HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2010-08-17Board Mi
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FILE
DATE
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, August 17 2010
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Present: Fred Wilcox, chair; Members: George Conneman, John Beach, Ellen
Kevin Talty, Rod Howe, Hollis Erb
Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Ritter, Planner; Mike Smith,
DeAugistine, Deputy Town Clerk; Kristin Taylor, Engineer; Susan Brock,
the meeting duly opened at 7:03 p.m. and accepted the posting of the
heard
137 Pine Tree Road, told the Board that people living on her road are upset
and pedestrian path project. Their concern is that taking down the overpass so
✓ill be higher will facilitate larger trucks on the road. The neighbors didn't find out
le up front — only that it was a bike path — so they researched it themselves.
w things they feel have not been portrayed accurately. In February 2009, at a
ocus group meeting, which none of the neighbors knew about, someone said
eras populated mostly by grad students. It's actually a long -term, established
The road has 49 houses, and only three are not owner occupied. The average
gut 19 years. There are at least 15 children living on the street, not including high
3. They want to state that this will negatively impact them, and they want the
ied in a way that doesn't bring large truck traffic to the road. They have spoken to
,ople in the County and Town and have written letters. They have been active
Bissell wanted to state that the information in the Town record is not accurate.
vere never told about the overpass — they were only told it was a pedestrian /bike
.,n in the Cornell record that they want to get rid of that bridge to increase the flow
loute 79 to 366, and that has been their agenda since before this project.
commented that the reason the county and state decided to take down the
to allow more height, but to increase the width of the shoulders; however, the
>r the height of the replacement overpass is higher and this will allow larger
e Pine Tree Road. The overpass is an abandoned railroad, and is now is part of
;creation Way. Passing under the overpass is very dangerous and the road
lened. Speed -limit reduction was mentioned as a traffic - calming measure, as
na. This is not an issue that will come before the Planning Board.
Lucia Sciore, 124 Pine Tree Road, mainly wanted to reinforce what Ms. Bissell said. She
understands that the project is not in the residential section, but that Pine Tree Road is not a
truck route. The residents strongly support any way to reduce the speed on that road.
AGENDA ITEM
Continuation of consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Vine Street Cottages project
located on Mitchell and Vine Street's, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 59 -1 -1, 59 -1 -2, 59 -1 -3
and 59 -1 -4, High Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the development of up to 22
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 2 of 11
single - family houses and 10 attached townhouse units on 3.4 +/- acres. The proposal will also
' involve upgraded and new roads, new stormwater facilities, landscaping, a playground, and
improved connections to the East Ithaca Recreation Way. Susan J. and Harold Mix, Owners;
Agora Homesi and Development, LLC, Applicants.
Toby Millman! Agora Homes, gave a quick summary of the plan. He responded to a question
raised at the last meeting regarding the boundaries of the census track he used for his traffic
data on people who bike and walk to work. It is everything west of Vine, north of Mitchell, east of
Delaware, and south of Maple /Dryden Road. It does not include the grad- student apartments.
Mr. Bosak commented that this is the type of development we should have. It provides proximity
to services and alternative modes of transportation. It has believable TCAT service. The
conversion from an industrial use to housing is a plus and the conversion of Vine to a real street
is good. Regarding affordable housing, he said the houses are bigger than they have to be. If
the reason it's a one -way street is that it provides parking on one side, then if they made the
houses smaller, especially on Vine Street, they'd have enough frontage for parking on both
sides and for gardens.
Ms. Erb commented that turning Worth Street into a cul -de -sac is not a good idea. This would
make it hard for garbage and recycling trucks and snow plows. She thought that Worth Street
was designed I as one way because of the perceived necessity of deep lots and because of
bump outs protecting the play area. She noted that the play area could be protected with speed
tables and slow two -way traffic. There might be a couple of bump outs next to the playground,
but a lot of parallel parking is not necessary. She particularly likes the style of the houses and
features like garages in the back, the playground, sidewalks, street trees, and that it is next to
the recreation way. She heard from neighbors that the current runoff situation from this triangle
is bad, and stressed that additional runoff must be prevented. She sees the style of houses a
good transition, but is concerned that the townhouses are all one color stroke, and would prefer
it be broken ups.
