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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2023-05-16 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Shirley A.Raffensperger Board Room,Town Hall 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca,New York 14850 Tuesday,May 16,2023 7:00 P.M. Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom. The public will have an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments in-person or through Zoom at httus://us06web.zoom.us/i/83643764382. If the public would like to attend the meeting for viewing purposes only,it is recommended to watch the livestream video on YouTube (httys://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9vvcXkJ6klVlibi hCv7NQ/live). AGENDA 1. SEQR Determination: Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium Redevelopment Project, 127 Conservatory Drive. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: The proposal is the consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed improvements to the Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium,located on the Ithaca College campus at 127 Conservatory Drive. The project involves removing the existing running track,replacing the existing natural grass athletic field with synthetic turf, installing four stadium light poles, and other improvements. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. Ithaca College, Owner; Steve Dayton,Director for Facilities Planning,Design, and Construction at Ithaca College,Applicant;Mabel Gutliph,Clark Companies,Agent. 3. Consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Comfort Inn Hotel located at 635 Elmira Road,Neighborhood Commercial Zone and Inlet Valley Overlay District_ The proposal involves demolishing the existing structures to allow the construction of a 3-story, 37,000+/- square foot hotel. The facility will include 70 hotel rooms, 70 parking spaces, stormwater facilities,outdoor lighting,and landscaping. The Planning Board granted final site plan approval for this project on March 7,2017, but the approval expired because construction did not materially commence within 36 months of the approval. This is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and will require a coordinated environmental review of all actions. The Planning Board will consider declaring lead agency in the environmental review. Pratik Ahir,Ramji Hospitality,LLC,Owner/Applicant; Adam M. Fishel,PE,Marathon Engineering,Agent. 4. Consider a recommendation to the Town Board regarding proposed amendments to Town Code,Chapter 270,Article XXVI, §270-219.1 Solar energy systems. 5. Persons to be heard. 6. Approval of Minutes: December 20, 2022 and February 21, 2023 7. Other Business. 8. Adjourmnent. C.J. Randall Director of Planning 607-273-1747 NOTE:1F ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND,PLEASE NOTIFY CIIRIS BALESTRA AT 607-273-1747 or CBALESTRA(a),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 at https://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/meeting-calendar-agendas/under the calendar meeting date. TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YO R K DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING 215 N.Tioga St 14850 607.273.1747 www.town.ithaca-ny.us AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY MAIL AND POSTING & PUBLICATION STATE OF NEW YORK ) SS.: COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) I, 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 2023,deponent served the within Notice upon the property owners within 500 ft. of the properties and projects identified below for: The consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed improvements to the Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium, located on the Ithaca College campus at 127 Conservatory Drive. The project involves removing the existing running track, replacing the existing natural grass athleticf eld with synthetic turf, installingfour stadium light poles, and other improvements. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. Ithaca College, Owner, Steve Dayton, Director for Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction at Ithaca College, Applicant;Mabel Guiliph, Clark Companies, Agent. By depositing same enclosed in a postpaid addressed wrapper, in a post office under 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, 2023, and the notice has been duly published in the official newspaper, Ithaca Journal on May 10, 2023. .46-t'j an�r Abby Ho er, Administrative Assistant Sworn to before me on "O j O 12023. Notary Public ASHLEY COLBERT Notary Public, State of New York No.01 C 06419580 Qualified in Tompkins County Commission Expires July 12,2025 ithacajournal Public Notice Originally published at ithacajournal.com on 05/10/2023 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 7:00 P.M.on the following matter: The proposal is the consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed improvements to the Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium, located on the Ithaca College campus at 127 Conservatory Drive.The project involves removing the existing running track, replacing the existing natural grass athletic field with synthetic turf, installing four stadium light poles, and other improvements.This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. Ithaca College, Owner; Steve Dayton, Director for Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction at Ithaca College,Applicant; Mabel Gutliph, Clark Companies,Agent. Members of the public are welcome to attend in- person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom.The public will have an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments in-person or through Zoom at https://usO6web.zoom.us/i/83643764382. 