HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan Chapter 4 ImplementationCHAPTER 4
IMPLEMENTATION
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 73
74 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
For this comprehensive plan to be realized, the goals and recommendations included in Section 3 must be
implemented. Some actions must be implemented immediately, while others can be accomplished over the next ten
years.
The implementation strategy provides a framework for completing each action. The following action plan tables
categorize each of the policy areas, goals and recommendations according to the type of action that each will take to
implement, and list the relative priority and timing of actions. It provides guidance for allocating necessary
resources, and assists in tracking progress.
Policy areas
The action plan tables are organized by the following policy areas, each including all the goals and recommendations
from Chapter 2.
• 4.1 Land use and development (LU)
• 4.2 Housing and neighborhoods (HN)
• 4.3 Natural resources and environment (NR)
• 4.4 Energy and climate protection (EC)
• 4.5 Agriculture (AG)
• 4.6 Recreation (RE)
• 4.7 Historical resources (HR)
• 4.8 Transportation (TR)
• 4.9 Municipal services and infrastructure (MS)
• 4.10 Community services (CS)
• 4.11 Economic development (ED)
Action
Types of actions are:
• Decision: recommendations and policy decisions made by Planning staff, other Town employees, volunteers,
appointed officials, and elected officials serving on boards and committees dealing with issues addressed in this
plan.
• Regulation: writing and adopting new laws, or modifying or reforming existing laws.
(DC): Creation/adoption of a new unified development code and zoning map to replace the existing zoning
code, subdivision code, sign code, and other land use regulations found throughout the municipal code.
• Plan: initiating, adopting and implementing neighborhood, corridor or subject -specific plans. Descriptions of
specific planning actions follow.
• Project: achieved by one or more temporary endeavors. A project may be a physical (e.g. new infrastructure) or
analytical (e.g. a report or inventory) concern.
• Program: establishing formal long-term programs that carry out one or more goals and recommendations of the
plan. A program may be the foundation for carrying out multiple projects.
• Cooperation: forming partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other joint efforts with neighboring
communities, public agencies, Tompkins County, New York State, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and other
organizations.
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 75
A single action—regulation, plan, project, program or cooperative effort—may address many of this plan's goals and
recommendations.
Action types may reference specific recommended action items, which should be implemented as soon as possible to
ensure land use actions and decisions are aligned with this plan's policies. These include the following:
Priority
Priorities are time frames for implementing actions.
• Immediate: initiated before or immediately following the adoption of this plan.
• High: initiated and realized shortly after plan adoption, through 2014-2016.
• Medium: initiated and realized between 2016 and 2019, or after high-priority items are completed.
• Open: initiated and realized any time, but action to be taken by 2019-2024 if not before.
• Continuous: ongoing actions with no set initiation or completion date, generally decisions and long-term projects
and programs.
• Completed: actions that have been completed.
76 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
4.1 Land use (LU)
LU -1: Shape/improve the built environment by focusing growth, balancing agricultural, open space and recreational,
commercial, institutional and office/industrial uses.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
LU -1-A: Concentrate development in areas with adequate
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
infrastructure and services.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -1-13: Preserve/protect environmentally important and scenic
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
lands.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -1-C: Limit intrusion of non-agricultural uses into
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
agricultural/conservation areas.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -1-D: Limit low density residential to areas with limited/no value
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
as agricultural/ conservation areas, unlikely sewer/water.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -1-E: Require development to take a cluster/conservation form in
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
environmentally, agriculturally and visually sensitive areas.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -1-F: Establish more intensively developed mixed use
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
neighborhoods near employment centers. (South Hill, East Hill)
Decision
Decision: Continuous
Plan
Plan: Open
LU -1-G: New mixed use neighborhoods where they can be
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
supported due to proximity to utilities and adequate transportation
Decision
Decision: Continuous
networks.
Plan
Plan: Immediate
LU -1-H: Limit commercial/industrial zoned land to what is needed,
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
discourage strip commercial and speculative rezoning.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -1-I: Restrict frontage residential development.
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -14 Redevelop/retrofit aging/abandoned industrial/commercial
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
sites as mixed use, pedestrian -oriented development.
Cooperation
Cooperation: Continuous
LU -1-K: Ensure development is sensitive of scenic resources.
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -2: Create, reinforce and respect a unique sense of place.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
LU -2-A: Adopt architectural design requirements.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -2-13: Implement site planning requirements.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -2-C: Establish landscaping and screening standards.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -2-D: Enhanced sign requirements.
