Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2010-12-21Board Members Pre Rod Howe, Hollis Erb Staff Present: Jc Enforcement; Debra Planning; Christine E Town Call to Order Ms. Erb called the notice. AGENDA ITEM Persons to be I No one came AGENDA ITEM �*i FI LE DATE TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD MEETING Tuesday, December 21, 2010 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 : Members: George Conneman, John Beach, Jon Bosak, Kevin Talty, ng chair), Ellen Baer (alternate) athan Kanter, Director of Planning; Bruce Bates, Director of Code DeAugistine, Deputy Town Clerk; Susan Ritter, Assistant Director of tlestra, Planner; Kristin Taylor, Engineer; Susan Brock, Attorney for the to order at 7:03 p.m. and accepted the posting of the public hearing to address the Board. PUBLIC HEARING: I Consideration of a recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board regarding the proposed establishment of a new "Limited Historic Commercial" Floating Zone and related changes to Chapter 270, Article XIII "Commercial Zones Generally" of the Town of Ithaca Code, and Proposed Amendments to the 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan regarding historic resources and a new "Limited Historic Commercial" Floating Zone. Jonathan Kanter provided a memo to serve as background. The Grippis own the property containing the Hayts Chapel and Schoolhouse, which are on the Register of Historic Places. The property is residentially zoned, but the buildings are small and not well suited to residential use. The Planning Committee got to thinking about a new zoning designation that would encourage historic preservation of those types of buildings. This property is unique because there are two buildings on one parcel. The Planning Committee asked Mr. Kanter to draft an initial proposal, which they sent to th,e Codes and Ordinances Committee, and has since gone through revisions. It will be up to the discretion of the Town Board to rezone properties that meet criteria in the law. The purpose of the new law is to promote the preservation, protection, reuse, and enhancement of historic resources) by allowing a wide range of reuse and redevelopment options in significant historic buildings, while ensuring the compatibility of redeveloped historic properties with neighboring residential and other uses. A lot of the properties will be in residential neighborhoods, and the zoning is meant to allow a range of small -scale commercial uses that would be subject to special permit by the Planning Board. The Comp Plan would be updated with wording about historic resources and the possibility of other zones. Ms. Erb opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. To a question from Ms. Baer, Ms. Brock responded that the Town is anticipating that the owners of a property in a floating zone will spend money on the property, so if something happens and the designation is removed and the zoning reverts, there's a one -year amortization period where they can continue the use that's no longer allowed, and if they feel that is insufficient to recoup their investment, they can go to the ZBA and ask for special approval to extend it. PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 2 of 8 Mr. Kanter noted thatithe commercial uses would be small, a maximum of 4000 square feet, and normally an addition and not a separate building since there can be only one principal building on a lot in a residentially zoned property. The key is to try to invest in the original historic property. Mr. Bates commented that the idea is to preserve the historic part of the building, or the right to maintain the zoning designation will be looked at. Mr. Bosak had several questions. He was confused about the section of the zoning law amendment dealing with the ratio of maximum building area to lot area; he suggested that an explanation be reflected in the code. Ms. Brock responded that details on how numbers are arrived at are not typically contained in the code, but to Mr. Bosak's question, said that the smaller maximum building area is so the mass of the building on the lot would not be out of scale with the neighboring properties, which will most likely be residential. Mr. Kanter agreed that residential zones generally have a smaller building to lot size proportion than commercial. Mr. Bosak had questions about wording, to which Ms. Brock responded that they tried to not change wording that is already in the code that didn't have to be changed. Mr. Bosak was concerned about references throughout the documents to the Town's Historic Resources Survey, and in particular to the reference that states that such zoning will be considered only for buildings identified in the report, and that the report will be updated from time to time. There is no, procedure identified for updating the Town of Ithaca Historic Resources