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.com/channel/UCC9vycXkJ6klVlibjhCy7NQ/live). Any person wishing to address the board will be heard. In addition, comments can be sent via email to townclerk@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. C.J. Randall, Director of Planning 5/10/23 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD May 16, 2023 MINUTES Present: Greg Lindquist, Chair; Members Cindy Kaufman, Bill Arms, Liz Bageant, Caitlin Cameron, and Ariel Casper Absent: Fred Wilcox CJ Randall & Chris Balestra, Planning; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk; Marty Moseley, Code Enforcement; David O'Shea& Justin McNeal, Engineering; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town Mr. Lindquist opened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Agenda Item 1 Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed improvements to the Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium, located on the Ithaca College campus at 127 Conservatory Drive. The project involves removing the existing running track, replacing the existing natural grass athletic field with synthetic turf, installing four stadium light poles, and other improvements. Ithaca College, Owner; Steve Dayton, Director for Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction at Ithaca College, Applicant; Mabel Gutliph, Clark Companies, Agent. Presentation Rob Champlain, Clark Companies, gave an overview presentation of the project and provided a sample of the turf. Nathan Lindsay, Musco representative, went into detail on the lighting and how far the technology has come it has, especially in its ability to direct light precisely without light spillage when the height of the poles is increased. Discussion Mr. Lindquist asked the applicants to show the slides from the Zoning Board of Appeals presentation that illustrates the limited light pollution of the proposed lighting and secondly, to address the concerns regarding the artificial turf submitted by the Conservation Board. Mr. Champlain went into detail regarding recent NYS Department of Health and the Cancer Association studies on the effects of artificial turf that show no increase in cancers, the most common claim,when a study of soccer players at the University of Washington School of Public Health as well as the health risks of heat exhaustion, which the Health officials say could be a factor, but should be addressed by better hydration and shaded areas. Heat issues are not an issue in this zone as they are in more southern climates. PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 1 There were also studies done that found no consistent difference in injury rates between natural and chrome rubber or infield synthetic turf. Mr. Lindsay went through the detailed slides of the lighting and improved light spillage controls and energy consumption. Ms. Kaufman asked about the maintenance aspect of an artificial field and how often the current field gets to muddy to play on. Mr. Champlain responded that the sand and rubber is the padding and that is maintained by brushing it back into place and smooth by a roller/brush type machine and you brush it back to level and then you test the field for any hard spots that may develop and use a different type of brush to essentially fluff it back up. It's actually very similar to the maintenance of a grass field. The Ithaca College representative addressed the ability to use the field and said that currently the football team is the only team allowed to use it and there were 22 times last year when practices had to be moved due to wetness or it had to be tarped in an effort to be able to use it shortly after a rainfall. In the future, more sports teams will be able to use the field. Ms. Cameron asked if parking was a concern if the field usage is increasing. IC Representative responded that there are not sports teams that will attract more than the football games and many of the attendees, if not the majority, are on campus already. Ms. McGurk asked about any hours of operation limitations, especially given the lighting. Mr. Champlain responded that most games are held in the evening to encourage attendance,but this system will enable the lights to be turned off, and on for that matter, by whomever is authorized to use the system and it can be done by an application on your smart phone. Mr. Arms asked if the question regarding the use of artificial turf is in the Planning Boards purview to discuss or consider in this action. Ms. Brock responded that it is,under the SEQR process and impacts that might be reasonably expected and one criteria is the impact to human health. Ms. McGurk asked about the longevity of an artificial field. Mr. Champlain responded that it would last about 12-15 years in this climate or region and the company recycles it with the goal of 100%non-landfill by 2025. SEQR Determination The Board reviewed the SEQR form and made minor changes. PB Resolution 2023 - 010 SEQR PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 2 Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium Redevelopment 127 Conservatory Drive Tax Parcel 41.