Regulation
Immediate
LU -3: Maintain and enhance established character and sense of community of existing neighborhoods.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
LU -3-A: New development compatible with existing development.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
LU -3-13: Infill development takes advantage of existing
infrastructure.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
LU -3-C: Establish new and additional communication systems
between Town and neighborhoods regarding development.
Program
Medium
LU -3-D: Work with neighborhood groups to determine, preserve
important neighborhood characteristics.
Program
Open
LU -3-E: Private initiatives to maintain and improve neighborhoods.
Program
Open
LU -3-F: Work with adjacent communities to connect neighborhoods
sitting on municipal boundaries.
Cooperation
Continuous
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 77
LU -4: Require new neighborhoods to take the form of traditional neighborhood development (TND).
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
LU -4-A: Scale new neighborhoods around pedestrian sheds. Define
neighborhood edges.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-13: Variety of uses, densities and building types; more intensive
in neighborhood center.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-C: Mix of uses and recreation spaces to meet daily needs of
residents.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-D: Variety of housing types and price ranges for various
household types.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-E: Civic uses in prominent locations.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-F: Scale blocks for variety of building types, pedestrian traffic.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-G: Site similar buildings across from each other. Face
entrances towards public spaces.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-H: Sustainable practices such as light imprint development,
low impact development, alternative energy production in
neighborhood design.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -4-I: Neighborhood identification and branding programs.
Program
Medium
LU -5: Recognize the presence and character of the Town's large institutions in the planning process.
Goal/recommendation Action Priority
LU -5-A: Implement institutional zoning. Regulation (DC) High
LU -5-13: Ensure campus/institutional development plans conform to Cooperation Continuous
Town plan.
LU -6: Use contemporary tools that reflect best planning practice.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
LU -6-A: Adopt new zoning code, consider unified development
Regulation (DC)
High
code.
LU -6-13: Require form/transect-based zoning where appropriate.
Regulation (DC)
High
LU -6-C: Adopt new subdivision regulations, consider unified
Regulation (DC)
High
development code.
LU -6-1): Revise/amend development standards to reflect best
Regulation (DC)
High
planning practice.
LU -6-E: Simplified/more logical categorization of zoning districts,
Regulation (DC)
High
uses, siting standards.
LU -6-F: Plain English regulations, using tables, charts, and
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
illustrations where possible.
Decision
Decision: Continuous
LU -6-G: Review comprehensive plan regularly to ensure conformity
Program
Continuous
with best practice.
LU -6-H: Work with adjacent municipalities, other agencies regarding
Cooperation
Continuous
planning and development decisions.
78 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
4.2 Housing and neighborhoods (HN)
HN -1: Promote diverse, high quality, affordable and attractive neighborhoods.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
HN -1-A: Suitable land in appropriate locations to meet housing
needs.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
HN -1-B: Concentrate new housing development closer to city and
where public transit is available.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
HN -1-C: Locate senior housing close to services and transit.
Encourage housing that accommodate aging in place principles.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
HN-2: Encourage a balance of quality housing opportunities, including workforce housing.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
HN -2-A: Require percentage of, offer incentives for affordable
housing in new developments. Affordable housing should be
indistinguishable from market rate.
Regulation (DC)
Program
Regulation: High
Program: Medium
HN -2-B: Allow smaller lot sizes in zoning regulations.
Regulation (DC)
High
HN -2-C: Pursue mechanisms that would ensure long term supply of
affordable housing.
Regulation (DC)
Program
Regulation: High
Program: Medium
HN -2-D: Work with major employers for provision of workforce
housing near places of employment.
Cooperation
Program
Cooperation: Continuous
Program: Open
HN -2-E: Seek grants to fund affordable housing.
Program
Continuous
HN -2-F: Establish a housing trust fund to support affordable housing
projects to families at or below median income.
Program
Open
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 79
4.3 Natural resources (NR)
NR -1: Identify and target natural and environmental resources for preservation and protection.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -1-A: Inventory open/natural areas. Expand knowledge of
resources beyond land use and unique natural areas.
Project
Medium
NR -1-13: Establish criteria for classifying natural areas and habitat.
Project
Medium
NR -1-C: Update 1997 Park Plan to reflect new inventory of
open/natural areas.
