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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2009-02-03&Z:aaor -m REGULAR MEETING TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 215 NORTH TIOGA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK Board Members Present Rod Howe, Chairperson; Fred Wilcox, George Conneman, Hollis Erb, Kevin Talty, Susan Riha, Jon Bosak. Staff Present Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; Dan Walker, Director of Engineering; Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Mike Smith, Environmental Planner; Christine Balestra, Planner; Darby Kiley, Planner. Others Tim Peer, Herb Engman, Paul Levesque, Lou LoVecchio, Kim Michaels, Bill Lesser, Bruce Brittain, Doug Brittain, Steve and Sue Hilbert. Call to Order Chairperson Howe declares the meeting duly opened at 7:00 p.m., and accepts for the record Secretary's Affidavit of Posting and Publication of the Notice of Public Hearings in Town Hall and the Ithaca Journal on January 26, 2009 and January 28, 2009, together with the properties under discussion, as appropriate, upon the Clerks of the City of Ithaca and the Town of Danby, upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, upon the Tompkins County Commissioner of Public Works, and upon the applicants and /or agents, as appropriate, on January 28, 2009. Chairperson Howe states the Fire Exit Regulations to those assembled, as required by the New York State Department of State, Office of Fire Prevention and Control. AGENDA ITEM Persons to be Heard None. PUBLIC HEARING The purpose of this public hearing is to consider public comments regarding the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (S /EIS) for the proposed Ithaca College Wetland Mitigation Plan as part of the Athletics and Events Center project, located off Coddington Road near Rich Road, W. Northview Road, and the Water Tank Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 42 -1 -9.2 and 43 -1-4, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of approximately 4.5 acres of wetland in two locations on the Ithaca College lands to compensate for approximately 2.77 acres of wetland being lost as part of the Athletics and Events Center project. This public hearing is also to consider public comments Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final regarding Preliminary and Final Site. Plan Approval for the proposed Ithaca College Wetland Mitigation Plan. Ithaca College, Owner /Applicant; Richard Couture, Associate Vice - President of Facilities, Agent. Chairperson Howe read the public hearing notice and opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. He noted that Ithaca College and T.G. Miller would not be making a formal presentation, but would be available to help answer questions. Chairperson Howe then invited members of the public to address the board. A gentleman appeared before the board and directed the board's attention to the map before them. He pointed out the line with the "B" and noted that one end of the line was located in his kitchen. Chairperson Howe asked for an explanation of the dotted line. David Herrick, T.G. Miller, explained that the lines being referred to are section lines that correspond with the cross - sections included with the board's packet of information. Mr. Herrick then showed the gentleman different drawings to illustrate the cross - sections. Next, a woman asked how the wetland would be built. She wondered because there was already water in that location and she does have problems with water in her basement. Chairperson. Howe stated that the board would like to hear all public comments, and then they would ask the applicant to respond to questions. Bill Lesser than came before the board and stated that the proposed Rich Road wetlands was directly behind his house. He said that he and his wife are generally supportive of the concept and would like to learn more about how it is done. Their principle interest is whether or not there will be standing water during any particular time of year and if standing water was likely to lead to mosquito problems. Chairperson Howe asked the applicant to respond to the questions posed by the public. Ron LeCaine responded on behalf of the applicant. He explained that LeCaine and T.G. Miller designed the wetland. The Rich Road and Raponi wetland sites were designed to alter the topography to intercept and increase retention time for surface and groundwater. He did not visualize the wetlands as having a lot of perennial standing water. The wetlands would be wet during some times of the year and wetter during other times; they were not designed as ponds. He knew that there was some water on the properties during some times of the year. The wetlands are designed to be wet meadow emergent marsh wetlands. Mr. LeCaine reviewed the functions of wetlands. He stated that one of the functions of a successful well- vegetated wetland is decreased runoff downstream; therefore it could decrease the amount of water in basements. Referring to the map, Mr. LeCaine explained that Cell 5 was designed to drain to the existing swale and then down into the drainage along Coddington Road. Page 2 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final The lady and gentleman who spoke during the public hearing expressed concern with water running through their property. Mr. LeCaine responded that the lands behind the houses are degraded and the species located there do not do a good job of controlling floodwater or stormwater runoff. He pointed out that when the area is a well- vegetated wetland it should do a better job of controlling how much water goes through the area. Mr. LeCaine went on to explain that the cell approach with constructed berms was designed to slow the water that normally runs off on the hillside. Discussion continued regarding the current runoff pattern. Board Member Riha thought that the drainage situations in these kind of environments were complex enough so that it could not always be predicted ahead of time what was going to happen. She wanted some kind of commitment on Ithaca College's part to revisit how the system is draining to make sure that it is not aggravating the current drainage situation. Chairperson Howe asked Attorney Brock if the board could include that with site plan review. Attorney Brock responded that the board could and added that it could also be included in the findings. Board Member Wilcox recalled that Mr. Lesser had asked how wet the wetlands would be and if there would be a mosquito problem. Mr. LeCaine responded that the wetlands are not designed to have large areas of standing water. He understands that mosquitoes are common in residential neighborhoods because they thrive in abandoned tires, poorly drained kiddy pools, or other small pockets of stagnant water. The wetlands will have a functioning ecosystem which should keep the mosquitoes in check. A gentleman then appeared before the board and spoke to his experiences with wetlands. He noted that drainage is a problem, and if they are intended to be ephemeral the wetlands end up being polymal. The gentleman asked what follow -ups would be done to correct those problems. Mr. LeCaine responded that Ithaca College has the requirement to create a certain amount of mitigation wetland of a certain type and that type is not the pond. If there are large ponds, they are not satisfying the mitigation requirements and will have to correct it. The wetlands are monitored for five years. Board Member Talty asked how a sink -hole would be mitigated. Mr. LeCaine explained that they would have to get the Corps of Engineers and all interested parties involved to correct the problem. Mr. Kanter wondered if the monitoring period could be renewed if there was a problem or if there were questions. Mr. LeCaine responded yes; they are required to delineate the wetland after five years for functionality. It will be either released or continually monitored at that time. Mr. Kanter asked if the Town could have a longer monitoring relationship with the College. Attorney Brock thought it would be based on the board's findings, and those findings are based upon the environmental impact statement. Page 3 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final Chairperson Howe redirected and stated that the board is not hearing specific comments about the draft SETS. It was noted that the public comment period on the draft SEIS is open through February 13th. He thought the board would be addressing monitoring as part of the site plan. Chairperson Howe asked if anyone else wanted to address the board. There being no one, he closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. Board Member Wilcox thought the SEIS was in good shape. Attorney Brock brought the board's attention to a few changes that had not been made correctly. She briefly reviewed the changes with the board; changes were typographical corrections. Chairperson Howe asked if there were any other questions or comments. Mr. Kanter wanted the applicant to describe the conservation easement and what it means. Mr. LeCaine explained that they were actively negotiating with the Finger Lakes Land Trust to set up a conservation easement on the lands. They were close to settling on a topographical plan for where that would be. He thought the Land Trust was working with the Town on language to describe the commitment. Mr. LeCaine quickly pointed the possible conservation easements out to the board on a map. The easements generally provide a buffer zone around the limits of