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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2013-06-18TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tuesday. June 18. 2013 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. Persons to be heard (no more than five minutes). 7:05 P.M. SEQR Determination: Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden, 124 Comstock Knoll) 7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden Redevelopment project located adjacent to the Plantations' Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center (124 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67-1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. The three phased proposal involves the development of a 1 +/- acre Peony and Perennial Garden and a Va +/- acre East Asian Garden around the Welcome Center. Associated with these new gardens is a small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, garden arbor, sculptural stone, bollard lighting, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bioswale. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; David M. Cutter, University Landscape Architect, Agent. 7:20 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Knoll Entry Stairs (Phase I), Peony Garden (Phase I), and Peony Garden (Phase II) portions of the Cornell University Botanical Garden Redevelopment project located adjacent to the Plantations' Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center (124 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67-1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. These first two phases of the project include the development of a 1 +/- acre Peony and Perennial Garden, small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, bollard lighting, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bioswale. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; David M. Cutter, University Landscape Architect, Agent. 5. Approval of Minutes: May 21, 2013. 6. Other Business: - Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan Update - Discussion of new 'Table of Permitted Uses" Chart 7. Adjournment Susan Ritter 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 MEETING Tuesday,June 18, 2013 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 Board Members Present: Fred Wilcox(Chair), Linda Collins,John Beach, Paula Wedemeyer,Jon Bosak,Yvonne Fogarty, Hollis Erb,Joseph Haefeli(Alternate) Staff Present: Susan Ritter, Director of Planning; Chris Balestra, Planner; Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement; Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Deb DeAugistine, Deputy Town Clerk Call to Order Mr. Wilcox called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and accepted the secretary's posting of the public hearing notices. AGENDA ITEM Persons to be heard - No one came forward to address the Board. AGENDA ITEM SEQR Determination: Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden, 124 Comstock Knoll David Cutter gave an overview of the project components and phasing. The four projects are the Knolls, the two phases of the Peony Garden, and the Six Friends or East Asian Garden. The main corridor of Peony Garden will be porous concrete, with small granite resting areas off it. It's not meant to be an emergency access drive; the existing drive will serve that purpose. Phase II will extend the bioswale because they'll be adding impervious surface. The walkways will trace the contours of the land, stepping down from the Welcome Center to the lower level parking area.The divide of the gar- den into smaller plots can be used to feature different plants.The walkways will have little stone run- nels along the side, featuring the movement of water through the garden, so what little runoff will be made visible instead of dissipated into the ground and will work its way into the bioswale.At the bot- tom is the view of the central feature of the garden itself and a view of the new bridge over the bios- wale. They intend all the areas in this part of the garden to be completely accessible. They are adding some lighting: some on the bridge and a series of bollards along the pathway. The other two components are the Comstock Knoll stairs.They will reconnect a series of pathways that already exist in the rhododendron section.There will be a retaining wall. The third and most ambitious component is the Six Friends or East Asian Garden. Designed on a series of six different themes, or friends (thyme, stone, bamboo, lotus, maple, and willow), each has meaning in traditional Japanese and Chinese design.The entry court will extend the space inside the Welcome Center out- side. This will be the only part of the garden that will have lighting inside, possibly uplighting into the trees, or with a series of stone lanterns. It's to be determined.The walls around are of traditional Jap- anese design. Mr.Wilcox asked whether it was the cost or the plants - and trying to get them to grow and thrive in our environment - that makes the project ambitious. Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 2 of 11 Mr. Cutter responded that it's both. The level of maintenance will be more than normal.They're hoping the plants are ones that will be able to survive in our climate.Walls might minimize deer in- trusion. Mr. Bosak asked whether they're getting expert advice on the feng shui of the layout. Don Rakow, director of Cornell Plantations, answered. (Ms. Fogarty noted that she and Mr. Rakow are good friends, but that will not affect the way she'll vote on the project.) The designer of the Six Friends Garden is Mark Kean, a 1979 graduate of the Cornell Department of Landscape Architec- ture. He lived in Kyoto,Japan for 20 years and became a master designer of Japanese and other Asian gardens. He has written several books on Japanese garden design, has translated books of Japanese poetry, and has a very high level of expertise in all matters related to Asian garden design. Mr. Rakow is confident that Mr. Kean has designed the garden in a manner completely consistent with feng shui. Mr. Kean also designed the tiger glen garden at the Johnson Museum. Ms. Erb asked where construction staging and parking will occur and whether they will remove mate- rials from the site. Mr. Cutter pointed out an open field on the plan to indicate where the parking and staging will occur. He said very little material will be removed. In fact, the bioswale will be ex- tended a bit - maybe 2 feet of material will be moved over a distance of 120 feet. It's probably good soil and they'll want to keep it for themselves. Mr. Rakow pointed out that the big area in front of the Welcome Center has a fairly good grade to it, and the design for the gardens takes advantage of that by gradually stepping down toward the bioswale. Ms. Erb pointed out that they're clearly behind schedule, according to Sheet L2. Mr. Rakow ex- plained that many millions of dollars need to be raised for these two projects, and once Town ap- proval is received, the focus will be entirely on fundraising. It's what the university now mandates. They will need to raise funding, not only for the construction and planting of the gardens, but they will also need to raise substantial endowments for a number of new gardener positions and an ongo- ing maintenance fund.The one significant and repeated criticism that they've received since develop- ing the Nevin Welcome Center has been: what happened to the old peony garden?All of the peonies previously in that garden are being held in the plant production facility, and they've added substan- tially to that collection. Ms. Erb stated that she had been concerned about the high walls in the East Asian gardens,with only a single entry into the walls. She doesn't feel there is enough information right now to address it and didn't think that other Board members were concerned. Ms. Collins stated that she recalled Ms. Erb's concern and added that the only lighting planned in that garden will be in that portion closest to the building.The area Ms. Erb was most concerned about was at the far end, the lotus area. Now Ms. Collins is concerned. Ms. Erb stated that the Welcome Center closes at dark and she doesn't know now how tall the walls will be. She thought they were going to be around six feet, higher than she and Ms. Collins can see over. Mr. Rakow said there will be a gate at the far end of the first area and the garden will be closed at dusk and closed for the winter. Beyond that, along the north edge, at the base of Comstock Knoll, the area will be completely open and forested. Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 3 of 11 Ms. Erb was curious about interpretive signage, giving the meaning of each of the six gardens. Mr. Rakow replied that he talked with Mr. Kean about it, and he feels that in order to maintain the integ- rity of the garden, signage should be minimized. They hope to do the interpretation through hard, copy brochures or through technology. Mr. Bosak pointed out that the interpretation might be different for the different Asian cultures, so the less said the better. Ms. Erb pointed out on Sheet 1-401, Peony Garden Phase 11, there a discrepancy between the number of ginkgos listed in the table (7) and the number drawn on the diagram (10).A new drawing will need to be provided showing that there will be 10 ginkgos. Ms. Erb asked if there will be a lot of lighting on the lawn space. Mr. Cutter said no - it will be all bollard lighting: full cutoff, no glare, and in complete compliance. The lights will not stay on all night. Ms. Erb stated that she was a bit taken aback when they were talking about uplighting through the trees. Mr. Cutter responded that he was personally uncomfortable with that as well. Mr. Wilcox noted that there were some complaints from Forest Home residents regarding lights being left on after hours. Mr. Rakow responded that he has heard from a couple of residents. The planta- tions staff have passed it on to the Cornell police, who indicated that it is mandated that the lighting stay on in the parking lot for safety purposes; by that they're referring to the overhead streetlights that light Plantations Road. Mr. Rakow thinks the police assume that even when an event is not taking place, there may be people still walking through the Botanical Gardens, and the streetlights provide a measure of safely.There is currently no way of keeping people or deer out. They are not intending to hold night events in the Asian Garden. Mr. Bosak asked what the special permit is for. Ms. Balestra responded that any Cornell projects are considered educational uses in low or medium density zones, and therefore require a special permit. PB Resolution No. 2013-019:SEQR, Site Plan Approval&Special Permit, Cornell University, Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development Project, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-6 Moved by Hollis Erb; seconded by Yvonne Fogarty WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development project located adjacent to the Planta- tions' Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center 024 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67- 1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. The three-phased proposal involves the development of a 1 +/- acre Peony and Perennial Garden and a 1/4 +/- acre East Asian Garden around the Welcome Center. Associated with these new gardens is a small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, garden arbor, sculptural stone,bollard lighting, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bio swale. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; David M. Cutter, University Landscape Architect,Agent, and Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 4 of 11 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting as lead agency in the environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval and Special Permit, and 3. The Planning Board, on June 18, 2013, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environ- mental Assessment Form (EAF) Part I, submitted by the applicant, a Part II prepared by Town Planning staff, several drawings including a single sheet entitled "Cornell Plantations Botanical Garden, Future Landscape Design Development, Site Layout Plan" dated May 13, 2013; a packet entitled "Cornell Plantations Knoll Entry Stairs," containing drawings L-1 through L-4 and L-6, prepared by Templeton Landscape Architecture and Planning, dated 10-09-2012; a packet entitled "Cornell University Plantations Welcome Center Peony Garden Phase I, TWMLA Project No.11009," containing drawings C101, C102, C201, L101, L201, L301, L401, and L501, pre- pared by TWLA Landscape Architects, dated 02/27/2013; a packet entitled "Cornell University Plantations Welcome Center Peony Garden Phase II, TWMLA Project No.11009," containing drawings C101, C102, C201, L101, L201, L301, L302, L401, L501 through L503, E101, and S 101 and S 102, prepared by TWLA Landscape Architects, dated 03/25/2013; and a packet enti- tled "Six Friends Garden, An East Asian Garden for the Cornell Plantations, Construction Doc- uments," containing Sheets 02, 05, and 07, prepared by Marc Peter Keane Design Office, dated June 6, 2012; and other application materials, and 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental signifi- cance 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 II, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. Vote Ayes:Wilcox, Collins, Beach, Wedemeyer, Fogarty, Bosak, Erb AGENDA ITEM Public Hearing: Consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the pro- posed Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden Redevelopment project located adjacent to the Plantations' Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center(124 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67-1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. The three phased proposal involves the development of a 1 +/-acre Peony and Perennial Garden and a 1/4 +/- acre East Asian Garden around the Welcome Center. Associated with these new gardens is a small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, garden arbor, sculptural stone, bollard lighting, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bioswale. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; David M. Cutter, Univer- sity Landscape Architect, Agent Public Hearing: Consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Knoll Entry Stairs (Phase I), Peony Garden (Phase I), and Peony Garden (Phase II) portions of the Cornell University Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 5 of 11 Botanical Garden Redevelopment project located adjacent to the Plantations' Brian C. Nevin Wel- come Center(124 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67-1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. These first two phases of the project include the development of a 1 +/- acre Peony and Peren- nial Garden, small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, bollard light- ing, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bioswale. Cornell University, Own- er/Applicant; David M. Cutter, University Landscape Architect,Agent Mr.Wilcox opened the public hearings at 7:37 p.m. Hearing no one, he closed the public hearings at 7:39 p.m. PB Resolution No. 2013.020: Preliminary Site Plan Approval &Special Permit, Cornell University, Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development Project, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Tax Parcel No. 67.4-6 Moved by Hollis Erb; seconded by Jon Bosak WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the pro- posed Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development project located adjacent to the Plantations' Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center(124 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67-1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. The three-phased proposal involves the devel- opment of a 1 +/-acre Peony and Perennial Garden and a 1/4 +/-acre East Asian Garden around the Welcome Center. Associated with these new gardens is a small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, garden arbor, sculptural stone, bollard lighting, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bio Swale. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; David M. Cutter, University Landscape Architect,Agent, and 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency in the environmental review with respect to the project has, on June 18, 2013, made a negative de- termination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part I, submitted by the applicant, and a Part 11 prepared by Town Planning staff, and 3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 18, 2013, has reviewed and accepted as adequate several drawings, including a single sheet entitled "Cornell Plantations Botanical Gar- den, Future Landscape Design Development, Site Layout Plan" dated May 13, 2013; a packet en- titled "Cornell Plantations Knoll Entry Stairs," containing drawings L-1 through L4 and L-6, pre- pared by Templeton Landscape Architecture and Planning, dated 10-09-2012; a packet entitled "Cornell University Plantations Welcome Center Peony Garden Phase I, TWMLA Project No.11009," containing drawings C101, C102, C201, L101, L201, L301, L401, and L501, pre- pared by TWLA Landscape Architects, dated 02/27/2013; a packet entitled "Cornell University Plantations Welcome Center Peony Garden Phase II, TWMLA Project No.11009," containing drawings C101, C102, C201, L101, L201, L301, L302, L401, L501 through L503, E101, and S 101 and S 102, prepared by TWLA Landscape Architects, dated 03/25/2013; and a packet enti- tled "Six Friends Garden, An East Asian Garden for the Cornell Plantations, Construction Doc- Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 6 of 11 uments," containing Sheets 02, 05, and 07, prepared by Marc Peter Keane Design Office, dated June 6, 2012; and other application materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Planning Board hereby grants Special Permit for all phases of the proposed Cornell Univer- sity Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development project, finding that the standards of Article XXIV Section 270-200, Subsections A- L, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary Site Plan Checklist, having determined from the ma- terials 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 Site Plan Approval for all phases of the proposed Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development project, located at 124 Comstock Knoll Road, as described in the packet of drawings in Whereas #3 above, subject to the following condition: a. Submission of elevation and detail drawings for the proposed walled courtyards and other structures related to the Six Friends East Asian Garden, prior to the consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the Six Friends East Asian Garden. b. Within 30 days of the date of this resolution, submission of a revised Planting Plan Sheet L401 for Phase Two of the Peony Garden correcting the spelling of the ginkgo common name and listing 10 ginkgos in the table. Vote Ayes:Wilcox, Collins, Beach, Wedemeyer, Fogarty, Bosak, Erb PB Resolution No. 2013-021: Final Site Plan Approval, Phases I and H of the Cornell University, Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development Project, 124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Tax Parcel No. 67.4-6 Moved by Hollis Erb; seconded by Yvonne Fogarty WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Knoll Entry Stairs (Phase I), Peony Garden (Phase I), and Peony Garden (Phase II) portions of the Cornell Univer- sity Plantations Botanical Garden Re-development project located adjacent to the Plantations' Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center(124 Comstock Knoll), Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67-1-6, Low Density Residential Zone. These first two phases of the project include development of a 1 +/- acre Peony and Perennial Garden, small pedestrian bridge, stone seat walls and stone stairs, paths, courtyards, bollard lighting, extension of utilities, and expansion of the existing bio Swale. Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 7of11 Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; David M. Cutter, University Landscape Architect,Agent, and 2. This is an Unlisted Action, for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency in the environmental review with respect to the project has, on June 18, 2013, 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 a Part II prepared by Town Planning staff, and 3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on June 18, 2013, has reviewed and accepted as adequate several drawings, including a single sheet entitled "Cornell Plantations Botanical Gar- den, Future Landscape Design Development, Site Layout Plan" dated May 13, 2013; a packet en- titled "Cornell Plantations Knoll Entry Stairs," containing drawings L-1 through L-4 and 1_6, prepared by Templeton Landscape Architecture and Planning, dated 10-09-2012; a packet enti- tled "Cornell University Plantations Welcome Center Peony Garden Phase I, TWMLA Project No.11009," containing drawings C101, C102, C201, L101, L201, L301, L401, and L501, pre- pared by TWLA Landscape Architects, dated 02/27/2013; a packet entitled "Cornell University Plantations Welcome Center Peony Garden Phase II, TWMLA Project No.11009," containing drawings C101, C102, C201, 1_101, L201, L301, L302, L401, L501 through L503, E101, and S101 and S102, prepared by TWLA Landscape Architects, dated 03/25/2013; and other appli- cation materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Final