Plan
Medium
NR -1-D: Identify/designate natural/scenic resources that warrant
Critical Environmental Area designation.
Project
High
NR -2: Protect open space with appropriate land use regulations and development strategies.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -2-A: Establish buffers between development activities and large
contiguous sensitive/protected areas.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
NR -2-13: Focus development in urbanizing areas to protect against
habitat fragmentation.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
NR -2-C: Timber harvesting regulations.
Regulation
Immediate
NR -2-D: Tree preservation regulations
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
NR -2-E: Protect Unique Natural Areas through development review
process, other mechanisms.
Decision
Continuous
NR -3: Acquire or assist in acquisition of open space in the Town.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -3-A: Partner with nature conservation groups.
Cooperation
Continuous
NR -3-13: Use funding mechanisms to acquire or preserve important
natural/open space.
Program
Medium
NR -3-C: Encourage conservation easements and donations.
Program
Medium
NR -4: Support private and intermunicipal efforts to protect wildlife and open space.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -4-A: Promote incentives like the Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program.
Program
Medium
NR -4-13: Collaborate on intermunicipal /regional efforts to develop
protection plans for expansive natural resource areas.
Cooperation
Continuous
NR -5: Support and engage in efforts to control invasive species.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -5-A: Remove invasive species following IPM. Develop
management plans. Plan for consequences of Ash Borer, other
insects.
Program
High
NR -5-13: Encourage use of native species in landscaping.
Regulation (DC)
High
NR -5-C: Educate residents about invasive species.
Program
High
80 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
NR -6: Protect water resources and seek to improve water quality.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -6-A: Low impact development and green infrastructure
Regulation (DC)
High
standards.
Program
Medium
NR -6-B: Support water -quality testing of major streams, Cayuga
Decision
Continuous
La ke.
Program
Medium
NR -6-C: Monitor regulations, policies, practices to ensure health of
Decision
Continuous
Cayuga Lake.
NR -6-D: Maintain ability to support a diverse ecosystem in Cayuga
Decision
Continuous
La ke.
NR -6-E: Acknowledge impaired water quality designation, improve
Decision
Continuous
water quality through policy making.
NR -6-F: Oppose treatment of industrial waste using waste water
Decision
Continuous
treatment plants.
NR -6-G: Support/participate in organizations protecting water
Cooperation
Continuous
quality.
NR -6-H: Wetland protection regulations, emphasis on areas not
Regulation
Medium
addressed by state or federal laws.
NR -6-I: Reevaluate policies/methods related to ditch
Decision
Continuous
maintenance/closing.
NR -7: Preserve scenic resources that contribute to the Town's unique character.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NR -7-A: Complete Scenic Resource Inventory and Analysis Report.
Plan
Immediate
NR -7-B: Purchase land, conservation easements to preserve critical
scenic resources.
Program
Medium
NR -7-C: Adopt development standards to protect scenic resources.
Regulation (DC)
High
NR -7-D: Promote scenic resources through signage, educational
programs.
Program
Medium
NR -8: Protect air resources and maintain air quality.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
NIR -8-A: Regulate outdoor wood burning.
Regulation (DC)
High
NIR -8-B: Regulate air quality impacts from industrial operations.
Regulation (DC)
High
NIR -8-C: Vehicle idling law.
Regulation
High
NR -9: Protect neighborhoods from noise pollution.
Goal/recommendation Action Priority
NR -9-A: Enforce noise regulations. Decision Continuous
NR -9-B: Performance/design standards to address noise pollution. Regulation (DC) High
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 81
4.4 Energy and climate protection (EQ
EC -1: Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into long-term planning.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -1-A: Institutionalize sustainability in Town operations.
Program
Open
EC -1-B: Conduct GHG inventories regularly.
Program
Continuous
EC -1-C: Implement Government Energy Action Plan (EAP). Update
on regular basis.
Plan
Continuous
EC -1-D: Develop and implement Community EAP. Establish
sustainability committee.
Plan
Continuous
EC -1-E: Maintain ICLEI membership.
Decision
Continuous
EC -2: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and infrastructure.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -2-A: Policy, regulations for energy use reduction in existing
Regulation
High
buildings.
Program
Open
EC -2-B: Require green building techniques and energy efficiency
Regulation
Medium
standards in new commercial buildings.
EC -2-C: Partner with organizations/businesses to support incentives
Cooperation
Continuous
and options for energy efficiency. .
