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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1976-04-21 J64 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD APRIL 21 , 1976 The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in special session on Wednesday , April 21 , 1976 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , ( second floor ) , Ithaca , New York , at 7030 p . m . PRESENT : Chairman Barbara Holcomb , Richard Black , Robert Christianson , Liese Bronfenbrenner , Daniel Baker , Sam Slack , Lawrence Fabbroni ( Planning Engineer /Building Inspector ) . ABSENT : Maurice Harris , ALSO PRESENT : Mrs . Beverly Livesay ( County Rep . ) , Dennis Colliton , Leroy Rogers , Peggy Schwartz , David Cassel ( President , East Ithaca Town Assoc . ) , Robert Schwarting ( President , Eastern Heights Homeowners ' Assoc . ) , Al Beller ( WHCU ) , Elyse Gellerman ( WTKO ) . Chairman Holcomb opened the meeting at 7 : 31 p . m . PRESENTATION OF SITE PLAN PROPOSALS FOR NORTHEAST ITHACA PARKS , TAREYT01 DRIVE AND SALEM DRIVE - - LEROY ROGERS AND PEGGY SCIMIARTZ , Mr . Fabbroni introduced Mr . Leroy Rogers and Ms . Peggy Schwartz -to the Planning Board as students in the Graduate Planning Program at Cornell University . Mr . Fabbroni stated that they have been working with the Northeast Civic Association in an effort to draft a plan for two small parks in the Northeast area of the Town of Ithaca , one being • an informal park on Cornell land at the north end of Tareyton Drive , and the other being on land that Rocco Lucente has given to the Town for park development as part of his recent subdivision backlot east of Salem Drive , Mr . Fabbroni reported that Mr . Rogers and Ms . Schwartz are here to present the work that they have done on these two parks . He stated that they have met with the Civic Assoc . and have their input . Mr . Fabbroni said that they have virtually completed their semester ' s task as pseudo - consultants of the Town of Ithaca . Mr . Rogers presented the maps and drawings for the Salem Drive site which has been proposed for park development . He stated that the proposed location contains a little more than 2 acres . Mr . Rogers stated that their main objective with this site is to maintain it as natural a way as possible . He noted that there is a drainage problem and so they designed a 60 ' pond into which the water could flow . He commented that he and DRs . Schwartz visited the site in the winter several times , but they anticipate that eventually the water would drain into the street from the holding pond and on into the Town system and the City system . He estimated that the pond would cost about $ 2 , 000 . 00 . Mr . Rogers stated that the pond could be stocked for fish- ing and be used for ice skating in the winter . The pond would be about 4 or 5 feet deep . Mr . Rogers displayed topo maps of the area and indicated that the land varies about 4 ft . He noted that this site is virtually flat . He commented that the proposed pathways would be cons - tructed of as natural material as possible . Mr . Rogers stated that it was their intention that the Town of Ithaca would participate in the maintenance of this proposed park . He stated that all of the improvem ments could be done in stages as the capacity of the Town allows . He noted also that the neighbors could help in the development . Town of Ithaca Planning Board - 2 - April 21 , 1976 Mrs . Holcomb commented that she liked the plan presented very • much , Mr . Christianson stated that he liked the plans very much and commented that he felt very comfortable with the design . Mr . Rogers now turned to the Tareyton Road Site - near Winston Court Apartments , He reported that this park site is approximately 300 ' x 3001 . He said that both an adult-oriented park and a tot park seem to be the need evidenced by the Northeast Civic Assoc . He pointed out that there would be two tennis courts on one or two levels with a covered separation for sitting and watching . Mr . Rogers indicated the proposed basketball court . There is also proposed a covered pavillon - type area with a kitchen attached with storage space . There will be a picnic area covered with a roof but otherwise open to the air . Mr . Rogers suggested that the tennis court area s 'rould have drainage tiles around the outside of them , but that this would require the expenditure of some funds . He commented that it would cost a little at the begin- ning but would be much cheaper in the long run , He stated that this can be done in stages also . Mr . Rogers indicated some rough estimates of material costs for this park site as follows Tennis Courts - $ 9 , 000 . 