HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-17 - CPC Town of Ulysses
Comprehensive Plan Update Committee
March 17, 2008
Approved June 16, 2008
Present : Sue Poelvoorde- Chair, Heather Filiberto, Rod Hawkes, Roxanne Marino, Sue Ritter,
Elizabeth Thomas , John Wertis, Kimberly Baptiste - Bergmann Associates
Absent: Bob , Brown, David Tyler, Bob Weatherby
Ms . Poelvoorde called the meeting to order at 7 : 12 p . m .
Committee members shared the progress they made on getting the next public workshop sessions
set. Mr. Hawkes reported that the two meeting locations — Racker Center and Trumansburg High
School — are set . April 10th will be held at the Racker Center from 6 : 30 p .m. to 9 : 30 p .m. April
l2th will be at the Trumansburg High School cafeteria from 9 : 00 a. m . to 12 : 00 noon. Ms . Marino
reported out on the cost for having a postcard printed and mailed . The cost shouldn 't exceed
$ 800 . 00 . The committee agreed that we should pursue the postcard. Ms . Poelvoorde volunteered
to write the press release and develop a poster. The committee discussed providing refreshments
for both sessions . Ms . Poelvoorde, Ms . Ritter, Ms . Marino , and Ms. Thomas agreed they would
coordinate getting beverages and food .
Ms . Poelvoorde turned the meeting over to Kimberly Baptiste. Ms . Baptiste handed out new
versions of the draft vision statement and four main policy area statements based on the
comments she received since the past meeting on March 3rd . She received many comments on
the four policies areas and this version reflects a change to include the following areas :
Environment and Natural Resources, Sustainable Land Development, Local Economy and
Community Services . The committee reviewed the statements with Ms . Baptiste and suggested a
couple minor wording changes particularly as how it lists natural resources. With respect to the
policy areas they felt that an additional area should be include for Community Identity. Ms
Baptiste will develop wording for the section and e-mail/mail it out to committee members for
comment. She noted that these statements will be presented at the public workshop .
Ms . Baptiste then handed out the updated Policies, Objectives and Actions booklet for the
committee. This version does not reflect the changes to the policy areas, but does include the
comments she received by e-mail prior to the meeting. Rather than spend additional time going
over the document this evening, she asked committee members to continue to review and edit the
document. She will update the version to include a Community Identity section.
Ms . Baptiste explained to the committee the format that the two April public workshops will
follow . The meeting will begin with a brief overview of the process to date followed by the
presentation of the vision statement and policy areas, which will be available for the public to
comment on. Then the Bergmann team will lead participants through a visual community
character exercise using a Powerpoint presentation. Ms . Baptiste went through the Powerpoint
presentation with the committee . The final component of the workshop will be to have
community members give their ideas on the Future Land Use Plan.
Ms . Baptiste then moved on to the Future Land Use plan exercise with the committee . She
handed out samples of other community plans to help the committee members understand the
task they would be completing. She then led the group through the exercise of drawing areas on
the map related to meeting the vision, policies, objectives and actions identified thus far.
The committee identified areas of the Town where agriculture should remain a priority, areas for
commercial and research or light industrial enterprises, conservation and protection of lands
related to steep slopes and natural resources, lakeshore development (primarily residential),
cluster development for residential and mixed use areas .
Ms . Baptiste noted that this draft plan will be the basis for discussion at the April workshops . It
is easier for the public to have something to work with and discuss and edit rather than to try to
create something on a blank map, particularly in the short time available for the meeting. The
committee agreed as they too were having difficulty with the task.
Comprehensive Plan 2
03/ 17/08
With no further business, Ms Poelvoorde adjoined the meeting at 9 : 30 p .m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Poelvoorde
Chair
Comprehensive Plan 3
03/ 17/08
A VISION FOR THE TOWN OF ULYSSES
The Town of Ulysses is a rural community in the Finger Lakes region that prides itself on its
agricultural heritage, natural resources, and small-town atmosphere. Ulysses will continue to
celebrate its unique natural, historic , and cultural resources by promoting initiatives that conserve
agriculture, encourage appropriately scaled economic development, and revitalize village and
hamlet centers in a manner that benefits residents, both today and in the future. Defining
community features, including our farms , woodlands, and lakeshore, are valuable landscape
attributes that will be protected and preserved . Ulysses is a desirable location for both residents
and visitors and we will strive to effectively balance future growth with the conservation of key
community features through proactive planning practices .
POLICY STATEMENTS
Environment and Natural Resources
The Town of Ulysses is defined by natural features, agricultural lands, and open spaces. Water
resources provide residents and visitors with many recreational, environmental and other
benefits . These natural and environmental resources are the foundation of the community and
should be preserved and protected.
Sustainable Land Development
Sustainable growth and development shall be encouraged through the implementation of sound
land use planning principles . The rural landscape is a defining attribute of the community. The
preservation of this landscape must be balanced by thoughtful residential and commercial growth
focused around targeted development nodes . We shall continue to support development patterns
that conserve our unique natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and maximize the values
of lands within the Town.
Local Economy
The Town of Ulysses will balance the needs of its residents and the environment with the
benefits afforded by practical economic development practices that build on the unique
characteristics of the community. We shall promote a diversified economy that builds on
established local industries, including agriculture, tourism, and small-business development. We
acknowledge the potential for new industries in the Town that are consistent with the ideals and
principles of the community.
Community Services
Ulysses will provide safe, healthy, and enjoyable community programming for residents to enjoy
the Town ' s natural , cultural, and historical resources . We will identify and provide appropriate
opportunities for all age groups to actively participate in the local community. Municipal and
public services shall be provided in a planned and orderly fashion to enhance the rural character
of Ulysses .
Community Identity
Ulysses is a desirable place to live and recreate in the Finger Lakes region. As a rural community
near the City of Ithaca we recognize that the Town of Ulysses and Village of Trumansburg offer
unique opportunities for small business owners , residents, and visitors . The Town will honor its
agricultural heritage and rural settlement patterns and celebrate its natural beauty and resources
while establishing its position in the greater region.
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