Mr. Millman responded to a question about the price of the homes: single family homes will be
in the low $300,000s, and townhouses in the mid $200,000s. He would like to deliver smaller,
lower -cost homes, but you need to be able to deliver just the right size home to cover the fixed
costs. Right now the size and price of the homes is at the optimal point to make the deal work
economically. Site contamination: it was an asphalt plant for many decades prior to being a
trucking company. They did many borings. The only place they found actual contamination was
in the southwest corner of a building that was a maintenance facility. Oil and petroleum products
had been poured down a drain. This has been reported to the DEC and they have a DEC work
plan to remediate the site. There is no evidence of the expansion of the contaminated area.
Mr. Wilcox commented that Worth Street should be neither one way nor a cul -de -sac because
of emergency access. The parking space problem in this neighborhood stems from Cornell
students and workers parking on the street and walking to campus. Sufficient parking in the
driveways is better than trying to put it along the road. Stormwater management is an issue.
Vine Street is el ssentially a driveway right now serving the four homes. If the development is
built and Worth is a two -way street, Vine Street will be used to access 20 units. Nine trips per
day results in 180 car trips a day, which, when spread over a day, is one car every 4 minutes.
Those will be bunched during peak hours. It's unlikely that the traffic will have a significant
impact. He doesn't think 1900 square feet is very large.
Mr. Talty likes the price. If you drop the price and the square footage, parents will buy them as
student housing. At $300,000, it severely negates that type of issue. He wanted to know how
they will remedi ate the oil spill and which land fill will be used. He also noted that 40 feet is
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 3 of 11
narrow for a lot because of the configuration of setback, driveway, house, setback, which will be
pretty cramped. He commented that crawl spaces are typically 4 feet deep and that he does not
like earth. They could increase the value of the houses with basements.
Mr. Millman responded that they will excavate until they can't find any more contamination, then
cart the soil off to a certified landfill. He said that basements are expensive, and they thought a
better alternative would be attics, which will provide dry storage. The drainage is not worked out
yet.
Mr. Talty would like to know the recent sales price of homes in Belle Sherman -- he thinks it will
be higher because of the elementary school.
Responding to questions from Mr. Wilcox, Mr. Millman said there will be a homeowners
association and deed restrictions -- whatever is necessary to enforce the approved site plan.
They do not plan to require owner occupancy.
Mr. Wilcox invited the public to speak.
Larry Himes, 120 Vine Street, is in favor of making the Worth Street extension two way. Aside
from making smaller houses, the lots could be shortened, leaving plenty of room. Regarding
toxic remediation, there's a catch basin across the street from 108 Vine Street. Digging down
four feet, they, will disturb everything down there, so any remediation needs to be made very
precisely and very carefully. He spoke in favor of an owner - occupied restriction because little by
little, single - family homes are being converted to rental properties in the Belle Sherman area.
The properties; would still sell fine with such a restriction.
Rod Steuteville spoke in favor of the development. It's walkable, well designed, and in a good
location. He s uI ggested keeping Worth Street narrow if it is made two -way, which keeps traffic
slower and safer. He argued in favor of some on- street parking spaces: it's an efficient way to
provide parking; there's no pavement leading to it, only the space required for the car, so there's
very little impervious surface; it's shared parking. He encouraged the Board to approve the
project.
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, 210 Cobb Street, is enthusiastically in favor of the project for two reasons: the
loesn't need a trucking depot, which is an inappropriate use of the neighborhood,
's a thoughtful project, which will bring families who support the neighborhood
It offers amenities to the neighborhood like the playground and access to the
His only concern is what happens when you leave the development and enter
in Worth Street? He encouraged all Board members to walk it. All the way from
to Worth Street, there are no stop signs in the uphill east/west direction. It's
itchell Street in terms of speed, but unlike Mitchell Street, there are no sidewalks.
able neighborhood. It's been okay so far because Worth Street is a dead end.
e with a neighborhood at the end and with Worth being two way. The problem is
;II your kids to stay off the street because there are no sidewalks. Two things that
e to put in sidewalks and to put in stop signs, which would slow the traffic down.
o see the Town work with the City to accomplish this. Several years ago, there
osal to put in curbs and storm sewers, but this didn't happen.
