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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-2023-08-22Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 1 Planning and Development Board Minutes August 22, 2023 Board Members Attending: Robert Lewis, Chair; Emily Petrina; Elisabete Godden, Daniel Correa, Mitch Glass, Bassel Khoury, Garrick Blalock, BPW Liaison Board Members Absent: None Board Vacancies: None Staff Attending: Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning and Development, Division of Planning and Economic Development Nikki Cerra, Environmental and Landscape Planner, Division of Planning and Economic Development Samuel Quinn-Jacobs, Assistant Planner, Division of Planning and Economic Development This meeting was held in Common Council Chambers, Third Floor, City Hall, and also conducted remotely using videoconferencing technology, as authorized by Part WW of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022 of New York State and Local Law 2022-05. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. 1. Agenda Review – None 2. New Planning Board Member – Bassel Khoury 3. Hailey Delisle, Sustainability Planner of Tompkins County – Overview of the Business Energy Advisors (BEA) Program 4. Approval of Minutes – May 2023 and June 2023 5. Public Comment Chair Lewis opened Privilege of the Floor. There being no members of the public appearing in order to speak, nor any additional written comments submitted to be read into the record, Chair Lewis closed the Public Comment period. 6. Board Responses to Public Comment The Board had no response to public comments. 7. Site Plan Review Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 2 A. The Outlook Apartments – 815 S. Aurora Street. Consideration of Site Plan Changes. The Planning Board granted final approval of this project on September 24, 2019 and granted further approval for site plan changes on May 24, 2022. The applicants are now seeking input for site plan changes. This project was determined to be a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 B.(1)(b), (d), (k) and (n) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b. (5)(iii) and (9) for which the Lead Agency made a Negative Determination of Environmental Significance on September 22, 2020. Applicants Attending: Jacob von Mechow, Russ Riddell, Catherine Cullen The applicants presented a series of changes made to the project during construction that were not approved by the Board. The applicant highlighted four different “areas” of concern which saw the most changes. Each area was shown with side-by-side site plans detailing the approved layout versus the proposed solution. Each area was presented as follows: - Area 1 was originally approved as an asphalt parking lot; the applicant is proposing a gravel parking lot. - Area 2 contained a rail that was not approved and a ramp that was not installed to ADA standards or designed as approved; the applicant is proposing to keep the rail and ramp as is and install a new ramp entrance that will be ADA accessible. - Area 3 was originally approved to be a grass courtyard; astroturf was installed instead and the applicant is seeking approval for a new astroturf material (different than the one installed). - Area 4 has a retaining wall that was not constructed in the layout or with the materials as approved; the applicant is proposing to keep the installation as is, but add in robust landscaping for screening in an effort to mitigate the visual impact to the neighboring lot. Petrina thanked the presenters for taking on the task of bringing this site into compliance and acknowledged that they are cleaning up a situation that they did not cause. Petrina said that the proposal for Area 1 is purely for cost-saving but could be supportive of it depending on the proposal for the rest of the site. Area 2 is unsatisfactory in her opinion, but the proposed solution is fine. Petrina’s opinion on Area 3 is that she sees benefits to both plantings and astroturf but would favor plantings. Petrina concluded her remarks stating that Area 4 and the proposed solution is unsatisfactory as the retaining wall underwent heavy review due its impact on the neighbors. Khoury stated that he would like to know information about the newly proposed astroturf and how it is different than what has been installed on the site. Cerra reminded the Board of the previous approval process, highlighting the change in materials especially the EIFS brick that was installed instead of the approved material. Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 3 The majority of Board members agreed that Area 1 should be required to install the asphalt driveway as originally approved, that the proposal for Area 2 is acceptable and that the solutions proposed for Area 4 are not satisfactory. Board members differed in their opinions regarding Area 3. Glass stated that the courtyard is an internal process, and that the applicant should design it as they wish. Petrina stated that the courtyard underwent review from the Board and was proposed as an amenity which should now receive the same level of review from the Board. Godden expressed her opinion that astroturf is not a suitable material for the space. Correa stated that in order to sway him on the proposal for Area 2 the applicant should include larger-than-normal concessions in landscaping and design in other spaces on the site. Chair Lewis expressed his dissatisfaction with the EIFS brick that was installed, especially because the material was proposed to the Board and denied. The