HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2002-09-034
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DATE
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 3, 2002, in Town
Hall, 215 N. Tioga St, Ithaca, New York, at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:. Fred Wilcox, Board Member; Eva Hoffmann, Board Member; Tracy Mitrano, Board
Member; Larry Thayer, Board Member; Rod Howe, Board Member; Kevin Talty, Board Member;
Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; Dan Walker, Director of Engineering (7:24 p.m.); David
Dubow, Attorney for the Town; Susan Ritter, Assistant Director of Planning; Mike Smith,
Environmental Planner,
EXCUSED: George Conneman, Board Member; Christine Balestra- Lehman, Planner,
ALSO PRESENT: Warren Allmon, PRI; B.B. McCaa, 436 Winthrop Dr; Rick Couture, Ithaca College;
Fred Vanderburgh, Ithaca College; Peter Trowbridge, Trowbridge & Wolf; Paul Levesque, HOLT
Architects; Larry Hoffman, HOLT Architects; Marguerite & Edward Moy, 101 Christopher Circle; Joe
Fitzgerald, Cayuga Medical Center; Coralie Hebgen- Buile, HOLT Architects; Carl Sgrecci, Ithaca
College; R. Halt, Ithaca College; Ron Brunozzi, Pyramid Network Services; Marshall Stocker, 528
Warren Rd; Hazel Brampton, 131 Christopher Circle; Helen & Howard Cogan, 109 Christopher Circle;
Allen Warshawski, AE &A Real Estate; Rhoda Weiss, 124 Christopher Circle; Tim Frateschi, Harris
Beach, Syracuse.
Chairperson Wilcox declared the meeting duly opened at 7:04 p.m. and accepted for the record the
Secretary's Affidavit of Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town Hall and the
Ithaca Journal on August 26, 2002, and August 28, 2002, together with the properties under
discussion, as appropriate, upon the Clerks of the City of Ithaca and the Town of Danby, upon the
Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Public
Works, and upon the applicants and /or agents, as appropriate, on August 28, 2002. (Affidavit of
Posting and Publication is hereto attached as Exhibit #1.)
Chairperson Wilcox read the Fire Exit Regulations to those assembled, as required by the New York
State Department of State, Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
AGENDA ITEM: Persons to be Heard.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:05 p.m. With no persons present tc be
heard, Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 7:06 p.m.
Chairperson Wilcox - I would like to introduce David Dubow, who is filling for John Barney this
evening.
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals
,regarding a sign variance. The request is to allow a temporary sign /display banner of
approximately 7 feet by 35 feet in size to be placed on a trailer in the front of the
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Paleontological Research Institution property located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, Residence District R -30. The purpose of the temporary sign is
to announce the construction of the Museum of the Earth and will be removed no later than
June 2003. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner; Warren Allmon, Agent.
Warren Allmon, Director of PRI - The banner is as Sue has summarized. It is temporary. It will be up
until completion and opening of the new museum. It covers the Huber - Brewer trailer that was put
there earlier this summer. Huber - Brewer put it there to advertise their presence on the site. With
their permission, we covered up their name on the trailer with our banner when we did our public
announcement on July 8 th
Chairperson Wilcox - Questions from the board?
Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. With no persons present to be heard,
Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. The matter was brought back before the
board.
Chairperson Wilcox - I am not pleased.
Board Member Thayer - The sign is there.
Chairperson Wilcox - Let's be honest. The sign is already there. I'm not pleased. The reason I'm not
pleased is that the materials submitted by the applicant state the sign is necessarily large because
the cars travel and hopefully it will stir up some interest in PRI and it's a good thing. Maybe they will
get some donations out of it. A large chunk of the sign advertises the architects and the general
contractors. The sign serves more than simply the purpose of fund raising and bringing PRI to the
attention of the public. One can argue that it covers the side of a trailer, but on the other hand ... I
wish it wasn't there.
Board Member Thayer - Did we give the trailer approval?
Chairperson Wilcox - We have just a few minutes. I remember when they built the new Tops up in
Lansing they conveniently parked a Tops trailer in the back and angled it in a way that it faced Route
13. Remember that?
Board Member Mitrano - Yes.
Board Member Thayer - Absolutely.
Chairperson Wilcox - Having said that, would someone like to move the motion?
Board Member Howe - I will.
Chairperson Wilcox - So moved by Rod Howe. Do I have a second? Seconded by the lovely lady to
my right. Any other discussion? All those in favor please signal by saying aye.
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Board Member Mitrano, Board Member Thayer, Board Member Howe, Board Member Talty - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - I have four ayes. I vote against. There are no abstentions. The motion is
passed 4 to 1. You are off to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Thank you, Warren.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -087- Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding
sign variances, Paleontological Research Institution Sign, 1259 Trumansburg Road, Tax
Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1.
MOTION made by Rod Howe, seconded by Tracy Mitrano.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a
sign variance. The request is to allow a temporary sign /display banner of approximately 7 feet
by 35 feet in size to be placed on a trailer in the front of the Paleontological Research
Institution property located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24. -3-
3.1, Residence District R -30. The purpose of the temporary sign is to announce the
construction of the Museum of the Earth and will be removed no later than June 2003.
Paleontological Research Institution, Owner; Warren Allmon, Agent.
2. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate, a drawing of the 245 ± square foot sign, and a site plan showing the
approximate location of the trailer and attached sign, and other application material.
NOW THEREFORE BE I T RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as the Town of Ithaca Sign Review Board,
recommends to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the request for sign variances be granted
with the following conditions:
a. sign /banner is to be removed by June 30, 2002.
A vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: Wilcox.
The motion was declared to be carried.
AGENDA ITEM: SEAR Determination, Cayuga Medical Center — Education Center & Cafeteria
Addition, 101 Dates Drive.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
91
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Paul Levesque, HOLT Architects - Basically, we are here tonight because we are in a special use
district. The hospital is proposing a couple of small additions. As you can see they are doing an
education center addition, small cafeteria addition. I will entertain any questions if anybody has any.
Chairperson Wilcox - Any questions with regard to environmental review? Would someone like to
move the SEAR motion?
Board Member Thayer - I'll move it.
Chairperson Wilcox - So moved by Larry Thayer. Do I have a second? Seconded by Kevin Talty. Is
there any further discussion with regard to SEQR? There being none please signal by saying aye.
Board - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - All those opposed? There are none. The motion is passed.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -088 - SEQR, Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval, Cayuga Medical
Center — Edu. Ctr. & Cafeteria Additions, 101 Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24 -3-
2.1
MOTION made by Larry Thayer, seconded by Kevin Talty.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a recommendation
to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed additions to the
Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.
24- 3 -2.1, Residence District R -30. The project includes a 925 +/- square foot one story
addition to the cafeteria on the south side of the existing building and a 4,200 +/- square foot
two -story addition on the north side of the main building for an education center. Cayuga
Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner; HOLT Architects, PC, Applicant, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is legislatively
determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan
Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a Part II prepared by
Town Planning staff, plans entitled "Education Center and Cafeteria Additions to Cayuga
Medical Center at Ithaca — Site Plans', "Education Center Addition to Cayuga Medical Center
at Ithaca — Exterior Elevations'; "Education Center Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at
Ithaca — Floor Plans ", "Cafeteria Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Elev.',
"Cafeteria Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Floor Plan" ; dated July 19, 2002,
prepared by HOLT Architects, P.C., and other application material, and
M
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
for the above referenced action as proposed, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will
not be required.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed
additions to the Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Residence District R -30. The project includes a 925 +/- square foot
one story addition to the cafeteria on the south side of the existing building and a 4,200 +/-
square foot two -story addition on the north side of the main building for an education center.
Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner; HOLT Architects, PC, Applicant.
Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. With no persons present to be heard,
Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. The matter was brought back to the board.
Chairperson Wilcox - Questions, comments from staff? Would someone like to move the motion as
drafted?
Board Member Mitrano - I will.
Chairperson Wilcox - So moved by Tracy Mitrano. Seconded by Rod Howe. There being no further
discussion, all those in favor please signal by saying aye.
Board - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - All those opposed? There are none. There are no abstentions. The motion is
passed.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -089 - Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval, Cayuga Medical
61
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Center — Edu. Ctr. & Cafeteria Additions, 101 Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24 -3-
2.1.
MOTION made by Tracy Mitrano, seconded by Rod Howe.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a recommendation
to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed additions to the
Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.
24- 3 -2.1, Residence District R -30. The project includes a 925 +/- square foot one story
addition to the cafeteria on the south side of the existing building and a 4,200 +/- square foot
two -story addition on the north side of the main building for an education center. Cayuga
Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner; HOLT Architects, PC, Applicant, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency
in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, has, on September 3, 2002, made
a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as
adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a
Part II prepared by Town Planning staff, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate, plans entitled "Education Center and Cafeteria Additions to Cayuga
Medical Center at Ithaca — Site Plans', "Education Center Addition to Cayuga Medical Center
at Ithaca — Exterior Elevations'; "Education Center Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at
Ithaca — Floor Plans'; "Cafeteria Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Elev.",
"Cafeteria Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Floor Plan"; dated July 19, 2002,
prepared by HOLT Architects, P.C., and other application material, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary
and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a
significant alteration of the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied
by the Town Board, and
2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan
Approval for the proposed 925 +/- square foot addition to the Cafeteria and a 4,200 +/- square
foot addition for the Education Center, as shown on plans entitled "Education Center and
Cafeteria Additions to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Site Plans'; "Education Center
Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Exterior Elevations', "Education Center Addition
to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Floor Plans'; "Cafeteria Addition to Cayuga Medical
101
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Center at Ithaca — Elev.'; "Cafeteria Addition to Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca — Floor Plan';
dated July 19, 2002, prepared by HOLT Architects, P.C., subject to the following conditions:
a. granting by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the required Special Approval for the
proposed project, and
b. submission of an original of the final site plan on mylar, vellum or paper, to be retained
by the Town of Ithaca, and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board, in making a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals,
determines the following:
a. there is a need for the proposed use in the proposed location;
b. the existing and probable future character of the neighborhood will not be adversely
affected as a result of the proposed use;
C. the proposed use is in accordance with a comprehensive plan of development of the
Town;
2. That the Planning Board reports to the Zoning Board of Appeals its recommendation that the
aforementioned request for Special Approval be approved.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Tally.
NAYS: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM: SEAR Determination, Ithaca College Campus Safety / General Services
Building, Campus Service Road.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Peter Trowbridge, Trowbridge & Wolf - I just wanted to bring to the board's attention some conditions
and uses that have changed relative to the site plan since our initial proposal of service maintenance
buildings at Ithaca College. The college has removed the permitting process that has gone in the
building historically for vehicle registration. The kind of student activity that once occurred down at
the facilities buildings will no longer occur at the new service maintenance building.
There are other conditions. We are asking for the elimination of 100 plus feet of asphalt sidewalk that
connects primarily a series of natural series pathways that are only seasonably maintained around a
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
detention basin. So the segment of walk is between the seasonably maintained walk and the new
service maintenance building in the service core of Ithaca College.
We are just discussing the SEQR portion at this point.
Chairperson Wilcox - Just SEQR at this point, but you can give a broad overview of what is being
proposed if you like.
Mr. Trowbridge - I just wanted to talk about the conditions that have possibly changed since the board
reviewed the original site plan.
Mr. Kanter - I'll ask Peter, maybe to just describe a little more about the actual, physical
environmental characteristics of the area of the walkway.
Mr. Trowbridge - There are a couple of conditions that are of some environmental concern. Certainly,
when we brought the plan to the board, there probably were inadequate discussions with staff at the
college at that time. We would have to eliminate a number of trees and vegetation along the upper
stretch of the service road. The topography and the location behind the guardrail would make it
virtually impossible for staff to seasonably maintain that walk. The other point I would bring out is
even if the college chooses to maintain this piece, as I said it is not connected to other maintained
walkways. It would be an isolated walk segment. There is concern about the closeness of
vegetation. At the time, lighting was not considered as part of the walkway since we saw it would be
rather infrequently used. There is some concern that many would walk out on the road itself because
of the activity vehicles... pedestrians between the guardrail and the street.
The bigger issue is one that is encouraging to begin to walk in the direction of Coddington Road. So
much of the area is a long stretch of a hardcore service area where the college for security and
liability reasons doesn't want pedestrians walking through an area where it would be virtually
impossible to structure a safe walkway.