Survey or by whom. If someone owns a building that is not on the list, whom do they lobby to get their building included in the revised survey? Mr. Kanter noted that the Town Board accepted the report and it can be noted that they will be updating it from time to time. Ms. Erb requested that the survey be put on the Web site if we have a new zone for which the survey is relevant. Mr. Bosak pointed I out that the criteria for eligibility for the new zoning designation is contradictory. A property listed as significant on both the Town of Ithaca Historic Resources Survey and the National Register of Historic Places can later lose its eligibility if it is later de- listed from the National Register, whereas a property appearing only on the Town's survey is unaffected. He stated that it does not make sense that the property with less reason for being protected -- the one that never had the National Registry status going for it -- is the one that is unaffected. Ms. Erb agreed, stating that it is possible that the Town might have town - specific interests that are at odds with State or National interests. The Town might think that something is important for the Town even though the National Register does not want to list it anymore. Ms. Brock agreed to hake it back to the committee. Ms. Erb invited the public to speak. Chris Olson, representing Historic Ithaca, spoke in favor of this zone. She presented a letter of support to Mr. Kanter (see Attachment 1). She also thanked the Grippis for their work in preserving the buildings — it's a real gift to the community. Salvatore Grippi, owner of 1296 and 1298 Hayts Road, spoke about the property. The two historic buildings are on the National Register and on the slave trade route. It's very important that the buildings be zoned properly. They bought the property in 1971 because the chapel was an ideal studio. He is an artist. The attorney for the town also handled the closings for the buildings. There was no zoning at the time. The schoolhouse had been severely vandalized, and it cost a lot of PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 3 of 8 money to repair the buildings and bring them up to the quality of preservation he wanted to accomplish. At his point, it has become a hardship to keep the buildings going. It needs to be zoned properly. The schoolhouse is not a viable rental; it is very hard to rent. When he lists it, he has to tell people up front that there are no bedrooms. It is only possible for a person or couple. The reason it is not a useful residential building is because the traffic has increased over the years and the building is a few feet from both roads. It is not a very livable space. Since the buildings are old and ado not have septic, they are not very improvable. The bank said he couldn't tear the buildings down. The zoning needs to change so the buildings can survive. The National Historic Register says that buildings that are used are most likely to survive and not fall into decay. The cemetery is behind the property, and it's a rare package to find intact. The property has quite a spectacular history. Mrs. Grippi is very happy that the Planning Board and Jon Kanter have taken steps to help protect buildings in the Town. Many people don't know where these historic properties are since traffic is so fast on the road and they had to put up privacy hedges to protect privacy of the rental; those bushes should be taken down. This law will help. She said that the buildings are very rare and gave a brief history of the property. Mr. Hayt's father received that property for his work in the Revolutionary War. There are articles on these buildings in books because of their uniqueness. She provided a copy of a letter written by George A. Johnson regarding the building of the chapel by the abolitionists, who separated from their church in protest of its pro - slavery stance (see Attachment 2). She's hoping that some day the property will be a museum school children can visit. Ms. Erb closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. PB RESOLUTION No. 2010 -101: Recommendation to Town Board Regarding a Proposed Local Law Amending Chapter 270 of the Town of Ithaca Code, Titled Zoning, to Add Article XVIII -A, Titled "Limited Historic Commercial Zones "; Related Changes to Article X111111, Titled "Commercial Zones Generally "; and Proposed Amendments to the 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan Regarding Historic Resources Moved by George WHEREAS: The Co including local laws new Article XVIII -A E changes to Chapter as well as proposed historic resources ai WHEREAS: The abi proposed in relation would be to promote the Town by allowing buildings, while also residential and other neman; seconded by Rod Howe s and Ordinances Committee has drafted two related proposed local laws, lending Chapter 270 of the Town of Ithaca