>rner of Pearl and Worth, spoke about density and traffic problems. He thinks
is not comparable to the existing neighborhood. He pointed out that there are 15
9a that is at least as large as the area of the proposed development. Starting at
ets are filled with parked cars left by people who work and study at Cornell.
price of the houses, you will need two workers and probably two cars at each of
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 4 of 11
the houses. From his point of view, he would prefer that Worth Street extension be two -way and
that there be fewer houses. He described how cars from the A and B lots will flow down Worth
Street. He'd like the City to close the traffic from coming onto Worth Street. He's also worried
about drainage. Some of the water drains into his yard. He's taken care of the problem, but it
might get worse with the development.
Mr. Bosak noted that there is no doubt that traffic will be increased, and that the Planning Board
will be looking at traffic studies. He doesn't think that's related to the parking problem, because
they already have a parking problem. He is surprised that the parking system used in other
college towns is not implemented here. He suggested the neighbors go to the City with a
petition. The City can declare their neighborhood a zone and only people with stickers for that
zone get to park there.
It was notedl that this is done in the Bryant Park neighborhood. Ms. Brock said it's an
amendment to the Vehicle and Traffic law.
Linda Caughey, 125 Pearl Street, commented that a cul -de -sac would prevent people from
parking in the proposed new neighborhood. In the last 17 years, there have been five different
owners of the house next door; all have said they will walk to work, none have, and they have all
had two cars She's concerned that people from the proposed development will park their
second cars in her neighborhood. Cornell has plans to take down the property on the other side
of Maplewood, and she doesn't know what they will do with that property. The density of the
proposed neighborhood is high. She is not sure the school district wants more kids since they
are already concerned about the number of kids. She said that when Mr. Millman came to
neighborhood meetings, he said that if they weren't in favor of the development, it wouldn't go
forward. A lot of the neighbors do have concerns. They have no storm sewers and no curbs,
even though the City promised to put them in. A lot of the homes in the neighborhood have
practically no street side, so if you put in sidewalks, they will have no lawns.
Ann Carson, 811 Mitchell Street, had comments on size and cost. Her house is 1400 sf, with
two bedrooms and one bath; it sits on 1/5 of an acre and is assessed less than $200,000. The
house nearby with 10 rooms could not sell for $300,000. She is dubious about the size and cost
of the houses and the townhouses.
Mr. Bosak agreed that it will be hard to move houses at that price, but Mr. Talty disagreed — the
house on the corner of Belle Sherman and Elmwood sold at over $400,000. He thinks people
will pay more to get less in Belle Sherman.
Kathy Orr, 1241 Vine Street, pointed out that Clover Lane, directly opposite the new Worth Street
extension, had to be posted No Parking on both sides of the street because it's outside the city
even -odd parking system. Any parking along the Worth Street extension will be useless:
students will park there in the fall and come back at Christmas break to pick up their cars.
The Planning Board recommended that Worth Street be a two -way road. Mr. Bosak would like
to get the message to the City about sidewalks and traffic calming. Ms. Erb agreed that there
needs to be some form of traffic calming on the new portion of Worth Street besides sidewalks,
the tree line, and street trees.
Mr. Millman said that if the neighborhood is not happy, he is not happy; if there is an
overwhelming concern about the project, they will not go forward. He is not in the business of
forcing anything on anyone. He committed to reach out again to the Vine Street residents and
others and talk through the issues to see if they can find solutions. He is also committed to
working with the City to address traffic calming, stop signs, and sidewalks.
Mr. Wilcox pi
the Planning
Planning Boy
questions ab(
SEAR Dete
PB RESOL
Chaffee 2 -1
56. -3 -16
Moved by
WHEREAS:
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PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 5 of 11
Hinted out for the record that the applicant was provided with copies of the letters
Board received from Kathy and David Orr and Sara Jane and David Hymes. The
ird agreed that the density is appropriate for the area; some members had
iut the size and cost of some of the units.
Chaffee 2 -Lot Subdivision, 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road.
ON No. 2010 -059: SEAR, Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval,
Subdivision Modification, 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road, Tax Parcel No.
is Erb; seconded by Kevin Talty
sideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2 -lot
located at 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road (NYS Route 79), Town of Ithaca Tax
56 -3 -16, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a
are foot parcel from the northeast corner of 1584 Slaterville Road which will then
lated with 1586 Slaterville Road. Scott & Ellen Chaffee, Owners; Katherine
Applicant; and
Misted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting as lead
respect to Subdivision Approval; and
g Board, on August 17, 2010, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
tal Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and Part II prepared by
anning staff, a survey map entitled "Boundary Survey and Lot Split for Ellen
ott Chaffee, 1584 Slaterville Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York
ared by Keystone Associates, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC, dated
other application materials; and
ing staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance for the reasons set forth in the Environmental Assessment Form Part
II referenced above, in accordance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
for the above referenced action as proposed, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact
Statement will not be required.