Chairperson Wilcox - Questions of Mr. Trowbridge in regard to environmental review? Eva?
Board Member Hoffmann - I was just looking at that site. I understand what you are saying about the
grading between the road and thewoods. The other thing I don't understand is that it doesn't connect
with any other trail. You can see already on this drawing, L102 where this pathway that was
proposed marked in yellow ends ... on the right hand side of the paper there is another...
Mr. Trowbridge - I'm not suggesting that it doesn't connect to any trails. It connects really to a natural
area trail that is not maintained by the college in the winter. This walkway would not have continuous
maintenance to the core campus in the wintertime. The walkway around the detention basin, as you
know, is gravel and limestone dust. That has never been a maintained walkway seasonally.
Board Member Hoffmann - Is there a reason why it couldn't be?
Mr. Trowbridge - Because using equipment, the surface is not a hard surface. So if we are going to
broom or plow that surface it would be very difficult. Also topographically it is almost impossible to
E:3
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
get the equipment down and around that detention bowl because of the topography down in that
area.
Board Member Hoffmann - It didn't look as if there were any steep slopes to me. It was just not one
path. There was a path going off to the left from the pond. There was one right between the pond
and the road. It joined around with others. I just don't think that argument makes any sense to me
that there is no other path...
Mr. Trowbridge - I didn't say that there wasn't. I just said that it could not be seasonably maintained.
I'm not suggesting its not connected to paths around the detention basin, if I said that I didn't mean
that. What I meant to say is that segment would not ... the walkways south of that up to the roadway
that circles around campus are currently not maintained. That piece of walkway would be
idiosyncratic in terms of its maintenance. Nothing up to the loop road is maintained south of that
segment of walkway.
Board Member Hoffmann - I still don't see that they couldn't be maintained in the future. Also, it is
true that there are some trees right close to the roads, but there are many more trees beyond that.
So if some trees needed to be taken out for a walkway, it wouldn't be too terrible in my mind. You
made a statement that the college prefers not to have a way for students to walk from campus down
along the service road to Coddington Road. I think it is even more of a safety problem if they walk on
the road. As I drove up there today, there was a lot of traffic and such coming down and meeting me.
The road is very narrow. There was a young woman walking on the shoulder. I could just imagine
how unsafe it would be in the winter if that would be the only way to walk. I have the feeling that if
there are students walking there now, they are going to walk in the future, too, whether there is a
walkway or not. I would have thought that it was something that the college would be interested in
encouraging... to allow students to walk in a safe way between campus and off campus.
Mr. Trowbridge - What the college has done and I don't know how much presentation you want at this
particular moment ... there are four individuals from the college here tonight to answer questions in
more detail. A year or so ago, we came in to look at parking on campus. A student organization
came to this board saying that what students really wanted was less traffic and more bus
transportation. The college has worked very carefully with TCAT over the last several months to
create exactly what the students are looking for. It starts at 6:00 a.m. and runs to 1:30 a.m. It runs
every 45 minutes. Students living on South Hill will have very frequent bus transportation. The
college feels there really isn't a direct safe way to bring all the kinds of students from on campus to off
campus to the core campus. The college has worked with TCAT to get service to the core campus,
College Circle, and Longview. The traffic to College Circle and Longview would stop at 9:00 p.m.
think the college is doing quite a bit to try to make safe transportation to and from where students
want to go. I don't think the college is being negligent in terms of their responsibility in getting
students to and from the campus in a safe way.
Board Member Howe - Peter, could you clarify for me the blue dotted line that says travel path to
academic campus? Most of that is not a sidewalk on the service road. Are you saying that folks use
that anyway?
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Trowbridge - It's a desire line, but it's not desirable. Students want to get from off campus
housing to the core campus. I have to admit that we have done a lot with board members. I know we
walked with Tom Niederkorn, Bill Lesser to look at various routes to try to get individuals from campus
to south hill. We looked at routes below Emerson Hall. We have walked these with board members
and came to the realization that there wasn't a really good safe way to get students from one location
to another. I think what that line is suggesting is a desire to move from here to there. I think at this
point the college would prefer bus transportation rather than having students... many students don't
just live on Coddington Road. They live much further down the hill. They are trying to do a service to
pick up students and deliver students up and down south hill and the commons by TCAT.
Board Member Howe - Is this part of the master plan that is being looked at?
Mr. Trowbridge - It is certainly an on -going conversation. I think it is multi - municipal. What we have
come to the understanding is that when we have students walk down to Coddington Road, the
County does not have an adequately wide right -of -way to provide sidewalks on Coddington Road. Is
it the college's sole obligation that the Town and the County and the City ... we think it is a multi -
municipal and college responsibility to get together and have a conversation about this. It is not
solely the college's responsibility that adequate sidewalks can't be built on Coddington Road. Right
now the sidewalks end at the City line. There is no safe way in the public right -of -way to get to
campus.
Chairperson Wilcox - Any other questions with regard to environmental review?
Mr. Kanter - No comments on the environmental review. It is not constructing a walkway. So the
non - construction would have no environmental impacts.
Chairperson Wilcox - Having said that, would someone like to move the draft SEAR motion? So
moved by Rod How. Do I have a second?
Board Member Thayer - I'll second it.
Chairperson Wilcox - Seconded by Larry Thayer. There being no further discussion, all those in favor
please signal by saying aye.
Board - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - Nobody is opposed and there are no abstentions. The motion is passed.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -090 - SEQR, Modification of Site Plan Approval, Ithaca College
Campus Safety /General Services Building, Deletion of Walkway, Campus Services Road off of
Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel NO. 41.4-11.
MOTION made by Rod Howe, seconded by Larry Thayer.
WHEREAS:
III]
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
1. This action is consideration of Site Plan Modification for the Ithaca College Campus
Safety /General Services Building located on Campus Services Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 41.4-11, Residence District R -15. The modification includes deleting an asphalt
walkway located along a portion of Campus Services Road. The project was originally
approved by the Planning Board on August 21, 2002. Ithaca College, Owner, HOLT
Architects, P.C., Applicant /Agent, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is legislatively
determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval,
and
3. The Planning Board, on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
Environmental Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part 11 prepared by
Planning staff, a drawing showing the walkway to be eliminated, and other application
materials, and
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Modification.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental
significance in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above
referenced action as proposed. Therefore, neither a Full Environmental Assessment Form nor an
Environmental Impact Statement will be required.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Site Plan Modification for the Ithaca College Campus
Safety / General Services Building located on Campus Services Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 41 -1 -11, Residence District R -15. The modification includes deleting an asphalt
walkway located along a portion of Campus Services Road. The project was originally
approved by the Planning Board on August 21, 2001. Ithaca College, Owner; HOLT Architects,
P.C., Applicant /Agent.
Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. With no members of the public present to
be heard, Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. The matter was brought back to
the board.
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Chairperson Wilcox - Any further questions of Mr. Trowbridge? Larry?
Board Member Thayer - I was just thinking that probably not just students would be using that
walkway. It could be employees.
Mr. Trowbridge - It is possible. I think there are specific questions about that. Bob Holt could speak
to what he saw as traffic to and from campus.
Bob Holt, Director of the Office of Public Safety - The traffic that we see at public safety usually
pertains to obtaining parking permits. With the staff and faculty, those permits are mailed to them.
With the students, the permits are offered in the science building right up in the center of campus for
the convenience of the student. Obviously, we are open to the public. Anyone could walk in. With
the students, if they have a question regarding parking or their parking permit, it is not unusual for
them to drive to campus safety rather than walking. During an investigation of an incident on
campus, students that we are to interview ... an appointment is made and the investigator picks them
up and brings them down to campus safety for an interview.
Board Member Howe - So you have very little foot traffic?
Mr. Holt - We really do. We do now and all we are doing now is to move public safety presence up a
couple hundred feet into a location that you can see one building from the other.
Board Member Hoffmann - I'm trying to remember what the uses were we heard about. I remember
more traffic coming into the southern part of the building.
Mr. Holt - Less Ithaca College community traffic for the northern side of the building, the general
services side. The south side is the entrance for public safety. Again, traditionally that has mainly
been vehicular traffic.
Chairperson Wilcox - Jonathan, you had a few comments.
Mr. Kanter - Not really other than what I mentioned in the cover letter to the board. Mr. Frost and I
were concerned with pedestrian safety on Campus Services Road. We didn't feel that we as staff
could act on the modification without bringing it to the Planning Board for consideration. Our feeling
is still after hearing all the conversations about it that it is not a good idea to delete the walkway for
safety reasons. I guess the way that I look at it is even the way cities build sidewalks is incrementally.
If you have an opportunity to add a piece and then another piece you should do it when you get that
opportunity.
Chairperson Wilcox - Anybody else on staff wish to make a comment?
Board Member Thayer - We approved it that way originally. I think that is the way it should stay.
Chairperson Wilcox - I visited the site Monday. There were actually laborers on the site working on
Labor Day. If the sidewalk isn't built...
Mr. Trowbridge - (Comments not audible)
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Chairperson Wilcox - The distance on the upper left hand photograph between the white line and the
guardrail is about 3 feet. The proposed sidewalk is 4 feet. There is also a steep gradient there. It is
difficult to walk through there. There is quite a grade in both directions. There are some tree stumps
and debris. When you get farther up the hill to the southeast where it ends, the grassy area on the
other side of the guardrail is quite level. In the non - winter months at that point you could walk along
the grass outside the guardrail or you could head down to the gravel paths that circle both sides of
the detention pond. My feeling is that it is a dangerous area. Given the configuration right now,
anybody who is going to walk there, will opt to walk on the road. That is a safety concern of this
board.
Board Member Howe - It doesn't sound like many people walk on it. Is the bigger issue a longer -term
plan with a sidewalk? I'm not opposed to alleviating it because it seems like a sidewalk that no one is
going to use right now.
Chairperson Wilcox - The College is making the argument that they anticipate any increase in
pedestrian traffic. I believe the situation that exists now ... it is difficult to say it is unsafe, but it could
be made safer for those who walk in the area.
Mr. Trowbridge - I agree with Jonathan that if this were a sound location for a walk, building
increments would make sense. We don't believe this is a sound location for the walk. There should
be a bigger view ... a multi - municipal view on walkways between other existing walkways. There is no
walkway on Coddington Road. There are just ditches on both sides. We keep pushing people into
that direction. We put them back on the road anyway. Even if we took you all the way down to
Coddington Road through the college it wouldn't go down to a Town sidewalk. You then have
students walking on your road. I think if it is going to occur, it should be logical, increment walkways
that connect to some walk system, which is at the City line. It isn't in this location through the service
facility. The reality is students are coming and going from the residence halls. It seems to make
sense to us that somehow a sidewalk be constructed on the east side. Several previous board
members and Town Board members have looked that and agreed that there needs to be some bigger
conversation amongst the municipalities to solve that. The argument of building it increments makes
sense, but pushes you towards the abyss. It doesn't really move you in the direction that the students
should be moving.
Mr. Kanter - When I was talking about incremental, I wasn't necessarily referring to outside of the
college, but internally. I wasn't talking about the intermunicipal conversation.
Chairperson Wilcox - Can I get a straw vote of the board?
Board Member Thayer - The staff is my recommendation. So I want to abide by that.
Board Member Talty - Keep it in.
Board Member Hoffmann - Keep it in.
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Chairperson Wilcox - We have a draft resolution that was provided to us. I want to delete clauses 1,
2 and 2a and substitute the text that appears as an alternative set of text. I so move the resolution.
Do I have a second?
Board Member Thayer - I'll second.
Chairperson Wilcox - Seconded by Larry Thayer. Any further discussion? All those in favor please
signal by raising your hand?
Chairperson Wilcox, Board Member Hoffmann, Board Member Thayer, Board Member Talty - Aye.
Board Member Mitrano, Board Member Howe - Nay.
Chairperson Wilcox - There are no abstentions. The motion is passed 4 to 2. You will build a
sidewalk. Thank you very much.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -091- Modification of Site Plan Approval, Ithaca College Campus
Safety /General Services Building, Deletion of Walkway, Campus Services Road off of
Coddington Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41.4-11.
MOTION made by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Larry Thayer.
