HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB Correspondence 2017Frc�rn: Janell� Alvstad-Mattsan [mailta:'���� rn�il.c�rrr�
���ata Thursday, January i9, 2017 10:52 AM
To; Laura Pastore; Paulette %rwilliger
�aabj��t: Better signage an 5nyder Hill Road?
Hello, I live �t 214 Snycler� Fiill Road. I've talked to the Tow1i af Ithaca a bit abc�ut ihis it� the }aast, blrt I feel like
it needs to �et addressed again. Would it be at all possible to get some better sign���e c�i7 �nyd�;r ��i11 Road near
Dove Drive and SkyVue?
This is the only stretcl� of SHR that� still has barely a shoulder. T11ere ar� pe;destrians whc� neeci to �Falk on this
stretch in order ta �et tc� parks and trails z�earby. (7n top of that, it's a stee��� p��rt� oi the hill ��ncl cars are coming
izito town �re comin� fi•c►m a less detzsely popt�lated area of SHR, so tlespite th�: �fcw si�;ns �th�t sl�ow the 40rnph
speed limit, many of the cars arc going 55 ar faster.
Next year t1�e ��ark c�n I7ove L7rive is �etting a new playground. This will only increasc pedestrian traffic oyi and
across Snyder �-Iil1 Ro1d in tlzis �rea. I feel a crosswalk at Dove and Skyvue �l�d/ar pe�estrian sigr7s could
greatly reduce risk for th�se �aedestri�yls. It would be a visual indicator f�r cars to rc�d�.ice speed and/or increase
awareness. Please cansider this, faz� aur childreti's safety and our own.
I'm includirig ���low tl�e ]a171ent I p�zt� on Facebook t1�is rtlorning regardizlg tl�is z��tter. 'I�his is a daily struggle %r
our family. I've redliced myself to making my ov��n "SLOW DOWN" signs to post araund aur driveway so
people ���on't drive so fast as my cliildret� wait for the bus (the bus th�it stc�ps in frotit of our h�use� only because
of n-�y constant battle with the ICSD bus �ara�e that corltinues to make our oftici�l btis stop at the coriier of
SHR aild Dove).
Janelle Alvs�tad-Mattso�n
214 S�iyder Hill Ttoad
Ithaca
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Every day I take my dog far a walk. in order to da this, I need to walk a block an a section afi 40 mph suburban road
with no sidewalk and very little shaulder. �learly every day cars drive by me on this stretch going between 40 and 55
miles an hour. C7f these cars approximately 70% of them da not mave aver even siightly despite the fact that nothing
is coming in the apposite direction. WHY?????? Is it that di�cult for you ta puil your car slightly toward the middie of
the road in order to ensure the safety and cornfort of pedestrians? Does veering left far 5 seconds inconvenience
you that much? I just don't get it.
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,�����a� l�q����¢�•��tk���� Here's a pic af my shoulder:
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Frorv�: Janelle Alvstad-Mattson <janelleam@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2017 1:39 PM
To: Paulette Terwilliger
Subject: Re: Better signage on 5nyder Hill Road?
Ms. Tei•williger,
I have oile n�ore thing to submit in regard to tlze mattez•. My friend who lives at 171 Snyder IIill Road just
commented in response ta my Facebook post. Thank you.
�,r��a���i� �9��s��c�a� J�ar�i��� i live very close to Janelle -- less than 1/4 mile on the same road. This is a picture of my driveway on
January 10. Do you think the car on the left was going 40 mph? Granted, it was an icy night, but I am haunted by the thaught that
we could have been outside with our dag.
Ui�lik� � ���ply � �� � � o���if��:>a
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�r���r��� �l��rs��;��� J�r���a P.S. I puli away from the side, and I slaw down a lot. But I also avoid walking an our road and an Ellis
Hollow Road.
tJr�like � ��pBy 1 r" ���i�-�s:,
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��0���6� �E�����s�► Ja�rc��� P.P.S. in the past 20 years, two pedestrians have been hit by cars in frant of aur hause. Both were hit
and runs.
On Thu, Jan 19, 2017 at 1:35 PM, Janelle Alvstad-Mattson <��Y���1�����r��Cr`)� 7�rt�xii �;�»��> ��rote:
Thank you
On Thu, Jan 19, 2017 at 1:06 PM, Pa�tlette Terwilliger ��"1 cr•�r��11i ���:r ir)t«wn;�itl�,�z���z�iy.���> wrote:
°�'har�k ycr�a Ms. Alvst�d-IVlattsc�n, I have cc'c� the �`�wrr Ba�rd �r�d tt7is will g� in ihe ccrrr�spand�nce folder for their
r�vaeuv ar�d comr�l�r�t.
�a�al��te �'�r�rvilli�er
�
Tompkins �ounty
Industrlal Development Agency
Administration pravicled by �Tl..�
january 19, 2Q17
Bill Goodman
215 North Tiaga Sfreet
Ithaca NY 14850
Re: Off-Sife Commercial Solar Photovoltaic Policy
Dear Mr. Goodman,
The Tompkins Counfy IDA is contemplating the adoption of an Off-Site Commercial �olar
Photovoltaic Policy. The policy is enclosed for your review.
The TCIDA Board respectfully requests camments by February $, 2017 for discussion at the
next regularly scheduled TDA Board meeting on February 9, 2017. Comments may be mailed
to the II7A Board at the address below or emailed to me at: heatherm@tcad.org
I will also be presenting the proposed policy at the Tampkins �ounty Council of Governments
meeting on February 23, 2017 at 4:OOpm if anyone is interested in participating in fhe
discussion.
.� � � ;;�.�.:.�._.'�►
� 11►�►�: '+ ��
Heather I7. McDaniel
Administrative Director
Encl: Off-Site Commercial Solar Phatovoltaic Policy
401 E MLK Straet, Suite 4Q2B, Ithaca, New Yark 14850 • phone: (607} 273-0005 • fax: {60'7) 2�3-8964
To�r�pkins County
Industrial Develapment Agen
Off-Site Commerciat Solar Photavoltaic Palicy
Draft - December 28, 2Q16
Purpose
The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency {IDA) wishes ta adopt an off-site cornmercial
solar photovoltaic palicy to encourage solar development for the foilawing purposes;
1. Support New York State's "Reforrning the Energy Vision" Initiative, which is intended ta encaurage
renewable energy development that will spur econamic growth and develap new energy business
models. The initiative sets statewide gaais of.cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80°lo by 2050 and
generating SO°!a af New York's electricity from renewables by 203Q.
2. Support Tompkins County's energy and greenhouse gas emissions palicy to "meet community needs
without contributing additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere." The policy includes gaals ta:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reach a minimum 80 percent reduction from 20081evels by
2050 and reduce reliance on fossil fuels across all sectors.
- Increase the use of local and regional renewable energy sources and technologies.
3. Support consumer chaice for renewable energy generation.
4. Administer a single countywide unifarm ta7c exemption policy allowing municipalities ta collect
long-term predictabie payments in lieu of taxes withaut the burden of developing and administering
PILOT agreements at the municipal level.
5. Assist project develapers by offering a single countywide tax exemptian policy, eliminating the need
to negotiate PILOTS with multiple taxing jurisdictions.
6. To enhance deveiopers' prospects for financing community distributed generation projects by
offering a uniform PILOT structure that is simpie, predictable, and mare appealing to lenders.
Policv
This policy pravides incentives for off-site solar projects that provide renewable energy benefits ta
residential and commercial customers. Eligibie projects commerciai scale prajects, generally twa
megawatts or less, as autlined in state law. Types of eligible projects inciude:
• Community distributed solar Jshared salar
• Off-site generatian projects that have a wholesale power purchase agreement with ane or
i��"TT�T�.��F�
To respect variations in local municipal policy, each project application must include a letter from the
host municipality endarsing the praposed payment in lieu of tax agreement with the IDA. It is strangiy
encouraged that applicants provide a preference or pre-offering to Tampkins County residents.
The following standard incentives will be offered:
Property Tax: Real estate taxes an the increased value resulting frarn improvements are
partially abated over a twenty (20) year period. The annual payment in lieu
of t�es {PILO.T) is $8,400 per megawatt (MW} af the facility's nameplate
capacity, with a 2°lo increase each year.
Tompl�ins County
Industrlal Development Agency
Sales Tax: Exernption from State and local sales t� on project casts outlined in the
IDA Policies and Pracedures.
Mortgage Recording Tax: Exemption from the State share of the mortgage recording tax as autiined in
the IDA policies and Procedures.
Fees
The applicant is responsible for paying the IDA Adrninistrative Fee at the time of closing. The fee will
be equal ta .SO°!o of the total value of expenses that are positively impacted by IL}A incentives. The
applicant is alsa responsible for paying the IDA far a11 legat casts it incurs including IDA Caunsel.
C}ther
Unless specifically outlined in this policy, the appiicant wi11 be respansible for complying with alI ofiher
rules and regulations as set forth in the IDA's Policies and Procedures.
Palicy appraved:
Paulette Terwilliger
From: Mary Beth O'Cannor <maconnor@ithaca.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2Q1711:40 AM
Ta: supervisor@townofcaroline.org; cal snaw@townofcaroline.org;
Irene_Weiser@townafcaraline.org; gary_reinbolt@townofcaroline.arg;
jahn_fracchia@tawnafcaraline.org
Cc: clerk@tawnofcaroline.arg; supervisor@dryden.ny.us; townclerk@dryden.ny.us;
supervisar@townofdanbyny.org; townclerk@townafdanbyny.org; Bill Goodman;
Paulette Terwilliger
Subject: Proposed Trail
Hello Everyane,
I originally wrote this to send to a list serve I'm on, where the cammentary has been utterly dismissive
of anyane not suppartive of the propased trail. Mare after the italicized part.
J jusf want to say that / think it's irrrportant to reeognize that rrrany people have legi�irnate concerns
about the proposed extension of the recreation way. For severa/ property owners, the proposed trail
wvu/d run right fhrough their /and—through fheir orchards, their farms, their yards. 1 ask you to
consider haw you wou/d feel if a graup of peop/e wanfed �o establish a frail fhrough your backyard.
/f's not a matter of b/owing ouf of propartion ihe possible dangers of "mofher rapers" or a kind of
bJindness % the proposed benefits of such a trail to the public. But from what 1've read on this list
serve and others, propanenfs of the trail seem �o have established an "us versus them" rnentality.•
property owners who do not want a paved public trail running through their land must tre somehow
selfish or evil—c�r simp/y bad terrrpered.
J'm a cross country skier, and a hiker, and a cycfist. Would if be nice to have a way to iravel befween
8rooktondale and lihaca that's no� on route 79 or Coddingfon Road? Sure—if fhat doesn't inierfere
with anyone's property rights or desire to have their surroundings remain private and rural. But in fhis
case, fhe proposed trail does interfere with those rights and desires.
l moved �o Brookfanda/e, purchased acreage and an o/d farmhouse precisely because l wanfed to
live in the country in the relafive peace and quiet. Shou/d fhis trail be built, it would errrpty ouf direct/y
across fram our hame. Suddenly there would be trail heads, parking lots, and /ots of people. Shou/d
the trail be extended further than Middaugh Road (which, I'm pretfy cer�ain is fhe larger plan), it wou/d
go right �hrough our side yard, very near fo our house. The last time this trail was proposed, someane
tried to convince me that a wall could be buili to shield us from the traffic! Right through our garden!
(and then on through the fie/d in which our sa/ar pane/s are set up).
!n a reoent posf, skiers' respect for properfy owners was c/ear when a contributor to the list
encountered a man over in the Yellaw Bam area, ! believe it was, who told the skier �ha� he was
trespassing, or abouf to. The skier had been unaware of this and proceeded to find another way to ski
wifhout trespassing. l think this kind of neigh6arly respecf is important.
1 hope fhaf you all who support fhe trail can understand why l—and many oihers— don't want this
praject to go forward.
Thanks for listening.
I would just add that I find it somewhat arnazing that peaple who don't live along the proposed trail
would ridicule the concerns of thase who do, not to mention going ahead and trespassing in the mean
time (E.g., an the Hilker property}. What does private property rrrean if something property owners
don't want is forced upan us? Praponents of the trail—especially the more self-righteaus af them—
seem to think that the praposed route runs through—samehaw—public land. It is not public land. It is
owned by those of us wha purchased it. I think this needs to be clarified immediately.
A final note: my spouse and I have not received any correspondence regarding the proposed trail
from our town supervisar, who said in the last Brooktondale newsletter that he has been in tauch with
concerned praperky awners.
Thank you for yaur consideration.
Sincerely,
:- ! • •
• �a. • '�.•
: •� � •. - �:
January 25, 2017
My name is Clarene Stephens. I am writing ta you regarding the Caddingtan Traii. I am
opposed to this traii as I was in 2008. I baught my hame in 1993. We chase ta live here because
we wanted a speciai, naturai, private space to enjoy together. It has aiways been my belief that
being a homeowner gave me the right ta my personal space. Over the years my husband and I
have dane improvements to create a sanctuary for our now re�irement years.
I have experienced people wandering in my yard because they wanted to see my gardens; dags
unleashed pooping in my yard and peapie parking in my yard right after I mawed it so they
could walk the trail as it is naw. We aisa have had a burgiary and attempts. I strangly believe
by making this trail bigger it will compromise aur personai space as weil as our safety.
I can understand people being in favor of this trail, but I wauld imagine it would not interfere
with their privacy ar safety as it daes ours.
Thank yau for your consideration,
Clarene Stephens
Paulette Terwilliger
From: Mark Witmer <supervisor@townofcaroline.org>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 9:50 AM
To: Mary Beth O'Connor; Ca) Snow; Irene Weiser; Gary Reinbolt; John Fracchia
Cc: Marilau Harrington; supervisor@dryden.ny.us; townclerk@dryden.ny.us;
supervisor@townofdanbyny.org; townclerk@townofdanbyny.org; Bill Goodman;
Paulette Terwilliger
Subject: Re: Proposed Trail
Hello Mary Beth,
Tha�l�lks �or sl7aring yoiir perspective oi1 the proposed trail extension �nd our process. My process - and what I
wrote in the Olcl Mill - is that I h�ve re�ched out to neighbars adjoinin�; the rail bed �roperty along the proposed
Caroline ext�nsian to provide informatiorz and notice of ineetings, and to discuss the proposal. As youc property
is not adj�ce�lt to the proposed trail extension, you were not on my list. But I am happy to add you in aild w�ill
do t1�at. I also want to emphasize that I 111ve contacted neighbors to t11e trail property in advarlce of town
meetings and public events about the proposed project, whether by mail, phone, or on foot.
We have heard your (and others') concerns ai7d the Caroline Town Sc�ar•d is evaltiating infor�mation in order to
inforin their thi��king abo��t tl�is proposal. Our challenge as a town board is to weigh the costs and
be�nefits that would come with the trail extension, and to woi�lc to gain an objective understianding of
the potential �impacts and how they inight be Znitigated shou�d the project move forward.
I thinic the example you mention of the respectful skier avoiding trespass is wonderful, and is the kind af cLllttiire
we want to cultivate. To be clear: we are no�t proposing taking anyolle's ��roperty. The rail bed is owned by
NYSEG and clearly designated on property maps for this segment. The pl�n is for the County to obtain a
License Agreement for public use 1s a trail. A neighbor to the proposed irail extension did write us a 1et�ter
challenging ow�nership of the trail; we toak that seriotiisly and enga�;ed oui° tow�n attorney to investi�ate. His
cozzclusion was that NYSEG owns the trail, and that is also NYSEG's understanding.
T want to call your attention to the public event that was held on November 2)th to provide information to the
public about the South Hill Recreation Way Extension proposal. I atte�zded the meeting ancl advertised it on
Tow�n flnnouncements and the Town Website, in addition to contacting the Caroline neighbors to the railbed
pl•ope�rty. The gaal oithis meetin�; was to provide a canstructive public forum at which information abo�tt the
trail �1an could be presented az�cl feedback from the public coLild be gathered. Informatioli presented at that
meetin�; can be viewed at: �kiit�s://sc��:i�th�ilill�•ccwa .�pr�ss.con�.
I wili be in touch soon with more i1i%rnlatian. Please do not hesitate to cantact ine to diseuss the plan or just to
get an update on the process. I am at the Tow�n Hall most days and yoLl are welcome anytime. Or give me a
ca11.
5iilcerely,
Mark Witmer
Cat•oline Town Supervisor
G07-539-3395
Paulette Terwilliger
From:
Sent:
Ta:
��
Hi,
jpv3@cornell.edu on behalf of Jesse Veverka <jesse@veverkabros.com>
Friday, January 27, 2017 12:56 PM
supervisor@townofcaroline.org; john_fracchia@townofcaraline.org;
gary_reinbolt@townofcaroline.org; cal_snow@townofcaroline.arg;
irene_weiser@townofcaroline.org; clerk@tawnofcaroline.org; supervisor@dryden.ny.us;
townclerk@dryden.ny.us; supervisor@townofdanbyny.arg;
townclerk@townofdanbyny.org; Bill Goodman; Paulette Terwilliger
Interview Request: South Hill Recreation Way
I am a local documentary filmmaker who has recently become aware of tlze growing cantroversy surrounding
the extension of the Sout1~� I���ill Iz.ecreation Way into the Town oi Caroline.
Specific�lly, I have learned that many Town of Caroline residents oppase the ex:tension of the trail, sighting
various concerns including private property rights, safety, eizvironmental impact and cost. IIowever, Tompkins
cotiinty is continuin� to p�ish Caroline's Town Board to adopt the proposecl extension despite this opposition.
Furthermore I understand �that� �there is a pending� lawsuit against certain lacal �;c�vernincnt entities as well as
�ccusations o� lack-�f transparency, impropriety and possible carruption ii� l�cal �;overnment with regard to this
tnatter.
I believe this story would be of interest to the greater Tompkins conlmunity aild woLild like to prodl�ce a
documentary expose on t�11e subject exploring these concel-ns. As yotii are a lnember of local government
relevarlt to this issue, I am therej'or writing to request a short on-caniera iliterview for inclusion in this film. This
would be a cllance to explain your views.
Please let nze knaw if you would be willing to participate, and when yoli might b� available for a short on-
camera interview.
i�"lc�lll{ y0ll,
J�SSe
Jesse Veverka
Producer
Veverka Bros. Productioils LLC
+1 607-216-4304 (USA)
Skype: kina7$7
j esse(�z7veverkat�rc��;. cc�tz�
www.vev��•1c��-rrc�s.cc�r��.
This eznail �nd atly attachzY�ents ta it lnay be confidential and are intended solely for tlie use of the individual(s)
ta whom it is adclressed.
1 Februaly, 2017
To: Represei�tatives f��c�rn the Towiss of Ithaca, L7ryden, Dariby, Carol.ir�e
From: Coddington Land 5tewards
Re: Prapased South I-lill Recreltian Way Extension
�� .��� � ��� T��,���
�,���,,, _ ���;.„,� �:
'The Coddi�7gton Lal�d Stewa��ds is a group of over 301andawners wha op�ase the idea of extending the
South Hill l�ecl•eatio�� Way past its current terminu� at �urns Ficra�. f�l�i� r7�c�1�n1�E�rs y�esic�e iz1 the towns of
Ithaca, Dryden, Danby; and Caroline.
Landow�zei�s i�� atu• graup have retained Nels Ackerson, of Elckersan, Kauffinan Fex, in Washington i)C
in this rz��tter.
NIi�. Ackerso��'s f.irm has workecl in the area of rail-trail law since 1991.. N[r�. Ackerson is aclssiowledged
as oz�1e raf ttie n��tio��l's pre�iY7iz7�irt Experts in th� field. We thr7ugtrt 1VIi��. .E1�kerso���s testimony before
Congress on October, �30, 1997, reg�rding landowners' perspectives wo�:ilcl be v�luable reading for you.
W�'re ho�in� that Mr. Ackerson's testiinony may help you better uncf�rstabid wllere meznbers of the
Coddingtan Land Stewards are comi:ng from in our opposition to the trail.
Please review the following testimany of Nels Ackersan.
If you I�ave any questin�ls, comments, or concerns, please ernail:
Coddington Land Stewards
c:odc�in�t,���rxla.azt�st�w����ci�a7��n,�il.c:o�
Thank you,
Coddingtc�n Land Stewards
Source: https:/lwww.gpo. ovlfdsyslpkglCHRG-105hhrg46626lpdflCHRG-1Q5hhr 4�, 6626 pdf
pages 37-38
TESTIMONY OF NELS ACKERSOlV BEFORE THE SUBCtJMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS,
FORESTS, AND LANDS
i • ' ! '
# � � � i �
i ! : • 1 ••
STATEMENT OF NELS ACKERSON, ATTORNE�, THE ACKERSON GROUP Mr. ACKERSON.
Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I have the priviZege of representing, individually and in
ciass actions, now tens of thousands of landowners, homeowners, families, retirees, sma11 businesses,
farm organizatians, and athers, in about 15 states across the nation. Like the author of H.R. 2438, Mr.
Ryun, many af my clients enjoy the outdoors and knaw the benefits of recreational trails. They also in
many cases are canservatianists. What distinguishes my clients from others is fihat they awn the land on
which raiiroads once Qperated their trains, and upon which trails are now aperating or proposed. They
are nat adjacent landowners; they are the landowners. They own the strips of land running through their
farms or their yards, where trains once ran, every bit as much as any homeowner owns a backyard, a
driveway, ar a deck. And so, members of the Committee, I want to ask this Committee to look at two
different perspectives on the railroad corridors where trails have been gropased or are operating; not
just the perspective down the corridor, but the perspective acrass the corridor. The owner's perspective
is different, because it is their land. They not only laok dawn the abandoned railraad, but also across it.