A vote on the motion was as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, 'Conneman, Beach, Bosak, Talty, Howe, Erb
NAYS: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 6 of 11
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed 2 -16,t subdivision located at 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road (NYS Route 79), Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No.56 -3 -16, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves
subdividing a +/- 6,341 square foot parcel from the northeast corner of 1584 Slaterville Road
which will then be consolidated with 1586 Slaterville Road. Scott & Ellen Chaffee, Owners;
Katherine Marchetto, Applicant.
Mr. Wilcox opened public hearing at 8:47 p.m. Hearing no one, Mr. Wilcox closed the public
hearing at 8:47 p.m.
PB RESOLUTION No. 2010 -060: Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval, Chaffee 2-
Lot Subdivision Modification, 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road, Tax Parcel No. 56.-3-16
Moved by Kevin Talty; seconded by Rod Howe
WHEREAS:
This is co n'I sideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2 -lot
subdivision located at 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road (NYS Route 79), Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel Noll 56 -3 -16, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a
6,341+ square foot parcel from the northeast corner of 1584 Slaterville Road which will then
be consolidated with 1586 Slaterville Road. Scott & Ellen Chaffee, Owners; Katherine
Marchettoj Applicant; and
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead
agency, with respect to Subdivision Approval, has on August 17, 2010, made a negative
determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as
adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and
Part II prepared by the Town Planning staff; and
3. The Planning Board, on August 17, 2010, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short
Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and Part II prepared by
the Town Planning staff, a survey map entitled "Boundary Survey and Lot Split for Ellen
Chaffee, Scott Chaffee, 1584 Slaterville Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York
State," prepared by Keystone Associates, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC, dated
4/9/10, and other application materials;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed two -lot subdivision located at 1584 Slaterville Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel
No. 56. -3 -16, as shown on the map entitled "Boundary Survey and Lot Split for Ellen
Chaffee, Scott Chaffee, 1584 Slaterville Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York
State," prepared by Keystone Associates, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC, dated
4/9/10 subject to the following conditions:
a. submission for signing by the Chairman of the Planning Board of an original or mylar
copy of the most current plat and three dark -lined prints prior to filing with the Tompkins
County Clerk's Office, and submission of a receipt of filing to the Town of Ithaca
Planning Department;
b. with
sub
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 7 of 11
six months of this approval, consolidation of the 6,341± square foot parcel with the
that holds 1586 Slaterville Road, and evidence of such consolidation to be
:ted to the Town of Ithaca Planning Department.
A vote on the motion was as follows:
AYES: Wilcox, Conneman, Beach, Bosak, Talty, Howe, Erb
NAYS: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
Consideration of acceptance of the draft scoping document for the Environmental Impact
Statement regarding the proposed Cornell University Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) project
located north lof the Pine Tree Road and Dryden Road (NYS Route 366) intersection, Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 63- 1 -8.2, 63- 1 -2.2, 63 -1 -12, 63 -1 -3.1 and 63- 1 -3.3, Low Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves construction of an underground accelerator tunnel (14-
foot diameter land +/- 1 km long), a cryogenic facility, and an extension to the existing Wilson
Laboratory ( +/- 185,000 gross square feet of building space). The project will also involve new
stormwater facilities, parking, outdoor lighting, and landscaping. The Planning Board may also
consider scheduling a public scoping session to hear public comments on the draft scoping
document. Cornell University, Owner; Steve Beyers, P.E., Engineering Services Leader, Agent.
Ms. Brock wanted the record to reflect that she has a conflict of interest, her husband being a
co- principal investigator on the project. She took a seat in the audience and did not provide any
advice on the matter.
Mr. Bosak went through the document, correcting typos and grammatical errors and providing
changes he would like made.
