HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-25Planning Board
June 25, 2015
Page 1 of 19
Town of Dryden Planning Board
June 25, 2015
Members Present: Joe Laquatra (Chair), Tom Hatfield, Dave Weinstein, Craig
Anderson, Marty Hatch and Stefan Lutter at 7:40PM
Alternate Members: Craig Schutt and Marty Mosley
Town Hall Staff: Dave Sprout, CEO
Liaisons: Joe Solomon, Town Board and Craig Schutt, Conservation Board
Guests: Angela Floor and Dana Abby, 121 Cortland Road, and Brian Mix
Attachments: Short EAF, 121 Cortland Road; letter from Milo Richmond regarding
Hoag-Harvey property; Resolutions from Conservation Board regarding Hoag-Harvey
property and Red Mill and Malloryville road bridges; Methods and Selection Criteria for
Land Protection and Acquisition; Comprehensive Plan guidelines; checklist for SPR
Review and approval of meeting minutes from May 28, 2015:
M. Hatch moved to approve the minutes as edited by J. Laquatra. T. Hatfield seconded
the motion and the minutes were approved. D. Weinstein abstained.
121 Cortland Road
- Angela Floor, Creative Touch Hair Salon
- The Board reviewed the SEQR and determined a negative declaration
- The Tompkins County Planning department does not have any objections.
- SEQR is attached.
Accept Sketch Plan as the Site Plan and Waive Further SPR
Resolution # 6
Craig Anderson offered the following resolution:
Tom Hatfield 2nd, Unanimously approved
Whereas, Angela Floor, Creative Touch Hair Salon, has submitted a Sketch Plan Review
application per Article XI of the Town of Dryden Zoning Ordinance, and
Whereas, the Planning Board finds the project to be consistent with the zoning, design
guidelines and comprehensive plan; and
Whereas, the Tompkins County Planning Department has provided a review pursuant
to General Municipal Law § 239-l and § 239-m; and
Whereas, the Planning Board has reviewed the Sketch Plan and approves said Sketch
Plan as the Site Plan, and hereby waives further Site Plan Review, and
Therefore, be it resolved that the Town of Dryden Planning Board has reviewed the
Sketch Plan and has recommended waiving further Site Plan Review for Angela Floor,
Creative Touch Hair Salon, 121 Cortland Road.
Elder Cottage Housing, 376 Yellow Barn Road
- The board reviewed the application last month and determined the sketch plan
acceptable thereby waiving the site plan review.
- The applicant needs to meet with the ZBA to get permission to place the Elder
Cottage in front of the house rather than behind it.
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June 25, 2015
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- The Planning Board does not believe there will be a problem with the Cottage
placement.
Site Plan Review with conditions
Resolution # 7
Marty Hatch offered the following resolution:
Tom Hatfield 2nd , Unanimously approved
Whereas, The Planning Board has reviewed the Sketch Plan for an Elder Cottage at 376
Yellow Barn Road per Article XI of the Town of Dryden Zoning Ordinance, and
Whereas, the Planning Board and the Planning Department find the alternate site for
the project to be consistent with the zoning, design guidelines and comprehensive plan
goals;
Therefore, be it resolved that the Planning Board approves the Sketch Plan with
conditions and waives further Site Plan review pending the approval of the Town of
Dryden Zoning Board of Appeals.
902 Dryden Road
- The Board reviewed the project last month to provide guidance and advice to
the contractor.
- Mr. Sprout indicated that this project will disturb over an acre and a SWPPP
will be necessary
- The Planning Board has no jurisdiction with this application. The Town Board
will conduct a SUP review.
West Dryden Pipeline meeting June 10, 2015
- C. Anderson shared some of the information he learned at the meeting.
- He pointed out that the Town does not have the power to review plans or
protect resources.
- T. Hatfield suggested looking at the Cell Tower guidelines as a starting point.