Board agreed that the EIFS brick is not suitable and needs to be removed from the building and replaced with the material approved or have a new design for the Board’s approval that doesn’t include the EIFS material. The Board agreed that they will not entertain future discussions regarding installing an EIFS brick material on this project. Correa stated that while the applicant is under a time constraint due to the expiring Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, any displacement of tenants is the developer’s responsibility and not the Planning Board’s. The applicants thanked the Board for their time and expressed their want to have approval on the project before the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy expires. B. Cayuga Park – Carpenter Circle. Consideration of Site Plan Changes. The Planning Board granted final site plan approval of the mixed-use project on October 26, 2021. The applicant now seeks approval for two final conditions on the Residential Phase 1 Project Changes Resolution adopted on September 28, 2021. The overall project was determined to be a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4(B)(1)(d), (i), (k), and (B)(6) and (8)(a) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4(b)(11) ) for which the Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency, issued a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance on May 26, 2020. Applicants Attending: Jacob von Mechow The applicant presented a new site plan for the proposed bus circulation and parking plan for the Board’s approval. The new design allows for a bus turn around rather than a drive-through route. Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 4 Staff asked the applicant to show the Planning Board a site plan of the greater context for the Board’ review. Upon seeing the entire site plan, Glass asked the applicant clarifying questions about the location of bus stops. Chair Lewis stated that the loss of a throughway is substantial, but it is not the fault of the developer. The Board agreed the proposed solution was adequate, if not ideal. Declaration of Approval of Site Plan Changes On a motion by Petrina, seconded by Correa: WHEREAS: The Planning Board granted final approval with revisions for PHASE 2 on October 26, 2021, Preliminary Site Plan Approval for the entire project on May 26, 2020, Final Site Plan Approval for Phase 1 on September 22, 2020, and Final Site Plan Approval for the Community Gardens on August 24, 2021, and WHEREAS: the applicant is now requesting approval for the following final conditions in the Final Site Plan Approval for Phase 1 Resolution approved on September 22, 2020: xxiv. Submission of executed easement agreement with adjacent property for access from the terminus of the through-site road to Cascadilla St, and xxv. Documentation of the final design a specifications for the restricted access mechanism for busses, and xxvi. Documentation from TCAT bus operation through the site, and WHEREAS: the applicant, with TCAT support, is seeking a revision to the conditions which includes a bus turnaround instead of a bus through-site road on the adjacent property, and WHEREAS: the Planning Board has determined that the project changes are consistent with the May 20, 2020 Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance and that no additional environmental review is required, and WHEREAS: the Board has reviewed and accepted the revised drawing updated Layout Plan depicting the bus-turnaround instead of access through the adjacent property submitted 8/7/23, containing 1 sheet and other submitted materials, now therefore be it RESOLVED: that the Planning Board does hereby grant the final approval of the proposed revisions for the aforementioned Final Site Plan Approval for Phase 1 Resolution Conditions. Moved by: Petrina Seconded by: Correa Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 5 In favor: Petrina, Correa, Godden, Glass, Khoury, Lewis Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Blalock Vacancies: None Declaration of Approval of Site Plan Review Extension for Phase II On a motion by Petrina, seconded by Correa: WHEREAS: on October 26, 2021, the Planning Board granted final Site Plan Approval for Phase 2 to the proposed mixed-use development located at Cayuga Park Lane, and WHEREAS: the scope of the approval consisted of the following revisions to the original proposal for mixed-use buildings known as Building B & C and associated site improvements: • Reduction in stories from six to four, • Reduction in internal parking from 187 to 101, • Reduction of dwelling units from 166 to 127, • Reduction in commercial space from 23,810 SF to 17,481 SF, • Associated changes to the floor plan layouts including introduction of parking on the ground floor, • Changes to cladding materials transitions, • Building B: additions of stepback in the second floor, • Building B: addition of pool and railing on second outdoor amenity deck and addition of fourth floor rooftop amenity deck, • Building C; addition of garden walls enclosing gated surface parking area and addition of fourth floor rooftop amenity deck, and WHEREAS: §276-10 of the City Code states that if construction of a project has not commenced within two years of the date of the Site Plan Approval, such approval shall expire, unless an extension has been granted by the Board following a written request by the applicant, and WHEREAS: in a letter dated July 19, 2023, to Lisa Nicholas, Director of the Planning and Development Department from Jacob von Mechow, RLA, Landscape