1. This action is consideration of Site Plan Modification for the Ithaca College Campus
Safety /General Services Building located on Campus Services Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No. 41.4-11, Residence District R -15. The modification includes deleting an asphalt
walkway located along a portion of Campus Services Road. The project was originally
approved by the Planning Board on August 21, 2002. Ithaca College, Owner; HOLT
Architects, P.C., Applicant /Agent, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is legislatively
determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval,
and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate for approval of site plan modification, a drawing showing the walkway to
be eliminated, and other application materials,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby denies the requested site plan modification, and finds
that the asphalt walkways is an important safety feature and should be constructed in order to
encourage safe pedestrian access to the new Campus Safety /General Services Building.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Thayer, Talty.
NAYS: Mitrano, Howe.
The motion was declared to be carried.
AGENDA ITEM: SEAR Determination, Telecommunication Antennas on Water Tank,
Christopher Lane.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
Tim Frateschi, Harris Beach, Syracuse - I'm an attorney at Harris Beach in Syracuse. We represent
Independent Wireless One Corporation. We come before you tonight to request a negative
declaration on the SEQRA form and the approval of a special use permit for the placement of 6
cellular antennas on the Christopher Lane water tank owned by the Town of Ithaca. We have gone
through your telecommunications law. In keeping with your telecommunications law, we have
identified a site to cover some gaps in coverage we have along Route 13. In keeping with the
preference with the Town, we have identified an existing high structure on which we can place
antennas to provide the services we are required to provide under the Federal Telecommunications
Act of 1996. These antennas will be placed at about 72 feet on the water tank if approved by the
Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. These antennas will be below the existing height
of the water tank. They will not add to the height of the water tank. We provided you with an
application similar to the applications we presented in the past. We hope that answers any questions
you may have. I stand ready to answer any other questions you might have or we might have missed
in the application. Ron Brunozzi from Pyramid Site Acquisition is here with me. Independent
Wireless One hires Pyramid as its site acquisition consultant. He identifies sites that would provide
us with the coverage we need to provide to our customers. I would be happy to answer any
questions.
Chairperson Wilcox - In many ways this application is very similar to one that we seen before from
IWO. Who does Independent Wireless represent?
Mr. Frateschi - Independent One Wireless Realty Corporation is the licensee for Sprint in Upstate
New York and most of New York State.
Chairperson Wilcox - You are asking for similar waivers, as before in regard to the Town of Ithaca
Telecommunications Act given you are co- locating on a Town structure. Is there any noise from the
equipment box?
Mr. Frateschi - I have been to sites and have not heard noise. I would like to refer to Ron Brunozzi to
answer the question.
Ron Brunozzi, Pyramid Site Acquisition - There is no generator or diesel motor or engine to run.
There are small fans in the equipment. It is similar to a computer. There is some noise, but it is not
very loud. You can hear it if you get up to it, but I don't think you could hear it 5, 10 feet away.
Board Member Hoffmann - You are saying there is noise?
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Brunozzi - There is noise. I'm saying there is no significant noise that a passerby would hear or a
neighbor.
Chairperson Wilcox - Any other questions in regard to environmental review? I am sure there are
people in the audience who would like to address the board with regard to environmental review. I
would like to give those of you in the audience a chance to address the board in regard to
environmental review as there may be comments or suggestions that may be useful in our
discussions. If and when we do complete the environmental review and we go to the site plan review,
we will open the public hearing and once again have a second opportunity should you want to take it.
B.B. Mc Caa - 436 Winthrop Drive - I am opposite the tank. I am wondering if the gentleman who just
spoke could describe the appearance of the antennas. I thought I understood him to say they would
not add to the height. I am wondering where will they be and what will they look like.
Chairperson Wilcox - We will show you color simulations. I believe there are a series of before and
after pictures.
Board Member Thayer - They are very unobtrusive. You can barely see them.
Hazel Brampton, 131 Christopher Circle - I have a lot of questions. I am wondering about the
statement made in the application about additional screening being provided. Additional screening
should be provided around this to protect the buildings from the neighborhood. It is not stated who is
going to provide that additional screening, where it's going to be and what it consists of. I bring that
up because we have bad experiences on the circle with screening around that particular piece of
property. We had a lovely place for birds and bees and us and suddenly it all changed into a staging
area for dirt, stones, and heavy equipment. We're very nervous at this point for further plans at
building and for putting something else in that area. This is a residential place; at least it was for
starters. Our experience has been very disappointing for that particular piece of property. I would
like to know who is going to provide additional screening and when and what it consists of. The rest
of my questions are not environmental.
Chairperson Wilcox - Thank you. I visited the site Saturday around noon. This young lady, being a
member of the neighborhood watch, said, "what are you doing here sir ". I explained to her what I was
doing. We had a very wonderful conversation. Is there anybody else who would like to address the
board?
Marshal Stocker, 528 Warren Road - This water tank resides essentially in my back yard at about 200
feet from where I sleep. On the environmental impact, hopefully you can address the RF waves this
piece of equipment is going to emit. I did provide you with a letter of my concerns earlier today. I will
readily admit without having access to the site development plan because I had to go through the
FOIL process, some of my concerns are no longer concerns to me at all. On the RF exposure I did
highlight that there are multiple family dwellings within 100 feet of this tower. There are three schools
within 1,000 feet, one of which is about 300 feet another of which I estimate to be about 700 feet. RF
radiation and pollution is an unknown. I'd encourage you to consider the consequences of putting it in
this particularly delicate situation with so many uses and high concentration of residences. Hopefully
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
there can be some discussion or address by Independent Wireless One on that issue. As long as I
am up here, on the visual pollution or the visual effect I must say that I am remarkably impressed with
the camouflage of the antennas. However, they do sit within the fall line of high voltage power lines.
They do sit within the fall line of a public road by my fairly rough, but I believe accurate, estimation. I
don't know if the water tank is going to fall over, but I know little devices attached to large structures
can fall off. Because the high voltage power line and the public road exist outside the secured area, I
encourage you to consider not waiving or overlooking item 6 in the your Article XVI Special
Regulations, Section 2604 for height and fall zone construction. That really concludes my inquisition
regarding the environmental effects.
Ed Moy, 101 Christopher Circle - When I look out the picture window in front of my house I'm looking
right at that water tower. It is approximately 200 feet away. As was mentioned earlier, that used to
be a very nice wooded area; about several years ago they stripped it. They really stripped it right
down to the ground. We were given all kinds of problems of how that would be camouflaged. To this
date, they haven't done a very good job of it. To me this appears another nail in the coffin of that area
that used to be a beautiful spot for all kinds of birds and animals. About 7 years ago, they used that
as a big staging area when they were rebuilding Warren Road. We were assured at that time that
that was an exceptional case and it wouldn't happen again. It has happened every single year for the
last several years. I've kept a photographic history of this because they have really done a hatchet
job on that area. It is not this specific item, but it is one more in a whole series. It is something that
seriously needs to be looked into. The gentleman before talked of things that should be of concern.
I'd appreciate it if you gave it more thought.
Marguerite Moy, 101 Christopher Circle - I have a little hearing problem so maybe this point has
already been addressed. It is my understanding that the Town of Lansing does not have good
reception... cell phone reception and that is one of the reasons why this tower is under consideration.
The question I have for you is why isn't this being placed out in some field in the Town of Lansing. As
my husband just noted, the water tower is directly across from us. Our house is the closest one to it.
I can assure you if you haven't already visited this site, that site does not have the pristine
appearance of the water tower that is on North Triphammer Road just as you turn into Horizon Drive.
I would also like to remind you that where we live is a residential area. We have lived there since
1973 and some of the people who live there have lived there and owned their homes longer than we
have. There are some apartments in our area, but it is still a residential area. I just ... thank you very
much.
Rhoda Weiss, Christopher Circle - I've lived on Christopher Circle since 1957. 1 was there when the
water tower was built and it is ugly. We agreed because we wanted water. This time we don't want
cell phones. This time we want environment. This time we want a safe environment for the school.
We do not know what it will do to the school. I don't have children there. I will not have children or
grandchildren there. I am concerned about the schools. It has become that the fenced area has
become a dumping ground for the Town Highway. The only picture that is a true pictures in what you
passed around is the pipe. We have more than that today. I forgot to take a picture and print it.
think the Town should consider the fact that this is a residential district and you are making it a poor
area. I'm sorry this is only the second time in 50 years that I've come to your Planning Board. I hope
you reconsider having this. Thank you for listening. The perspective in your graphic is way off. If
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
you go there you will see the trees are very low. The tower is very high. The thin trees will not ever
be that thin and grow that high. They tried to grow trees there and they did not grow. If you grow
trees there, the evergreens will die. You look at the pictures again and compare it.
Sierge ? ? ?, 535 Warren Road - Probably some of my questions have already been answered. I
simply wanted to makes some comments. Comment number one is about the noise the device will
generate. From your questions and from answers, I understood that it is a big closed steel structure,
which is only partially filled by water. Sometimes it can be almost empty. It can be amplified by any
vibration. If there wasn't a real scale simulation or some real world experience of putting that
vibration of objects on top of steel tanks, I think the question is not very well addressed. First of all,
there should be a real experiment about what kind of noise can be generated and in what degree of
emptiness ... of fullness of that water structure.
The second question is about radiation of those antennas. Again, I'm not sure to which extent it is
answered in environmental review. I have made some very simple search through the Internet.
Pieces of different reports actually say that radiation from cell antennas significantly less and impact
on health ... the risk that they impose are significantly less than the risk of using a cellular phone.
would like to remind you that when you use a cellular phone, you use it only that many minutes a day.
When you have an antenna, you have a radiation constant 24 hours a day, 365 days year. There is a
school several hundred feet away. All those kids will be subject of this kind of experiment. No one
says that health risk is zero. All those reports only say that risk significantly less than using the
cellular phone. I already told you it is not a comparable thing. One thing is to simply walk by those
antennas and another thing is to live near them and kids need to spend four years playing there. I
believe there should be a very strict consideration of all those questions. Thank you very much.
Chairperson Wilcox - Thank you very much. As I said, when we get to the public hearing you will get
a chance to speak with regard to the site plan should we get to that point. David, could you address
some of the issues that we cannot consider as a result of the Federal Telecommunications Act?
Mr. Dubow - The Telecommunications Act of 1996 kind of revolutionized in some respects what used
to be the old procedures for the approvals of this kind of siting. One of the more important things they
did from a number of perspective was to reserve out of the local community the opportunity to
address the radio frequency issues. Those are basically reserved to the Federal Government and
are taken into consideration with respect to their general application of rules and regulations for the
siting of wireless facilities. Also, with respect to the licensing that they do for each carrier with respect
to the individual sitings that they do. As much as everybody might have a concern about that, by law,
this local board is prohibited from addressing those issues. They have been out from the jurisdiction
that they have to review this. There are other issues that they can review; many of those that you
have raised. But, with respect to the radio frequency issue, that is something that is reserved to the
federal government. It was done by federal statue. This board really doesn't have the opportunity to
review those. In large part that is based upon the public policy that the federal government adopted
to indicate that they studied this; they continue to study it. They feel that "they" on a more general
basis are better qualified to address those concerns rather than having them addressed on an
individual basis in a local board in respect to each application for siting of wireless equipment.
The balance of this board's consideration is really governed by the local regulations that the Town
has adopted with respect to siting issues, environmental issues. That law sets forth the number of
IFQ
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
criteria that this board will look at in the context of making their decision this evening. Those
provisions have all been addressed in the application that has been submitted. I'm sure the
individuals here on behalf of the applicant will have an opportunity to address those and maybe state
those in more specific terms is they choose to do that. Their application does address each of those
criteria. This board will have to look at that as well and have to make a determination both with
respect to the site plan approval, which is before this board, and the recommendation they will make
to the Zoning Board of Appeals to address the issues that board has to deal with.
It is a balancing process. The community needs to understand that wireless communications is
considered in the State of New York to be a public utility. It is not something that is discretionary
within this board to permit or not to permit unless they have a justification for making their
determination. Part of that determination is to assure that there is a gap in coverage that needs to be
covered. Everybody should be assured that these companies can't come in, and I don't know that
they do, and simply throw up antennas just for the sake of throwing up antennas. It doesn't preclude
them from covering a gap that maybe outside of the jurisdiction of the municipality in which they
intend to site that equipment. The topography of the community and the topography of the area really
define how they do that. They are permitted to cover areas where they can demonstrate, again this
board will have to make that determination on the recommendation of staff, that there is a gap and it
needs to be filled. This is a location that is evaluated in the context of other alternatives. Ultimately,
this is determined by the board to be, in their mind, the best location under the circumstances
recognizing that they are not permitted just for the sake of whatever other concerns they may have to
preclude the location of this equipment within a particular area.