Craig Anderson offered the following resolution (#8):
Whereas, the Town of Dryden has guidelines regarding specific infrastructure within the Town
of Dryden including telecommunications, adult entertainment and billboards; and
Whereas, those guidelines do not cover all aspects of infrastructure development; and
Whereas, changes in technology, higher demands on the infrastructure and the development of
new infrastructure require contemporary assessment; and
Whereas, ensuring proper adherence to the recommended installation of infrastructure
including, but not limited to, a project review by a professional chosen by the Town of Dryden
will protect and enhance future land use; and
Whereas, the citizens of the Town of Dryden should not be held liable for destruction of
property, a failed or abandoned project, or the enforcement of local laws and zoning; and
Whereas, codifying and updating the current knowledge base will expose areas of concern and
loopholes that may be harmful to the best interests of the Town of Dryden while enhancing the
review and update of the Comprehensive Plan;
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June 25, 2015
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Therefore, let it be resolved that the Town of Dryden Planning Board requests that the Town
Board grant the Planning Board permission to review the infrastructure (telecommunications,
underground transmission lines, etc) guidelines and recommend changes.
Seconded by Tom Hatfield and unanimously approved.
Red Mill Bridge and Malloyville Road Bridge:
- The Conservation Board has passed a resolution regarding the rebuilding or
repairs to the two bridges
- The Planning Board discussed the information provided including the financial
breakdown, the pros and cons of fixing each of the bridges and the future
growth patterns near the bridges.
Martin Hatch offered the following resolution (#9):
Whereas, the Town of Dryden Planning Board has considered, has accepted the
premises of, and supports the resolution prepared by the Dryden Town Board on 29
July 2015.
Be it therefore resolved that the Town of Dryden Planning Board strongly supports
the Dryden Town Board’s advocating the reconstruction of a two -lane bridge on Red Mill
Road over Fall Creek, and the maintaining of Malloryville Road Bridge in a safe
condition as a one lane bridge over Fall Creek.
Seconded by David Weinstein and unanimously approved
Hoag-Harvey Property
- The Board reviewed an email sent by Milo Richmond detailing the positives of
acquiring the property
- Acquiring the property would permit the Town to work with the stream to
prevent the washout of the Campbell Meadow property
- The property is a lovely piece of land with large trees and great views.
David Weinstein offered the following resolution (#10):
Whereas, the Town of Dryden Conservation Board has passed a resolution encouraging
the Town Board to consider the purchase of the Hoag-Harvey property located near
Pinckney Road; and
Whereas, the property fits the Methods and Selection Criteria for Land Protection and
Acquisition guidelines as approved by the Town Board; and
Whereas, acquisition of the property will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
goals;
Therefore, let it be resolved that the Town of Dryden Planning Board supports the
resolution as unanimously passed by the Conservation Board on April 28, 2015.
Seconded by Stefan Lutter and unanimously approved.
Site Plan Review Guidelines:
- The Board was pleased with the guidelines. The recommended changes
included adding a line for the signature of the Chair, a separate checklist for
the Varna Plan, a bullet for the County 239 l&m review, and where the
checklist indicates compliance with the County plan, it should also include
compliance with the Dryden Comprehensive Plan.
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June 25, 2015
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- The Board commended Ray Burger, Planning Director, for putting together the
checklist and getting it to the Planning Board. - The Planning Board recommends to the Town Board that they use the checklist
for Special Use Permits to maintain consistency.
- Another suggestion was to add a question regarding traffic impacts to the local
roads and intersections.
Methods and Selection Criteria for Land Protection and Acquisition:
- The Planning Board is charged with looking at land use and they never weighed
in on the Methods and Selection Criteria. The Planning Board might want to
consider creating a list of criteria from the point of the planning for the future.
- Joe Solomon added that the Town Board will appreciate additional information
as they make decisions.
- The walkable, bikable community that is in the Comprehensive plan should be
part of the consideration for property acquisition.
- C. Anderson agreed to begin the creation of a companion list (to the
Conservation Board’s Methods and Selection Criteria) from the Planning
perspective.
Sustainability in the Comprehensive Plan:
- Analysis and Suggestions for modification to the Comprehensive Plan
- It is a list of the kinds of things to think about such as taking a stance on the
information flow about energy efficiency to the citizens or ensure alternative
energy uses are considered in new construction, etc.
