HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2022-05-17 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
Shirley A. Raffensperger Board Room,Town Hall
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca,New York 14850
Tuesday,May 17, 2022
Due to COVID-19 and the NYS Legislation allowing virtual meetings(Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 signed by
Governor Hochul on 4/9/22),the meeting will be held via the Zoom audio/visual application with no in-person
attendance permitted. Members of the public may listen to (call in on cell or landline: (929)436-2866 and enter the
Meeting ID: 836 4376 4382) or view(by computer go to https://us06web.zoom.us/i/83643764382)the Board meeting
through Zoom.
If the public would like to attend the meeting for viewing purposes only,it is recommended to watch the livestream
video on YouTube(httt)s://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9vvcXkJ6klVlibihCv7No /Iive .
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. SEQR Determination: 2-Lot Subdivision, 509 Coddington Road.
7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 509 Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 51.-1-1,Low Density
Residential Zone and Conservation Zone.The proposal involves subdividing a 96+/- acre property into two
lots consisting of. Parcel A,a 17+/-acre lot(509 Coddington Road)that contains an existing residence, and
Parcel B, a 78+/- acre vacant lot. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act and is subject to environmental review. Raymond Terepka and Nancy Stewart, Owners/Applicants.
7:15 P.M. SEQR Determination: 2-Lot Subdivision, 521 Sheffield Road.
7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 521 Sheffield Road,Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,Agricultural Zone. The
proposal involves subdividing off an 86+/- acre vacant lot for sale to a local farmer. The balance of the land
and buildings will remain with GENEX Cooperative Minnesota.This is an Unlisted Action under the State
Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. GENEX Cooperative Minnesota,
Owner/Applicant; Joe Allen,Allen&Manes,Agent.
5. Persons to be heard.
6. Approval of Minutes: (none available)
7. Other Business.
8. Adjournment.
Susan Ritter
Director of Planning
607-273-1747
NOTE:IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND,PLEASE NOTIFY
CHRIS BALESTRA AT 607-273-1747 or CBALESTRA((-i),TOWN.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(http://www.town.ithaca.nv.us/meeting-agendas).
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on Tuesday,May 17,2022,at the following times and on the
following matters:
7:00 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 509 Coddington Road,Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 51.-1-1,Low
Density Residential Zone and Conservation Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 96
+/- acre property into two lots consisting of. Parcel A, a 17+/- acre lot (509 Coddington
Road)that contains an existing residence, and Parcel B, a 78+/- acre vacant lot. This is an
Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to
environmental review. Raymond Terepka and Nancy Stewart, Owners/Applicants.
7:15 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 521 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,
Agricultural Zone. The proposal involves subdividing off an 86+/-acre vacant lot for sale
to a local farmer. The balance of the land and buildings will remain with GENEX
Cooperative Minnesota. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality
Review Act and is subject to environmental review. GENEX Cooperative Minnesota,
Owner/Applicant; Joe Allen,Allen&Maines,Agent.
Due to COVID-19 and the NYS Legislation allowing virtual meetings(Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 signed
by Governor Hochul on 4/9/22), the meeting will be held via the Zoom audio/visual application with no in-
person attendance permitted. Members of the public may listen to(call in on cell or landline: (929)436-2866
and enter the Meeting ID: 836 4376 4382) or view (by computer go to
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382)the Board meeting through Zoom. If the public would like to attend
the meeting for viewing purposes only, it is recommended to watch the livestream video on YouTube
(https://www.youtube.coin/channel/UCC9yycXkJ6klVlibjhCy7NQ/live).
Any person wishing to address the board will be heard. In addition, comments can be sent via email to
townclerkLa)town.ithaca.ny.us up to the end of business the day of the meeting and all comments will be
forwarded to the board. Additional information is available at www.town.ithaca.ny.us.
Susan Ritter,Director of Planning
TOWN OF ITHACA
............... NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
215 N.Tioga St 14850
607,273.1747
'WV
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY MAIL AND POSTING & PUBLICATION
STATE OF NEW YORK ) SS.:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
1, Abby Homer, Administrative Assistant for the Town of Ithaca being duly sworn, depose and say, that
deponent is not a party to the actions, is over 21 years of age with a professional address of 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, New York.