Code, titled "Zoning ", to add a ablishing a new "Limited Historic Commercial" floating zone, and related '0, Article XIII "Commercial Zones Generally" of the Town of Ithaca Code, nendments to the 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan regarding the proposed "Limited Historic Commercial" floating zone, and ve- described local laws and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan are o a new "Limited Historic Commercial" zone, the primary purpose of which the preservation, protection, reuse and enhancement of historic resources in a wide range of reuse and redevelopment options in significant historic snsuring the compatibility of redeveloped historic properties with neighboring uses, and WHEREAS: The Town Board has reviewed the above - described proposed local laws and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan at its meeting on November 8, 2010 and has referred these proposals to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals for recommendations, and WHEREAS: The Town of Ithaca Planning Board held a public hearing on this matter and has reviewed and discussed these proposals at its meeting on December 21, 2010, NOW, THEREFORE, recommends that the local laws and amend A vote on the motion AYES: Erb, Connem NAYS: None AGENDA ITEM Continuation of cons! for the proposed Holi Road) and NYS Roui 25- 1 -5.1, 25 -2 -41.2, Density Residential 2 106 + /- town home tyl proposed from NYS I west side of the prop more than half of the undeveloped. The N proposes to acquire i of the future Black Di Esq., Agent David Parks spoke r( he said that they hav preserve the natural connecting to the Bla geography, but the T to alleviate traffic pro that study. As part of deemed significant. [ to accommodate whE transportation; for ex, He hopes the Board traffic situation. Man) they stand right now Comp Plan. They ha, not. For traffic, they standards that make where appropriate, tr Ms. Erb reported th and Chris Balestra. PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 4 of 8 3E IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby 'own Board of the Town of Ithaca adopt the above - referenced proposed cents to the 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan. as follows: , Beach, Baer, Bosak, Talty, Howe ,ration of Acceptance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) ,iuck Homes Subdivision, located between NYS Route 96 (Trumansburg 89 (Taughannock Boulevard), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 24- 3 -3.2, -4 -37, 26 -4 -38, and 26 -4 -39, Low Density Residential Zone, Medium ie, and Conservation Zone. The proposal involves the construction of units in a clustered neighborhood development with two entrances ,ute 96 (Trumansburg Road). The development will be concentrated on the ry closest to NYS Route 96, zoned Low and Medium Residential, with !stern portion of the property, mainly zoned Conservation, remaining v York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation )st of the eastern portion of the property in conjunction with development pond Trail. Holochuck Homes LLC, Owner /Applicant; David M. Parks, garding the comments he has received so far. Speaking for the Holochucks, worked hard to create a good project for that area. It's important to them to andscape on that hill. Dedicating a portion of the land to the state parks and -k Diamond Trail are important parts of the project. They cannot improve the )wn, through the Comp Plan and the traffic study, has come up with a plan )lems. The Holochuck project was considered when the Town was doing the SEQR process, the applicants have to try their best to mitigate impacts respite the State finding that traffic is not a significant impact, they have tried t they perceived to the Town's desires as far as access to public ample, sidewalks for pedestrian traffic and the possibility of a park- and -ride. ,ees that the applicants have explored numerous possibilities to alleviate the things they have not done because they weren't suggested. The plans as Jo not contain bike paths, in keeping with the findings of the traffic study and ,e tried to use a universal standard to measure whether they're doing well or ccept what the DOT tells them. In other places, they have tried to use sense. Even though they don't hold themselves out as comparing to LEED, ey used LEED since they needed something to compare themselves to. there are three sets of written comments from Jon Bosak, Susan Brock, They started with Mr! Bosak's comments. Access to Public Transit. Mr. Bosak objected to the LEED citation as inappropriate since it is inaccurate and it appears to be attempting to give the impression this project is transit - friendly. Looking at TCAT se transit, falling off the Mr. Wells responded routes. He said they' the LEED standard a different standard or service, and as dem, County, it is debatab as any