- There are seven sections in the plan and does the Planning Board wish to
incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability into each section?
- This would encourage the update of the Comprehensive Plan; the question
remains whether to rewrite or update or leave the plan as it is.
- Many of the sustainability aspects might be addressed in other legislation -
state, county, etc. – that should be verified before the Comprehensive Plan
adds another layer.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Erin A. Bieber
Planning Board
June 25, 2015
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Comprehensive Plan Review
The Town of Dryden Planning Board proposes to include in a revised Comprehensive Plan, if
such a revision occurs, the following sections: Analysis and Suggestions for Modification of the
Dryden Comprehensive Plan to Include Energy Sustainability, Energy Efficiency and
Sustainable Design Guidelines, and the Incorporation of STAR Community Goals.
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June 25, 2015
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Analysis and Suggestions for Modification of the Dryden Comprehensive Plan
to include Energy Sustainability
Martin Hatch and David Weinstein
In the Dryden 2005 Comprehensive Plan, the mention of energy considerations only occurs once.
Current Plan:
In the “GOALS” section, it states:
“6. Open Space and Environmental Protection
Objectives
Encourage development that promotes conservation of energy and water resources and
minimizes where possible adverse impacts such as loss of agricultural and forest lands, soil
erosion and sedimentation, and storm water run-off. “
Proposal for modification of the Dryden Comprehensive Plan to include energy
sustainability:
The subcommittee on Energy Sustainability proposes that we add relevant sections to the
Comprehensive Plan and Dryden Zoning Amendment that direct developers to follow the
recommendations in a new Guidelines for Sustainable Energy Development and Usage, similar
to our current Guidelines for Development. A proposal for these guidelines is included later in
this document.
Further, the following sections should be added to the Comprehensive Plan to outline the actions
to be taken by the Town to further the goal of energy sustainability in Dryden:
Potential Town Actions:
1. The Town should set support the development of local energy generation by providing
information in the following steps:
• Perform an analysis of the legal, physical (resources), social and economical barriers hindering
local energy generation, and provide corrective actions (subsidies, regulation, campaigns…).
• Identify public and private high thermal energy consuming buildings/facilities and produce
recommendations for lower energy-use alternatives without loss of functionality. Typical highly
energy consuming public facilities are: Swimming pools, sports facilities, office buildings,
hospitals or retirement homes.
• Consider and potentially introduce renewable energy installations’ requirements (such as space
for alternative energy systems, such as solar PV or thermal, biomass, or geothermal, so that these
systems would not be precluded in the future.
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June 25, 2015
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• Show publicly the successes of renewable energy measures, implemented in public buildings,
such as the Town Hall’s geothermal system.
• Identify the potential in each new development for the use of renewable energy sources (solar
thermal, solar PV and biomass) or micro-cogeneration. Consider the potential for adapting the
design of new developments to the requirement of these technologies.
2. Provide information and support to the stakeholders
• Organize informative meetings with stakeholders to demonstrate the economic, social and
environmental advantages of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Provide financial
resources to consumer associations and NGOs to disseminate these benefits to final consumers.
Consider promoting distributed energy generation as a marketing project.
• Create agreements with other public entities or associations, providing training courses focused
on technical, environmental and financial issues to installers, consulting and engineering
companies.
• Create an info-portal (for example, a section on the town’s web site) on the renewable energies
and energy-efficiency sectors in your town, with practical and timely information for citizens
(where to buy biomass, where are the best areas to install wind energy or solar
thermal/photovoltaic collectors, list of installers and equipment…). Such database may include
information on best practices in your town.
3. Set up regulations and actions that promote local energy generation projects
• Modify planning regulation where necessary to consider accommodating the infrastructures
required in alternative energy use.
• Create incentives for energy-efficiency improvements or renewable energy sources included in
proposals.
4. Ensure the availability of space to achieve projects
• If needed, provide public space to install local distributed energy generation installations.