-1-30.2 Whereas: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed improvements to the Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium, located on the Ithaca College campus at 127 Conservatory Drive. The project involves removing the existing running track, replacing the existing natural grass athletic field with synthetic turf, installing four stadium light poles, and other improvements. Ithaca College, Owner; Steve Dayton, Director for Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction at Ithaca College,Applicant; Mabel Gutliph, Clark Companies, Agent; 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting in an uncoordinated environmental review with respect to the project; 3. The Planning Board, on May 16, 2023, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, a set of drawings titled"Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca,NY, 14850, Butterfield Stadium, January 23, 2023,"prepared by Clark Companies and Catella Engineering, a set of lighting plans and specification sheets provided by Musco Lighting, dated 22 Mar 2023, a visual assessment prepared by the applicant, dated February 2023, and other application materials; and 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval and Special Permit; now therefore be it Resolved: That the 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 actions 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, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. Moved: Cindy Kaufman Seconded: Bill Arms Vote: ayes—Kaufman, Bageant, Casper, Lindquist, Arms, Cameron, and McGurk Public Hearing Brian Eden addressed the Board and read a prepared statement. (Attachment 1) There was no one else wishing to address the Board and the hearing was closed. PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 3 Determination The Board added a reference to the Zoning Board of Appeals conditions on the 4 light poles from May 15, 2023. PB Resolution 2023 — 011 Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium Redevelopment 127 Conservatory Drive, Tax Parcel 41.4-30.2 Whereas: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed improvements to the Ithaca College Butterfield Stadium, located on the Ithaca College campus at 127 Conservatory Drive. The project involves removing the existing running track, replacing the existing natural grass athletic field with synthetic turf, installing four stadium light poles, and other improvements. Ithaca College, Owner; Steve Dayton, Director for Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction at Ithaca College,Applicant; Mabel Gutliph, Clark Companies, Agent; 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting in an uncoordinated environmental review with respect to the project, has, on May 16, 2023, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after reviewing and accepting as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff; 3. The Planning Board, on May 16, 2023, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, a set of drawings titled"Ithaca College, 953 Danby Road, Ithaca,NY, 14850, Butterfield Stadium, January 23, 2023,"prepared by Clark Companies and Catella Engineering, a set of lighting plans and specification sheets provided by Musco Lighting, dated 22 Mar 2023, a visual assessment prepared by the applicant, dated February 2023, 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 stadium exists and is not being expanded. The site's physical characteristics will not change, apart from adding 4 light poles and modifying the athletic field inside the stadium. B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area. PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 4 • There are no proposed structures other than the four light poles that are associated with the project. The site layout will not change. 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 zone. • The athletic field use will be expanded with this project. The applicant indicates the desire to host large-scale gatherings and additional sports competitions at the stadium. This may result in more illumination and noise than typically experienced at Butterfield Stadium. The condition imposed by the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 15, 2023 regarding illumination and the use of cutoff lights will mitigate any offsite impacts of the lighting proposed. 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. • All community infrastructure and services are of adequate capacity to accommodate the 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. • There are no changes to existing vehicular,bicycle,pedestrian access, traffic circulation, and parking and loading facilities. All accessways have been safely designed 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. • There is no tree and vegetation loss associated with the project. There is no need for additional landscaping or buffering. 