Site Plan Approval for the Knoll En- try Stairs (Phase I), Peony Garden (Phase I), and Peony Garden (Phase II) portions of the Cornell University Plantations Botanical Garden Redevelopment project, located at 124 Comstock Knoll Road, as described in the packet of drawings in Whereas #3 above, subject to the following condi- tions: a. The proposed structures (stone seat walls, stairs, bridge, etc.) shall require a building permit from the Town of Ithaca Building Department, and b. Addition of the Plantations Botanical Gardens Project to the Cornell University Master Op- eration and Maintenance agreement, if said agreement requires the addition of this project, and submission of a copy of any such addition to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Depart- ment, prior to construction and, in any event, no later than 90 days from the date of this reso- lution, and c. Within 30 days of the date of this resolution, submission of a revised Planting Plan Sheet L401 for Phase Two of the Peony Garden correcting the spelling of the ginkgo common name and listing 10 ginkgos in the table. Vote Ayes:Wilcox, Collins, Beach,Wedemeyer, Fogarty, Bosak, Erb AGENDA ITEM Approval of Minutes Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 8 of 11 PB Resolution No. 2013.022: Minutes of May 21, 2013 Moved by Fred Wilcox; seconded by John Beach WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the draft minutes from the meeting on May 21; now therefore be it RESOLVED, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board approves the minutes, as amended, to be the final minutes of the meeting on May 21. Vote: Ayes: Wilcox, Collins, Beach, Wedemeyer, Fogarty, Bosak, Erb AGENDA ITEM Other Business Sue Ritter gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan. She reported that the Comp Plan committee submitted a draft plan to the Town Board,who are reviewing that plan. Three of the Town Board members served on the Comp Plan committee, so this is an opportunity for the other four Board members to get up to speed.They held a public hearing in April, which was required by state law. This was the second public hearing held on the draft plan, the first being held by the Comp Plan committee. Ten people spoke at the meeting,voicing a variety of concerns; for example, they heard from residents of West Hill regarding density on West Hill. There were farm owners concerned about the proposal to lower density in the ag zone. The Town Board also determined that a Generic Envi- ronmental Impact Statement(GEIS)will be conducted for this plan, as part of the SEQR require- ment. That is common for comp plans: the NYS DEC recommends conducting one because it allows the board to look at the broad scope of issues; also, our town attorney has encouraged it.As part of that SEQR process, the Town went through a scoping process to identify the issues that will be ad- dressed.That was submitted to the public, and on May 13, the Town Board accepted a Final Scoping Document. The Town Board has completed review of Chapter 1 (Introduction) and Chapter 2 (Goals and Rec- ommendations). They are just beginning Chapter 3 (Future Land Use Plan), and Ms. Ritter antici- pates it will be a lengthy conversation to answer questions such as:where will we have development and how dense it will be? Goals and Recommendations and Future Land Use Plan are, to her, the most important sections of the plan, as far as setting the road map for the Town.The Town Board has not reviewed any of the public comments that have been received. The Board plans to do an ini- tial review among themselves. In terms of Chapter 2, the draft plan from December 5 has not changed to any great degree. The 1993 plan did a good job of protecting agricultural land and natural areas.The updated draft plan is much in line with that and those same goals are important. In addi- tion, this plan is looking at the built environment, looking at neighborhoods, and looking at devel- opment to try to do a better job than we've done in the past: making sure neighborhoods are walkable and that developments aren't just single-family homes, but rather a mix of lot sizes and housing styles within a neighborhood. Instead of a stand-alone development, the idea is that we get a plan for a neighborhood, then development fills into that neighborhood, as opposed to a development here, a Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 9 of 11 development there, with no connection in terms of public spaces that have relativity to those neigh- borhoods. She read some of the recommendations: • Scale new neighborhoods to be within five to ten minutes of a common destination. • Require new neighborhoods to contain a mix of uses and recreation spaces that support the daily needs of the residents. • Locate mixed uses in appropriate areas and employ suitable building types. • Provide a variety of housing types and prices that support a broad range of housing types, siz- es, lifestyles, life stages, and household incomes in new neighborhoods. • In new neighborhoods, require civic uses to be located in areas of high public visibility, prom- inence, and accessibility. • Scale blocks to accommodate a variety of building types and to encourage walking. Ms. Ritter suggested that, when the Town Board has something they've agreed upon regarding Chap- ter 3, she come back and have a discussion about the map and land use plan. Ms. Fogarty asked what it means that the