Consider setting aside large unused spaces to promote renewable energies.
Potential Town Actions by sector:
1. Residential Sector
Objective: Promote, support, and enable increased energy efficiency and
renewable energy systems in residential uses.
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Potential Strategies:
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Encourage new residential construction projects to build beyond
the minimum buildings standards by voluntarily participating in the
Energy Star Qualified New Home Program. (Generally, Energy
Star Qualified New Homes are at least 15 percent more energy
efficient than buildings built to the 2004 International Residential
Code.
Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP): Encourage
households to partake in subsidized home energy audits.
Insulate Program: Encourage residents to partake in the insulate
programs, such as those which offer a rebate on the cost of
upgrading insulation.
Promote Energy Sw eep Programs which provide education to
homeowners on ways to be more energy efficient, as well as
distribute and installs low cost items such as compact fluorescent
lamps (CFLs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), low flow showerheads,
clothes drying racks, and referrals for subsidized weatherization
services.
Energy Star Appliances and Computers: Encourage and
provide educational materials on purchasing Energy Star
certified household appliances and electronics.
Identify best practices from other communities that encourage
more energy efficient and sustainably built homes.
Encourage and support the development of net zero energy homes.
Clean Energy
WindSource: Encourage residents to voluntarily purchase
cleaner electricity.
Solar Hot Water Systems: Encourage residents to take
advantage of the rebates on solar hot water systems.
SolarRewards: Encourage residents to partake in solar
rebate programs for installation of photovoltaic solar panel
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June 25, 2015
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systems.
2. Commercial Sector
Objective: Promote, support, and enable increased energy efficiency
and use of renewable energy generation in commercial and industrial.
Potential Strategies:
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Encourage conforming to United States Green Building Council
(USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Certif ication for New Construction
Develop a Green Business Advisory sub-Committee
Clean Energy Technologies
WindSource: Encourage commercial businesses to choose
cleaner energy sources.
3. Municipal Sector
Objective: Increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in
buildings and operations.
Potential Strategies
Encourage LEED standards for new construction and renovations.
Establish energy reduction goals for each town building and facility.
Encourage the Town to purchase Energy Star computers and office
equipment
Establish a desired average fuel efficiency goal for the town’s
vehicle fleet.
4. Transportation Sector
Objective: Reduce transportation energy consumption through a
combination of increased vehicle mileage, reduced mileage traveled,
increased transportation system efficiency and increased use of mass transit
and non-polluting transportation options.
.
Potential Strategies:
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Encourage Mode-Shifts and Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Encourage use of public transportation by encouraging major
employers to participate in the transit programs, and making
bus stops more user friendly.
Enable and encourage biking by adding and extending bike
paths, increasing bike path connections, and by improving
bicycle safety and usability of city streets.
Encourage youth to use alternative modes of
transportation, including programs through the high
school level.
Encourage car-pooling.
Explore feasibility of installing electric recharging services
and bio-fuel stations.
Improve Vehicle Fuel Economy
Encourage residents and businesses to purchase fuel-
efficient vehicles.
Provide education on ways to enhance the efficiency of
vehicles, such as sufficient tire pressure and clean air filters.
5. Economic Development
Explore development of low-carbon, renewable, and non-
traditional energy generation to stimulate economic
development and job creation.
Support green development that promotes local economic
growth through clean energy jobs and that demonstrates energy
sustainability living and learning solutions on varying scales.
6. Land Use
Make recommendations to town board on ways to review and
amend zoning regulations to meet accommodate energy
efficiency. Use planning to produce a more walkable community,
better bicycle access, and less car dependency.
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June 25, 2015
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Improve the carbon capturing capacity of the environment by
promoting healthy trees, grasslands, farmland, and open space.
7. Cooperation and Collaboration with Other Energy Programs
Objective: Coordinate with government and non-government energy
programs that affect the town and develop financial incentives for
energy sustainability.
Potential Strategies:
Continue involvement with efforts by other municipalities.
Take full advantage of energy and funding resources of
regional, state, national energy efficiency and renewable
energy programs.
