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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Comprehensive Plan implementation status lookbackTOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK www.town ith aca ny.gov TO:TOWN BOARD MEMBERS FROM:C.J.RANDALL,LEED AP ND,DIRECTOR OF PLANNING DATE:November 20,2024 RE:Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan —10-year lookback Past We recently marked the 10th anniversary of this Board’s action to adopt the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan,a document that guides the long-range physical development of the Town over 10-20 years.To mark this occasion,Town Planning staff —with assistance from all Town departments —conducted a comprehensive historical analysis of progress towards the actions across the eleven policy areas of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.This report represents the Comprehensive Plan’s own internal directive to be reviewed regularly to ensure that its goals and recommendations are still relevant. Present The Town of Ithaca’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan lays out the shared vision,mission,and goals aimed at ensuring that the Town of Ithaca will be a desirable place where any person can live,work,learn,and play, offering a vibrant mix of rural,suburban,and urban features,including treasured natural resources.This report illustrates the incredible range of projects,programs,policies,and services across Town’s departments —and how cooperation with municipalities and neighborhood,government,business,not-for- profit,and institutional partners —that advances this long-term vision. 50 Goals in the plan 46 of Goals with work underway 214 Strategies in the plan 86 Strategies implemented or completed and 33 with work underway RECOMMENDATION STATUS PartiaL ImpLementation,ImpLemented active action or compLeted 19%48% LittLe or no action; postponed 22% Other Note 11%0% Future The prioritization of Goals in the Comprehensive Plan is a difficult and complex endeavor.Some recommendations are ongoing,others could be initiated right away,while others need foundational work before proceeding.Additionally,unforeseen challenges (such as the COVID-19 pandemic)or opportunities (such as the resulting American Rescue Plan Act allocation)may shift priorities within the 20-year window. Planning,in cooperation with the Town leadership team,will continue to evaluate all potential implementation strategies based on plan alignment;feasibility (including technical capability,staff capacity, and available grant funding);and community impact.This will enable the Town to identify the projects, programs,policies,and services that will be the best candidates for successful implementation. Please contact me with any questions or concerns at cjrandall@townithacany.gov or 607-882-2474. 2 1 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan Implementation status – 10-year lookback September 2014 - September 2024 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 working to implement the goals of the plan. Regulation | Drafting and adopting new Code or modifying existing Town Code. Plan | Initiating, adopting and implementing neighborhood, corridor or subject-specific plans. Project | An undertaking with a beginning and end. A project may be physical or analytical (such as a study or inventory). Program | Formal long-term initiatives 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 and sustaining partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other joint efforts with neighboring communities, public agencies, Tompkins County, New York State, Cayuga Medical Center, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and other organizations. A single action—regulation, plan, project, program or cooperative effort—may address many several goals and recommendations. Conversely, some goals and recommendations may need several different actions to effectively implement them. Priority Priorities are time frames for implementing actions, according to the Comprehensive Plan. Immediate: started before or immediately following Comprehensive Plan adoption. High: started and realized shortly after plan adoption, 2014-2016. Medium: started and realized between 2016 and 2019, or after high-priority items are completed. Open: started and realized any time, but action taken 2019-2024. Continuous: ongoing actions with no set start or end date, but generally decisions and long-term projects and programs. Completed: actions that have been completed. Status  Implemented or completed. ◐ Partial implementation, active action. ⭕ Little or no action taken; postponed (temporarily or indefinitely), or slow / erratic progress. □ Other: course correction | does not merit continued action based on new data | limited capacity | legality 2 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 Status LU-1-A: Concentrate development in areas with adequate infrastructure and services. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Conventional zoning (Town Code Chapter 270): current zone locations generally reflect utility service areas.  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for Maplewood (adopted 2017) and SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) also concentrate development in utility service areas  New Neighborhood Code (NNC, Town Code Chapter 271): enables Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) in Comprehensive Plan TND future land use areas. (Parts of South Hill, East Hill, West Hill adopted 2020. ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) review of draft amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee. Decision  Engineering, Public Works, and Planning Departments continuously planning for sewer and water capacity in TND future land use areas. LU-1-B: Preserve/protect environmentally important and scenic lands. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee. Decision  Acquired ~133 acres on Culver Road since 2014 using grants, open space reserve account, and partial donations.  Purchased land for Black Diamond Trail, which will be transferred to NYS Parks. Cooperation Town is an active participant in the Tompkins County Parks and Trails Network LU-1-C: Limit intrusion of non- agricultural uses into agricultural/conservation areas. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee. Program In 2014 the Town acquired a conservation easement on +/- 42 acres (Indian Creek Farm) on Trumansburg Road and in 2021 a conservation easement on +/- 53 acres (Mendez) on Bostwick Road. The Town is currently pursuing conservation easements on two parcels on Hayts/Bundy/Sheffield Roads totaling +/- 157 acres (Holmes & Pokorney, respectively). Decision  Purchase of Development Rights considered at Planning Committee meetings in 2018-2019 and in 2023-24 3 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 Status LU-1-D: Limit low density residential to areas with limited/no value as agricultural/ conservation areas, unlikely sewer/water. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Current zone locations generally reflect utility service areas. ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) review of draft amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee. Decision □ n/a LU-1-E: Require development to take a cluster/conservation form in environmentally, agriculturally, and visually sensitive areas. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) review of draft amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee. Decision ◐ Subdivision regulations amendments identified as Highest Priority in 2023 and 2024 Codes & Ordinances Committee Work Plans. LU-1-F: Establish more intensively developed mixed use neighborhoods near employment centers. (South Hill, East Hill) Regulation | high Decision | continuous Plan | open Regulation ⭕ Conventional zoning (Town Code Chapter 270): conventional suburban development still possible (though discouraged) in Comp Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas because of underlying zoning.  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) and Maplewood (adopted 2017) established regulatory framework for mixed use neighborhoods near employment centers on South Hill and East Hill, respectively New Neighborhood Code (NNC, Town Code Chapter 271): enables mixed use TND in Comprehensive Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas. (2020) Decision  Town officials supportive of TND. Plan  Town sponsored South Hill TND (2021-2023; regulating plan still in progress.) ⭕ Cornell University East Hill Plaza redevelopment plans paused indefinitely. LU-1-G: New mixed use neighborhoods where they can be supported due to proximity to utilities and adequate transportation networks. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Plan | Immediate Regulation ⭕ Conventional zoning (Town Code Chapter 270): conventional suburban development still possible (though discouraged) in Comp Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas because of underlying zoning.  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) and Maplewood (adopted 2017) established regulatory framework for mixed use neighborhoods on South Hill and East Hill, respectively 4 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 Status  New Neighborhood Code: enables mixed use TND in Comprehensive Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas. (2020) Decision  Town officials generally supportive of TND. Plan  Town sponsored South Hill TND (2021-2023; awaiting final regulating plan proposal.) ⭕ Cornell University East Hill Plaza redevelopment plans paused indefinitely. ◐ Conifer West Hill TND Early concept underway. LU-1-H: Limit commercial/industrial zoned land to what is needed, discourage strip commercial and speculative rezoning. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Conventional zoning: NC, CC, LI, I zone areas are limited. ⭕ New regulations: no action. (Examples: rezoning criteria in current zoning code.) Decision  Discouraged rezoning for auto mall in Inlet Valley. LU-1-I: Restrict frontage residential development. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. (Examples: pacing of minor subdivisions / lot splits, limiting subdivision from an original lot/parcel created before a certain date, alternatives to frontage development, etc.) Decision ⭕ Frontage and flag lot subdivision still happens. (Challenging to regulate, as this approach is easier than a subdivision that needs new street and utility infrastructure.) LU-1-J: Redevelop/retrofit aging/abandoned industrial/commercial sites as mixed use, pedestrian-oriented development. Regulation | high Cooperation | continuous Regulation  SouthWorks/Chain Works PDZ: redevelopment of Morse Chain site.  NNC: has standards for redevelopment and retrofitting, with East Hill, South Hill TNDs in mind. ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action for conventional zones and most existing PDZs. Cooperation  Collaboration with City of Ithaca, developers SouthWorks.  Town sponsored regulating plan for South Hill TND, which includes some lots with NC zoning. ◐ Cornell University East Hill Plaza redevelopment plans paused indefinitely. LU-1-K: Ensure development is sensitive of scenic resources. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Inlet Valley overlay: site planning and design standards. Decision  South Hill TND: site field trip with Town officials / staff, consultants, to see possible scenic assets (and other features) in person; park siting takes advantage of view corridors to northwest. 5 LU-2: Create, reinforce, and respect a unique sense of place. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status LU-2-A: Adopt architectural design requirements. Regulation | high  NNC: has prescriptive architectural standards (2020).  Basic architectural requirements in recent PDZs, Inlet Valley overlay zones. ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. LU-2-B: Implement site planning requirements. Regulation | high  NNC: has detailed site planning standards (2020).  