Architect, Whitham Planning Design Landscape Architecture, PLLC, an extension of the Site Plan Approval for Phase 2 was requested, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does hereby grant a two- year extension of Site Plan Approval until October 26, 2025, subject to all the conditions stated, and all drawings cited, in the final Site Plan Review Approval Phase 2 resolution, dated October 26, 2021, and subject to the applicant obtaining all necessary variances. Moved by: Correa Seconded by: Petrina In Favor: Petrina, Correa, Godden, Glass, Khoury, Lewis Against: None Abstain: None Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 6 Absent: Blalock Vacancies: None C. Ithaca Farmer’s Market, Steamboat Landing – 545 Third Street by David Stern. Design update and review of FEAF Part III. The applicant is proposing to renovate the existing market building to allow for year-round commerce and programing, to reconfigure and pave the existing parking area and drive lanes, to create outdoor amenity space for dining and gathering, to install shoreline stabilization, and to make other site improvements. The project requires the demolition of most site features, relocation of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, removal of numerous trees, and installation of enhanced stormwater infrastructure. The project is on City-owned land and requires approvals from Common Council, the Special Joint Committee of the Ithaca Area Water Treatment Plant, NYS DEC, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The project site is in the Market District and is subject to Design Review. This was determined a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 B.(1)(b), (h)[2] and (i) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b. (10) and (11) for which the Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency, issued a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance on January 25, 2022. Applicants Attending: Yifei Yan, Gideon Stone, Monika Roth, Jan Rhoades Norman The applicants presented all changes made to the development proposal since the last presentation. A site plan was presented highlighting changes to the Waterfront Trail, crushed stone around the building and the outdoor seating arrangements. The applicant also provided a circulation path as was requested by the Board at the previous Project Review Committee meeting. The applicant added a series of images detailing the existing conditions of the site compared to renderings of the proposal. The project architects continued the presentation detailing the proposed changes to the existing Farmer’s Market pavilion. The applicants detailed many changes to the structure including the major change of enclosing the pavilion for rain protection. The applicants proposed changes to all three entrances to the Market and a change in the location of bathrooms. Petrina stated her appreciation for the pedestrian circulation, seating and details on the reinforced turf. Petrina went on to give the applicant feedback on the design of the building relating the location of the bathrooms and layout of parking relating to vendors. Correa stated his overall support for phases 1 and 2 of the project. Correa went on to ask the applicant to include interior seating in their proposal. Godden stated her agreement with previous comments and her concern with the location of the proposed bathrooms. Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 7 Glass expressed his appreciation for what was proposed in the presentation but have feedback regarding seating, layout and landscaping. Glass stated that he shares the concerns of other Board members but is ready to move the project forward. Khoury asked clarifying questions regarding future maintenance of the proposed materials, specifically relating to heavy foot traffic. The applicant responded to Board comments by stating that project changes will need to be approved by the Farmers’ Market Board. Director Nicholas informed the Board that they need to decide if they would reopen the CEQR process or not. Upon being prompted by Chair Lewis, Director Nicholas shared her opinion that the proposed project is smaller in scope than the original proposal and is in need of a reopened CEQR. Director Nicholas went on to explain the phased approached in the public process and its impact on the CEQR process. Chair Lewis asked the Board to review in detail the FEAF part 3 of the project before next month’s meeting. D. Argos Inn Expansion – 408 E. State Street. Presentation, Lead Agency and Public Hearing. The Planning Board granted preliminary and final approval of this project on March 22, 2022. The applicant is now proposing changes to the approved plans including removing a parking garage, adding on-site parking spaces, removing an approved driveway and adding a circular drive, and small additions to the approved building which will occur in phases. Exterior site improvements and structures still include a patio, an elevated courtyard, an access drive on Lake Street, landscaping, and walkways. The project is in the R-2a Zoning District and was granted variances for lot coverage, front-, rear- and side-yards, and parking on March 1, 2022. This was determined to be a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 B.(1)(n) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b.