PB RESOLUTION No. 2010 -061: SEOR — Setting Public Meeting for Draft Scoping
Document, Cornell University Energy Recovery Linac, Tax Parcel No.'s 63- 1 -8.2, 63- 1 -2.2,
63 -1 -12, 63- 1 -3.1, and 63- 1 -3.3, Dryden Road (NYS Route 366) at Wilson Lab Entrance
Moved by Jon Bosak; seconded by John Beach
WHEREAS:
1. Based upo in applicant's revised sketch plan and revised project narrative, dated May 25,
2010, and reviewed by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board at its July 20, 2010 meeting, the
Town of Ithaca Planning Board has determined that a SEQR positive declaration of
environmental significance continues to apply to this project, and that a Draft Environmental
Impact Study (DEIS) will be required; and
2. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board at its meeting on December 2, 2008, declared its intent
to serve as lead agency to coordinate the environmental review for the proposed Cornell
University Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) project located north of the Pine Tree Road and
Dryden Road (NYS Route 366) intersection, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 63- 1 -8.2, 63 -1-
2.2, 63 -1 -12, 63 -1 -3.1 and 63- 1 -3.3, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves
construction of an underground accelerator tunnel (14 -foot diameter and +/- 1 km long), a
cryogenic facility, and an extension to the existing Wilson Laboratory ( +/- 185,000 gross
square feet of building space). The project will also involve new stormwater facilities,
parking, outdoor lighting, and landscaping.
(Engineering Services Leader), Agent; and
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 8 of 11
Cornell University, Owner; Steve Beyers, P.E.
3. The proposed project, which requires Site Plan and Special Permit Approval by the Planning
Board, is la Type I action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR
Part 617, I land Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality
Review because the proposal involves the construction of a nonresidential facility with more
than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area; and
4. A letter from Steve Beyers, dated October 3, 2008, has been received, in which the agent
states that "...the Town, Cornell, and the community may be best served through a SEQR
process utilizing a formal Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and review
procedure, rather than through review of the Long Environmental Assessment Form (LEAF)
alone." A Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, has been submitted by the applicant
for the above- described action; and
5. The Planning Board, having reviewed the Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), Part
1, prepared by Cornell University, and Parts 2 and 3 of the Full EAF, prepared by Planning
staff, established itself as lead agency to coordinate the environmental review of the
proposed Cornell University Energy Recovery Linac, as described above, and issued a
positive determination of environmental significance at its meeting on December 2, 2008, in
accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, also known as the New
York Statel Environmental Quality Review Act, for the above referenced action as proposed,
and confirmed that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared; and
6. Cornell University and the Town of Ithaca Planning Board have agreed that a public scoping
meeting would be initiated to determine the scope and content of the DEIS; and
7. Cornell University has submitted a Draft Scoping Document for the Board's consideration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca has reviewed the Draft Scoping Document and
hereby determines that the Draft Scoping Document for the Cornell University Energy Recovery
Linac, as revised at its August 17, 2010 meeting, is adequate to proceed with a public scoping
process;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Planning Board will hold a Public Scoping Meeting on September 21, 2010 to hear
comments from the public and interested and involved agencies regarding the scope and
content of the Draft EIS for the Cornell University Energy Recovery Linac, after distributing the
Draft Scoping Document to potentially involved and interested agencies and the public.
A vote on the m
AYES: Wilcox,
NAYS: None
ABSTENTIONS
AGENDA ITEM
was as follows:
neman, Beach, Bosak, Talty, Howe, Erb
None
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 9 of 11
PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board
regarding the proposed Stream Setback Law.
Mr. Wilcox opened the public hearing at 9:14 p.m.
The attornevlfor the Town returned to the table.
Mr. Bosak had several concerns about the law, mostly regarding activities prohibited in Zone 2,
including constructing shelters and blinds (including hunting blinds), removal of snow or ice (even
that which is not contaminated by salt or other substances), cattle crossing restrictions, streambank
stabilization, and agricultural composting. Ms. Ritter agreed that the streambank stabilization
wording should be moved to Zone 1. Mr. Talty also had concerns regarding snow - removal
restrictions, and described how this would create problems for developers. Since Mr. Bosak's
concerns are lnot shared by the full Planning Board, he agreed to submit his comments in writing to
the Town Board.
Members of the public were invited to address the board.
