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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2021-07-20TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Shirley A. Raffensperger Board Room, Town Hall 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom. Zoom link: httns://zoom.us/i/6750593272 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Cornell University New Experimental Hall at Wilson Laboratory, located on Synchrotron Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 63.-1-8.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a 2 -story, +/- 17,420 square foot building on the west side of Wilson Laboratory. The project will also include a new 20' wide paved access path and turnaround, seating areas along Cascadilla Creek, bicycle racks, bioretention facilities, slope drainage improvements, and native plantings. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, Agent. 7:30 P.M. Continue SEQR Determination: Cornell University Multidisciplinary Building, 350 Tower Road. 7:40 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Continue consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval and Special Permit 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 100,000+/- square foot, 4 -story 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 Computation Biology, Masters of Public Health Program, and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. The project will also include the installation of small plazas, pathways, gardens, stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, signage, and landscaping. Cornell University, Owner; Ramnath Venkat, Cornell University Infrastructure, Properties & Planning, Applicant/Agent. 4. Persons to be heard. Approval of Minutes: May 4, 2021, May 18, 2021, June 1, 2021, and June 15, 2021 Other Business Adjournment Susan Ritter Director of Planning 273-1747 NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY SANDY POLCE AT 273-1747 or SPOLCE(d1TOWN.ITHACA.NY.US. (A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.) Accessing Meeting Materials Online Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project materials are accessible electronically on the Town's website under "Planning Board" on the "Meeting Agendas" page (htti)://www.town.ithaca.nv.us/meeting-agendas). TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Tuesday, July 20, 2021 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at the following time and on the following matter: 7:40 P.M. Continue consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval and Special Permit 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 100,000+/- square foot, 4 -story 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 Computation Biology, Masters of Public Health Program, and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. The project will also include the installation of small plazas, pathways, gardens, stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, signage, and landscaping. Cornell University, Owner; Ramnath Venkat, Cornell University Infrastructure, Properties & Planning, Applicant/Agent. Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom (1-ittps://zoom.us/j/6750593272). 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, July 12, 2021 Publish: Wednesday, July 14, 2021 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD July 20, 2021 Minutes Board Members Present: Liebe Meier Swain, Chair; Fred Wilcox, Yvonne Fogarty, Greg Lindquist, Cindy Kaufman Absent: Margaret Johnson, Ariel Casper and Jamie Vanucchi Town Staff. Chris Balestra, Planner; Marty Moseley, Director of Codes; Lorraine Moynihan Schmidt, Attorney for the Town; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Dan Thaete, Director of Engineering; David O'Shea, Engineer; Susan Ritter, Director of Planning; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk; Becky Jordan, Deputy Town Clerk Ms. Meier Swain opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Ms Moynihan Schmidt was present as Attorney for the Town, for the first agenda item as Ms. Brock recused herselffor a conflict of'interest. Agenda Item 1 Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Cornell University New Experimental Hall at Wilson Laboratory, located on Synchrotron Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 63.-1-8.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a 2 -story, +/- 17,420 square foot building on the west side of Wilson Laboratory. The project will also include a new 20' wide paved access path and turnaround, seating areas along Cascadilla Creek, bicycle racks, bioretention facilities, slope drainage improvements, and native plantings. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, Agent. Ms. Kim Michaels, Principal, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architect and Ms. Margaret Carney, University Architect were present to give a presentation and answer questions. Ms. Michaels introduced some of the team working on the project including Alex Chevallard, University Project Manager; Frank Santelli, Civil Engineer; Bryan Denig, Trowbridge Landscape Architect. Ms. Michaels gave an overview of the project showing the location and depictions of the proposal. She stated that about two years ago, Cornell was asked to compete for a $33 million grant for equipment to expand the research facility and increase the capability of the synchrotron ring within Wilson Laboratory to bring even more research in. Cornell won the grant which will fund equipment to go inside the new proposed building. The reason for the proximity to Wilson Lab is to communicate with existing facilities there and the new equipment will rely on x ray beams that come off the synchrotron. The proposed construction of a two story 8420 square foot building on the west side of Wilson Laboratory between Campus Road and Route 366 will include