(11) for which the Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency, issued a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance on February 22, 2022. Applicants Attending: Avi Smith, Criag Modisher, Maximillian Eckhardt The applicant presented a parking lot, outdoor seating area, service building and addition to the Argos Inn on E. State Street. The applicant including drawings of the proposed addition for the Board’ review, stating that the design has already been through the ILPC approval process. Public Hearing On a motion by Godden, seconded by Petrina, and voted in favor unanimously Chair Lewis opened the public hearing. Kathrin Achenboch spoke in opposition to the proposal. Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 8 There being no further members of the public appearing in order to speak, nor any additional written comments submitted to be read into the record, Chair Lewis closed the Public Hearing on a motion by Godden, seconded by Petrina, and voted in favor unanimously. The Board stated their overall support for the project but appreciates the concerns of neighbor and highly encourage the applicant to mitigate the sound impacts as much as possible. Glass suggested that the applicant change the proportions of the parking spot sizes to be more consistent. Adopted Declaration of Lead Agency On a motion by Corea, seconded by Godden: 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 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: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has a pending application for an addition at Argos Inn at 408 East State Street by Avi Smith, and WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to demolish an existing 1800 SF terrace north of the Argos Inn building and construct a 5135 SF 3-story addition. The addition will contain 11 guest rooms (24 rooms total) and hotel office space. Site improvements include reconfiguration of 2,385 SF outdoor terraces for seating, relocation of the existing terrace to the north end of the parking lot, creation of a utility building to screen the outdoor seating from the street, the paving and striping of the parking lot, landscaping, and lighting. The project is located in the B-4 zoning district and will require rear yard and parking variances, and WHEREAS: this has determined to be a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 B.(1)(h)[4], and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b. (11) and is subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Tompkins County Department of Health, both potentially involved agencies in this action, have consented to the Planning Board acting as Lead Agency for this project, now, therefore be it RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does, by way of this resolution, declare itself Lead Agency in Environmental Review for the proposed project. Moved by: Correa Seconded by: Godden Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 9 In Favor: Lewis, Glass, Correa, Godden, Petrina, Khoury, Blalock Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Vacancies: None E. 116 N Meadow Street by Whitham Planning and Design on behalf of CSD Housing. Public Hearing and Review FEAF Part II. The applicant proposes to demolish two existing two-story residential buildings to allow for the construction of a new 60-unit affordable and integrated supportive housing project on a consolidated lot. The 5-story building, approx. 87,000 SF, will be comprised of 60 mixed-income, affordable housing units, 30 of which are proposed supportive service units, all ranging in size from studio-, one-, two- and three-bedroom units on the top four floors and garage parking and other amenities on the first story. Site improvements include community space, bicycle parking, offices, 2nd-floor playground terrace, fitness center, rooftop terrace, dog park, lounges, and green walls on the upper floors. The project is in the WEDZ-1a Zoning District and does not require variances. This is a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQRO”) §176-4 B.(1)(k), (l) and (n) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b. (11) and is subject to environmental review. Applicants Attending: Yifei Yan, Adam Fishel, Robert Cain, The applicants presented changes made to the proposal since the last meeting. The presentation included changes to planter beds at the entrance of the building, a reduction in size of the proposed rooftop terraces and the floorplans to include more units. The applicants went on to provide additional details on the color of the building, intention for an art-display commemorating the existing large tree that will need to be removed during demolition. Renderings of the proposed building were presented and described to the Board for their review. Public Hearing On a motion by Godden, seconded by Correa, and voted in favor unanimously Chair Lewis opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public appearing in order to speak, nor any additional written comments submitted to be read into the record, Chair Lewis closed the Public Hearing on a motion by Petrina, seconded by Godden, and voted in favor unanimously. Glass gave feedback regarding the design of the building as based on the rendering stating his approval. Blalock asked the applicant to look into designing the building to signal that the area has now changed to a residential community. Blalock asked the applicant to design the building with the Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 10 intention of signaling to drivers entering the City that they have now driven into a residential neighborhood, not a highway. Godden gave the applicant feedback regarding the color and materiality of the building, giving suggestions on the use of both. Godden stated her overall