Investigate new financial incentive programs.
Be supportive of the waste reduction projects in area,
such as single-stream recycling and zero-waste events.
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June 25, 2015
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY and SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Guidelines
Applicable developments are required to implement energy efficiency and production,
energy conservation, and sustainable design principles as found in these guidelines.
22.1 Purpose:
In accordance with the Town of Dryden’s policy on energy
efficiency and conservation, this section is adopted as in the public interest to
lessen the town's dependence upon energy sources which may, from time to
time, be uncertain and result in increased pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions. It is also found to be in the public interest to encourage and
support energy efficient practices that are likely to have beneficial impacts on
the economy, the environment, and the public health.
It is the intent of this ordinance to enhance and supplement existing federal
and state incentives for tax treatment and other benefits related to alternative
energy usage, energy efficiency and sustainable design. Interpretations by the
Planning Board shall be made so far as possible to preserve the intent of these
guidelines and the developer and home owner’s ability to benefit from these
programs as well.
22.2 Residential Development: recommendations for energy efficiency shall be
adopted by the Planning Board.
22.3 Non-residential Development.
22.3.1 The Planning Board shall recommend that non-residential developments
achieve industry energy efficiency benchmarks
22.3.2 Each development should consider the following subsections:
A) Renewable Energy Production .
1) Eligible generation installations shall be limited to wind, PV
(photovoltaic) solar, biomass.
2) Innovative Technologies, such as fuel cell, co-generation, and
small-scall biomass.
B) Sustainable Design Requirements.
1) Building Site and Materials.
a) Orientation
Buildings shall be oriented on the site to optimize passive solar heating and cooling opportunities.
Buildings shall be oriented so as to minimize wind loads on structures.
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Windows shall be placed to maximize solar penetration
during the winter months and minimize solar penetration
during the summer months.
Lot layout shall be shown on an approved plan to insure that structures can comply
with this requirement. Directions and orientations shall be noted on the recorded
plan for the lot to alert the builder/lot owner of the optimal orientation.
b) Reuse of Existing Materials and Recycled Content
Demonstration that the applicant will use recycled content materials in the site development and construction.
The project must provide adequate storage and
collection of recyclables both during and post
construction. Post construction recyclable areas must be
easily accessible to all building occupants/users and be
sufficiently sized for storage and collection of non-
hazardous materials including at a minimum paper,
corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals.
c) Use of Local and Regional Materials
In order to reduce the environmental impact of materials
shipping, the project should use building materials that
provide long-term durability and decreased maintenance
costs; are extracted, processed and manufactured within
New York; and are made from renewable resources or
materials wherever possible. Relative values of local
materials to overall materials cost shall also be considered
for assignment of values with the range.
d) Construction Waste Management.
Promote efficient use of solid waste by diverting construction, demolition and land
clearing debris from landfill disposal, and by redirecting resources for recycling and
reuse.
Develop and implement a construction waste
management plan as part of the Planning Board approval
process that quantifies material diversion goals and the
procedures for achieving them.
Recycle and/or salvage, demolition, and land clearing waste generated through site preparation.
2) Construction Envelope Energy Conservation.
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June 25, 2015
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Increase the amount of energy saved through conservation
programs to include but not be limited to:
Any mechanism for insulation that exceeds the NY Energy
Code. Successful completion of air leakage tested to
comply with Best Practices of Technical Standard 1 of the
Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association:
Type Air Permeability
m3/(h.m2) at 50 pascals
Best Practice Normal
Offices
Naturally ventilated 3 7
Mixed mode 2.5 5
Air conditioned/low energy 2 5
Factories/warehouses 2 6
Superstores 1 5
Schools 3 9
Hospitals 5 9
Museums and archiv al stores 1 1.5
Cold Stores 0.2 0.35
Dwellings
Naturally ventilated 3 9
Mechanically ventilated 3 5
Additional items may be considered provided they are also
eligible for the federal tax credit for energy efficiency.
