HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-13 - PB ao3
MINUTES
ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD
MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING
6 / 13 / 2001
PRESENT: Planning Board Chairman George Kennedy, Planning Board Members
Richard Geiger, Lorren Hammond, Rose Hilbert, Paula Horrigan, and Mark Ochs,
Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun, and Planning Clerk Karin Lanning .
ALSO PRESENT: William Jackson, Daniel Brown, Robert and Cheryl Andree, Roy
and Alma Coats, Bryan and Denise Grout, Art Salotti, and Mark Oros.
Chairman George Kennedy called the meeting of the Ulysses Planning Board
to order at 7 : 35 pm .
The first order of business before the Planning Board was discussion of the
project proposed by the Franziska Racker Center, public comment on which, was
to be heard later in the evening .
Mr. William Jackson and Mr. Daniel Brown presented for the Franziska Racker
Center.
The representatives reported that they had met on April 19th, 2001 with
neighbors of the center, as was suggested by the Planning Board at the public
hearing and meeting of April 3`d, 2001 . The representatives reported that the
proposed project has been amended in the following ways:
-The signs, which the neighbors objected to, will not be lit, and will, in fact, be
removed completely. These signs may be replaced , but no designs have been
selected as of yet, and the representatives reported that they would consult the
neighbors of the Center before acting on the replacement of these signs.
-The proposed lights will operate on a photo-cell and a timer; they will come on
as the photo-cell detects need for them between the hours of 5 : 30 am and 9 : 00
pm, after which, the timer will completely shut them off unless a Franziska
Racker Center representative purposefully overrides the timer in order to allow
lighting for a late-evening event.
The representatives also noted that the Franziska Racker Center is interested in
looking into removing some of the parking lot signs, replacing them with painted
indicators on the asphalt of parking spaces. One of the neighbors' complaints
had been the existence of too many signs at the center.
The representatives of the Franziska Racker center also reported that the Center
had allocated some funds for the planting of deer-hardy trees to serve as a light
and aesthetic view screen for the Center's neighbors. It was noted that, while
the Center plans to plant said trees, this landscaping work is not included in the
proposed project.
The Planning Board members posed questions concerning the selection of the 14
foot height and 150 watts selected for the lights. The representatives stated that
the 14 foot height was selected to match what is currently in place, and in order
to provide a safe amount of light along the pathway to and in the Center's front
parking lot with the three lights. The 150 watt bulbs were selected because this
was the minimum wattage that the Center felt would meet its lighting needs.
At 8 : 00 pm, Chairman George Kennedy opened the public hearing .
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Mr. William Jackson and Mr. Daniel Brown presented the amended proposal to
the Planning Board and to the assembled public.
The representatives of the Franziska Racker Center began by stating that the
initial proposal had been amended by the withdrawal of the intent to light the
preexisting signs, and adjustment to the timing that the proposed lights are to be
on . All other aspects of the proposal for the installation of the three outdoor
lights are as was initially presented to the Planning Board .
The representatives also stated that the Center's intentions are to remove the
preexisting signs, which were objected to by several neighbors of the Center at
the public hearing of April 3`d, 2001, to plant trees to serve as a light and view
screen for the neighbors of the Center, and to look into removing some of the
signs designating special parking, that currently stand in the parking lots of the
Center.
The Planning Board asked Mr. Daniel Brown to read the letter from the Franziska
Racker Center, dated May 8th, 2001 , in which the Center stated its revised
proposal . (See file)
Mr. Brian Grout asked how many times a year, late meetings at the Franziska
Racker Center would keep the lights on past 9 : 00 pm .
Mr. Daniel Brown stated that the revised proposal left the number per annum
unstated, because it can not be calculated exactly. Mr. Brown stated that he
would hazard an estimate of five or six evenings per year that the lights would
be kept on past 9 : 00 pm .
Mr. Brian Grout stated that it was his concern that the presence of the lights
would encourage the use of the Center as a meeting spat, and would therefore
result in an increasing number of meetings keeping the Rights on past 9 : 00 pm .
Mr. Robert Andree stated that a representative of the Franziska Racker Center
not present at the meeting had told him that the Center was actively seeking
expanded use of the facilities.
Mr. Daniel Brown stated that this is not the case. .
Mrs. Cheryl Andree asked why the lights would have to be on until 9 : 00 pm .
Mr. Daniel Brown stated . that Center staff are typically working until 9 : 00 pm. Mr.