Chairperson Wilcox - Comments?
Board Member Mitrano - I agree.
Chairperson Wilcox - Lets address some of the other issues that were brought up. Additional
screening being provided... when we get to the site plan review we would ask Tim to speak about
that. The draft resolution we have in front of us calls for the applicant to provide sufficient screening
of evergreen trees around the electronics at the approval of the Director of Planning to ensure they
are not visible or in someway screened from the residents on that side of the electronics. Comments
about the property and its upkeep or lack of upkeep. That is an issue, which you must bring to the
Town Board and potentially to the Highway Superintendent. It is not this Planning Board's
responsibility. We don't set policy. We are here as a Planning Board and if you have some concerns
you must talk to your elected officials or Highway Superintendent. That is beyond the Planning Board
to look at.
Board Member Hoffmann - I'd like to make a comment. I must say that when I was up there and
looked at the site I was stunned and embarrassed on behalf of the Town that it looked the way it did
in a residential area. I've been up there before and it hasn't looked this bad. I understand that it is
something fairly recent. Seven years is a long time for this to look this way. I don't understand why
the Town has not provided more screening for some of these from the residences nearby. I think that
we as Planning Board members could try to urge the Town Board and Highway Superintendent to try
to fix it up as good neighbors.
W7
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Chairperson Wilcox - I see everybody nodding their heads. Let the minutes reflect that all six
members of the Planning Board nodded their head in agreement to Eva's statement that we would
encourage the elected officials to make that site look somewhat better if possible.
Board Member Talty - There was a comment before that indicated... is it my understanding that to put
the water tower there it was asked by the residents of that community whether or not they wanted the
water tower. Is that correct or was it force fed through? Okay. Water is one thing. I live pretty close
to that area. I use 2000 minutes a month on my cell phone. We don't have that coverage in that area
so it is kind of frustrating for me to use my cell phone in my house. It is one thing to have water in the
community and a cell tower is for cells. I don't believe in this particular aspect in that particular
community that cell coverage needs to be put on that water tower. If that is the case that
Lansing ... that there is not coverage because there isn't because I drive Route 90 all the way up to
Rochester and there isn't a lot of coverage. There are plenty of other opportunities to put and this
board...I want to state to the people who aren't here all the time that we have put cell devices on silos
and things of that sort. In my tenure here in one year, I don't believe we have ever put it that
particularly close to a neighborhood. I just want you to be brought up to speed on that. The board
can correct me if I'm mistaken or speaking incorrectly. That is my feeling on this is that I love cell
coverage. There is nothing worse than being dropped. I don't believe in this particular instance I will
be able to vote for that. I just wanted everybody to know that.
Mr. Kanter - Informationally, we did approve the one on the Sapsucker Woods water tank, which had,
houses probably even closer than this one. It is a similar setting.
Board Member Mitrano - (Comments not audible)
Chairperson Wilcox - It is a big, ugly, green tower sitting there. Dan, I assume the tank is necessary
to provide appropriate pressure in the area.
Mr. Walker - Yes. This tank and the Sapsucker Woods Road water tank. The Sapsuckers Woods
tank provides pressure to this area. This provides pressure for an area downhill and emergency fire
flow. There is a pump station on this site that feeds Sapsucker Woods tank. It is an intrigral part of
the water system. We keep it within five to ten feet of the top full at all times.
Board Member Thayer - Did you say there was a pump up there at this location?
Mr. Walker - Yes. If you look in the photograph 2a and 2b, you can see the pump station. It was an
ugly, concrete block building. We encased it with vinyl siding and put a pitched roof on it.
Board Member Thayer - So that doesn't emit any noise?
Mr. Walker - I think it is pretty well insulated because we insulated it. There are two 1575 horsepower
pumps in there. They are good size. That is why you see in one of the other photos that the utility
pole has three large transformers on it. It is to feed the pump.
Board Member Mitrano - (Comments not audible)
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Board Member Thayer - The trees could get bigger.
Mr. Walker - Part of the problem with the trees are the resident shrubbery trimmers. We've planted
these trees about half a dozen times. The deer have found them very appetizing. We have been
working very hard at trying to get them established. The evergreens... they successfully shortened
them a couple of times, too.
Board Member Hoffmann - Generally, I think it is a good idea to try to use structures like silos and
water towers to prevent special towers from going up. If you can use an already existing
structure... and it can also be tall buildings or church towers. I think that is much preferable than
having cell towers built. I'm a little hesitant after hearing some of the comments about whether it is
appropriate to have it here so close to the schools. It's not just that it is a residential area; there are a
lot of children there. I'm also a little hesitant...I don't know if it is just hearsay or if it is really true that
this tower is mainly going to be serving the Town of Lansing.
Chairperson Wilcox - You have the maps as part of the application.
Mr. Kanter - Why don't we ask the applicant to address that a little further.
Board Member Mitrano - (Comment not audible)
Chairperson Wilcox - The maps that we have been provided with indicate there is a gap in coverage
that this proposed antennas would fill that is in the Town of Ithaca, including the Village of Cayuga
Heights and portions of the Town of Lansing and small portions of the Village of Lansing as well. The
applicant has provided us with a power density study, which indicates that the power density at the
measure distances from the tower base at 1, 20, 50, 100, 1000 and 5280 feet range from 20 % of the
maximum permissible exposure at 1 foot to 12.5 % at 50 feet to 6 % at 100 feet. They are all within
the acceptable ranges.
Any other questions with regard to environmental review at this point? Concerns about the fall zone?
We have been through this before should the tower fall over. If the tower falls we have bigger
problems than the antennas sitting up there on top.
Board Member Hoffmann - Just so the people in the audience understand, the reason we have talked
about fall zones is because we have talked about very tall cellular towers that were built for that
purpose only. They also face other problems where birds fly into the guide wires and die. We want
to avoid all of those problems by having the antennas on something like this water tank.
Chairperson Wilcox - This will be the fourth application. We have had one on a silo, one on the
Sapsucker Woods water tower and one on a telephone pole at the East Ithaca Substation.
Mr. Kanter - We will have another one coming to the board next month for another telephone pole.
Chairperson Wilcox - Any other questions with regard to environmental review? Comments? Would
someone like to move the SEAR Motion?
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PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Board Member Howe - I'll move it.
Chairperson Wilcox - So moved by Rod Howe. Do I have a second?
Board Member Thayer - I'll second.
Chairperson Wilcox - Seconded by Larry Thayer. If there is no further discussion, all those in favor
please signal by saying aye.
Chairperson Wilcox, Board Member Hoffmann, Board Member Mitrano, Board Member Thayer,
Board Member Howe - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - All those opposed?
Board Member Talty - Opposed.
Chairperson Wilcox - There are no abstentions. The motion is passed 5 to 1.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -092- SEQR, Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and
Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals Regarding Special Approval, IWO
Telecommunication Antennas on Christopher Lane Water Tank, Tax Parcel No. 72 -1 -10.
MOTION made by Rod Howe, seconded by Larry Thayer.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is Consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and a Recommendation
to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed
telecommunication antennas on a Town of Ithaca -owned water tank located off Christopher
Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 72 -1 -10, Residence District R -15. The proposal includes
attaching six cellular antennas to the top of the water tank, and constructing a chain link fence
inside of which the cellular equipment cabinets will be located. Town of Ithaca, Owner;
Independent Wireless One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has been legislatively
determined to serve as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan
Approval, and
3. The Planning Board, on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Full
Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and Part II and Visual
Addendum, prepared by the Town Planning staff; a report entitled "IWO Application for Special
Approval Permit," prepared by Harris Beach LLP; plans entitled "Triphammer Water Tank,
Christopher Lane, Ithaca, NY, " including Sheet No. LT0850DZ1 entitled "Property Plan, "Sheet
No. LT0850DZ2 entitled "Plans and Elevation," and Sheet No. LT0850DZ3 entitled "Cabinet
Details," all prepared by C & S Engineers, Inc., and dated July 2002; and other application
materials, and
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SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental
significance in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above
referenced action as proposed and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be
required.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe.
NAYS: Talty.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed
telecommunication antennas on a Town of Ithaca -owned water tank on Christopher Lane,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 72 -1 -10, Residence District R -15. The proposal includes
attaching six cellular antennas to the top of an existing water tank and constructing a chain
link fence inside of which the cellular equipment cabinets will be located. Town of Ithaca,
Owner; Independent Wireless One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent.
Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 8:27 p.m. and asked if any members of the public
wished to be heard.
Mr. Frateschi - I think a lot of the questions that were raised were very good questions. The one
issue that wasn't addressed by your discussion during the environmental, SEAR process has to do
with the vibration of the antennas and whether the vibration with an empty tank would be louder
than ... or measured. We don't anticipate or expect any vibration when radio frequency waves hit the
antenna. I don't believe there is any vibration that would impact a tank that isn't full. We've already
heard the tank is pretty much full most of the time anyway. That mitigates to some extent that issue.
Other than that, I think that you handled the questions and there has been discussion on them. I'm
sure there will be more discussion and I will stand ready to answer those questions as need be.
Hazel Brampton, 131 Christopher Circle - My property is at the corner of Christopher Circle and
Christopher Lane. I believe the board should know this parcel you are talking about is not on
Christopher Lane although many of the papers indicate that. That address has never been changed.
It is still Christopher Circle. There are three houses on Christopher Circle that are affected by the
wish of some one to change it to Christopher Lane. I think somebody needs to know about that. I
don't know who...
23
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Walker - We are trying to deal with the Christopher Circle- Christopher Lane issue. When it was
first built, Christopher Circle came in off of Warren Road. It came down around and went around the
loop. Then at some point in the future, they extended it down past Winthrop and that became the
Lane. We never changed the portions between Warren Road and the further part of the loop.
Ms. Brampton - I think the people who live in those three houses need to be consulted about their
addresses.
Mr. Walker - We are sensitive to the address issue.
Ms. Brampton - I'm really glad the Planning Board is aware of the bad feelings in our area about what
has happened with this Town property. I think it is unfortunate that that is impacting these gentlemen.
Now, I don't expect that we will ever have the water tower go away. I think what they are talking
about is something very minor ... a minor change to the water tower. I would like to ask what about
the noise of building. The application suggests it will take two months to build the building and to put
up the antenna. We have had a summer of endless noise. That seems to be something that we
ought to be warned about. Mr. Moy did not tell you that he was waked every morning at 6:00 by
heavy equipment going up and down the road in front of his house. I don't know how noisy building
that building is going to be. I would urge you to consider that issue. We are tired of noise, frankly.
I wonder, is there some statement in the application saying if this is going to help communication
between police, fire and emergency people. I know that that is an issue in the whole county. I have
been in a situation where it was a serious problem. Is this really going to help our public servants or
is it for a private organization? I think that we ought to know how much money the Town is going to
get from this private company for leasing the space. Is this going to be in the advantage of the Town
at all?
One of the people who live right close to the water tower gave me permission to use her name. Her
name is Nora Arquette to tell you that she is very opposed to anything new being built there. She
was so affected by the noise of this heavy equipment endlessly going up and down the road this
summer that she left town and went elsewhere to live while it was going on. She has just come back
now that school has started. I have now quoted her to you.
Those are my questions and I hope that you will consider them seriously. Our feelings about the
Town... I'm glad that you suggested to us that we go to the Town Board. We did not know exactly
what to do, but I think that is a good idea. We would appreciate your support, as Ms. Hoffmann
suggested, we could speak to them about our residential area being altered so. Thank you.
Rhoda Weiss, Christopher Circle - I'm not talking about what might be legal or might not be legal.
The board should really consider what they are doing to that area. They are making it a slum area.
They are going to put another shed. They are going to have more traffic not only where people walk,
but also where the children from school walk. We have lots of traffic from the Town Highway. It is not
just the tower; it is more than the tower. As I said before, it is a dumping ground. We have trucks at
all times. The fence was built because one child climbed the tower. What happens if they go over
the fence and climb it again? His mother was standing there. One woman from a Town Board family
used it to walk her dogs. She had the key. It is used for many things, but our children and our people
24
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
on Christopher Circle and Christopher Lane use it like a country road. Everybody else does, too.
