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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PEDC-2022-12-14Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Committee Wednesday, December 14, 2022 – 6:00 p.m. Minutes Committee Members Attending: Laura Lewis, Chair; Alderpersons Cynthia Brock, Phoebe Brown, Rob Gearhart, and Patrick Mehler Committee Members Absent: Other Elected Officials Attending: Mayor Laura Lewis and Alderperson Nguyen Staff Attending: Lisa Nicholas, Director, Planning and Development Department; Nels Bohn, IURA Director; Nikki Cerra, Environmental and Landscape Planner; and Deborah Grunder, Executive Assistant Others Attending: Chief of Staff Faith Vavra, Vicki Taylor-Brous, and Jamie Gensel a) Public Hearing – Proposed Amendment to Chapter 8 of the City Code Alderperson Brock moved to open the public hearing; seconded by Alderperson Mehler. Carried unanimously. No one was present to speak. Alderperson Mehler moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Carried unanimously. b) Public Hearing – RESTORE NY7 Grant Application Alderperson Mehler moved to open the public hearing; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Carried unanimously. No one was present to speak. Alderperson Brock moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Alderperson Mehler. Carried unanimously. Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting Zach Winn, 229 South Geneva Street, Ithaca, New York, spoke on the unsanctioned encampments. Provided photos of a burnt encampments. The County is ready; the City is lagging. Something must be done with enforcement, access roads, etc. Theresa Alt, 206 Eddy Street, commented on TIDES and CITTAP. Alderperson Brock thanked both for their comments. She agrees with Theresa Alt to dismantle CITTAP. 1) Public Comment 2) Announcements, Updates, Reports a) Unsanctioned Encampments – Working Group Update Lisa Nicholas provided an update. The group did see the video Check. Mike Thorne and DPW staff have visited most of the encampments as most of them are vacant at this time. Talks are happening about a clean up of these areas. A draft plan will be submitted to the Mayor in February. Alderperson Brock mentioned she has been at the encampments. Often when the encampments are cleaned up, they often go back to what they were. She further stated when a visit or scheduled cleanup is always coordinated with outreach workers. 3) Voting Items (to Council) a) Proposed Amendment to Chapter 8 of the City Code Ordinance to Amend Chapter 8 (Advisory Commission) of Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Code of the City of Ithaca to Establish a Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission Moved by Alderperson Gearhart; seconded by Alderperson Mehler. Carried unanimously. WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca has demonstrated its desire and commitment to be a leader in sustainability and social equity, as exemplified by the adoption of the Ithaca Green New Deal (IGND) on June 5, 2019; and WHEREAS; the IGND set out specific climate and social justice goals, and Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS; Common Council subsequently funded two positions, a Director of Sustainability and Sustainability Planner to lay out a strategic plan and to coordinate across departments and community-wide to meet the stated goals, and WHEREAS; Sustainability staff, working in coordination with other staff and departments have, and will continue to, bring forward policies, plans and other proposals that may impact city operations, staffing, urban design, capital budgeting and existing programs, and other areas, and WHEREAS: a dedicated advisory group is needed to support this work to provide the guidance of subject area experts, coordinate public outreach and information and advice Council and other bodies on the impact of proposed initiatives, now, therefore BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Legislative findings, intent, and purpose. The Common Council makes the following findings: 1. Council affirms its commitment to sustainability and social justice as laid out in the adoption of the IGND of June 5, 2019, and 2. In considering programs, policies, plans and initiatives to meet the goals of the IGND Common Council and other bodies, require the input and advise of subject area experts and outreach to and input from the public, 3. Therefore a dedicated Advisory Commission is needed to serve these and other related functions. Based upon the above findings, the intent and purpose of this ordinance is to create a Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission as a fifth Advisory Commission. Section 2. Chapter 8 (Advisory Commissions) of Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Code of the City of Ithaca, Section 8-2 (Establishment) is hereby amended as follows: § 8-2 Establishment The Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby establishes the Public Safety and Information Commission; Community Life Commission; Mobility, Accessibility, and Transportation Commission; [and] Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission; and Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission. These Commissions shall be collectively known as the "advisory commissions." The advisory commissions serve the City of Ithaca, the City of Ithaca Common Council and committees thereof, and the City of Ithaca's quasi-judicial boards. The advisory commissions serve solely in an advisory capacity and, absent approval of the Common Council, may take no action binding the City, its officers, or employees. Section 3. Chapter 8 (Advisory Commissions) of Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Code of the City of Ithaca, Article III (Community Life Commission), § 8-12 is hereby amended as follows: § 8-12 Purpose. Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting The purpose of the Community Life Commission is to provide the Common Council, appropriate committees thereof, the City's quasi-judicial boards, and City staff with advisory research, public input, and analysis for matters related to community livability, arts and culture, diversity, community youth and youth development, seniors and aging, refugees and immigrants, college students, LGBTQIA+ issues, housing, [sustainability] food and food systems, and environmental remediation. Section 4. Chapter 8 (Advisory Commissions) of Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Code of the City of Ithaca, Article III (Community Life Commission), § 8-13 subsections (H) and (I) are hereby amended as follows: H. To advise on issues [of sustainability,] related to food and food systems, and environmental remediation and contamination. I. To serve as a means of engaging in community outreach and receiving community input on the above-described subject matter in a manner consistent with the diversity[,] and accessibility [, and sustainability] goals of the City and in conjunction with all appropriate commissions, as necessary, to achieve such goals. Section 5. Chapter 8 (Advisory Commissions) shall be further amended so as to create a new Article VI thereof, entitled Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission, as follows: Article VI Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission § 8-19. Purpose. The purpose of the Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission is to provide the Common Council, appropriate committees thereof, the City's quasi-judicial boards, and City staff with advisory research, public input, and analysis for matters related to sustainability, climate justice and the City’s goals as described in the June 5, 2019 Resolution adopting an Ithaca Green New Deal. § 8-20. Duties. The duties of the Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission shall include, as needed, the following: A. To advise on issues and programs pertaining to sustainability and climate justice, such as waste reduction, electrification of buildings, electrification of the city fleet, renewable energy, equitable distribution of program benefits, etc, and B. To review and recommend policies, plans and programs to Common Council to implement the goals of the City’s Green New Deal, including but not limited to a climate action plan (CAP) and any subsequent updates, a Green Building Policy for existing buildings, and the Justice50 program framework, and Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting C. To monitor progress towards the goals of the Green New Deal, including the goal that benefits are shared among all of our local communities to reduce historical social and economic inequities. D. To serve as a means of engaging in community outreach and receiving community input on the above-described subject matter in a manner consistent with the diversity, accessibility, and sustainability goals of the City and in conjunction with all appropriate commissions, as necessary, to achieve such goals. Section 6. Severability Clause. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. Discussion regarding this ordinance. Planning & Economic Development Committee Draft Resolution 12/20/2022 An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 8 (Advisory Commission) of Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Code of the City of Ithaca to Establish a Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission – Lead Agency Moved by Alderperson Gearhart; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS: Common Council is considering a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 8, Entitled Advisory Commission of Part I (Administrative Legislation) to Establish a Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission and WHEREAS: this is an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 and is subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS: Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) Parts 1-3 prepared by planning staff and other relevant materials, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting RESOLVED: that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. Planning & Economic Development Committee Draft Resolution 12/14/2022 An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 8 (Advisory Commission) of Part I (Administrative Legislation) of the Code of the City of Ithaca to Establish a Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission – Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance Moved by Alderperson Gearhart; seconded by Alderperson Mehler. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to amend the definitions of “Multiple Dwelling” and “Dormitory” and related parking requirements, and WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated August 24, 2021, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is an “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Full Environmental Assessment Form, dated August 24, 2021, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. b) RESTORE NY7 Grant Application Authorize Restore NY7 Funding Application Vicky Taylor-Brous and Nels comments Moved by Alderperson Mehler; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Carried unanimously. Whereas, the 2022-23 New York State budget provided $250 million for the Restore New York’s Communities Initiative (“Restore NY”), which are awarded in two rounds: 1) $100 million in round 6; applications due October 11, 2022 2) $150 million in round 7; applications due January 27, 