support for the project. Chair Lewis stated that he believes everything that is brown in the project should be a masonry material - not fake wood. F. McGraw Hall Renovation – 141 Central Ave (Cornell Arts Quad). Presentation and Lead Agency. The applicant proposes to renovate the existing 4-story building, approximately 52,532 SF, located on the Cornell Arts Quad. The renovations will address all exterior building deferred maintenance including exterior façade repairs, structural deficiencies, stone entry stairs, accessibility compliance with changes to three existing entrances, and will completely renovate the interior with new instructional spaces supported by new structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to comply with building and energy codes. The project site is located in the U-1 Zoning District and will require no variances. The project is located in the Cornell Arts Quad Historic District and will require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. This has been determined to be a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 B.(h)[4] and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b. (11) and is subject to environmental review. Applicants Attending: Leslie Schill, Andy Rollman The applicant presented a brief history of the McGraw Hall building including the current conditions and proposal for renovations. The proposed renovations were detailed to the Board with the most major changes being to create two accessible entrances into the building and the demolition of two large trees at the main entrance. The Board stated their overall support for the project. Glass gave feedback regarding the pedestrian paths on the East side of the project. Chair Lewis asked the applicant to provide a pedestrian circulation plan in their next presentation. Cerra reminded the applicant to submit the correct FEAF materials. Adopted Declaration of Lead Agency On a motion by Khoury, seconded by Correa: 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 Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 11 for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and 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: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has one pending application for site plan approval for renovation of a 4-story building by Andy Rollman for Cornell University, and WHEREAS: the applicant proposes the renovation of an existing 4-story building, approximately 52,532 SF, located on the Cornell Arts Quad. The renovations to the building address the stability and maintenance concerns associated with the structure. The goals of the proposal are to renovate the building so it can continue to house academic and research facilities for Cornell University faculty, and students. The project includes changes to three of the existing entrances to be ADA accessible, exterior façade maintenance, compliance with building and energy codes, and new instructional spaces in the interior. The project site is located in the U-1 Zoning District where the primary use is Post-Secondary Education. The project will require no variances. The project is located in the Cornell Arts Quad Historic District and will require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, and WHEREAS: this has been determined to be a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance §176-4 B.(h)[4] and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b. (11) and is subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Tompkins County Department of Health, both potentially involved agencies in this action, have consented to the Planning Board acting as Lead Agency for this project, now, therefore be it RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does, by way of this resolution, declare itself Lead Agency in Environmental Review for the proposed project. Moved by: Khoury Seconded by: Correa In Favor: Lewis, Glass, Correa, Godden, Petrina, Khoury, Blalock Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Vacancies: None G. Beer Bar Garden/Redbud Distilling – 805-813 Taber Street. Presentation, Lead Agency and Public Hearing. The applicant proposes to renovate a 3,645 SF building which was a previously operated auto repair shop into a distillery, beer bar, and beer garden. Construction will consist of three stages: Phase I renovating a 500 SF distillery, Phase II renovating a1505 SF beer bar, and Phase III includes creating the beer garden. The Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 12 building renovation will include placing an ethanol tank for the distillery, and constructing two vestibules, storage, and new bathrooms. Site improvements include renovating the existing parking lot, landscaping and the hops garden proposed in the southwest section of the parcel. 