Looking cross the right-of-way they see the rest of their farm, reunited for a mare efficient farming
operation, now that the railraad has braught to an end the agreement that allowed railroad use on their
land. They see a backyard in which their children can play in safety and privacy. Sometimes they see a
strip of land that has become a sanctuary for wildflowers, berry bushes, and wildlife which they would
like preserved, free from asphalt surfaces and free from traffic. In short, what my clients, Che
landowners, see, is their home, their farm, their land. Unfartunately, the perspective that has dominated
much af the debate, and nat a bad perspective, but a different perspective—and it's only bad if it's the
anly perspective— and that is the perspective down the corridor. Railroad companies and trails
advacates often fail ta look at the other perspective, acrass the corridor. Railraads want to be paid for
land they once used, regardless of whether they own it. Traiis propanents see opgortunities for
recreational uses, and often view my clients as greedy or disgrunded neighbars, who are troublesome in
their bothering to stop part af a trail; rather than as the owners of the traii that is to be taken without
their consent and without their consultation for the purpose that they did not have in mind. Now those
who look down the corridor, and only down the corridar, nat only miss a beautiful view of life; they
also miss the fundamental point that we learned in kindergarten: you shouldn't take something that is
nvt yours without first asking. That's the first principle. The ather is, you should pay for what you take.
The perspective down the corridor—when it is the exclusive perspective— turns a blind eye to those
who own the land. A trail proponent in zeal to establish a recreational traii may presume that the
railraad, rather than the real landowner, should be approached and paid far the land. The railroad of
caurse likely will be happy to oblige. It's a rule of human nature I think—even in this city—that if you
rob Peter to pay Paul, you can often count on Paul for support. Thus the real landowners are taken out
of any involvement whatsoever in what happens to their land. That is the perspective that has been
fostered and maintained by the present law. Owners of the land to be taken far a trail don't even know
Paulette Terwilliger
From: scott vangaasbeck �svangaasbeck@gmail.com>
Sen#: Tuesday, February 07, 2017 1:13 PM
Ta: Mark Witmer; John Fracchia; Gary Reinbolt; Cal Snow; irene_weiser@tawnofcaroline.org;
Marilou Harrington; rdietric@twcny.rr,com; supervisar@dryden.ny.us; Bambi Avery;
supervisor@townofdanbyny.org; townclerk@tawnofdanbyny.org; Bill Gaadman;
Paulette Rosa; rbrenner@townofdanbyny.org; Iconnors@townofdanbyny.org;
jholahan@townafdanbyny.org; jmiller@tawnafdanbyny.org; Ilavine@dryden.ny.us;
DCipolla-Dennis@dryden.ny.us; dlamb@dryden.ny.us; kservoss@dryden.ny.us; PBleiwas;
Rich DePaolo; Rod Howe; T Hunter; P Leary
Subject: An Open Letter to the Towns of Ithaca, Dryden, Danby, and Caroline February 7, 2017
An Open Letter to the Towns of Ithaca, Dryden, Danby, and Caraline February 7, 2017
I would like to address the issue af "The Greater Goad" so often raised by Town and Caunty officials
ta justify a trail for public recreatian on aur farms and near our homes. The phrase has come up often,
used by many officials. I will use as a typical example this email exchange between Sandra Kenne,
whose family (the Middaughs) has owned a farm on Middaugh Road since befare the Civil War and
which is diaganally bisected by the proposed trail, and Mr. Ric Dietrich, Town of Danby Supervisor.
Sandra vaiced concerns, like the rest of us, and received this respanse:
On Jan 30, 2017, at 4:47 PM, Ric Dietrich �rdi�tric�twcr��.rr.�c�rn> wrate:
I believe most of the questions yau asked
Have already been answered ta my satisfactian
On Jan 30, 2017, at 7:03 PM, Sandra Kenne <�csk�r�n�C�hc����il.�c�r�> wrate:
Would you please respond ta my questions that you feel have been met ta your satisfaction.
Sandra Kenne
On Jan 30, 2017, at 7:30 PM, Ric Dietrich �rdie�ric�ia, t�vcr�v.rr.com> wrote:
All of them
1 am pre disposed ta endorse this project
Because I started it, and want it to go all the way through to Newark valley.
I have heard all the objections before
And non af thern has come true
. . . . - . . ....
And since the trail follows the railroad right of way
Which all landowners knew to be a pre existing condition adjacent to their land
At some point their were trains running by yaur house
A trail seems much less intrusive
Setting aside the arragance, and the factual points (all the way to Newark Valley, "adjacent" to their
land (in Sandra's and other cases it is through, not adjacent), and the ridiculous assertion that people
wandering through at all times would be less invasive than a scheduled train where people stay on
the train and do not set foot on our land), we see Mr. Dietrich's core argument is that "the public goad"
is an acceptable justification for causing harrn to individuals or a class of people.
When we are young we are all taught that "the ends don't justify the means" as a basic moral
principle, and yet this moral principle is nat always considered to apply to gavernment. In fact, it is
always the argument used to justify what would otherwise be considered the warst crimes or heinous
acts by gavernment — common examples are: drapping the atamic bombs an Hiroshima and
Nagasaki ostensibly to prevent even more death and destruction in an invasian, torturing terror
suspects ostensibly to prevent same future attack, or banning Muslims from our country to ostensibly
protect the non-Muslim majority. Killing innocent people or depriving them of liberty is certainly a
greater harm than destroying their privacy and sense of security, but the argument is exactly the
same, and it is flawed.
The greater good argument is always flawed because it always reduces the freedom and morality of
all people when a large graup uses a small group as a means to their ends, no matter how noble the
ends (The moral taint on our nation is clear in each af the examples above, no matter what your
opinian an whether aur country should have done them). The true greater good in any nation is
inextricably linked to the degree of freedom and rights given to each and every citizen in equal
measure.
The resart to the greater goad argument is in fact evidence af a failure of government to plan
appropriately and work things out among the parties. I think in hindsight, any thinking, moral persan
could think of alternate paths of gavernment policy that would have avaided the need to propose a
"greater good" solution to the war with Japan or to terrorism. The challenge before yau, as our lacal
government, is to find solutians ta the conflicting desires of some citizens ta recreate on our property
and landawners' right to live in peace and privacy. The only rational measure of whether a plan
meets these needs is if the parties affected feel it meets these needs. The "greater gaod" argument,
to throw us under the bus because more people would enjoy what we have, is unnacceptable.
This is nothing new, and in fact organizations like Rails to Trails stress the importance of working
with, nat against, landowners. The Fingerlakes Trail is an example of a trail created while respecting
landowner rights. The reason this particular trail is failing is because of the 9 year histary of planners
with an attitude like Mr Dietrich's that have convinced landowners we are dealing with a tyrannical
and undemacratic government determined to take away our rights far the benefit of their friends who
want to recreate on our nice land. At this point, sa much bad faith and damage has been created, the
negatives for the community far autweighing any "greater goad" to recreate.
Unfortunately, just as we see nationally, "greater good" arguments do a tremenaus amount af
damage ta the civic health of aur community. People who once valued local government now resent
it. People who were promised use of their neighbars' land harbor resentment, and landowners are
dismayed ta see haw quickly neighbors will discount their rights when egged-on by the government.
The wounds to our tawnships will take years to heal.
I realize, after being forced ta file FOIL requests to find out what is planned for my farm, that much of
the push to take from the 70 of us who signed the petition in 20q8 and give to the (supposedly) many
has come from the Tompkins County Planning Depatment, not the towns, but the negative
consequences will be felt most srongly in the tawns far years to come. This is the time for aur Town
Baards to step up to the plate and do better. No war or terrorism is imminent, there is all the tirne in
the warld to go back to the plans and find a better salution than "greater good"
Scott Van Gaasbeck
•: •�. • '•
Brooktondale, NY
._ .- , . . .
about these abandonments in many many cases. Some af my clients who own farms or little homes
aiong abandaned railroad corridors don't read the Federal Register every day. They don't get a second
notice. Same of them have no idea what's happened until it's done. That is why the issues that are
addressed in this bill must be addressed seriously, H.R. 2438 provides a way to restore balance among
the various pubic and private interests that are affected by the National Trail System Act. Pubiic policy
should recognize and protect the legitimate interests of persons whose land is taken for a new public
purpose, and whase lives and the Zives af their families wili be changed forever as a result. Those
persons wha are the most affected should at the very least, have a significant role in the process, be
given pratection against the loss af security and privacy, and have access ta traditional land law to
enforce their property rights. The conservation, recreatian, and even natianal security objectives af the
National Trail System Act and incidentally, I wouid like to address those national security issues if
the time will permit—those objectives can be accomplished without sacrificing what has been the very
fabric of society embedded in the Canstitution. We dan't need fio sacrifice canstitutional safeguards. We
don't need to eliminate the roles of state and local government. And we don't need to violate the simple
principle, that we should never take what is ours without first asking, and we shouid pay for what we
take. I beiieve my time is up, uniortunately. I hav� adcir�ssed in my written statement a number of
misconceptions about the law and abaut the facts, which I would be hapgy to address if anyone has
questions. [The prepared statement of Mr. Ackerson may be found at end of hearing
Paulette Terwilliger
Fram: Bridget Foster <bf12@corne�l.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2017 3:52 PM
To: rdietric@twcny.rr.com; supervisor@townofcaroline.org;
john_fracchia@townofcaroline.org; gary_reinbolt@townofcaroline.org;
cal_snow@townofcaroline.org; irene_weiser@townofcaroline.org;
supervisor@dryden.ny.us; supervisor@townofdanbyny.org; Bill Goodman; Paulette Rosa
Cc: scott vangaasbeck; Coddington Landsteward
Subject: RE: An Open Letter to the Towns of Ithaca, Dryden, Danby, and Caroline February 7,
2017
C7ear R. Dieiric,
My first question is "whai's in this for you"? Besides the sel�-proclaimed, �lary vain reason of "I started it and want ta
s�e it go through aIB the way to Newark Valley" — why is ihis so important ta yau?
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We purchased our land ar have remain�d living in aur locations, purposefully because it offered a specific setting and/ar
agri-business and/ar proximity ta hunting, fishing, phatagraphy, nature study, etc. VI/e landawners came to live where
we are far different reasons, but I guarantee we all have a specific and personal purpose for living where we do — in a
quiet rura6 set�ir�g away from ih� naise, lights, and popul�tion af villages and neighbor��oods. I dc�n't need ar want
additional strang�rs traveling into rny isodated lacatian. I pickecl this lacatian specificaily to avoic� p�ople artd
tr�ffic. And i paid far it — th�refare, yau have na right to stamp all aver my rights!
Ar�d yau villagers and neighborhoad/city dwellers, choose to live where you are far specific, p�rsc�nal reasans. Which
rnakes it even less appropriate for you to �ow want to destroy what we have, for your person�l benefit!
IF you wanted to enjoy our valley sc� much — why� didn't you buy land out there? My prap�rty was for sale fcrr over a
y�ar — no one lool<ed at it or bid on it except for me. And I choose it sp�cifically b�cause a� the rural setting, with the
abundarrce crf nature, the quiet, the I�c6< of traffic (ears �nd pe�ple) and the beauty of my surresundings, I warl�ed fon�
hard hc�urs and sav�d my money for 2S years in ord�r to find and buy my first haus� in th� perfect locatior�. Which you
naw propose to destray for personal gain and clearly little consideration, ernpathy crr understanding o�th� impact on
me or any of the crther landowners,
And, let me emphasize I�rrdc��a��r. Tax payer, C�re talcer. Your persc�na9 interes� shcruld nc�t trump rr�y right ta contir�ue
to live in the specific lacatic�c� I wr�rked so long and hard to purchase. Why is it �.I<. fcrr you tal<e that auvay from me?
/�gain —your benefit at the e�pense of rny detriment is nc�t for the greater good. I can't hel� k�ut ask—�vvhy are ycru
more important than rr�e? Why is the desire of the non-land a�ners, more valuable than that of the tax-payir�g
I�nclawners whcr will be r�egatively impacted?
You've heard the c,bjeciions and "rrc�n has come true". Nonestly, I dc�n't �hink yc�u°ve lisiened very closely or
carefully, Certainly not with any consideratian.
Aside frorn all th�t's been said — I'll leave you with tf�is, which I guara�tee you won't car� abaut but it needs to be
stated. That in additioi� t� the negative impact on the landowners, th� prop�sec! trail with its unavoidable carbon
footprint arrd tax increases for maintenance, will alsa d�str�a�y the habitat for countl�ss migrating and nesting ducks,
raptors, bic�ds, and marrrrnals. It wili directly impact the nesting site of countiess snappAng turtles, painted turt{es, and
otk�er �mphik�iarrs, nr�t to rr�entian the deer, bobc�t, fishers, coyotes, raccaons, minl<, w�asels, �turkeys, otters, possums,
fox, �nd bear—which afl live, nest, and ro�m throughout the area.
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2
Paulette Terwilliger
From
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Ric Dietrich <rdietrich@townofdanbyny.org>
Tuesday, February 07, 2017 5:03 PM
Bridget Faster; C.J. Randall
Ric Dietrich; Don Barber; john_fracchia(�a�townofcaroline.org;
gary_reinbolt@townofcaroline.org; cal_snaw@townofcaroline.org; Irene Weiser;
Supervisor Sumner); Ric Dietrich; Bill Goodman; Paulette Rosa; scott vangaasbeck;
Coddington Landsteward
Re: An Open Letter to the Towns of Ithaca, dryden, Danby, and Caroline February 7,
2017
Thank you for sharing your views on the situation.
I apalogies somewhat for my" arrogance" and you may be right,that I cary same hubris on the subject.
Many years ago, it was part of my responsibilities, to drum up summer work prajects for rural youth.
This braught me in contact with people who were loaking towards our future trail systerns .
The old R.R. beads, were a natural candidate for restoring into pathways mare suited ta people than cars.
It taak some years working with The Town Of Ithaca's Park service, to develop a plain, convene the approbate public
meetings, and take the propasal the town board.
We then applied for a number of grants to hire the participants.
we worked this road bead starting at South Hill school, and over the next three years inched it farward.
It was real work, that the participants could take pride in, knowing they were building something they could come back
to and say, I helped build that.
But it was not all fun and a sense of accomplishment, their were concerns, from landowners, legitimate claims that
needed ta be answered.
their was concerns much like you have described ta me , their was strong feelings expressed. Most of the concerns, in
my apinion were worked out through mitigations put forward, and then incorporated into plain.
same were not and needed ta go ta court.
All of the issues you have braught forward in your email, as they did then"in my opinion" I believe were answered in
court, at that time It was a noble project that has brought joy to many,and I do hear your frustrations on the matter.
Fast forward from twenty five years or so ago
When the trail again got same traction and its desire ta move further south, came up, I believe many of the same legal
questions came up, and have been answered "I believe"
I know I am not saying anything you want to hear, But I thought you should know where I am coming from
f�����i �:�r��$�:ra�..
14 February 2017
����e��a
General Obligatian (or GO Retated)y
Aa1 Na Outlaak
Cc.�r�l:�ac:ts
Gregory Max Sabel 212-553-95H7
Ass�xic�Y,e �n<alysC
gre�ory.scrbe(Ca'imoociys.r.c7rr7
Geordie 7hc�rT7psorr �r1 212 55a 032'1
VP-SrGedit C)fficer/
Manager
geord ie. th<3rripson(u�rnoadys.cam
Town af Ithaca, NY
Annual Comment on Ithaca Town
"- �
The Town of Ithaca is located in Tompkins County in western New York's Southern Tier,
approximately 45 miles southwest of Syracuse. Tompkins County has a population of
104,691 and a population density af 221 people per square mile. The county's per capita
persona� income is $37,686 (2nd quartile) and the August 2016 unemployment rate was
4.0% (1st quartile).�' The largest industry sectors that drive the loca� economy are local
government, retail trade, and professionaUscientific/technical services.
Q��"�G�6� ���"R"\✓d�V�!
Ithaca Town has an excel�ent credit position, and its Aa1 rating is stronger than the median
rating of Aa3 for US cities. The credit drivers include a robust financial position, and a srnall
debt burden with an affordable pensian liability. It a�so reflects a strang sociaeconamic
profile with a moderately sized tax base.
Finances: The financial position of the town is very healthy and is s�ightly favorable when
compared with the assigned rating of Aa1. The net cash balance as a percent af revenues
(62.1°/o) is far superior to the US median and rose significantly between 2012 and 2015.
Additianally, the available fund balance as a percent of operating revenues (50.4%) is
materially higher than other Moady's-rated cities nationwide.
Debt and Pensions: The debt and pension burdens of Ithaca Town are srnal�. That said, they
are a slight weakness in relation to its Aa1 rating. The net direct debt to full value (1.2%) is
slightly above the US median. Furthermore, while the Moody's-adjusted net pension liability
to operating revenues (0.78x) is favorably below the US median, this indicator unfavor�bly
increased modestly between 201Z and 2015.
Economy and Tax Base: The economy and tax base of Ithaca Town are quite healthy
in comparison to the Aa1 rating assigned. The median fami�y income equates to a strong
132.2% of the US level. Moreover, the total full value ($1.3 billion) is consistent with other
Moody's-rated cities nationwide and grew modestly from 2012 to 2015. Unfavorably,
however, the full value per capita ($64,482) is s�ightly weaker than the US median.
Management and Governance: Positive operating margins demonstrate strong financial
management. Advantageously, on average, Ithaca Town's operations were positive as the tax
base expanded modestly.
New York cities have an institutional framework score ' of "A," or moderate. Revenues are
highly predictable, as property taxes are usually the largest revenue source, fa�lowed by, sales
and mortgage taxes, as well as building permit revenue. Cities have a moderate revenue
raising ability, as they can increase property tax revenues above the tax cap with a 60°/o vote of the �ocal legislative body. Expenditures
vary across the state but primarily consist of personnel costs, which are moderately predictable. Expenditure reduction ability is low
given the presence of strong co�lective bargaining groups and the Triborough Amendment which enhances collective bargaining
powers.
����r��� �`���u�� ww Y���r "���rk C�i����
New York municipalities will benefit from the state's improving economy, although economic growth varies across the different
regions. Municipal governments will have difficulty tapping into under�ying economic growth due to the property tax cap, which
is .68°/4 in 2017 before exemptions and ro�lovers are added, though they rnay override the cap with a three fifths vote af the governing
body. Although sales tax growth may remain s�uggish, it is typically a small percentage of municipal revenues. Overall, economically
sensitive revenues remain below pre-recession peak levels.
Exhibit 1
Key Indicators�'
Ithaca Town, NY
conomy / Tax Base
Totat Full Value
Full Value Per Capita
Median Family Income (°!o of US Median)
Finances
�i�12 �fY"f3 Z��31� 26�15 USC°��dit�r� �e�a�i�"i¢�nc&
$1,274M $1,281M Si,Z95M $1,324M $1,722M Stable
$64,150 564,183 564,297 564,482 $85,195 Stable
151.9% 149.$% 132.2% 132.2% 1152% Weakerted
Available Fund Balance as % of Operating Revenues 39.1°fo 43.5% 45.2°/o 50.4% 32.1% Improved
Net Cash Balance as % of Operating Revenues 463% 53.8% 56.4% 6Z.1% 34.4% Improved
_...__ --- – ._...--
6ebt! Pensians —^_--�---
Net Direct Debt ! Futl Velue 0.44% 0.21°/a OZ6% 1.2% 1.2% Weakened
Net Direct Debt / Qperating Revenues 0.52x 0.23x 0.29x 1.32x 0.94x Weakened
Moody's-adjusted Net Pension Liability
031% 0.54% 0.63% 0.71% 1.7% Stdble
(3-yr average) ta Full Vatue
Moody's-adjusted Net Pension l.iabitity
(3-yr average) ta dperating Revenues 036x 0.60x 0.69x p.78x 1.35x Stable
Saurce: Moody's
Exhibit 2
Avaitabte fund balance as a percent of operating revenues increased between 2012 and 2015
Available Fund Batance as a Percent of Operating Revenues
`Avai�ab&e F�uK�d B�eiE�tince �as f� ui U�reratin�; RevkrrEaes � dJ5 Cft,ies Medaarr
50°f
40"/u
3J% m,warr � r'�ii ��aiy�i ✓,,rnrrN` mu�,� d�: rrsH reaa
2012 21713 20'14 Z015
Source: tssuerfinancial statements; Moody's
This� piabtic�t.icorx �isFvs not c�nriauR�ce a crerJit rati��� action. por any crediz� ratings ref'ere>nce,d in this �r�ih�lictatiorr, piease sr,e LE�t rati��gs tab on t}ze isse}erfentity Pa�'e on
www.maacl,ys.coR7� frrthn rr�cr�s7 i,�pdateci c�redit rating actiari irifarmation an�l rat.inf, histc7ry �� � �
, ���,t � r��rr� �� �r . ..,, � ,�� i ���roai
�
2 14 February 2077 Tow� of Rhaca, NY: Annual Comment on ithaca Town
Exhibit 3
Tatat full vatue grew from 2012 to 2015
Total Full Vatue
(miktions) �� Tcrt2�f Fs�tf 'Vzr(ue ^� YUY % C'ht�r7�e oF�r Full V�rtue
$1,320 �
�` 2.0%
i�y��'
$1,3470 �� �� 1.5%
����
$1,280
,a� ir�✓' 1.�°f
�a,�rr�a,
0.5%
2�i12 Zt�'f3 201�1 2015
Source: Issuer�nancial statements Government data sourcer, Offering statementr, Moody's
Exhibit 4
Moody's-adjusted net pension liabitity to operating revenues increased from 2012 to 2015
Net Direct Debt and Adjusted Net Pension Liability / Operating Revenues
fi C7eE�t" - f�ensicans"
2.Ox
1 Ox jrl�/� f��ji%f/G�fi
�a r�� ��%j/l;/,��
� �� �ul /iii/r �j�,�� 1
� j�l��e/r!%///'//���� �/ri����/���I�
r� y��liy�'����� ��/,C�Oi�' l,,rr�l��si i �!%�f%i;r����i� �l%%fliri�����r
O.Ox . .. .. "�y ir %i/��'/'� /� ... �!�i .... �' iio .1 r�.