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 waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in a significant alteration of neither the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board; and PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 5 2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Butterfield Stadium Redevelopment Project, located at 127 Conservatory Drive, as shown on the submitted plans referenced in Whereas number 3 above. Moved: Liz Bageant Seconded: Caitlin Cameron Vote: ayes—Bageant, Lindquist, Kaufman, Arms, Cameron, and Kaufman nays—Casper Item 2 Sketch plan for the proposed Comfort Inn Hotel located at 635 Elmira Road, Neighborhood Commercial Zone and Inlet Valley Overlay District. The proposal involves demolishing the existing structures to allow the construction of a 3-story, 37,000+/- square foot hotel. The facility will include 70 hotel rooms, 70 parking spaces, stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, and landscaping. The Planning Board granted final site plan approval for this project on March 7, 2017, but the approval expired because construction did not materially commence within 36 months of the approval. This is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and will require a coordinated environmental review of all actions. The Planning Board will consider declaring lead agency in the environmental review. Pratik Ahir, Ramji Hospitality, LLC, Owner/Applicant; Adam M. Fishel, PE, Marathon Engineering, Agent. Overview Mr. Fishel gave and overview, stating that the project is largely unchanged from the approval granted by the Planning Board which has expired due to the COVID pandemic and its associated labor and material shortages and the huge increase in costs across the board in the current economy. He added that the Inlet Valley Overlay District has since been enacted and he felt they were overall in compliance with the intent of the Overlay. They will look at the lighting again now that there have been advances in that technology and they have added a pedestrian path to Elmira Rd. Mr. Lindquist noted that many current Board members were not on the Board that granted the previous approvals and asked him to go into a bit more detail. Mr. Fishel went through the driveway,parking, topography and size of the project, adding that DOT had issued the curb cut and there was a lot of back and forth with the Planning Board during the approval process regarding materials and the facade. This proposed facade is not the standard for Comfort Inn Franchises, and the team fought hard to get this alternate style permitted from Corporate. Discussion Ms. Kaufman said she is concerned about the number of variances this would need and setting a precedent on approving a project that does not meet the requirements of the Inlet Valley Overlay District(IVOD)which was so carefully crafted to protect the unique area. PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 6 Ms. Brock noted that the Planning Board does not look at variances that might be needed. Ms. Kaufman felt the design and the materials make it like a fortress from the back and the heavy Tudor style is not something you would see in this setting and doesn't acknowledge the natural and unique nature behind it and the area. She had suggestions for the applicant including alternating color variations on the fagade and the rear of the building; and using wood trim around the windows; look at the siting of the gazebo as it relates to the dumpster and the mechanical room. Mr. Arms agreed, saying that this is the first application in the IVOD and the Board must acknowledge that it is not in the spirit of IVOD or follow the letter of the law. He felt it was sad that there is a vision for the area and to abandon it now. Ms. Balestra spoke, saying that Staff worked with the Applicant and went through the IVOD line by line and the project does meet many of the requirements and goals. Ms. Bageant said variances are a distraction from the issue that the project is too big in scale for the site and the area. Ms. Cameron asked if the IVOD contains standards or guidelines and whether the Board can allow exemptions or exemptions to them. Ms. Randall responded that the IVOD section 270-171 6C identifies which are guidelines and which are requirements and there and it goes through the vocabulary of"should"vs "must." Mr. Fishel said that he felt the proposal complies with most of them; the height variance is just for the tower, the reduced front setback is due to NYS DOT taking part of the roadway, internal landscaping can be revised or worked on, the parking in front is to reduce noise from the road because most people are in the hotel to sleep and the traffic is pretty heavy and can be loud and the increase is minimal where 60' feet is allowed and we are at 70' feet. He added that those variances for setbacks were received prior to the IVOD passage but the economic climate that caused the delay now necessitates going back to start the approvals again. Ms. Cameron said she was uncomfortable commenting on plans that are not final and do not address or show some of the required or recommended design standards, such as landscaping and fencing and screening of dumpsters. She added that she realizes this is the sketch plan phase,but when does the real design plan review come in. Ms. Balestra responded that this is a sketch plan review for initial comments and there is no approval in this step of the process. This is for Planning Board initial comments and feedback to take back and make any changes to the sketch plan they can, based upon those comments. Ms. Randall added that the applicants and their consultants had a long conversation with Planning Staff where we went through, line by line, what is required in the IVOD PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 7 Mr. Arms stated that it is too large and a bit out of scale, but he understands the economics of it and it is not feasible to reduce the scale. He said he was torn, because he understands they were hit by COVID,but he likes the image of the IVOD vision. Mr. Casper said it is hard traveling with and