3) Potential for alternative systems of heating and Cooling.
a) Installation of a solar water heating system rated at
1000 watts of thermal power per 450 gallons per day
of usage.
b) Geothermal systems with a sufficient capacity and
efficiency as projected by the manufacturer to save the
average energy costs for conventional heating and
cooling units by 30%.
c) Wood-pellet and other biomass heating systems in
sufficient output to provide over 50% of the base heating
load for the entire structure.
d) The installation of a hydronic radiant heating system for the
structure.
e) Reduce the building’s heat load by either using roofing
materials with a minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of
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June 25, 2015
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78 for roof slopes less than or equal to 2:12 or a minimum
SRI of 29 for slopes greater than 2:12; or install a
vegetated roof for at least 50 percent of the roof area.
f) Ductwork insulated to a minimum of R-6 if located in an
unconditioned space, including attics, basements, and
exterior walls. Exceptions include insulation for exhaust air
ducts or ducts within HVAC equipment.
g) HVAC piping in unconditioned spaces conveying fluids at
temperatures above 120 degrees or chilled fluids at less
than 55 degrees must be insulated to a minimum of R-5.
4) Innovative Technologies.
a) The Planning Board may approve on a case-by-case basis the use of innovative building technologies and that there are sufficient environmental, economic, and experimental benefits to be gained from the installation.
5) Operational Requirements
a) No idling policy
b) Reduced lighting after hours using LED light fixtures.
c) Smart Panels installed as a demand side management
program.
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June 25, 2015
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Incorporation of STAR Community Goals in Town of Dryden Comprehensive Plan
Joe Laquatra, Tom Hatfield, Craig Schutt
GOAL AREA: Economy & Jobs: Create equitably shared prosperity and access to quality jobs
Business Retention & Development
Objective
: Foster economic prosperity and stability by retaining and expanding businesses with
support from the business community.
Recommended action
• manage a revolving loan program to help area businesses,
: Reactivate Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and charge it to
develop incentives and initiatives to attract and retain businesses. For example, the IDA could:
• serve as a conduit to the tax-exempt bond market for local not-for-profit
employers,
• foster the growth of businesses that create quality jobs and increase the tax base.
Green Market Development
Objective
: Increase overall market demand for products and services that protect the
environment.
Recommended action
• Contain recycled materials
: Environmentally preferable products (EPP) are products and services that
have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to
competing products or services that serve the same purpose. They may include, but not be
limited to, items that:
• Minimize waste
• Conserve energy and/or water
• Consist of fewer toxic substances
• Reduce the amount of toxic substances disposed or consumed
• Protect open-space
• Lessen the impact to public health
The Town is urged to establish an EPP Purchasing Program. Through its purchasing power the
Town could reduce the environmental and public health impact of Town government and foster
markets for EPPs.
Local Economy, Quality Jobs, and Living Wages
Objectives
: Create an increasingly self-reliant community through a robust local economy with
benefits shared by all. Expand job opportunities that support upward economic mobility and
provide sufficient wages so that working people and their families can afford a decent standard
of living.
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June 25, 2015
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Recommended action
: The Town is urged to educate town residents and businesses on steps they
can take to improve energy efficiency in homes and commercial structures. Resources are
available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA) for no-cost blower door tests that assess the energy efficiency of structures. Low-
interest loans from NYSERDA can be used for air-tightening measures, insulation, and high-
efficiency space conditioning equipment. NYSERDA grants and loans can also be applied to
photovoltaic and wind energy systems for homes and businesses.
The Town is urged to educate future members of the Town labor market about careers in energy
efficiency. Presentations could be made to teachers of Dryden Central School about Building
Performance Institute (BPI) curricula in community colleges throughout New York State. BPI-
accredited contractors are in demand for work in the weatherization and renewable energy sector.
Targeted Industry Development
Objective
: Increase local competitiveness by strengthening networks of businesses, suppliers,
and associated institutions.
Recommended action
: The reactivated IDA will be charged with establishing a Dryden Business
Association that could advocate for business-friendly policies at the Town and State levels.