They jog. They walk their children. They teach their children to ride bikes on that circle. We are very
careful now because there is a little more traffic than there was before. To see that the children are
safe they don't go by themselves. We can't help trucks coming by. There will be more and more
trucks. We have enough. I've been told that once they put those pipes in they are going to clean the
area. Well, they are going to clear it for another shed. We don't want a shed. We want houses. We
want a place for people to live. Whatever legal part is... I'm not interested in it. I'm interested in the
area that I stayed in because this is where we wanted to live. It is a very nice area. I hope you can
make it look that way again.
Marshal Stocker, 528 Warren Road - I'd like to begin by commenting on a member's statement that
said this application does not contain issues specific to this Planning Board. I recognize the Town
Attorney's citation of FCC law established maximum RF exposure; we have to know what the RF
exposure is at that site. Tonight I heard the first numbers very quickly read off. The only one I got
was 6% at 100 feet. I don't know if that is per antenna. I don't know if that is for the entire unit that is
attached to the cell tower. I don't know if that is at maximum operating capacity or conditions. I don't
know if that is at standby conditions. A gentleman in the audience pointed out to me, who must be
like me ... an engineer, recognizes that when you attach a very large metal structure to an antenna
that metal structure in itself can act as a magnifier. We don't know what we are magnifying yet or it is
not clear to me from the 6% at 100 feet. Where were these measurements taken? From an identical
application or are these engineered calculations? In addition, it is unclear to me from the Zoning
Ordinances how many cell firms can attach antennas to this unit. If we have two cell firms attached
with 20% exposure per cell firm, do we have 40% exposure? If we attach the much emergency
medical communication equipment, does that further increase the exposure? Myself, a volunteer fire
fighter with Cayuga Heights servicing the Town of Ithaca, would strongly encourage the board to put
a priority over emergency medical services versus the cell phone services.
I do recognize cell phone service is a public utility status, I did include in my letter case law that is
more recent than the 1996 FCC Telecommunications Act. It does cite local Zoning Board of Appeals
ability to turn down antenna sites. "The desires of industry do not supercede a community's ability to
preserve its character." You've already had one member on the Planning Board cite need to
preserve character in the community. You've had members in the audience who cited that the
character in this community has been ... by existing projects.
The first case law was in the US District Court of New York. The second one states that, essentially,
the application was denied based on traditional zoning regulations, preserving the character of the
neighborhood, and avoiding aesthetic blight and that such denial was reasonable. I don't think we
can consider the site that is at Sapsucker. I went up and looked at it today. That site is viewable
from about 90 degrees... viewable to about two households. I had to drive down about a 150 -foot
path just to get to it. I already mentioned that the top of this tower sits within 70 feet of the road. This
is an exceptionally visible site within this community. It could not think of a more visible site on this of
the hill in the Town of Ithaca. I cited the ability of the board to turn down this based on aesthetic
blight. I would encourage you to reconsider issues that are not specific to this application. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman.
25
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
B.B. Mc Caa - I think that many of the considerations that have been mentioned tonight all have
implications for property values. I believe that since I moved into my residence, which is on Winthrop
Drive on the opposite side of the entrance. I moved in there in 1975. 1 believe my property values
would not meet current market value of comparable properties. I have had a number of visitors who
have said if they looked at several properties and they were looking at a house comparable to mine
that didn't have the tower, they would certainly buy that one over mine. I think I have a problem and I
think the other people who are in that immediate area also has the same problem when it comes time
to sell their house. It seems to me that the Zoning Board of Appeals has some responsibility to take
into account what they are doing to property values when they make decisions about things such as
this. They have already damaged it by stripping the woodland that surrounded that tower, which
screened it sufficiently so that I felt very comfortable living there and obviously other people who were
long time residents also felt comfortable living there. They stripped that and added an industrial site,
which it has become. Now we are going to add a little bit more, which to any perspective buyer is
going to raise the same concerns. What is the radiation going to do? Whether there is zero effect of
that from a scientific point of view or not I don't know. A lot of people are going to be worried about
that. They are going to say they don't want to deal with that. Basically, I'm just saying I really hope
you recommend strongly that the Zoning Board of Appeals consider what it's doing to us. As you
notice, many of us who have spoken are around retirement age. Our homes are part of the money
that eventually when we sell we are going to be using for our later years. With the current economy,
that is not a trivial matter.
Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 8:48 p.m.
Chairperson Wilcox - Can we limit construction hours to something reasonable?
Mr. Frateschi - I don't see a problem with that. I think during the business hours of 8 to 5 would be
fine. The extent of construction will basically be pouring a concrete pad for the equipment, which are
small, refrigerator type structures. There will be no shed. It is not an enclosed structure. We will
build a concrete pad to put the equipment on. We will extend the fence in order to keep people out.
We are not talking about extensive construction here.
Chairperson Wilcox - It is a concern of the neighborhood and if you're willing to limit construction from
8 to 5 then that works for everybody. With regard to potential lease to the Town of Ithaca... have you
begun negotiating a lease with the Town?
Mr. Frateschi - We have been told by the Town that they wanted to hold off on negotiations of a lease
until issues about zoning and planning were addressed. We have entered into discussions with the
Town. The discussions have not gone very far.
Chairperson Wilcox - As part of the draft resolution, one of the conditions is negotiation and execution
of said lease. Does Independent Wireless One currently have a lease with the Town of Ithaca?
Mr. Frateschi - No.
Chairperson Wilcox - Someone has a lease for the Sapsucker tower. I assume the amount that the
Town is receiving is public information.
1401
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Walker - It is in the $1200 to $1500 range.
Chairperson Wilcox - There will be a marginal increase in traffic during construction. Once
construction is completed, how often do representatives of Sprint visit the site?
Mr. Frateschi - Usually about once a month.
Chairperson Wilcox - Their purpose is to?
Mr. Frateschi - To check the equipment and make sure it is working properly and to see if there are
any issues or problems with the antenna. General maintenance. It is observation. There is not a lot
of work that takes place.
Chairperson Wilcox - Is there a statement in the application that the facility will assist in police and fire
protection?
Mr. Frateschi - There probably is and we speak of the issues of emergency vehicles, emergency fire.
Any emergency enforcement agent that travels along the gaps we are trying to cover right now would
lose coverage if we didn't fill these gaps. That is what we refer to when we talk about emergency
medical assistance.
Chairperson Wilcox - Is your primary purpose to fill the gaps along the State highways?
Mr. Frateschi - Our primary purpose is to provide service to those areas where most people use
them. We find that most people are using their cell phones while on the highway. You'll find that
most of the coverage we present in the initial build out of a network is along a highway.
Board Member Hoffmann - Have you noticed any change in cell phone use along the highway since
the new law that prohibits people from using their phone while they are driving?
Mr. Frateschi - Speaking from personal experience, I think cell usage is as great if not greater than it
was even before the law passed. We don't think there was a change in terms of usage. We have to
continue to build out these systems because usage is getting greater and greater. That would
suggest to me that no, there hasn't been a lessening in use of cell phones. That is only personal
observation and based on what we are doing as a company.
Board Member Mitrano - (Comments not audible)
Mr. Frateschi - I imagine there has been an increase in the sale of hands free systems.
Board Member Hoffmann - You mentioned that emergency systems would use any cell phone tower
system. There doesn't have to be any specific agreement between the emergency system and you
as a provider of cell phone systems.
Mr. Frateschi - Correct.
27
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Board Member Hoffmann - My main question goes back to demonstrating the need of these antennas
in this location as compared to other locations you have looked at.
Mr. Frateschi - The way we demonstrate need is through our radio frequency analysis. You would
have to look at exhibit f of the application. It shows the gaps in coverage in the maps. They are the
white areas in the first map. As you can see, there are extensive coverage gaps along Route 13 and
in Cayuga Heights and northern Ithaca. Map 2 shows the existing coverage that we have in green.
That is for a site that is being built in the Town of Dryden and you will see the existing coverage that
already exists for the Ithaca, Lansing, and Cayuga Heights area. Map 3 shows the proposed
coverage of the site that we are proposing today. You will see that many of the gaps that were in the
previous two maps have been covered by this.
Board Member Hoffmann - East Upland Road is not covered.
Mr. Frateschi - If you look at map 4, 1 think it is the best map to look at to see where the coverage
actually is.
Board Member Hoffmann - There is still some white area near Upland Road.
Mr. Frateschi - You're right. There is. We are looking at that gap right now to try to cover that with
antennas in the future.
Board Member Hoffmann - Where are you looking?
Mr. Frateschi - I really can't tell you. I don't know. Our site selection team has not come back yet
with... We will start with existing high structures as we always do. Your local law is not unique. Most
towns require you to look at high structures and co- locations as their first priority. That is what we try
to do. That is what we are in the process of doing right now is identifying those high structures that
might be able to... As the usage gets greater and greater in the future, it presents even more need
for more antennas.
Board Member Hoffmann - In comparing map 3 and map 4, map 3 shows the proposed coverage of
the tower we are talking about tonight. When I look at map 4, a lot of that area is already covered
under a different coverage. In fact, you are not adding very much that is not already covered. Have
you looked at other locations that would cover more of the uncovered area without overlapping what
is already covered?
Mr. Frateschi - You have to understand the context in which we identify sites. We first look at high
structures. If we find a high structure that will meet the needs and fit into the ordinance that a
municipality has, that is where we stop because it is the top priority. It is much better than building a
new tower somewhere else. In this case, we came and looked at several different high structures
and this on happened to be owned by a municipality, which in many cases is more favorable than a
high structure that is not owned by a municipality. When we find the top priority, we don't go down
the line further. I don't know what other structures we looked at in Lansing.
REV
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Brunozzi - We looked at some NYSEG poles in Lansing that we were unable to use. It is kind of
an infinite possibility. You can put a tower pretty much anywhere. I could go out and find a site
somewhere in Lansing assuming someone would lease it to you. To say there is no other site out
there that will cover this site, you could never say that. We look for an existing structure. I'm sure
there are other locations within the Town of Ithaca or Village of Lansing that we could build a new
tower on that would probably cover this.
Board Member Hoffmann - I would also guess there are quite a few farms in Lansing. I would guess
that you would be able to find something even higher than the water tower.
Mr. Brunozzi - I'm not sure of any in this specific area or to cover this gap. I don't know of any. We
have done many sites on schools. We've done light poles on athletic fields at schools.
Chairperson Wilcox - When you say schools, do you mean elementary, secondary, colleges,
universities?
Mr. Brunozzi - We've done colleges, elementary schools, and high schools. Light poles are a
common thing on a ball field. It is an existing tall structure that works out well in schools. They get the
income. One thing I do want to point out on map 2 ... the green area where it says adjacent coverage,
that is not in service yet. There is a further gap there. I don't want to imply that we have coverage
there.
Chairperson Wilcox - Is it approved?
Mr. Brunozzi - No. It is in litigation with the Town of Dryden.
Board Member Mitrano - (Comments not audible)
Mr. Brunozzi - The applicant for that site is not Independent Wireless One. It was done by Crown
Castle, which is a tower company that puts up towers and leases space. The issue that came up was
Tompkins County's Emergency Communication System. The County was there to speak on behalf of
some towers that they are considering. They wanted us to consider using their towers. It didn't
work...
Board Member Mitrano - Politics?
Mr. Brunozzi - I don't know if it was politics. There was some confusion brought up by what the
county is doing and if additional sites were needed in the Town of Dryden with the County coming in.
It got wrapped up into that. We believe it will be settled and the tower will go up as planned. The site
is behind NYSEG.
Board Member Mitrano - (Comments not audible). It is fair mentioning that if we fail to review this
according to appropriate standards, the Town is open to litigation. We do have a responsibility to
operate in a way that is appropriate to the Town such that we are not incurring costs that would be
detrimental. That is not to say to take all these issues seriously, but just understand our responsibility
of limitations on this.
•'7
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Frateschi - We have a responsibility and a charge under the Federal Communications Act to
provide cellular services as a utility in New York State. We have that responsibility. The Federal
Government is saying we have to provide cellular services. They are also giving the Town the
authority to look at how we are providing cellular services and make sure it is at least in keeping with
what you do as a Planning Board. You've gone forward and set up a pretty extensive
telecommunications law that is in keeping with the FCC's law. I have to tell you that we take it very
seriously... the law that you have put into place. I think through the applications that we have
presented in the past and the one we presented here, we try to follow your law as closely as possible
and try to do what the Town prefers as much as possible. That is what we are doing here. We are
trying to understand the concerns of the community and the concerns of the board. We think that is
reflected in your Town Law. Therefore, we are trying to address each point of the Town Law so there
isn't an issue of litigation.