00 Basketball Court - $ 4 , 000 , 00 Covered Area - $ 8 , 500 , 00 Tot Lot - $ 4 , 000 . 00 complete Circulation Area an $ 1 , 000 . 00 TOTAL - $ 26 , 500 . 00 • Mr . Rogers noted that the Town would be involved in the maintenance of the park . Mr . Christianson asked what it takes to implement a plan like this - - besides money . He asked what is the next logical step ? Mrs , Holcomb commented that she thought this land is on a 99 -year lease . Mrs . Bronfenbrenner asked what the Town ' s policy would be on the neighbors doing some of the work . Mr . Rogers noted that the land is clear now , Mrs . Holcomb stated that the Town Park Policy that was adopted last year outlines a policy whereby input is to be gathered by the Planning Board as to needs , followed by a priority listing for the following year ' s work schedule and then an amount of money is to be put into the Town Budget in order to implement these priorities . Mr . Fabbroni stated that there is a fund set aside for park purm poses and it might be dipped into , say for $ 5 , 000 . 00 , but anything over that amount the Town would want to think in terms of matching funds . He commented that small parks are not the top priority of the State or the Federal government singly , but they could be part of a bigger package , • Mr . Schwarting , President of the Eastern Heights Homeowners ' Assoc . , stated that the Village of Groton has received BOR funds . He coremented also that a total package , say over a 5 -year period , does receive a better priority rating . Mr . Fabbroni noted that public schools have been opened up to BOR Town of Ithaca Planning Board 020, 34525 April 21 , 1976 monies , but with the provision that the facilities have to be opened to all the public all of the time . As a final comment , Mr . Rogers noted that the people in the Salem Drive site area were very adamant that it be a very passive area . PRESENTATION OF SITE PLAN ALTERNATIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COY GLEN BY DENNIS COLLITON Mr . Colliton referred to the preliminary report he had made to the Planning Board on March 2 , 1976 . He stated that the presentation this evening will comprise a site inventory and site analysis . Mr . Colliton discussed the schematics and designs contained in the treatise on Coy Glen . He presented an Activity Schematic and Trail Development which showed the development of trails on the ridge lines and high above the stream which runs through the Glen , He commented that there is serious erosion in the stream bed , but he envisioned some limited access paths , Mrs . Holcomb commented that a portion of the stream bed area is to be closed land and not available to the general public . It is to be used for classroom study by Cornell University with minimum access . Mr . Colliton stated that that was not his understanding and he felt strongly that there is still a possibility of the Town becoming the owners of this land . • Mr . Colliton presented a Design and Development Plan showing four major areas of design and development ® - 1 . Active Area near the Inlet , 2 . Picnic Area and Parking northwest corner Five Mile Drive and Coy Glen , 3 . Reclamation of Excavated Areas ; 4 . Trail Development . The Scheme Evaluation showed limited construction , its cost and environmental effect of 9 , 500 feet of paths , parking for 95 cars or less , 1 foot bridge and steps . The Final Design plan showed the two ridge lines , the trails , and nine future optional camping areas in the northwest end of the study area . He indicated extensive reforestation , the active recreation area and picnicking area . The primary entrance would be at Five Mile Drive and Coy Glen and the picnicking area would be there . He indicated a much less formal trail system in the very rough areas . He noted that some areas have very sacred vegetation . He commented on a proposed bikeway that the Finger Lakes State Parks Commission is proposing . In the Lower Gorge and Cayuga Inlet area , Mr . Colliton displayed a blow-up schematic of the Final Design . The area will be terraced . There is proposed an area for active sports such as hockey , football , tennis , soccer , There are also proposed restroom and picnicking facilities . In the Upper Gorge area the Final Design indicates campsites , rest faciltities and limited access paths , Mr . Colliton displayed the • Parking Design . He then displayed the Design Sections as they are keyed back to the B1ow� Up area . At the Lower Entrance to Coy Glen he shooed a bridge across the tributary . This is a larger description of the main entrance . A Conceptual Design of the Picnic Area was shown . It will be as natural a setting as possible o wood used , no paving materials . He then displayed the play areas in more detail , the rest® Town of Ithaca Planning Board ® 4 ® April 21 , 1976 rooms , the tennis courts and the tot lot . OMr . Colliton now presented a Summary of Recommendations for the Coy Glen Study Project , 1 . The question of the land must be resolved , i . e . , acquisition ? He stated that it was appraised at $ 75 , 000 . 