Brown reminded the assembled that the lights will not be on constantly from
dusk until 9 : 00 pm, but will turn on only as activated by motion sensors, or
photo-cells.
Mr. Brian Grout asked if the Planning Board would be deciding on the matter
tonight. The Planning Board Chair stated that this was the intent of the Planning
Board .
Mr. Roy Coats stated that his contention with the project; would be greatly helped
by the expedient planting of full, fast-growing trees placed in such a way as to
block the light from being viewable on his property.
Mr. Geiger asked Mr. Robert Andree if he agreed with Mir. Roy Coats. Mr. Andree
stated that trees would help, but would not block the light.
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Cheryl Andree made a complaint about the currently existing
NYSEG Electric Pole light, located on the Franziska Rocker Center property.
Mr. Brian Grout asked Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun if increasing use of
the Center for non-Center activities could open up zoning or use issues. Mr.
Rachun answered that, since the Franziska Racker Center is basically a school,
there are a large number of accessory uses allowed . Mr. Rachun stated that use
of the facilities primarily for purposes other than its primary use would open up
an interesting issue.
Mr. Brian Grout also asked if potentially unlimited use of the Center for accessory
purposes would be sufficient to warrant looking into the matter for code
violations. Mr. Rachun noted that using the Center primarily for uses other than
its primary allowed use would pose severe code issues, which Town officials
would hear about from inspectors .
The representatives of the Franziska Racker Center explained to the Planning
Board and to the public that the "Union Meetings", which were referred to by Mr.
Brian Grout in the above statements and were brought up at the public hearing
of April 3rd, 2001 consisted of the Center providing paint and various painting
surfaces for the training purposes of a local Painters' Union . The assembling of
the union consisted of a hands-on training opportunity for its apprentices at a
site that had agreed to allow some of its surfaces to be painted at the cost of
paint, as a training exercise .
Mr. Geiger noted the fact that the proposal before the Planning Board was for
the installation of three lights, and the fact that use change issues are not the
jurisdiction of the Planning Board .
Chairman George Kennedy asked if there were any further comments.
The representatives of the Franziska Racker Center stated that the proposed
lights will be shrouded by a dark shield around the bulb, and therefore will just
shine down .
Mr. Robert Andree asked if Planning Board members had been to see the current
lighting situation at the Center, and stated that the proposed lights will not
• actually shine down . Mr. Andree stated that the lights chosen for the project emit
outward glow as well as downward glow .
The representatives of the Franziska Racker Center called attention to the specs
for the proposed lights, noting that their design does funnel the light downward .
Mr. Art Salotti stated that the light bulb of the current light, which the proposed
lights will be identical to, is visible from his property.
Mr. Roy Coats stated that a deflector shield on the Wilkins Road side of the lights
would solve the issue .
Ms. Horrigan stated that there are many variables that need to be taken into
account when it comes to lights.
Mr. Daniel Brown stated that the Center would either need the three lights, with
the wattage and height proposed , or would need to put in more lights.
Mrs. Cheryl Andree stated that, in her opinion, the parking lot, which the
proposed lights would illuminate is not very dark at night as is. Mr. Daniel Brown
stated that he disagrees.
Chairman George Kennedy asked if there were any further comments.
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Mr. Brian Grout stated that he would like to see more specific restrictions
concerning how often the lights will be on past 9 : 00 pm . , if they are ever on past
this time.
Mr. Robert Andree stated that he would like to concur with Mr. Grout's
statement, and further stated that lights that would put off less glow do exist
and should be looked into.
Mrs. Alma Coats stated that the Glenwood School, which initially occupied the
site currently used by the Franziska Backer Center, was of a smaller and less
obtrusive character than the Center. Mrs. Coats stated that the Center's major
purpose is for the children attending the Center, and that it may be inappropriate
for the site to be used by groups outside of the immediate neighborhood in
which the Center is located.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman George Kennedy closed the public
hearing at 8 :40 pm., to be reconvened at the next regular Planning Board
meeting, on Wednesday, July 11th, 2001 . The floor for comments from the
Planning Board members.
The consensus of the Planning Board was that landscaping and glare had not
been adequately addressed by the Franziska Racker Center, that the issue of
timing for the lights could use some better definition, and, more than anything,
that the plans to take down the objected-to signs, plant trees and run the lights
on a timer and photo-cells need to be written into a revised proposal .