Steve BeyerslIives in the neighborhood that would be within a Zone 2 setback. He thinks it would
be useful if the residents who live in the setback were notified so they could comment. He thinks
this will be problematic for three of his five neighbors, whose houses and other buildings are within
the setback zone. He stated that the law will be a real burden for existing residents if there are no
grandfather provisions. Variances are not a quick process and might not be appropriate for simple
things. He wa its to read it again and knows people and institutions in his neighborhood will want to
see it. Even though there was public notice, a lot of people are not aware that it affects them. He
also thinks the) Board has enough tools in the toolbox to prevent people from having any significant
impact on the stream, especially for residential development, through the site plan approval
process.
Ms. Ritter responded that the law has changed to include grandfathering and that it is meant for
improvements,) not existing structures and usage.
Shirley Egan, C
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)rnell University associate counsel, commented that they did not realize that this
agenda until today, so her comments are very preliminary. They would like
dting with the departments at Cornell that will be impacted. There was not
their map guru to replot everything in accordance to the new law to see what
ie requested that they be given additional time to submit further comments. She
er the Town will provide the landowners with a mapping of the basic minimums
tion D6. Section D14 is very vague; it doesn't have standards. They were
that a parking lot or space is prohibited even if it is pervious, whereas surfaces
patios are prohibited only if they're impervious. She made a suggestion on the
g the use of motorized wheelchairs to say "by" instead of "for" the mobility
ound Section El 3a, crossings by utilities, troublesome. Overhead utility lines
Shed from other types of lines that might cross the stream, and the proviso that
and may limit the number, size, type, placement and construction of crossings is
!ms difficult to justify it when there are no standards or criteria for them to do so.
eets all the criteria set in the law, in the interest of fairness, the owner should
1 those standards and not be told by the Planning Board at the last minute that
a limitation on the number of them they can have. It should be more predictable
the conditions. F2 should have an exception for fences and walls that are
and are necessary to protect people from injury or death and to protect
�spass. Cornell has a lot of experimental plots and they like to make sure these
i with. Also, streams can be dangerous, and a landowner might have a
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 10 of 11
legitimate interest in preventing access to those areas, so Cornell would like to see an exception
for safety. She also thought that it's not necessary to eliminate grandfathering because the law
is only prohibiting things that occur after the effective date of the ordinance. She was puzzled by
the requirement in Section I that any proposed action, use, or structure that would be otherwise
allowed if it were not within a streambank had to be the case before you could apply for a
variance from the stream setback law. She said that this circumscribes the BZA's jurisdiction
under state law and the owner's right to apply for a variance by state law. She requested the
Town work on the language because even if that is not the intent, that's what it seems to say.
Ms. Ritter said that there's not really a rush: this not the only public hearing for this law -- it was
an opportunity for other boards to weigh in on the law. The Town Board will look at the
comments and decide whether to send it back to the Codes and Ordinances committee. Then a
revised law will go on the Web site and be publicized.
Mr. Bosak said that very few people will know whether or not they're affected by the law. If the
Town wants informed public input from people who will be impacted, we will need to do work
making the maps available. An ordinary person will have a difficult time figuring out how far the
areas extend on the existing map. People still might not weigh in, but they need to be properly
notified.
Mr. Wilcox closed the public hearing at.10:10.
Ms. Erb thought it might be more useful to extend the lines on the map so they actually smear the
correct areas, but are faint enough so people can trace their property lines underneath them.
PB RESOLUTION No. 2010 -062: Recommendation to the Town Board Regarding the
Addition of Stream Setback Provisions and Related Definitions to Chapter 270 of the
Town of Ithaca Code
Moved by Hollis Erb; seconded by George Conneman
WHEREAS: The Codes and Ordinances Committee has completed work on the proposed local
law amending Chapter 270 of the Town Code, entitled Zoning, by adding Stream Setback
provisions and a proposed law amending Chapter 270 of the Town Code which adds definitions
related to the Stream Setback provisions, and
WHEREAS: The above - described amendments would restrict development and certain
activities within la specific distance of a streams identified on the Town of Ithaca Stream Setback
Map, and
WHEREAS: The Town Board has reviewed the above - described proposed local laws at its
meeting on August 17, 2010 and has referred this matter to the Planning Board for a
recommendation, and
WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board has held a public hearing on August 17, 2010
to consider comments from the public regarding this proposed law,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board agrees that it
is generally supportive of the proposed law but wishes the Town Board to consider some of the
issues raised at the August 17, 2010 Planning Board meeting.