00 in 1972 by North East Appraisals . He noted that there are a couple of options open to the Town . ( a ) Outright purchase , ( b ) Model stream easements ? ( c ) Other rights purchase . ( d ) 100 -year easement on the land . Mr . Colliton was of the opinion that outright purchase is the best approach . 2 . The Town of Ithaca would have complete control of all the activiti .r� ;., which would mean insurance , bonding , etc . He commented that the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation ( BOR ) or the Finger Lakes Park Commission might become the actual overseer of this project . 3 . There could be an actual rezoning of the entire area to Public Open Space Land to end any possibility of development in the Glen . 4 . The Watershed is very important . It goes into the Town of Enfield . The water is Grade C . The watershed is in an Agricultural Zone , O5 . The recreational development should begin near the Cayuga Inlet ball fields , picnic areas . Trails on ridge lines . Passive activity should take place throughout Coy Glen . BOR regulations require level areas for elderly . 6 . The gravel operation should be relocated to another site as soon as possible . This is a big problem . 7 . No roads should be built within Coy Glen , 8 . Parking areas should be small . Mr . Colliton noted that there are more recommendations in his thesis , but he did not go into all of them . He stated that he would consider his study as being very close to an Environmental Impact Statement which could be presented to the BOR with a proposal for matching funds . Mr . Black commented that he would like to see dropping the camping areas completely . Mr , Colliton stated that he had been under consider= able pressure from his professors to keep camp sites in somewhere . Mr . Christianson said that the treatise is an excellent study and he asked if it will be possible for the Town of Ithaca to have a copy of this marvelous piece of work . Mr . Colliton stated that he will give the Town three copies of the treatise . ® DISCUSSION OF EAST ITHACA BIKEWAY REQUEST . Mr . David Cassel , President of the East Ithaca Town Association was present and offered a request for a bikeway system for the East Ithaca Town of Ithaca Planning Board - 50M April 21 , 1976 neighborhood . Mr . Cassel stated that parks , per se , have not been the main issue of the East Ithaca Town Assoc . He stated that the thing ® the people have spoken the most about is bikeways for prople and children to bike in safety , He stated that the presentation he will be making tonight is an attempt at making walkways and bikeways available for both recreation purposes and transportation to and from Cornell University . Mr . Cassel said that Dr . Frank Baldwin is the instigator of most of this program . Dr . Baldwin could not attend this meeting , so Mr . Cassel was making the presentation on his behalf . Mr . Cassel stated that Dr . Baldwin and his wife have built their own public park essentially in their backyard . The park facilities have been built by them - skating rink , soccer field , sledding and downhill skiing . In addition to these , Dr . Baldwin is proposing a bikeway system for East Ithaca . Mr . Cassel presented the following proposal with the aid of maps . The proposed bikeway would run , in phases , as follows : 1 . From Maple Avenue to Honness Lane . 2 . Between Honness Lane and where Slaterville Road takes over . 