2023, and Whereas, the goals of the Restore NY program are to (1) revitalize urban centers, (2) induce commercial investment, and (3) improve the local housing stock, and Whereas, Restore NY funding is available only for projects involving the demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned or surplus properties, and Whereas, municipalities with populations under 40,000 are eligible to submit one project, not to exceed a request for $2,000,000 in each funding round, and Whereas, of six proposals received in response to a call for proposals, the following projects scored highest against state and local evaluation criteria: 3) Cayuga Street Rehabilitation, Urban Encore, LLC 4) Chainworks District – Building 24, Unchained Properties, LLC, and Whereas, the City submitted the Cayuga Street Rehabilitation project for Round 6 and is awaiting announcement of awards, and Whereas, the Chainworks District has been rebranded Southworks, and Whereas, a Restore NY7 application must include a municipal resolution in support of the application, proof that a public hearing was held on proposed application, and a site control affidavit for projects located on non-municipally owned property, and Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting Whereas, the property owner has agreed to provide all required local match contribution, so no City funding is required; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby endorses a Restore NY7 application for up to $2,000,000 for the Southworks Ithaca – Demolition and Abatement project, sponsored by Shift Chainworks District Development, LLC that includes abatement of lead paint and asbestos hazards in building #24 and selective demolition of various buildings at the former Emerson Power Transmission factory complex located at 620 S. Aurora Street, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby finds the proposed project is consistent with the City comprehensive plan and Urban Renewal Plan; that the proposed financing is appropriate for the specific project; that the project facilitates effective and efficient use of the existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources; and the project develops and enhances infrastructure and/or facilities in a manner that will attract, create, and sustain employment opportunities where applicable, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, upon advice from the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to take all actions necessary to submit a Restore NY7 application in accordance with this resolution, including, but not limited to, certification of the application, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to modify the proposal to address any unforeseen feasibility issues that would impact competitiveness of the application, and RESOLVED, that, if awarded, the Mayor, upon advice from the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with the Empire State Development Corporation, and any other documents necessary to receive the Restore NY grant, as well as agreements with the property owner to implement the project, and be it further RESOLVED, the IURA is hereby authorized to administer and implement the City’s Restore NY7 grant award. c) Annual LA Concurrence Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Mehler. Carried unanimously. 2023 Annual Common Council Concurrence that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board be Lead Agency in Environmental Review for Site Plan Review Projects for which the Common Council is an Involved Agency Resolution WHEREAS: 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter 176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, State Law also specifies that when an agency proposes to directly undertake, fund or approve a Type I or Unlisted Action undergoing coordinated review with other involved agencies, it must notify them that a lead agency must be agreed upon within 30 calendar days of the date that the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) or draft EIS was transmitted to them, and WHEREAS, Projects submitted to the Planning Board for Site Plan Review and Approval, at times involve approvals or funding from Common Council, making Council an involved agency in environmental review, and WHEREAS, in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Law and the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, involved agencies are provided with project information and environmental forms for their review, as well as all environmental determinations, and WHEREAS, Common Council did consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for site plan review projects for which Common Council has been identified as an Involved Agency since 2015, and WHEREAS, in order to avoid delays in establishing a Lead Agency and to make the environmental review process more efficient, it is desirous to continue the agreement in which the Planning Board will assume Lead Agency status for such projects; therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Common Council does hereby consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for site plan review projects for which Common Council has been identified as an Involved Agency through December 31, 2023; and, be it further RESOLVED, that for any future project Common Council may withhold or withdraw its consent should it so desire. 6) Review and Approval of Minutes a) October and November 2022 Moved by Alderperson Mehler; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed unanimously. 7) Adjournment Alderperson Mehler moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderperson Approved at the January 2023 PEDC Meeting Brock. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.