AYES: Wilcox, Clonneman, Beach, Bosak, Talty, Erb
NAYS: None
.fly
PB Minutes 08 -17 -2010
Page 11 of 11
ABSTENTIONS: None
AGENDA ITEM
Approval of Minutes: July 20, 2010: deferred
Other Business
Mr. Wilcox al nounced that Mr. Howe submitted his resignation effective at the end of this year.
He has one year left on his term.
Agenda item I for the September 7th meeting:
• LoPinto 2 -lot subdivision on Elm Street Extension
• CMC Lab addition
• Holoc i uck / Cayuga Cliff supplemental DEIS information
• College Crossing Final Site Plan approval
Adjournment
Upon motion by Mr. Wilcox, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
ora ueAUgi
Fi Duty T
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes).
7:05 P.M. Continuation of consideration of a sketch plan for the proposed Vine Street Cottages project located
onl Mitchell and Vine Street's, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 59 -1 -1, 59 -1 -2, 59 -1 -3 and 59 -1-4,
High Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the development of up to 22 single- family
houses and 10 attached townhouse units on 3.4 +/- acres. The proposal will also involve upgraded and
new roads, new stormwater facilities, landscaping, a playground, and improved connections to the East
Ithaca Recreation Way. Susan J. and Harold Mix, Owners; Agora Homes and Development, LLC,
7:45 P.M. SEAR Determination: Chaffee 2 -Lot Subdivision, 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road.
7:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed 2 -lot subdivision located at 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road (NYS Route 79), Town of
Ithaca Tax Parcel No.56 -3 -16, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves
subdividing a +/- 6,341 square foot parcel from the northeast corner of 1584 Slaterville Road which
will then be consolidated with 1586 Slaterville Road. Scott & Ellen Chaffee, Owners; Katherine
Marchetto, Applicant.
Aft I
8:00 P.M. Consideration of acceptance of the draft scoping document for the Environmental Impact
Statement regarding the proposed Cornell University Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) project located
north of the Pine Tree Road and Dryden Road (NYS Route 366) intersection, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No.'s 63- 1 -8.2, 63- 1 -2.2, 63 -1 -12, 63 -1 -3.1 and 63- 1 -3.3, Low Density Residential Zone.
Thel proposal involves construction of an underground accelerator tunnel (14 -foot diameter and +/-
1 km long), a cryogenic facility, and an extension to the existing Wilson Laboratory ( +/- 185,000
gross square feet of building space). The project will also involve new stormwater facilities,
parking, outdoor lighting, and landscaping. The Planning Board may also consider scheduling a
public scoping session to hear public comments on the draft scoping document. Cornell
University, Owner; Steve Beyers, P.E., Engineering Services Leader, Agent.
8:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board
regarding the proposed Stream Setback Law.
7. Apprloval of Minutes: July 20, 2010
8. Other Business
9. Adjolurnment
Jonathan Kanter, AICP
Director of Planning
273 -1747
NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY
SANDY POLCE AT 273 -1747.
(A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.)
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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, August 17, 2010, at 215 North Tioga
Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following times and on the following matters:
7:45 P.M
8:15 P.M.
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2 -lot
subdivision located at 1584 and 1586 Slaterville Road (NYS Route 79), Town of Ithaca
Tax Parcel No.56 -3 -16, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves
subdividing a +/- 6,341 square foot parcel from the northeast corner of 1584 Slaterville
Road which will then be consolidated with 1586 Slaterville Road. Scott & Ellen Chaffee,
Owners; Katherine Marchetto, Applicant.
Consideration of a Recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board regarding the
proposed Stream Setback Law.
Said Planning Board will at said times 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 orl 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, (August 9, 2010
Publish: Wednesday, August 11, 2010
WednesdaAugust '�1�1��3�CAi�J ®IJRfAI '.
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
Sign -in Sheet
Date: August 17, 2010
Print Name Address e-mail
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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 I own 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, August 17, 2010
„* -7-n(I n W4 ..e. ..t .�.�a
Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tio ate.
Date of Posting
Date of Public)
August 9, 2010
August 11, 2010
Sandra Polce, Senior Typist
Town of Ithaca
STATE OF NEW YORK) SS:
COUNTY OF IOMPKINS)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11`h day of August 2010.
Notary Public
I
CONNIE F. CLARK
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01CL6052878
Qualified in Tompkins County
Commission Expires December 26, 20 /0
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