other area on PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 5 of S to that area, the project would get zero points on a scale of 1 to 7 for �r bound of what would even be rated. The citations should be removed. iat it is the applicant's belief that the project site is well served by bus not attempting to measure themselves against a rating system; they gave a way for the Board to understand a measure. Mr. Wells offered to use a ke it out altogether. He stated that TCAT provides a demand - related d grows, they will reassess the service. Mr. Parks added that in Tompkins that any area is well - served by mass transit, and that this is as well served ie outskirts of Ithaca. Ms. Erb asked for a reading on this topic from the Board. Mr. Talty responded that it is almost better to have no example than to use one that is wildly not comparable to anything. Ms. Erb, Mr. Howe, and Mr. Conneman indicated that it would be satisfactory for the applicant to provide commentary, as suggested above, to further qualify their statements. Mr. Bosak countered that the reason the language is in the EIS is not to point about the goodness of public transit, but to suggest that the transit service is sufficient to mitigate the traffic problem. That's the function of the language in the EIS. Mr. Bosak said it's irrelevant how this compares with anything else. He suggested that if the applicant feels the need to cite the standard, they could say: According to this standard, the transit service in the area fails miserably. Mr. Wells responded that one of the comments made by the public was that the area is not well served by public transit; all they can say is what is served. They will cite what TCAT provides at that location. Traffic Analysis. Mr. Bosak stated that the Goldenrod project changes the traffic picture: 40 new units on a road that feeds directly into one of the problem points. He is surprised to hear the applicant say that traffic is not a significant environmental impact since they are on record as far back as 2007 as saying that this is a leading point they will have to address. Ms. Brock responded that no applications for approvals have been filed for either Goldenrod or Conifer and that it would not be appropriate for the applicant to address either of these projects since they're just proposals. Ms. Erb agreed that the Board can't ask the applicant to address Goldenrod, but must ask Goldenrod to address the applicant's project because they're farther along. Mr. Parks stated that) they have acknowledged from the beginning that traffic is a problem. As far as the standards given to them, they came in under the line as far as significant impact on the existing traffic problem. He contended that the overall traffic problem has to be solved by the Town as a part of a global solution. To the extent that the applicant can mitigate the traffic problem, they would like to do so, but they are in no position to solve the traffic problem on West Hill. To a question from Mr. Bosak regarding who determines significant impact, Ms. Brock responded that it is not the case that the Town can't require mitigation, but it has to be supported by data in the EIS. The DOT may say there's no traffic signal warranted, but the Town nonetheless might want some other type of mitigation, such as connection to transit stops. PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 6 of 8 Connector to Route 89. Mr. Bosak pointed to Ms. Balestra's discovery of the DOT's 1992 finding that this is not a viable project. He requested that the applicant address this finding in their comments to take it off the table. Affordable Housing.IMr. Bosak stated that their comments are contradictory regarding this topic. The applicants say they investigated lowering the price point, but can't lower the price point, and in another comment, they say they might have to. Mr. Parks responded that the existing size of the houses could not be built for that price point, but economic conditions might be such that they will not be able to build the houses they originally had in mind and will now have to build smaller houses. Mr. Erb said that the size of the houses at a median income, affordable price was not feasible. That connection was not evident in the response comment, and it can be easily clarified. Regarding Mr. Bosak's comments under the headings Hours and Days of Construction and Steepness of Access Roads, the applicant agreed to rewrite the responses to be more specific. Uncontrolled Development. The applicant stated that it is out of the purview of their project to control development on West Hill. Lack of Connection to the surrounding Context. Discussion centered on the connection to CIVIC. Mr. Parks said the problem is with NYS Parks not wanting to take the land with a formal trail. They could set aside land for an informal pathway in the northwestern