2€J1c� �013 2014 2015
�`Debt is represented as Net Direct Debt / Operating Revenues. Net Direct Debt is defined as gross debt minus self supporting debt. Pensions are represented as ANPL / Operating
Revenues. ANPI is defined as the average of Moody's-adjusted Net Pension Liability in each of the past three years.
Source: Issuer financia( statements; Government data sources; Of(ering statements Moody's
3 14 february 2017 Town of khaca, NY: Annual Commenk on Ithaca Town
1. The rating reFerencecf in this r�port is th� govemment's GQneral Obtigatian (G4} rating or its high�st pubtic r4+king that is Gt�-retated. A GO bond is
gen�rally a security baciced by th� fult faitl7 and credit pledge and totat taxing power of th� lacal gavernrnent. See Lr�cat C�«ver nrrrerrt �G f�f�d�c_s_V�ry
Acr�ss St�t� s, for mare details. GO-retated ratings inctude issuer ratings, which ere GO-�quivalent ratings for governments that do not issue GO debt.
GO-related ratings a(so include ratirigs on other securities that are natched ar atherwise related to what the gavcmr�r7ent's GO rating woutd be, such as
annual appropriatian, tease revNnue, non-ad v�lorem, and moral abtigation d�bt. Th� referenced ratin�s reflect tl7e gavernment's underlying credit quatity
withput re�ard to state guarai�tae or enhancement prograrns or bond insurance.
2 TP7e per capita personal incon7e data and unemptoyment data for all counties in the US census are altocate�d to quartiles. Th� quartites are ordered fram
strongest-to-weakest fram a uedit perspective: the highest per capita personal income yuartile is first quartiln, and the lowest unernplaymer7t rate is first
quartite. The first quartite consists af the top ZS% of observations in the dataset, tl7e second quartile consists af khe next ?_S°/ , and sa an. The medien per
capita personat incozne for U5 counties is $46,049 for 2614. The median unerriployment rate for U5 caunties is h.9°fo far August 2016.
3 The institutior7at frarr7ework score measures a munfcipality's legat ab4lity to match revenues with expenditures based or7 its canstitutionatly and
legislaYively conferred �owers and responsibilities. See US I_r�c�rl Governrr�er��_Ger�eral,: flbti��sCion Li°!t�t (J�sr�o���ry �Ui4�) for more det�its.
�+, For definitions of th� metrics in the Key Indicators 7abte, U5 Lprat Gavero7rnascrofi G�r7e�i�al (7bti�a�iaai� I✓f�tYr<a�c�lcr�y G�rr�rJ �car��;�ard 11��r Cauod�; (J��Z01�.
Th� papu(ation figure used in the t=utl Vatue Per Capita ratin is 2he most recently availabte, most often sourced from eikher the li5 Census or the American
Community Survey. 5irnil2irty, tFie Median Famity income data reported as of 2012 and later is atways the most recentty available data and is saurced Fram
the Am�rican Comrnunity Survey. 7he Median Fami(y Income data prior ta ZOl2 is saurced tram the 2010 US Census. The Futt Value figure used in the
hJet Direct qebt a��cl Mvody's-adjust�d Net Pensian liabiiity (3-year average ARIPL) ratios is m;�tched ta the sarne year as audited financiat data, or if nat
avaitable, tags by on� or two years. Certairr state-specific rutes also apply to Futt Va�ue. For exampl�, in Catifornia and Washington, assessed value is the
best avaitabte proxy for Futl Vatu�. Certain state specific rutes also appty ta individuat data points and ratios. Moody's makes adjustrnents to iVew Jersey
tocal gavernments' report�d f'rnancial statements to make it more comparabte to GRAP. Additionally, MoocJy's ANPI.s reftect arratyst adjustments, if any,
fnr pension caM:ribution support fram non-o�rerating funds and se(f-supporting enterprises. Many tocal goverrnnent pensi�rr tiabilities are associaked with
iCs participation in the statewide multiple-emptoyer cost-sharing plans. Metrics represented as N/A indicale th� data w�+re not available at the time of
publication.
5 The medi �ns c�me frorrr our rr�os�e recer7Cty pu6lished locat governmant medians repor�C, h�1ed's�c?s.._ Grcawira� 1 a,a Eia.a,w,c4 Gtnd S;t�i�l� Furra�...6�lanc�a Su� orC
S�ctor's__S1:�at�fility.,(i�1�rch �CJ.'16�. The medians cc�nform to our L!S Loca( Governmer�t Gerrer�l Obli�atian C7Fbt ratin� mPthodology published in January
2U14. As such, the medians presented here are based on the key metrics outtined in the mF=thodolagy and the associated scarecard. 7he appendir. of this
repart provides addikional metrics broken out by sector, rating categary, and papulatian. 4Ve use data frorer a variety of sources to calculate the medians,
m�ny of which havr cJiFfering reporting schedules. Whenever possible, we calculated these medi�ns using availabte data for fiscat year 2014. Nowever,
there are some exceptians. Poputation data is based on the 2010 Census and Median Pamity Incarne is derived from tf7e 2012 Amcrican Community
Survey. Medians for some rating tevels are based on relatively sn�atl sampte sizes. These medians, tl�erefare, rnay be subject to patentiatly substantiat
year-aver-ye�r v�+riation. dur ratin�s reflect our forward looking opinian derived from forecasts of financial perfarmance and qualitaYiv� factars, as
opposed tc� strictly historicat quar7titative data used far the medians. Our expectation of future performance combined with the relative irnportance of
certain metric, on individual local government ratings account for the range of vatues that can be found within each raYing categary. Median data for prior
years pubtisl7ed ii7 this repart may not match tast year's pubtication due to data refinemei7t and cA�anges in the sainple sets used, as we(t as rating changes,
initial ratings, and r�eting witV7drawals.
14 February 2017 7own of Ithaca, NY: Annual Comment on ithaca Town
����'� � Q�� �����
�� �
406 Coddilzgton Road
Itli�ca, NY 14850
February 22, 2017
Mr. Bill Goadman, Supervisor
Town of Itllaca
215 North Tioga Street
Tthaca, NY 14850
RE: PETITION TO THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF' ITHACA FOR A WAIVER
UNDER THE LOCAL LAW 5 OF 2016 TO ALLOW AN ACCESSORY APARTMENT AT
403 CODDINGTON ROAD
Dear Mr. Goodman;
REQUEST
Owners of 403 Coddington Road, Bill and Susan Lesser, are seeking a waiver from the
tempor�ry moratorium on the construction of accessory apartments so that an accessory apartment
may be cre�ted from two existiilg structures on the site.
BASIS OF THE REQUEST
`The waver is requested uiider Section 4 oF Local Law 5 of 2016, and particularly A(2) which in
part allows for "opportunities the projc;ct p�•ovides to protect historic resources". The petitianers
also identi�'y A(1) which references "u�znecessary hardship to the petitioner".
We �urcllased 403 Coddingtol� 12oad, which lies directly across tlle road fi�om our long-term
residence at 406 Coddin�ton Rd. in 2014: In large part this pu�rchase was to preve�ni the
constrllction of student rental housing on the praperty, an intent expressed by one of the bidders.
The 403 �roperty is nearLy an acre iii s�ize (.9llacre) and cunentiy contains a small dwelling unit,
a sin�le stoi-y of approxiiziately 650 squal°e feet including a single c�u• garage. (225 sq. ft.).
Subsequently we have been consideri�lg how to enhance the property so as better to recover our
investnlent while retaining the nei�hborhood cha�•acter.
In the Call 2016 a notice appeared af�ering the siructLire at 341 Coddington Road free for any�ne
who would relocate it. We appi�eciaie that the Town Board was inst��ur�lei�tal in arranging with
tllis option rather than detnolition.
The structure is in the Greek. Revival style, abaut 1840-45, which matches our hause at 406
Caddington Road. Indeed it is ane of three ariginal farm houses on the stretch of Caddingtan.
The idea af moving it ta our under-utilized praperty at 403 accurred ta us imrnediately. Our
carnmitment was strengthened when we learned that hause maves in today's enviranment rarely
exceed severai biacks due to the campiexity and costs. If we did not move it, demolition of this
histaric f�rmhouse was virtually assured.
It took three months to make the necessary arrangements. Required were a hause mover, legal
advice, architectural and structural engineering services, arrangements with three utilities
(NYSEG, Time-Warner and Verizon} ta relocate their wires during the move, alang with
securing permits fram the Town and the Caunty Highway Department. A parch was remaved to
allow the building ta pass between the telephone pales lining both sides of the road.
Due to Mr. Iocavelli's interest in ciearing his lot quickly, we focused entirely on the move
arrangements, and succeeded in the moving af the structure to 4Q3 in Navember 2016 where it
remains on cribs until the foundation is cornpleted. We are in the process af planning the
alterations and so are initiating this request to the Town Board for autharizatian ta connect the
relocated building to the existing structure to create two dweliing units.
JUSTIFICATION
We are excited about preserving this historic structure and attaching it to the small existing
dwelling unit an the site. However, the costs invalved in the move (appraximately $ �Q,000), and
the anticipated casts for alteratians and faundatian (hause is currentiy gutted with roaf in poar
conditian and needs everything) are in the $ 125,40Q-$175,OOQ range. Those casts, and
cansidering the ariginal purchase price of 403 Coddington, has made the aption of a creating an
accessory apartment extremely attractive. It is agreed by reai estate and design professianals that
an accessory apartment is the best optian for the praperty making the praperty mast desirable
while maintaining the character of Caddington Rd. The praposed structure wauld rneet the
square faatage criteria and code related criteria were the moratorium nat in piace.
Therefare we request waiver relief from the current moratorium recognizing the histaric
structure. A waiver will permit us to move in a straight line taward a hui�ding permit as soan as
passible, and necessazily na longer than 6 months fram our November 2Q 16 move date.
We believe aur circumstances fit salidly within Section 4 of Local Law 5 af 2016, and
particulariy A(2) which in part ailaws far "appartunities the project pravides to protect histaric
resources under just these circumstances.
PLANS
Current pians are to renovate the historic hause of 2,200 sq. ft. (2 story} to create three
bedraams, 2 baths connected to the existing one car garage. The existing dwelling unit 65Q sq.
ft. ane story) with one bedraom and bath, wi11 be updated and be suitable for a ane ar two
occupants. A preliminary pian is attached for yaur informatian.
The plans exceed all minimum set back requirernents. indeed the front yard will be '75+ feet
deep and the rear, as at present, 150 feet. Lat caverage wili be aniy seven percent, well belaw the
allowed 20 percent ma�cimwm in the Mediurn Density zone. As such the plans conform easily
with the existing neighborhood character. With the granting of aur requested variance we will be
able to put a11 the pieces af the project tagether pragrnatically yet authentical�y.
Thank you for your consideratian. We laok forward to the apportunity ta restare the `yeilaw
hause' to its rightful piace in the cammunity.
Sinc ly yo s,
�`a� ------e�..
��
�..� �- S <S� �~
Bili & Susan Lesser,
Owners and Petitianers
CC: Paulette Rosa, Ithaca Town C1erk
Claudia Brenner, Architect
�;�`z�jri
Subject: Fw: Follaw up regarding petition
From:
To:
Date:
Mia Slotnick (miajs123@yahoo.com)
DDeAugustine@town.ithaca.ny.us;
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 8:18 AM
�� ���
�"`� w� � Hello Bill, Rich, and Paulette,
Prinf
�...._-.
� � �
p ��°'�`"r��, ..
�' "���_ ; ���k
.--.r
�'� ��` �`k '�,�. _� � �::._.. �..._..
�";� ��
� � w.�'�'' �:::'„� G 1� � � .,.
I was wondering if any progress has been made with the short term rental issue since the meeting with
Renwick Heights neighbars in December? With the warm weather, we have noticed the return of
unfamiliar cars and people in the neighborhood, Maybe a note in the Town newsletter, the Ithaca Journal,
and the Ithaca Times stating the current regulations would help to clarify what is and is not allowed before
things take off again with the spring short term rentals.
Thanks for considering,
Mia
From: Kenneth William Simpson �kws5@cornell.edu>
To: Fiich DePaolo <RDePaolo@town.ithaca.ny.us>; Paulette Terwilliger
<PTerwilliger@town.ithaca.ny.us>; Bill Goodman �bgoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us>
Cc: Michael MacAnanny �macananny@gmail.com>; Luisa McAnanny <beauvisage@hatmail.com>;
Barbara Marie Koslowski �bmk2@cornell.edu>; Richard Newell Boyd <rnbl @carnell.edu>; Maralyn
Edid �mse421 @gmail.com>; Lawrence Edward Blume �Iblume@cornell.edu>
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2017 1:38 PM
5ubject: Re: Follow up regarding petition
Dear Rich, Paulette and Bill,
At the meeting we raised the issue of educating people about the Code and legal stance of the town and
NYS on short term rentals as a means of prevention.
As Spring is headed our way people will soon start ta list their properties. Are yau able to pre-emptively
address this issue in the Town newsletter and the Ithaca Journal, I�haca Times?
Kenny Simpson
Renwick Neighbors
• ' �-'.• � �*�,.. s �r �
To: Mia Slotnick <miajs123�yahoo.cor-n>
Gc: Paulette Terwilliger ��'Terwilliger@towr�.ith�ca.ny.us>; Bill Goodman
�bgoerdman@�own. ithaca. ny. us>
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 11:55 AM
Subject: Re: Follow up regarding petition
�
about: blank ] /3
From: Ciii! n drr
To: PL r7t�r,,,C; E Lrvine; H�a t�'r('J�;7t����; Ricl� DeP�fr�; �7 I-icJ�n'Ss� PFSleiw�s
Cc: ,.�ulc t�s�
Subject: FW: Water bill issues 1114 East Shore Drive
Date .^m""�� Friday, May 19, 2017 1:31:32 PM
Hi folks, In anticipation of our discussion abaut water refunds at Monday's Study Sessian, here is one af
the requests that i've received (and which we've briefly discussed at a priar Budget Cmte and Tawn
Board meeting} ta inform our discussian. Have a good weekend.
Bill
From: Noward Silcoff [maiita:siico94@gmail.cam]
Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2017 3:07 PM ���mm�
Ta: Bill Gaodman
Subject: Water bill issues 1114 East Share Drive
Hi again Bill.
Thank you for getting bac;k to us. We really do appreciate you taking the time to try and help
us deal with problem of �etiii�g billed and then being forced to pay for water that we did not
use, but the outcolne ta date is llnacceptable. T17ere is reaily no way ta look at �the problei7� and
conclude �t1�at it is fair to be charged a�lrnc�st $900 for water we did not tiise, and then to be
threatened with 1lavin� our water supply turnecl off iinless we paid the fee, which we of
eoL�rse clid. I ean not see this as anything l�cGt a form of blaekr11ai1.
Tlzere wer� a few comme��ts in your last el7zail which make it seem as if you don't really
understand how we got t� tl�e place we are at. You noted "The main p�roble�7� is that yon 11ad.
stzbmitted meter readin�s showing there was no usage for a number of qtiarters before the new
meter was installed, or at least that is what Bolton Point explained to me." I would hope that
you couid go back and look over my earlier correspondatice to you explaining all of this and
not just believing what the folks at Bolion Point are telling you. Remembet• that our readings
came fi�om looking at the tneter they pointed us to. We read off the meter in q�.�estion every
quarter. VJllile it is ti•ue this number was not changing from quarter to quarter, we did not have
any idea what this n7eailt. We were barely using the home and cotiild have easily assumed the
number on the meter in question would anly change if we went over our allotted 10,000
gallo��s. We just reported what we were asked to report. Al�ct what about the fact that wheil
Bolton Point was given t�iese readings, th�y never reached out to us to questioll the numbers
eve�1 thotii�li we kept pi•oviding the same readin� quarter after quarter for abaut 1.5 years. I
wouid thillk that would be a simple thin� for them to have done. So Bolto�n Point is incorrect
wit11 the explanation they are giving you,
You then mention "W�hen Bolton Point switched to the new meters, tlzere were a lot of
custozners wha saw an increase in their bills because of mistakes in iheir prior readings. If T11e
TowY1 Board was goin� t� give you a break, tlzen we would have to give everyone a bi°eak, a11d
I just don't see that happening when the reason for the discrepancy was cus�tc�mel error." Th�re
are multiple areas of coi-�cern with this statement. First and foremost, blaming �the
'customer'. As written to yoLi previously, we purchased this property in the spring of 2015 at
which time we commti�nicated with Bolton Point and were asked to loak for the water meter
and give them the reading. We were told tlle n�eter mi�ht be �indoors or outdc�ors. We found
the meter (and I previausly sent you a picture of the meter), called in the # on the meter, and
were told this seemed in line with the prior owners last reading and therefore were reassured
we had the correct meter reading. So, is this aur fault? I think not, and neither should you. VVe
would never have learned that there was a secand water meter somewhere onlin the property
if not for Bolton Point coming to change the meter last fa11. Ta blame us for this error you
could be saying only ane thing- that we knowingly tried to deceive Bolton Point which is
surely not the case. We were not knowingly cheating anyone or trying to get away without
paying for our fair share af water use. My second caneern is you putting our case inta the
same basket as others complaining about their water biils. Whether ar nat tv grant us a refund
should be based solely an the merits of our specific circumstances.
You then stated "'If there was some error that Baiton Point had made, then perhaps the Town
Board would look at it differently, but I don't see that in your case." Yes, Boltan Point made
the error that set this whole prablem in motian, by telling us to give them the reading from
what we later (1.5 yrs later!} learned was an old water meter that was no longer being used. I
am hopeful you can understand this.
Please understand that alang the way, during the 1.5 years that we were providing readings
from what turned out to be the wrong meter, Cindy had telephone conversations with folk
from Bolton Point. At one paint they discussed the question of use and whether it was being
reflected by our meter that seemed not to change over time, and she was told nat ta worry
about it given that we were being charged for minimum use, which seemed to fit our situation
as were using the home only occasionally. Bolton Point couid have come to the hause at any
time in the 18+ manth biiling period to check out the situation if our subrnissions did nat make
sense to them. But they never called us about it, never came to look a the meter themselves,
never did anything to prevent the problem from cantinuing. And they were the only anes that
could have known the prabiem. It does not give them the right to falsify our finai bill.
The reason the bi11 is wrong is because it is based on our initial reading which was taken fram
the wrong/different meter. The final bill then is based on fictitious use, because who really
knows what the correct initial reading was. How exactly is that legal?
The following is a surnmary af the finances and water'use` involved for the time in questian,
and comes directly fram my prior email to you. Perhaps a reread of it wi�l help yau understand
our pasition a little better.
Everything seemed frne until our metep was replaced on 9l14l16. We were told at the titne that
our meter reading then was 95 530 and that the last reading provided by us was 54 QQQ. So
the assum�tion here was that we used >41 000 gallons of water in the month between our
reading on $115l16 and the reading by the technician from Bolton Point on 9114/16. The
problem here, as we later learned, was that the meter we were reading the whole time was
apparently not the correct meter, and the meter with the 95 530 reading was a completely
different meter that we knew nnthing about (an whzch we never saw!). So we have been billed
for this >41 000 gallons of water, but this is based on a completely erroneous starting point!
And, f'ar a house that was vacant for at least half the time zn the month in question.
Frorra the time our meter was replaced on 9I14I16 until tFie end of the billing cycle on 11l1 Sl16
another 37 800 gallons of water was used, based solely an the readings from the new meter,
per Bolton Point. (We question the uccuracy of this as well, but that's a different issue.)
Sotne other important facts relating to water use on this property:
-Per �oltr�n Point, the meter reading fratn the prior owner was 28 9QQ on S�I S115.
-Per Boltan �'oint, this same meter� read 95 530 on 9114116.
-Therefore... 6b 630 gallons were used from 5l1511 S-9I14116
-We paid: $2b7. 32 in Sept `15, $97.96 an 12/1 SI1 S, $99.98 x3 (March, June, Sept 2Q16}, for a
total of �$6b5.
Putting the above together, we paid' �-$665 for 66 630 gallons of water~ between S!1 Sll S-
9114l16, which is almost exactly $1 QQ per 10 Q00 gallons which is as expected based on
current pricing of water and sewer ($99.9&ll Q 000 gallons for 2016). So even though the 54
OQQ mete� reading was wrong all along, this seemed to have worked itself out.
The problem is that we are currently being asked to pay another $Sb1.52 for water use,for the
quarter, from 8I16116-1 �/1 Sl16, and as nQted above, much af this is based an an obviously
erroneaus initial meter reading.
We are asking to be reimbursed the �861.52 that we were forced ta pay to continue to get
aur water service from the local water monopoly while trying to get this prablem salved.
We would also like to present aur case directly to the town board. We feel we are in a
better position to explain the prabiern than yau are. If someane from Boitan Paint wants to
show up too for the discussion, then sa be it.
We are asking for a little common sense and fairness. We are not asking for any special
treatment. We want to pay for our water use, and not be knowingly charged more than double
our true water use over the course of one and a half years.
Thank you,
Howard Silcoff
�denfamilymedicine.com
Paulette Rosa
To: 2017 Town Board
Cc: Mike Solvig
Subject: Quarterly billing 3Xs over
Attachments: Water Billing dispute letter 1103 Hanshaw Rd.pdf
Gaod afternoon,
Mr. Denson came in and submitted the letter ta the Town Baard. I talked to him for a bit and in essence, they would like
a refund or credit because the new meters, which were advertised ta be able ta warn peaple af unusual usage sa it
could be stapped or investigated right away, did not happen and they are therefare being penalized. He also said the
new meter was not warking correctly and not able to be read remately sa estimates were used again denying them
infarmatian about a possible leak or extra water usage leading to a large bill. In the past, they would have sent in the
reading and the larger usage would have been naticed sooner.
