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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 1980-07-01 c . AWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD JULY 11 1980 The Town of Ithaca Planning Board met in regular session on Tuesday , July 1 , 1980 , in Town Hall , 126 East Seneca Street , Ithaca , New York , at '7 : 30 p . m . PRESENT : Chairman Henry Aron , Montgomery May , Carolyn Grigorov , James BakE. r , Bernard Stanton , Barbara Schultz , Lawrence P . Fabbroni , P . E . ( Town Engineer ) , Lewis D . Cartee ( Town Building Inspector / zoning Enforcement Officer ) , Barbara Z . Rest: aino ( Town Planner ) , Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary . ALSO PRESENT : Town Councilwoman Shirley Raffensperger , Stewart D . Knowlton , David Macklin . Chairman Aron declared the meeting duly opened at 7 : 30 p . m . and accepted for the record the Clerk ' s Affidavit of Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on June 23 , 1980 , and June 26 , 1980 , respectively , together with the Secretary ' s Affidavit of Service by Mail of said Notice upon the various neighbors of the property under discussion on June 24 , 1980 . • APPROVAL OF MINUTES - November 15 , 1977 MOTION by Mr . Henry Aron , seconded by Mr . Bernard Stanton : he Town of Ithaca Planning RESOLVED that t g Board Minutes of November 15 , 1977 , be and hereby are approved as written . There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton . Nay - None . Abstain - Schultz . The MOTION was declared to be carried . REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR - LEWIS D . CARTEE Mr . Cartee noted that the members of the Board each had before him / her a copy of his June 1980 Report of Building Permits issued which indicates that 11 building permits were issued in June 1980 for a total of $ 384 , 847 . 00 in improvements , as compared with June of 1979 when 20 permit 's were issued for $ 260 , 163 . 00 in improvements . Mr . Cartee commented that , with respect to the two industrial permits issued , one was for a warehouse and one was for an industrial building at Therm , Inc . With respect to the proposed WVBR tower , Mr . Cartee reported that he has sent a letter to the attorney , however , he has not received a r Planning Board - 2 - July 1 , 1980 • reply as yet . Mr . May asked Mr . Cartee how things were going toward the developing of this sign list for the Town . Mr . Cartee submitted a copy of same to Mr . May , together with some recommendations . The Planning Board members are to receive a copy from the Secretary . REPORT OF THE TOWN ENGINEER - LAWRENCE P . FABBRONI , P . E . Mr . Fabbroni reported that the painting of the water tanks is continuing and we are still trying to clean up the Stone Quarry Road and the West Hill sewer . Mr . Fabbroni also reported that by the next time we meet , we will either have started or will have completed painting around the outside of Town Hall . Mr . Fabbroni , commenting that the CETA crew may lead to some changes on the inside of Town Hall , stated that Mrs . Restaino will inform the Board of more of the CETA crew ' s upcoming activities , adding that we just got the summer help starting today , July 1st , Mr . Fabbroni reported on the proposed construction of an access ramp to the lower level of Town Hall by the Citizens ' Savings Bank parking lot , commenting that his present office would then become .the Board Room with direct access to the parking lot . Mr . Fabbroni noted that if that comes to pass , then engineering , zoning , building • inspection , and planning will move into this second - floor space being presently used as the Board Room . Mr . Fabbroni noted again that the building has not been painted for many years . Mr . Fabbroni reported on discussions with Cornell University in connection with the by - pass up Judd Falls Road to the northeast , noting that there will be more discussions with the ones so far going along quite well . Mr . Fabbroni stated that Cornell has two consultants , O ' Brien and Taube being one working on the expansion east of the Orchards , the other being a traffic consultant tying in the recommendations , both leading to proposals for the roadway . Mr . Fabbroni commented that these discussions have been more up - beat compared to the last five years of discussions , adding that more corridors may be able to be identified . Mr . Stanton asked Mr . Fabbroni if there were any progress to report on the Forest Home Park , with Mr . Fabbroni responding , not really , adding that he needed to talk to Dick Lewis at The Plantations , and further adding that he had submitted a report after the Planning Beard affirmation at the May 6th , 1980 meeting . Chairman Aron wondered how many CETA people were involved with the Town , with Mr . Fabbroni responding , seven under youth employment - - ages 13 