EC -2-D: (Various municipal building/facility recommendations.)
Program
Program: open
Decision
Decision: continuous
EC -2-E: (Various streetlight recommendations.)
Program
Program: open
Decision
Decision: continuous
EC -3: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to treatment and distribution of water and
wastewater.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -3-A: (Various water/wastewater system recommendations.)
Program
Decision
Program: open
Decision: continuous
EC -3-B: Water pricing based on use.
Program
Open
EC -3-C: Water conservation education/outreach program,
regulations.
Program
Regulation
Medium
EC -4: Reduce energy consumption and GHG emission in transportation.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -3-A: Support programs to educate residents on efficient/clean
vehicles.
Cooperative
Continuous
EC -4-B: Municipal green fleet policy.
Program
Decision
Program: high
Decision: continuous
82 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
EC -5: Encourage and facilitate production and use of renewable energy.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -S-A: Adopt renewable energy goals.
Plan
High
EC -5-13: Revise regulations to facilitate renewable energy
production.
Regulation
Program
Regulation: high
Program: open
EC -5-C: Work in partnership to provide incentives for renewable
energy systems.
Cooperation
Continuous
EC -5-D: Partner with organizations/businesses to support programs
providing resources, information on renewable energy.
Cooperation
Continuous
EC -5-E: (Various recommendations regarding renewable energy
generation at Town facilities)
Program
Decision
Program: medium
Decision: continuous
EC -5-F: Consider REC purchase to offset GHGs related to Town
government operations. Encourage RECs for others.
Decision
Program
Decision: High
Program: open
EC -6: Reduce GHG emissions related to waste generation and purchasing.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -6-A: Waste reduction policy, compost program for municipal
Project
Project: open
operations.
Program
Program: open
EC -6-13: Partner with local organizations/businesses to support
Cooperation
Continuous
recycling/compost programs.
EC -6-C: Work with other municipalities to eliminate redundant
Cooperation
Continuous
recycling/composting programs.
EC -6-D: Sustainable purchasing policy for Town operations.
Project
Project: high
Encourage businesses to consider similar policies.
Program
Program: open
EC -7: Build a resilient community by preparing for and adapting to impacts of climate change.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
EC -7-A: County -wide climate adaptation plan in cooperation with
other municipalities and agencies.
Cooperation
Open
EC -7-13: Update policies to consider impacts of climate change on
infrastructure.
Decision
Open
EC -7-C: Plant shade trees.
Regulation (DC)
High
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 83
4.5 Agriculture (AG)
AG -1: Ensure long-term protection of agricultural land resources for agriculture, open space, and scenic resources.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
AG -1-A: Continue agricultural conservation easement program.
Program
Continuous
AG -1-13: Spatial and vegetative buffers between non-farm dwellings
in ag zone and agricultural activities.
Regulation (DC)
High
AG -1-C: Vegetative buffers on non-agricultural land to shield from
farming (dust, pesticides) .
Regulation (DC)
High
AG -1-1): Support Town Agricultural Committee.
Program
Continuous
AG -2: Retain and encourage a diversity of economically viable farm types.
Goal/recommendation Action Priority
AG -2-A: Review/revise regulations regarding agricultural structures. Regulation (DC) High
AG -2-13: Encourage shared farm infrastructure. Program Medium
AG -3: Promote availability of locally grown foods and other agricultural products for all residents including limited income
families.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
AG -3-A: Better accommodate farm stands, year-round farm
markets, greenhouses and value-added product operations.
Regulation (DC)
High
AG -3-13: Require community gardens in new development.
Regulation (DC)
High
AG -4: Encourage public understanding and involvement.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
AG -4-A: Support agricultural and gardening programs for youth.
Cooperation
Open
AG -4-13: Public awareness of vehicle traffic issues affecting farmers.
Program
Open
AG -4-C: Encourage household food production.
Regulation (DC)
Program
Regulation: High
Program: Open
AG -4-1): Awareness of right -to -farm law when building near/in ag
zones.
Program
High
AG -5: Promote wise land use and agricultural waste management.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
AG -S-A: Encourage relationships between farmers and resources
Cooperation
Open
such as Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water Conservation
District.
AG -6: Protect the environment and human and animal health from large concentrated animal feeding operations.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
AG -6-A: Lobby state/federal legislatures to allow towns to regulate
CAFOs through local ordinances.