He thinks it may have been a leaky toilet but that's a lot for that also so I did suggest he ga back and read the meter naw
far a 1 manth usage and see if that was high for a third of the time the bill is for usually. (if 10K is usually used, it should
be at about 3K right now; if higher, there is still a problem} He did submit a copy of a bill of his neighbor with 2 ar 4
children ta compare ta his which is just 2 adults.
1 explained the pracess wauld be our asking Balton Point for a repart and then Bill and Mike discussing it and bringing
any recammendatian to the full baard.
Thank you
Paulette
�
ti
1103 Hanshaw Rd.,
Tthaca, NY
March 29, 2017
Town af Ithaca Baard
215 N. Tioga St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Supervisor Goodman and Board Members:
�e�rt � � �z � �
We are writing to request a reduction in our water and sewer bill for the period of 1 U16l16 ta
2(15/17. As the attached letter from Bolton Point indicates, we are faced with a current bill of
$585.3b—a total more than three times the usual amaunt we pay every quarter. That figure took
us by surprise, to put it mildly, as we had had no prior indicatian that our use would be recarded
at such a high level. When the new meter was installed at our house last summer, we were
assured that the convenience of future readings of the meter wauld be enhanced. We
subsequently found, in the last several months, that other Baiton Point personnel had
reservations about the installatian of that meter—"it was "faulty," accarding to twa af them—
and turned out to be incapabie of being read by radio transmission {one of its main purposes}.
Hence we continued to receive bills in the neighbarhaad af $18d the last two quarters, leading us
ta assume that nothing was awry. The letter arriving earlier this month alerted us to another error
made in the reading of the meter, and a correction was applied ta the tune of $113.16 for the
billing periQd 5/15/16 to 8l15l16. And then the figure of $585.36, for which we were given no
prior preparation, supplied the biggest shock.
In light of the malfunctioning of the new meter over a several-manth period, of the inability af
Bolton to read our meter remotely until it was repaired very recently, and of the lack of natice
informing us of the gigantic increase in our usage which did not allow us to address the passible
reason for such an increase, we are requesting that same adjustment be made and our current bill
be reduced.
Thank you for your consideratian.
Sincerely,
�� k�
Marlene Kobre
j�� �..1.�.�-�-=t._
Ron Denson
�
�
ea�:To� �at �`�.
��INATE���
` ,�. SYSTEM '
� r1}1A A,C�"�'"""�t1`t �
Phone: 6Q7-277-0660
Fax: 607-277-3p56
www.baltonpoint.arg
scliwc@boltonpoint.org
COMMISSIONERS:
H. MICHAEL NEWMAN
Chairperson
ROY E. STALEY
Vice Chairperson
BILL GOODMAN
Treasurer
DONA�D HARTILL
TEE-ANN HUNTER
TNQMAS 1.10NES
EDWARD LAVIGNE
1ASON �EIFER
JACK RUECKHEIM
�i��a waaaa�Q
CONSULTANTS:
KATHY MILLER
MARY RUSSEI.L
MARYANN SUMNER
MANAGEMENT:
10AN F�OTE
General Manager
STEVE RIDDLE
Distributian
PAMEIA VAfVGELDER
Finance
6�ENN RaTAJCZAK
Production
SaUTHERN CAYUGA LAKE INTERMUNICIPAL WATER CUMMISSIUN
TOWNS OF DRYDEN � ITHACA • LANSING - VI�LAGES OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS • �ANSING �
1402 EAST SHORE C?RIVE — ITHACA, NY 14850
February 28, 2017
Marlene Kobre
11Q3 Hanshaw Rd
ithaca NY 1485d
Re: Account # T1347,1103 Hanshaw Rd
Dear Marlene Kobre:
Enclosed yau will find your March 1, 2017 Water Bill. You wi11 notice it has $173.76 tiue in arrears.
This amount is for a carrected bill back on the 9J1J16 quarter.
The 9j1�16 bill is for billing period: 5-15-16 to 8-15-16. In between theses dates, yaur meter was
replaced with a new meter. The ald meter reading should have been used at that time and it was not.
The bill was estimated using 15,80Q gallons instead. The bill should have been readings 2254400 to
22862Qd-last reading on old meter. The usage should have been 31,800 gallons..The correct bill would
be $345.35, yau paid $171.59 and it left a balance due of $173.76.
I apolagize far the confusian. If you have any questions about this, please contact myself.
Thank you,
(, ... ,, tJ ��'.�i�a�
`� udy rasi
Account Clerk
cc T1347
�♦♦Excellence in water quality and customer service ♦♦♦
�
03/30/17 �- TOWN OF ITHACA
15:34:59
Accaunt Ledgers
WATER SEWER COLLECTION
Date Reference Charge Penalty Other Charge Penaity Other Charge Penalty Balance
Account # T1347 MARLENE KOBRE
stai�o4
3/01l04
3l30/04
�01104
J20l04
3l01 f05
3t3Q105
6t0i/05
6/16l05
9l01 /05
9/19105
2/01l05
2t19/05
3/01106
si2�ros
6l01 {06
61Q7106
9�d1l06
sr2s�os
2/Oi /06
�2aas
3td1�07
s�2sla7
6l01 /07
6(12l07
9l011Q7
9l18/07
2l01 !07
2/17/Q7
3f01 /Q8
313QJ08
6l01 !08
6/11 !08
9l01 !08
9t30/08
2/01108
�1101l09
�1 /Q8l09
�3/Q1l09
�3l31 /09
�4/07109
i6101 /09
M6130l09
�sio� ros
0/01 /09
19l29/09
0/13l09
Forward
Billing
CR716049
Billing
CR744054
Billing
CR796045
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CR861067
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CR959095
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CRQ43080
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GR107092
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CR151064
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CR187073
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CR242106
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CR267065
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CR362027
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Page: 1
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56.42
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41.62
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36.57
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49.35
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26.62
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19.80
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22.66
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30.58
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GR672077
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GR717052
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CR763002
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CR842001
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CR876019
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CR914056
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CR947044
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GR080073
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CR1201 Q9
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GR347121
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Page: 2
42.5Q
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Page: 3
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� i `
Subject: FW: Airbnb
-------- Origi��al r7zessage --------
Fram: Maralyn Edid ����s��2_l Cr�x;����:�il.�:c>i��>
Date: 2Q17/04/23 3:12 PM (GMT-05:00)
Ta: I:�C:���cscl�i��4��a C��>t�.>ws�.it����c�°�t.17y.t��
Subject: Aii•bnb
Mr. Goodxnan,
We ai•e long-terizl residents of Renwick Heights who value its tucl�ecl-away location and strc�ng neighboi•hood
identity. We perceive tl�at the incursion of s�zort-term Airbnl� rentals is negatively af�ecting t1�1e character and
security of our community.
When people ]ct out their homcs to str•angers there is risk not only t� their property �nd s��fety buC to that of their
neighbors, as we11. Moreover, the coming and going of strangers is disrupCive and potentially pioblematic. It
invites an incre�se in traf�tic and noise, frays community norms, and injects an elernent of �.lrban anonymity into
small-town quality aF life.
We believe thc Town af I�thaca can and sholtld ban shoz-t-term rentals of' a11 Cy��es. W�e vigorously oppose the
Town's detei•rz�inatiol� to �llow stixch rentals �involving single visitors, and are concerned about ullequal
notification and e�lforcenzent within the jurisdiction. Are certai�n neighbc�rhoods mare prc�tec�ed agaii�st Airbnb
incursions than athers?
We ai�e tr-Llly disappainted Ch��t the Town would tolerate and even e�lcour�ibe rentals under 30 days, essentially
taking a st��nce th��t so cleai-ly harnls residents.
Sincerely,
Maralyn Edid ar�ld Lawi�ence BlLlme
22 Renwick Heights Rd.
r�����
�
� , �,( - �
'� «,$'�; �,,� 2 �l5 Ie1. '�'io�a �tree�, I�h�c��,1�1.Y. 14�50
' ��, , r,,%
��°�. � ����-'�' w�vw.tc�wn.ithaca,ny.us
I'Y1oT1e: (E�7) 273-1721
Bi11 Gc�odman, Tawn Su�crvisor F'�iuleCtc R<�sa, Tr>wn Clerk I3ru�e 13��tes, t�irecCor of Cocic Enfqrcement
�r�oc�dm�nC�?Ccawn.itl�aca.ny.us N7rqs�+C?>Ct�wr�.ithac<t.ny.us hbatc�C�?towr�.ithac�l.ny.us
Apri121, 2017
I�ear Tow�1 oF Itllaca Resicle�7t,
Over thc past seve,xal year�, thc T�wia c�f IChaca has experienced a clr�rnatic rise in the
iilciclence of sho�r-t-tcri7�� resic�ential ��er7t�tls (STRR). U�n1ikE tr��lclitianal renC�l ar�ra�zgements, whei•e
ten�nts and landlords agree Cc� tcrzn5 for-lnnnt}1s c��• years at � time, STRR ofte7a last for• less than a
week, frequently for a nigilt o�� twa. Landlords ancl tenant� finci �ac}7 athe�� oilline, utilizing sites
like aii-bnb.cam, flipkey.cc�r7� and h�ar�neaw�,y.cc7m. W11ile ensuri�ng �the availabilify of
accorru7l�dations f�c>r pers���s visiting �thc Ithac� ��re�� is ii�nportant, STRI�', are 1ar�ely unregulated,
are nat subject tc� healt�r and sa�fery inspe�cCic��i�5, ancl have beccrme a source of frequent nuisanee
complaints involviiig r�oi�e, ��rk.ing and litter. The Town af Ithaca �is ende��voring to devise
policies that balazlce the re�lities af "the s17�Xr�i�ig econc�n�y" with the neecls and expectations of
periz�anent residenty and the Town's rangc�ing desirc. �c� pr�serve and enhance the availability of
stable, affarc�able housing. ThE:, ��r�ces5 is corzzplicated, anci ec�uitable solutic�ns wi11 require
considei•able time, and i�escai-ch. In the i��7eantinle, �Ch� Towr7's elec�tecl oificials and code
enforeement stafl� feel t}�at it �is iz��perrt�nC Ca cletail the re,g���l�ztory lanclscape, as it c�irrently exists,
related to shcrrt-ternz residenti��l rentals.
Sh�t°t-�e�-rr� Y�esicl�tat��1 T�ental� I+'re��a��flnt�y Vi��l�te Tc�vvn ��' yth�c� Code
Shoi•t-terrn reyiclential rentals freqL�Ent1y violat�e Town Code provisions related to
�ccupancy, parki�lg, ancl naise. Th� Town of Iihaca regulates �-esiclential accupancy based on its
definition of "t'�zmily," wl�icl� is sitnilar c�r identical to clefinitions used �th.i•oughout New York
State. For ex�r��plc, based �an curre,nt reglzl�ltions, a�n owner-�ccuparlt of a sin�le-iamily house
can only rent to c�ne ira�ividual at a ti�71e. OcGr.l�ancy exceecl4��Lices ��•e s�ibject to fines and
penalties.
.
t " � [• .i ...
Cc�ia�pliance
The const���uction azid subwequent ecccGpancy of si�lgle-fatnily and two-family buildings,
which �ccount foc virtually ��ll af the STRR in the Town o�f Ith��ca, ar�e regulated izi accor-dance
with paranleters seL fo�•th in thc Internatic�nal ResidenCial Cacl� (IRC). Whi1e it is possible that
Page 1 of 2
some of the existing STRR meet IRC requirements far minimum habitabie square faotage,
egress, smoke detectors, etc., without comprehensive inspections af STRR it is not passible for
the Tawn to ascertain whether structures are safe for renters. Moreover, it is possible that
modification af the property to enable STRR cauld trigger the obligation to comply with cunent
code requirements that did not exist at the time the structure was built.
Creating a Regulatary Pian Far Short-Term Residential Rentals
The Tawn of Ithaca is sensitive ta the evolution of the short-term rental economy and is
exploring avenues that cauld patentially ailow for owner-occupants to utilize their primary
dwellings an a limited basis to supplement their income and, by extension, make their homes
more affardable. Hawever, properties that are acquired and/or converted for the sole purpose of
STRR remove much-needed hausing stock frarn the market, raise rental pr�perty rates across the
board, and have proven ta be cansistently problematic for neighbars. These "business"
properties wili be under increased regulatary scrutiny as legal parameters are developed. In the
meantime, residents are encauraged to comrnunicate with their neighbors to attempt to resolve
issues, and report suspected vialations to the Town of Ithaca Code Enforcement Department, at
(607) 273-1721, for investigatian and potential enforcement action.
Page 2 af 2
Town of Ithaca Manica I.ang Se Bradford K Krakow
215 N Tioga St 228 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850
Qarothy D Park Katherine Howe & �ouis Hyman
205 Devon Rd 13d Sunset Dr
ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850
Ayaka S& Michael B Timmons
126 Sunset Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Elizabeth Caldwell & Anthony Brighton
11 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Neville & Vera Dyson-Hudson
123 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Kathleen Ann & David Putnam
17 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Renee Alexander
2 Renwick PI
Ithaca, NY 14850
lohn Eckenrode
21 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Karen & David Smith
221 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Lisabeth Chabot & Nichalas Whitmer
1 Renwick P�
Ithaca, NY 14850
ludith & Frank Wayno
11Q Renwick Or
Ithaca, NY 14850
Michael and Katherine Kingra
14 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Barbara Kolowski & Richard Bayd
18 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Mallika Thomas
20 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Monica Lang & Bradfard Krakow
228 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Ayaka S& Michae) B Timmons
126 Sunset Or
Ithaca, NY 14850
Romas & Kristina Spokas
102 Renwick Or
Ithaca, NY 14850
Fayerty Creagan
117 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Thomas D Fox
15 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Maureen Viele
19 Renwick PI
Ithaca, NY 14850
Mallika Thomas
20 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Nancy D Hart I.awrence Blume and Maralyn Edid
215 Renwick Dr 22 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850
Katherine Stettler & David Deitcher Robert & Bonnie Mac Daugall
227 Renwick Or 120 Sunset Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850
Manica �ang & Bradford Krakow Sarah Schneider Gunther & Amy Rose Marga & Oskar �iivak
228 Renwick Dr Krosch 230 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850 23 Renwick Heights Rd Ithaca, NY 14850
Ithaca, NY 14850
Edward B Swartz Anthony J Pane,lr Marian Moynes & lahn Hickey
232 Renwick Dr 235 Renwick Dr 236 Renwick Dr
ithaca, NY 1485Q ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850
Elke Siegel & Paul Fleming
237 Renwick Dr
ithaca, NY 14850
Christopher Kerber & Genevive Meredith
240 Renwick Or
Ithaca, NY 1485Q
�ena & �awrence Siany
250 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Elliott & Elizabeth Ryan
27 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phyllis & William Highland
3 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 1485d
Lara & Lee Kaltrnan
24 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Debra & Jeffrey Lillie
37 Victor Mendon Rd
Mendon, NY 14506
Catherine A& Paul R Dawson
256 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 14850
Mia Slotnick & Kenneth Simpson
28 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
lennifer Germann & Peter McCracken
3Q Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Christapher Kerber & Genevive Meredith
240 Renwick Or
Ithaca, NY 14850
Lynda W D Bogel
25 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
William C Brothers
260 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 1�$50
Selina & Michaei Lenetsky
29 Renwick Heights Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Britta E& Brian T Lee
5 Renwick Dr
Ithaca, NY 1485Q
Luisa & Michael MacAnanny Mary Schwartz Xiaoyun Wang
6 Renwick P) 7 Renwick Qr 8 Renwick Or
Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850 Ithaca, NY 14850
.. �
Apt-il 24, 2017
TO: 'i'hc "Towr� �f Ithaca (Attn: "I'ow1� Cler•k)
In accordr�nce �vith New York State Town I.,aw Sectic�n 65-a, notice is hereby �;ive7� t�� the 'I'c�wn af Itllaca t(�a�t�.
clan�erous rc��d conditions exist on Westview l..ane, 'i'ere�aceview Lane and Towe,rvie;w Rc�ad in thc Gr���nclview
suL�d�ivisio77 of the Town of Ithaca.
These dangerous conditions consist of;
l. C,xces�ivelv stee�-slo[�ed roadside sa�rface w�ater callectic��t ditches that cawair�ver�c yafety siar�c�4�rds of
thc Fecleral I-I,i�hwav Administration and the rer,�m►��encl�tiora� of the Cox•raell Local i2oad� �'rot?i•an�,
I�o�ciside surface water collectian ditct��s ��rc within the r�o�d right-of-way, necessary f'or r<���dway
preserva�tion, and are serviced by the tc�wn as an inte�ral ��art of roadway ���airrt�iiai�lce. "Cher��fo��c, they ca»
reaso�Yably be constnied as part and parcc�'I �1't�l�e roadway.
�"]�e abc�ve-mentianed organizations assea•t tl�at:
"`Ditch slopes steeper than 1 V:3I-I �re not cc�r�sid��re;cl traversable and should ri�t be f�und in t1�7� clear zone."
"Ditch sides are usually constructe,cl ir� t11e ranges of' 1 V:3H to IV:6FI_ Steeper slap�s pos� breaY�e�r• safety
risk to mator vehicles traveling acrass c�r dc>wn ther�n. Side slopes of '1 V:4H or �11�fter ar�e ca7�rnonly
aceepted as safe side slopes."
"Ir� slopes of less than '1 V:3H t}re fi•ont slo���; can be steep enc��zgh t� cause a rc�llovec
�zcciclent. Iithe vehicle stays upri�ht, the c�allisian with tl�le back slc�pe coulcl l�e severe un�augh t'�7 cause
injur�ies. ]f the �front bumper digs into t}ie back s'Inp�, a car can be spun ar��mcl in a very violcnt� man�ier."
[7itch�;s s���citically in violation are loeatecl in fr�ant o�f�the fc�l1awirl�; addresses and locatic�ns in tl�� C�rar�clview
subdivision:
Westview Lane:
12G
128
]29
(31
13S
137
138
139
141
142
143
l45
147
152
153
155
201
202
2(73
20fi
204
210
2l1
Or� b��th �ides oFtl�e road from the inters�cti��r� ��C Westview Lane and Towerview Rc�ac3 t<� the irrtersectior7 wit�h NYS
Rt. '79.
On the north and east sides af the northeast bend of Westview Lane.
Towerview Road:
101
103
105
112
113
121
On the narth side af Terraceview beginning at 102 cantinuing to the intersection of Honness Lane.
2. Large, exqosed concrete sanitarv sewer access basins within the roadside surface water callection
ditches. These basins are in breach af a Federal Hi�hwav Administration safetv warning:
"Concrete drainage features adjacent to the roadway are potentially hazardous when they extend above the
surrounding ground. These features are r'rgid abjects that can snag the undercarriage af a vehicre leaving the
roadway or initiate vehicie roliover."
Expased sanitary sewer access basins within the roadside surface water callectian ditches exist in front af the
fallowing addresses and tocations in the Grandview subdivisian:
Westview Lane
137
151
In two locations on the east side af Tawerview Raad near the intersectian with Rt. '79.
3. Extremelv narrow road shoutders that endan$er qedestrians and fail to comptv with the standards of
a number of reca�nized road safetv a�encies and the stipulations af the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA}.
Absent sidewalks, pedestrians have no choice but ta use the road shoulders. Mast of the road shaulders in the
Grandview subdivision are cansiderabty narrower than 5 ft., often are sloped mare than 2 degrees and have the
added hazard of immediateiy bordering on excessively steep and deep raadside surface water callectian ditches.
Mobility impaired residents using mobility devices, as well those wha are visualty impaired, find it particularIy
difficult and dangerous to negatiate Grandview's raadways. Shoulder width leaves little or no roam to operate
certain mobility devices farcing rnability irnpaired persons using such devices to travei in the roadway. Sight
impaired persons aften are faced with the dangers of being struck by a ear ar falling into a deep ditch. An a egr �iaus
example af a cambination of narraw shoutder and steep ditch is located on the west side of the sautheast curve af
Westview Lane.
The Federal Highway Administratian (FHWA}, the New York State Department of Transportatian (NYSDOT) and
the American Assaciation of State Highway and Transpartation Officials (AASHTO) have a standard requiring that
raad shoulders be canstructed of "�rm and stahle material" with a minimurn 4 ft. width, and a siope from the
roadway of no greater than 2 degees in cases where road shoulders are used as pedestrian paths and the pedestrian
traffic Level of Service (LOS} rating is "A"(<=16 pedestrian per m1m as anecdotaliy estimated far the Grandview
development). This road shaulder specification represents a coilective interpretatian by these pertinent transpartation
agencies and professional arganizations as ta what is required to pravide for pedestrian safety while concurrently
camplying with ADA stipulations. As such, it is evident that the road shoulders currently in use af necessity as
pedestrian paths in the Grandview develapment might be construed to be unsafe and in violatian of ADA
requirements.
Summary:
Grandview is a comparatively densely papulated subdivision af duplex homes. Cansequently, vehicular traffic is
higher than in subdivisions af similar acreage containing only singie family houses. There is considerabie bicycle
and foat traffic caused, in part, by the proximity of the East Ithaca Recreatian Way. Pedestrians with disabilities
frequentiy use these roads as wetl.
The steep and deep roadside ditches and the narrow, steep road shouiders cantravene established safety standards
and recarnmendations, vialate ADA requirements, and present a reai and present danger ta motarists and pedestrians
using Grandview's roadways.
