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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB 2025-014- SEQR Game Farm Road Field Hockey FieldPage 1 of 2 PB RESOLUTION 2025-014: SEQR Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Project Tax Parcel No.’s 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, 62.-2-6 Game Farm Road Town of Ithaca Planning Board March 18, 2025 WHEREAS: 1. This action involves consideration of a SEQR determination for the proposed Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field project on Game Farm Road, located immediately east of the existing Cornell soccer fields. The proposal involves constructing new field hockey facilities in two phases, with phase one including the conversion of the existing grass practice field into a synthetic turf field along with construction of a new driveway, formalized parking area, pedestrian amenities, and two support facilities (a 1,700 +/- square foot restroom/team room building, and a 480 +/- square foot press box). Phase two involves the construction of a clubhouse for the field hockey team, with locker rooms, meeting rooms, physical therapy rooms, lounge, toilets, showers, and indoor synthetic turf training space. Phase two is projected to be constructed within five years of the athletic field installation. The project also includes new lighting, landscaping, stormwater facilities, and other site improvements. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Kimberly Van Leeuwen, Fisher Associates, Applicant/Agent; 2. The proposed project, which requires Site Plan approval and Special Permit by the Planning Board, is a Type I action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part 617, and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality Review, because the proposal involves an activity, other than the construction of residential facilities, that involves the physical alteration of 10 acres (6 NYCRR 617.4 (b) (6) (i)), and parking for 100 vehicles (Town Code 148-5.C (3)); 3. At its meeting on November 19, 2024, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board (1) reviewed a Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, submitted by the applicant, along with a report containing a narrative and studies titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field, Site Plan Review Application Report,” dated October 3, 2024, prepared by Fisher Associates, drawings titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field, Cornell University,” dated 09-27-2024, prepared by Sasaki, and other materials; and (2) proposed to establish itself as the Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above-referenced proposal. Potential Involved and Interested agencies were notified of its intent to serve as Lead Agency on November 20, 2024; 4. The Planning Board, having received no objections from other Involved Agencies, on January 7, 2025, established itself as Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above- described proposal; 5. The Planning Board, on March 4, 2025, discussed the environmental review and directed the Planning staff to draft the Full Environmental Assessment Form Parts 2 and 3 to support a negative determination of environmental significance for the Planning Board’s discussion and consideration at its March 18, 2025, meeting; 6. The Planning Board, on March 18, 2025, has accepted as adequate the Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3, prepared by Town Planning staff, the materials noted in Whereas #3 above; additional materials in a binder titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Supplemental Materials Submission,” dated January 31, 2025, prepared PB 2025-014 (Filed 3/19) Page 2 of 2 by Fisher Associates; additional supplemental materials in a binder titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Supplemental Materials Submission,” dated February 21, 2025, prepared by Fisher Associates; written and oral public comments and documents submitted by the public; and other materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced proposal, based on the information in the Full EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the Full EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.