construction, and it would likely include existing wetlands. Mr. Kanter thought that the conservation easements were a site plan issue that needed to be addressed; he added that it may need to be included in the findings. Chairperson Howe referred to the County's letter and read their suggestion of Ithaca College contacting owners of neighboring properties of the wetlands. Board Member Wilcox wondered what the impact of a conservation easement was on neighbors. Mr. LeCaine explained that the intent of a conservation easement is to protect the land forever. Mr. Herrick reminded everyone that there was an opportunity in the process to determine that there are no significant negative impacts associated with the project or that the issues are not significant enough to warrant a findings statement. He asked if the board would entertain a negative determination of environmental significance at this point. Attorney Brock responded that the public comment period continues for another 10 days and thought it was premature for the board to make any statements about their intent. The board and Mr. Herrick agreed. SEAR DETERMINATION Cayuga Medical Center Southwest Addition Modification — Administrator's House, 101 Harris B. Dates Drive Chairperson Howe introduced the next agenda item by reading the SEOR and public hearing notice. Page 4 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final Kim Michaels, Trowbridge and Wolf, introduced herself, Lou LoVecchio, CMC, and Paul Levesque, HOLT Architects, to the board. She directed the board's attention to the material in their packets and thought the information explained their application clearly. Ms. Michaels explained that the house has been used by the contractors since 2004 as a contractor's office. The house will be a useful resource to contractors for the next 2 -5 years. Keeping the house would limit the number of construction trailers on site. She added that hospital administration would like to keep their options open in terms of the future of the building given the current economy. The board's 2004 approval included removal of the building. Ms. Michaels added that the stormwater management plan takes into account the house being on site. Chairperson Howe asked if the applicant was aware of any environmental issues related to the project. Mr. Walker did not have any concerns and said that the house was outside the watershed where the major earthwork was being done. He explained that removing the house and planting grass would reduce some of the stormwater from what it is today, but leaving the house on site will not increase stormwater. Board Member Talty supported the reuse of the building. With no further discussion, Board Member Talty moved and Board Member Conneman seconded the SEAR resolution. Chairperson Howe asked if there were any changes to the SEAR form or proposed resolution. Board Member Erb directed the board's attention to Whereas number 4 of the resolution and noted that the Site Grading Plan should include a Roman numeral two; the resolution for site plan approval would need the same change. Board agreed and change was made. Chairperson Howe called for a vote — carried unanimously. PB Resolution No. 2009-007: SEAR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan and Special Permit, Cayucia Medical Center Modification, Tax Parcel No. 24 -3 -2.1 Motion made by Kevin Talty, seconded by George Conneman WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed modification to the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone. The proposal is to retain and possibly re -use the existing residential building located near the hospital entrance. The original Southwest Addition proposal, which was approved by the Planning Board in June 2004, involved demolition of the administrator's house. The proposal also includes a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding sign variances for a directional sign and the main entrance sign. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner /Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge & Wolf LLP, Agent, and Page 5 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final 2. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board granted Final Site Plan Approval on June 15, 2004, for the demolition of the residential building as part of the Cayuga Medical. Center's Southwest Addition project, and 3. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting as Lead Agency in environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the above - described modification, and 4. The Planning Board, on February 3, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, drawings titled "Watershed Map" (Fig. 1), "Existing Site Conditions" (Fig.2), "Proposed Site Conditions" (Fig.3), dated 412104 and prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., and "Site Demolition Plan" (L 102), "Site Layout Plan" (L201), "Site Grading Plan 11" (002), and "Landscape Plan !1" (L402), dated 512105 and prepared by HOLT Architects P.C. and Trowbridge & Wolf, LLP, Landscape Architects, and other application materials, and 5. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval and Special Permit, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced actions as proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part I and for the reasons set forth in the EAF Part ll, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Conneman, Wilcox, Riha, Bosak, Tally, and Erb. NAYS: None The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed modification to the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24 -3- 2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone. The proposal is to retain and possibly re -use the existing residential building located near the hospital entrance. The original Southwest Addition proposal, which was approved by the Planning Board in June 2004, involved demolition of the administrator's house. The proposal also Page 6 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final includes a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding sign variances for a directional sign and the main entrance sign. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner /Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge & Wolf LLP, Agent. Chairperson Howe asked the applicant to address the sign changes and then the board would open the public hearing. Paul Levesque explained to the board that there are two non - conforming signs at the Cayuga Medical Center (referred to as Sign A and B in board packets). Sign A is the existing sign at the intersection of the hospital entrance and Route 96 B, which has been in place since 1996. Site signage was reviewed during the closeout of the Southwest Addition Project. It was noted then that there may not have been a sign permit issued at the time the sign was installed. Mr. Levesque went on to say that the sign exceeds the size of an allowable freestanding sign. He was not aware of any sign complaints, and the hospital feels the sign is appropriately sized. Mr. Levesque stated that sign B is a directional sign located within the campus at the intersection of the lower entrance or emergency department driveway. The sign does not qualify as a directional sign because it is lit, which makes the sign a freestanding sign under Code and the Code does not permit two freestanding signs. The hospital feels it is important to have the sign lit, and the new sign will have the red stripe through the sign internally illuminated at night. Upon conclusion of the applicant's presentation, Chairperson Howe opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. and solicited comments from the public. There being no one from the public wishing to speak, Chairperson Howe solicited questions and comments from the board. Board Member Wilcox did not have a problem with the signs because it is a hospital and good signage is important. He remembered that during the original approval of the project that some board members lamented the fact that the house would be removed. He cautioned the applicant that if the board approves the proposal to keep the building, they may not want to come back to demolish the building. Board Member Erb agreed with Board Member Wilcox, but wondered why the logo of sign A was illuminated. Mr. Levesque explained that sign A is currently internally illuminated. Board Member Talty agreed with illumination of the logo because a lot of the times a hospital is known by its logo. He then expressed concern with regard to traffic flow at the sign B intersection. Lou LoVecchio spoke to Board Member Talty's traffic concern and did not think that there was a problem. With no further discussion, Chairperson Howe closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. and asked if there were any changes to the proposed resolution. Mr. Levesque brought the board's attention to the last Be It Further Resolved and noted that the directional sign should not say reflective lettering, but rather be described as illuminated lettering. Discussion continued with regard to how the language should be stated. Attorney Brock explained that regardless of how the sign was described in the Page 7 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final resolution, the Planning Board was making a recommendation based upon the information submitted by the applicant. She did not think it mattered if all the particulars of the sign are present in the resolved clause. Board Member Wilcox moved the resolution as drafted and Board Member Talty seconded. Discussion continued on how the signs should be and were described in the resolution. It was decided that the language in the resolution was okay as written and that the Roman numeral II needed to be added to the Site Grading Plan title so it reads "Site Grading Plan II ". With no further discussion Chairperson Howe called for a vote — carried unanimously. PB Resolution No. 2009 – 008: Preliminary and Final Site Plan, Special Permit and Recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Cayuga Medical Center Modification/Sign Variances, Tax Parcel No. 24 -3 -2.1 Motion made by Fred Wilcox, seconded by Kevin Talty. WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed modification to the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone. The proposal is to retain and possibly re -use the existing residential building located near the hospital entrance. The original Southwest Addition proposal, which was approved by the Planning Board in June 2004, involved demolition of the administrator's house. The proposal also includes a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding sign variances for a directional sign and the main entrance sign. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner /Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge & Wolf LLP, Agent, and 2. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board granted Final Site Plan Approval on June 15, 2004, for the demolition of the residential building as part of the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project, and 3. The site plan modification is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency in environmental review with respect to the project has, on February 3, 2009, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and a Part II prepared by Town Planning staff, and 4. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on February 3, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, drawings titled "Watershed Map" (Fig. 1), "Existing Site Conditions" (Fig.2), Page 8 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final "Proposed Site Conditions" (Fig.3), dated 412104 and prepared by T. G. Miller P. C., and "Site Demolition Plan" (L 102), "Site Layout Plan" (L201), "Site Grading Plan II" (002), and "Landscape Plan II" (L402), dated 512105 and prepared by HOLT Architects P.C. and Trowbridge & Wolf, LLP, Landscape Architects, and other application materials, and 5. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on February 3, 2009, has also reviewed sign details showing the proposed location, dimensions, materials, and details of the Cayuga Medical Center entrance sign (Existing Sign A) and directional sign (Existing Sign B), along with other application materials. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Planning Board hereby grants Special Permit for the proposed modifications to the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project, finding that the standards of Article XXIV Section 270 -200, Subsection A — L, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modifications to the Cayuga Medical Center Southwest Addition project to retain and possibly re -use the existing residential building, as shown on the drawings titled "Site Demolition Plan" (L 102), "Site Layout Plan" (L201), and "Site Grading Plan II" (002), dated 512105, prepared by HOLT Architects P. C. and Trowbridge & Wolf, LLP, Landscape Architects, subject to the following condition: a. Submission of a revised "Site Layout Plan" (L201) that deletes the note that states "driveway to be eliminated," which pertains to the driveway of the existing residential building, since the building will remain and will require access. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as the Town of Ithaca Sign Review Board, hereby recommends that the Zoning Board of Appeals approve the request for sign variances for two existing signs at the Cayuga Medical Center. one 13 -foot tall, 90 +1- square foot freestanding entrance sign, where freestanding signs in business districts are restricted to 50 square feet in area; and one 7.5 -foot tall, 30 +1- square foot freestanding directional sign with reflective lettering, where more than one freestanding sign per business with one street entrance for vehicular traffic is prohibited in a business district and reflective lettering of regulated signs is prohibited. Such approval shall be subject to the following condition: a. The applicant must obtain a sign permit for both signs. Page 9 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Conneman, Wilcox, Riha, Bosak, Tally, and Erb. NAYS: None The motion passed unanimously. SEAR Determination Cornell Temporary Storage Area, 380 Pine Tree Road. Chairperson Howe introduced the next agenda item by reading the SEQR and public hearing notice. Tim Peer appeared before the board and stated that he never intended to stage equipment on this site. He explained that the large ductwork currently on the site is the air intake, transition ductwork and air coolers. They had intended to take delivery of it near the time of final installation. Hurricane Ike created problems for the vendors, and the vendors refused to hold the equipment. Mr. Peer thought that the parking lot was a convenient location to store the equipment. His first choice was to store the equipment at the Palm Road staging area, but the site was full. Mr. Peer went on to list the other equipment stored on the site and explained how the combustion stacks were constructed. The contractor was not able to stage a crane and install the steel around the stacks because the crane boom was too close to the high tension wires was too close. The ductwork was scheduled for installation the week of March 22 "d. The steel stacks were scheduled for installation the week of April 12tH Chairperson Howe asked if there were any questions about what happened. There were none. Chairperson Howe then directed the board's attention to the SEQR form and its proposed resolution. With no discussion, Board Member Riha moved the proposed resolution and Board Member Conneman seconded. Chairperson Howe called for a vote, there being no discussion — motion carried 5 to 2. PB Resolution No. 2009-009: SEAR, Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Cornell University Combined Heat and Power Project Stagjng Area, Tax Parcel No. 62.4-5 and 62.4-3.21, 380 Pine Tree Road Motion made by Susan Riha, seconded by George Conneman. WHEREAS: 1. This action involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed use of the property at 380 Pine Tree Road (formerly the Courtside Racquet Club site) as a temporary storage area, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.4 -5 and 62.4 -3.21, Community Commercial Zone. The site would be used for the temporary storage of equipment (exhaust stacks and combustion turbine Page 10 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final ductwork) and short term staging of major deliveries for the Cornell Combined Heat & Power Plant project. The area is proposed to be used for temporary staging until September 30, 2009. Cornell University, Owner /Applicant; Tim Peer, P.E., Agent, and 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting as Lead Agency in this uncoordinated environmental review with respect to this project, and 3. The Planning Board, on February 3, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and a Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, the Narrative for Site Plan Review (dated January 13, 2009) and Attachments (Drawing C101, dated January 12, 2009, Photographs of Staged Equipment), and other application materials, and 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed site plan, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced actions as proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part I and for the reasons set forth in the EAF Part ll, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Conneman, Riha, Bosak, and Erb. NAYS: Wilcox and Talty The motion passed 5 to 2. PUBLIC HEARING Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed use of the property at 380 Pine Tree Road (formerly the Courtside Racquet Club site) as a temporary storage area, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62 -1 -5 and 62 -1 -3.21, Community Commercial Zone. The site would be used for the temporary storage of equipment (exhaust stacks and combustion turbine ductwork) and short term staging of major deliveries for the Cornell Combined Heat & Power Plant project. The area is proposed to be used for temporary staging until September 30, 2009. Cornell University, Owner /Applicant; Tim Peer, P.E., Agent. Page 11 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final Chairperson Howe opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. and solicited comments from the public. There being none, Chairperson Howe left the public hearing open and turned to the board for their comments and questions. Board Member Erb asked Mr. Peer where he planned on doing the over night staging, meaning the small items delivered late in the afternoon to be used the next day. Mr. Peer responded that those items are staged at Palm Road. He clarified that Palm Road was the preferred staging area. The loads and drivers that they control are sent to Palm Road; it is the drivers that they do not control that become a problem from time to time. He noted that approximately twice a month there will be number of coal trucks and delivery trucks that arrive unannounced; the trucks will be in the parking lot and at times