portion of the land without disrupting what's going to the State Park. The most difficult aspect is topography, which would be difficult for handicap access. They are amenable with an easement providing informal access and for potential possible future connection. The Board and applicant agreed to a width of 25 feet to accommodate the grading required and to provide room to work. They discussed whether the land sho l Id be secured as an easement or as part of the homeowner's association bylaws. Ms. Brock noted that what is important to the Town is knowing that the land is secured. Mr. Parks will include it in the language of the bylaws. Viewsheds. Mr. Wells requested an understanding of what the Board wants regarding whether the buildings need to be completely hidden or partially hidden. He would like to define it to get a measure for future reference when the landscape plan gets developed. Ms. Erb responded that the issue is whether the Board wanted a complete monolith, complete hiding, or to find ways to interrupt the view of the buildings, which could be accomplished with trees, some variation of the roof, some variation with color palette, etc. The Board agreed to the buildings not being "completely" hidden from the view from the east. Mr. Bosak thinks that the EIS is not the right place for the language, but will agree to it as a finding. Cultural Resources.1 Mr. Wells will develop that section and cite the standards they followed to arrive at the conclusion. He will try to reword his comment to address Mr. Bosak's comment. Ms. Brock requested that they state why the standards are adequate. Emergency Services. Mr. Bosak said that at a meeting with the fire department, they explained in detail how they had this under control. He suggested the applicant get this information from the fire department as a response to the comment. Mr. Wells responded that they've attempted to obtain this information, with no response, but they will request the information again. PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 7 of 8 Mr. Bosak was unclear on how comments froiii this ireetlhg would be incorporated into the EIS. Mr. Wells explained that the Final EIS will state what is modified in the Draft EIS. The purpose of the FEIS is to respond to comments that were generated by the draft. The Draft EIS stands as a document and the Final addresses comments on that document to make the record. Discussion on Ms. Brock's comments. Some of the comments had already been taken care of by the applicant and some were discussed and agreed to under Mr. Bosak's comments above. As a result of this discussion, the applicant will modify the following: • (p. 1 -5) Regarding roundabout, applicant will strike the words "by the State." • (p. 2 -7) Regarding noise & phasing, applicant will add the word "help" before "reliev[e] nearby properties from a long term construction disturbance." • (p.3.4 -7) The applicant will strike the sentence. • (p. 3.6 -3) The applicant will strike the sentence. • (Appendix S) The applicant will add the missing pages. Discussion of Chrisl Balestra's comments. Mr. Wells said that they've requested and are awaiting comments from the DOT. Should the DOT determine that a traffic signal or roundabout is necessary, that would become a condition of approval. Mr. Allmon from PRI was present. He commented that their overall interest -- provided there's a buffer behind the museum where no houses are built behind PRI's property (he hopes that won't be forgotten) -- is connection to the Black Diamond Trail. They have always envisioned such a connection and had talked to the State Parks before the Holochucks bought the property. Who owns it and who has an easement is irrelevant to them, as long as they can someday have a pedestrian pathway more or less to the east. There was a discussion of whether and how pathways /trails might be possible, given the State's refusal to accept land with a paved path, between the Holochuck parcel and CIVIC and between both the Holochuck parcel and PRI to the Black Diamond Trail. Ms. Erb summarized that there need to be two easements: one for PRI that goes up and down on the map, and one for the Holochuck development that goes left to right. The two property owners were encouraged to try and work something out to the benefit of all parties. Mr. Allmon was offered the floor. He stated that with regards to the main issue, he agrees with the Holochucks in that this is not their fault. With all the planning initiatives by the County, the Town of Ulysses, and the Town of Ithaca, no decisions are being made. Developers like the Holochucks are going to force decisions to be made. This building project is going to happen, and someone is going to die on Route 96, and everybody is going to say, Why didn't we do anything about it? The answer: because the municipalities kept planning, they kept talking