to 15 - - and six unemployed persons . REPORT OF THE '.GOWN PLANNER - BARBARA Z . RESTAINO Mrs . Restaino , commenting that the last two weeks have been very busy , reported that she has been working on the recommendations for Planning Board - 3 - July 1 , 1980 • the Draft Sign Law , adding that she felt it was going to be a very good law , and commenting that the problems are minor mostly technical and detail . Mrs . Restaino stated that staff is recommending it very highly, to the Town Board , Mrs . Restaino stated that the census figures have also been received and the staff has been very busy checking and referencing the enumeration districts . Mrs . Restaino stated that , so far , we have found that the households number corresponds to our information but , overall , an increase of only 68 people is shown . Mrs . Restaino stated that staff is questioning the 1 , 000 households figure with only a 68 person increase , adding that we got the wrong map twice , which made matters difficult with only a ten - day response timeframe . Mrs . Restaino stated that the CETA program is in full tilt and many people have been interviewed , adding that both crews have been hired and the kids [ youth workers ] are working very fast , with the other CETA crE!w starting next Monday . Mrs . Restaino commented that there are not as many restrictions this year as we had last year , noting that the program is not project specific . Chairman Aron inquired as to what the crews are working on , with Mrs . Restaino responding that they cleaned up the Highway Barn , they are weeding , they worked on the Northview Road West Park culvert washout repair ,, and they will be cleaning up and doing repair work at • all the parks . Mrs . Restaino stated that they will also be working on the new parks :such as the Salem Drive Park which will probably be the first one , adding that it is expected that a lot will be done this summer . Chairman Aron wondered if all this is to be done over the next two months , with Mrs . Restaino stating that they will be working on finishing the parks that the Town has title to and also the railroad right of way that the Town has title to . Mrs . Restaino stated that they will be landscaping , and will be painting in Town Hall and at the Highway Barn and at the Pump Stations . Chairman Aron inquired about the status of the Forest Home Park , with Mrs . Restaino responding that it was kind of dormant right now . Mr . Fabbroni offered that after the Planning Board affirmed what Jon Witten had come up with , we presented a complete report with recommendations to Dick Lewis and he was to have presented it to the Plantations Committee . Mr . Fabbroni stated that he will need to get back to him since he has not heard from him . Chairman Aron thanked Mr . Cartee , Mr . Fabbroni , and Mrs . Restaino for their very fine reports . PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED REZONING OF A PORTION OF LANDS PRESENTLY ZONED BUSINESS " D " TO BUSINESS " C " , PARCELS N0 , 6 - 62 - 2 - 1 . 121 AND 6 - 62 - 2 - 12 , IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PROPOSED REZONING OF A PORTION OF LANDS PRESENTLY ZONED BUSINESS " C " TO BUSINESS " D " , PARCEL NO . 6 - 62 - 2 - 13 . 2 , AT EAST HILL PLAZA , GROFF ASSOCIATES , STEWART • KNOWLTON , PARTNER , FOR THE PURPOSE OF A 4 - BAY CAR WASH TO BE LOCATED BEHIND THE P & C . Planning Board - 4 - July 1 , 1980 • Chairman Aron declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted matter duly opened at 7 : 48 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Mr . Knowlton was present . Mr . Knowlton appeared before the Board and appended a large map to the bulletin board showing the entirety of East Hill Plaza with the area of the proposed car wash outlined in yellow . Mr . Knowlton stated that , as a result of the last hearing , and as shown in the information booklet that had been received by the Board members , commenting that he realized the procedural process that follows the Planning Board ' s recommendations in which we were discussing installation of the car -wash out in " this " [ indicating ] area in the Business " D " , and where , near the end of the hearing the question was raised as to our consideration of the " C " zoned area behind the parking area of The Depot restaurant , therefore , they took from the Business " D " zone and are proposing to make an exchange to Business " D " what is the Business " C " zone , which is the same acreage , and this would then restrict the " D " use on the Judd Falls Road which seems to be the intention . Mr . Knowlton stated that he looked at this and it would be no problem , adding that it changed many plans , but still , no problem . Mr . Knowlton stated that they serve the people here on this property [ the Plaza ] as opposed to being a freestanding unit that had to rely on road traffic