a new 20' wide paved access path, turn around, seating areas along Cascadilla Creek, bicycle racks, bio retention facilities, slope drainage improvements, and native plantings. PB 2021-07-20 (Filed 9/13) Pg. 1 In terms of roads and parking, we don't see any impact on parking or roadways. The new building may result in 15 additional people and parking in the immediate vicinity include Oxley lot, along Synchrotron Drive east of Wilson Laboratory, and north along Campus Road with ADA spaces. The new two-story building will be tucked in between Wilson Laboratory and Sector 7 building. The existing driveway that runs along Wilson Laboratory ending in gravel at Sector 7 building will be widened to 20' for deliveries to the proposed Experimental Hall and emergency vehicle access. There will be a fair amount of landscaping, the hillside to the north will be rebuilt, drainage improved and revegetation. As a mitigation to the proximity to the stream the project proposes to remove the regular turf lawn between buildings and Creekside and replace it with native plantings and a healthy riparian buffer. The image from Campus Road does not show the intended trees along the roadway for visual transparency to the rooftop and mechanicals. It has a very low profile from Campus Road, is compatible with the existing architecture of Wilson Laboratory and in fact, lower. Ms. Michaels went through the various approval processes and bodies granting approval(s). With those in mind, the timeline they are looking at is September, Planning Board, Preliminary review and Zoning Board variances review followed by Final Site Plan Review in October and construction beginning in the Spring of 2022 with completion in Winter of 2024. Ms. Meier Swain noted that there is no action before the Board this evening but encouraged comments. Board Comments Mr. Wilcox stated that he did visit the site, and he is not sure he has seen a more difficult site to build on. For example, he didn't know how the trailer got into the site and even more so, how it would get out. How are you going to get all the building materials onsite? Ms. Michaels replied that they are working with contractors now on construction phases and access issues and they have looked closely at building a bridge across Cascadilla Creek, but that is not going to happen, but we will have a plan by final review. Mr. Wilcox asked about the slope and the existing silt fencing and Ms. Michaels responded that it was her understanding that is from a previous event. Mr. Wilcox responded that that brings up the instability of the slope and trying to build on this location. Ms. Kaufman stated that she was having a hard time determining the new building start and the existing building. Ms. Michaels showed the delineation on the projected screen. Ms. Kaufman asked if the roof will be a membrane roof or other material? Ms. Michaels responded that she could not recall, but she will have that information for final site plan review. PB 2021-07-20 (Filed 9/13) Pg. 2 Ms. Carney added that they have looked very hard at the appearance for this project and looking at a less -industrial looking roof because of the view from the walkway, even though the surroundings are very industrial. We are very conscious of aesthetics here. Mr. Lindquist simply stated that he looks forward to a site visit to get a better idea of what this project is entailing. Mr. Thaete asked if the foundation is being designed for additional stories that may be planned with future funding? Ms. Michaels responded that there are no additional stories planned at this time. Mr. Wilcox said the road looks like it is going to go over the existing concrete patio and he asked if that is to bring equipment in or for emergency access? Ms. Michaels responded that it would be used for both; scientists using the building would bring their specialized equipment in and also for emergency access. Ms. Fogarty asked for more information on the flow of Cascadilla Creek given the increases in water levels recently and the proximity of the building and how that may come in to play for this project. Ms. Meier Swain asked if there would be a defined entrance and exit for the large trucks delivering the equipment Ms. Michaels mentioned. Ms. Michaels responded that she would get that information for the next meeting. They are working on the construction traffic concerns, and the scientific equipment is not expected to be in very large trucks, but she will look into that. PB RESOLUTION 2021-016: Lead Agency — Declaration of Intent CU NEH Wilson Laboratory Building Tax Parcel No. 63.-1-8.1 Synchrotron Drive Town of Ithaca Planning Board July 20, 2021 WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at its meeting on July 20, 2021, considered a Sketch Plan for the proposed Cornell University New Experimental Hall at Wilson Laboratory, located on Synchrotron Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 63.-1-8.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a 2 -story, +/- 17,420 square foot building on the west side of Wilson Laboratory. The project will also include a new 20' wide paved access path and turnaround, seating areas along Cascadilla Creek, bicycle racks, bioretention facilities, slope drainage improvements, and native plantings. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, Agent; and 2. The proposed project, which requires site plan approval and special permit by the Planning Board and variances from the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals, is a Type I action pursuant to PB 2021-07-20 (Filed 9/13) Pg. 3 Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality Review, because it involves the construction of a nonresidential facility with more than 50% of 25,000 square feet of gross floor area (§ 148-5.0 (4)); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby proposes to establish itself as lead 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: Greg Lindquist Seconded: Fred Wilcox Vote: ayes — Meier Swain, Wilcox, Lindquist, Kaufman, and Fogarty Ms. Brock stepped in atAttorney.for the Town,for the remainder of the meeting. 