about it, they kept trying to keep all the studies going all at once, and no one was willing to say, Enough discussion, we're really going to make 'decisions. Developers are going to make the decisions for the Town. They are going to create the traffic. Mr. Allmon stated that everybody knows the traffic studies are bogus, including his own. His plea to the staff and Board is to do something to get the Town, the County, the Route 96 corridor -- all of the players -- to the table in the next 3 to 6 months and stop discussing discussing and actually begin to make plans because the Holochucks are going to build their building and it's going to look awful and it's going to do things the Town won't want it to do and the Town won't be able to stop it. Meanwhile, it's going to establish all kinds of precedents and going to create all kinds of infrastructure that the Town is going to have to deal with later. He PB Minutes 12 -21 -2010 Page 8 of 8 stated that it is crazy to have no turning signal or traff ic circle. There are no sidewalks. There are baby carriages on Route 96 today. He has had cars in his front yard. He requested that before any more approvals are granted, the Town implement something beyond thinking about it because otherwise, the Town is going to implement one project at a time and it's going to be complete chaos. Mr. Parks stated that this was not a public comment. He does appreciate that this Board has larger issues that they're trying to deal with, but as he has articulated, plans have been set. Ms. Erb said that the applicant doesn't need to respond. This Board allows comments from the public even when there is not a public hearing. AGENDA ITEM Other Business Ms. Erb stated that until Mr. Howe and Mr. Talty are formally replaced by the Town Board, they can continue to serve on the Board. Mr. Howe will and Mr. Talty might come to the next meeting (January 4th) because there will be no new members appointed before the Town Board meeting on January 10th. Ms. Erb made a motion of appreciation from the Planning Board to Kevin Talty for nearly ten years of service to the Board. Mr. Bosak seconded. All voted in favor. Ms. Erb made of motion of appreciation from the Planning Board to Rod Howe for 11 years of services to the Board) Mr. Beach seconded. All voted in favor. Ms. Erb presented Rod Howe and Kevin Talty with framed resolutions of appreciation from the Town Board. Ms. Erb made a motion of appreciation from the Planning Board to Jon Kanter for all of his service to the Town and the Planning Board. Mr. Talty seconded. All voted in favor. Meeting of January 4, 2011 • Not subdivisi • Holochuck • Vine Street G Adjournment Upon motion by Jon Bosak, the meeting adjourned at 10:06 p.m. Respectfully subm .a DeAugi Deputy Town Clerk December 21, 2010 Jonathan Kanter Town of Ithaca Plannin. 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Kanter, Historic Ithaca protect historic, architec economic development Historic Ithaca application to the Gripl Buildings as historically continued use and survi would leave a permanet of free blacks in Tomtpl Adaptive use has long by development press historic address can in Mall, the Chemung C, Gables to see this prir. currently zoned for re contributing to the ecl Board S,ON,yIGANT ELEMENTS LIBRARY PRESER VgT10N gERVICB H� TOI IC ITFrACA WWW 1966 "� = oR, Historic Ithaca acts to preserve and sustain the lcgacN, of the built environment in Tompkins Counnl and the Finger Lakes region. the voice for historic preservation in our community. Our mission is to ral and cultural resources and to encourage sound, sustainable reuse and respects our shared heritage. the creation of a "Limited Historic Commercial" floating zone and its property on Trumansburg Road, known as Hayts Chapel and Schoolhouse. ignificant as these are deserving of creative solutions to ensure their al. These buildings are a treasure to the entire community and their loss void in the important history of the Underground Railroad and the legacy ns County. :n a vital tool for historic preservation, especially for buildings threatened or perceived obsolescence. The recognition that comes with a unique and a great deal for a business. One must look no farther than the DeWitt Trust Company branch at the old Lehigh Valley train station, or Sunny le in effect. Allowing limited commercial uses on historic properties :ntial use will increase their chances for survival as attractive landmarks and sense of place of the Town of Ithaca. We are very pleased that the Town of Ithaca is taking steps to protect Hayts Chapel and Schoolhouse and other historic properties located in the town. Thank you for this opportunity to participate in the review of this proposed new zoning. Sincerely, Kristen Olson Preservation Services SIGNIFICANT ELEMENTS 1 607 277 -3450 NON-PROFIT ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE WAREHOUSE RESOURCE LIBRARY I 607 2734633 BUILT ENVIRONMENT & LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCES PRESERVATION SERVICES I 667 273 -6633 RESEARCH. EDUCATION. CON5ULTING. ADVOCACY ATTACHMENT 1 212 CENTER STREET. ITHACA . NEW YORK. 14850 AZ _7 - - I - �.L_ .; Founded in 1350 by Abolitionists Who Seceded From Local Church Because of Pro - Slavery Views of Pastor Wisner. An interestings friends of aboliti of the little chur by The Journal tod To the Editor of The burial of T Church on Saturday, connection :�ri Vh th Tru;mansburg road. Only a few pers: the historical ever God's; acre, where living but fe* knovl stances of its erec In the year 1850 Congress of the Uni Fillmore, then*Pres was derisively ca 11 the sys tem of human of the free." A t that time ( 8 Ithaca our. little s Church in DeWitt Pa. The pa s for a t. th slavery man, who pr pulpit. In season ai termed It a divine God, for the humani, ing them into pnd w and out of the barbs Ithaca Presbyterian m.inori tyamong the me follow their ministe but on the contrary them were Charles Ha Halsey, and others m After the passing Nisner became more a were opposed to humA one Sabbath morning unto Cea ser that whi that All good Christ in their power to Ap their property that declared that any on e s cape, ' was a bs d ci That sermon by th immediate crisis, an Slavery or Abolition others withdrew from a church of their owe try tes of their own ce tory of the local ante- bellum controversy between the on and t. - friends of slavery, which led to the erect' ch at Hayti s Corners is contained in a letter received 8y .from George A. Johnson. The letter follows: The Journal: homas Sanford, a colored man, in the 'iaytl s Corners , July- 31, was Q fitting inci:Jent :-risen considered in e origin and establishment of that little church on the ins now living or of this loctlity are familiar with its connected avith that little rural church, and its de the deQd of former generations, and of those now the fn c is leading up to the cause, and the circum- tion -nd the historic incidents leading up to it. , a f ter the pA s save of the Fugitive Slave law by the ted S'trtes of America, and its signing by Millard idr7nt, the Anti - Slavery or the Abolition., party, as it ad, redoubled its activities by press and voice agains servitude or chattel slavery in this so- cislied "land ;0) and for several years afterwards we had here in 2pre of the Abolition war, end our local Presbyterian !k wn s the local storm center. :t time was William Wisner, a strong. northern pro - :ached the rightfulness of African slavery in his id out, he upheld and supported American slavery, and .nstitution, that was divinely instituted by Almighty ;ing and Christianizing the benighted African by 1�r ng- der the Christianizing influences of civilization,, rism and idols try ' of their heathen native land. The Church at that time. had a small: bjXt strong- willed mbership who would not, and did not agree with or r's teachings or theories on the slavery question, they were outspoken Abolitionists, and foremost amorig yt, William P. Luce, Alexander Murdock, Benjamin, hose• names the writer does not recall* of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, the Rev. Dr. ggressive towards those members of his church who a slavery, and he at the height of the controversy, took. for his theme or text the old classic, "Render ch is Ce- sans," and in his discourse he declared Ian men And All good citizens would And should do All prehend a nd send back to their mpsters and owners, iad escaped from them, wherever found,-and he also who failed to so act, or added or abetted in their si"en -nd guilty of a crime. o pastor capped the climax and brought matters to an l a split in the church ranks followed. The Anti - elementei, headed by.Hayt, Luce, Murdock, Halsey and the old church in DeWitt Park, and they est®blished where they could worship God according to the..dic-6 nscience. Deacon Hayt donated the land, A corner of ATTACHMENT 2 nis farm, and the of and the cemetery, n and there in the h freedom" they worsh as bound with them# The members from for many years until 1863. The Abolition ible determination. believed to be God► coin or a crust. Th ness. They were mob destroyed, by the p They were called we Y. Thomas Sanford w slave parentnge`�and the immortal Eman c.i and William H. Sewa poetic justice and of his race and sta strove, should find to human freedom, b which millions of Go suit of happiness. True to their fra lodge of Elks of I th remains in that beau where Thomas Sanford thegthought." thers financed the building of the little rural c spel ow known as the Hryt +s Corners church and cemetery, amble edifice "erected to God, and dedicPted to human ipped for many years and sympathized with the bond men and continued to help them on to Canada and freedom. Ithaca faithfully plodded their way to its portals after slavery was abolished by the Proclamation of fists of those days were men of iron, and of inflex- They were persecuted. -and reviled for doing what they s work, when they gave a hungry fleeing fugitive a The August 8, 1915 were tabooed politically, socicielly and in busi- bed and even murdered, and their property burned and ro-slavery element. "negro lovers," only they did not well 'begro" that a s born in Savannah, Georgia, In a sla.