman, Haefeli, Karius and Fogarty
Sketch Plan for the proposed Cornell University Multidisciplinary Building project, located east
of Rice Hall on the Cornell University campus along Tower Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 67.-1-13.2, Low Density Residential Zone. The project involves the construction of a
90,000+/- square foot building that will replace an existing parking lot adjacent to Rice and
Bruckner Halls. The new building will house Cornell's Centers for Cancer Biology and
Immunology, Department of Computational Biology, Masters of Public Health Program and the
Atkinson Center. The project will also include the installation of small plazas, pathways,
gardens, stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, signage and landscaping. Cornell University,
Owner; Ramnath Venkat, Project Manager, Cornell University Infrastructure, Properties &
Planning, Applicant/Agent
I need to get correct names and titles and will make the appropriate changes then.
Margaret Carney, University Architect with Cornell, Ram Venkat, Project Manager, David
Cutter, Landscape Architect
Ms. Carney went through a PowerPoint presentation of the project.
Board comments
Mr. Wilcox stated that when he sees a request for approval in December but design not
completed until the spring, I immediately have an issue because the implication is you would be
asking the Planning Board to approve the project based on not -final drawings and that could be a
problem, especially if final drawings are substantially different than what is submitted for
Planning Board review.
Ms. Balestra added that the project is possibly large enough were the Board may consider a
three -stage review with Preliminary and Environmental review followed by Zoning Board
review, then back to the Planning Board for Final approval.
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 11
Mr. Haefeli asked about the users of the building and Ms. Carney responded that the majority of
the people are users from other buildings in the area as well as visiting researchers for short
periods of time. There will be some growth, but not significant overall.
Ms. Kaufman said she loves the direction the plans seem to be going and the site, but she would
like to see the exterior plans.
Ms. Balestra added that traditionally applicants do not have that level of plans at sketch stage so
we don't ask them for that level of detail and why it isn't in the packet now, but they will be
required for the next phase.
Mr. Wilcox said this is a difficult site with the slope to the northeast and staging will be difficult
and this board will want details on that issue and how it is going to be handled.
Mr. Wilcox referred to a letter from Caroline Arms, President of Forest Home Neighborhood
Association which implies that removing 90 parking spaces is going to make traffic worse but he
thought it would be the reverse, with less car and people using those spots using public
transportation.
The Board briefly discussed the point and hoped for clarification from them further in the
process.
Mr. Wilcox added that stormwater management and lighting would be issues the Board will look
at. He was also a little concerned with the height of 60' feet which he interprets as six stories.
Ms. Karius asked staff about their thoughts on the cumulative effect of growth with this and
future Cornell projects, on the major infrastructure of the Town and how we measure that over
the long term.
Mr. O'Shea responded that Cornell is unique in that they have their own water system on most of
campus, so the Town does not look at the water system, that is overseen by the County Health
Department. As for sanitary sewer, we have started to ask them to identify their peaks and
anticipated flows and we are starting to track that more and how it will impact our interceptors as
that part they are a customer of the Town.
Mr. O'Shea said as for stormwater, that is a site by site basis and they have to mitigate based on
the DEC laws to meet their preconditions so there isn't much change in that area.
Ms. Karius said it seems like a wonderful project and there was a lot of attention to stormwater.
Mr. Wilcox thanked the applicants and turned to the draft resolution establishing the Town of
Ithaca Planning Board as Lead Agency.
PB RESOLUTION2019-025: Lead Agency — Declaration of Intent
CU Multidisciplinary Building
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9117) Pg. 12
Tax Parcel No. 67.4-13.2
Tower Road
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
September 3, 2019
WHEREAS:
1. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at its meeting on September 3, 2019 considered a
Sketch Plan for the proposed Cornell University Multidisciplinary Building project, located
east of Rice Hall on the Cornell University campus along Tower Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 67.-1-13.2, Low Density Residential Zone. The project involves the construction
of a 90,000+/- square foot building that will replace an existing parking lot adjacent to Rice
and Bruckner Halls. The new building will house Cornell's Centers for Cancer Biology and
Immunology, Department of Computational Biology, Masters of Public Health Program and
the Atkinson Center. The project will also include the installation of small plazas, pathways,
gardens, stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, signage and landscaping. Cornell
University, Owner; Ramnath Venkat, Project Manager, Cornell University Infrastructure,
Properties & Planning, Applicant/Agent, and
2. The proposed project, which requires site plan approval and special permit by the Planning
Board and a height variance from the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals, is a Type I
action pursuant to Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality
Review, because it involves the construction of a nonresidential facility with more than
25,000 square feet of gross floor area (§ 148-5.C(4)); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby proposes to establish itself as Iead
agency to coordinate the environmental review of the proposed actions, as described above, and
be it further
RESOLVED That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby requests the concurrence of all
involved agencies on this proposed lead agency designation, said concurrence to be received by
the Town of Ithaca Planning Department within thirty days from the date of notification to the
involved agencies.
Moved by Ms. Fogarty, seconded by Mr. Haefeli
Vote: Ayes — Fogarty, Haefeli, Kaufman, Wilcox, Beach and Karius
Approval of Minutes
Minutes of June 18a' — Moved by Mr. Wilcox, seconded by Mr. Beach, unanimous.
Minutes of July Ida' — Moved by Mr. Wilcox, seconded by Ms. Karius with Mr. Haefeli and Ms.
Kaufman abstaining, passed with 4 ayes.
Other business
Next meeting will be Cayuga Ridge site plan changes and a presentation on the New
Neighborhood Code
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9/17) Pg. 13
There was some discussion on a quorum and Ms. Balestra will coordinate.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:25p.m.
ifs
PB Minutes 2019-09-03 (Approved 9/17) Pg. 14