That on the 9th day of May 2022,deponent served the within Notice upon the property owners within 500
ft. of the properties and projects identified below for:
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot subdivision located at 509
Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 5 L-1-1, Low Density Residential Zone, and Conservation
Zone
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot subdivision located at 521
Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1, Agricultural Zone.
By depositing same enclosed in a postpaid addressed wrapper, in a post office tinder the exclusive care and
custody of the United States Post Office Department within the State of New York, and that the attached notice
has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca on May 9, 2022, and the notice
has been duly published in the official newspaper, Ithaca Journal on May I 11h, 2022.
Abby Horace Administrative Assistant
Sworn to before me on t. , 2022.
Notary Public
BECKY L.JORDAN
NOTARY PUBLIC,STATE OF NEW YORK
Registration No.01 J06186381
Qualified in Tompkins County
Commission Expires APRIL 28,205?iY
MEETING OF THE TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
May 17, 2022
PRESENT: Fred Wilcox, Vice Chair; Members Greg Lindquist, Cindy Kaufman, Yvonne
Fogarty, Bill Arms and Liz Bageant Absent: Ariel Casper and Liebe Meier Swain
Marty Moseley, Codes; Chris Balestra, Planning; Susan Brock, Counsel; David O'Shea,
Engineering; and Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
Item 1 Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 509 Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 51.-1-1, Low
Density Residential Zone, and Conservation Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 96+/-
acre property into two lots consisting of: Parcel A, a 17+/- acre lot (509 Coddington Road)
that contains an existing residence, and Parcel B, a 78+/- acre vacant lot. This is an Unlisted
Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental
review. Raymond Terepka and Nancy Stewart,Owners/Applicants.
Mr. Terepka and Ms. Stewart spoke, saying they would like to subdivide their parcel to build
a small house to retire in and sell the current parcel with the existing home. They want to
minimize the impact on the land and viewshed and plan to tuck their new house in the corner.
There were no questions from the board.
SEQR DETERMINATION
PB Resolution 2022 -018: SEQR Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
Terepka-Stewart 2-Lot Subdivision
509 Coddington Road, TP 51.-1-1
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 509 Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 51.-1-1, Low
Density Residential Zone, and Conservation Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 96
+/- acre property into two lots consisting of. Parcel A, a 17+/- acre lot (509 Coddington
Road) that contains an existing residence, and Parcel B, a 78+/- acre vacant lot. This is an
Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to
environmental review. Raymond Terepka and Nancy Stewart, Owners/Applicants;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the lead agency in
the environmental review with respect to the project;
3. The Planning Board on May 17, 2022, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, a
subdivision plat titled "Survey Map No. 509 Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 1
County,New York,"prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., dated 3/23/2022, and other application
materials; and
4. Town planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
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
action as proposed,based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in
the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Greg Lindquist Seconded: Cindy Kaufman
Vote: ayes—Lindquist, Kaufman, Wilcox, Fogarty, Bageant and Arms
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:06; there was no one wishing to address the board
and the hearing was closed.
DETERMINATION
Mr. Terepka noted that the majority of the land on the parcel they are retaining is under a
Forever Wild contract with the Finger Lakes Land Trust they entered into years ago.
Ms. Brock explained the notations on the survey associated with the East Hill Recreation Way.