-!e stP to and of only became "free" by the. beneficent provisions of7'� "- pntion Proclamation of 1863, signed ry obrsham Lincoln, rd_ These being basic facts, one can .readily see the the historic propriety of the circumstance that one ,us, for whose liberation those noble men �nd;.women his last resting place in the sacred spot consecrated y those wiio sought to destroy the odious system by des children were deprived of liberty And the pur- ;ernal obligation, his brother fr^ ters of the colored lea appropriately and lovingly interred his mortal, ;iful sylvan retreat, the "historic Hpyt Cemetery,' rests with his friends. `T *aey builded better than GEORGE A•. JOHNS JN 121 East State Street, Ithaca 7:00 P.M 7:05 P.M. 7:30 P.M. 4. 5. 6. TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tuesday, December 21, 2010 AGENDA Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes). PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board regarding the proposed establishment of a new "Limited Historic Commercial" Floating Zone and related changes to Chapter 270, Article XIII "Commercial Zones Generally" of the Town of Ithaca Code, and Proposed Amendments to the 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan regarding historic resources and a new "Limited Historic Commercial" Floating Zone. Continuaf'ion of consideration of Acceptance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed Holochuck Homes Subdivision, located between NYS Route 96 (Trumansburg Road) and NYS Route 89 (Taughannock Boulevard), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 24- 3 -3.2, 25- 1 -5.1, 25 -2 -41.2, 26 -4 -37, 26 -4 -38, and 26 -4 -39, Low Density Residential Zone, Medium Density Residential Zone, and Conservation Zone. The proposal involves the construction of 106 + /- town home type units in a clustered neighborhood development with two entrances proposed from NYS Route 96 (Trumansburg Road). The development will be concentrated on the west side of the property closest to NYS Route 96, zoned Low and Medium Residential, with more than half of the eastern portion of the property, mainly zoned Conservation, remaining undeveloped. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation proposes too acquire most of the eastern portion of the property in conjunction with development of the future Black Diamond Trail. Holochuck Homes LLC, Owner /Applicant; David M. Parks, Esq., Agent. Approval of Minutes: December 7, 2010. Other NOTE: IF ANY (A Jonathan Kanter, AICP Director of Planning 273 -1747 ER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY SANDY POLCE AT 273 -1747. of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.) By direction of the Chair will be held by the Plan Tioga Street, Ithaca, MY TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Tuesday, December 21, 2010 -rson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing ng Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at 215 North at the following time and on the following matter: 7:05 P.M. Consideration of a recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board regarding the proposed establishment of a new "Limited Historic Commercial' Floating Zone and related changes to Chapter 270, Article XIII "Commercial Zones Generally" of the Town of Ithaca Code, and Proposed Amendments to the 1993 Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan regal rding historic resources and a new "Limited Historic Commercial' Floating Zone. 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 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, Decembe i 13, 2010 Publish: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Wednesday, Decemberl5; I THE ,,Name Town of Ithaca Planning Board 215 North Tioga Street December 21, 2010 7:00 p.m. PLEASE SIGN -IN ease Print Clearly, Thank You Noki c 0" A L L'1q &L1 Address 7- ecl CCN-v\%oCC ��� i- TOWN OF ITHACA F POSTING AND 1, 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 Heari Town Hall, 215 No commencine at 7:00 P Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tio ag Street. Date of Posting: December 13, 2010 Date of Publication: December 15, 2010 Sandra Polce, Senior Typist Town of Ithaca STATE OF NEW YORK) SS: COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15`h day of December 2010. Notary Public CARRIE WHITMORE Notary Public, State of New York No. 01 WF16052877 Tioga County Commission Expires December 26, ��