There are no apparent topagraphical, hydralogical ar structurai constraints that prevent the remediatian of these
ditch and road shoulder issues. It is therefore highly recammended that the Town of Ithaca correct these deficiencies
in a timelv way befare questians af liabiiity are at issue.
References:
Federal Highway Administration "Maintenance of Drainage Features far Safety"
(http:l/safety.fhwa.dot.�avllocal ruralltrainin�/thwasad9424/#c2.2}
Cornell Lacal Roads Pragram, "Road Safety Fundamentals"
NYSDQT Hi�hway Desi�n Manual. Chapter 18 "Pedestrian Facility L7esign ", Revision 83, June 24, 2Q1 S
American Association af State Highway & Transpartation Officials (AASHTO} "Guide for the Ptanning, Design
and Operation of Pedestrian Facifities. "
Arnerican Disabilities Act (ADA} "Guidelines for Burldings and Facilities" as supplemented by "Guidelines for
Pedestrian Facilities in the Pubtic Right-of-Way."
spectfuliy submitted,
David D. Stotz
153 '!Z VVestview Lane
Ithaca, NY 1485Q
607-319-4$ r 0
djs2�cornetl.edu
cc: $itl Goodman, Town Supervisar
Jim Weber, Town Highway Superintendent
Certified Mail
� r �
Fram:
Sent:
To:
CC:
Subject:
Attachments:
Andrew Kalloch <andrew.kalloch@airbnb.com>
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 4:31 PM
pgoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us
Paulette Rosa; Bruce Bates; Eric Levine; P Leary; T Hunter; Rod Howe; Rich DePaolo;
PBleiwas
Airbnb in Ithaca, N.Y.
Airbnb Neighbors Taol Briefing.pdf; Airbnb Trust and Safety Briefing.pdf; Summary of
Portland ME STR Regulations Mar 2017.pdf; Airbnb Cover Letter, Ithaca NY.pdf
G�c�cl aftErnc>c>n, S�ipe;rviyor Go�dman, membez•s of tl�� Z'c�w» Bca�u�d, and st�3fP. My name is A��drew Kallqch and I �zm a lawycr working in
Public Policy t'or Airbnb.
IC l�as c�mc. Cc� pur att� nii�an that the B<�ard is working or� sl�c�r-t-tern�� rrr7Ca1 (STR) rules and, to that Enc�, w�i�l�cl to �a�iss a1c�a1� some additional
inPar-mali��>n r�baut Airbi�b that may be of use in yoiir clelilaer�ticins.
Attacl��d l�> this �mail are C(�e following:
l. A covcc lctttr, wl�ieh deseribes many ��f Airb��b's tnist ancl saf�ty/qu�lity of life too]s and pz•ovicl�s k�y statisties for New Yoik
ancl ICh�ca (city ancl tc�wr� combined).
2. A P�7w�r-Poii7t �reser�tation (via a Gc�ogle Di•ive link, bcic�w) autlining Airt�nb's ��l�abal foot�rinl ancl its �.conomic impact in New
York Statc.
3. Twcr ori�-p��ige brie;fings on our Trust and Safery �f�l'�.�r�t;� �1nd ��ur �Zew Neigl7bors tool, whicl� ar� particular•ly im��ortant for the kind
af lisung co���c�rns c�utlined in the articl� ah��ve.
4. A summa�y c�f t�he new ordinance from PorCl�znd, Main�, wl�icli acidresses key public s�lfety ai7d c�uality ���1" li1�e conce�-��s in a
mark�t;t like ICliaca that is largely resideratial, t�ut w'hich �Isc> benefits fr�m Che tourist ecc�nomy.
�
� ,������ '���a �"�� �a����g�����aa� '���tr� �a��a� ������a��
As y�u can see, horne sharir�g is an imp�rtant and growin� p�rt crf ll�e regic�n's c;conomy and we ar� pr�7uc] t�7 be raart' of thc e;ec�nc�mic potential
it provides i'c>r N�w Yc�rk's famili�s, ��eighbonc��ods, ancl cc�rnr�runities.
Th�nk yc�u a��tir1 f�7r yo�ir Cimt and please don't hesitatE Co r�ach c>ut i1` you h�vc c�uestions.
Sincer�;ly,
Andrew L. K�zil�>cl��
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Andrew L. Kalloch
Ptiiblic Policy
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Tuesday, Apri125, 201�
Hon. Bi11 Goodman
Supervisor
Town of Ithaca, New York
2i5 N. Tioga Street
Ithaca, N.Y. i485a
pgoodman@town.ithaca.ny.us
Re: Home Sharing Laws in Ithaca, New York
Siipervisor Goadman,
On behalf af Airbnb, I urge the Town of Ithaca to adopt regulations that support responsible
hame sharing and the ecanomic value it provides to househalds and businesses in your
community.
Airbnb was launched in 2008 with a single listing in a single apartment in San Francisco. Our
founders-- recent (and unemployed) graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design-- were
struggling to afford an increasingly expensive housing market and decided to open up their own
home to host ather artists who were in town for a design canference.
Nine years later, that single home share has turned into a platform that has brought 15o million
guests to over 3 million listings in 6,�,00a cities in nearly every country across the glabe.
Of course, while Airbnb has used the power of the internet to bring together millions of hosts
and guests, New Yorkers are well aware that home sharing didn't start with Airbnb. Rather, it is
a historic tradition—in this state and otllers.
Airbnb is proud to be part of this tradition. In the last year alone, over 49,00o hosts welcomed
2.i million guests to the Empire State, with aver z.5 million New York residents using Airbnb to
travel elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad.
The vast majority of these New York hosts—�6 percent of whom are women—are individuals
and families who share their homes occasionally to pay for their martgage, medicine, and
student loans, or save inoney for retirement ar a rainy day. In fact, the typical hast in New York
earns $5,,0o in supplemental income by sharing their home for about three nights a month.
Furthermore, unlike ather types of lodging, such as multinational hotel chains, g� percent of
revenue generated tlxrough Airbnb goes directly to aur hosts, who plow it back into the Empire
State economy.
Hame sharing is particularly valuable in college towns like Ithaca, which welcome large aznounts
of visitors during graduation weekends, making it di�cult for graduating students' guests to
book traditional accommodations like hatels. Airbilb is a flexible way for college towns ta
dynainically add nzuch-needed accommodations supply during majar events like
commencement, providing visiting families with an �ffardable accominodation aption that
benefits residents and 1oca1 businesses alilce.
It thus comes as na surprise that Ithaca has a substantial community of Airbnb hasts and guests.
In the last year (ending April l, 2oi7}, there were approximately:
• boo Active Hosts
• �i percent af Ithaca hosts are women and the average host age is 46. 37 percent of local
hosts are over the age of �o, highlighting haw many hosts use supplementai income from
extra bedrooms to "age in place" in the neighborhoods they cali hame.
• The typical host rented their hame for just 28 nights in the last year. Indeed, far the vast
majority of hosts, home sharing represents a part-time, supplemental source of incame,
not a full-time, commercial operation.
• gl,000 Inbaund Guests
• Average guest is 39 years ald and the average guest group size is 2,� people, signaling
that Ithaca is a prime destinatian for couples and families. Moreover, the average length
of stay is g nights, highlighting how Airbnb is e�anding travel options and spurring
economic growth in Ithaca.
• Over 2�,aao Ithaca residents used Airbnb to travel elsewhere in New York State and
around the warld.
Airbnb has grown significantly in recent years and one of the reasons far our success has been
aur investments in innovative toals ta protect hasts, guests, and neighbors:
• Airbnb uses sophisticated technologies and behavioral analysis techniques ta help
prevent potentially troublesome hosts or guests from utilizing the platfarm in the first
place. Far U.S. residents, Airbnb also runs host and guest information through several
public databases to check if there are matches with certain felany convictions, sex
offender registrations, or significant misdemeanors.
• Airbnb maximizes transparency by allowing hosts ta require that guests provide a
government ID, and we created a program called Verified ID, which connects a person's
offline identification (a driver's license or passgort) with another online profile to their
Airbnb account, such as Facebook, Google, ar LinkedIn accounts.
• Airbnb encourages hasts and guests to communicate and get to laiow one another before
a trip occurs. Like other online platforms like Ebay, our community builds trust and a
track record for users to be able to learn more about each other through publicly
available reviews and feedback.
• There have been over 16o million guest arrivals in Airbnb listings to date. Incidents do
happen, but they are rare. That's why we offer $1 million Hast Pratection Insurance and
a$i millian Host Guarantee to help protect hosts and guests, In 2016, there were more
than 3o millian trips at Airbnb listings worldwide. Significant property damage (claims
that were reimbursed under our Host Guarantee program for over $i,000) was reported
to us o.009% af the time. Far what it's worth, at that rate, you could host a new
reservation every single day for aver 27 years withaut expecting to file a significant
property damage claim under our Hast Guarantee.
• If a guest or a hast ever have an issue, our global Trust and Safety team is an call 24J� to
heip.
• Last year, we launched the Neighbors platform-- a taol that allows people who may not
even use Airbnb ta report potential concerns directly ta aur staff for review. Between the
time the system launched and the end of 2oi6, there were a,229 neighbor concerns that
came into the system. Based on boaldngs in that same time frame, that represents a rate
of less than i in every 2b,00a guest arrivals during that time, or .004%.
In additian to these taols, Airbnb believes that reasonable regulation can foster responsible
home sharing. To that end, we've worked with hundreds of municipalities across the country
and around the world to craft rules that work for their communities.
At the heart of most of these ordinances is the recognition that occasionally renting a home daes
not transform the property into a commercial hotel any more than a garage sale transforms a
home inta the local ma11 ar providing music lessons to local kids turns one's home into Carnegie
Hall.
To that end, we believe Ithaca should recagnize short-term rentals as an accessory use in
residential zones, not a full-time commerciai practice like a traditional B&B.
Lastly, we believe short term rentals on Airbnb should be taxed like any other transient lodging.
Since 2oi4, the company has signed voluntary collection agreements with over a7� jurisdictions
around the world, including right here in Tamgkins County. These voluntary callectian
agreements have enabled us to collect over $24o million ta fund critical public serv%ces.
New Yark has a well-earned reputation as a place that is open to new ideas and embraces
innovatian. Home sharing is the latest industry to honor that tradition and we urge Ithaca to
follaw the lead of other cammunities in welcoming the econamic appartunity it creates for
residents and businesses alike,
Sincerely,
Andrew L. Kalloch
Airbnb
CC: Hon. Rod Howe, Deputy Town Supervisor
Hon. Pamela Bleiwas, Town Board Mernber
Hon. Rich DePaolo, Town Board Member
Hon. Tee-Ann Hunter, Town Board Member
Hon. Pat Leary, Tawn Board Member
Han. Eric Levine, Town Board Member
Bruce Bates, Director of Code Enforcement
Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
3
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A�►afe, Welcoming Community: Airbnb Nei�hbors
Every time a host welcomes a guest into their hoine, they are alsa welcoming them into
their neighborhood. We're proud that since Airbnb gat started, there have been over loo
million guest arrivals in Airbnb listings and those guests have Ueen welcomed by hosts
and their neighbars in over 34,00o cities and towns across 190+ countries warldwide.
The overwhelining majority of Airbnb guests are respectful travelers, so complaints and
issues are incredibly rare, but we always want to do everything we can ta help our
community members be gaod neighbars in the places our hosts call hame.
To help achieve tllat gaal, Airbnb l�:X���7.c�l�c�ci a new resource for neighbars af Airbnb hosts
on May 31, 201E7: AirUnb Neighbors.l Anyone can log on to ��,�.i�_l:r�?k:�.c�Wc����r����.�:l���c�tw� to
share s�eci�c cancerns they might have about a listing in their community. These
cancerns could include things like noise complaints. From there, our team reviews their
concern and, if necessary, follows up with the host regarding the issue.
Neighbors can submit informatian anonymously or allow our team to pass along their
contact infarmation so the host can follow up with them directly. Once a neighbor
subinits feeclback, we send a con�rmatian email, along with a case numUer.
We treat e�ch case seriously and ensure that we give hosts and their neighbars the
apportunity to resolve concerns themselves, whenever passible. Hasting is a big
responsibility and those who repeatedly fail to meet aur standards and expectatians are
subject to suspensiozz or removal from the Airbnb cammunity.
Uur community of hosts, guests, and neighbors is defined by a set of valiles that support
our shared mission to create a world where people can belang anywhere. We're excited
to offer this tool as we continue to work to suppart everyone — including neighbors — in
the Airbnb cammttnity.
' hii ; l:�fe�i;.�xic�k���h.cecrt�a tt<:�ti��—a•c�������c�>�t'c�1--���i.;�l��iur�s .
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There have been over i6o million guest arrivals in Airbnb listings and negative incidents
are extremely rare. Our community is growing quicl�ly because it is built on trust - it is
the faundatian of our business. We've developed a number of lcey features that help to
build this trust, including:
• Airbnb uses sophisticated technologies and behavioral analysis techniques to help
prevent potentially traublesolne hosts or guests from utilizing the platform in the first
place. For U.S. residents, Airbnb alsa runs host and guest inforination through several
public databases to check if there are matches with certain felony car�victions, sex
offender registrations, or significant misdemeanors.
• Airbnb maximizes transparency by allowing hosts to require that guests provide a
goverr�ment ID, and we created a prograin called Verified ID, which connects a person's
affline identificatian (a clriver's license or passport) with another online profile to their
Airbnb account, such as Facebook, Gaogle, or Linkedln accounts.
• Airbnb encourages hosts and guests to communicate and get to icnow one another before
a trip occurs. Lilce other anline platforms like Ebay, aur coinmunity builds trust and a
track record for users to be able to learn more �bout each other through publicly
available reviews and feedbacle.
• There have been over i6o millian guest arrivals in Airbnb listin�s ta date. Incidents do
ha��pen, but they are rare. That's why we offer $i million Host Protection Insurance aizd
a$i million Host Guarantee to help protect hosts and guests.
In 2oi6, there were mare thar� ,o million trips at Airbnb listiiigs worlc�wiae. Significant
propei•ty damage (claims that w�re reiinbursed under our Host Gtiarantee program for
over $l,00a) was repoz�ted to us o.aa9% af the time. For what it's woz-t11, at that rate, you
could host a new reservation evety single day for over 2� years without expecting to file a
significant property damage claim tlncler our Host Guarantee,
• If a guest or a host ever have an issue, our global Trust and Safety team is on ca1124/� to
help.
• Last year, we launched the Neighbors platform-- a tool that allows people who may not
even use Airbnb to report patential concerns directly to our staff for review. Between thc
time the system launched and the end of 2a16, there were 2,2�g nei�hbar concerns that
came into the system. Based on baakings ilz that same time frame, that represents a rate
of less than 1 in evezy 26,00o guest arrivals during that time, ar .004%>.
At the end of the day, while we ean't eliminate all the rislc in traveling, we worlc very
hard to help hosts and guests have the ability ta malce the most informed decisions they
can. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and the safety af the Airbnb
camrnunity is the single most impoz~tant thing we work an every day.
Short Term Rental �STR} Framework
1�Page
Dra$ STR Regulatory Framework: Updated Febr��ary l, 201'7
l. A Short Term Rental {STR} is a dwelling wzit or rooming unit for transient guests far less
than 30 days;
2. Praperty owners and their agents (Hosts) rr�y not aperate an STR withaut anrivally
registering with the Housing Safety Off�e each tulit or roommg wut;
3. The City will reevaluate the STR policy six months af�er registratian begins and annually
thereafter ta understand the STR �xket impact on Partland's housing stock;
4. A cap af 300 w�its will be made ava�able for all STR wuts that are not located on the islands
and are not a host's primary residence. No cap for nan-awner accupied units will initially be
set for the islands.
a. Once caps have been reached a wait list will be forrr�ed to help gauge market demand;
b. 11te City w�l reevah�ate the STR cap for bath the islands and maimland s� rnonths
a$er registration begins and annually thereaf�er to understand the STR �rket impact
on Portland's housing stock and whether adjustments should be made to either cap;
5. Regardless of ownership shucture, mdividuals sha11 nat be allowed to register more than five
{5} STR units across any bu�dings in Portland 'm which they have a financial interest;
6. Due to accountability and e$'ective enforcement concerns only property owners w�l be able
to register STRs, with the exceptian that a renter may register one apartme�rt provided that:
a. The apartment is their primary dwelling and the tenatrt submits a primary res�ience
affidavit and assac�ted dacuments;
b. A�Ong with their registration applicatian and fee tenants must provide a notarized
copy of the city draf�ed ]andlord-tenant STR permission �tter signed by their
]andlord. 'I'he letter wiil inclutie:
i. Landlord and tenant's carnact infotmatian;
ii. A notarized statemerrt of permission by Iandlord allowing tenarrt to rent
apartrr�rrt as STR inchzding an acknawledgment by the owner of their liability
under the Disorderty House Ordinance, inspections, and ariy fees or code
vialations;
'7. A violation of the Disorderly House Ordinance wil1, at the discretion of the City Manager or
their desigrtee, result in an immedaate revocation af the registration and 12 rr�nth suspension
from registering again;
8. AIl Island rentals will corrtinue to register with the Housing Safety 4ffice. Because these
rentals are typically rented seasanally the registration fee structure wi� folLow the registratian
fees for awner-occupied muhi-family bu�dings. Also, given the type of housing stocic on the
is]ands nan-owner accupied sing(e f�mily homes shall be allowed to operate as STRs so long
as they �et all other requ�ements;
9. Under the STR regulations condominiums w�l be cansidered single £amily horr�s subject to
the same fees and STR limitatians as outlined in the chart below;
_ _ _ __
2�Page
a. For clarity, the City's STR regul�tions will nat supersede candominium by�.ws
pertaining to subletting or o�ering STR and each condominium association may
enforce its own STR restr�tions as the association deems appropriate;
10. STR u� be addressed similarly to all other applicable bw�ling and land use violations as
descrbed under 5ection 6.1 of the City Code and the Disorderly House Ordinance;
11. All registration fees and penalties associated with ST'Rs will be allacated to administrative
costs for regulating S'TRs. C}nce the administrative needs have been rr�et any rerrraining
revenue w�l be allocated ta the Housing Trust Fund.
12. Property management firrns faund operating STR.'s without proper registration rr�ay be fined.
These fines rnay be in addit'ron to fines levied against the property awner;
13. Where appiicable, hosts must sign an affidavit that the registered unit is their primary
residence and provide copies of documents approved by the City demanstrating compliance
wwithh this residency require�nt, including governnn�errt ID's, Homestead Exernption, voter
registratian, current busi�ness license, andlor any ather docur�nts deemed appropriate by
City sta�
14. Hosts must camplete the Clwner's Pre-Inspect�n Checklist ar suni� r docurr�rrt provided by
the Housing Safety Qffice as part of the registrat�n process;
15. As a candition of registration, STR's must allow ot�site inspections, as well as upon request
preserrt their registrat�n information, retltal history and upcoming reservatians;
16. A registration number v�ri]1 be given to each hast per dwelling imit; this registration number
shall be displayed 'm the dweiling unit and be featured 'm ads;
17. Failure of hosts or their represerrtatives to adequately respond to inquiries by the City within
a 48 hour period shall be cansidered a violation af these regulations and be subject to
penalt�s under Section 6.1;
1 S. Over�ught STR guest occupancy w�l be limnted ta twa guests per bedraom plus na more tY�
two additianal guests who may ut�7ize other s�eeping space in another area of the dwelling
unit such as a pullout couch. For example, a one bedroom dwelling unit cau�d be rented for a
tatal af four guests, whereas a two bedraom dwelling unit could be rented to a total of sizc
guests; and
19. T1ie number of STR units that may be operated in a bu�ding and the'rr associated registration
fees wili depend on whether ar not the building is owner occupied as fi:irther detailed in the
chart on the ne�ct page.
a. Fees w�l be cumulative and will increase based on the nwnber af tatal wzzits and each
unit fee will relate to whether or not it is in an owner occupied or non-owner occupied
building.
b. Fees will be calcu]ated by fi�st using any STRs operating in single family homes or
oumer occupied multi-family bu�dings and then fees will be attrbuted at a higher rate
for any uniks in non-owner occupied bu�dings. It w�l not matter what order the wiits
are registered in as maney owed w�l be adjusted accord'mgly ta accurately re�ect the
3�Page
total reg�sstratian fee due based on the number of total units and building typalogy
represented.
i. If a property owner registers STRs in rrr�re than one building the registration
fees will esca]ate based on the tatal number of STR's that they register rather
than resetting the escalating fees for each building. For e�mple, if a person
owns two non-owner occupied three unit buildings and can register two units
in each building the registration fee charged would be a total of $3,704 as fees
rise even if registered S'TR units are not in the same huilding. If an owner
alsa operates STRs in an owner occupied multi family or single family
buikiing the registration fees w� accumulate the awner occupied wut first, no
cnatter the tirn�ing of registration and the fee for the number of STR uruts m
non-owner occ�pied bwldings w�l start m a step above the number of STR
units operated in a single family home or owner accupied multifamily
bui�ding.
ii. If we look at the e�mple above where an oumer has two three unit properties
-- one of which is owner occupied -- and chooses to register two STRs in each
bu�din�, the STRs in the owner accupied bu�ding woukl be cakulated first
for a total of $35Q. The two rnmits irm the non owner occupied building would
tr�igger higher fees of $1,000 and $2,000 because they are the third and fourth
STR. units registered under that owner and these units are in a nan-awner
occupied biulding. In this scenaria the tatal registration fee for both buildings
wouid be $3,350.
iii. The order of units registered w�l not affect the totai fee that is required as part
of registrat�n. The fees owed w�l be adjusted as units are registered to
reflect the correct total arnount. Owner occupied single family homes and
wuts in oumer occupied multifamily ho�s w�l always be tallied as the first
wuts even if registered at a lat�er date from units in rron-owner occupied
buiidings. Far e�samp�, �' an awrter registers two wlits in a non-owner
occupred building for $700 and then a rr�nth later returns to register two units
� a owner-accupied building the fee calculated will consider the units in the
awner occupied bw�dings ta be at the first and second imit rates and the units
in the non-owner occupied bu�ding w�]] be considered the third and fourth
uruts for higher fees resu�ing in a total registratian cost of $3,35Q. The
previously paid amoumt af $700 w�l act as a credit towards the $3,350 owed
and at the fine of the second registration the owner would owe the remaming
balance of $2,650.