in order to exist . Mr . Knowlton stated that they feel their customers on site would take the time to go behind the Plaza and • it is their guess that it is going to work , commenting that it will take some dedication since it is not quite a normal location , but , yes , it seems as though it will make sense . Mr . Knowlton offered that he did not know what more he could say , however , noted that they have two traffic entrances " here " [ indicating ] on Judd Falls Road , so the exchange of parcels , and he tried to be fair , is almost an even exchange . Mr . Knowlton stated that this is a critical zone in between two entrances but to address it logically it seemed the logical thing to go up - - -the other basis would not make any sense - - in the Business " D " to exchange the . 522 acres for . 522 acres - - an even exchange . Mr . Knowlton stated that they have a legal description provided in the! booklet which was mailed to the Board . Chairman Aron noted that this was a Public Hearing and asked if there were anyone present who wished to speak to this matter . Mr . David Macklin , 133 Pine Tree Road , spoke from the floor and asked about the entry and exit from the Plaza property as proposed . Mr . Knowlton indicated on the map the entry road into The Depot right next to the drive of the Eastern Artificial Insemination property , stating - - up and down the same road . Mr . Knowlton described the existing driveway in the 60 - foot right of way and pointed out the extension of the driveway . Mr . Knowlton described the drainage , noting the existing 20 - foot-wide drainage swale and noting that there is a drainage ditch right out to the storm drain in Judd Falls Road . • Town Councilwoman Raffensperger asked what was across from that entrance , wondering if it were right across from what used to be the P & C . Mr . Fabbroni indicated the driveway right next to the cemetery Planning Board - 5 - July 1 , 1980 • and noted that it does not exactly line up , being off - set by no more than five or Six feet . Councilwoman Raffensperger commented that that is not used much at all , adding that it is not the main entrance to the skating rink . Councilwoman Raffensperger wondered if the sight distances were any problem , noting that it is by a hill . Mr . Fabbroni responded that. the problem is only easing out past the wall of the cemetery and back on Maple Hill , Mr . Macklin stated that he had a couple of comments - - one being that he was generally concerned about the amount of traffic and he was seeing this proposal as another traffic generator . Mr . Macklin stated that his concern was the control of traffic . Mr . Macklin stated that his other comment was that he would support Mr . Knowlton ' s present plan , as he understood it , as opposed to what he understood he previously presented . There appearing to be no further questions from the public , Chairman Aron closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 00 p . m . and returned the matter to the Board for discussion . Mr . Fabbroni , commenting that he had a question , stated that Mr . Knowlton was offering us " here " [ indicating ] a piece of land zoned " D " , part of which is presently under a building that is used as a grocery store , adding that somehow , to him , that does not seem like quite a fair tirade of land to offer land that is presently used . Mr . • Fabbroni stated that he had the impression that the remainder of the " D " zoned land was the land we were talking about shifting off to the back of the shopping center . Mr . Fabbroni stated that that was really his only criticism - - the amount of land and the nature of the land . Mr . Fabbroni commented that he felt we were back to the same place we were at the last meeting . Referring to a trapezoidal area , Mr . Fabbroni described his thoughts utilizing the appended map . Mr . Fabbroni wondered what the sense was of leaving in all " this " , " here [ indicating ] that is involved in the primary driveway in and out . Mr . Knowlton stated that they did not try to encroach " here " [ indicating ] , adding that he said to Wyler ' s - - " How big is the back part and could you exchange a portion out of the " D " zone ? " , and he asked , " Where ? ''' , and he [ Knowlton ] said - - " North end of the " D " zone . " Mr . Knowlton stated to Mr . Fabbroni that he . made a good point , and as far as coming down into " here " [ indicating ] to include the drive , there is no way in heaven ' s world that anything is going to be proposed in that area with the pylon . Mr . Knowlton stated that he had no problem with a line down to the parking and asked if a legal description is needed for the purpose of this hearing - - including the drive area . Mr . Fabbroni asked what was going to happen in " this " area now [ indicating ] . Mr . Knowlton responded that that was a good