PB Resolution 2022-019: Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
Terepka-Stewart 2-Lot Subdivision
509 Coddington Road, TP 51.-1-1
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-
lot subdivision located at 509 Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 51.-1-1,
Low Density Residential Zone, and Conservation Zone. The proposal involves
subdividing a 96 +/- acre property into two lots consisting of. Parcel A, a 17+/- acre lot
(509 Coddington Road) that contains an existing residence, and Parcel B, a 78+/- acre
vacant lot. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act
and is subject to environmental review. Raymond Terepka and Nancy Stewart,
Owners/Applicants;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as lead agency
in the environmental review with respect to the project, has on May 17, 2022, made a
negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 2
accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the
applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by the Town Planning staff,
3. The Planning Board on May 17, 2022,has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative,
a subdivision plat titled"Survey Map No. 509 Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County,New York,"prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., dated 3/23/2022, and other
application materials; now, therefore, be it
Resolved:
1. That the Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final
Subdivision Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Subdivision Checklists,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver would result in a
significant alteration of neither the purpose of subdivision control nor the policies
enunciated or implied by the Town Board; and
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary& Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed Terepka-Stewart 2-Lot Subdivision, as shown on the plans noted in Whereas #3
above, subject to the following condition:
a. Filing of the approved plat with the Tompkins County Clerk Office, and submission
of a copy of the receipt of filing to the Planning Department.
Moved: Yvonne Fogarty Seconded: Greg Lindquist
Vote: ayes—Lindquist, Kaufman, Wilcox, Fogarty, Bageant and Arms
Item 2 Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed
2-lot subdivision located at 521 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,
Agricultural Zone. The proposal involves subdividing off an 86 +/- acre vacant lot for sale to
a local farmer. The balance of the land and buildings will remain with GENEX Cooperative
Minnesota. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and
is subject to environmental review. GENEX Cooperative Minnesota, Owner/Applicant; Joe
Allen, Allen & Maines, Agent.
Mr. Allen explained the subdivision is due to the sale of the GENEX property(s), which have
been being subdivided and sold, and some are going to remain in farming uses, and others it is
unknown, but at this point, we expect it to remain in farming
SEQR
Ms. Fogarty had concerns about the existing structures and who would be maintaining them
and she asked about the future owner(s) of the parcels.
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 3
Mr. Allen responded that the parcel with the buildings is being remarketed and it would be
speculation to comment, but the executives at GENEX are still responsible for their
maintenance.
Ms. Fogarty remained concerned, noting that people can get into the buildings and she is
concerned about their deterioration.
Mr. Allen responded that it would not be in the sellers' best interests to let the buildings
deteriorate.
Ms. Fogarty noted that the Agricultural Data Statement where it asks about intentions, it is
blank at 5 years and at 10 years it says, "proposed to market."
Mr. Allen responded that it isn't known how long it will take to market the property,but he
didn't expect it to take too long,but answered in the later period slot to cover both.
Ms. Fogarty turned to #12, which indicated altering existing drainage patterns, and an
accompanying letter from Mr. Irish who has been and intends to continue farming the parcel.
Mr. Allen responded that he is not representing Mr. Irish and simply attempted to answer the
question as openly as possible.
Ms. Fogarty felt the Ag Data Sheet was important and was not filled out correctly and in
combination with her concerns about maintenance, she would like some kind of assurances
the property will be maintained.
Mr. Wilcox spoke, saying this is a common problem the Board has when doing subdivisions.
The subdivision itself will not change existing drainage patterns; the farmer who may buy it
will,but not the action of the subdivision of the parcel. The subdivision is the project under
Planning Board review.
Ms. Brock stated that in some instances the Board is told what is going to happen after the
subdivision and they can take that into consideration during approval but in other cases, it is
simply lines on a survey map. In this case, the lines are slightly odd because the farmer wants
to have the existing drainage on his parcel.
Ms. Fogarty responded that only Mr. Holmes can give the answers then.
Mr. Allen said the owner is GENEX and they are filling out the form as a subdivision project.
They cannot speak for Mr. Holmes or what he may or may not do. The question is whether
the use is satisfactory after the subdivision.
Ms. Balestra added that the purpose of the Ag Data Sheet is to assist in evaluating the impacts
of proposed development projects on farm operations in ag districts. There is no development
project proposed for this subdivision and the use will remain agriculture on both properties.
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 4
Mr. Lindquist added that in regard to maintenance of the buildings, Code Enforcement can
assist in making sure they are compliant with any requirements of the Town.
Some discussion followed on access to the parcels, and it was noted that there is a curb cut
process in place with the Town and County.
Minor change to the SEQR form was made.