Mr. Rachun pointed out that the Zoning Ordinance differentiates between light
glare and illumination . Mr. Rachun felt that the "glare" that several neighbors of
the Franziska Racker Center have complained about is actually illumination, and
therefore the lights are not out of line with the Zoning Ordinance standards. Mr.
Rachun read exactly what the Zoning Ordinance states on this matter.
After some discussion, Ms. Hilbert moved to approve the proposal as submitted .
Mr. Kennedy seconded .
In discussion, Mr. Geiger suggested amending the motion to adjourning the
public hearing, to be reconvened at a later date, so that the Franziska Racker
Center can draft a revised proposal that puts into writing those things that the
representatives of the Center stated they plan to do in the course of this
evening's public hearing . Ms. Hilbert agreed to these changes. Mr. Hammond
seconded the motion as revised .
Mr. Hammond asked if it would be appropriate for the Planning Board to discuss
whether or not the inclusion of the terms that the Center stated it would be
willing to . a ree to in a revised proposal would make the proposal acceptable to
the Planning Board .
Mr. Geiger noted that all the Planning Board is requesting is the inclusion of
terms as were verbally stated in a written proposal .
Mr. Geiger aye
Mr. Hammond aye
Ms. Hilbert aye
Ms. Horrigan aye
Mr. Kennedy aye
Mr. Ochs aye
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•
The motion passed, the public hearing will be reconvened, pending the receipt of
a revised proposal from the Franziska Racker Center, at the regular Planning
Board meeting of July 11th, 2001 .
Mr. Rachun reported on new matters of business. Mr. Rachun reported that he
expects Sprint will be applying for a Tower permit, but that before the Planning
Board deals with this matter, a B. Z .A. variance will be needed . Mr. Rachun also
noted that Mr. Fred Vanderzee, owner of the Falls Tavern located just outside of
the Village of Trumansburg in the Town of Ulysses, is requesting annexation to
the Village of Trumansburg for his current business and a piece of connected
property that he plans to develop . Noting that Mr. Vanderzee' s property borders
the fairgrounds, where Sprint hopes to build its tower, Mr. Rachun called the
Planning Board's attention to the need for careful consideration of these two
projects and their impacts on one another.
One final order of business was the Town Board referral for Planning Board
recommendation on the Zoning Change request from Tom and Sue Sheridan .
The Planning Board stated that it felt more information was needed in order to
make a recommendation . Mr. Kennedy stated that the Town Board should :
- set up a meeting with the Planning Board and George Frantz, to discuss the
matter,
- provide the Planning Board with a working definition of Cl Commercial
Districts,
- provide the Planning Board with more specific information, including exact
delineations for the proposed change of Zoning ,
- and provide the Planning Board a written opinion on the matter from the
Town's Attorney, Bruce Wilson .
Mr. Rachun suggested that, because of the large amount of upcoming business,
it would be wise to resume bi-monthly Planning Board meetings for the next few
months.
The Planning Board declined .
Mr. Mark Oros spoke to the Planning Board . Mr. Oros is a Town of Covert
landowner, who stated that he is concerned with the possibility of commercial
development of some Town of Ulysses property across the road from his. Mr.
Oros asked how development of this property would fit into the Town of Ulysses
comprehensive plan .
The Planning Board looked at the map and noted that the property Mr. Oros
asked about is currently designated for C3, or industrial use.
Ms. Hilbert noted that the commercial subcommittee had during the course of its
work been of the opinion that this should be changed to Cl . It was also noted
that the historical rationale for the property being zoned C3 lay in the fact that it
was at one time used for industrial business.
In one final matter of business, the members of the Planning Board introduced
themselves to and welcomed Mr. Mark Ochs, the recent appointee to the
Planning Board .
Hearing no further business, Mr. Hammond moved , seconded by Ms. Hilbert to
adjourn the meeting . The public hearing for the Franziska Racker Center will be
reconvened on Wednesday, July 11th, 2001 .
Mr. Geiger aye
Mr. Hammond aye
a
Ms. Hilbert aye
Ms. Horrigan aye
Mr. Kennedy aye
Mr. Ochs aye
The meeting adjourned at 10 : 00 pm .
*These minutes are respectfully submitted as an official summary of the
proceedings of the Ulysses Planning Board meeting of June 13, 2001, as
observed and understood by the Ulysses Planning Clerk. As a rule, comments
made by individuals are not entered as quotes, but have been summarized for
the purpose of concisely reflecting the Planning Board business.
Karin T. banning
Planning Clerk
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