2. Continue SEQR Determination: Cornell University Multidisciplinary Building Mr. Ram Venkat, Project Manager introduced team members present; Margaret Carney, University Architect; David Cutter, University Landscape Architect; Matt Kozlowski, University Facilities Engineer and Green Building Program; Paul Erickson, Project Engineer MEP Consulting Firm; Dondi Harrier, Civil Engineer TJ Miller. Mr. Venkat reviewed the process so far and he thanked the everyone for the comments which helped them further design the project. He stated that they had a brief presentation to illustrate the changes and responses to comments. Ms. Carney noted that the name of the building is now Atkinson Hall, funded by the Atkinson family, who also funded the Sustainability program. The Atkinson Hall will be a diverse mix of research programs, all of which deal with human health and sustainability, and to support their interdisciplinary work. Ms. Carney went through the history of choosing the location due to its proximity to similar research buildings and ease of collaboration with the other studies and personnel for maximum efficiency. Slides depicted current and projected build out with visual mockups of what it will look like. Mr. Kozlowski provided information about the project's energy and sustainability. Atkinson Hall is designed to comply with NYS Energy Code as well as the recently adopted Ithaca Energy Code Supplement. He stated that they are committed to complying with Energy Code Supplement (ECS) and thankful for the opportunity to work with the Town and City over the past four years as a stakeholder to help make that ECS a reality. This project has been designed according to our university design and construction standards which are aligned with our commitment to be a carbon neutral campus by 2023. This building connects with our PB 2021-07-20 (Filed 9/13) Pg. 4 university's district energy system that's designed to use low temperature hot water for heating. We anticipate the future where the university is transitioned away from steam. This project will pursue LEED certification and be solar ready. Mr. Kozlowski said that in response to questions from the Board at the last meeting, we asked our energy modelers to recalculate the model reflecting that potential build out of shell space. The revised energy model shows energy demand from the structure is pretty minimal falling between one half of 1% of the campus total. Mr. Venkat provided that the engineer's reanalysis on noise level to include the possible additional level three roof exhaust fans showed no significant impact. The fans which will provide exhaust for a relatively small space, about 4400 square feet, are redundant and will run at low capacity. Presentation continued with details on stormwater infrastructure and construction logistics. Mr. Wilcox noted that the timeline the applicants are looking for is asking for a SEQR determination prior to submission of substantially final plans. Ms. Fogarty agreed, saying this seems like the same information as the previous meeting with a lot of "ifs" "maybe's" and this is not complete enough to do an environmental review on. Ms. Meier Swain challenged that and asked what is meant by 50-60 percent of final design do you mean? Mr. Venkat responded that the project is in finishing design development; we have three phases, schematic, design development and construction documents. We introduced you to the design to you in the schematic design in order to show you what our intent was and general plan. We are in design development picked up again in March of this year and we are just beginning construction document phase and we are finalizing the contractor plans. When I say 50-60% I mean the timeline. The specifications for the interior are not done, design development phase is for the site plans, not the interior. Ms. Kaufman responded that this is typical; there shouldn't be any surprises in construction documents and if there were, we would be notified. Mr. Wilcox responded that makes sense, but given what we have heard from the applicants over the past few meetings, I am not comfortable. Discussion followed on the assumption that the site plans are mostly final and reference to other projects that have received preliminary approval and needed reaffirmation when significant changes were made. The Board turned to the review of the SEQR form. As questions arose, and after lengthy attempts to clarify and edit the form as well as and some back and forth between applicant, staff and the Board, it PB 2021-07-20 (Filed 9/13) Pg. 5 was determined that there were too many discrepancies in the revised SEQR form to continue determination action Ms Meier Swain stated that the Planning Board will postpone action until the next meeting, or when revised, final versions incorporating changes could be presented by the applicant for review and action. There will be no public hearing and one will be rescheduled when revised documents are received Persons to be Heard Irene Weiser, spoke, wanting to recognize the people in the West who were suffering under the wildfires and she wanted to impress upon the board that the actions we take now may be stealing the future from our children and grandchildren and to remember the gravity of the moment that we are in any deliberations. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the past four meetings were moved for approval by Mr. Wilcox, seconded by Mr Lindquist, unanimous. Adjourned Meeting was adjourned at 9.42 p m upon motion by Ms Meier Swain, seconded by Ms. Fogarty; unanimous P13 2021-07-20 (Filed 9/13) Pg 6