environmental plan is generic. Discussion ensued. Susan Ritter said it means looking at the broad scope. Mr. Wilcox used fracking as an example. Ms. Erb said it means not looking at specific projects, but in a general sense. Ms. Ritter suggested not considering the dictionary definition of generic; this is a term used by SEQR. You either do an environmental impact statement or a generic environmental impact statement. The environmental impact statement is very specific to a particular project; the generic is more broad- based. Mr. Bosak said that the Comprehensive Plan has an environmental impact that no single project does. Ms. Brock added that it's to the point of determining the range of future alternatives, policies, and projects. Ms. Ritter read from the Scoping Document, Section 2.4 Housing: "This section of the Generic Envi- ronmental Impact Statement will include a general description of the current housing conditions in the Town, including form, location, cost and trends. It will evaluate the potential impact of the pro- posed Comprehensive Plan on housing in the Town of Ithaca, and the general environmental im- pacts from policies related to housing." Mr. Bosak said that, in other words, if the Comprehensive Plan says, "We've made it a goal that a certain type of development will happen over here when it wasn't a goal before, the GEIS will address the impact of making that a goal." Ms. Ritter corrected his statement by saying that the GEIS will address the impact of the proposal for zoning a different way; for example, if they change the density in conservation and ag zones, in a general way, consider how that might affect the environment. She said that when the Town actually does the rezoning, this will entail doing another environmental impact statement. Ms. Brock read snippets from the SEQR regulations in hopes of shedding some light: "Generic EISs ... may be based on exceptional information in some cases... They identify the important elements of Planning Board Minutes 06.18-2013 Page 10 of 11 the natural resource base as well as the existing or projected cultural features, patterns, and charac- ter... They may discuss in general terms the constraints and consequences of any narrowing of feature options... They may present and analyze in general terms a few hypothetical scenarios that could or are likely to occur... The generic EIS may be used to assess the environmental impacts of an entire program or plan having wide application or restricting the range of future alternative policies or pro- jects, including new or significant changes to existing land use plans." Ms. Ritter noted that the draft Comp Plan and Scoping Document are on the Town's web site. The draft GEIS is still in the works and until the Town Board completes their review of the Comp Plan, staff can't prepare a GEIS; it will be based on the draft the Town Board adopts. Mr. Wilcox said that the importance of the Scoping Document is that it provides the set of subjects to be reviewed. He thinks its purpose is to prevent people who are against a particular project from try. ing to continually expand the scope of the environmental review. Ms.Wedemeyer asked what the process is for getting something into the scope if, during the devel- opment of the plan, the Town Board were to become aware of a potential environmental issue that hadn't been considered. Ms. Brock responded that there is a way, under SEQR, to amend the scope if something comes up that couldn't have been foreseen or if there's new information. Ms.Wedemeyer asked what mechanism is in place to get feedback to all the people who commented to verify that they've been heard. Ms. Ritter responded that all the comments are compiled and submitted to the Town Board, so they will become part of the public record. Ms. Brock said that when zoning is changed, there will be a specific environmental review on that - the GEIS is a very broad, high-level review.There was initially some discussion on whether the Town should do an environmental review on the Comp Plan or give it a negative declaration of environ- mental significance, as was done for the 1993 plan. Ms. Brock was in favor of doing a GEIS. Mr. Bosak agreed that it was important. To a question from Ms. Fogarty, Ms. Ritter replied that she thought the Comprehensive Plan update could be finished by the end of the year, but that the subsequent implementation of the plan, particu- larly zoning changes,would take awhile. Ms. Balestra presented the Planning Board with a new, easy-to-follow, color-coded chart staff created to show what uses are allowable within the different zones. Lots of other communities have done this. This is an initial draft of taking the permitted uses and accessory uses and putting them in a table. Ms. Balestra noted that as certain parts of the zoning have been updated throughout the years, consistent language has not been maintained between the zones within the code. Staff will work on this. Board members received the new chart warmly. AGENDA ITEM Planning Board Minutes 06-18-2013 Page 11 of 11 Balestra noted that as certain parts of the zoning have boon updated throughout the years, consistent language has not been maintained between the zones within the code. Staff will work on this. Board members received the new chart warmly. AGENDA ITEM Adjournment Upon a motion by HolUs Erb, the meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debra DeAugistine. Deputy Town jClerk rs