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. Applicants Attending: Seph Murtagh, Richard John, John Barradas The applicant presented a brief overview of the proposed beer garden and distillery including a video rendering of the proposal. The Board stated their overall support for the project. Glass suggested that the applicant include more information on the site plan including to parking and landscaping. Glass also suggested that the applicant show site plans detailing a before and after. Public Hearing On a motion by Godden, seconded by Correa, and voted in favor unanimously Chair Lewis opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public appearing in order to speak, nor any additional written comments submitted to be read into the record, Chair Lewis closed the Public Hearing on a motion by Godden, seconded by Petrina, and voted in favor unanimously. Adopted Declaration of Lead Agency On a motion by Glass, seconded by Godden: 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 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: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has one pending application for site plan approval for renovation of a former auto repair shop into a beer bar and distilling company by Taber Street One LLC, and WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to renovate a 3,645 SF building which was a previously operated auto repair shop into a distillery, beer bar, and beer garden. Construction will consist of three stages: Phase I renovating a 500 SF distillery, Phase II renovating a1505 SF beer bar, and Phase III includes creating the beer garden. The building renovation will include placing an Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 13 ethanol tank for the distillery, and constructing two vestibules, storage and new bathrooms. Site improvements include renovating the existing parking lot, landscaping and the hops garden proposed in the southwest section of the parcel, 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: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Tompkins County Department of Health, both potentially involved agencies in this action, have consented to the Planning Board acting as Lead Agency for this project, now, therefore be it RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does, by way of this resolution, declare itself Lead Agency in Environmental Review for the proposed project. Moved by: Glass Seconded by: Godden In Favor: Lewis, Glass, Correa, Godden, Petrina, Khoury, Blalock Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Vacancies: None 8. Sign Review A. Asteri Mixed-Use Apartments, 120 E Green Street. Potential Approval of Signs. As part of the site plan review process, the applicant is coming back to the Board to submit signs for review. Applicants Attending: Yifei Yan, Bridget Shoemaker The applicant presented a signage package for the Ithaca Downtown Conference letter located on the bottom floor of the Asteri project. Chair Lewis stated his dissatisfaction with the applicant’s unwillingness to make changes to the proposal as requested by the Board. Petrina stated her support for the sign package as presented. Correa stated that he would like to see changes made to the proposal that were suggested in the last Project Review Committee meeting. Correa, Godden and Lewis all agreed that the project included too many signs. Glass stated that he changed his mind about the blade sign, stating that he is now in favor of it due to wayfinding. Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 14 The Board agreed that the lettering above the main entrance should be stacked and not linear and that the font among signs. Adopted Declaration of Sign Review Approval On a motion by Godden, seconded by Petrina: On a motion by Correa, seconded by Glass the Planning Board voted unanimously to add two conditions to the resolution. WHEREAS: the mixed-use project by Whitham Planning & Design for Vecino Group LLC, Project Sponsor (“Applicant”) at 120 E Green Street was approved by the Planning Board on November 24, 2020, and WHEREAS: the applicant has submitted a sign package in CBD-140, and WHEREAS: the Board has reviewed and accepted the drawing package entitled Asteri/DCC Signage Intent July 2023 Vol 2.0 dated July 2023 and prepared by Whitham Planning Design Landscape architecture, PLLC (15 pages), with the following conditions: i. Submit final version of Sign B to the Planning Board for approval ii. Submit final version of Sign F to the Planning Board for approval, now, therefore, be it iii. RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does hereby approve the signs as proposed in the above-referenced drawings. Moved by: Godden Seconded by: Petrina In favor: Petrina, Correa, Godden, Blalock, Glass, Khoury, Lewis Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Vacancies: None B. The Dean Apartments, 401 E. State Street. Potential Approval of Signs. As part of the site plan review process, the applicant is coming back to the Board to submit signs for review. Applicants Attending: Craig Modisher, Frost Travis, Kyi Gyaw The applicant presented a signage package proposal for the Gateway building to rebrand it as The Dean. Petrina stated that she is not in favor of the large corner signs with lights due to their height and visual impact in a residential neighborhood. Minutes Were Approved by Planning Board Members on October 24, 2023 15 Correa stated that he doesn’t think the proposed theme is well designed or fits the character of the building or neighborhood. Correa also stated that the building appears to be overbranded and there is far too much signage for the use of the building. The applicant responded that the design of the signs fit the building its character due to the history of the building. The applicant went on to defend the design of signage to the Board. Correa stated that he believes the large signs negatively impact the architecture of the building. Correa went on to state that he is not in favor of the large signs at all. 9. BZA Appeals • BZA #3256 215 Cleveland Avenue, Area Variance • BZA #3257 510 W. State Street, Area Variance 10. Old/New Business • New Meeting time for Project Review Committee 11. Adjournment: On a motion by Petrina and seconded by Godden the meeting, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:15 p.m.