Board Member Mitrano - My general thought is that if that tower weren't there and this application
were coming fresh upon that neighborhood and it would look like what is there, I would vote against it.
Given the water tower is there, then it is...I don't think it is going to have an impact on any of the
criteria that...
Board Member Hoffmann - I still feel a little uncertain. I look at the coverage of this new tower. It
really is not going to add all that much new coverage. The rest is covered already.
Chairperson Wilcox - Does it fill in the gaps?
Board Member Mitrano - I don't think we need to be making business decisions for an applicant. I
don't feel comfortable with that.
Board Member Thayer - They are willing to ... they are trying to...
Board Member Hoffmann - (Comments not audible)
Board Member Talty - You said that your priority in order of looking at sites is municipality type of
property first. Is that correct?
Mr. Frateschi - No. I said that is the hierarchy of certain towns. It is not in the Town of Ithaca. The
Town of Ithaca does have a priority and high structures are their top priority.
Board Member Talty - Beyond high structures, re- categorize it after that. Owned by who is the next
categorization I am looking for.
Mr. Frateschi - In the terms of the Town of Ithaca, I don't think there is a priority of who owns the
tower.
Board Member Talty - Your priority.
9111
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Dubow - The priority within the Town law is clearly a co- location priority. There are provisions
that the shared use of existing telecommunication facilities or other structures shall be preferred to
the construction of new facilities. Any special approval application shall include proof that reasonable
efforts have been made to co- locate within an existing telecommunications facility or upon an existing
structure.
Board Member Talty - I understand that. I'm not talking about a brand new cell tower. I'm talking
about is a water tower versus a silo. Water towers are municipality owned. Silos are privately
owned. Are you indicating to the board that you hold one over another?
Mr. Frateschi - No.
Board Member Talty - Okay. That is all I wanted to hear.
Mr. Brunozzi - I can further expand on your question if you like. When we get a site, the RF
engineers know there is a gap in coverage. They issue a search ring to our firm. It is a geographic
location and height where they believe they need a tower. It typically has a radius of an eighths or
quarter mile. They will issue that to us and they will say we need a site somewhere in this circle at
approximately this height to cover this gap. We go out in the field and drive around. We go right to
the center of that point and look around and see what is there. The way it is done from that point is
we are required to bring back to Sprint at a minimum, three potential sites. We fill out a sheet and
say it is water tank at Christopher Circle owned by the Town of Ithaca that is approximately 75 feet
high. Another one may be a silo owned by Jim Jones. Another may be a piece of property where we
have to build a tower. We submit these candidates back to the RF engineers. They go back into
their model and try to pick the best one. We don't just find a water tank and stop. They will look at it.
If they are confident in the model, they will move forward. If they are not, many times we will secure a
testing agreement with the landlord. We will go out with an actual antenna on a crane and put it at
the site. We then drive the area to see if it works. We do it on most sites because we don't want to
build a site that we don't need. We want to make sure it is going to work before we move forward.
We actually get up there with the crane and then drive around with a receiver to make sure it works.
Board Member Thayer - It appears there is no need for coverage to the south. It is all to the north.
Mr. Brunozzi - They are positioned by sector based on the design. They can pick up, even if there
isn't a gap. Tim spoke about capacity issues. One site can only handle so many calls. When we do a
site, we typically like to do three sectors ... do all the sectors and that minimizes any capacity issues
we may have.
Board Member Thayer - Has there been any progress made on ... (Comments not audible)
Mr. Brunozzi - The limiting factor is the handset.
Chairperson Wilcox - I wish to move this along. Any other issues?
Board Member Talty - I'd like to know what the other alternatives were.
31
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Brunozzi - I know one was a NYSEG pole in the Village of Lansing. I don't believe there are any
other tall structures in that area. It may have been a piece of property that we proposed a tower.
Board Member Talty - It seems around airports there is less coverage. Do RF waves interfere with
airport regulations?
Mr. Brunozzi - No. I'm looking at a site at the Binghamton Airport. The airport is in discussions with
us on their water tank.
Board Member Talty - Why do they always ask you to turn off your cell phones when you're in route?
Mr. Brunozzi - I don't know.
Board Member Talty - Well, you're here. You're the expert that is why I'm asking.
Board Member Hoffmann - It talks about an 8 -foot fence and then a 16 -foot fence...
Mr. Brunozzi - It is 16 feet wide.
Chairperson Wilcox - The one issue that we haven't addressed was the gentleman who talked about
aesthetic blight. Frankly, I think the tower is the aesthetic blight not the antennas or the electronics
associated with it. Any further discussion with that one? It is a rather long proposed resolution.
Mr. Walker - On here, you are showing your equipment cabinets up in the northeastern corner of the
water tank site. Did your people talk to Wayne Sincebaugh or anybody in the field as far as locating
that? It is pretty close to Winthrop Drive. Would there be a problem with moving that towards the
pump station.
Mr. Brunozzi - No, there wouldn't be. I believe a site visit was conducted with Town officials. This
was their preferable location.
Mr. Walker - Okay. We talked about this a long time ago. I don't have a problem locating it there as
long as we screen it properly.
Chairperson Wilcox - I'll move the resolution for preliminary and final site plan approval as drafted.
Board Member Mitrano - I'll second it.
Chairperson Wilcox - Tracy seconds it. One change that we agreed to make and the applicant
agreed to make is that we would limit construction of the facilities between the hours of 8 and 5,
Monday through Friday. The draft resolution says submission of modified site plan, original stamp,
signature of engineer... include additional evergreen trees along the eastern edge of the property to
further screen those on Winthrop Drive from the equipment area subject to the approval of the
Director of Planning.
32
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Kanter - I'd like to say eastern and northern edges. It is not clear how much visibility and how
much screening will need to be there.
Ms. Ritter - Chris and I went out there and looked at it. We felt along Winthrop Drive there was kind
of a gap where it was sort of visible along the road.
Chairperson Wilcox - There is a spot along Winthrop where those tall, spindly trees and there are
some low evergreens for a while.
Ms. Ritter - It is open space. There are some evergreens there and they are young. They will grow
so it wasn't there. There are some gaps, but it wasn't a large area.
Mr. Kanter - I'd just like to leave it open so that we can work it out with the applicant.
Board Member Hoffmann - I would like to specify the southern side, too.
Chairperson Wilcox - The equipment box is right there.
Board Member Hoffmann - (Comments not audible)
Chairperson Wilcox - We can ask the applicant to screen his equipment. We can't ask the applicant
to screen the entire Town parcel.
Board Member Hoffmann - Could we add ... and that we wish to see ... (comments not audible)
Chairperson Wilcox - I don't think that is appropriate in the resolution. We can do that afterwards.
Mr. Walker - That is something that the Town Board has been sensitive to. I will be pursuing that
myself.
Chairperson Wilcox - There are numerous further resolves. I want to make sure everyone has read
them and agree to each of them. I have a first and a second. Is there any further discussion? There
being none, all those in favor please signal by saying aye.
Chairperson Wilcox, Board Member Mitrano, Board Member Thayer, Board Member Howe - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - Is there anybody opposed?
Board Member Hoffmann, Board Member Talty - Opposed.
Chairperson Wilcox - Kevin and Eva are opposed. There are no abstentions. The motion is passed 4
to 2.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -093 - Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and Recommendation
to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval, IWO Telecommunication
Antennas on Christopher Lane Water Tank, Tax Parcel No. 72 -1 -10.
KY.]
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
MOTION made by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Tracy Mitrano.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is Consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and a Recommendation to
the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed telecommunication
antennas on a Town of Ithaca -owned water tank located off Christopher Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No.72 -1 -10, Residence District R -15. The proposal includes attaching six cellular antennas
to the top of the water tank, and constructing a chain link fence inside of which the cellular
equipment cabinets will be located. Town of Ithaca, Owner; Independent Wireless One, Applicant;
Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent, and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency in
environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, has, on September 3, 2002, made a
negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as
adequate a Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and a Part 11
and Visual Addendum, prepared by Town Planning staff, and
3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and accepted
as adequate a report entitled "IWO Application for Special Approval Permit," prepared by Harris
Beach LLP; and plans entitled "Triphammer Water Tank, Christopher Lane, Ithaca, NY, " including
Sheet No. LT0850DZ1 entitled "Property Plan," Sheet No. LT0850DZ2 entitled "Plans and
Elevation," and Sheet No. LT0850DZ3 entitled "Cabinet Details," all prepared by C & S
Engineers, Inc., and dated July 2002; and other application materials.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary
and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists,
having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a
significant alteration of the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied
by the Town Board, and
2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval
for the proposed telecommunication antennas on the water tank on Christopher Lane, Tax
Parcel No. 72 -1 -10, as shown on plans entitled, "Triphammer Water Tank, Christopher Lane,
Ithaca, NY, " prepared by C & S Engineers, Inc. and dated July 2002, subject to the following
conditions, all to be completed prior to the issuance of any building permits:
a. Obtaining Special Approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals,
b. Submission of a financial security bond for the removal of the telecommunications
facility, in the amount of $50, 000, as per Local Law No. 4, 1998, form of which shall be
approved by the Attorney for the Town,
9n,
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
C. Negotiation and execution of a lease agreement between the applicant and the Town of
Ithaca for the location of telecommunication antennas on a town -owned water tank, and
d. Submission of a modified site plan (sheet No. LT0850DZ2), bearing the original stamp,
seal, and signature of the licensed engineer who prepared the site plan, revised to
include additional evergreen trees along the eastern and northern edges of the property
to further screen those on Winthrop Drive from the equipment area, subject to the
approval of the Director of Planning,
e. Hours of construction be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board, in making its recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals,
determines the following:
a. there is a need for the proposed use in the proposed location, as demonstrated by the
applicant;
b. the existing and probable future character of the neighborhood will not be adversely
affected as a result of the proposed project;
C. the specific proposed change in use as a result of the proposed project is in accordance
with a comprehensive plan of development for the Town of Ithaca;
d. the proposed telecommunication antennas are necessary to meet current or reasonably
expected demands for services;
e. the facility conforms with all federal and state laws and all applicable rules or regulations
promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Aviation
Administration, or any other federal agencies having jurisdiction;
ff, the facility is considered a public utility in the State of New York;
g. the facility is sited, designed, and constructed in a manner which minimizes (i) visual
impact to the extent practical, and (ii) adverse impacts upon migratory and other birds
and wildlife;
h. the facility complies with all other requirements of this ordinance, unless expressly
superceded herein; and
the chosen site is the most appropriate site among those available within the technically
feasible area for the location of a telecommunications facility.
2. That the Planning Board reports to the Zoning Board of Appeals its recommendation that the
aforementioned request for Special Approval be approved, and
9M
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
3. That the Planning Board recommends that the Zoning Board of Appeals waive the following
requirements of Local Law No.4, 1998, relating to the Construction and Maintenance of
Telecommunication Facilities:
a. An inventory report specifying existing telecommunication facility sites and evaluation of
opportunities for shared use,
b. The dimensional standards indicating the fall zone having a radius equal to the height of
attached antennae,
C. The agreement to negotiate with subsequent applicants seeking to co- locate
telecommunication facilities on the initial applicant's structures.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe.
NAYS: Hoffmann, Talty.
The motion was declared to be carried.
AGENDA ITEM: SEAR Determination, Telecommunication Antennas on Silo, 385 West King
Road.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
Mr. Brunozzi - This is a site that was approved by the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of
Appeals. We constructed the site on West King Road. You approved it asking for screening and it
was kind of left open on how to do the screening to match the existing meadow. We were really
unsure how to do it. In the mean time, Mr. Vasse put some cows in the field. We are asking that the
initial approval with screening be removed. It is not that we are unwilling to provide screening; it's just
that we don't know what to do to keep it in harmony with the existing use.
Board Member Hoffmann - So you didn't actually plant anything.
Mr. Brunozzi - No. There are cows in there now.
Board Member Hoffmann - Is the fear that the cows would eat up the vegetation?
Mr. Brunozzi - ...would destroy what we do.