question . Chairman Aron offered that , if his memory served him right , it was the opinion of the Board that the intended area was to do the station lower down . Mr . Knowlton concurred . Chairman Aron wondered what was wrong with taking where the four - bay car wash is proposed and • making that Business " D " . Mr . Knowlton responded that it made no difference to him , adding that he did not think the Board would like it there as it divides the " C " . Mr . May stated that he agreed with Planning Board - 6 - July 1 , 1980 Mr . Fabbroni that the intent was that the Business " D " not presently being used by the service station would be traded for the land in back of the P & C . Mr . Knowlton mused that what was being discussed was taking one and three - quarter acres out of " D " and putting that into " C " . Mr . Fabbroni described his thoughts on the map together with Mr . Knowlton and spoke of creating usable space that includes no driveways off the portion of what is not usable . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that it was on the basis of the information given to the Civic Association that it was the proposal that was proposed at the last hearing for the car wash behind the P & C that their approval was given . Mr . Knowlton offered that he had no intention of taking a lesser property , adding that he would be delighted to do it and restating the position that Mr . Fabbroni had stated . Mr . May stated that it looks like " B " would be " D " , and asked Mr . Knowlton :if that was important to him . Mr . Knowlton responded that it was absolutely critical . Mr . May asked if it was fair to ask for a proposed use , with Mr . Knowlton responding that he could not really say since " D " is a broad use . Mr . Knowlton stated that he thought we were taking about one - half acres to give up for 1 . 6 acres which seems to be fair , commenting that those were his words but they did not come out of his mind , and adding that he had no problem in taking it from the edge of the paving line . Mr . Fabbroni suggested whatever land goes to the north side of the driveway to the north end of what is the last line to the line that follows a bearing that runs east and west parallel to the P & C - - in other words , " this driveway here " [ indicating ] and " this parcel here " [ indicating ] would be included in the description . Mr . Fabbroni , again indicating on the map , stated that " this " is a major entrance and is of no use as Business " D " and so the decks could be cleaned on that piece . Continuing , Mr . Fabbroni stated that " this piece here " [ indicating ] may be traded off , if you considered it as lost to the operation , and used as access to this land , adding that " D " would be left up there . Mr . May stated that he felt this would be good as there would be two major frontages . Mr . Fabbroni offered that this would clean it up in terms of how it is used and what you are talking about trying for . Mr . Knowlton stated that he had no problem with that . Mrs . Schultz noted that whatever acreage you take out from the " D " you would put into " C " . Mr . Knowlton stated that he would not say that , really , because what would be happening is keeping . 522 acres as " C " and giving up 4 / 10 of an acre of " D " in order to clean it up as Mr . Fabbroni has said . Chairman Aron offered that it appears that " Parcel B " [ indicating on the map ] will remain " D " and the " black line Parcel C " and below " that " will remain " D " . Chairman Aron noted that the Town Board will be meeting on this matter on Monday , July 7th . MOTION by Mr . Henry Aron , seconded by Mr . Bernard Stanton : • RESOLVED that , in the matter of the consideration of the proposed rezoning of a portion of lands presently zoned Business " D " to Business " C " , Parcels No . 6 - 62 - 1 - 1 . 121 and 6 - 62 - 2 - 12 , in conjunction Planning Board - 7 - July 1 , 1980 • with the proposed rezoning of a portion of lands presently zoned Business " C " to Business " D " , Parcel No . 6 - 62 - 2 - 13 . 2 , at East Hill Plaza , Groff .Associates , Stewart Knowlton , Partner , for the purpose of a 4 -bay car wash to be located behind the P & C , the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to the Town Board the rezoning of " Parcel Black C " , as marked on Exhibit " J " , revised this date , July 1 , 1980 , from Business " D " to Business " C " , being a portion of Parcels No . 6 - 62 - 2 - 1 . 121 and 6 - 62 - 2 - 12 , and further RESOLVED ,, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to the Town Board the rezoning of " Parcel Black B " and " Parcel All , as marked on Exhibit " J " , revised this date , July 1 , 1980 , to Business " D " in their entirety , being a portion of Parcels No . 6 - 62 - 2 - 1 . :121 , 6 - 62 - 2 - 12 , and 6 - 62 - 2 - 13 . 