visiting family and even though the project is a bit out of scale, it will help people stay in the area and we are trying to promote that. He said he was excited about this project overall for the benefits it will provide,while admitting that it is a little out of scale, but it is needed in this area in that location. Mr. Ahir responded that if you go too rustic, the perception is of less quality. This is also a franchise and there are some standards and requirements we must meet to be a franchisee and they had to work very hard, and it took months to convince the Franchise to allow anything other than a flat roof. Mr. Lindquist thanked the applicants, adding that he realizes this is a numbers game at this point and they know the numbers and they know the concerns expressed and we will see what the final plan looks like at the next stage. PB Resolution 2023 - 012: Lead Agency—Declaration of Intent Comfort Inn Hotel 635 Elmira Road, Tax Parcel 35.4-21 Whereas: 1. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at its meeting on May 16, 2023, considered a Sketch Plan for the proposed Comfort Inn Hotel located at 635 Elmira Road,Neighborhood Commercial Zone, and Inlet Valley Overlay District. The proposal involves demolishing the existing structures to allow the construction of a 3-story, 37,000 +/- square foot hotel. The facility will include 70 hotel rooms, 70 parking spaces, stormwater facilities, outdoor lighting, and landscaping. The Planning Board granted final site plan approval for this project on March 7, 2017,but the approval expired because construction did not materially commence within 36 months of the approval. Pratik Ahir, Ramji Hospitality, LLC, Owner/Applicant; Adam M. Fishel, PE, Marathon Engineering,Agent, and 2. The proposed project, which requires site plan approval by the Planning Board and variances 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 lead agency to coordinate the environmental review of the proposed actions, as described above, and be it PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 8 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: Ariel Casper Seconded: Liz Bageant Vote: ayes—Casper, Bageant, Lindquist,Arms, Cameron, Kaufman and McGurk Agenda Item 3 Recommendation to the Town Board regarding proposed amendments to Town Code, Chapter 270,Article XXVI, §270-219.1 Solar energy systems. Mr. Arms asked Ms. Randall to go over the map and give a little detail on why the locations were chosen. Ms. Randall shared the map and explained the reasoning for some of the oddly shaped locations such as near Ithaca College campus, which is drawn that way to avoid wetlands and unique natural areas. Mr. Lindquist asked about requiring a surety bond for protection from installations not being completed or going defunct and being left in the locations to deteriorate. Ms. Randall and others explained that the small and medium sized arrays are more often than not a small group of people or less and the costs for a surety bond would make the installation(s) cost prohibitive and reduce the opportunity for many. The balancing act is whether to encourage the installations and take the relatively small chance of having to pursue cleanup of a site, or,price them out of smaller investors and/or users. The Board's consensus was not to recommend a change in favor of surety bonds. PB Resolution 2023 —013 Recommendation to the Town Board Draft Revisions to Town Code §270-219.1 Solar Energy Systems Whereas: The Town Planning Committee has drafted revisions to Town Code §270-219.1 Solar Energy Systems, and Whereas: The Town Board has referred the proposed revisions to the Planning Board for review and recommendations, and Whereas: The Planning Board discussed the proposed revisions at its meeting on May 16, 2023; now, therefore be it: Resolved: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby recommends that the Town Board adopt the proposed revisions to Town Code §270-219.1 Solar Energy Systems. PB 2023-05-16 (Filed 7/12) Pg. 9 Moved: Ariel Casper Seconded: Liz Bageant Vote: ayes Casper,Bageant, Lindquist, Arms,Cameron,Kaufman, and McGurk Persons to be Heard Herb Engman, Bruce and Doug Brittain addressed the Board on the topic of the realignment of Cradit Farm Dr and Pleasant Grove Rd. Mr. Arms recused himself from the Board and stepped away from the table, saying that he is a very involved person in this topic. The speakers stated they felt the Planning Board's authority was being usurped by the Town Board and there is no reason a staff person from the County should be able to stop construction on the realignment that was agreed upon and supported by the Community and the Planning Board. Discussion and back-and-forth between the speakers, staff and Board Members followed, with the timeline and details of the process noted. The question of what power or authority the Planning Board has that can compel Tompkins County to approve and act on a construction project on a road the Town does not own was discussed. It was noted that the County has begun an additional traffic study and the Board will be kept informed of the progress and any decisions or proposed actions that result from that study. Approval of Minutes: December 20, 2022,and February 21, 2023 Motion made by Ariel Casper, seconded by Cindy Kaufman to approve the minutes as submitted. Unanimous, with Ms. Cameron abstaining. Other Business Ms. Balestra reviewed upcoming agenda items. A ysa, Town Clerk PB 2023-05-16(Filed 7/12) Pg. 10