4�Page
_ _
Type of Limitatians/Max # of STR Registratian Fee
Building
Singie Fam�y May o�er rooms in home as STR When 100
Home: owner is away, may offer entire horr� as
Uwner- STR.
aG�u����
Singte Family Nat allawed except on the islands N/A
Home:
Nat Owner-
Occupied*
2 unit building — 2 STRs ls� Unit: $140
Multi Unit 3 unit building — 3 STRs 2"� Unit: $250
Bur�ding: 4 unit 6uilding — 4 STRs 3ra Unit: $504
Uwner- 5+ unit building — S STRs 4th Unit: $1400
4ccupied
Sth Unit: $2000
1 � Unit: $200
2°� Unit. $504
3rd Unit: $1,aoo
Multi-Unit 4th Unit: $2,000
Bui�dings: 2 unit building —1 STR �tn Unit: $4,aoa
Not Owner �"5 unit bu�ding — 2 STRs
6-9 unit bwlding — 4 STRs
Occupied NOTE: Fees are cumu�ative
1 Q+ wvt buikling — 5 STRs
and escalate with additional
units whether thev are in the
sarr� buildin� or spread across
multiple properties.
* STRs in condominiums w�l be viewed as singie family homes utxler these re�tians
�:w�'���M����� �..1����%�,��6���.�
Martha E. I'c>11ac1<
Presid�rit
iVlay 15, 2017
Mr. Bill Goodi�lan
Supervisar
Town of Ith�c�t
21 S N. Tio�;a St:rce.t
Ithaca, NY 14850
��b��
Dea�r Supex��c�r"" &roodman,
Thank you for t7kin� tirnc to meet with n�e last W�dxlesci��y a»d for yaur renlarks at t(�e
Maplewoacl ccremany an Friday. T17e collaborativ�; relationsl�li�� betweer� the Towt� 01'
Ithaca a��d Cornell is essential and very much ap}7r�ciated.
We are cognizanti that r�lajc�r projects will provide �i��;w tax revenues arld otl�er bel��eiits, but
tlzat t1�ey can �lsc� r�t��;an extr-a worlc and stress for �towr7 �b��rds anc� �professional siaif.
Please keep us abreast ofi hc�w thi���,s are goin�;—fix�m tl�e �tawn's pei-spective—durin� �tl�e
clevelopmant of'E�is�t I�����ill Vill�ge. T was als� l��ppy to learn of�tl7e Town-Cornell Working
Group and hope that it cc�ntinues to sei�ve as an impociat�t re,source.
I hope you will be: ��l�le tc� att�,nd my inaugur�tiorl oi1 �u�ust 25 and wo�zld be hoi�ored to
have you join us as wc,11 a�t a con7inunity-focuscd inau�uration event to be lzeld at t17e Lab
of Or»itliolo�ry c�n August 26. We will be reacl�in� c�ut io y�aLlr staff regard�ing both
invitations.
I 1c�o�k forwarcl to w�rkit�� witl7 you over the cc�ming r�7c�r�ths and yea.rs. I�1 t}7e,177e�ntiin�,
�le�e ci�r�r't l�csii�l� tc> r�c,�c17 c��tt if the�°� is �a��yt�ri�r1�; wc: cai°� �ic7 for y�u. -
Sincerely,
� " ��_ � _ �...n._
Mart11a E. F'ollack
300 Day 1-Iall Itllaca, NY 14853-280"t Tele�phone: (6(�7) 255-5201 Fax: (6O7) 255-9�324 E-rnail: �piesiderl�tC�ccar•neC�l.eclu
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M:�. Bill Gc�odrnar7
Supervisor, �I'own of Ithaca
215 North T.ioqa St=reet
t khaca, NY :14�� �C7
Re: Biggs Mernorial Hospital Cottage
402 H��rx�.i_s F Dates Driv�;
Itr�aca, NY 14E350
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C7�a.r Mr. Goodman:
M��y 1:1, "1..017
Fol1<7wing a detailed review, the State Review Boarc� h�:�s re,comrnen�ie:d tc> t�t-�e
�e�mmissi�ner c�� f��arks, Rc�cr�at�:ic�n and Hi_��t�c>r,:i.�; F'r�servatir�n, wY1�> is tri��; Nc;�a 7'e�r,l�
;>t_ate Histc�r:ic; F'reservatian Officer (SHPO) , t.hat the �arope:rty :i_dentific�d �k�ov<; br,�
listed on the New York State Register of Hi.st.oric Places �:�ncl naminated to thF=
National Register_ of Histo.r:i_c Places.
After reviewing the nomination, the SHPC7 has aqree,c� w:i. th the rec;omrrie:ndat�i.an
o.f the State Review Board and has listed the property on t.he State Regist_.e;r af
Histori.c Plac.es. We sha11 nc,w forward the narri:ination to the Keepe.r of tvhe�
National R2g=ister in Washingtan, D. C.
If th� Keeper of the National Register approves rhe nami.nation, th�� pro��erty
wi11 be listed on t_he National. FZegister. Yau wi_11 be nc>t:ifie.r.1 wYlen th:_s dec:.ision
i_s made.
Inforrn�t.i«n about the results of St.at� arl� Natian�ll Reqister list i_r�q werE�
i.nc.luded in our earlier notifirat_ion letter. If you have <zny further qu<:>:;t�_c>ns,
pl.ease cc�nta<;t: yr>ur field .representative �Ii_:rgini.a Bar�as, ��t trie Division .for
Historic Preservation, (518} 268-2161.
Sirrc�rc;ly,
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Michael_ F. 1ync�, �'�F�., AIA
Dir_ec;tar, Divisi.��n�'�for Histo.r.ic
Preservation
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I�)iwi�<,i4�7r? fc�r Ni=,4�rrir I��>re�,�;rv��kir.7rt. i'€��hles� l�sfs,ar�c� i'C:a &3r.>r 9`rr�i '�1JetFr�fcirri. P�J¢:�w `P���r(< i�?�1(��-("1�34)
� r�1�3-:?3�-c��>�;� � www,ny�arks.corn �
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D�VICI D. S�OtZ
153 1/2 Westview Lane
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Mr. Statz:
�
215 �t. Tiaga �tr�et, Ithaca, �I.Y. 14850
www.tawr�.ithaca.ny.us
TOWN SUPEF�VIS(�R 273-1721 x 125
FAX (607) 273-1704
Re: Petition abaut Westview neighbarhoad ditches
At its meeting an May 8, 2017, the Tawn Board reviewed the infarmatian you recentiy
submitted about the ditches in your neighbarhood, which were also the subject of the Petition
filed by you and yaur neighbors on November 15, 2016.
The B�oard has asked the Public Works Department to investigate the potential casts
ta replace the ditches with piping, since any such change cauld be very costly, as you may
recall when you attended the Public Works Committee meeting in December 2016.
Unfortunately, the engineering staff has been overloaded with other projects far a
while naw, so it will take some time before they can come up with an estimate for the
committee to review. We wiil let you know when it is put on a future cammittee agenda for
further discussian.
Sincerely,
� c"
�,��'����--���.,�-
William D. Gaodman,
Town Supervisor
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5. The ground salar system permit sho.uld require the hcilder ta ptant
#oliage �or install a waEl), as necessary, to (imit the v�sual impact of the
solar system on adjoining pro.pe�ies. This need rtc�t reduce e�ectrica�
output if thought aut. If sufficientiy dense, fc�liage could act as a fence.
6. �ystems should be kept as close to the ground as possible;: a 40" height
above the ground Ievel is more effectively hidden. Reques#s for more
height should be consiclered on a case by case basis.
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I offer these recommendatians to ba�ance the admittedly desirable prospec�
of renewable power with the equally desirable. praspect of preserving a
r�atural, beautiful world. Given paradise, we should try to maintain it.
Existing permit appi�cations shou�d.:be imrnediately suspended until this is
recansidered and acted upan �by the Planning Commissi�n. I appreciate
your attention in this.
������ � � � � ���� �;
6��vw'MaarVc ��ate 97epar��av��c� es� Ecwwoo�+anrru�r���l ¢�¢�r���rv��Brsra
625 Bro�dway, 14th Floor, Albany, New York 12233-1010
P: (518) 402-8545 I F: (518) 4d2-8541
W�,�/W.CI E'C.V`E}/.CJOW
Hanorabie Bill Gaodm�n
Supervisor, Town of Ithaca
215 f�arth Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 1485q
i-. .— . ...
On behalf of the iVew York State agencies sponsoring the Climate Smark Cpmr�unifies
Progr�rn, I cangratulate you �nd the Tovvn of Ithac� for �chieving stataas �s a Cer�ifisd Clir��te
Smark Community. Climate change is the defining issue of �ur genera�ion; the acti�r�s I�hac�
has taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ad�pt ta clima�� ch�nge embody �he kind af
cammitment needed io fac� this great challenge.
In particuiar, I applaud the town's ac�ians to reducing greenhouse g�s emission� thro�cgh
improved energy efficiency, ba�h in municipal oper�tions and in the 9arger commuroity.
Reducing energy consumption saves taxpayer dollars and is the fiound�fiion of climafe-smart
managemenfi. Ir�itiatives like municipal lighting upgr�des, the Residen�ial �nergy Scare F'roject,
and the �reen �uilding Policy Proj�c� illustrate the tawn's carr7rv�itment to maxirrrizir�g efficiency.
It is also clear thafi efficiency is just one component af 9�hac�'s well-rounded, camprehensive
loc�l clima�e actian pragram, which embraces both mitig�tion and adapta�ion. B coraimend �he
Town of Ifh�ca for working closely with your county governmenfi �o cond�ct adapta�ion planning
th�� addresses th� risks posed by climate ch�nge. Your efforts will m�ke your community �nd
local ir�frastructure mare resilient under a changing climafie.
The C{irnate Smarfi Comrrrunities program is an imporkan� partnership between local and S��te
gavernments that gives camrnunities the tools tc� respond e�fectively to climafie ch�nge. Your
autstanding example demonstrafies the economic �nd environmen��l bene�its of {oc�l climate
action to your pe�rs — you demonstrate what is possible with ec�rnmitied lead�rship. W�th yo�r
help, we can build a viable p�th forvvard for ail cc�mmunities in IVev� York Sf��� to prafiec� our
citizens, our economies, �nd o�ar �nvironment from the worst of clima�� charoge. Th�nk you for
yaur le�dership ar�d for coll�bar�ting uvifih us a� this eriticai momenfi in history.
Pie�se confiact Dazzle Ekblad at (51$) 4Q2-8448 or clim�techange(c�dec.ny.gc�v if yoaa h�v� any
questions.
Sincerely,
��.._ . �,�ro��°� � �
�asil Seggos
Carnmissianer
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�r �`�'"� 4 ` ` °'F' � Dylan Watras
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185 Kendall Avenue
�� �'� � ` �� Ithaca, NY 14850
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607.342.2358
dylanwat9l@gmail.com
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Ithaca Town Supervisor
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Mr. Goodman,
In December, Bruce Bates informed me that I could not obiain a building
permit for my residence because my property did not have sufficient frontage on an
official Town of Ithaca road. Since its construction in 1986, my residence has been
issued three building permits; one for the constructian af the residence and two for
woad stoves that were installed. Thus, this decision was despite my residence being
an existing property, already having been issued permits in the past, and paying
taxes to the Town.
I attended the Ithaca Tawn Board meeting in January in order to z•eceive
building permits for my property. At the board meeting I was told the issue would
be moved to the Planning Board and that developers had also inquired about this
same area.
I am writing this letter because I feel that I shouid not be cansidered in
conjunction with the developers on this issue. My residence already exists and I am
not seeking to expand its footprint. With the numbez• of lots thai these developers
own, they wili be able to build several buildings at the current zoning designation of
the area - and even more if the zoning level is increased.
The development of the South Hill 12ecreation Trail and construction on these
lots will surely become controversial due to the removal of green space lining the
recreation trail and construction of "coakie cutter" houses that are favored by the
developers. This pracess will surely result in a significant delay in the issuance of a
permit for my existing residence.
In order to resolve this situation, I hope you can address my request
separately from these new develapments and issue permits for my property by
designating it as an "open development area," in accordance with state cade. Please
feel free to contact me with any further questions you may have regarding this
request.
Sincerely,
Dylan Watros
�, ��.�. � ���"" �
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'`�` '� 215 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY 1485Q �'"
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�" ` �" Phone: 607-273-1721 � Fax: 607-273-5854 �b �, ��
�.�,�,,,,��11i�',,;'�' www.town.ithaca.ny.us
°' ��,�,�
Tawn Clerk: Paulette Rosa (PRosa@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Deputy T`awra Clerks: Debra DeAugistine (DDeaugistine@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Jasmin J Cubero (JCubero@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
J��r1� 2y, 2017
P���tr�ick Doty
8�1 Five M�ile Drive
Itlzaca, NY 14850
Dear Mi�. .Dc>ty,
Thc Tc�wrz �Bocu-cl r�ceivecl yc�ur letter/petition r�garding the Towir ��cce�ting� Lut-tt Rd., � private
road/acccss that is in significant disrepair. The lnatter was referred to thc Public Works
Committee.
Th� Co�niTuttee discussed the request, including the histc�ry af the �xb��rldarlrl�ent in 1952, and
reeo�7lnzenclecl/reportecl ta t�1e Town Board that the use of the ro��d i� st�i11 consist�nt with tlzat
hititc�i-y, thc��e�f'c7re C���, cammittee did not reeomsnenc� accepting the r�c>�td. The Bo�rd agreed.
The nc�tcs �fr�utn ihe Public Works Canlnlittee and the Town Bc�a�•cl nicetin� ac� av��il�ble on our
websi�Ce under �SoardlCc�mr�nittee minutes.
If you t7av� any c�uestiorls c�r rle.ed assistance, plea�;e feel fi�•�e to cc�rlt�ct me.
Sir�ccre ;
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Paulcttc Rasa
Town Clerk
cc. J Web�r
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p '�� 215 N Tioga St, Ith�ca, NY 14850 ��
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Phane: 607-273-1721 ■ Fax: 607-273-5854 �� � ,� �� �
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,�,.��u����,����,�. www.town.rthaca.ny.us ��..��� m�� �,
� Y� 'Tawrs Clerk: Paulette Ros� (PRosa@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
�epaaty Towr� Clerks: Debra DeAugistine (DDeaugistine@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Jasmin J Cubero (JCubero@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
June 2y, 2017
Dennis Foer�ster
165 Westhave,rl Rcl
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Mr. Foerster,
The Tawn �Bo��rcl rcceiveci your letter forwarded by the Pl�nzling $oard coi�ccr-ning the solar array
legislatian recently eriacted.
The legisl�tion w�nt thro���h a r•i�oroL�w c;c>rz�tt�Zitt�e ��rc�ce,ss with ext�,nsive research of similar
1e�isla�ic��n in c�ther muziicip��lities, �s well as reviews of scientific ai�ticles and existi�ng solar
arrays.
After fin�l re�vi�ions anci �ut�lic input ��p��ort�unities, the Town Board cieterz��.incd the legislation
was in the best intcre�ts c�f the town as a whole anci adopte.cl ttle local law.
Many of the concerns raised i�� yc�lir 1�Cter were c�iseusseci in detail at both levels and
notes/minutes of those discl�ssic�ns c��t1 �ie fot�nci on ou�1- website Linder- Board/Committee Minutes
so yau ean fully unclerstanc� the re�soning th�t went in to ���ch c�ceision.
If you have any q�xe�;tions ar need assistallce, please f�ecl fr�;e to contact me.
Sincerel
/(,���
paLilette lZ.oSa
Town C.lerk
J�Line 30, 2017
�"c�yc�,�-�e� I,c�k� c��c�°���z�c�
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l�zs`c�r�r��zu��ricij�rcxl C'rxr7�r��r�crti��ra ����.�rrrvtir��;r �����t�c�tz�rP. ����'td�� ti��ut���•.sh��c�
Dear Municipal Official,
The Caytilga Lake Watershed In�termL�nicipal C7i•ganizatio�l (IO) completed two majoi- tindertakinbs in 2016. We
have finalized work on tl�e Lipcl�te of ti�e Cayuga Lake Watershed Restoz�ation and Protection Plan (RPP), and
we have received state fundi��g for a three yea1� pz�oject to help watershec� municipalities implementi the plan's
recom.mendations.
Attached to this letter is an electronic copy o�f the RPP upcl��te f�or yollr informatiorl and review, along with a
copy of the recent press release anz7ouncing �the plan's car�lp(etion. Many thanks are due to the Cayuga Lake
Watershed Netwark and their watershecl stewarc�, Hilary LarYlbert. For threc years, the IO and Hilary have been
hard at work gathering public and professic�nal izzput. T1�e RPP L���clate i-epresents many hours of time
volunteered by water quality expei•ts ancl mu�lici�aal IO r•epl-eserltatives who alsa cleserve thanks. The update has
been submitted to NYS Depa�•tment of State and we ai•e ready to �move on to the work of implementing its
recommended actions.
Continuing municipal support is i�eeded to �in��ltch the state fL�nds recently awarded ancl we ask that you
remember to inclucle an IO contribution in your upcoming �bLidget. If support for the IO has not been in your
recent budgets, please seriocisly consider adding yoLcr support. ThY•oughout the update process, we were told
how difficult it is for municipalities to tackle water quality projects. We heard yoLi, and for this reason we
applied for funding to hire Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board to help IO member
municipalities. That f�unding has been awarded, bLit it� i•eqt�ii-es a inatch of $] 2,000 per year from the IO. That
match must come frc�m your municipal coz�trib�:ltions. P'lease honor your commitznent to the watershed by
including an IO contribution in your buc�get. You will be sent contriblition vouchers from the Town of Ithaca
under separate cover.
We will have the new brant contract in hand shortly and will contact each of you to see how we can help your
municipality. There is an increasing level of st�ite commitment and local energy being d.ireeted to the health of
�he Finger Lakes. We look forward to working with watershecl Y77unicipal.ities in taking advantage of the
opportunities this new and inc�reasing attention oEEer.
Please feel free to contact me at (�(�"_l__�`7��_ %���c1 ar R���l�tc�i�t�clftx)�=���6�zl.�c�.c����, for more information.
Regards,
Tee-Ann Hunter
Chair, Cayuga Lake WaCershecl Interr7lunicipal Oi•ganizaCion
Fram: Bill Gaadman
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2017 3:50 PM
To; Paulette Rosa
Cc: Debra DeAugistine
Subject: FW: Deer Management praposal in the Town of Ithaca
FYI, for Correspondence Folder
-----Original Message-----
From: Kyllikki Inman [rr_i�iV1c� r�: I�iikdciir7rra�rr�����r1:l�1er�k.nc��
Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2017 3:40 AM ��
To: P Leary; E Levine; Rod Howe; T Hunter; Bill Goadman; Ricn DePaolo; PBleiwas
Subject: Deer Management praposal in the Town of Ithaca
Dear Town Baard Members,
I am highly apposed ta the "Deer Management" plan being propased for the Town of Ithaca. Like Cornell's current plan,
this advocates the use of severe and cruel methods to kill an excessive number of deer. Some of the data used ta defend
the program is faulty and one sided.
They are touting the killing of deer to reduce Lyme Disease, but the deer have nothing to do with the bacteria that
causes the disease. it is infected White-footed Mice that give the disease to to the ticks, if the numbers of deer are
reduced, the ticks will host on ather animals - people, dags, etc.
I live in Forest Home, and my house is effectively surrounded by Corneil land - the golf course and the land formally
known as "The Plantatians", both where they have been killing deer for years . I used to enjoy seeing deer in my yard,
almost every day, seeing them interact and calmly going about their lives. Now, thanks to Cornell's extermination of the
White Tail Deer, I hardly ever see a deer in my yard. When I do it's a scrawny, smali scared deer. Never more than one,
and never the majestic large deer with 10 point antlers that I used to see frequently! I haven't see a doe with a fawn in
years! Carnell has killed them all. (They like to say "harvested" or "taken" , because that sounds "clean" instead of
violent and cruel.)
Cornell uses the highly illegal carn baiting and shooting the deer at night with search lights to frighten and paralyze the
paor creatures. (Illegai if regular hunters do this, why is Cornell special?) They spoke in their plan about how when shot
with arrows deer run into people's yards, and then Carnell wants permission to go in people's yards "to finish them off".
I have experienced this twice in my yard, with deer bleeding from the neck and another one from the shoulder. Bleeding
copious amounts of blaad onto the snaw, I toak a photo to document this under my bird feeder 5 feet from my hause.
Does everyone want ta experience this in their yards?
I ask you don't just take Carnell's word on "Deer Management" as gospel, they have an agenda. Do your own research
before you vote on having a deer massacre in the Town of Ithaca. There are many sides to this subject and many
possible future ramifications not mentioned in their proposal.