Cooperation
Open
84 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
4.6 Recreation (RE)
RE -1: Provide an integrated, interconnected system of parks, recreational facilities, and open space throughout the Town.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
RE -1-A: Update 1997 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Plan
Medium
RE -1-13: Develop network of parks to serve current and future needs
of Town residents.
Program
Continuous
RE -1-C: Encourage public access to Cayuga Lake.
Decision
Continuous
RE -1-D: Consider maintenance costs when planning new parks,
trails or preserves.
Decision
Continuous
RE -1-E: Allow required park setasides to be met in a variety of ways.
Regulation (DC)
High
RE -1-F: Require new parks to be amassed into meaningful spaces,
functionally part of the public realm.
Regulation (DC)
High
RE -2: Provide recreational opportunities for all Town residents.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
RE -2-A: Recreational opportunities near residences and workplaces.
Regulation (DC)
High
RE -2-13: Recreational programs to residents.
Project
Open
RE -2-C: Intermunicipal cooperation and public-private partnerships
in providing recreational services.
Cooperation
Continuous
RE -2-D: Pursue grant opportunities.
Decision
Continuous
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 85
4.7 Historical resources (HR)
HR -1: Preserve, enhance and promote the Town's historical resources.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
HR -1-A: Develop a historic preservation program using the
Plan
Medium
inventory conducted by Historic Preservation Planning Workshop at
Cornell University and recommendations of the final report (2005).
HR -1-B: Ensure preservation of existing historical buildings and
Decision
Continuous
resources. Pursue grant opportunities.
HR -1-C: Local historic overlay district and ordinance.
Regulation
Medium
HR -1-D: Participate as a Certified Local Government under the
Cooperation
Medium
program of the NYS Office of Park, Recreation, and Historic
Preservation. Requires preservation ordinance.
HR -1-E: Coordinate protection of historic resources with
Cooperation
Continuous
preservation groups.
HR -1-F: Maintain historic markers.
Decision
Continuous
HR -1-G: Promote awareness of local history, including pre -European
Program
Open
period.
86 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
4.8 Transportation (TR)
TR -1: Develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that provides effective movement of people and goods.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -1-A: Develop transportation system that serves mobility
Decision
Continuous
interests of residents and businesses, considers through traffic.
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: high
TR -1-13: Base pedestrian/bike facilities on Bicycle and Pedestrian
Decision
Continuous
Corridor Maps of 2007.
Decision
Continuous
TR -1-C: Assume costs of construction/maintenance of bicycle and
Decision
Continuous
pedestrian facilities serving a population beyond adjacent
Decision
Continuous
neighborhoods.
TR -1-D: Work with other entities to improve ped/bike connections
Cooperation
Medium
in priority locations.
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: high
TR -1-E: Expand multiuse trails, work with ITCTC/county/others to
Cooperation
Open
expand countywide trail system.
Project
TR -1-F: Work with TCAT/major employers to develop a park -and-
Cooperation
Open
ride system.
Program
High
TR -1-G: Consider increasing funding to TCAT for adequate transit
Decision
Continuous
service levels.
Regulation
High
TR -1-H: Continue funding Gadabout.
Decision
Continuous
TR -1-I: Encourage carpooling/vanpooling/car sharing.
Program
Open
TR -1-J: Traffic demand strategies to reduce peak hour demand on
Program
Medium
roadway capacity.
TR -2: Develop and maintain transportation system that promotes livable, healthy and attractive neighborhoods.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -2-A: Control traffic speed through road design standards, traffic
Program
Program: open
calming, and street diets. Incorporate low -speed designs when
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: high
reconstructing roads.
TR -2-13: Streetscape beautification, human scale roadways, improve
Decision
Continuous
character of roads when rebuilding.
TR -2-C: Consider effects of traffic volume in new/existing
Decision
Continuous
neighborhoods.
TR -2-D: Context sensitive approach for road planning and design.
Decision
Decision: continuous
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: high
TR -2-E: Work with TCAT to minimize bus disruption in residential
Cooperation
Continuous
neighborhoods while maintaining adequate service.
TR -2-F: Minimize through truck traffic in residential neighborhoods.
Cooperation
Continuous
TR -2-G: Road networks in new developments to follow TND
Regulation (DC)
High
principles.
TR -2-H: Require traffic mitigation plans for large projects.