3 . Parallel to Slaterville Road out to Besemer Road , Mrs . Holcomb read the proposal as prepared by the Board of Direc ® tors of the East Ithaca Town Assoc6i as follows : " To : The Ithaca Town Planning Board From : The Board of Directors of the East Ithaca Town Association ® Re : East Ithaca Bikeways We request the establishment of a series of " East Ithaca Bikeways " in our area as part of our development under the Townwide Park Policy . Residents in our area have consistently advocated the construction of bikeways for recreation and transportation to and from Cornell and Belle Sherman School for several years . We have now identified a plan that appears to be economical and capable of meeting some of these needs . Our proposal divides naturally into three sections : 1 . The abandoned Lehigh Valley RR between Honness Lane and Maple Avenue . This section has long been used as a foot and bicycle path connecting the area with Belle Sherman and Cornell . Our proposal amounts to formalizing its use as a bicycle and pedestrian path , and improving the surface so that it can be used in less favorable weather conditions , 2 . One or more of several routes roughly parallel to Pine Tree Road that would connect Eastern Heights and/or the lower end of Pine Tree Road to the path in Section 1 at Honness Lane , 3 . Continuation of the path ( s ) in Section 2 along the Lehigh Valley RR parallel to Slaterville Road to Besemer Road , We propose that Section 1 be given immediate priority , since & ® . . Its previous and present use establishes its utility . 2 . Preliminary discussions indicate that Cornell is likely to react favorably to a request from the Town for a right of way , and nearly all of the land in question is owned by Cornell . Town of Ithaca Plannina Board - 6 - April 21 , 1976 3 . Construction should be very easy , since a reasonably well -prepared roadbed exists . • We propose that the bikeways be surfaced as simply and inexpen- sively as possible consistent with their use in wet weather . Tale understand that a surface of compacted crushed cinders can be installed in a reasonable time without substantial additions to the Town Budget or the derailment of necessary maintenance work . Paths of this sort exist at Cornell and are regularly used in a variety of weather conditions . Experience gained in negotiating and constructing Section 1 can be used as a guide in planning Sections 2 and 3 , which are somewhat more complicated . We would hope that the delay between the implementation of Section 1 and the other sections would not be any longer than necessary . ( signed ) David G . Cassel President , East Ithaca Town Association " In connection with Phase I of this proposal , Mr . Cassel stated that the Cornell Planning people have been receptive and faborably disposed to the proposal in discussions with the East Ithaca people . He noted also that the use of the abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad bed should involve a minimum of cost since the bed is still there . In connection with Phase 2 , Mr . Cassel commented that some kind of nego - . tiations will have to take place . He noted that Phase 2 would involve the residents of Eastern Heights in the bikeway . Mr . Cassel stated that Phase 3 would involve land negotiations again . As a time schedule , Mr . Cassel felt that the proposed bikeway could move ahead right away as far as Phase I goes . Phase 2 would require some research and negotiations . Some of the proposed bikeway runs through Town of Ithaca land . Mr . Cassel noted also that some of Phase 2 is on Dr . Baldwin ° s land but he would not like to have motorizes. vehicles use it . Phase 3 would finish off the project and would be more recreational than functional for coming and going to work . Mr . Cassel commented that these bikeways as proposed are not along any part of the road system . This has both a benefit and a difficulty . Benefit - Ditches do not have to be filled at great costs . Culverts are not along side as hazards . Difficulty - Once you get these paths away from the road , you do have them going through land which does not have eyes on it . Safety is a question for children in certain age groups at certain times of the day . Mr . Fabbroni said that Dr . Baldwin is really an amazing person in terms of what he has done and in terms of what he has in mind for the neighbors . Mr . Cassel noted that in their proposal for the bikeway system for East Ithaca , other directions in which to go are also noted . He said that these directions are not in the form of a proposal yet . They would be used if the three proposals above - noted did not materialize . s ' Town of Ithaca Planning Board - 7 ® April 21 , 1976 Mr . Robert Schwarting , President of the Eastern Heights Home® owners ' Assoc . , stated that the people in Eastern Heights are highly ® enthusiastic about this proposed plan for bikeways . He asked how at this point one goes about implementing such a plan . He supposed cost estimates should be done . Mr . Fabbroni stated that cost estimates can be done and that this is part of the priority schedule . Mr . Fabbroni said that this meeting was to air out this situation and give the Planning Board an opportunity to mull it over , At some future meeting they would then come up with a presentation for the Town Board , DISCUSSION OF EASTERN HEIGHTS PARK REQUEST Mr . Fabbroni referred to the Tudor Road Mini -Park in Eastern Heights . This neighborhood nark is being maintained by the residents . The Town does the mowing . The residents are requesting that the Town do additional clean up . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the Eastern Heights Homeowners ' Assoc . has requested picnic tables and they have been ordered , The Associatior has requested a couple of barbeque pits for future installation . Mr . Fabbroni said that the picnic tables should be available around the first of the month and the barbeque pits should be coming in soon . DISCUSSION OF NORTHVIEW ROAD [^TEST PARK REQUEST Mr . Fabbroni said that the Northview Road West Park is on line as a proposal . He stated that Mr . Hilker is having his attorney prepare the Deed . The residents of the area would like the same type of help from the Town as the Eastern Heights people . The Northview Road gest proposed park contains about 1/ 2 an acre . DISCUSSION OF ABOVE PROPOSALS IN TERMS OF PRIORITIES FOR UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION SEASON AND BOR GRANT APPLICATIONS . Mr . Fabbroni stated that , not to exclude other areas , the BOR grant application should include Coy Glen and the proposed park for the Forest Home area . Because of the cost , the Town would want to get into matching monies . Separately or together they should be considered by this Board . In terms of funding priorities , hiking type of parks and camping type of parks seem to be one of the highest priorities . One of the lowest types is playfields . Mrs . Holcomb stated that it is beginning to look as though the official May meeting is getting full . The second meeting in May can be set aside to make a priority arrangement for parks . Mr . Fabbroni commented that in the meantime , he can set up what this all means in terms of cost . ADJOURNMENT Upon Motion , the Meeting was adjourned at 10 : 10 p . m . Respectfully submitted , Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary . //- /c2//;7 r To : The Ithaca Town Planning Board . • From : The Board of Directors of the East Ithaca Town Association Re : East Ithaca Bikeways We request the establishment of a series of "East Ithaca Bikeways " in our area as part of our development under the Townwide Park Policy . Residents in our area have consistently advocated the construction of bikeways for recreation and transportation to and from Cornell and Belle Sherman School for several years . We have now identified a plan that appears to be economical and capable of meeting some of these needs . Our proposal divides naturally into three sections : 1 . The abandoned Lehigh Valley RR between Honness Land and Maple Avenue . This section has long been used as a foot and ® bicycle path connecting the area with Belle Sherman and Cornell . Our proposal amounts to formalizing its use as a bicycle and pedestrian path , and improving the surface so that it can be used in less favorable weather conditions . 2 . One or more of several routes roughly parallel to Pine Tree Road that would connect Eastern Heights and/ or the lower end of Pine Tree Road to the path in Section 1 at Honness Lane , 3 . Continuation of the path ( s ) in Section 2 along the Lehigh Valley RR parallel to Slaterville Road to Besemer Road . We propse that Section 1 be given immediate priority , since : 1 .r Its previous and present use establishes its utility . 2 . Preliminary discussions indicate that Cornell is likely to react favorably to a request from the Town for a right of way , and nearly all of the land in question is owned by Cornell . 3 . Construction should be very easy , since a reasonably well - prepared roadbed exists . We propose that the bikeways be surfaced as simply and Inexpensively as possible consistent with their use in wet weather . We understand that a surface : of * compacted crushed cinders can be installed in a reasonable time without substantial additions to the Town Budget or the derailment of necessary maintenance work . Paths of this sort exist at Cornell and are regularly used in a variety of weather conditions . Experience gained in negotiating and constructing Section 1 can be used as a guide in planning Sections 2 and 3 , which are somewhat more complicated . We would hope that the , delay between the implementation of Section 1 and the other sections would not be any longer than necessary . �� yao�.zC L C David G . Cassel President , Elast Ithaca Town Association A •