PB Resolution 2022-020: SEQR Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
GENEX-Holmes Subdivision
521 Sheffield Road, TP 24.-5-1
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-
lot subdivision located at 521 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,
Agricultural Zone. The proposal involves subdividing off an 86 +/- acre vacant lot for
sale to a local farmer. The balance of the land and buildings will remain with GENEX
Cooperative Minnesota. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental
Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. GENEX Cooperative
Minnesota, Owner/Applicant; Joe Allen, Allen& Maines, Agent;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the lead
agency in the environmental review with respect to the project;
3. The Planning Board on May 17, 2022,has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative,
a subdivision plat titled"Subdivision Map Lands of New York Artificial Breeders Co-
Operative Inc., Known as Genex Cooperative Minnesota, Being Part of Military Lot No.
48, Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Part of Tax Map No. 24.-5-
1, Part of Referenced Deed: L.301/P.98, Also See Corp. Amendment Instrument No.
2020-00368,"prepared by Reagan Land Surveying, dated November 19, 2021, and other
application materials; and
4. Town planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval; now therefore be it
Resolved:
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of 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 action as
proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF
Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Fred Wilcox Seconded: Greg Lindquist
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 5
Vote: ayes—Lindquist, Kaufman, Wilcox, Fogarty, Bageant and Arms
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:41p.m.; there was no one wishing to address the
Board and the hearing was closed.
DETERMINATION
Ms. Fogarty again asked about a condition regarding maintenance.
Discussion followed with Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Lindquist noting that it is not within the
Board's purview to make that type of condition on this type of action and Ms. Brock adding
that the Town has an unsafe building provision and property maintenance sections in the
Code.
PB Resolution 2022 -021: Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
GENEX-Holmes Subdivision
521 Sheffield Road, TP 24.-5-1
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-
lot subdivision located at 521 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,
Agricultural Zone. The proposal involves subdividing off an 86 +/- acre vacant lot for
sale to a local farmer. The balance of the land and buildings will remain with GENEX
Cooperative Minnesota. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental
Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. GENEX Cooperative
Minnesota, Owner/Applicant; Joe Allen, Allen& Maines, Agent;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as lead agency
in the environmental review with respect to the project, has on May 17, 2022, made a
negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and
accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the
applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by the Town Planning staff,
3. The Planning Board on May 17, 2022,has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative,
a subdivision plat titled"Subdivision Map Lands of New York Artificial Breeders Co-
Operative Inc.,Now Known as Genex Cooperative Minnesota, Being Part of Military Lot
No. 48, Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Part of Tax Map No.
24.-5-1, Part of Referenced Deed: L.301/P.98, Also See Corp. Amendment Instrument
No. 2020-00368,"prepared by Reagan Land Surveying, dated November 19, 2021, and
other application materials; now, therefore be it
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/21) Pg. 6
Resolved:
I. That the Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final
Subdivision Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Subdivision Checklists,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in a
significant alteration of neither the purpose of subdivision control nor the policies
enunciated or implied by the Town Board; and
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed GENEX-Holmes Subdivision, as shown on the plans noted in Whereas #3
above, subject to the following conditions:
a. Revision of the subdivision map to show the existing GENEX buildings, structures,
parking lot, and other existing site elements; and
b. Submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an original and
three dark lined prints of the approved, revised final subdivision plat, prior to filing
with the Tompkins County Clerk Office; and submission of a copy of the receipt of
filing to the Planning Department.
Moved: Cindy Kaufman Seconded: Liz Bageant
Vote: ayes , Lindquist, Kaufman, Wilcox, Bageant and Arms Abstention: Fogarty
Item 3 Approval of Minutes
Approval of minutes submitted with non-substantive changes made and those absent at each
abstaining; unanimous.
Item 4 Person To be Heard -None
Item 5 Other Business
Mr. Balestra reviewed upcoming actions.
Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Fogarty, seconded by Mr. Lindquist at 8:00p.m.; unanimous.
Submitt y 7
Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
PB 2022-05-17 (Filed 6/2 1) Pg. 7