Regulation
High
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 87
TR -3: Provide a safe transportation system, and prioritize safety and security for all modes.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -3-A: Evaluate and improve intersections with poor sight
distance.
Program
Continuous
TR -3-B: Maintain vehicle crash database.
Program
Continuous
TR -3-C: Petition State/County for speed limit reductions in certain
areas.
Cooperation
Continuous
TR -3-D: Access management requirements that are compatible with
County and State standards.
Regulation (DC)
High
TR -4: Effectively maintain the transportation system.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -4-A: Sufficient funding to maintain transportation system.
Decision
Continuous
TR -4-B: Preserve/reserve current and future rights-of-way.
Decision
Continuous
TR -4-C: Require developers to dedicate ROW, construct portions of
proposed collector roads.
Regulation (DC)
Decision
Regulation: High
Decision: Continuous
TR -4-D: Update 2007 Transportation Plan.
Plan
Medium
TR -4-E: Update Official Highway map.
Project
Continuous
TR -4-F: Public Works flexibility to schedule road improvements/
maintenance.
Decision
Continuous
TR -5: Coordinate with other local and regional organizations to ensure a regionally coordinated transportation system.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -S-A: Explore intermunicipal sharing of facilities, labor,
Cooperation
Continuous
knowledge, expertise.
Regulation (DC)
High
TR -S -B: Support establishment of community/regional
Regulation (DC)
Regulation: High
pedestrian/bicycle facilities.
Program
Program: Medium
TR -6-E: Evaluate parking requirements to reduce excessive
pavement, other uses of paved areas.
Cooperation
Cooperation: Continuous
TR -S -C: Participate in ITCTC.
Cooperation
Continuous
TR -S -D: Support findings of t -GEIS, TIMS where appropriate.
Decision
Continuous
Cornell/Community Transportation Investment Initiative Program.
TR -6: Promote future development patterns that reduce vehicle dependency and encourage alternate modes of
transportation.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -6-A: Design streets using Complete Streets principles.
Regulation (DC)
High
TR -6-B: Neighborhood design that reduces automobile
dependence.
Regulation (DC)
High
TR -6-C: Interconnected sidewalk and trail system. Retrofit existing
streets with sidewalks, bicycle lanes.
Decision
Continuous
TR -6-D: Consider transportation impacts in land use decisions, vice
versa.
Decision
Continuous
TR -6-E: Evaluate parking requirements to reduce excessive
pavement, other uses of paved areas.
Regulation (DC)
High
TR -6-F: Ensure transit service for new development.
Cooperation
Continuous
88 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
TR -7: Protect the environment when planning any changes to the transportation system.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
TR -7-A: Consider environmental consequences of transportation
decisions.
Decision
Continuous
TR -7-13: Reduce vehicle dependence, trip
distance/duration/number.
Decision
Continuous
TR -7-C: Assess need for wildlife crossings.
Regulation
Decision
Regulation: open
Decision: continuous
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 89
4.9 Municipal services and infrastructure (MS)
MS -1: Provide quality infrastructure and services in a cost-effective and sustainable manner, meeting current and anticipated
needs.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
MS -1-A: Update Capital Improvement Plan.
Plan
Continuous
MS -1-B: Draft/adopt water and sewer master plan.
Plan
Medium
MS -1-C: Investigate shared municipal services with other
communities.
Cooperation
Continuous
MS -1-1): Seek/promote funding sources for infrastructure to offset
improvement and construction costs.
Decision
Continuous
MS -1-E: Joint projects with City, other communities concerning
water and wastewater treatment systems.
Cooperation
Continuous
MS -2: Maintain, assess, and repair/replace/retrofit/rehabilitate existing public infrastructure, facilities, equipment and
services.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
MS -2-A: Monitor/evaluate water distribution system.
Decision
Program
Decision: Continuous
Program: Medium
MS -2-B: Monitor wastewater collection system.
Decision
Continuous
MS -2-C: Preventative maintenance of Town infrastructure.
Decision
Continuous
MS -2-1): Annual pavement condition surveys of Town roads.
Program
Continuous
MS -3: Based on sustainable development principals that are consistent with the Plan, limit expansion of public infrastructure
and services.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
MS -3-A: Limit development of infrastructure to areas not
Decision
Continuous
designated for intensive development.
Medium
MS -4-C: Ensure maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure.
Public education about stormwater infrastructure.