Basic site planning requirements in recent PDZs, Inlet Valley overlay zones. ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. LU-2-C: Establish landscaping and screening standards. Regulation | high  NNC: has detailed landscaping and screening requirements. (2020)  Basic landscaping / screening requirements in recent PDZs, Inlet Valley overlay zones. ⭕ NNC, recent PDZs: no general lot/yard area tree planting requirements. ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. (Landscaping, fencing, service area, and dumpster screening typically applied during discretionary review by Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals) LU-2-D: Enhanced sign requirements. Regulation | Immediate  Updated sign regulations. (2015) 6 LU-3: Maintain and enhance established character and sense of community of existing neighborhoods. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status LU-3-A: New development compatible with existing development. Regulation | high Decision: Continuous Regulation ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. (Examples: infill / teardown / backlot / architectural standards or guidelines, pattern book, etc.) Decision  Proposed infill development generally conforms to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning code. Town officials promote smart growth strategies such as, pedestrian connectivity, mixed land uses, and human scale development. LU-3-B: Infill development takes advantage of existing infrastructure. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) and Maplewood (adopted 2017) established regulatory framework for mixed use neighborhoods on underutilized and/or vacant land on South Hill and East Hill, respectively ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. (Examples: connectivity with developed areas, standards for different forms of infill, minimum density requirements, etc.) Decision  Town officials are generally supportive of infill projects. LU-3-C: Establish new and additional communication systems between Town and neighborhoods regarding development. Program | medium  NNC: larger TND proposals need a neighborhood design charrette. (2020)  NNC: larger TND proposals need a neighborhood design charrette. (2020)  List/map of projects in prominent location on the Town’s website. ◐ Agenda email distribution to local print / broadcast media continues. LU-3-D: Work with neighborhood groups to determine, preserve important neighborhood characteristics. Program | open Town staff coordinate with Forest Home Improvement Association officers, as needed LU-3-E: Private initiatives to maintain and improve neighborhoods. Program | open ◐ Forest Home Improvement Association works to maintain and improve the historic neighborhood. LU-3-F: Work with adjacent communities to connect neighborhoods sitting on municipal boundaries. Cooperation | continuous ◐ Town Planning staff coordinate regularly with City Planning & Development staff on proposed rezonings and development project review. Note: The NNC has interconnectivity requirements. 7 LU-4: Require new neighborhoods to take the form of traditional neighborhood development (TND). Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status LU-4-A: Scale new neighborhoods around pedestrian sheds. Define neighborhood edges. Regulation | high  NNC: part of the code. (2020) LU-4-B: Variety of uses, densities and building types; more intensive in neighborhood center. Regulation | high  NNC: part of the code. (2020) LU-4-C: Mix of uses and recreation spaces to meet daily needs of residents. Regulation | high  NNC: part of the code. (2020) LU-4-D: Variety of housing types and price ranges for various household types. Regulation | high  NNC: part of the code. (2020) LU-4-E: Civic uses in prominent locations. Regulation | high  NNC: parks should take advantage of prominent sites, but sites for civic uses (schools, community centers, places of worship/assembly, etc.) are optional. (2020) LU-4-F: Scale blocks for variety of building types, pedestrian traffic. Regulation | high  NNC: part of the code. (2020) LU-4-G: Site similar buildings across from each other. Face entrances towards public spaces. Regulation | high  NNC: zoning district boundaries should follow rear or side lot lines, alleys. Different building types might face each other, but their bulk/intensity will be somewhat similar. (2020) LU-4-H: Sustainable practices such as light imprint development, low impact development, alternative energy production in neighborhood design. Regulation | high  NNC: pending amendment to make light imprint new urbanism (LINU) the preferred model for stormwater infrastructure. (2023)  NNC: allows solar panels on roofs, in rear yards by right. Solar carports also allowed by right. Large-scale solar energy facilities not allowed in TNDs (2020). LU-4-I: Neighborhood identification and branding programs. Program | medium ⭕ No action. LU-5: Recognize the presence and character of the Town's large institutions in the planning process. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status LU-5-A: Implement institutional zoning. Regulation | high ◐ Research and initial drafts for transect based and general campus zoning completed in 2020-2021. Planning Committee to develop scope of work for Codes & Ordinances Committee, tentatively scheduled for 2025 Work Plan(s). LU-5-B: Ensure campus/institutional development plans conform to Town plan. Cooperation | continuous ⭕ No action. (2008 Cornell University Campus Master Plan is considered current. 2015 Ithaca College Campus Master Plan is considered current. Cayuga Health major projects have been focused in the City (Cayuga Park Medical Office Building) and in the Village of Lansing, repurposing The Shops of Ithaca Mall. 8 LU-6: Use contemporary tools that reflect best planning practice. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status LU-6-A: Adopt new zoning code, consider unified development code. Regulation | high  NNC: applies to TND projects. (2020)  Recoding Ithaca report accepted by Town Board in 2017. ◐ Conventional zoning: rough unified development code draft (≤ 2017); some concepts included in New Neighborhood Code. LU-6-B: Require form/transect-based zoning where appropriate. Regulation | high  NNC: form-based code, uses transect zones, applies to TND projects. (2020)  Some form-based zoning concepts in recent PDZs. (Maplewood, Chain Works.) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no decision for possible use of form- based zoning in a suburban / rural context (current conventional zones). LU-6-C: Adopt new subdivision regulations, consider unified development code. Regulation | high ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) review of draft amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee; identified as Highest Priority in 2023 and 2024 Codes & Ordinances Committee Work Plans.  NNC: incorporates neighborhood design and subdivision regulations. (2020) ◐ Conventional zoning: Work on unified development code (rough draft) stopped in 2017; some of its concepts are part of the New Neighborhood Code. LU-6-D: Revise/amend development standards to reflect best planning practice. Regulation | high  NNC: applies to TND projects. (2020) ◐ Conventional zoning: incremental updates as new issues emerge, not always proactive or reflective of best practice. LU-6-E: Simplified/more logical categorization of zoning districts, uses, siting standards. Regulation | high  Simpler use taxonomy and siting requirements in NNC (2020), some recent PDZs, Inlet Valley overlay zones. (Some inconsistency between different laws.) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. LU-6-F: Plain English regulations, using tables, charts, and illustrations where possible. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  NNC: uses plain English, tables, graphics, flowcharts, other visual aids. ◐ Other recent code amendments and PDZs: use of plain English, visual aids, etc. varies. Decision ⭕ Resolutions for planning-related laws are still in legal English. LU-6-G: Review comprehensive plan regularly to ensure conformity with best practice. Program | continuous Implementation report (2024) Considered in development of annual Work Plans and Green New Deal Action Plan LU-6-H: Work with adjacent municipalities, other agencies regarding planning and development decisions. Cooperation | continuous  Form Ithaca joint City/Town form-based code demonstration project. (2013-2015)  South Works (formerly ChainWorks) joint environmental review and rezoning (respective planned development zoning by municipality) with City of Ithaca. (2014-2019)  Tompkins County GML 239 referrals. (Continuous)  Ongoing working relations with Bolton Point, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), Fire Departments. 9 LU-6: Use contemporary tools that reflect best planning practice. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status Town Planning staff coordinate regularly with City Planning & Development staff on proposed rezonings and development project review. ◐ Development and drafting of local laws and agreements relative to establishing a Joint City/Town Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (2021-current). 10 Housing and neighborhoods (HN) HN-1: Promote diverse, high quality, affordable and attractive neighborhoods. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status HN-1-A: Suitable land in appropriate locations to meet housing needs. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) and Maplewood (adopted 2017) established regulatory framework for providing housing on suitable land on South Hill and East Hill, respectively New Neighborhood Code (NNC, Town Code Chapter 271): enables mixed use TND in Comprehensive Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas. (2020) ◐ Conifer West Hill TND Early concept underway. Decision  Town designated as Pro-Housing Community in 2024. HN-1-B: Concentrate new housing development closer to city and where public transit is available. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) and Maplewood (adopted 2017) established regulatory framework for providing housing on suitable land on South Hill and East Hill, respectively New Neighborhood Code (NNC, Town Code Chapter 271): enables mixed use TND in Comprehensive Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas. (2020) ◐ Conifer West Hill TND Early concept underway. Decision  Town officials supportive of SouthWorks and (future) South Hill TND. (2021-2023; regulating plan still in progress.) HN-1-C: Locate senior housing close to services and transit. Encourage housing that accommodate aging in place principles. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  NNC: enables mixed use TND with a variety of housing types in Comprehensive Plan TND FUTURE LAND USE areas. (2020) ◐ Conifer West Hill TND Early concept underway. Decision □ n/a Note: there’s very little construction of senior friendly housing In the Town, outside of complexes. (Examples: smaller single story houses and townhouses in neighborhood setting.) HN-2: Encourage a balance of quality housing opportunities, including workforce housing. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status HN-2-A: Require percentage of, offer incentives for affordable housing in new developments. Affordable housing should be indistinguishable from market rate. Regulation | high Program | medium Regulation ⭕ No action. Program  Town designated as Pro-Housing Community in 2024, opening availability for Capital Improvement Grant funding awarded by Empire State Development for not-for-profit developers. 11 HN-2: Encourage a balance of quality housing opportunities, including workforce housing. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status HN-2-B: Allow smaller lot sizes in zoning regulations. Regulation | high  NNC: smaller lot sizes in TND areas. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action, though smaller lot sizes are permitted by existing Cluster Subdivision regulations. HN-2-C: Pursue mechanisms that would ensure long term supply of affordable housing. Regulation | high Program | medium Regulation ◐ Town adopted Accessory dwelling unit regulations, allowing accessory units in most zones. (2017) Program ◐ Town widely advertised (newsletter and direct mailing) New York State Plus One Accessory Dwelling Unit Program administered by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), which increases affordable housing opportunities and homeownership for low- to-moderate-income Town residents. (2024)  Town of Ithaca joined Tompkins County Community Housing Development Fund as an Associate Member in 2021. ◐ Town Planning is also working with Tompkins County Planning & Sustainability and Ithaca Area Economic Development to develop options for self-financing and incentive-compatible mechanisms for funding infrastructure associated with traditional neighborhood development. HN-2-D: Work with major employers for provision of workforce housing near places of employment. Cooperation | continuous Program | open Cooperation  Support of Cornell University plans for workforce housing. Projects stalled (East Hill Plaza redevelopment, Greenways). ◐ Conifer West Hill TND Early concept underway, coordination with Cayuga Health. Program ⭕ No action. HN-2-E: Seek grants to fund affordable housing. Program | continuous ◐ Town designated as Pro-Housing Community in 2024, opening availability for Capital Improvement Grant funding awarded by Empire State Development for not-for-profit developers ◐ Town Planning supported Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) application to the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation to include all of Tompkins County (including the Town) in the New York State Plus One Accessory Dwelling Unit Program, which increases affordable housing opportunities and homeownership. (2024) 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 joined Tompkins County Community Housing Development Fund as an Associate Member in 2021. 12 Natural resources (NR) NR-1: Identify and target natural and environmental resources for preservation and protection. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-1-A: Inventory open/natural areas. Expand knowledge of resources beyond land use and unique natural areas. Inventory, identity, and comprehensively map the Town’s natural areas and open spaces, including riparian areas, gorges, biological corridors, forest cover, steep slopes, ecological communities, wetlands, wildlife habitats, etc. Expand the Town’s knowledge of its valuable resources beyond basic existing land use information and known Unique Natural Area boundaries. Maintain and update the inventory over time Project | medium  Grant funding from NYSDEC to conduct a tree inventory along town owned roads and trails and ecological assessments of parks and preserves (completed 2016-2017). NR-1-B: Establish criteria for classifying natural areas and habitat. Project | medium ⭕ No action. NR-1-C: Update 1997 Park Plan to reflect new inventory of open/natural areas. Plan | medium ◐ Update being drafted by Planning and Public Works Departments NR-1-D: Identify/designate natural/scenic resources that warrant Critical Environmental Area designation. Project | high ⭕ No action. NR-2: Protect open space with appropriate land use regulations and development strategies. Goal/recommendation Priority Status NR-2-A: Establish buffers between development activities and large contiguous sensitive/protected areas. Establish buffer areas between development activities and large contiguous protected areas such as Buttermilk State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, Eldridge Wilderness, Land Trust preserves ( e.g., Lick Brook Nature Preserve) and Cornell University natural areas. Regulation | high Decision | continuous The Town purchase of Babcock Ridge property helps to buffer Coy Glen. A landowner on Enfield Falls Road sold land to State Parks to become part of Robert H. Treman State Park. The Town purchased three properties in the Inlet Valley, which will be sold to NYS Parks for the Black Diamond Trail; they will also provide a buffer to Treman State Park. NR-2-B: Focus development in urbanizing areas to protect against habitat fragmentation. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  Special Land Use Districts (Town Code Chapter 271): Planned Development Zones for SouthWorks (Chain Works District, adopted 2021) and Maplewood (adopted 2017) established regulatory framework focusing development on urbanized / infill areas of South Hill and East Hill, respectively 13 NR-2: Protect open space with appropriate land use regulations and development strategies. Goal/recommendation Priority Status New Neighborhood Code (NNC, Town Code Chapter 271): focuses development in areas closer to employment centers, city limits. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no standards or guidelines to prevent habitat fragmentation. (Example: siting of parks or open space) Decision □ n/a NR-2-C: Timber harvesting regulations. Develop regulations for timber harvesting activities of a certain scale; such regulations should require the submission of a sustainable forest management plan that includes preservation of enough healthy, diverse species for an ongoing forest. Regulation | Immediate ◐ Timber harvesting regulations adopted 2012 (while the Comp Plan was being drafted). Regulations apply only in the Conservation zone. NR-2-D: Tree preservation regulations Regulation | high ⭕ No action. NR-2-E: Protect Unique Natural Areas through development review process, other mechanisms. Continue to ensure protection of Unique Natural Areas through the development review process and its associated environmental assessment (State Environmental Quality Reviews), conservation zoning, and other mechanisms. Decision | continuous  UNA’s are highlighted/mentioned as part of any discretionary (Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals) review.  Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone includes several UNAs. (2013, before Comp Plan adoption) NR-3: Acquire or assist in acquisition of open space in the Town. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-3-A: Partner with nature conservation groups. Cooperation | continuous  Cooperation / collaboration with Finger Lakes Land Trust: Culver Road Preserve acquisitions, access to Tapan Mitra Preserve, discussions on other properties to protect.  Working with NYS Parks on acquisitions for Black Diamond Trail NR-3-B: Use funding mechanisms to acquire or preserve important natural/open space. Program | medium  Acquired ~133 acres on Culver Road since 2014 using grants, open space reserve account, and partial donations.  Purchased land for Black Diamond Trail, which will be transferred to NYS Parks.  The Town has applied for funding from three respective sources to acquire approximately 135 acres on South Hill for a future preserve (Sage Preserve) NR-3-C: Encourage conservation easements and donations. Program | medium  Acquired agricultural conservation easement on Indian Creek Farm (2014), Mallon property (2021). Both contain natural areas.  Currently in discussions with other landowners regarding conservation easements or purchase. 14 NR-4: Support private and intermunicipal efforts to protect wildlife and open space. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-4-A: Promote incentives like the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Program | medium ⭕ No action. NR-4-B: Collaborate on intermunicipal /regional efforts to develop protection plans for expansive natural resource areas. Cooperation | continuous ◐ One of the sources the Town has applied for funding to acquire approximately 135 acres on South Hill for a future preserve (Sage Preserve) NR-5: Support and engage in efforts to control invasive species. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-5-A: Remove invasive species following IPM. Develop management plans. Plan for consequences of Ash Borer, other insects. Manually remove invasive species and where necessary allow the judicious use of herbicides and pesticides on Town-owned land following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program standards and tree harvesting, as needed. Develop management plans for invasive species on Town-owned lands. Monitor trends in invasive plants growing along Town roadways and on Town- owned property. Proactively plan for the consequences of a Town- wide invasive insect infestation and the resulting damage to trees and forests Program | high Annual budget for removing invasive plants in town parks/preserves/trails.  NYSDEC grant to remove woody invasive species along the South Hill Recreation Way and replant with native species. (2020)  NYSDEC grant to conduct a tree inventory along town owned roads and trails, and ecological assessments of parks and preserves. NR-5-B: Encourage use of native species in landscaping. Regulation | high  NNC: landscaping regulations specify native and adapted tree species and cultivars, prohibit invasive trees and plants. (2020) Conservation Board frequently encourages native plantings in their comment letters to the Planning Board and through their Facebook page. (Landscaping, specifically native plant schedules, requirements are typically applied during discretionary review by Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Appeals.) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. NR-5-C: Educate residents about invasive species. Educate residents (through the Town newsletter, informational displays at Town facilities, brochures, etc.) about invasive species found in the Town or those likely to spread into the Town. Include how to identify these species, what can be done to prevent their spread, and what should be done if they are found. Include hands-on removal programs as appropriate. Program | high  Conservation Board education at meetings, public events on invasive species; participation in annual NY Invasive Species Awareness Week in June.  Various invasive species brochures in Town Hall lobby. 15 NR-6: Protect water resources and seek to improve water quality. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-6-A: Low impact development and green infrastructure standards. Incorporate low impact development, light imprint development, and green infrastructure standards to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces and offsite stormwater runoff. Regulation | high  NNC: proposed updates include guidelines for light imprint new urbanism. (2022) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. NR-6-B: Support water-quality testing of major streams, Cayuga Lake. Decision | continuous ◐ Town funding to Community Science Institute (CSI) for Six Mile Creek water sampling. NR-6-C: Monitor regulations, policies, practices to ensure health of Cayuga Lake. Decision | continuous  Town support for the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization.  Town participated in City of Ithaca Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) Plan build-out analysis for Six Mile Creek 2023-2024. NR-6-D: Maintain ability to support a diverse ecosystem in Cayuga Lake. Decision | continuous Town supports Community Science Institute NR-6-E: Acknowledge impaired water quality designation, improve water quality through policy making. Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. NR-6-F: Oppose treatment of industrial waste using waste water treatment plants. Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. NR-6-G: Support/participate in organizations protecting water quality. Continue to help support and participate in organizations like the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization and the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County to share resources; work cooperatively with other municipalities to protect Cayuga Lake. Cooperation | continuous Conservation Board invited the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and Community Science Institute to join them at two NY Invasive Species Awareness Week Events for public education.  