Chairperson Wilcox - I had a meeting with Mr. Vasse. He is a very wonderful gentleman. I was
talking to him about this. He thought this had already been approved. He said the cows will eat it
and damage it and there is no way the landscaping in that area can survive. In my mind, at least the
question is if there is sufficient other landscaping or other barriers on that site.
KZ01
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Mr. Brunozzi - I believe there isn't. It is 400 feet from the road. I believe you have pictures. We are
willing to try whatever you think is appropriate.
Board Member Hoffmann - I don't know of anything cows don't like to eat.
Chairperson Wilcox - Would someone like to move the SEQR motion? So moved by Rod Howe. Do
I have a second? Seconded by Larry Thayer. Any further discussion? All those in favor please
signal by saying aye.
Board - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - No one is opposed. There are no abstentions.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -094 - SEQR, Modification of Condition 2.c. of Site Plan Approval,
IWO Telecommunication Antennas on Silo, 385 West King Road, Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1.
MOTION made by Rod Howe, seconded by Larry Thayer.
WHEREAS.
1. This action is Consideration of Modification of Condition "2.c." of the Planning Board's
Resolution of Site Plan Approval for the IWO telecommunication antennas on a silo, granted
on October 2, 2001, 385 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1, Residence
District R -30. Said condition required the planting of a vegetative buffer surrounding the
equipment area and fence adjacent to the silo. George Voss, Owner; Independent Wireless
One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent.
2. The Planning Board, in granting Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the IWO
telecommunications antennas on a silo on October 2, 2001, imposed certain conditions of
approval, including Condition '2.c." which required "modification of the site plan to show
vegetative buffering, using native plants, satisfactory to the Director of Planning, " and
3. The applicant has requested that the Planning Board delete the aforementioned condition, as
the vegetative buffer would be located in a working farm field with cattle and equipment, thus
making the buffer difficult to maintain, and that there is no reasonable alternative location on
the property for the vegetative buffer, and
4. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is legislatively
determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval,
and
5. The Planning Board, on September 3, 2002, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
Environmental Assessment Form Part I prepared by the applicant, a Part II prepared by
Planning staff, and application materials for the proposed Modification of Condition, and
37
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
6. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental
significance in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above
referenced action as proposed. Therefore, neither a Full Environmental Assessment Form nor an
Environmental Impact Statement will be required.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Modification of Condition "2.c." of the Planning Board's
Resolution of Site Plan Approval for the IWO telecommunication antennas on a silo, granted
on October 2, 2001, 385 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1, Residence
District R -30. Said condition required the planting of a vegetative buffer surrounding the
equipment area and fence adjacent to the silo. George Voss, Owner; Independent Wireless
One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent.
Chairperson Wilcox opened the public hearing at 9:25 p.m. With no persons present to be heard,
Chairperson Wilcox closed the public hearing at 9:26 p.m.
Chairperson Wilcox - I did my site visit. We will just double up on the landscaping needed up at
Christopher Lane to make up for this one.
Board Member Hoffmann - I was quite adamant at having screening. It still doesn't look particularly
attractive, but I think I can live with it since its far enough from the road.
Chairperson Wilcox - It would be nice, but it doesn't work. You compare the relative size of the
electronics of the box to the relative size of the silo. Would someone like to move the motion as
drafted? So moved by Rod Howe. Second? Seconded by Larry. All those in favor please signal by
saying aye.
Board - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - The motion is passed unanimously. Thank you very much.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -095 - Modification of Condition 2.c. of Site Plan Approval, IWO
Telecommunication Antennas on Silo, 385 West King Road, Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1.
91.01
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
MOTION made by Rod Howe, seconded by Larry Thayer.
WHEREAS:
1. This action is Consideration of Modification of Condition "2.c." of the Planning Board's
Resolution of Site Plan Approval for the IWO telecommunication antennas on a silo, granted
on October 2, 2001, 385 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1, Residence
District R -30. Said condition required the planting of a vegetative buffer surrounding the
equipment area and fence adjacent to the silo. George Voss, Owner; Independent Wireless
One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent.
2. The Planning Board, in granting Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the IWO
telecommunications antennas on a silo on October 2, 2001, imposed certain conditions of
approval, including Condition "2.c." which required "modification of the site plan to show
vegetative buffering, using native plants, satisfactory to the Director of Planning, " and
3. The applicant has requested that the Planning Board delete the aforementioned condition, as
the vegetative buffer would be located in a working farm field with cattle and equipment, thus
making the buffer difficult to maintain, and that there is no reasonable alternative location on
the property for the vegetative buffer, and
4. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency
in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval, has, on September 3, 2002, made
a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as
adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, prepared by the applicant, and a
Part II prepared by Town Planning staff.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants the modification of Condition "2.c. "of Site Plan
Approval for the IWO telecommunications antennas on a silo, granted October 2, 2001, to delete the
requirement for a vegetative buffer surrounding the equipment area and fence surrounding the silo at
385 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1, Residence District R -30.
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of Sketch Plan review for the proposed three -lot subdivision
located at 344, 346, 352 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 35 -2 -6.2 and 35- 2 -6.4,
Residence District R -30. The proposal is to subdivide two existing lots into three new lots,
gue
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
each containing an existing residence and road frontage. Charles & Mary Lou Estey, Owners;
Allen Warshawsky, Agent.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 9:28 p.m.
Allen Warshawsky, Realtor - This property is owned by Charles and Mary Lou Estey, who live out of
state. It has been in Mrs. Estey's family for quite a while. It is a very unusual configuration of houses
on two lots. Her aunt's house, 344, was built around 1944. Then there is 352 that was built in 1948.
Then the Estey's received a variance from the Town of Ithaca to build 346, which is the very back of
the lot. It has been on the market two or three times since 1996 when they left town. They have had
a very difficult time selling it because of the configuration. They did sell it once with owner financing.
The people could not make the payments. They lost about $10,000 on that transaction. It could be
bought currently by somebody who is looking for income property. I'm not sure that the numbers
would work. It is too pesky with three little properties with three wells and three septics. I think that it
would be a good thing for the Town and the Esteys as well, who need to sell the property if we could
get them to be owner occupied properties. I think the only way to do that is to divide them into three
different lots. It would also correct the situation of 346 not having any road frontage.
just had the opportunity for the first time tonight to look at Mike Smith's comments. I wasn't aware
that we were creating any other problems here. It hadn't been explained to me. So we meet the
requirement of 30,000 square feet. Does 344 that meet the minimum depth in the highway right -of-
way? Is that the house that doesn't or the lot?
Mr. Smith - The lot doesn't.
Mr. Warshawsky - We couldn't change that because then we would have problems with the rear
house. The other two lots do not meet the minimum widths at the maximum required front yard
setback. That is already true with the previous one, wasn't it?
Mr. Smith - No. Right now the house at 344 meets the 150 feet with 190 that is proposed. The other
two with 100 and 148 feet don't meet the 150 -foot dimension. The house at 352, if you add two feet
that that you would have 150 feet.
Mr. Warshawsky - I thought you told me all we needed was 100 feet.
Chairperson Wilcox - Then you run into problems with 346 not having 100 feet of frontage.
Mr. Smith - You can still move it over.
Mr. Warshawsky - We will do whatever we need to do. I was just given some instructions and was
trying to follow them. Obviously I didn't understand them. Whatever it is we need to change we are
willing to change. I realize we can't do anything about the front yard setbacks.
Chairperson Wilcox - Comments?
He]
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
Board Member Hoffmann - (Comments not audible)
Chairperson Wilcox - We would like to see the number of variances minimized. It gets rid of the
current situation where we have two residences on one lot or tax parcel. I believe the one in back is
the nicest of the three units and it gets the biggest lot. It is a funny shaped lot.
Mr. Warshawsky - We can change that. I tried to make the numbers work. Mike, if you're willing to
work with me we can change these.
Chairperson Wilcox - The board is happy with the concept. Clearly, we would like to see the number
of new variances minimized to greatest extent possible. Do you have what you need?
Mr. Warshawsky - Yes. I can contact Mike. Thank you.
Chairperson Wilcox - Thank you for waiting. I apologize for taking as long as it took to get to you.
Chairperson Wilcox closed this segment of the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of a correction to adopted resolution No. 2002 -072 to delete
"proposed outdoor seating and hanging plants" and insert "proposed interior modifications to
the former East Side Restaurant ". On July 2, 2002, the Planning Board approved a proposal
for a new restaurant space in the former East Side Restaurant, located in the East Hill Plaza,
329 Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 62 -2- 1.121, Business District C.
Chairperson Wilcox opened this segment of the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
Chairperson Wilcox - We have a draft resolution in front of us. Would someone like to move it? Eva
moved it. Do I have a second?
Chairperson Wilcox - Seconded by Tracy Mitrano. Any further discussion? All those in favor please
signal by saying aye.
Board - Aye.
Chairperson Wilcox - Anybody opposed? There is none. The motion is passed.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -096 - Correction to Approved Resolution No. 2002 -072, Former
East Side Restaurant, Tax Parcel No. 62 -2- 1.121.
MOTION made by Eva Hoffmann, seconded by Tracy Mitrano.
WHEREAS:
41
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
1. On July 2, 2002, the Planning Board approved a proposal for a new restaurant space in the
former East Side Restaurant, located in the East Hill Plaza, 329 Pine Tree Road, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 62 -2- 1.121, Business District "C, "and
2. The proposal was an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board was
legislatively determined to act as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site
Plan Approval, and
3. The adopted SEQR Resolution No. 2002 -072 contained an error in the third whereas of the
text, stating "proposed outdoor seating and hanging plants" and
4. The correct text should have read "proposed interior modifications to the former East Side
Restaurant,"
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board hereby approves the amendment to the July 2, 2002, Planning Board SEQR
Resolution No. 2002 -072, whereas number three, to read "proposed interior modifications to the
former East Side Restaurant."
The vote on the motion resulted as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: None.
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM: PERSONS TO BE HEARD.
10[07019
AGENDA ITEM: Minutes of July 17, 2002.
PB RESOLUTION NO. 2002 -097- Approval of Minutes - July 16, 2002.
MOTION by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Tracy Mitrano.
RESOLVED, that the Planning Board does hereby approve and adopt the July 16, 2002 minutes as
the official minutes of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board for the said meeting as presented with
corrections.
THERE being no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote.
AYES: Wilcox, Hoffmann, Mitrano, Thayer, Howe, Talty.
NAYS: None.
42
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
The motion was declared to be carried unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM: OTHER BUSINESS.
Chairperson Wilcox - I was at a meeting this morning where someone mentioned Ithaca College /IAD
is having problems removing fill from the College Circle site.
Mr. Walker - They don't have problems removing it. They just don't have any place to take it.
Chairperson Wilcox - They also have problems with who is going to pay for removing it. We
approved a site on Coddington Road and I guess there is some dispute.
Mr. Walker - They received a fill permit on the Coddington Road site that was limited to using fill from
the College Circle site. In other words, if they didn't bring it from College Circle we weren't going to
allow them to fill it. That didn't preclude them from finding another place to take the College Circle
material that will be excavated some time in the near future. The problem with the Ithaca College site
is that it is expensive to prepare it. It is on a steep slope. The contractor would have to build an
access road and continuously work it. Then there was a significant cost of restoration, which we
required, that is appropriate. Apparently, there is a miscommunication on the part of the particular
partners on who is going to pay for what. When they said give us a better price for the contract, they
were given a better price for not taking it there. He is pursuing other sites. One of which happens to
be Longview.
Chairperson Wilcox - That would have to come before this board.
Mr. Walker - It would have to come before all the boards including the Town Board because of the
SLUD. You will be seeing the pavilion at some point. I met with Mark Macera on site today. I think
they could do some improvement. The fill out there right now doesn't grow grass because it is all
shale. They are talking about extending the existing level area out 30 to 50 feet and staying above
the existing drainage ways. I don't feel they have any major impact on the drainage or other issues.
They are in the process of preparing an application or going through sketch plan. Mark understands
it is going to be a several month process to get that approved, whether the contractor or College
Circle and Integrated Properties understands that. There is a lengthy review process. We will see
what happens.
Chairperson Wilcox - Thank you, Dan.
Mr. Walker - The other object is to haul it out Danby Road and head out of town.