overflowing onto Maple Avenue. He wanted to have a location to send them to with simple directions that serves as a staging area until the parking lot becomes uncongested. Board Member Erb asked if the trucks would be offloading or sitting idling and for how long. Mr. Peer responded that it would typically be a couple of hours, but there could be an odd occasion where it may be overnight. He added that there are a number of construction projects occurring at Cornell that might send trucks to stay overnight or over the weekend at Palm Road at the same project is could happen. Board Member Erb thought that this problem was something that could have been anticipated originally. Mr. Peer replied that it is the unanticipated deliveries that cause a problem, and he did not anticipate the potential congestion. Board Member Erb expressed concern with the storage of short-term items. Mr. Peer said the issue with this site is the coal deliveries and the inability to control and coordinate those deliveries closely. Board Member Talty did not understand how the applicant had unannounced or unscheduled deliveries. He thought that delivery appointments would be made. Mr. Peer explained that when they write purchase orders for equipment they require that 48 hours notice be provided, but trucks still arrive with deliveries. Board Member Talty wondered if they were penalized. Mr. Peer responded that they are not penalized, but the deliveries are either refused or accommodated. Board Member Talty recommended penalizing and refusing the loads until deliveries were scheduled correctly. He strongly urged that the unauthorized deliveries be straightened out and asked that Mr. Peer present a plan to staff indicating how the problem would be rectified. Board Member Wilcox stated that the board had the foresight a year ago to anticipate a problem. He remembered that the board was concerned that once the fitness center was torn down, that the area would become a storage site or a parking lot. Board Member Wilcox felt that it was unsightly, inappropriate in the neighborhood and against zoning provisions. Cornell has other staging areas available, although they may not be convenient. He added that he is not swayed by the equipment and materials already being there. Page 12 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final Board Member Riha wanted to hear about other reasonable staging areas and what kind of neighborhoods trucks would have to go through to get there. She agreed that this staging area was convenient because trucks were not traveling through residential areas to get to the power plant. Mr. Peer explained that they need a significant amount of space because the equipment needs to be loaded on or off trailers using a crane or other large equipment. He checked with other users of Palm Road to see if that site would become available, and it will not. He looked at the zoning requirements on other parking lots and ran into the same problem. At the moment, the only potential solution he has is to take deliveries down into the City into Paolangeli's construction yard for storage. Returning the Board Member Talty's concern, Mr. Peer stated that they deal with truck deliveries all the time, and it happens more than it should. If it is a particular issue staging at that site, he did not have a problem sending deliveries to the designated staging area. Mr. Kanter went on a site visit to the Palm Road staging area. He knows that there is a particular area designated for construction staging, but it seemed to him that there may be other areas back there that could be used. Mr. Kanter has observed that since Cornell took over the vacant Rite Aid site, it has not been kept up well at all. The site has become a "throw away" site, and he did not feel it was a good idea to make it more formally something that the Town does not want to see. Staff strongly recommended that the use not be allowed after this project was complete.. Mr. Bates pointed out that there were three issues with the Code. The first issue he noted was the Planning Board's own condition that was mentioned by Board Member Wilcox; the second issue was that it is not a permitted use in a community commercial zone; third, the property was in violation of the property maintenance law because the construction was not on that site. Chairperson Howe asked if anyone from the public wanted to address the board. There being no one, he closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. Board Member Erb stated that she was the one who complained about the site and was furious that it happened. However, having read the narrative submitted to the board, she sees the Hurricane Ike problem. She was unhappy that the subcontractor and engineers were not sufficiently organized for the Town to trust that they were staging the project appropriately. Board Member Erb had decided that she was probably going to go along with the April 30th deadline if there are two conditions added to the resolution. The first being that there is no short-term storage of any materials and she wanted anything other than the ductwork and stacks to be taken to the Palm Road site. The second condition was that no liquids or hazardous materials be allowed on the site. She asked that those conditions be explicitly written into the proposed resolution. Board Member Conneman agreed with Board Member Erb and commented that he drove by the site several times and wondered what was going on. Page 13 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final With no further discussion, Chairperson Howe moved and Board Member Riha seconded the proposed resolution. The board discussed condition b and Attorney Brock proposed that the language read, "That all the stacks and ductwork currently stored on the site shall be removed by April 30, 2009, that no other materials or equipment are to be stored on the site, even temporarily, and that the site shall not be used for construction staging or storage for the Cornell Combined Heat and Power Project... ". The board agreed. Board Member Talty asked what the penalty was if the resolution is violated again. Mr. Bates responded that the way the law is written the Code Enforcement Office has to give proper notice that the property is in violation and give them time to correct it within the time period given by the Code Enforcement Office. The Code Office can only issue an appearance ticket if the property owner fails to clean up the property. There being no other proposed changes to the resolution, Chairperson Howe called for a vote —carried 5 to 2. PB Resolution No. 2009 -010: Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Comell University Combined Heat and Power Project Staginc Area, Tax Parcel No. 62.4-5 and 62.4-3.21, 380 Pine Tree Road Motion made by Rod Howe, seconded by Susan Riha. WHEREAS: 1. This project involves consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed use of the property at 380 Pine Tree Road (formerly the Courtside Racquet Club site) as a temporary storage area, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.4 -5 and 62.4 -3.21, Community Commercial Zone. The site would be used for the temporary storage of equipment (exhaust stacks and combustion turbine ductwork) and short term staging of major deliveries for the Cornell Combined Heat & Power Plant project. The area is proposed to be used for temporary staging until September 30, 2009. Cornell University, Owner /Applicant; Tim Peer, P.E., Agent, and 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency in environmental review with respect to the project has, on February 3, 2009, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and a Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, and 3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on February 3, 2009, has reviewed and accepted as adequate application materials, including the Narrative for Site Plan Review (dated January 13, 2009) and Attachments (Drawing C101, dated January 12, 2009, Photographs of Staged Equipment), and other application materials, Page 14 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in neither a significant alteration of the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board,* and 2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed use of the property at 380 Pine Tree Road (formerly the Courtside Racquet Club site) as a temporary storage area, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.4 -5 and 62.4 -3.21, Community Commercial Zone, as described in the Narrative for Site Plan Review (dated January 13, 2009) and Attachments (Drawing C101, dated January 12, 2009; Photographs of Staged Equipment), subject to the following conditions: a. Granting by the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of any necessary variance(s) for the proposed use on the site, and b. That all of the stacks and duct work currently stored on the site shall be removed by April 30, 2009, that no other materials or equipment are to be stored on the site, even temporarily, and that the site shall not be used for construction staging or storage for the Cornell Combined Heat and Power project or any other project, except for construction or reclamation of the 380 Pine Tree Road site itself, after April 30, 2009, and C. That all conditions of Planning Board Resolution No. 2008 -017 shall remain in effect and apply to this approval, including Condition "d," which states that if the site at 380 Pine Tree Road after demolition is not redeveloped by March 1, 2010, then the site of the demolition shall be re- landscaped, and a landscape plan and planting schedule shall be submitted to the Planning Board for review and approval. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Conneman, Riha, Bosak, and Erb. NAYS: Wilcox and Talty The motion passed 5 to 2. Board Member Wilcox asked who would make the determination of whether or not Cornell needed to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a use variance. Mr. Bates responded that they would need to go for a use variance and a variance for property maintenance. Page 15 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final AGENDA ITEM Consideration of adoption of the Findings Statement for the Cornell Transportation- focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t- GEIS). The t- GEIS includes an identification, examination and evaluation of transportation - related impacts of hypothetical Cornell University population growth scenarios over the next decade on transportation systems and neighborhoods. The t -GETS addresses these impacts by evaluating and proposing mitigation measures to encourage alternatives to single- occupancy vehicle use by those traveling to and from Cornell Chairperson Howe introduced the next agenda item and invited the public to address the board. He asked that comments be limited to 5 -10 minutes. Doug and Bruce Brittain appeared before the board and read from a prepared statement (see attachment #1) that contained proposed revisions to the t -GETS. Chairperson Howe asked if the board had any questions for the Brittains. There were none. The board reviewed the suggested changes from Brittains one by one. Refer to attachment #1 for changes accepted by the board. Chairperson Howe asked the board if they had any other changes. Board Member Bosak stated he had an issue with the certification of findings to approve on the last page. He read number 2 to the board and thought that it said the board found as a matter of fact that no conceivable mitigation, including one that has not been imagined, could be better than the proposed mitigations. Board Member Bosak and Attorney Brock debated the meaning of the language of number 2. Attorney Brock explained that the language came directly from the SEQR regulations. She added that there could be another action out there that might be very different from using the t -GETS that could also avoid or minimize adverse impacts, but its okay because the language is saying the t -GEIS is one that does it. She clarified that it was not "the one" that does it the most. Board Member Bosak, Board Member Erb, and Attorney Brock discussed the language further and the board determined that the language should remain as presented. Attorney Brock reassured the board that future projects will be looked at and additional environmental review will need to be done. With no further discussion, Board Member Riha moved and Board Member Erb seconded the adoption of the Findings Statement. Board Member Wilcox directed the board's attention to clause 18 and asked that January 29th be changed to January 20th. The board agreed with the change. Attorney Brock added, "and made further revisions" to the end of clause 19. She then directed the board's attention to the last paragraph of the "Be it further Resolved" on page 4 and added the language, "and revised by the `Planning Board on February 3, 2009." Attorney Brock then suggested language changes to Resolved 1 d on page 4 to make Page 16 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final the language more consistent with the certification in the findings document. Board Member Riha and Board Member Erb found the changes acceptable. Chairperson Howe called for a vote — carried. PB Resolution No. 2009 -011: SEAR - Cornell University Transportation- focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement Adoption of Findings Statement Motion made by Susan Riha, seconded by Hollis Erb. WHEREAS: 1. Cornell University has submitted a report outlining a proposal for a 'Transportation-focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t -GETS) and Ten -year Transportation Impact Mitigation Strategies (TIMS)'; dated August 26, 2005, being undertaken by Cornell University in cooperation with the Town of Ithaca. The t -GETS will address transportation impacts on the community surrounding the campus related to an increasing population traveling to Cornell. The TIMS will evolve in response to the information obtained from the t -GETS, and may include recommendations for transportation demand management, multi -modal transportation strategies, access and circulation modifications, and zoning changes. Cornell University, Applicant, Kathryn Wolf, RLA, Principal -in- Charge (Trowbridge & Wolf, LLP); Martin, Alexiou, Bryson (Transportation Consultants), and 2. The proposed transportation- focused GEIS would be a generic environmental impact statement that will identify, examine and evaluate Come/1's transportation- related impacts and potential mitigations for several hypothetical population growth scenarios over the next decade. The GEIS is a tool available under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, commonly referred to as SEQR. Unlike an Environmental Impact Statement, a GEIS is flexible enough to explore hypothetical or alternative scenarios, and 3. The Town of Ithaca Planning Department, on behalf of the Planning Board, distributed a Lead Agency concurrence letter to potential involved and interested agencies on September 12, 2005, and received no objections to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board serving as Lead Agency on this matter, and 4. The Planning Board after having reviewed the report referenced above, which includes a Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Part 1, prepared by Cornell University, a description of the proposed action, a cover letter (August 26, 2005) indicating that the applicant proposes to prepare a transportation - focused Generic EIS and is requesting a positive declaration of environmental significance for the Planning Board's consideration, and Part 2 of the Full EAF, prepared by the Planning staff, established itself as lead agency on November 1, 2005 to coordinate the environmental review of the proposed transportation - focused GEIS and Ten -year Transportation Impact Mitigation Strategy, as Page 17 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final described above, and made a positive determination of environmental significance in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the above referenced action as proposed, confirming that a transportation- focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t -GEIS) will be prepared, and 5. Cornell University and the Town of Ithaca Planning Board agreed that a public scoping process would be initiated to determine the scope and content of the t- GEIS, and that Cornell University would prepare a draft written scope of issues to be addressed in the t -GEIS, and 6. The Planning Board, at a meeting held on November 15, 2005, has reviewed a Preliminary Draft Scope, dated November 15, 2005, for the t -GEIS and TIMS, submitted by Cornell University, and determined that said Preliminary Draft Scope was adequate to proceed with a public scoping process, and 7. The Planning Board held two public scoping sessions, one on December 6, 2005, and a second on January 3, 2006, to hear comments from the public and interested and involved agencies regarding the scope and content of the t -GEIS, and accepted written comments on the Preliminary Draft Scope through December 16, 2005, after distributing the Preliminary Draft Scope to potentially involved and interested agencies and numerous stakeholders that had been identified, and 8. The Planning Board, at a meeting held on January 17, 2006, has reviewed a revised Draft Scope document (dated November 15, 2005, revised January 11, 2006) for the t -GEIS and TIMS, along with a "Responsiveness Summary for All Comments Received on t -GEIS Draft Scope, dated January 11, 2006," and copies of all written comments and records of all oral comments made at the public scoping sessions, and Cornell University and the Planning Board agreed to additional revisions, and 9. The Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca determined at its meeting held on February 7, 2006 that the revised Draft Scope document (dated November 15, 2005, revised January 11, 2006, with a final date of February 7, 2006) for the t- GEIS and TIMS adequately incorporates the relevant comments and concerns of the Planning Board, the public, and involved and interested agencies, and accepted the above - referenced revised Draft Scope document (dated November 15, 2005, revised January 11, 2006, with a final date of February 7, 2006) as the Final Scope document and as being adequate to define the scope and content of the t -GEIS, and 10. Cornell University prepared and submitted a (t- DGEIS) transportation- focused Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement and Appendices, dated May 20, 2008, along with a Transportation Impact Mitigation Strategies Draft Report Page 18 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final (TIMS), dated June 3, 2008, to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board for adequacy review, and 11. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed and discussed said t -DGEIS at its meetings on May 20th, June 3rd, June 17th, July 1St, and July 15th, 2008, along with amendments /revisions to the t- DGEIS, dated July 2008, and submitted to the Planning Board for the July 15, 2008 meeting, and the Board accepted the t- DGEIS, dated May 20, 2008, with amended pages dated July 2008, as satisfactory with respect to its scope, content, and adequacy for the purpose of commencing public review, and accepted said t -DGEIS as complete, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.9, and 12. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board held a public hearing regarding the t -GELS on September 16, 2008 to obtain comments from the public on the t -GELS, and accepted written comments through September 26, 2008, and 13. Cornell University has in consultation with Town of Ithaca staff prepared a Draft for Review of the Final transportation- focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (Final t- GEIS), dated November 2008, and submitted said Final t- GE /S to the Town of Ithaca Planning Board for consideration of acceptance as complete, and 14. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed and revised said Final t -GETS at its meeting on November 18, 2008, and 15. Cornell University has prepared an "Errata Sheet" for the Final transportation- focused Generic Environmental-, Impact Statement, dated November 25, 2008, containing revisions discussed at the November 18, 2008 meeting, and submitted said "Errata Sheet" to the Planning Board for consideration, and 16. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board on December 2, 2008, has reviewed and accepted the Draft for Review of the Final t -GE1S, dated November 2008, and the Errata Sheets, dated November 25, 2008, and December 2, 2008, together to be considered as the Final t -GETS, as complete, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.9, and 17. The Notice of Completion of the Final t -GE/S was filed on January 14, 2009, and the Final t -GEIS was distributed to involved and interested agencies, as required under 6 NYCRR Parts 617.9 and 617.12, and 18. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed a Draft Findings Statement, dated January 8, 2009, at its meeting on January 20, 2009, and agreed on revisions to that Draft Findings Statement, and 19. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed a revised Draft Findings Statement, dated January 26, 2009, at its meeting on February 3, 2009, which Page 19 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final incorporated the revisions discussed at the January 20, 2009 meeting and further revisions, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, based on the foregoing planning and review process, hereby declares and certifies in compliance with 6NYCRR Part 617.11 the following: a. That it has considered the relevant environmental impacts, facts and conclusions disclosed in the t -GETS, b. That it has weighed and balanced the relevant environmental impacts with social, economic and other considerations, C. That the requirements of 6NYCRR Part 617 have been met, and d. That consistent with social, economic and other essential considerations from among the reasonable alternatives available, the action is one that avoids or minimizes adverse environmental impacts to the maximum extent practicable, and that adverse environmental impacts will be avoided or minimized to the maximum extent practicable by incorporating as conditions to decisions on future actions where appropriate those mitigative measures that were identified as practicable, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby adopts the Draft Findings Statement, dated January 26, 2009, and revised by the Planning Board on February 3, 2009, as its final Findings Statement in support of the above determination. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Conneman, Riha, Bosak, Talty, and Erb. NAYS: Wilcox The motion passed 6 to 1. AGENDA ITEM Approval of Minutes — January 20, 2009 Board Member Erb moved and Board Member Talty seconded the adoption of the minutes with submitted changes. Board Member Conneman abstained from voting. Page 20 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final PB RESOLUTION NO. 2009-012: Adopt Planning Board Minutes of January 20, 2009 Motion made by Hollis Erb, seconded by Kevin Talty. WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from the meeting on January 20, 2009, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board approves the minutes, with corrections, to be the final minutes of the meetings on January 20, 2009. A vote on the motion was as follows: AYES: Howe, Wilcox, Riha, Bosak, Talty, and Erb. NAYS: None Abstentions: Conneman The motion passed unanimously. AGENDA ITEM Report of Town Committees Board Member Wilcox reported that COC reviewed and worked on the sign law and fence regulations. Attorney Brock added that COC will review a draft law that comprehensively revises the Town's fence law at its next meeting. Board Member Erb reported that the Town resident survey is complete. The committee is trying to figure out a variety of different focus groups and who the contact people need to be. Mr. Kanter added that the Town is having a press conference February 5th to get the message out that the Town is updating the Comprehensive Plan and will be having focus group meetings. Chairperson Howe reported that he met with Mr. Kanter, Supervisor Engman and Councilman DePaolo and discussed Carrowmoor, scenic resources, the Northeast building moratorium, trails committee, docks, etc. He thought it was a good session of the Planning Board and Planning Committee checking in with one another. AGENDA ITEM Other Business Chairperson Howe directed the board's attention to the information provided to them regarding an upcoming training opportunity. Page 21 of 22 Planning Board Minutes February 3, 2009 Final Mr. Kanter gave an overview of the February 17th agenda. Chairperson Howe mentioned that they will be interviewing for the Alternate Board Member position in the near future. Adjournment Upon motion by Board Member Wilcox, Chairperson Howe adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, AM A� 'J Carrie Coates Whitmore First Deputy Town Clerk Page 22 of 22 4213109 E. Findings of Fact: This section includes the Town of Ithaca Planning Board's findings, basis and rationale for future actions relating to the t -GEI-S-.�� 1. own o lanning Board finds that through the t -GEIS Cornell University has eempreheusi a amined the potential cumulative. impacts to transportation systems ose in neighborhoods from hypothetical Cornell population growth and background traffic growth, and has identified strat to 'ga those potential impacts. The Planning Board finds that because of is x nation, the t -GEIS s e own o Planning Board (and othe dies) to understand the tenti impacts on within the surrounding community from future and to understand the system -wide approach to transportation planning and management at the university. 2. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that if Cornell population growth during the next ten years occurs within the scenarios ex EIS, the mitigation ,Mva qi)u J strategies identified in the t -GEIS can otenti 'gate the potent Weak -hour traffic -flow acts of the_p ulation growth, to the extent practicable. 3. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that the t -GEIS has provided a broader context than would typically be available in the course of the environmental review of an individual development project. The Planning Board finds that the t -GEIS and TIMS provide valuable information, analysis, and data regarding potential Cornell population growth, the regional transportation system, and how the transportation component of potential Cornell population growth could impact the transportation system and neighborhoods. This information can be referenced or incorporated in development review applications. However, t -GEIS and TIMS in no way preclude the Planning Board or any other involved agency from requiring project and site specific environmental review for future individual Cornell development review applications pursuant to SEQR and Chapter 148, Environmental Quality Review of the Town of Ithaca Code. 4. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that during the Board's review of the t- DGEIS, it was determined that the background growth analysis in the t -DGEIS was may have been performed incorrectly. However, further analysis, found in the t- FGEIS, suggested that analyzing background growth at a higher rate could affect the timing of the need for some of the mitigation measures, but does may not change the mitigations needed to maintain adequate mobility. 5. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that even if there is no Cornell growth as examined under hypothetical Cornell population growth Scenario 1 in the t -GEIS (no Cornell population growth; background traffic growth only), Cornell plans to implement mitigation strategies as set forth in the TIMS in anticipation of future population growth. The Board finds that these strategies could have the effect of mitigating some currently existing Cornell - related transportation impacts depending on how quickly or how many such measures can be implemented in relation to the occurrence of any growth in the Cornell population. c 6. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that Cornell can potentially mitigate the iranspertation related Weak -hour traffic -flow impacts of hypothetical Cornell population growth in Scenario 2 (approximately 300 people over ten years) through new transportation demand management (TDM) initiatives and enhancements to its existing TDM programs. 7. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that Cornell can potentially mitigate the weak -hour traffic -flow impacts of hypothetical Cornell population growth in Scenario 3 (approximately 1,500 people over ten years) through new transportation demand management (TDM) initiatives and enhancements to its existing TDM programs. 8. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that Cornell can potentially mitiga the irenspertation related weak -hour traffic -flow impacts of hypothetical C e population growth in Scenario 4 (approximately 3,000 people over ten years) largely through new transportation demand management (TDM) initiatives and enhancements to its existing TDM programs. The Board also finds that under Scenario 4 some roadway and intersection improvements may be necessary to reduce impacts further on the transportation system, and to enhance safety and way- finding. 9. The Planning Board finds that the t -GEIS has identified potential traffic - related impacts to neighborhood livability, for each of the four population growth scenarios examined. Background traffic growth is- eapleeted -to may have the most noticeable effect on traffic operations and livability. The t -GEIS demonstrated that background growth itself (even if underm incorrectly estimated in the t -GEIS analysis) hm may have a P comparatively larger impact on neighborhood livability than do the Cornell commuter CVO" ; 6r d population growth scenarios. The t -GEIS also determined that in some locations, �t 'ari,y��Y,� mitigations may be w anted reg ss of orne n growth, and man a0 c es�a mitigation strategies z nec a to ce nei borhood �1c livability. These inclu but are not ' e lots to intercept traffic before it gets to neigh w vanpool and carpool programs, enhanced transit service, and new and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian amenities. 10. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that Cornell has used the mitigation strategies identified in the t -GEIS to develop an internal strategic transportation plan known as the ten -year Transportation Impact Mitigation Strategies (TIMS). This document establishes the direction of Cornell's transportation strategies over the next ten years. 11. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that as an internal university plan, the TIMS does not require approval outside the university, but may benefit from support or acceptance by governmental agencies. 12. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that, while not required to, Cornell has distributed the TIMS and is seeking comment from the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as well as the involved and interested agencies, and the public, before finalizing it The Board finds that this review and feedback will be beneficial to fostering a community- wide mutual understanding of the university's transportation strategies. A 13. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that Cornell's intention to update the TIMS in five -year cycles is appropriate and useful. 14. Cornell agrees to prepare an annual transportation report and distribute it to the Cornell community, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and other municipal bodies around the same time of each year. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that it will be beneficial to receive Cornell's annual transportation report, which will be a progress report on the implementation of TIMS, and will contain data and other information about Cornell's population growth, the Cornell population's use of alternatives to single - occupancy vehicle travel to and from work, participation in TDM programs, and status of existing and planned Cornell programs and initiatives related to transportation, and comparative data. 15. Cornell has agreed to incorporate by reference the annual transportation report in each future development - related application that has potential transportation - related impacts. The Planning Board finds that the annual report will be beneficial in the review of de lions and will assist in understanding the effectivene @I three-1 of th tigation strategies that have been implemented. 16. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that it was beneficial to develop the..t -GEIS through a process that included regular input from a Resource Committee of local municipal planning staff members, elected community officials, Ithaca- Tompkins County Transportation Council ( ITCTC) and other planning staff from critical transportation- related bodies in the community. 17. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board fords that it was also beneficial that extensive public input was provided through neighborhood and public open houses, the t -GEIS website, and the t -GEIS public hearing during development of the t -GEIS. Additionally multiple presentations were provided to and input was sought_ from the university assemblies, university neighborhood councils, TCAT, Town of Ithaca Transportation Committee, ITCTC Planning Committee, ITCTC Policy Committee, ITCTC Joint Policy/Planning Committee, City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, and Tompkins County. The t -GEIS process also included the preparation of a newspaper insert, a formal public hearing and additional comment period for written comments, and distribution of notifications and t -GEIS materials to involved/interested agencies for review and comment. 18. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board finds that the t -GEIS has been a usefiil tool to identify transportation improvement projects within the community that will be mutually beneficial to the university and the community at large. Cornell has agreed to provide $10 million in support of transportation infrastructure improvements. Implementation of these projects will require close collaboration between the University and municipalities and resource sharing that could lead to leveraging outside funding sources. TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tuesday, February 3, 2009 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes). 7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: The purpose of this public hearing is to consider public comments regarding the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (S /EIS) for the proposed Ithaca College Wetland Mitigation Plan as part of the Athletics and Events Center project, located off Coddington Road near Rich Road, W. Northview Road, and the Water Tank Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 42 -1 -9.2 and 43 -1 -4, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of approximately 4.5 acres of wetland in two locations on the Ithaca College lands to compensate for approximately 2.77 acres of wetland being lost as part of the Athletics and Events Center project. This public hearing is also to consider public comments regarding Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Ithaca College Wetland Mitigation Plan. Ithaca College, Owner /Applicant; Richard Couture, Associate Vice - President of Facilities, Agent. Copies of the Draft S/EIS are available for review at the Ithaca Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY, at the Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, or on Ithaca College's website: www.ithaca.edu/facilities. Written comments on the Draft S /EIS will also be accepted through February 13, 2009, and may be addressed to Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning, at Town Hall at the address indicated above. 7:20 P.M. SEQR Determination: Cayuga Medical Center Southwest Addition Modification — Administrator's House, 101 Harris B. Dates Drive. 7:20 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed modification to the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24 -3- 2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone. The proposal is to retain and possibly re -use the existing residential building located near the hospital entrance. The original Southwest Addition proposal, which was approved by the Planning Board in June 2004, involved demolition of the administrator's house. The proposal also includes a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding sign variances for a directional sign and the main entrance sign. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner /Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge & Wolf LLP, Agent. 7:30 P.M. SEQR Determination: Cornell Temporary Storage Area, 380 Pine Tree Road. 7:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed use of the property at 380 Pine Tree Road (formerly the Courtside Racquet Club site) as a temporary storage area, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62 -1 -5 and 62 -1 -3.21, Community Commercial Zone. The site would be used for the temporary storage of equipment (exhaust stacks and combustion turbine ductwork) and short term staging of major deliveries for the Cornell Combined Heat & Power Plant project. The area is proposed to be used for temporary staging until September 30, 2009. Cornell University, Owner /Applicant; Tim Peer, P.E., Agent. TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, February 3, 2009 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing, pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617, also known as the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code, will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following time on the following matters: 7:05 P.M. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider public comments regarding the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (S/EIS) for the proposed Ithaca College Wetland Mitigation Plan as part of the Athletics and Events Center project, located off Coddington Road near Rich Road, W. Northview Road, and the Water Tank Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 42 -1 -9.2 and 43 -1-4, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal. involves the construction of approximately 4.5 acres of wetland in two locations on the Ithaca College lands to compensate for approximately 2.77 acres of wetland being lost as part of the Athletics and Events Center project. This public hearing is also to consider public comments regarding Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Ithaca College Wetland Mitigation Plan. Ithaca College, Owner /Applicant; Richard Couture, Associate Vice - President of Facilities, Agent. Copies of the Draft .S/EIS are available for review at the Ithaca Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY, at the Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, or on Ithaca College's website: www.ithaca.edu/facilities. Written comments on the Draft S /EIS will also be accepted through February 13, 2009, and may be addressed to Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning, at Town Hall at the address indicated above. Said Planning Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 Dated: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Publish: Friday, January 16, 2009 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, February 3, 2009 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following times and on the following matters: 7:20 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed modification to the Cayuga Medical Center's Southwest Addition project located at 101 Harris B. Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24- 3 -2.1, Office Park Commercial Zone. The proposal is to retain and possibly re -use the existing residential building located near the hospital entrance. The original Southwest Addition proposal, which was approved by the Planning Board in June 2004, involved demolition of the administrator's house. The proposal also includes a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding sign variances for a directional sign and the main entrance sign. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Owner /Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, Trowbridge & Wolf LLP, Agent. 7:30 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed use of the property at 380 Pine Tree Road (formerly the Courtside Racquet Club site) as a temporary storage area, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62 -1 -5 and 62 -1 -3.21, Community Commercial Zone. The site would be used for the temporary storage of equipment (exhaust stacks and combustion turbine ductwork) and short term staging of major deliveries for the Cornell Combined Heat & Power Plant project. The area is proposed to be used for temporary staging until September 30, 2009. Cornell University, Owner /Applicant; Tim Peer, P.E., Agent. Said Planning Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matter or objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 Dated: Monday, January 26, 2008 Publish: Wednesday, January 28, 2008 Friday, January 16, 2009 1 THE ITHACA JOURNAL , TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF. PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, February 3, 2009. By direction of the Chair - person of the Planningg. Board, NOTICE IS 'HERE- BY GIVEN that a Public Hearing, pursuant to 6 NYCRR .617, also known as the New York :State En- vironmental Quality Re- view Act, and Chapter 148 of-the Town of Ithaca Code; will be -:held by.the Planning. Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tues- day, February, 3, 2009, at 215 N. Tioga Street, Itha- ca, N.Y., at the following time on the, following mat- ters: 7-05 P:M::The purpose of .this. public heoring, is'to consider. public comments regarding the Draft Sup- plemental Environmental mpact Statement (S /EIS) for the proposed. Ithaca College_ WWetland Mitigga- lion Plan ds'eearf of the Ath- letics and .,Events . Center protLect;'; located:.: off C6 ding.ton' Road" near Rich Rood , W: Northview Road, and the Water Tank Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 42.1 -9.2 and 43.14 , Medium` Density, .Residential Zone! The pro- pcsal involves the conatruc- tion of,approximate►y.S4:5 acres ' of - wetland in two lo- cations on the Ithaca: Col= lege.lands tI :compenso' for., aDviroximately 2.77 ,as part ot:the Athletics c Events Center project. 1 public hearingg:' i l also consider'. pubfic comme regorrJing Preliminary c Fl Site Plan ppro for ,the Dr000sed 11 CN✓ner /Applictiirt' : Richard Couture;. Associate: Vice. President "'^ of Facilities; Agent. Copies of the Draft S /EIS are available for review at the Ithoco.Town Hall, 215 N. `Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY, at the.Tompkins,Coun- y Public aibrarryy 101- E: Green. Str NY, or. on Ithaca' College's, w e b s i t e: on the be ac- addressed: to Jonathan Kanter, Director of Plan ningg at Town-'H611 at the address igdicated above. Said Planning Board.will at.' said'.. time and -.said place. hear all. persons in support' of, such 'matters or objections _ thereto. : Per- sons may'appear. by agant or. in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs,'' will be., provided with assis- tance as necessary upon request. Persons desinng assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 Dated: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Publish; Friday, January 16, 2009 Wednesday, January 28,2009 1 THE ITHACA JOURNAL TOWN OF ITHIACA. PLANNING, BOARD NOTICE OE PUBLIC HEARING' Tuesday, February 3; 2009 By direction of the Chair - PPerson of the Planningg Board; . NOTICE IS HERE- BY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by the Planning Board of the l Town' of Ithaca. on Tues- • day, February 3, 2009, at! 215 North Tioogga Street, N.Y., follow .Ithaca, ot,the -; ing times and on the fol -. "Cayuga Medical Center at lowing matters: 720 P.M. Considers Ithaca, Owner /Applicant; -' ..Kimberly tion of Preliminary and Fi. Michaels, Trowbridge & :Wolf.. UP, nal Site Plan Approval and i Special Permit for the pro- ; : Agent. 7:30 P.M.: Considera- posed modification to )he I tion of Preliminary and. Fi- Cayuga Medical Center's nol Site Plan Approval-for Southwest Addition project located at: 101; Harris B. Dates Drive, Town Itho- ! the proposed use of. the 'property at 380 .Pine Tree of Road . ; (formerly .. the co Tax Parcel No. .24 -3- Couriside Racquev . Club 2.1 Office. Park Commer- cial Zone. The. proposal. is , . site) .as a temporary. stor- age: urea, Town. of Ithaca to retain and possibly''re -' Tax Parcel No.'s 62 -1-5 use the existing: residential; and 62 -'1 -3.21, Communi- building. located near the i, y Commercial Zone.' The hospital entrance. The i site, would be used for the original Southwest, Addi -', tion proposal, which was temporary ... storage;. Of equipment' (exhpust stacks approved by the Planning and combustion ,turbine Board in June ,2004, in- ductwork) and short term volved demolition' of the administrator's house. The , staging of ma'or deliveries for the Come1I. Combined proposal also includes a recommendation' to the i fleet' 8 Power Plant' prof- ect. The area is Zoninq•,Board of Appeals 'sign proposed to be used for temporary regarding variances for a directional sign stagin until Sepptembe" 30, 2009. Comell Univer- tfie main entrance- sign. sity, ' Owner /Applicant; Tim Peer, P.E., Agent. Said Planning Board will at, said time and said place. hear all persons in support of such matter or objections. thereto. Per- sons: may appear by Tent or in' person:' . Indivi uals with .visual' impairments, hearing impairments or other, special needs„ will be . provided with assis- tance as necessary upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not-less thdn'48 hours. prior to the time of the public hearing. Jonathan Kanter, ... ICP Director of Pic Min 2734747' Dated- Monday, January 26 2008. Publish : :' Wednesday; January 28, 2008 Town of Ithaca Planning Board 215 North Tioga Street February 3, 2009 7:00 p.m. PLEASE SIGN -IN Please Print Clearly, Thank You Name _4-7m�_ S „i /V1 ..a. -r /-/, I / C;.a Address U - -iG�LT 2 �� k Lr 7/ 1 V f e_ 4J Ll sl J TOWN OF ITHACA AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION I, Sandra Polce, being duly sworn, depose and say that I am a Senior Typist for the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York; that the following Notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town of Ithaca and that said Notice has been duly published in the local newspaper, The Ithaca Journal. Notice of Public Hearings to be held by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in the Town of Ithaca Town Hall 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca New York on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 commencing at 7:00 P.M., as per attached. Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tio ag_Street. Date of Posting: January 26, 2009 Date of Publication: January 28, 2009 50-•o.. Gg -'C'q - Sandra Polce, Senior Typist Town of Ithaca STATE OF NEW YORK) SS: COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28`h day of January 2009. Notary Public CONNIE F. CLARK Notary Public, State of New York No. 01 CL6052878 Qualified in Tompkins County Commission Expires December 26, 20 ��