Town support for the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (grants, staff time, accounting, etc.).  Town Engineering attends Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County meetings NR-6-H: Wetland protection regulations, emphasis on areas not addressed by state or federal laws. Regulation | medium ⭕ No action. NR-6-I: Reevaluate policies/methods related to ditch maintenance/closing. Reevaluate methods and policies related to the maintenance of roadside ditches, including decisions related to the closing/ piping of ditches. [ Note: Ditches are the dominant conveyor of stormwater and their role in water quality and stormwater runoff is a critical consideration.] Educate members of the public on the need to take responsibility for the care and maintenance of ditches on their property. Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. (Note: Piping ditches was discussed at several Public Works committee meetings regarding requests on piping ditches. Public Works and Engineering Staff have not been in favor of new piping.) 16 NR-7: Preserve scenic resources that contribute to the Town’s unique character. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-7-A: Complete Scenic Resource Inventory and Analysis Report. Plan | Immediate  Report completed in 2014. NR-7-B: Purchase land, conservation easements to preserve critical scenic resources. Program | medium ◐ Town acquired land and conservation easements that have scenic views/resources, but not necessarily for that specific or sole purpose. NR-7-C: Adopt development standards to protect scenic resources. Regulation | high ⭕ No action. NR-7-D: Promote scenic resources through signage, educational programs. Promote the appreciation of scenic resources through education by developing scenic overlooks and educational signage in parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces. Construct overlooks and signage in such a way that they are an enhancement and amenity to neighborhoods and other locations. Program | medium  Conservation Board installed two scenic view signs (East Shore Park, 96B by Longview); working on third sign.  Conservation Board has scenic resources committee, maintains scenic views brochure and scenic views webpage. NR-8: Protect air resources and maintain air quality. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-8-A: Regulate outdoor wood burning. Regulation | high ⭕ Reviewed by committee in 2018-2019; no action recommended. (Currently regulated by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; Forest Rangers and DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban.) Operating Permits when required for outdoor burning in 2023. NR-8-B: Regulate air quality impacts from industrial operations. Regulation | high ⭕ No action. NR-8-C: Vehicle idling law. Regulation | high ◐ Conservation Board research, discussion. Action stalled. NR-9: Protect neighborhoods from noise pollution. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status NR-9-A: Enforce noise regulations. Decision | continuous  Enforced by the Town Department of Code Enforcement & Zoning during business hours; after hours is County Sheriff. NR-9-B: Performance/design standards to address noise pollution. Regulation | high Reviewed by committee in 2019; minor modifications in 2020. 17 Energy and climate protection (EC) EC-1: Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into long-term planning. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-1-A: Institutionalize sustainability in Town operations. Consider continuing a sustainability position and creating an internal sustainability committee. Distribute sustainability-related tasks to existing staff as necessary. Program | continuous  Transitioned Sustainability Planner from 0.5 to 1.0 FTE by 2022.  Internal ad hoc GND committee is transitioning into the Planning Committee. ◐ Exploring incorporating internal (TOI) cost of carbon into project selection and planning (i.e., through CIP and/or budgetary process). ◐ Green fleet inventory started in 2021 and is completed annually. Beginning in 2025, the Town will also incorporate Bolton Point’s fleet in the analysis. Sustainability Planner was integrated into other Town departments (Engineering and Public Works) and works from PWF one day per week to facilitate collaboration. EC-1-B: Conduct greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories at regular intervals to assess emissions from government operations and from the community at large. Streamline and facilitate data collection. Program | continuous ◐ A government operations inventory was completed in 2011 and 2021; updated inventory slated for 2025. □ Community inventory was completed in 2011 and was not completed in 2021. The County indicated it may pursue a community inventory in 2025. There may be an opportunity to collaborate if this occurs. This would be a better path to accomplish this goal. EC-1-C: Implement the Government Energy Action Plan 2011 to achieve a 30% reduction in GHG emissions from government operations by 2020. Update the Energy Action Plan (EAP) on a regular basis and consider incorporating long-term actions in future Plans to meet the existing goal of reducing government GHG emissions 80% by 2050. Plan | continuous  Goals incorporated into GND action plan. The Town met the goal to reduce GHG emissions from government operations by 30% by 2020. □ The Government Energy Action Plan has not been updated on a regular basis. The goals were incorporated into the GND Action Plan. EC-1-D: Set short- and long-term goals for community-wide GHG emissions reductions. Develop and implement a Community EAP to meet reduction goals and update the Plan on a regular basis. Maintain a citizen committee to advise on the implementation and update of the community EAP and other sustainability-related issues Plan | continuous The GND Resolution (2020) sets a community goal to reach town-wide carbon neutrality by 2030. ⭕ A near final Community Energy Action Plan was completed in 2015, but a final version has not been located. Actions from the draft Community EAP were included in the GND Action Plan. □ There has been minimal interest in establishing a citizen committee; staff capacity has also been limited. EC-1-E: Maintain membership in ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability for continued access to climate action planning tools, technical assistance, training, and networking Decision | continuous □ ICLEI membership cancelled (renewal not recommended) but Town maintains active participation in an equivalent organization: the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), a peer-to- peer network of local government sustainability practitioners. 18 EC-2: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and infrastructure. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-2-A Consider using policy instruments and regulations to reduce energy use in existing buildings. For example, building owners could be mandated or encouraged to perform energy audits and energy efficiency improvements, and to track energy usage Regulation | High ◐ The Town is tracking state regulations and is keeping track of the City of Ithaca’s progress. CR0WD also is a good resource. A graduate student of CU’s planning master’s program is working on an impact analysis for deconstruction (2024-2025). The Town also participates in the Ithaca 2030 District which tracks energy usage in participating buildings. EC-2-B: Consider adopting a building code to require all new construction projects and major renovations to incorporate green building techniques and achieve specific energy efficiency standards. Regulation | medium  Town Code Chapter 144: Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS) adopted 2021. Phase 2 of the IECS was rolled out in 2023. ◐ The IECS workgroup was reconvened in 2023 to examine any necessary amendment changes to the energy code supplement. EC-2-C: Partner with local organizations and businesses to create, promote and maintain incentives, financing options, and education and outreach campaigns that support energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. These products could be marketed to building owners, tenants, developers, builders, code enforcement officers, and other populations. Cooperation |continuous  Currently promoting City’s Electrification program. Joined and support the Ithaca 2030 District. Created the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement Implementation Assistance Program with consultants TY Lin to provide homeowners and developers with no-cost technical assistance to comply with the IECS. Won a NYSERDA grant ($200K) to participate in the Stretch to Zero pilot program which supports local municipalities with Energy Code development. As part of this, the Town hosted an energy code training that was attended by CEOs, local developers, and other stakeholders. EC-2-D: Ensure municipal buildings and facilities act as a model of good energy efficient practices. Track energy usage on a regular basis. Conduct energy audits and implement recommended upgrades. Adopt a green building policy for all major renovations and new construction projects. Provide education for employees about behavior change to reduce energy use. Program | open Decision | continuous Program The GND Resolution (2020) sets a goal that government operations will use 100% regionally sourced renewable energy by 2025 and that the Town’s fleet of vehicles will reduce emissions by 50% from 2010 levels by 2025. The Green Fleet Policy was passed in 2021. Fleet emissions are tracked annually. Internal review of this policy should be done in 2025. The Green Procurement Policy was passed in 2021; internal review of this policy slated for 2025. ◐ Planning/implementing strategies to achieve net-zero Town facilities by 2030, including weatherization of Town Hall. EC-2-E: When replacing lamps in municipal streetlights and traffic signals, investigate use of LED lamps or other high-efficiency equipment. When specifying replacement technologies, take into account the full life cycle costs, including energy and maintenance costs. Also take into account the spectrum of light produced, and its effect on visibility and aesthetics and the health of humans and wildlife. Encourage NYSEG to improve the efficiency of the streetlights it controls. Program | open Decision | continuous Program ◐ LED streetlight replacement project underway since 2020. 19 EC-3: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to treatment and distribution of water and wastewater. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-3-A: Conduct comprehensive energy audits of municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure and implement recommended upgrades. When replacing equipment, use the most energy efficient equipment that is economically viable when taking into account the full life cycle costs. Explore other changes to the water supply system in order to improve overall efficiency. Program | open Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. Staff at Bolton Point and the Wastewater Treatment plant; further verification needed. EC-3-B: Work with Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (also known as Bolton Point) to establish a water rate structure that incentivizes consumers to reduce usage. Program | open  Implemented. Next steps could include examining if the rate change affected usage. EC-3-C: Develop and implement an education and outreach program to encourage water conservation and efficiency community wide. Consider using policy instruments and regulations as well. Regulation | Program | medium Bolton Point publishes an annual drinking water quality report which includes information on water conservation measures. EC-4: Reduce energy consumption and GHG emission in transportation. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-4-A: Partner with local organizations and businesses to support programs that educate residents, businesses and Town government employees about cleaner operating and more efficient vehicles and vehicle use. Cooperation | continuous ◐ The Town collaborated with Tompkins County and other municipalities to solicit potential vendors for electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment. A vendor has not been selected yet. (2024) The Town updated EV charging to an accessory use in most Town zones to make charging infrastructure deployment more convenient for residents and developers. (2024) EC-4-B: Adopt a municipal green fleet policy that: includes a vehicle replacement plan that specifies vehicles that are smaller, more energy efficient, and well-maintained; reduces vehicle miles traveled by Town government vehicles through greater efficiency, planning, and cooperation; and reduces idling in municipal vehicles. Program | high Decision | continuous  Passed the Town’s Green Fleet Policy in 2021. An annual green fleet analysis is completed in conjunction with Public Works and Bolton Point. ◐ Procurement of electric vehicles has faced challenges: vehicle availability is limited; there is a lack of sufficient charging infrastructure; the technology (especially for heavy- duty vehicles) is lacking; and there are increased costs and uncertainty. 20 EC-5: Encourage and facilitate production and use of renewable energy. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-5-A: Adopt renewable energy goals for the community and for government operations, to guide decision- making (e.g. meet a certain percentage of the Town government’s energy needs with renewable energy sources by 2025). Plan | high Adopted goals for government operations as part of Green New Deal March 2020 resolution:  100% regionally sourced renewable electricity by 2025.  Town-wide goal to equitably transition to carbon neutrality by 2030.  Reduce emissions from fleet vehicles by 50% of 2010 level by 2025. EC-5-B: Revise Town regulations to facilitate local renewable energy production and use (e.g. revise Town Code, streamline the permit process, reduce permit fees). Regulation | high Program | open Regulation  Zoning for solar energy systems was updated in 2023 to include building-mounted as well as ground-mounted small, medium, and large-scale (up to 35 acres) solar energy facilities. The Town (in collaboration with the City of Ithaca) established a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program in 2022 (Town Code Chapter 135) which can help deploy distributed energy resources (DERs). EC-5-C: Work with other municipalities, local utility companies, businesses and organizations to develop financial incentives for the installation and use of renewable energy systems. Explore models for community-owned renewables. Cooperation | continuous ◐ The Town and City established a CCA program in 2022. Approval has been delayed at the state level. The Town and City are working on a DER Plan, which will allow for community owned renewables. EC-5-D: Partner with local organizations and businesses to support programs that provide resources and information on renewable energy technologies, installation, and financing. Cooperation | continuous □ Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Smarter Energy Choices/ Southern Tier Resiliency Hub does this outreach. EC-5-E: Generate renewable electricity on Town property. Consider integrating renewable technologies in all new Town buildings and significant renovations; address this early on in the planning process. Consider using power purchase agreements (PPAs) or lease agreements to make solar photovoltaic installations on Town property more economically viable. Consider installing biomass systems when replacing boilers. Program | medium Decision | continuous Program  Engineering has completed various studies for Town Hall and Public Works Facility that examined building envelope improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and potential renewable energy alternatives. The office building at Public Works Facility uses a heat pump system for power. ◐ The Town is working towards electrifying Town Hall. The first phase of tightening the building envelope is being implemented. 21 EC-5: Encourage and facilitate production and use of renewable energy. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-5-F: Consider the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset a portion of GHG emissions related to Town government electricity usage until Town-operated renewable systems can be installed. Encourage residents and businesses to purchase RECs. Decision | high Program | open Decision / program  RECs have been purchased in the past. The GND Action Plan integrates the purchase of RECs as part of its subgoals:  Reduce emissions, or create offsets, from the Town fleet of vehicles by 50% from the 2010 levels by 2025 o Reduce emissions by at least 10% o Offset remaining emissions  Achieve an equitable transition to carbon-neutrality town-wide by 2030 o Reduce net emissions by at least 85% through efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy o Sequester carbon in the Town o Offset remaining GHG emissions through regional initiatives EC-6: Reduce GHG emissions related to waste generation and purchasing. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-6-A: Adopt a waste reduction policy for municipal operations to strengthen existing practices and consider implementing a compost program in Town facilities. Project | open Program | open Program / project  Compost program is still operating at Town Hall. Future action: could implement a similar program at the Public Works Facility. ◐ General waste reduction efforts, like moving towards a waste-free Town Appreciation Picnic, have been examined. ⭕ Little to no action has been taken to adopt a waste reduction policy. EC-6-B: Partner with local organizations and businesses (e.g. Tompkins County Solid Waste and Finger Lakes ReUse) to support programs that encourage Town residents and businesses to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Cooperation | continuous ⭕ No action. Not recommended, as Tompkins County and other organizations have programs. EC-6-C: Work in cooperation with other municipalities to eliminate duplicate recycling, reuse, and composting services. Cooperation | continuous ⭕ No action. Not recommended, as Tompkins County and other organizations have programs. EC-6-D: Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy for Town operations that calls for the procurement of products and services that have a reduced negative impact on human health and the environment as compared with their conventional counterparts and are sourced from or provided by locally owned businesses when possible and legally permitted. Encourage local businesses to consider similar policies. Project | high Program | open Project / program  Green purchasing policy passed in 2021. Internal review recommended for 2025. 22 EC-7: Build a resilient community by preparing for and adapting to impacts of climate change. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status EC-7-A: Work with the Tompkins County Planning Department and other municipalities in the County to develop a county-wide climate change adaptation plan. Develop a climate change adaptation plan that provides specificity under the County-wide framework to prepare for the impacts and costs of climate change within the Town of Ithaca. Cooperation | open ⭕ Tompkins County’s Energy Roadmap acts as its climate adaption plan. The City of Ithaca is developing a climate adaptation plan. The Town has not taken any recent actions to develop a climate adaptation plan (last known action in 2015). EC-7-B: Adopt new or modify existing policies so that the anticipated effects of climate change are considered when changes are made to Town infrastructure (e.g. increase the height of bridges over waterways and of pipe diameters of culverts and other stormwater conveyance systems). Decision | continuous ⭕ This would be a collaboration between all departments for future Capital Improvement Plan cycles. EC-7-C: Require the planting of street shade trees in appropriate areas to counteract the urban heat island effect of parking lots and roads. Regulation | high  Annual sapling planting in Town parks.  NNC: shade tree requirements for parking lots, tree lawns. (2020) ⭕ No general minimum tree planting requirements. (Example: ≥ 1 canopy tree per [x]’2 lot [or yard] area) in NNC, recent PDZs. ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. (Examples: quantitative landscaping requirements, minimum tree planting requirements.) Note: No Town street tree or urban forestry program. Most current rural roadway profiles (shoulder / ditch) aren’t conductive to street trees. Agriculture (AG) AG-1: Ensure long-term protection of agricultural land resources for agriculture, open space, and scenic resources. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status AG-1-A: Continue agricultural conservation easement program. Program | continuous  Ongoing, on ad hoc basis. Acquired agricultural conservation easement on Indian Creek Farm (2014), Mallon property (2021). Recent CE applications for 2 properties in the West Hill area. AG-1-B: Spatial and vegetative buffers between non-farm dwellings in ag zone and agricultural activities. Regulation | high ⭕ No action. AG-1-C: Vegetative buffers on non- agricultural land to shield from farming (dust, pesticides) . Regulation | high ⭕ No action. AG-1-D: Support Town Agricultural Committee. Program | continuous  Ongoing. Ag Committee meets 4 times a year with Planning Department staff support. 23 AG-2: Retain and encourage a diversity of economically viable farm types. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status AG-2-A: Review/revise regulations regarding agricultural structures. Review and revise regulations pertaining to structures to accommodate farm operations ( e.g., sprinkler law, use of rough-cut timber, property maintenance law) Regulation | high  Ag Committee research / discussion found no need for changes regarding the use of rough-cut lumber. AG-2-B: Encourage shared farm infrastructure. Encourage shared farm infrastructure development ( storage and processing facilities, slaughter and processing facilities, mobile market, locations for CSA dropoff and pickup, etc.). Program | medium ⭕ No action. AG-3: Promote availability of locally grown foods and other agricultural products for all residents including limited income families. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status AG-3-A: Better accommodation of farm stands, year-round farm markets, greenhouses and value-added product operations. Accommodate farm stands, year-round farm markets, greenhouses, value- added product operations, home food production, u-picks, CSA, and agritourism sites. Regulation | high Agritourism and seasonal farm lodging facilities uses were added to the Agricultural zone. (2022) Temporary farm stands were added as a use in the Light Industrial zone. (2016) AG-3-B: Require community gardens in new development. Require or encourage community gardens in larger new housing developments; provide community gardens, including raised beds, irrigation water, and other facilities to encourage participation of all residents, on Town lands and elsewhere. Regulation | high ◐ New Neighborhood Code: community gardens are a defined park type, but not required or favored over other park types. (2020) ◐ Town continues to support the west hill community garden in west hill park. The Conifer Village at Cayuga Meadows and Maplewood projects included garden space for residents. 24 AG-4: Encourage public understanding and involvement. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status AG-4-A: Support agricultural and gardening programs for youth. Continue support for agricultural and gardening programs for youth ( e.g., community gardens, and 4-H Clubs). Cooperation | open ◐ Town support of West Hill community garden. AG-4-B: Public awareness of vehicle traffic issues affecting farmers. Heighten public awareness through the use of the Town’s website, newsletter, and signage regarding speeding and other traffic issues affecting farmers ( e.g., animal and equipment movement). Program | open ◐ Town newsletter article. (2014) AG-4-C: Encourage household food production. Encourage household production of food (gardens, orchards, vines, and small food animals such as rabbits and hens). Regulation | high Program | open Regulation  New Neighborhood Code: specifically allows food gardens in front yards. (2020)  Backyard chicken regulations for Medium Density Residential Zone. (2016) Program ⭕ No action. AG-4-D: Awareness of right-to-farm law when building near/in ag zones. Notify applicants for building permits of their adjacency to or location within the Town’s agricultural zone and the County’ s agricultural districts, and provide them with a copy of the right-to-farm law. Program | high ◐ Brochure created (2014), provided to those with building permits in those areas. Available online, but no longer being provided with building permits. AG-5: Promote wise land use and agricultural waste management. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status AG-5-A: Encourage relationships between farmers and resources such as Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District. Cooperation | open  Representatives from Tompkins County Soil & Water and Cornell Cooperative Extension, respectively, have attended Ag Committee meetings, discussed various topics. AG-6: Protect the environment and human and animal health from large concentrated animal feeding operations. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status AG-6-A: Lobby state/federal legislatures to allow towns to regulate CAFOs through local ordinances. Cooperation | open ⭕ No action. 25 Recreation (RE) RE-1: Provide an integrated, interconnected system of parks, recreational facilities, and open space throughout the Town. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status RE-1-A: Update 1997 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Plan | medium ◐ Update in progress. RE-1-B: Develop network of parks to serve current and future needs of Town residents. Continue to locate and develop a cost- effective and interconnected network of public parks and trails to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for Town residents. Continue the Town’s support for the Black Diamond Trail, Gateway Trail, and extension of the South Hill Recreation Way. Coordinate park and trail development with the efforts of surrounding municipalities. Program | continuous  Saunders Park / trails. (2021-2022)  Complete one section of Gateway Trail (2021).  License agreement for Forest Home Park with Cornell (2012); updating with plants, benches, tables, etc. ◐ Town working with Dryden, Caroline and Danby, NYSEG, on South Hill Recreation way extension. South Hill Recreation way extension easement is complete; grant for feasibility study received. ◐ Purchase three lots in Inlet Valley for Gateway Trail. Working to sell properties to State Parks. ◐ Currently using a State Parks grant to develop parking and trails at the Babcock Ridge property. RE-1-C: Encourage public access to Cayuga Lake. Decision | continuous  East Shore Park is part of the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail, which includes signage at the park and an informal cartop launch site. Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant awarded in 2024 to improve bicyclist and pedestrian connectivity along East Shore Drive to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. ⭕ No action in other areas. RE-1-D: Consider maintenance costs when planning new parks, trails or preserves. Decision | continuous  Discussion as parkland is acquired. RE-1-E: Allow required park setasides to be met in a variety of ways. Modify existing subdivision regulations to allow the required 10% reservation of park setasides to be used in a variety of ways, including reserves, natural areas, or greenways in addition to the currently allowed small pocket parks or cash contributions. Establish an option for payment in lieu of a park set-aside, where legally allowed, including a formula for determining a fair payment amount to be held in reserve for park, open space, and recreational purposes, including the acquisition of property Regulation | high ◐ Town Code Chapter 234 (Subdivision regulations) review of draft amendments underway at Codes & Ordinances Committee. RE-1-F: Require new parks to be amassed into meaningful spaces, functionally part of the public realm. Require new parks and common open space to be amassed into meaningful, quality spaces. Require parks and common open space to be contiguous to the maximum extent practicable, and located where they are visually and functionally part of the public realm. Regulation | high  NNC: part of the code. (2020)  The Town has acquired approximately 156 acres on Culver Road from four different landowners (2006, 2012, 2016, 2018/2019), where all parcels are contiguous. The Town acquired approximately three acres from adjacent/connected to the existing Tudor Park in 2016. 26 RE-2: Provide recreational opportunities for all Town residents. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status RE-2-A: Recreational opportunities near residences and workplaces. Regulation | high  NNC: parkland within 1000’ of all lots. (2020) ◐ The Town is continuously developing or improving parks/trails/preserves throughout the Town. Recent improvements include Saunders Park and the Gateway Trail. RE-2-B: Recreational programs to residents. Project | open The Town is an active participant in the Recreational Partnership Agreement between the City, Town, County, and eight participating area municipalities is active through 2027. ◐ Town residents can take part in Recreation Partnership and the Joint Youth Commission programs. RE-2-C: Intermunicipal cooperation and public-private partnerships in providing recreational services. Cooperation | continuous ◐ Town residents can take part in Recreation Partnership and the Joint Youth Commission programs. RE-2-D: Pursue grant opportunities. Decision | continuous  NYS park grant: Babcock Ridge. (purchase 2018/2019, improvements 2022)  NYS State Parks playground replacement grant: Grandview and Hungerford Hills parks. (2016/2017)  Tompkins County Tourism Grant: South Hill Recreation Way Extension feasibility (Burns to Banks Road). (2022)  Gateway Trail grant project complete. (2021)  NYS Parks grant: Babcock Ridge: design and construction of parking and trails (2024) 27 Historical resources (HR) HR-1: Preserve, enhance, and promote the Town's historical resources. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status HR-1-A: Develop a historic preservation program using the inventory conducted by Historic Preservation Planning Workshop at Cornell University and recommendations of the final report (2005). Plan | medium ◐ Work on creating a Town Historic Preservation program, underway since 2020, anticipated in 2025. HR-1-B: Ensure preservation of existing historical buildings and resources. Pursue grant opportunities. Decision | continuous  LHC zone revision, although limited in scope. (2022) ⭕ No other action. HR-1-C: Local historic overlay district and ordinance. Regulation | medium  Zoning code amendment changed LHC (limited historic commercial) floating zone into an overlay (2023). ⭕ No general historic overlay zones/districts for larger areas (Forest Home, mid-century subdivisions, etc.). HR-1-D: Participate as a Certified Local Government under the program of the NYS Office of Park, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Requires preservation ordinance. Cooperation | medium ◐ Work on creating a joint city/town historic preservation commission since 2020, anticipated in 2025. HR-1-E: Coordinate protection of historic resources with preservation groups. Cooperation | continuous ◐ Work on creating a joint city/town historic preservation commission since 2020, anticipated in 2025. HR-1-F: Maintain historic markers. Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. HR-1-G: Promote awareness of local history, including pre-European period. Program | open Development of an ethnobotanic walk at Tutelo Park, starting with twelve plant labels and a webpage with more information, including audio recordings in Gayogohó:nǫˀ and English 28 Transportation (TR) TR-1: Develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that provides effective movement of people and goods. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-1-A: Develop transportation system that serves mobility interests of residents and businesses, considers through traffic. Decision | continuous ◐ East Hill: Town Planning and Cornell University Planning (in cooperation with the City of Ithaca) in 2024 revived the Cornell / Community Transportation Investment Initiative to develop a strategic project portfolio. ◐ South Hill: Developers of South Works regularly seek advisement as design development advances. Town Planning and NYSDOT corresponded in Q4 2021 relative to South Hill TND and continue to maintain regular communication. ◐ West Hill: Town Planning staff continue to circulate West Hill Traffic Report (2012) and NYS-96/Trumansburg Road Pedestrian Corridor Study (2020), both of which recommend a holistic approach to solving traffic issues as the basis for future design. TR-1-B: Base pedestrian/bike facilities on Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Maps of 2007. Decision | continuous ◐ NYS-96B Aurora Street / Danby Road sidewalks completed construction in 2020; NYS-96/Trumansburg Road Pedestrian Corridor Study planning phase completed in 2020. TR-1-C: Assume costs of construction / maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities serving a population beyond adjacent neighborhoods. Decision | continuous Complete Streets Policy adopted 2015. ◐ Town funds/maintains walkways; property owners fund/maintain sidewalks. TR-1-D: Work with other entities to improve ped/bike connections in priority locations. Cooperation | medium  Town is an active participant in development of the Tompkins County Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan, scheduled to run through Q2 2025. TR-1-E: Expand multiuse trails, work with ITCTC/county/others to expand countywide trail system. Cooperation | open Project | open  Town is active participant in expanding the trail network within its boundaries,  Town is an active participant in connecting the trail network with regional trails, including membership in the Tompkins County Parks & Trails Network.  Town Planning staff participated in the Tompkins Priority Trails Strategy 2023 Update (last update was 2014). TR-1-F: Work with TCAT/major employers to develop a park-and-ride system. Cooperation | open Program | open ⭕ No action. TR-1-G: Consider increasing funding to TCAT for adequate transit service levels. Decision | continuous □ Adequacy determined by Town Budget Committee. TR-1-H: Continue funding Gadabout. Decision | continuous □ Adequacy determined by Town Budget Committee. TR-1-I: Encourage carpooling/vanpooling/car sharing. Program | open ◐ Large projects are required to submit Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans as part of environmental quality review (SEQR) process, which include car share and bike share as strategies. TR-1-J: Traffic demand strategies to reduce peak hour demand on roadway capacity. Program | medium ◐ Large projects are required to submit Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans as part of environmental quality review (SEQR) process, which include active transportation, car share, bike share, and unbundling of parking as mitigation factors for peak hour demand. 29 TR-2: Develop and maintain transportation system that promotes livable, healthy, and attractive neighborhoods. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-2-A: Control traffic speed through road design standards, traffic calming, and street diets. Incorporate low-speed designs when reconstructing roads. Regulation | high Program | open Regulation  NNC: standards for street design, traffic calming, narrow streets. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. Program ◐ Complete Streets Policy adopted 2015. TR-2-B: Streetscape beautification, human scale roadways, improve character of roads when rebuilding. Decision | continuous ◐ Complete Streets Policy adopted 2015. ◐ Implementation of 2007 Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan. TR-2-C: Consider effects of traffic volume in new/existing neighborhoods. Decision | continuous □ Part of environmental quality review (SEQR) process. TR-2-D: Context sensitive approach for road planning and design. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  NNC: has context sensitive street design standards. (2020) ◐ Intermittent work on street construction standards for TND areas. (2021-2022) Decision ◐ Complete Streets Policy adopted 2015, not yet implemented. ◐ Engineering and Planning began developing Site Design & Development Criteria Manual to clarify the Town’s expectations for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of municipal infrastructure in 2024. TR-2-E: Work with TCAT to minimize bus disruption in residential neighborhoods while maintaining adequate service. Cooperation | continuous ◐ TCAT municipal workshop; staff expressed preference for quicker, more direct bus routes, with fewer time-consuming diversions into apartment complexes. (2020) TR-2-F: Minimize through truck traffic in residential neighborhoods. Cooperation | continuous ⭕ No action. Note: This issue might be unavoidable on collector and arterial roads with frontage lots. Elsewhere in the town, this might not be as much of a problem. TR-2-G: Road networks in new developments to follow TND principles. Regulation | high  NNC: has street layout standards following TND best practice. (2020) ◐ Engineering and Planning began developing Site Design & Development Criteria Manual to clarify the Town’s expectations for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of municipal infrastructure in 2024. TR-2-H: Require traffic mitigation plans for large projects. Regulation | high Large projects are required to submit Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans as part of environmental quality review (SEQR) process. TR-3: Provide a safe transportation system, and prioritize safety and security for all modes. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-3-A: Evaluate and improve intersections with poor sight distance. Program | continuous  NNC: some provisions consider visibility at street intersections and driveways. (2020) 30 TR-3: Provide a safe transportation system, and prioritize safety and security for all modes. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-3-B: Maintain vehicle crash database. Program | continuous Engineering Department is an authorized user with access to CLEAR (Crash Location & Engineering Analysis & Reporting), the NYSDOT safety information management system. TR-3-C: Petition state/county for speed limit reductions in certain areas. Cooperation | continuous Town petitioned NYSDOT regarding the following speed limits:  NYS-96 and Seven Mile Drive in 2015.  Hanshaw Road in 2015.  Culver Road in 2017.  Christopher Lane in 2020.  Game Farm Road in 2022.  Sandbank Road speed limit in 2022.  NYS-96 between Hayts and Brookfield Roads in 2022.  Elm Street Extension, Hopkins Road, and the Deer Run area speed limit in 2022.  Forest Home area speed limit in 2023.  Southwoods area speed limit in 2023.  NYS-13A between NYS-13 and the City line in 2023. TR-3-D: Access management requirements that are compatible with County and State standards. Regulation | high  NNC: has access management regulations. (2020)  Inlet Valley overlay includes access management standards. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zones: no action. TR-4: Effectively maintain the transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-4-A: Sufficient funding to maintain transportation system. Decision | continuous Sufficiency determined by Town Budget Committee. TR-4-B: Preserve/reserve current and future rights-of-way. Decision | continuous  Town Official Map updated November 9, 2020, and again most recently on July 9, 2024. Note: thoroughfares from an approved South Hill TND to be added to the official map. TR-4-C: Require developers to dedicate ROW, construct portions of proposed collector roads. Regulation | high Decision | continuous Regulation  NNC: part of neighborhood design / subdivision requirement. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zones: no action. (Current subdivision regulations don’t require completed infrastructure improvements or a performance bond before approving a final plat, per NYS Town law.) TR-4-D: Update 2007 Transportation Plan. Plan | medium ⭕ No action; implementation documented herein. TR-4-E: Regularly update Official Map. Project | continuous  Town Official Map updated November 9, 2020, and again most recently on July 9, 2024. Note: Thoroughfares from an approved TND regulating plan will be added to the Official Map. 31 TR-4: Effectively maintain the transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-4-F: Public Works flexibility to schedule road improvements / maintenance. Decision | continuous  Public Works implemented new Asset Management protocol in 2024 for improved inventory, inspections, work orders, and track labor, equipment, and materials costs. □ Also determined by Town Budget Committee and Public Works Committee. TR-5: Coordinate with local and regional organizations to ensure a regionally coordinated transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-5-A: Explore intermunicipal sharing of facilities, labor, knowledge, expertise. Cooperation | continuous Public Works Department frequently works with other municipalities and the County on projects. The current Intermunicipal Shared Service Agreement between the Town, County Highway Department, and participating area municipalities is active through November 2026. TR-5-B: Support establishment of community/regional pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Regulation | high Program | medium Cooperation | continuous Regulation  NNC: requires sidewalks on both sides of all new streets. Bike lane option in street profiles. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. Recommended street profile has a rural profile, with no sidewalks. No requirements or standards for sidewalks or trails in zoning or subdivision regulations. Cooperation  Town is an active participant in development of the Tompkins County Safe Streets 4 All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan, scheduled to run through Q2 2025. TR-5-C: Participate in ITCTC. Cooperation | continuous  Town is an active participant in both the Policy and Planning Committees of Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council. TR-5-D: Support findings of t-GEIS, TIMS where appropriate. Cornell/Community Transportation Investment Initiative Program. Decision | continuous ◐ Town Planning and Cornell University Planning (in cooperation with the City of Ithaca) continue to develop a strategic project portfolio. TR-6: Promote future development patterns that reduce vehicle dependency and encourage alternate modes of transportation. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-6-A: Design streets using Complete Streets principles. Regulation | high  Town of Ithaca Complete Streets Policy adopted in 2015.  NNC: has thoroughfare design standards following Complete Street principles. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. (No official street constructions standards. Roadway cross-section has a rural context profile (shoulder/ditch, no sidewalk.) 32 TR-6: Promote future development patterns that reduce vehicle dependency and encourage alternate modes of transportation. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-6-B: Neighborhood design that reduces automobile dependence. Regulation | high  NNC: integral to code. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. TR-6-C: Interconnected sidewalk and trail system. Retrofit existing streets with sidewalks, bicycle lanes. Decision | continuous  Work to complete Black Diamond Trail extension. ◐ Adding asphalt walkways on some sections of arterial roads (Hanshaw Road, South Aurora Street / Danby Road) on an ad hoc basis. Planning Department working with Engineering and Public Works Departments to develop regular program of integrating Complete Streets Policy into Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process.  Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant received to improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity along East Shore Drive. (2024) ◐ Complete Streets Policy adopted 2015, not yet implemented. ⭕ Existing roadway cross-section has a rural context (shoulder/ditch, no sidewalk). TR-6-D: Consider transportation impacts in land use decisions, vice versa. Decision | continuous □ Part of SEQR process. TR-6-E: Evaluate parking requirements to reduce excessive pavement, other uses of paved areas. Regulation | high  NNC: has parking siting, design, landscaping, and surfacing requirements, but no minimum parking spaces. (2020) ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. TR-6-F: Ensure transit service for new development. Cooperation | continuous Partial implementation: Large development projects are directed to prepare a Transportation Demand Management strategy early in the planning process, including coordination with transit (TCAT) and community transportation service providers (Ithaca Carshare, Ithaca Bikeshare).  NNC: Transit (TCAT) and community transportation service providers (Ithaca Carshare, Ithaca Bikeshare) are included as stakeholders in the design charrette process. TR-7: Protect the environment when planning any changes to the transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status TR-7-A: Consider environmental consequences of transportation decisions. Decision | continuous  Part of Comprehensive Plan GEIS (SEQR process) Close-in development, even at a higher density, will result in fewer vehicle miles traveled than outlying large lot development. TR-7-B: Reduce vehicle dependence, trip distance/duration/number. Decision | continuous  NNC: Transit (TCAT) and community transportation service providers (Ithaca Carshare, Ithaca Bikeshare) are included as stakeholders in the design charrette process. ⭕ Conventional zoning: no action. TR-7-C: Assess need for wildlife crossings. Regulation | open Decision | continuous Regulation / decision ⭕ No action. 33 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 Status MS-1-A: Update Capital Improvement Plan. Plan | continuous  Updated annually, coordinated between Engineering, Planning, and Public Works Departments. MS-1-B: Draft/adopt water and sewer master plan. Plan | medium ◐ Engineering continues to gather background data towards long-range water and sewer master planning. MS-1-C: Investigate shared municipal services with other communities. Cooperation | continuous Public Works Department frequently works with other municipalities and the County on projects. The current Intermunicipal Shared Service Agreement between the Town, County Highway Department, and participating area municipalities is active through November 2026. The current Snow and Ice Agreement between the Town and County Highway Department is active through September 2025. MS-1-D: Seek/promote funding sources for infrastructure to offset improvement and construction costs. Decision | continuous  Town designated as Pro-Housing Community in 2024, opening availability for Capital Improvement Grant funding awarded by Empire State Development for not-for-profit developers.  