2 , all in accordance with metes and bounds descriptions of said areas to be presented to said Town Board at its regular meeting on July 7 , 1980 . There bel. ng no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton , Schultz . Nay - None . The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously . Chairman Aron declared the matter of the recommendations to the Town Board with respect to the proposed 4 - bay car wash in the area of • the East Hill .Plaza duly closed at 8 : 34 p . m . PUBLIC HEARING : CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR A PROPOSED 4 - BAY CAR WASH TO BE LOCATED BEHIND THE P & C . PARCEL NO . 6 - 62 - 2 - 13 . 2 , AT EAST HILL PLAZA , GROFF ASSOCIATES , STEWART KNOWLTON , PARTNER . Chairman Aron declared the Public Hearing in the above - noted matter duly opened at 8 : 35 p . m . and read aloud from the Notice of Public Hearings as posted and published and as noted above . Chairman Aron noted the Short Environmental Assessment Form , dated June 25 , 1980 , which was before the Board and also included in the booklet prepared by Mr . Knowlton for this hearing marked " Exhibit 0 " . Chairman Aron stated that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board declared itself' Lead Agency in the matter of environmental review for this action . Chairman Aron noted that all the answers on the SEAF were negative with the exception of No . 15 having to do with public controversy . Mr . May pointed out that after tonight ' s discussion it might not be true at this point that there is public controversy . I Mr . Knowlton distributed copies of the proposed car wash site plan dated June 26 , 1980 . I MOTION 'Iby Mr . Montgomery May , seconded by Mr . James Baker : • RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , acting as lead agency in the review of the proposed 4 - bay car wash to be located behind the P & C , approve and hereby does approve the Environmental Planning Board - 8 - July 1 , 1980 • Assessment Form as completed , and FURTHER RESOLVED , that pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act , Part 617 , this action is classified as Unlisted , and FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board , has determined from the Environmental Assessment Form and all pertinent information that the above -mentioned action will not significantly impact the environment and , therefore , will not require further environmental review . There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton , Schultz . Nay - None . The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously . Referring to the proposed site plan , Mr . Knowlton noted that the Board had asked for a showing of the water , sewer , gas , and electric . Mr . Knowlton pointed out on the plan where " Expressions " and the " Florist Shop " are located , as well as the " Rite - Aid " and the " P & C " . Mr . Knowlton described , from the entrance , the existing driveway in the 60 - foot right of way and then the extension of that driveway , and described the circular stacking behind the proposed structure . itself , • noting that there will be no cars standing in the entranceway , as was discussed last time . Chairman Aron asked if there were any questions from the public . There being none , Chairman Aron closed the Public Hearing at 8 : 45 p . m . Referring to the proposed site plan , Mr . Fabbroni asked if " this " whole area were going to be paved . Mr . Knowlton stated that the drainage swale will not be paved ; the area to the north will be paved out to the extension of the driveway from the 60 - foot right of way , commenting that Judd Falls Road is a 50 - foot right of way . Mr . Fabbroni , commenting that he would then assume that most of this lot is going to drain south to the drainage swale , asked if Mr . Knowlton had any problem in the course of paving this with building up a little curb " here " [ indicating ] such that the water has only a few openings in that perforated curb where water can go through so that , if we have three inches of rain , the water would be held back to a certain extent as it enters that drainage swale . Mr . Fabbroni , indicating on the map , stated that we are starting to have a problem " here " with a situation , not related to Mr . Knowlton ' s site , involving at best an 18 inch culvert - - it might only be 12 " - - that goes under the Marine Midland Bank and out into Ellis Hollow Road . Mr . Fabbroni commented that it may be that the County has to be approached to continue the swale into the main drainage storm sewer directly , adding that as you develop each area to the extent possible you are using the paved area • as a holding area . Mr . Fabbroni reiterated his suggestion that Mr . Knowlton pave the rest of the area and leave little holes where the water will drain out . Mr . Knowlton stated that whatever makes sense , Planning Board - 9 - July 1 , 1980 • they will do , adding that he understood what Mr . Fabbroni was saying . Mr . Fabbroni offered that he was talking about step by step , noting that he did not mean to say a substantial holding pond , and suggesting that , as each piece is developed , we could deal with each piece as it is developed . Mr . Knowlton stated to Mr . Fabbroni that what makes sense between them he will be delighted to do . Mr . Fabbroni suggested that Mr . Knowlton put a few trees and bushes in key locations within the proposed site . Mr . Knowlton stated that anything he can do to make it more graceful and landscaped better , he will do . Mr . May , referring to the one entrance only , asked if there were not a gate at the Eastern Artificial Breeders site , with Mr . Knowlton responding , yE! s , but it is not on " this " right of way , and adding that no one has a right to this right of way but East Hill Plaza . Mr . Aron recalled that Mr . Knowlton had talked about another way into the car wash from the back and around the hardware store . Mr . Kowlton stated that that was for service area traffic , adding that he did not want to see that , really - - too many passenger cars back in there . Mr . Knowlton statE! d that he would feel strongly against that . Mr . Aron wondered how :many cars will go through that car wash in any given workday . Mr . Fabbroni stated that , in a queuing fashion , the most he could see going through this facility in an hour ' s time would be 40 at the most , but realistically , 16 , adding that this determines how many people would wait . Mrs . Grigorov wondered if there could be a security problem , with Mr . Knowlton responding , none , adding that they • do not have a problem . MOTION by Mr . Henry Aron , seconded by Mr . Bernard Stanton . RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board grant and hereby does grant Site Plan Approval for the proposed four -bay car wash as shown on plan entitled " Proposed Car Wash Site Plan , East Hill Plaza " , dated June 26 , 1980 , drawn by SDK . There being no further discussion , the Chair called a vote . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton , Schultz . Nay - None . The MOTION' was declared to be carried unanimously . Chairman Peron declared the matter of site plan approval for the East Hill Car Wash duly closed . APPLICATION FOR SIGN PERMIT - What ' s Your Beef , East Hill Plaza Mr . Cartee recalled that the Board had given its approval to the proposed 3 ' by 4 ' sign reading " What ' s Your Beef " on March 18 , 19800? and then it went on to the Town Board on May 12 , 1980 , which referred it back to the Planning Board because 20 feet of frontage was lost during that period . • MOTION by Mr . Bernard Stanton , seconded by Mr . James Baker : Planning Board - 10 - July 1 , 1980 . RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to the Town Board the granting of a variance for and approval of an additional 12 sq . ft . of signage , reading " What ' s Your Beef " , at the What ' s Your Beef restaurant , East Hill Plaza , as presented to said Planning Board this date , July 1 , 1980 . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton , Schultz . Nay - None . The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously . APPLICATION FOR SIGN PERMIT - Orchard Hill Subdivision , off DuBois Road . Mr . Carte! e stated that Mr . Thomas Niederkorn had requested a 7 ' x 4 ' sign for the Orchard Hill Subdivision which is a real estate subdivision . Mr . Cartee noted that 50 sq , ft . is allowed for one year with two renewal periods , adding that the area is zoned R - 30 and the sign does not presently exist . MOTION by Mr . Henry Aron , seconded by Mr . Montgomery May . RESOLVED , that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board recommend and hereby does recommend to the Town Board approval of a sign not to exceed 24 sq . ft , reading " Orchard Hill , A subdivision of Distinction , Ed Austin , Real Estate Broker , 272 - 1440 " , together with pictorial • matter , as a temporary freestanding sign with options to renew at the end of one year , it being noted that no variance is required for this signage . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton , Schultz . Nay - None . The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously . DISCUSSION OF FINAL DRAFT - PLANNING BOARD BY -LAWS Chairman Aron stated that discussion of the final draft of the proposed Planning Board By - Laws has been postponed . REPORT OF COUNTY PLANNING BOARD CHAIRPERSON - TOWN COUNCILWOMAN SHIRLEY RAFFENSPERGER . Councilwoman Raffensperger , reporting on the June 11 , 1980 meeting of the County Planning Board , stated that the meeting was held in the Old Court House , adding that she recommended that everyone go and see it . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that there was a report by Barbara Caldwell of a committee on the role of all of the Planning Advisory Boards , and stated that it had been suggested that a lead • agency planning concept be adopted , adding that each , Board spells out its own understanding of those issues to which it would be lead . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that the County Planning Board Planning Board - 11 - July 1 , 1980 • agreed that it had no objection to the lead agency concept but there should not be any restricting in any way of any planning advisory group . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that there will be further meetings on this in order to work out these relationships , for example , the exchanging of minutes . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that there was a presentation by Martha Ferger of " PARKIT " ( Prevent Alcohol Related Killings and Injuries in Tompkins County ) of the film " Until I Get Caught " . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that PARKIT believes there should be a greatly increased emphasis on enforcement of DWI laws since it would appear that an increased public perception of the possibility of getting caught is the single most effective deterrrent to drunken driving . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that PARKIT emphasized the role of planning groups in this since there is no public perception system in this area which leads to making the problem worse as there is no other way to get home when one should not be driving , such as free emergency taxi service or inexpensive public transport . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that PARKIT feels that this should be considered in any kind of transportation system that is set up . With respect to the Lehigh Valley Railroad right of way abandonment , Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that there was a very discouraged and discouraging discussion from the point of view of the Planning Board that wanted it to be intact . Councilwoman Raffensperger ,stated that she felt it unwise for counties to give up a • corridor like that - - for whatever reason , water , sewer , recreation - - but various municipalities do not seem to want to go along with that view . Councilwoman Raffensperger , commenting on individual property owners wanting to buy it , stated that it is hoped that Dryden would keep their parcel past Game Farm Road into Freeville , adding that the Planning Board recommended that but the Town Board has not seen fit to go along with that . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that there was discussion of the role that the County might have taken in helping overcome the difficulties that they saw . Councilwoman Raffensperger reported that the County Planning Board has now been adjourned until September 10 , 1980 . Chairman Aron thanked Councilwoman Raffensperger for her fine report and staged that he would like her not to go home at this point because he would like her to join the Board for the next item , adding that he would like her input . Councilwoman Raffensperger responded that she would be happy to stay . DISCUSSION OF JUDD FALLS ROAD / ELLIS HOLLOW ROAD / PINE TREE ROAD INTERSECTION Chairman Aron opened the discussion on the above -noted matter by asking what i ;s going on with this corner and stating that the hazardous conditions are very well known . Chairman Aron stated that • at the last meeting we talked about doing something to have the Town Board get going a little bit faster as to this matter . Mr . Fabbroni , commenting that he thought he had the sense of things , stated that he Planning Board - 12 - July 1 , 1980 • would at least like to get a fresh perspective from Councilwoman Raffensperger . Chairman Aron stated that this thing has been going on since quite a while and noted that in 1968 it was declared as hazardous by the Planning Board . Chairman Aron stated that the Town Board has failed to make any strenuous effort to do something about it , adding that it is about time that we , through resolution , ask the Town Board to take actions to remedy part of this problem which exists at Pine Tree Road / Ellis Hollow Road / Judd Falls Road . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that one of the problems with the Town Board taking strenuous action on this realignment , which has always been seen as necessary , is the bypass around in any realignment of Pine Tree Road and whether this corridor between Ridley ' s needed to be there , adding that , also , to get a connector road you need the cooperation of Cornell and the County . Councilwoman Raffensperger commented that that seems like a simple task , however , it is not simple and it is not easy . Councilwoman Raffensperger offered that it is not just a: matter of the alignment of a corridor between Ellis Hollow Road and Route 366 , which is what directly affect this intersection , but also Route 366 to Northeast Ithaca , or else you dump into Forest Home and then make matters worse which the Town is not willing to do . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that the Town has to be committed to both sections of the road before it proceeds . Councilwoman Raffensperger stated that it is her impression , and she is optimistic , that there really is presently more of a chance in making some progress on a connector than we have had . Mrs . Gricrorov stated that she did not see the problem with realigning Pine Tree Road . Mr . May offered that the real problem is coming south , addingthat Pine Tree Road and Ellis Hollow are not too bad , but he has come close coming south . Mr . Fabbroni commented that pulling out from the north leg as you are coming south is complicated by the other leg and a car shooting up from the City . Mr . May , commenting that he did not disagree with Mr . Fabbroni , stated that it is a joint problem the crux of which is how do you see a car coming up that hill . Mr . Fabbroni noted that there is one dip there that , perhaps , the County could be convinced to take out . Councilwoman Raffensperger commented that the connector through to Route 366 will help Judd Falls Road . Mr . Fabbroni stated that the decisions you have to make , as a driver you are forced to make , are many . Chairman Aron wondered if there were talk about alignment south of Pine Tree Road . Councilwoman Raffensperger commented that the connector is proposed on the other side of the elderly housing complex , adding that she did not know if this is a possibility . Chairman Aron stated that he felt this Board should go on record that some solution , long - range and short - range , should be done now . Mr . Fabbroni displayed a traffic count map , and stated that this was a priority intersection with him , the highest priority being Route 366 and Judd Falls Road . There appearing to be no further discussion , the Chair asked if the Board were prepared to move on the matter . • MOTION by Mr . Henry Aron , seconded by Mr . Montgomery May : Planning Board - 13 - July 1 , 1980 RESOLVED , that the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca urge and hereby does urge the Town Board to continue its negotiations with Tompkins County and Cornell University to effect a connector road between Pine Tree Road and Route 366 and between Route 366 and the Northeast Town of Ithaca , and that that section between Pine Tree Road and Route 366 be constructed as soon as possible in order to relieve the present hazards at the intersection at Pine Tree Road - Ellis Hollow Road -- Judd Falls Road - and the East Hill Plaza Shopping Center , and further , that , if feasible , the alignment of Pine Tree Road and the connector cross Ellis Hollow Road east of the Elderly Housing ComplE! x , and FURTHER RESOLVED , recognizing that under the most favourable conditions , such a connector permitting improvement in the traffic patterns in this area , could not be completed for several years , the Planning Board urges the Town Board to establish a Committee consisting of two members of the Planning Board , two members of the Town Board , and the Town Engineer , to be charged with recommendations for immediate relief of the traffic hazardsat the Pine Tree Road / Ellis Hollow ]toad / Judd Falls Road and East Hill Plaza intersections , such a report to be submitted to the Town Board by October 13 , 1980 , and FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Planning Board urges that the Town Board should apply immediately to the New York State Department of Transportation for lowering of the speed limit on Pine Tree Road between its intersection with Snyder Hill Road and Ellis Hollow Road from 55 MPH to 35 MPH , and further , the intersection of Judd Falls Road - Ellis Hollow Road - Pine Tree Road was described as " traditionally hazardous " by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board at rezoning hearings in 1968 ( Barnes -Kennilworth ) and at that time the Planning Board recommended its immediate improvement . Since 1968 , the development of the East Hill Plaza area , the increased residential development in the Town of Ithaca as well as in neighbouring towns , the closing of the Cornell Campus to traffic , and the development of " B " Parking Lot , have resulted in an increased volume of traffic through these intersections . There being no further discussion , the Chair called for a vote . Aye - Aron , May , Grigorov , Baker , Stanton , Schultz . Nay - None . The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously . ADJOURNMENT Upon Motion , Chairman Aron declared the July 1 , 1980 meeting of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board duly adjourned . Respectfully submitted , • Nancy M . Fuller , Secretary , Town of Ithaca Planning Board .