Mr. Kanter - The Planning Federation Conference... we need to know now who would like to go. I
talked to Fred earlier today and he said he is interested in going but would like to encourage anyone
else to go who hasn't been to one of these before.
Chairperson Wilcox - It is Sunday, the 29th of September through Wednesday, the 2nd of October. It
is four weeks away.
EX
Y'
PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
APPROVED - OCTOBER 1, 2002 - APPROVED
0 Board Member Thayer - Unfortunately, I have to go back into hospital.
Chairperson Wilcox - Kevin?
Board Member Talty - Other responsibilities preclude me from attending.
Chairperson Wilcox - Alright, its me.
in a row. Any other business, Jon?
Mr. Kanter - That's it for me.
It was every other year. This will be the first time for two years
Chairperson Wilcox - Any other business from other members of the board?
Board Member Howe - I won't be here ... (not audible)
Chairperson Wilcox - Okay. If there is no further business do I have a motion to adjourn?
Board Member Thayer - Yes.
Chairperson Wilcox - So moved. We are adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM: ADJOURNMENT:
Upon MOTION, Chairperson Wilcox declared the September 3, 2002 meeting of Town of
Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully subm'tted:
IRVVv
Carrie Whitmore,
Deputy Town Clerk
i
45
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday, September 3, 2002
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes).
7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals
regarding a sign variance. The request is to allow a temporary sign /display banner of
approximately 7 feet by 35 feet in size to be placed on a trailer in the front of the
Paleontological Research Institution property located at 1259 Trumansburg Road, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, Residence District R -30. The purpose of the temporary sign
is to announce the construction of the Museum of the Earth and will be removed no later
than June 2003. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner; Warren Allmon, Agent.
7:09 P.M. SEQR Determination, Cayuga Medical Center — Education Center & Cafeteria Addition, 101
Dates Drive.
7:10 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the
proposed additions to the Cayuga Medical Center located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Residence District R -30. The project includes a
925 +/- square foot one story addition to the cafeteria on the south side of the existing
building and a 4,200 +/- square foot two -story addition on the north side of the main building
for an education center. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner; HOLT Architects, PC,
Applicant.
7:15 P.M. SEQR Determination, Ithaca College Campus Safety / General Services Building, Campus
Service Road.
7:20 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Site Plan Modification for the Ithaca College
Campus Safety / General Services Building located on Campus Services Road, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41 -1 -11, Residence District R -15. The modification includes deleting
an asphalt walkway located along a portion of Campus Services Road. The project was
originally approved by the Planning Board on August 21, 2001. Ithaca College, Owner;
HOLT Architects, P.C., Applicant /Agent.
7:35 P.M. SEQR Determination, Telecommunication Antennas on Water Tank, Christopher Lane.
7:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a
recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the
proposed telecommunication antennas on a Town of Ithaca -owned water tank on Christopher
Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 72 -1 -10, Residence District R -15. The proposal
includes attaching six cellular antennas to the top of an existing water tank and constructing
a chain link fence inside of which the cellular equipment cabinets will be located. Town of
Ithaca, Owner; Independent Wireless One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi; Harris Beach,
LLP, Agent.
7:54 P.M. SEQR Determination, Telecommunication Antennas on Silo, 385 West King Road.
7:55 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Co
Board's Resolution of Site
Silo, granted on October 2,
1, Residence District R -30.
surrounding the equipment
Independent Wireless One,
isideration of Modification of Condition "2.c." of the Planning
Plan Approval for the IWO telecommunication antennas on a
2001, 385 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35-3 -
Said condition required the planting of a vegetative buffer
area and fence adjacent to the silo. George Voss, Owner;
Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach, LLP, Agent.
8:00 P.M. Consideration of Sketch Plan review for the proposed three -lot subdivision located at 344,
346, 352 West King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 35 -2 -6.2 and 35- 2 -6.4,
Residence District R -30. The proposal is to subdivide two existing lots into three new lots,
each containing an existing residence and road frontage. Charles & Mary Lou Estey,
Owners; Allen Warshawsky, Agent.
8:10 P.M. Consideration of a correction to adopted resolution No. 2002 -072 to delete "proposed
outdoor seating and hanging plants" and insert "proposed interior modifications to the
former East Side Restaurant ". On July 2, 2002, the Planning Board approved a proposal for
a new restaurant space in the former East Side Restaurant, located in the East Hill Plaza, 329
Pine Tree Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 62- 2- 1.121, Business District C.
13. Persons to be heard (continued from beginning of meeting if necessary).
14. Approval of Minutes: July 16, 2002,
15. Other Business.
16. Adjournment.
Jonathan Kanter, AICP
Director of Planning
273 -1747
NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY MARY BRYANT
AT 273 -1747.
(A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.)
W
•
•
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tuesday, September 3, 2002
By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by
the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, September 3, 2002, at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the
following times and on the following matters:
7:05 P.M. Consideration of a Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a sign variance. The
request is to allow a temporary sign /display banner of approximately 7 feet by 35 feet in size to be
placed on a trailer in the front of the Paleontological Research Institution property located at 1259
Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1, Residence District R -30. The purpose of
the temporary sign is to announce the construction of the Museum of the Earth and will be removed no
later than June 2003. Paleontological Research Institution, Owner; Warren Allmon, Agent.
7:10 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a recommendation to the Zoning Board
of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed additions to the Cayuga Medical Center
located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Residence District R-
30. The project includes a 925 +/- square foot one story addition to the cafeteria on the south side of
the existing building and a 4,200 +/- square foot two -story addition on the north side of the main
building for an education center. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner; HOLT Architects, PC,
Applicant.
7:20 P.M. Consideration of Site Plan Modification for the Ithaca College Campus Safety / General Services
Building located on Campus Services Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 41 -1 -11, Residence
District R -15: The modification includes deleting an asphalt walkway located along a portion of
Campus Services Road. The protect was originally approved by the Planning Board on August 21,
2001. Ithaca College, Owner; HOLT Architects, P.C., Applicant /Agent.
7:45 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and a recommendation to the Zoning Board
of Appeals regarding Special Approval for the proposed telecommunication antennas on a Town of
Ithaca -owned water tank on Christopher Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 72 -1 -10, Residence
District R -15. The proposal includes attaching six cellular antennas to the top of an existing water
tank and constructing a chain link fence inside of which the cellular equipment cabinets will be
located. Town of Ithaca, Owner; Independent Wireless One, Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris
Beach, LLP, Agent.
7:55 P.M. Consideration of Modification of Condition "2.c."
Approval for the IWO telecommunication antennas
King Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35 -3 -1,
the planting of a vegetative buffer surrounding thi
George Voss, Owner; Independent Wireless One,
LLP, Agent.
of the Planning Board's Resolution of Site Plan
on a silo, granted on October 2, 2001, 385 West
Residence District R -30. Said condition required
equipment area and fence adjacent to the silo.
Applicant; Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris Beach,
Said Planning Board will at said times and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections thereto.
Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special
needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request
not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearings.
• Jonathan Kanter, AICP
Director of Planning
273 -1747
Dated: Monday, August 26, 2002
Publish: Wednesday, August 28, 2002
CI
C7
•
The Ithaca Journal
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
TOWN OF ITHACA
PLANNING BOARD .
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tues., Sept. 3, 2002
By direction of the
Chairperson of the Planning
Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Public Hearings
will be held, by the Planning
Board of the Town of Ithaca
on Tuesday, September 3,
2002, at 215 North Tioga
'Street, Ithaca, N.Y. at- the
-following times and on the
following matters:
7:05 P.M. Consideration of
-a Recommendation to the
Zoning Board of Appealsi
regarding a sign variance.
The request is to allow a
temporary sign /displayy ban -'
ner of approximately 7 feet)
by 35 Meet in size to be
placed on a trailer in the
front of the Paleontological
Research Institution property
located at 1259 Truman•+
sburg Road, Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No. 24.- 3 -3.1,
Residence District R -30. The
purpose of the temporary
sign is to announce the
construction of the Museum
of the Earth and will be
removed no later than June
2003. Paleontological Re-
search Institution, Owner;
Warren Allmon, Agent.
7:10 P.M. Consideration of
Preliminary ' and Final Site
Plan Approval and a rec.
ommendation to the Zoning
Board of Appeals reggarding
Special Approval for the
proposed additions to the
Cayuga Medical Center lo-
.
toted at 101 Harris B. Dates
!Drive, -Town of Ithaca Tax
(Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Resi-
dence District R•30. The
project includes a 925 +/-
square foot one story addi-
tion to the cafeteria on the
south side of the -existin
building and a 4,200 +?
square foot two-story addi-
tion on the north side of the
main building for an educa-
,lion center. Cayuga Medical
Center at Ithaca, Owner;
HOLT Architects, PC, Ap-
pIicant.
7:20 P.M. Consideration of
Site Plan Modification for,
the Ithaca College Campus
'Safety / General Services
Building located on Campus
Services Road, Town of
Ithaca ,Tax' Parcel No.
4i =1.11 Residence District
R -15. Tke modification in-
cludes deleting an asphalt
walkway located along a
Pd.of Campus Services
Road. The project was
originally approved by the
Planning Board on August
21, 2001. Ithaca College,
Owner; HOLT Architects, .
'P.C., Applicant /Agent.
7:45 F -M. Consideration of
Preliminary and Final Site
Plan Approval and a rec-
ommendation to the Zoning
Board of Appeals reggarding
Special Approval for the
proposed telecommunica-
i Lion antennas on a Town of
I Ithaca-owned water tank on
Christopher Lane, Town of
1Ithoca Tax Parcel No.
72 -1 -10 Residence District
R -15. The proposal includes
attaching six cellular anten-
nas
-to the top of an existing
water tank and constructing
a chain link fence inside of
which the cellular equipment
'cabinets will be located.
Town of Ithaca, Owner; In-
dependent Wireless One,
Applicant; Timothy A. Frates-
,chi, Harris Beach, LLP,
Agent.
7:55 P.M. Consideration of
Modification of Condition
2.c. of the Planning Board's
Resolution of Site Plan Ap-
proval for the IWO tele
,communication antennas on
a silo, granted on October
2, 2001, ,385 West King
'Road 0 Town of Ithaca Tax
,Parcel No. 35 -3.1, Resi-
dence District R -30.' Said
icondition required the
plonting of a vegetative
'buffer surrounding the
equipment area and fence
adjacent to the silo. George.
(Voss, Owner; Independent
i Wireless One,' Applicant;
Timothy A. Frateschi, Harris .
;Beach, LLP, Agent. Said Plan-
! ning Board will at said times
and said place hear all per-
,sons in support of such mat -
ters or objections thereto.
Persons may appear by
agent or in person.
Individuals with visual
iimpairmentso hearing
impairments or other special
needs, will be provided with
assistance as necessary,
upon request. Persons desir-
ing assistance must make
such a request not less than
48 hours prior to the time of
the public. hearings.
,Jonathan Kanter, AICP
Director of Planning
273.1747
Dated:
Monday, August 26, 2002
August y8, 2002
[,1
I
TOWN OF ITHACA
Planning Board
SIGN -IN SHEET
DATE: Tuesday, September 03, 2002
(PLEASE PRINT TO ENSURE ACCURACY IN OFFICIAL MINUTES)
PLEASE PRINT NAME PLEASE PRINT ADDRESS /AFFILIATION
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SIGN -IN SHEET
DATE: Tuesday, September 03, 2002
(PLEASE PRINT TO ENSURE ACCURACY IN OFFICIAL MINUTES)
PLEASE PRINT NAME PLEASE PRINT ADDRESS /AFFILIATION
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TOWN OF ITHACA
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION
I, Sandra Polce being duly sworn, depose and say that I am a Senior Typist for the Town of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York; that the following Notice has been duly posted on the sign
board of the Town of Ithaca and that said Notice has been duly published in the local newspaper,
The Ithaca Journal.
Notice of Public Hearings to be held by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in the Town of Ithaca
Town Hall 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca New York, on Tuesday, September 3, 2002
commencing at 7:00 P.M., as per attached.
Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tioga Street.
Date of Posting :
Date of Publication
August 26, 2002
August 28, 2002
J Qot
Sandra Polce, Senior Typist
Town of Ithaca.
STATE OF NEW YORK) SS:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of August 2002,
Notary Public
CONNIE F. CLARK
Notary Public, State of New York
No, 01CL6052878
Clualified in Tompkins County
Commission Expires December 26, 20 CQ