Town successfully pursued NYSDOT grants for infrastructure replacement projects in 2022 and 2023. MS-1-E: Joint projects with City, other communities concerning water and wastewater treatment systems. Cooperation | continuous  Town is a member community of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point).  Town Engineering and Planning Departments participated as members of the Plan Management Team for the City of Ithaca Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) in 2023-4, sponsored by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.  Town continues to plan and implement capital projects and improvements to jointly-owned conveyance and treatment infrastructure in cooperation with the City of Ithaca. 34 MS-2: Maintain, assess, and repair/replace/retrofit/rehabilitate existing public infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and services. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status MS-2-A: Monitor/evaluate water distribution system. Decision | continuous Program | medium  Continuously coordinated between Engineering and Public Works Departments. MS-2-B: Monitor wastewater collection system. Decision | continuous  Continuously coordinated between Engineering and Public Works Departments. MS-2-C: Preventative maintenance of Town infrastructure. Decision | continuous  Continuously coordinated between Engineering and Public Works Departments.  Public Works implemented new Asset Management protocol in 2024 for improved inventory, inspections, work orders, and track labor, equipment, and materials costs. MS-2-D: Annual pavement condition surveys of Town roads. Program | continuous  Public Works implemented new Asset Management protocol in 2024 for improved inventory, inspections, work orders, and track labor, equipment, and materials costs. MS-3: Based on sustainable development principles that are consistent with the Plan, limit expansion of public infrastructure and services. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status MS-3-A: Limit development of infrastructure in areas not designated for intensive development. Decision | continuous □ Joint responsibility of Public Works and Planning MS-4: Ensure the capability of stormwater management facilities to provide reasonable protection to property and the natural environment. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status MS-4-A: Implement the Town’s Stormwater Management Plan. Decision | continuous ◐ Engineering (as Stormwater Management Officer) is updating Town Stormwater Management Plan to meet new General Permit requirements □ Joint responsibility of Engineering and Public Works. MS-4-B: Inventory of stormwater management facilities. Program | medium Engineering Department has an inventory of existing stormwater facilities. MS-4-C: Ensure maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure. Public education about stormwater infrastructure. Program | continuous □ Joint responsibility of Engineering, Public Works and Planning. ◐ Many newer projects with stormwater facilities have maintenance agreements with the Town, coordinated with Engineering Department. Tompkins County Stormwater Coalition provides educational outreach 35 MS-4: Ensure the capability of stormwater management facilities to provide reasonable protection to property and the natural environment. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status MS-4-D: Appropriate staffing to enforce stormwater management laws. Decision | continuous ◐ Engineering Department (acting as Stormwater Management Officer) enforces stormwater management laws, and is fully staffed as of late 2024. MS-4-E: Complete a townwide urban watershed model. Project | medium ⭕ No action. MS-4-F: Policy for ownership of stormwater facilities. Project | high ⭕ No action. MS-4-G: Funding mechanism for stormwater management program. Project | medium ⭕ No action. Community services (CS) CS-1: Maintain and improve Town government's ability to serve its citizens. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status CS-1-A: Encourage inter-jurisdictional cooperation and communication for providing services and continue mutually beneficial shared services. Cooperation | continuous  Code Enforcement & Zoning Department and Public Works Department have existing shared service agreements. Town hosts polling for all early voting (since 2016) Town was an active participant in Steering Committee for Tompkins County Building Code Administration and Operations Study (2023-2024) to improve effectiveness and efficiencies through collaboration and sharing of services between and among the municipal building code operations within Tompkins County CS-1-B: Keep residents informed on Town matters. Program | continuous  New Town Web site. (2022)  Town newsletter (2010-2015 physical mailing to Town properties twice a year; in 2016, Town began digital monthly and ceased physical mailing) ⭕ Limited use of social media. CS-1-C: Ensure officials are versed in the Comprehensive Plan. Program | continuous ⭕ No action. CS-1-D: Support public libraries. Decision | continuous  Annual contribution from Town of Ithaca supports Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) including program to enhance Sunday hours since 2020. CS-2: Ensure adequate fire protection, public safety and police services. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status CS-2-A: Explore options for increased police presence. Project | open ⭕ No action. □ Outside Planning Department scope of work? CS-2-B: Partner with law enforcement to enforce vehicle safety and traffic laws. Cooperation | continuous ⭕ No action since short-term patrol agreement with Tompkins County Sheriff in 2003. 36 CS-2: Ensure adequate fire protection, public safety and police services. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status CS-2-C: Explore ways to reduce fire protection costs. Project | high Code Enforcement & Zoning earned high scores for building code adoption and enforcement on ISO’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule rating system (2024) Town negotiates agreements with City of Ithaca for fire protection services. Town was an active participant in Steering Committee for Tompkins County Building Code Administration and Operations Study to improve effectiveness and efficiencies through collaboration and sharing of services between and among the municipal building code operations within Tompkins County. (2023-2024) CS-2-D: Update Town’s Zoning Code to reflect fire code changes. Regulation | high ⭕ No action; not recommended. CS-3: Integrate public school facilities planning with Town land use planning. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status CS-3-A: Work with Ithaca City school district to reserve land for school sites in conformance with this plan. Cooperation | continuous ⭕ No action. CS-4: Minimize impact of solid waste on Town residents, businesses, and the natural environment. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status CS-4-A: Coordinate with TCSWD for removal and management of solid waste. Cooperation | continuous  TCSWD picks up residential recycling. ⭕ All other trash/garbage collection is by private companies. ⭕ No residential large/heavy object pickup. CS-4-B: Explore option of a construction and demolition recycling/reuse ordinance. Regulation | medium ⭕ No action. CS-4-C: Promote use of the newly renovated Recycling and Solid Waste Center; goals of diverting waste from landfills. Program | high ⭕ No action. 37 Economic development (ED) ED-1: Promote a stable and diverse local economy. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status ED-1-A: Support continued vitality of existing employers. Cooperation | continuous □ Determined by Town Budget Committee. ED-1-B: Positive entrepreneurial environment for new and expanding businesses. Decision | continuous  Planning staff directs inquiries related to financial support and economic incentives (including tax abatements) to TCIDA. Note: Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) is now the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA). ED-1-C: Streamline development review, land use regulations. Regulation | high  New Neighborhood Code: streamlined development review. (2022)  Conventional zones: remove site plan approval for freestanding signs. ◐ Conventional zoning: rough unified development code draft (≤ 2017); some concepts included in New Neighborhood Code. ◐ Greater focus on development services, including launch of OpenGov permitting platform in 2022. ED-1-D: Support workers in attaining fair labor practices. Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. ED-1-E: Support major public and non-profit institutions. Cooperation | continuous □ Determined by Town Budget Committee. ED-1-F: Support artists, arts organizations. Decision | continuous □ Determined by Town Budget Committee. ED-1-G: Preference to local businesses for purchasing, contracting. Decision | continuous □ Determined by Town Budget Committee. ED-1-H: Improve communication among government agencies, businesses, institutions. Program | open ◐ Ongoing; several actions, land use decisions. ED-1-I: Support agriculture economic development, including a strong agritourism industry. Program | open ◐ Ongoing; several actions, land use decisions. ED-1-J: Support sustainable businesses rather than short-term extractive industries. Decision | continuous Note: This isn’t always possible, given state regulation of certain extractive activities. 38 ED-2: Establish a cohesive and sustainable economic development policy for the Town of Ithaca. Goal/recommendation Action / priority Status ED-2-A: Long term investment strategy based on local competitive advantages, social equity, environment. Program | medium ◐ Town participates in Ithaca Area Economic Development’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). ED-2-B: Regional economic development strategy. Cooperation | continuous ◐ Town participates in Ithaca Area Economic Development’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). ED-2-C: Engage with TCAD in cooperative efforts to develop incentives tailored to the Town's unique conditions. Cooperation | continuous  Planning staff directs inquiries related to financial support and economic incentives (including tax abatements) to TCIDA. Note: Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) is now the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA). ED-2-D: Work to reduce poverty by supporting efforts that provide worker training and business recruitment. Decision | continuous ◐ Planning staff directs inquiries related to workforce services to TCIDA. ED-2-E: Industry clusters drawing on local advantages. Program | open  Inlet Valley strategic plan and overlay zone. ED-2-F: Evaluate ED programs based on long-term benefits, not short-term job or revenue gains. Decision | continuous ◐ Town Planning is working with Tompkins County Planning & Sustainability and Ithaca Area Economic Development to develop options for self-financing and incentive-compatible mechanisms for funding infrastructure associated with traditional neighborhood development. ED-2-G: ED efforts equitable, promote vitality of industry sector, not focused on individual businesses. Decision | continuous ◐ Town participates in Ithaca Area Economic Development’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). ED-2-H: Support tax policies that encourage business development based on local assets, rather than shift funds from public to profit- making entities. Decision | continuous ◐ Town Planning is working with Tompkins County Planning & Sustainability and Ithaca Area Economic Development to develop options for self-financing and incentive-compatible mechanisms for funding infrastructure associated with traditional neighborhood development. ED-2-I: Provide funding to nonprofits contracting with the Town that encourages agencies to pay their staff a living wage. Decision | continuous ⭕ No action. ED-2-J: Pursue financial support from local tax-exempt institutions. Cooperation | continuous  Town of Ithaca and Cornell University voluntary contribution agreement commenced 2024. # # #