MS -4: Ensure the capability of stormwater management facilities to provide reasonable protection to property and the
natural environment.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
MS -4-A: Implement the Town's Stormwater Management Plan.
Decision
Continuous
MS -4-B: Inventory of stormwater management facilities.
Program
Medium
MS -4-C: Ensure maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure.
Public education about stormwater infrastructure.
Program
Continuous
MS -4-1): Appropriate staffing to enforce stormwater management
laws.
Decision
Continuous
MS -4-E: Complete a townwide urban watershed model.
Project
Medium
MS -4-F: Policy for ownership of stormwater facilities.
Project
High
MS -4-G: Funding mechanism for stormwater management
program.
Project
Medium
90 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan
4.10 Community services (CS)
CS -1: Maintain and improve Town government's ability to serve its citizens.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
CS -1-A: Encourage inter -jurisdictional cooperation and
communication for providing services and continue mutually
beneficial shared services.
Cooperation
Continuous
CS -1-B: Keep residents informed on Town matters.
Program
Continuous
CS -1-C: Ensure officials are versed in the Comprehensive Plan.
Program
Continuous
CS -1-D: Support public libraries.
I Decision
I Continuous
CS -2: Ensure adequate fire protection, public safety and police services.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
CS -2-A: Explore options for increased police presence.
Project
Open
CS -2-B: Partner with law enforcement to enforce vehicle safety and
traffic laws.
Cooperation
Continuous
CS -2-C: Explore ways to reduce fire protection costs.
Project
High
CS -2-D: Update Town's Zoning Code to reflect fire code changes.
Regulation (DC)
High
CS -3: Integrate public school facilities planning with Town land use planning.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
CS -3-A: Work with Ithaca City school district to reserve land for
schools, site schools in conformance with this plan.
Cooperation
Continuous
CS -4: Minimize impact of solid waste on Town residents, businesses and the natural environment.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
CS -4-A: Coordinate with TCSWD for removal and management of
solid waste.
Cooperation
Continuous
CS -4-B: Explore option of a construction and demolition
recycling/reuse ordinance.
Regulation
Medium
CS -4-C: Promote use of the newly renovated Recycling and Solid
Waste Center; goals of diverting waste from landfills.
Program
High
Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 91
4.11 Economic development (ED)
ED -1: Promote a stable and diverse local economy.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
ED -1-A: Support continued vitality of existing employers.
Cooperation
Continuous
ED -1-13: Positive entrepreneurial environment for new and
expanding businesses.
Decision
Continuous
ED -1-C: Streamline development review, land use regulations.
Regulation (DC)
High
ED -1-1): Support workers in attaining fair labor practices.
Decision
Continuous
ED -1-E: Support major public and non-profit institutions.
Cooperation
Continuous
ED -1-F: Support artists, arts organizations.
Decision
Continuous
ED -1-G: Preference to local businesses for purchasing, contracting.
Decision
Continuous
ED -1-H: Improve communication among government agencies,
businesses, institutions.
Program
Open
ED -1-I: Support agriculture economic development, including a
strong agritourism industry.
Program
Open
ED -1-J: Support sustainable businesses rather than short-term
extractive industries.
Decision
Continuous
ED -2: Establish a cohesive and sustainable economic development policy for the Town of Ithaca.
Goal/recommendation
Action
Priority
ED -2-A: Long term investment strategy based on local competitive
Program
Medium
advantages, social equity, environment.
ED -2-13: Regional economic development strategy.
Cooperation
Continuous
ED -2-C: Engage with TCAD in cooperative efforts to develop
Cooperation
Continuous
incentives tailored to the Town's unique conditions.
ED -2-D: Work to reduce poverty by supporting efforts that provide
Decision
Continuous
worker training and business recruitment.
ED -2-E: Industry clusters drawing on local advantages.
Program
Open
ED -2-F: Evaluate ED programs based on long-term benefits, not
Decision
Continuous
short-term job or revenue gains.
ED -2-G: ED efforts equitable, promote vitality of industry sector, not
Decision
Continuous
focused on individual businesses.
ED -2-H: Support tax policies that encourage business development
Decision
Continuous
based on local assets, rather than shift funds from public to profit-
making entities.
ED -2-I: Provide funding to nonprofits contracting with the Town that
Decision
Continuous
encourages agencies to pay their staff a living wage.
ED -2-J: Pursue financial support from local tax-exempt institutions.
Cooperation
Continuous
92 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan