HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 2023-04-20 Town of Ithaca Planning Committee
Thursday, April 20, 2023
(3:00 PM Aurora Conference Room and on Zoom)
Minutes
Committee members: Rich DePaolo, Chair; Rod Howe; Margaret Johnson.
Board/Staff members: Director of Planning C.J. Randall; Town Civil Engineer Justin McNeal;
Director of Code Enforcement Marty Moseley.
Guests: Noah Demarest (via Zoom), Architect, representing Vicky Wu (in person).
1. Persons to be heard: None
2. Committee announcements and concerns: None
3. Approval of March meeting minutes: Rich moved; Rod seconded. The March 16, 2023,
minutes were approved with non-substantive changes to be sent to Abby to incorporate.
4. Limited Historic Commercial Overlay District request-130 Forest Home Dr. Vicky Wu
was in person as the committee reviewed the revised request for Limited Historic Commercial
zoning designation for 130 Forest Home Drive. Noah Demarest, Architect,joined the discussion
later on via Zoom. Noah met with the Director of Codes after the last planning committee
meeting, clarifications were made to the language and a new draft document was provided for
consideration. The document listed that"no major deficiencies exist, and no significant or
structural activities are necessary at this time aside from the need to verify the structural
integrity of the fire escape". A checklist was added for the Biennial inspections listing
restoration/repair of known other deficiencies, whom it would be approved by, notes, and a
pass/fail column. Three items were listed under restoration and six areas were listed for long
term maintenance. There was a consent form authorizing Town access to the property for the
inspections and it was discussed that there may be circumstances where more frequent
inspections occur, and modifications may be made to the checklist/schedule as repairs are made.
The committee discussed the possible need for timeframes to remedy any deficiencies in the
preservation plan,but ultimately it was agreed that the language in the law itself identifies non-
compliance provisions and the timeline of 60 days from the date of the letter from codes to
initiate the corrective action and subsequent language thereafter.
Rich asked the next steps for the preservation plan and Marty confirmed the town board is the
next step to approve the preservation plan.
Rich moved to recommend the 130 Forest Home Drive Limited Historic zoning designation
request be forwarded to the town board for review with recommendation for approval. Margaret
seconded the motion, all members voted in favor. May 81hwas noted as the next full town board
meeting.
5. Discussion: 2007 Transportation Plan and 2014 Comprehensive Plan Transportation
implementation review. A document was prepared by Senior Planner Dan Tasman that listed
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the goals and recommendations (action/priority) from both plans with the status marked as
implemented,partial or little/no action taken. C.J. began by summarizing the document as a look
back or audit of the 2007 Transportation Plan and the 2014 Comp plan.
She noted the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) comprehensive safety action plan project will
encompass all roads within the jurisdictions for a complete streets' framework to elevate multi
modal transportation. The good current working relationship with Town Public Works and
County Highway was also noted as a recommendation in the Town Transportation Plan under the
street network section. She explained the SS4A consultant selection process and 18-month
contract timeframe for the project once it's awarded(late summer/early fall, 2023). The City of
Ithaca is taking the lead on this comprehensive multi jurisdictional project. Under"street
design", the concern and need for town road design/profile specifications was brought up. The
timing of the needed implementation of the Town Complete Streets policy (resolution passed in
2015)was noted as the potential place to begin developing these specifications with engineering
and public works departments for implementation locally. Rich made note that the costs
associated with the implementation of the town complete streets policy and new local road
designs should be clear up front also (C.J. followed up that this would be added into the RFP, to
provide the cost information associated).
The City of Ithaca's draft workplan was shared with the committee with a discussion on design
projects as a point to focus on potential town applications being cooperative and competitive as
well as keeping departments aware of upcoming city plans.
Rod asked if the timing of the SS4A and staff involvement would take precedent over the initial
plan to form an ad hoc committee to re-visit the 2007 Transportation plan. C.J. stated the/an ad
hoc committee could be a beneficial participant in the SS4A project. Margaret, Joe and Dan were
mentioned as possible staff and board members to be included. The intent is for it all to flow
together for ideal continuity.
The discussion concluded with the committee consensus to review the 2007 Transportation Plan
goals as a committee. Brief review shows longevity to the original language and possibly not
needing to form an ad hoc committee for reviewing the goals at this point. During initial review
under street network, the no action status was questioned as there are road and zoning "official"
maps that are updated as changes are made. It was noted that a thoroughfare road or maybe
connector road is not shown on the official map. Marty noted that no potential or future roads are
typically shown on official maps. Upon discussion, it appears the town has an "official map" that
was done in 2020 that showed all existing roads at the time as well as an "official"Zoning map
that was most recently updated in January 2022. C.J. explained the "SEQR" map concept under
the general transportation system section. Rich noted in the context sensitive design section,
reference should be made to NYSDOT highway design manual. An error in the TCAT funding
section was pointed out, the funding is determined by the town board not the budget committee.
C.J. added that while reviewing the 2007 plan goals, discrete projects should be applied, funding
opportunities should be considered and scopes for each while concurrently informing the SS4A
project plan. She stated a table form for this information would be another piece of the project.
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An informal visual was shown with the big picture of all of the transportation components as
another way to help explain the broad vision.
Staff time and support were discussed. Engineering would like to focus (when time and staff are
available) on updating the road specs, water and sewer as well as stormwater regulations.
Planning would like to devote time to this as well as funds to hire a consultant with specialties in
the areas to assist in the process. Other transportation/pedestrian priority projects were
mentioned such as E. Shore Dr., sidewalk near the Hospital, Gateway trail connector and Judd
Falls Rd.
6. Staff updates and reports: C.J. reported there has been no new information from RaNic on
the proposed PDZ or the Strawberry Hill next phase development. The planning department is
working through a GEIS process for the South Hill TND area. SouthWorks has expressed the
intent to begin moving forward with the town portion of their property for new development on a
vacant part of land. Information will be shared as it comes in. C.J. also noted that the owner of
Hayt's Chapel has been in contact with the Codes Director regarding their intent to pursue the
Limited Historic Commercial Zoning. Marty followed up that the owner is also working with an
historic preservation organization(Historic Ithaca) also for resources needed.
7. Next meeting date and upcoming agenda items: May 18th, 2023. Detailed review 2007
Transportation Goal,possibly the most greenhouse gas reducing, one to keep most in line with
Safe Streets 4 All or one with the highest priority,possibly street design. All of the goals were in
the document provided to the committee. Rod added that the implementation plan for the
Community Choice Aggregation program (CCA) will be coming to the Planning Committee
prior to the Town Board also in the future (May or June).
The Town of Ithaca Planning Committee meeting concluded at 4:40 pm.
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