Thank you very much for your time,
Sincerely,
Kyllikki Inman
i
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215 Nc�rth Tfoga Str�et
Itl7aca, iVY 1�850
Re: Freedom of Inform�ttian Law Request
D��ar Tawr� L�c�ard Memb�rs:
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l�caz�s�t�nt tc� 11�� F��eec�csr�x c��' I�f�1�r���tisa�a La�nr, P�s���ic C�fficc�irys L��nr �irticic� C, C l�erek�y
�eq�.z�st a cc��y ��'t�e recr�rcis listeci b�lca�v, Fcrr r�urp�se� c�1�t��i� r�equ��;ts
„��tn�nuni��tic��is" s}7�Ii i���clud� ca��a����crndet�c�, �lectr°r�rai€; �r��il (ir�c��.�dir�� a11
��:ttachmer��s�, text mess��,es, and re��at din�s or c�e���s re��irv�ir��; co�v�����tic�ns i��
�c�s�s��� ot� bY ���c�r�� �r vic�ec� cl��t. I r�q�est the i'c�llc��eri���e
1. A1� cc�rrzzriunic�tz�a��s �nci �tl��r reccrds irr �he ��ssessir�ri c�f tla� "I`r��r�� r�f
It1���� I�c��rd per9tair�in� tc� ttYr� creatian csl� �x deer r�iar���r�merr� cc�zramit��e,
crtrz��� ���i�rise�l�y cotr�r�zitt�c�e �r othei~ f�r�ci�r n7eant tca <�c�dr�ss tl�� ��r�ser�ce af
c�c��r in th� ts�v�rt� (�:l�is req��st includ�s any cr�rr7rr��rLic:�ti�ai��s �r c�th�r re�ot�cls
�ert�irzin� t� t�ae �:c�tn��c�sitic��� oi such a b�d�r, i,e,, wl���t ��rticip�t�ts rr�i�ht
�k.ApV6. 416A LAlI. 0..0..YAdA1AdALL4.�p ASAV�LG4C.A61%1� 1.C1.Jt,..1�VLp 4.L'1...�.
Z. �.11 ccs;rn�:►un�c��tic�t�s ��tvvc���� �ny Tc�wn �� Itl��c:� �c��rd I��mbe�� �r c�thPr
ic�w�t c�t Ithac:�� caifici�l a��d any ��zrre��t �r �'c�rrvrne�a ��c�lty➢ staf�, a�° st�c�er��s �t
tl�e ���txt�al �.��;c�utwc�s De���r°tznLnt �t �c�a���119Jni�r�rsity (inciti�clitx� l.�ut r��t
�irrait�ci ta �er��c� F�lc�s�ey, P�ul C�rtis �t�cl J�a� Bc�ul�r���r� ��r��il�tir,� tts c�e�r,
d��r� rr7�n��;err���t, c�eer h�ar��in�, c�t� thc px�c��r�ara�� irr tl�� �rilla��s t�f Lar�sin�,
�'��urn�r�sburg, c��� C�yu�� �ei�l�is �rc�m J�����t�y 1, Zi715 tca the d�te t�ais
r�c{u�st is fa:zlfil�ed.
3. �.11 cc�tnrnun�catic�r7s �ra�] �th��° r�cc�rds itr the poss�s�ic-ax� c�f th� "I'c��nrr�t of
Itl�ac� l�c�ai�d ����t��irtin� �a the 1��1:u�°al ��:���az���s 17�p���trrrerat ���; Ccrr�►�11
Ur�iversity c�z- at�y of its c�ar��c�ni: c�a- fot•rr�°�aer (��c�alty, s�af'f, c�r s�ud�r�ts (ir�cludir��
�r�xt nca� lir��i�ec� �c� I�er�d �Ic�ss��, P��l G;car°tis a�d Ja�! F�c��al�nget�j frs�rr�
�c�rguary 1, 201� tc� the d�t� tk7�s �°ec�uest is f�.glfilled.
4. All communicatians between any Town of Ithaca Board Member ar other
Town of Ithaca official and any of�cial in the villages of Lansing,
Trumansburg, or Cayuga Heights pertaining to deer, deer management, deer
hunting, or the Cornell University Department af Natural Resaurces or any of
its current or farrner faculty, staff, or students (including but not limited ta
Bernd Blassey, Paul Curtis and Jay Boulanger) from January 1, 2015 ta the
date this request is ful�lled.
Please provide as many respansive recards as possible in electranic form via email.
If all the records cannot be emailed ta me, please inform me of the partians that
cannot be emailed along with the cast of �Mnting paper capies, before you begin
printing. If you determine that partions of the requested records are exempt from
disclasure, please pravide me with access ta the non-exempt portions. If a portion of
my request is denied for any reason, please inform me of the reasan for deniai
�citing the specific FOIL exemption yau reiy on to withhold each partian af the
recard request) and pravide me with the name and address of the person or body ta
whom an appeal shauld be sent. If, in your response to any of the requests made
abave, you claim that no responsive records are in your possessian, please provide a
sworn statement certifying that fact, pursuant ta NY Pubiic Officers Law Articie 6§
89{3�(a).
The Freedom of Infarmation Law requires that an agency respond to a request
within five business days. I look farward to receiving your response as soon as
passible. Your efforts and fuli cansideratiQn af this request are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Lawe11 Garner
lgarner@twcny.rr.com
cc Bill Goodman, Supervisar (BGaodman@town.ithaca.ny.us�
Pamela Bleiwas, Board Mernber {PBleiwasC�town.ithaca.nv.us�
Rich DePaola, Board Member CRDePaoloC«�tawn.ithaca.nv,,_us�
Rod Hawe, Board Member [RHawe@town.ithaca.ny.us�
Tee-Ann Hunter, Board Member (THunterC�a town.ithaca.ny.us�
Pat Leary, Board Member (PLearX@town.ithaca.ny.us)
Eric Levine, Board Member �ELevine@town.ithaca.nv.us�
Paulette Rosa, Town Cierk �TownClerkC�town.ithaca.nv.us)
SC;PRE;MF. C'O[,'�2"I' ()� THE S"�'A'T�; C)F' NEW' �'(7Iil{.
C`Cli;;ti"TY OF'TE)i'VIF'�t.I �S
EL)FZ M.APL[�WO(;)17 LLC
P lai nti ff%Petitioner,
l�
,'" �
;
�
r i
' ' ' , `,'r r �; i
r.l' � ��
-21��irlst- Ind�x No. GI"`� �� (."'.a���
.I�HL� �SSESSOPt, �l�l-1[ [�C)AR.D (J[� ASSESSOI�tS AND'I }fF E�3f),�RD O� ASSESSMI�:NT / � �J � �.
RGVIEW OF "I�HE=.7��(7V�""�' OF [TI�IAC�;A ANI) T�-�E TOWN OF ("C}[�CA
17etenci��ntl�espondent,
-------------------___...-- ---- -----------------------------------------------------------------x
1�tC}'TI�E (7�I1� C;IJ►MIV[ENCE1ViE�dT (�F �,C;'TICDN
Si:JSJE�'I' 'TC3 1i��NLiE1.TORY ELE('Ti"�.t�NiC' F'ILING
PL� ASf� �I�AI<l tiOTICE: trrat the zriatter ca��Ci<>>�e�i �zbc�ve, whicb has l�c�er� comrnenced by ��ilin� of the accoznpanying documcnes
�,�itt� thc C`c>ur�ty Cltrk, i� �subject tc> m�ndatory electronrc t��iling pursuant tc7 Scctiar7 2C12.5-bh e>f'thc I.1��iform Rtiley fc�r the "Trial Courts. This
rac��Cic� is bein� �;e��v�cl ��� r�c�uir�c3 l�y Sub�livision (b) (3) <,7fttlaC Section.
The New Y��rk State Courts Electronic Filing Syst.e.m ("t�tYSCEF") is ctesi�neci %r thc electronic filing o�f docum�nts with Y}1e C��u�nty
(� leiic and the eo�ar-t ��nd f�or the eleckronic serviee of t}�os� cl�>cum�nts, ec�urt dc>cumcn�s, and cc>urt nokices upon cou71se1 ancl self-represenf�eci
parties. Cou�zsel u�ni3 ur pa��ti�s w�}��� d�� rzc>t nc�tify the court c>f"a claimed ex�m�tiur,l (s�e helc�w) as required by Secti��r12O2.5-bb(e) mList
irrrrrre diately recerrr� t�ieir repr�ser�itaCion withir� the e-fil� tnaCter c>ri the Consent p��zge in hlY`�C;F;F. Failtzre tc� do so r.rz��y r�sult in aninability to
r�cei�, c electrunic c�c7hc� c>f ducument tilings.
Fxen���pti�7ns f�rorr� n7andatory e-tiling are limiCed tc�: l) attc�rneys who certify in ��od i�aith tl�at Lhey laek thc eornpti�Ce;r ��uipme;nt arzci
(al�i�lg w�ith all ern�7l�ryc��es) the rLq�iisite knowledge Cta c�>z�rrply �inc12) self-rcpr-�seneecl parties who c't7aose not to participrlt�; in e-filing. I'�r
��c�c(itic�nal infc>rn�ratior� about ele�;trc>n.ic �ling, ineludin� <�ceess tc> Seetion 202.S-bb, consult tl�ie N�YSCLF website at www.nye�>urts.gov/e�fil�
t>r contact tht NY`�C'E.t fZesaurce C'cnter at 646-386-3C)33 crr efile(a;caurts.�;tate.n}�.us.
I7�zted:
� �,
�---.
� �:..5�-�� �''"_"..,,---- __
�;ean �1 C`rc7nin
('IZ(>NIti ��: C.'iZc7'�lti 1:1�'�' f 1f�M,
}'[.I.C.
�
(Signature)
(i�Iame)
(Firrr� Name)
2�0 OI..:D CC)t.JN TFZY KC)[1I:), SLTITE 470 (Acic.lress)
MINFOT.A, NY 1 1_5t) i
516-?47-2220
scronin(a),cro�lintaxlaw.cc�nz
(Ph�>ric�)
(E-Mai1)
(]��r P�ile # 20Q-08h0
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE QF NEW YORK
COU23TY OF TdMPKINS
---------------------
-----------------------X
In �he Matter of the Application of:
EDR MAE'LEWOOD LLC NdTICE OF PETITION
AND PETITION
Peti�ioner,
-against-
THE AS SE S S�R , THE E30P.F:D OF A5 SE S SORS P.ND THE
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW OF THE TOWN OF
ITHACA
AND THE TOWN dF ITHAGA
Respandents.
Far Review o� a Tax Assessment Under Asticle 7
of the Real Property Ta.x Law.
-------------------------------------X
200-0840
S I R S :
Index # �'°;'�. �'.`:�"��..� '� �,�. �� � �� �
��� � ���� �..��
Tax Year 2017/18
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that upon the annexed Petition,
application will be made at Special Term of the Supreme Court of
the State a� New Yor]�. ta be held at the Courthouse located in the
State of New Yark, on the 5th Day of September 2017 at the opening
of Court on that day or as soon thereafter as caunsel can be heard,
for review under Psticle 7 a� the Real Property Tax Law of the
assessment upon Petitioner's real property described in the
Pe�.ition, and for such other and further relief as the Court may
deem just and proper.
DATED: 7/11/2017
Yours, etc.
CRONIN & CRONIN LAW FIRM, PLLC.
Attorn�ys for Petitioner
200 Old Country Road, Suite 470
Mineola, New York 11501
" The aforementioned Fetitioner, by' its a�torney, GRONIN & CRflNIN LAW FIRM,
� PLLC, respectfully alleges as fallows:
l. The afarementianed Petitianer, whase pos� oifice address is a/o CRONIN &
CRONIN Law Firm, PLLC, 200 Old Country Raad, Mineola, New Yark 11501, a.t a.11 times
herein mentioned, was and still is an aggrieved party under section 704 and 706 a£
the RPTL with respect ta the assessment roll set farth in the schedule in this
petitian.
2. The Respondents prepared and completed, according to law, a tentative
assessment roll for the assessing jurisdiction for �.he year set forth on �he cover
page of this petition and notice of petition, which assessment rol.l included an
assessment for Petitioner's real property, described in the following schedule.
3. If there be more than one Petitianer herein, the ward "Fetitianer" shall
mean "Petitioners" or "each of' the Petitioners", whenever the sense and context so
requires,
4. Sf there be more than one assessment herein, the ward �l�SS�.SSIC�GiSt..j� shall
mean "assessments" or "each of the asssssrnents", whenever �he sense and context so
requires.
5. If there be more than one property herein, the word "proper�.y" shall mean
"properties" or "each of the properties", whenever the sense and context so
_ •��
6. Raspondents are authorized to assess real property in said jurisdiction.
?. Respondents are authorized to hear and determi.ne complaints in relation to
assessment and has all af the pawers and duties impased by the Real Praperty Tax
Law
8. The Respondents prepared and completed a ten�.ative assessment roll a� all
real property in said jurisdictian for the tax year as set forth on the attached
schedule.
9. On or before Grievance Day, Petitioner pratested said assessment by fiZing
with Respondents a writ�en application far correctian ai the assessed valuatian(sy,
" in which applicatian was included a stateznent, under oath, speeifying
� the respects in which said assessment was incarrect and a request that said
assessment be corrected and reduced as set forth in t.he aforementioned schedule.
Said application and statements are hereby referred to and made a pa.rt of this
Petition as if fully set forth herein.
10. The said applicatian and statements were received by Respondents, withaut
abjection, withirY the time fixed by I.aw for the making and hearing of complaints in
respeat �o assessments.
11. A final decisian and determina�.ion of the assessments of said real
properties were duly rendered by Respondents, who failed to aorrect and reduce said
assessment as requested and iinallg campleted and £iled the assessment rall as
required by law to the amount set forth in the afaremantioned schedule. ,
12. Thirty (30) days has not elapsed since the latter of the f�nal compl.etion
and filing af the assessment roll and the giving of natice thereof as required by
law, or, the final day set by law for the filing af the assessment roll.
13. The Petitianer herein alleges �hat a cammon quesfi.ian of law ar fact exists
pursuant to RPTL Section 706(2},
14. The said assessment of your Petitioner's praperty on the assessment roll
as finally completed is incorrect and erroneous upon �.he fallowing graunds:
{a). Excessive to the extent set forth in the aforementioned scheduled.
{b) Unequal to the exten� set fort.h in 'the aiorementioned seheduled in that there
is an inequalit�r of assessments, the Petitioner's assessment having been made at a
higher proportionate valuation than the assessments of other real property an the
same roll and/or other real praperty in the same class on the same roll by the same
officers and Respondents; the specified instances of said inequality are the
assessments of a1.1 of the real praperty and/or other real property in the same
class other than the praperty of Petitioner in the assessing jurisdiction and in
each and every parcel thereof. In order that the assessment af Petitioner's real
property be made proportionate ta assessment,s of all of the real proper�y
� thraughout , the assessing juxisdictian anclf ar other rea3. proper�y in the same class
" throughout the assessing jurisdiction, it is necessary tha�. it be reduced to the
amount set forth in the aforementioned schedule.
(c} Illegality to the extent set forth in the afarementioned schedule in that
subject property is being assessed i.n an erroneous, arbitrary, and capriaious
manner.
(d} Unconstitutianal to the extent the methodolagy used by the Respondents is in
violation of the Egual Protection Clause of the New Yark Btate Constitution and the
United States Ganstitu�.ion.
(e) Tllegal and unconstitutional ta �.he extent tha� the Petitioner's groperty has
been reevaluated by the Respondents, and on information and belief, no improvements
had been made by Petitioner and no canstruction of any structure had occurred which
could justify the increase in assessment.
15. While canfirming the increased assessment placed upon Peti�ioner's real
praperty, on information and belief, the Responden� Assessor{s) did not engage in
any market reevaluation as to lats that are similar to thase owned by the
Petitioner.
16. If �.he assessment at issue is a transitional assessment, such assessment
is excessive, erroneous and illegal. ir� that it exceeds the permissible transitional
increase as set farth in the Real Property Tax Law.
17. Your Petitioner is aggrieved and injured by said unjust, unequal,
excessive, illegal, incarreet and erroneous assessment in that, by reason thereof,
Petitioner wil7. he compelled to pay a greater amount and propor�ion of taxes basecl
upan the assessment ro].l than Petitioner would be required to pay if said
assessment had been just, fair, equal and correct.
18. Na pravision is made by laFr for an appeal or other relief from the final
determinatian of Responden�s, except by a xeview by petition to �.he Supreme Court
and no previaus applicatian iar t2ze relief herein asked has been made to any court
or Judge.
19. The assessmen� is excassive and illegal in that Petitioner is denied tha
' benefit of a RPTL �485-b New Canstruation Exemption even thaugh the Petitianer
complied with all the requirements set forth therein and that the oonstruation is
comple�ed in accordance with RPTL ;4$5-b.
20�. The Petitianer's real praperty has been misclassified. The class
designation of Petitioner's real property results in an incorrect allocation af the
real prapert�r's assessed valuation between tc,ro ar more classes. The criteria used
by the Respandents for the determination by ta� class is arbitrary, capriciaus and
unlawful.
21. The Agricultural Exemption is improperly implemented in that it omitted
acreage as not qualified for the exemption even though this acreage is used solely
for agricultural use.
WHEREFORE, your Petitioner grays that �he Supreme Court review and correct on
the merits the aforementioned final determination of the Respondents on the grounds
set forth in this Petition, and that the.said Caurt take evidence ta enable your
Petitioner to show the unjust, unequal, excessive, illegal, masclassified and
erraneous assessment af the said real property ta the end that the assessment may
be reduced ta the iull, true and market value thereof far land and improvernents and
to a valuation propartionate to the assessments of other real graperty, and�ar all
ather praperty in the same elass, assessed on the same ralls for the same year, so
that equality of assessments will result, and may be properly classified, and for
such other and further rel.ief as �.he Court may� deem praper, toget.her wa.th the cost
and disbursements of this proceeding.
CRONIN & CRONIN LAW FIRM, PLLC
Attorneys for Petitioner
200 Old Country Raad, Suite 474
Mineola, New York
cs�.�� 747-2220
STATE OF NEW YORK }
ss..
COUNTY OE' NASSAU }
RAYMOND J. FUREY, being duly staorn, deposes and sags:
That deponent is the agent for the Petitioners herein, that depanent has read
the faregaing Natice af Petition and Petition and knaws the contents thereaf; that
the same is true to depanent's awn knowledge, except as ta matters therein stated
to be alleged upan infarmation and belief, and that as to thase matters, degonent
believes it to be true; and that the reason this verification is made by deponent
and nat by the Petitioners is that all the material. allegations (except those as to
matters of public record} of said Petition are within the persanal knowledge of
depanent.
Sworn to before me this
� � � day af S�t.�� , 2017
�� � � ._
���
Notary Fublic
Antania Moy
Natary Public, State of New York
No. 01M06345921
Qualified in Nassau Cauntg
Commission E�ires August 1, 202d
5
��s 63 . -z-�.o . a
Ten�.ative AV Claimed AV Final AV
$9,000,000 $9QQ,000 $9,0OO,OflO
I 1�111111�11 IIIII llill IIIII 1111111111 III I IIII
Ineq/QvVal
$$,100,000
*iosoi�s*
CRUNIN & CRONIN LAW FIitM, PLLC. IS �EREBY AUTH4RIZED to file and verify as agent
complaints and. pefiitians for the reduction of real estate tax assessments for the following praperty and to represent
the pefitioner in ail apgea]s therefram.
1 1�
SWIS CODE: sa3aoo
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS
TOWN OF ITHACA
P�t+t)PE�t'i'I' AIDDRESS
201 MAPLE AVE ITHACA
DATEI}: May 19, 2017
PET'ITIONER: ELiR MAPLEWQQD LLC
� i..as, , e � �• i�►
FILE # 200-0840
I�������f�l�all������l�l�l����l���l�
*sa7sa=2ao-os�o*
�:
SD TAX DES�RI�''�`�ON
soa�oo 63: 2-] 0.2
Number af Lots Covered: I
Title: '�S��S�t���C�.U�u.'c�C
0
�
To�N aF rr�cA
AGREED UPON PROCEDURES
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
�
�
YNU�P
�� p .
i��1 . . . � .� . . . w
e . . � '� . . "M�
. , ..,�. ., . �. �.�a�
IwL:h..71F1Ed PWE3L�C AC�C;CDUIVTAhJTS
F3IJSIf�0EFJ5 G'I�fWd°�I.JL."f'ANYS
' �. � �- t :,�. . �. ��. ..�' :, I :�, ����...
r �; r# i� � � �
The Town of Ithaca and Office of State Colnptroller
Bureau of Justice Court Fund
We have performed tl�e proeedures enulnerated in the attached schedule, which were agreed ta
°""�"""r by t11e Town of Ithaca and Office of State Comptroller Bureau of Justice Court Fund, solely to
assist you with respect to the accounting records of the Tow1z Justices of tl�e Town of Itl�aca for
the year ended December 3l, 2016. The Town Juslices of tl�e Town of Ithaca's management is
"�'"' responsible far the Town Justices' accounting records. The sufficiezlcy of the procedures is
solely the responsibility of the specified users of the report. Cansequently, we make no
representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures described eitller for the purpase for
°""�"°' which this report has been requested or %r any other pur�ase.
Our procedures and findings are summarized on the attached pages. Also attached is a Summary
of Town Coizrt A�tivity for tl�e Town Justices. �
This agreed-upon procedures engagement was conducted in accordance with attestation
""�"" standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accauntants. We were not
engaged to and did not conduct an examination or review, the objective af which would be tl�e
expression of an opinion or conclusion, respectively, on the accounting records of the Town
"°�' Justices of the Town of lthaca. Accordingly, u�e do i�at express sucll aiz opinion or conclusion.
Had we performed additiona] procedures, other matters might have came to our attention tllat
would have been reported to you.
qimuiiWr,
This report is intended salely for the use of tlle Town of Ithaca and Office of State Comptroller
and is not intended to be and should liot be used by anyone other than those specified parties.