GOAL AREA: Built Environment: Achieve livability, choice, and access for all where people
live, work, and play
Housing Affordability
Objective
: Construct, preserve, and maintain an adequate and diverse supply of location-efficient
and affordable housing options for all residents.
Recommended action
: Offer incentives to developers of new subdivisions to include a
percentage of affordable housing in these subdivisions that look no different than market-rate
housing.
GOAL AREA: Education, Arts & Community: Empower vibrant, educated, connected, and
diverse communities
Arts & Culture
Objective
: Provide a broad range of arts and cultural resources and activities that encourage
participation and creative self-expression.
Recommended action
: Because the Town of Dryden has a diverse array of historic, cultural,
natural, rural, scenic, and agricultural resources, efforts should be undertaken to preserve these
whenever new development occurs.
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June 25, 2015
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Educational Opportunity & Attainment
Objective
: Achieve equitable attainment of a quality education for individuals from birth to
adulthood.
Recommended action
: Town of Dryden school-aged residents are served by the Dryden School
District, from which students can graduate with a degree from Tompkins Cortland Community
College (TC3); the Groton Central School District; the Ithaca City School District; and
elementary schools in Dryden, Freeville, and McLean. In addition, the William George Agency
for Children’s Services serves adolescent boys and girls who are referred by probation or social
services departments, school districts, and the Office of Children and Family Services. TC3 is
located in the Town. Educational programs offered by Cornell University Cooperative Extension
of Tompkins County are available to all Town residents. Other educational venues available to
Town residents include those offered by the Board of Cooperative Educational Services
(BOCES), Youth Services of the Town of Dryden, and 4H Acres. These resources ensure that the
equitable attainment of a quality education is available for Town residents from birth to
adulthood. Town officials should maintain an awareness of the quality of these educational
resources and intervene, as appropriate, when this quality becomes vulnerable from internal or
external concerns.
Historic Preservation
Objective
: Preserve and reuse historic structures and sites to retain local, regional, and national
history and heritage, reinforce community character, and conserve resources.
Recommended action
: The Town should maintain an ongoing dialog with the Dryden Historical
Society to preserve and reuse historic structures and sites to retain local, regional, and national
history and heritage, reinforce community character, and conserve resources. Awareness of the
Dryden Historic District, located in the Village of Dryden, should be promoted.
Social & Cultural Diversity
Objective
: Celebrate and respect diversity and represent diverse perspectives in community
decision-making.
Recommended action
: As the Town Supervisor appoints members to the Town boards, she/he
should do so in a manner that respects diversity and represents diverse perspectives in
community decision-making.
GOAL AREA: Natural Systems: Protect and restore the natural resource base upon which life
depends
Invasive Species
Objective
: Prevent and manage invasive species in order to restore and protect natural
ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
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June 25, 2015
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Recommended action
: When the Town Planning Board reviews any development proposal, it
should include in its review any possible impacts on Unique Natural Areas and Critical
Environmental Areas.
Outdoor Air Quality
Objective
: Ensure that outdoor air quality is healthy for all people and protects the welfare of the
community
Recommended action
: The Town should consider enacting regulations that address and reduce
air quality impacts from outdoor wood burning. Such regulations might include: building permits
for installation of outdoor wood burners; setbacks from neighboring properties; prohibited use in
residential zones; and mandated seasonal-only use. The Town should also consider enacting
regulation to limit the cumulative air quality impacts from industrial, diesel, or other similar
operations, and should also explore adopting a motor vehicle idling law.
Water in the Environment
Objective
: Protect and restore the biological, chemical, and hydrological integrity of water in the
natural environment.
Recommended action
: The Town should support the ongoing efforts of water quality monitoring
in the local watersheds and the Tompkins County Water Resources Council and the
Brooktondale Gauge Station.
Working Lands
Objective
: Conserve and maintain lands that provide raw materials in ways that allow for
sustained harvests and the preservation of ecosystem integrity.
Recommended action
: When the Town Planning Board reviews any development proposal, it
should include in its review any possible impacts on working lands. Continue to cooperate with
Ag and Markets standards and consider extending those requirements to Ag Districts.