�
o�
�
Sciarabba Walker & Ca., LLP
Ithaca, New York
June 6, 20l 7
��
�Il() I;a�t [7�71ar7�3 lios:ul �?,�3 `�t�atc l�crtite "1:i
It17:tC�r,l�e�n�li�rls 7.�`�,.�Q �.'�rrdan�`i,l`�e�Nl�<rrlc ;1 7(J�45
'�'" t�07-272-5550 / 601-2I:�-F7357 (1�',lx)
wv��w.,s��cll�.c:c��rra
�
�
PROCEDURES:
Tawlv oF �T�c�
AGitEED UPON PROCEDITRES
� 1. Perform process narrative and walkthroughs for cash receipts and cash disbursements to
trace and agree amounts, dates, payer, and violation {if applicable) relating to the Bail
account and the Regular Fine accaunts:
�"" a. Cash Receipts — Follow the ticket {receipt) or bail through the entire process from
the docket and credit card receipt {if applicable) being created to the monthly
report and the bank statement with the cancelled checks (if applicable) and
deposits attached to the monthly suanmary report,
b. Cash Disbursements — Follow the monthly payment to the Town of Ithaca Chief
Fiscal Officer far the disbursement to the NYS Comptroller (or the returned bail
back to the defendant} to the bank statement with cancelled. checks.
� 2. From random scanning, nate the manthly receipt summaries to be in nutneric and date
order with no missing receipts (check beginning and ending is sequential, 4 monthly
summaries reviewed).
3. Review any deleted or vaided transactions in the monthly receipt slunmaries for
reasonableness {reviewed 4 months}.
4. Review summary sheets with attached deposits to assure timely filing is within 3 business
day parameter {reviewed 6 suxnmaries).
5. For every month, agree checkboak balances to bail account and regular fine account bank
statements and trace any year-end outstanding checksldeposits ta checkbook, receipt
�, journals, and January 2017 bank statement,
6. Verify copies of cancelled checks and deposits are kept with bank statements and that
cancelled checks are signed (reviewed 3 months).
7. Verify pre-numbered checks are used for the monthly check remitted ta the Town of
Ithaca {reviewed 3 months}.
8. Review the Current Bail Defendant's report for 5 months that included bail ta assure a
� list of bail is maintained and trace arnounts over $l,aoa t� case files nating proper
documentation and receipts are in place.
9. Trace and agree manthly report issued to NYS Compiroller, invaice received from NYS
Camptroller, and check issued to �he Town of Ithaca Chief Fiscal Officer (reviewed 6
months).
10. Review submissian date of monthly report to the NYS Comptroller. Report is due by the
l Oth of the following manth (reviewed 6 manths).
�
-2-
JUSTICE KLEIN F�`INDINGS:
A11 agreed upon procedures listed on page 2 were perFormed for Justice Klein. The following
finding is assaciated with those procedures:
�"' 1. There is a difFerence of $1,054.50 between the computer generated bail report and the
bail check register balance.
.TUSTICE SALK FINDINGS:
�
A11 agreed upon pracedures listed an page 2 were perfarmed for Justice Sa1k. The fallowing
finding is associated with those proceciures:
�
l. Receipt #JAS8385 was duplicated in the system. SEI has averride authority, but the
clerks do nat. V�Then Judge Salk's clerk caiied SEI to carrect a mistake in the system, they
�"'' created a new receipt that had the same number as anather already included in the system.
�
-3-
�
TOWN OF ITHACA
SUMN[ARY OF TOV4�N COURT ACTIVITY
�
Justice Justice
Klein Sa1k
� CASE3:
Number of cases clased 7$6 1,174
� Number of cases apen 1,146 1,647
Arraignment for ather courts 7 12
Charges transferred to caunty court 10 11
�
TOTAL CASES �,g�� �,844
'� FINES AND FEES:
Criminal, matar vehicle $ 56,739 $ 7Q,033
Surcharges 61,250 64,939
� Civil 9,733 11,653
Bail poundage 24p 225
�
ITHACA TOWN COURT COLLECTIONS $ IZ'],9{)� � j4�i,$$� "
r�, BAIL RECEIVED $ 34,1 �5 $ 10,700
CASH BALANCES:
�"" Regular $ 8,456 $ 12,154
Bail 3,540 3,75Q
� TOTAL CASH $ 11,9�b $ 15,9d4
AGGREGATE NEW YORK STATE
JUSTICE GUURT REMITTANCE $ 27A,$ ] 2
�
-4-
.� �� �.�� TOWN OF ITHACA
� � 215 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY 14850
� '���f � �'��� % � �' Phone: 6Q7-273-1721 ■ Fax: 607-273-5854
� 18 21 �,��
� ,f„ r�- � www.town.ithaca.ny.us
�� ��� Tawn Clerk: Paulette Rosa (PRosa@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Deputy Town Clerks: Debra DeAugistine (DDeaugistine@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Jasmin 1 Cubero (JCubero@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
August 29, 2017
Irene Stein, Chair
Tompkins Caunty Demacratic Cc�tnmittee
PO Box 6798
Ithaca, NY 14851
Dear Ms. Stein,
I'm writing as a fallow-up t� an event the Democratic Committee held in the T�wn Hall
hoarc�rcx7in on August 22 to introduce the candidates running far open seats in congressional
races. Since your organization has nsed the raom many times over the years and as such should
be w�ll aware of rhe re�rms unde�r which arganizatic�ns are allowed re� use the facility, I was
surprised to learn of the many unauthorized activities that taak place that evening. All outside
arganizations entrusted to use town facilities are held to the same rules, guidelines, and
standards, and if they dan't comply may be denied use of our facilities in the future. Applicants
agree to the follawing:
• The sound systein can be used only if a Town of Ithaca staff rnember is present.
• If the sound system is used, the micraphones must stay in their holders; taking them out
puts the finely calibrated system in danger of failin�.
• There is absolutely NO access to Town Hal1 offices for any purpose other than an
emergency, such as a fire. The alarrn on the emergency exit door has been reactivated.
• Heat and air conc�itioning is programed off-site and cannot be averridden for single
events.
• NO ONE is allowed behind the judges' table; emergency alarm buttons located there
could be inadvertently set off.
I was told people entered the Tawn Hall offices via the emergency exit, taking chairs and trying
to open windaws. This simply cannot happen. I saw from pictures in the media that
rnicrophones were used aff their stands and that the door behind the board table was apened
into the offices. That you would allow the public to access our private office space is frankly
alarmin�.
I ur�dersrand that more pec�ple attendec� than hacl beerz anticipated, kaut there is standin� roc�m.
To reiterate, if these guidelines are not fallowed, use af the boardroo�n by the Demacratic
Committee will be discontinued. If yau feel the size of your event will exceed the number of
ehairs prc�vided c>r the abiliry of rhe HVAC systein tc� maintain a eomfc�rtable ternperattlre, I
sug�est you find another locatian that better suits yaur needs.
inc ely
� ��
aulette osa
cc. Marcy Rc�sencrantz
Paulette Rosa
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Janelle Alvstad-Mattson <janelleam@gmail.com>
Saturday, 5eptember 02, 201711:16 AM
Paulette Rosa
Injury from laose gravel on Skyvue
image2.JPG; ATT00001.tyct; image3.JPG; ATT00002.txt
Hello, 1 am on sure who ta address this to exactly, so I am sending it to you, the Town Clerk, hoping that you can pass it
alang to the right people.
I am writing today, because the town's salution for "repaving" our side streets is not anly inconvenience, but dangerous.
V1le were unhappy with the gravel solution, as it is not as nice far riding bike, and it is now impossible for my children to
ride their scooters to the park as they used to love to da.
Hawever, taday, on our walk to the park around 10:30 am, in clear conditions and broad daylight, my 9 year old
daughter slipped on the loose gravel, fell dawn the side af it and scratched up her leg and hand.
This happened on Skyvue at the corner of Snyder Hill Road.
I've heard of several others who have slipped, fallen ar otherwise injured themselves with this raad coverage. I had
heard "it will be better ance the roads are scraped" but I believe that has already happened. I hape that the town will
cansider bikers and pedestrians more when considering road treatments in the future.
lanelle Alvstad-Mattson
214 Snyder Hill Road
6d7-379-2215
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August 2Q17 — Petition to �ower the Speed Limit on Culver Road in the Town of Ith�ca r
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Whereas Culver Road is not posted and therefore the speed limit is 55 mph., the residents of Culver
Road rf=quest that the Town Board start the process to establish a speed limit on Culver Road of 35 mph
as befil:ting its numerous curves, steep gullies on one side and no shoulder.
175 Culver Rd
204 Culver Rd
214 Culver Rd
235 Culver Rd
250 Culver Rd
251 Culver Rd
289 Culver Rd �—
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291 Culver Rd ,�" '
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295 Culver Rd
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300 Culver Rd
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Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350
www✓.dps.ny.gov
The Hon. Svante Myrick
Mayar, City of Ithaca
10$ �ast Green Street
Ithac�, NY 14850
The Han. F3i11 Goadman
Supervisor, Town of Ithaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
September 19, 2017
��s��Bi� ��rvie� �c���7i��is�r,
Jc�3�� �. �hc�d��
Chair and
Chief Executive Officer
�9°L�t,� �. ���P�'
�O�B1� �. �U9°6�1�f1
J�6Y9�� �. �0��9
Comrnissioners
�Thd��71�� �(�61�dt�ii
Deputy Chair and
Executive Deputy
��aal Ac�r��i�
General Counsel
��th6��r� H. �3urg���
Secretary
Re: Case 16-G-0432 - Petition o1�New York State Electric & Gas Corporation for
Authorizatian to Construct a Natural Gas Cotnpressor Pilat Project in Tompkins
County, NY
Dear Mayor Myrick and Supervisor Gaodman:
Thank you very much for your May 25, 20171etter to Commissioner Greg� Sayre in
which you express the support of both the City and Town of Ithaca for the transition to fossil
fuel-free heating. To that -end, yau note your belief that this can be accomplished without the
expansion of natural gas infrastructLire, and reference plans of the City and the Town to
encourage, and ultimately require, green buildings construction in your cammunities as a means
of achieving a clean energy future.
Thank you ior your interest in this important matter. I note that documents regarding this
praceedin�; can be found on the Department of Public Service's website (www.c�ps.ny.gov) by
searching Case 16-G-0432. Your comments have been included ainong those subinitted in this
matter, and thus will become part of the Public Service Commission's record in tl�is praceeding.
Sincerely,
�.��� ��J n ���
athleen F�I. Burgess ���
Secretary
Paulette Rosa
From: Melanie <ms.translate@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2017 4:43 PM
Ta: grandview-nbad; smearhoff@ithacajournal.com; Joe McMahon; Todd Bittner; Bill
Goodman - TB; Eric Levine; Julie Holcomb; Paulette Rosa; svantem@gmail.com;
mrobertson@tompkins-co.org; mlane@tompkins-co.org
Subject: Re: Gorge Ranger program cut from City budget
Open letter ta Sarah of the Ithaca Journal, Bill, Eric and Paulette of the Town of Ithaca, Svante and Julie of the
City of Ithaca, Todd of Cornell, and neighbors of the Grandview neighborhood, re the Gorge Ranger Program
(Sarah's article is appended to this email):
I know that all of you share my concern about gorge jumping. I have a couple of questions about current status.
- What is the status of the Gorge Ranger funds that were coming from other sources (Town, County)?
- What is the status af Six Nlile Creek dams? Several years ago I understood that one or more dams were going
to undergo a safety evaluation of, I forget if it was First or Second Dam, or both. I heard mentioned the
possible dynamiting of one of the dams. What's been happening with the safety evaluation?
- Several years ago, I shared with m��ny oi you a tip: the State Troopers office told me ihat if the City would
send them a memo about ownership of the relevant part of Six Mile Creek, they would provide the needed
enforcement. Has a memo been sent? Has enfarcement been requested of the State Troopers? If so, haw did
that go?
- Are there any statistics available that track illegal Six Mile Creek gorge use over time?
Thank you all very much.
Sincerely,
Melanie
On 10/19/2017 9:29 AM,1VIelanie wrote:
Frorn today's Ithaca Journad: (:'ttv"� _(:�r�o_��;_ca ���xrr�e5r� ��r•��,�r�•c�na_r� c�ti r�rric�it � c�r,€�
1 will comment in a separaZe email.
In his 26�1��'� �.,r�,y €���d�� ���i��� �E�a��.;�fi ��s�� ��c-�C, Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick elinzinated itinding for the city's
decades-old C;c}z-�� �������.��,�� program, which employs rangers to monitor safety at Ithaca's gorges.
But it was actu�illy this ye�1r that the program first got the chopping block. Despite a$15,000 allocation in
2017's budget, gorge rangers were never hired for the 2017 season, said Ithaca City C1erk Julie Holcomb, who
acts as the city's liaison for gorge safety programs.
"So I guess you could say that the program ended in September of 2016," Holcomb said.
C�it� �x�c���»�cl� indicate the gorge ranger position was cre��ted in 1984 to hinder ����1����c��i1i�,��l ,�wilnr��ix�;� in ihe
gorges. Armed with body cameras since 2016, the rangers helped to ensure swimmers did not get injured from
swimming in rough water or diving from cliffs up to $0 feet high.
Rangers had no power tcr ticket or anest Ithaca thrill-seekez�s for illegal activities, though. That was up to the
police, if and when the rangers called for backup.
"The largest problem is that the Rangers weren't getting good compliance unless they had consistent back-up
and oversight from (Ithaca Police Department)," Myrick said via email. "IPD was clear that they weren't able to
provide that consistent back-up and oversight."
uy Photo
Ithaca Garge Ranger Brittany Lagaly warns people on the cliff at Second Dam. (Phato: ANDREW CASLER /
5taff Photo)
Holcomb said this sums up the program's primary strugble; What city institution is suited to be the backbone of
the program?
The gorge ranger program has historically been overseen by city's Parks and Forestry Division and budgeted oc�t
of the Department of Public Works, Holcomb said, but over months of discussion, the city has determined it
needs more of an enforcement component.
"With the cliff jumping and the drinking and some af the dangerous activities that have occurred in and araund
the gorges, the enforcement camponent of job has been more pronounced," Holcomb said.
uy Photo
Ithaca Garge Ranger Angela Sims, right, paints her body camera toward people illegally swimming at Second
Dam. She and Ranger Brittany Lagaly confronted about 20 people at Second Dam during this incident. (Photo:
ANDREW CASLER / Staff Phato)
Such enforcement doesn't fa11 under the city forester's jurisdiction. Holcomb said the program would benefit
from more support fram IPD, but the city police are "criticaily short-staffed right now."
"We started the conversations with IPD, Tompkins �ounty, the fire depariment, police departments, trying to
find a hame for this program," Holcomb said. "But every department was saying, `This is not something we can
take on right now."'
So the program was quietly eliminated until further notice. Myrick said his office informed the city's Cammon
Council, but, "I don't know if we senC a media release."
Discussion of the program's cut does not appear in the city's online records of public meeting agendas and
minutes. Media reports of the program's ter•mination refer to the 20 �18 budget — nothing earlier.
And now it's gone Cw��c, �.����y t����,1�, �c��:.._l�i�as:��_.�c����°...zv�r��������
'T�� ��':� c.����th �� Q,�t�9 ��. r�zir��tc � _c�� _t_����:�; vvl7�;:�� ��r�t�r��iz7�i�� ���r���.
Holcomb said the funds that previously contributed to the gorge ranger pr�ogram will in 2018 be allocated to
increase the city's existing Forestry Technician position from part-time Co fu11-time. BLit what became of 201�
budget's $15,000 gorge ranger allocation, Holcomb said she is unsure.
"I know that I just ordered gorge regulation signs for Fall Creek and Six Mile Creek and the cost wi11 be coming
from that account," Holcamb said.
Although the program's future is unsure, Holcomb said it is important that the city continues to work to find a
solution for what she considers a"public safety priority."
"I think that the natLiral areas are beautifLil and I want everyone to enjoy them, but there are inherent dangers in
them," I�olcomb said.
With proper enforcement, Holcomb said visitors and Ithacans "can responsibly enjoy the beautiful areas that
Ithaca is known for without risking the horrible deaths and drawninbs that can happen."
They are heartbreaking for everyone involved and for the community as a whole."
Follow («���sc�rc��c �aac Lr��lze,�� c�n Twztter.
Melanie Stein
i����7 . �t;:L�a.r�i���lat�C�c�i�n� i.1. . cc>,�n
_ _-- _ __
phone: (607) 677 0635
November 21, 2017
Tawn Clerk
215 N Tioga St,
Ithaca, NY 1485U
RE: �asella Recycling
, �� , �� � ,��
The purpose of this I�tter is ta file a complaint �gainst Caseila Recycling. Despite rr7ultiple
atten�pts to speak with Glaria at Casella, my calls are raever returned. So, I am hoping you
might be able to help or at least direct this letter ta sameone who can.
The main probfem is th� inconsistency with orvhich Casella picks up recycling materials on the
Byway, Forest Hame. �or example, pick up was due 6ast Tuesday (November 14}. Our materiafs
cantinu� to sit or� the Byw�y, ignared by Casella. The previous pick �p was mare �han three
days lat�. In many cases, �ick up is a�: least c�ne io two d�ys late. In several instances, they will
pick up material at #4 The Byway and ignore the rest of the stre�t.
We pay town taxes and c�ne of the services is waste management, of which rec:yeling is part of.
Therefare, as you ean image, the folks on the Ciyway are not very happy with the state of affairs.
I dc� hope that this matter wili be tak�n care of soon.
Thank you.
5ineerely, , ,A� A,
�,'' ,� ����° �
:���°�'� „ � �
�
��<���James E. Naldeman
�"� 6 Th� Byw�y
Ithaca, NY 14850
cc: Caselfa, 1180 Elmira Rd, Newfield, NY 14867
Casella Headquarters, PO �3s�x 1.37�, �1ii1li�>ic�r�, �� �7"���5- ����..
,�, o�' x�,� TOWN OF ITHACA
p '�`h 215 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY 14850
�" �"' Phone:607-273-1721 ■ Fax:607-273-5854
'g�21 www.town.ithaca.ny.us
��� Y��� Tawn Clerk: Paulette Rosa (PRosa@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Deputy Town Clerks: Debra DeAugistine (DDeaugistine@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Jasmin J Cubero (JCubero@Town.Ithaca.NY.US)
Noveml�er 30, 201?
James Halcleman
6 The Byway
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Mr. Halcleman,
I receiveci yonr letter upon my return to the office on Nove:mber 30`''
Tom��kins Caunty Solid Waste handles recycling for tlie entire Cotinry so the Town has na
authority or input into the selection of Casella for seivices.
That beitig said, I did google tlzc divisian and the persan I would suggest sending this to would be
8arb Eckstrom, Director, Tomkins Counry Recycling, 122 C;ommercial Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850.
I will put your letter and my response in the Tawn Baard's correspondence so they are aware of
your concerns/issues with the vendor.
Sincer�l
�� Ci�����.
lulette Rosa
Tawn Clerk
C:GO Notification Letter f'or
LIHC Prajects — Outside of NYC
Certified Mail —
Retr.irn Receipt Requested
CEO Name: Willliam D. Goodman.
CEO Title: Town Su��ervisor
Mailing Add:ress: 215 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY 14850
Date: ! �.°'1l�rj`1
RE: Transmittal of LTIIC Pi��ogram
Applicatiali fc�r: .T_,ow-Incor�le I�Iousi�z�� Credit Pz-o�;ram F'undlli�
Proj�et N�ame: Ithaca Townhomes
Project Loca�tion: 1205 Trumazlsb�ur Ttd., I�thac�ti, NY �14$50
Project Sponsor: NRP IIoldrn�s LLC
Dear Supervisor Goociman:
'This is to inform yc�n of our� intEntio:n to sub.mit the above re:Perenced anci enclosed applicatian uzicler i}le
Low-Incoi7le Housing Creclit Prograxn (LIHC) to the New York State Uivision oiHo�.tsing and Coznmunity
Renewal. This Program was established by the Tax Refornl Act of 1986 (witl� a new Sectiar142 i:a the Internal
Revenue Coc1e) whicl� autlzorized fecieral assislatice in the far-m of tax credits fc�r ownet-s of rcnt�l llousing that is
z-eserved for households elrning 60°/<, or less of the area median ir1co17ie.
Under ilze Intei•n�l Revcnue Code Section 42(��rn)(1)(A)(ii), an allocatic7n of Creclit to a project caruloi be
made uizless the chieF executive officer (or the eq��ivalent) of thc local jurisdiciion with�in which the proposed project
is located, is zioti�ed and is provided a reason�ible opportunity to corn�nent on the ��roject.
If yc��z h��ve aziy cozrunents regarding the enclosed lpplication, piease subnait ther�l within 20 c��ys of receipt
oithe ericlosed a}�plication �o:
New Y�rlc State Division �f Ho�ising anci Com�mui�ity Renewal (DHCI�)
38-40 State Sh-eet; 6�' T?loo1-
Albany, New York 12207
Atte»tion: Az�ion Adler; Program Maz�agez-
(518) 486-5044
The returned certified mail postal receipt for this package, accepted 3nd signed for by your oftice, will be
retL�rned ta the applicant fc�r forwarding ta DIiCR to serve as proof tl�at the requirernents o� Sectic�n 42(m)(1)(A)(ii)
have l�eeii �2et by t:his Low-Income .�Iousing Credit Prograln applican,t.
If you wrsh to discuss the enclosed �pplicatio�rz or az�y other aspect of t�he propc7sed project, please feel fxee
to cantaci me at the address above or call me at (716) 445-0940.
S in ly, ��,
��
�
Project Rcpresentative/Sponsor/Develaper;
And Project Representative/S�aoi7sor Developer Org�inization.
Cc: Arnon 1ldler;
New York State Division of Housing and Community t2enewal
38-40 State Street
Alb�ny, New York 12207