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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-20 - PB TOWN OF ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD 05/20/08 APPROVED 06/03/08 Present : Chairperson Ken Zeserson, Planning Board Members : David Means, Rebecca Schneider, John Wertis, Deputy Supervisor Dick Coogan, Town Board Member David Kerness . Excused : Rod Porter, Rod Hawkes Mr. Zeserson called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 pm . He stated he would like to go around the table and have each member state what they would like to accomplish with the conservation zone. Mr. Zeserson stated in his view the conservation would be different from the lakeshore area but he would like to start this way. In Ithaca the conservation zone does not extend to the lakeshore. Mr. Coogan stated in Ithaca the lakeshore is a small part . In Ithaca the conservation zone is very large and they adapted the zone to the specific areas . He discussed the system Ithaca used and the use of DNA ' s, the number of planners Ithaca have vs. Town of Ulysses . Ms. Schneider stated that the UNA ' s are separate, there are two that coincide with the Lakeshore property and steep slopes . What she believes is if they focus on one or two at a time, and focus on the UNA along the shoreline because they have a vulnerability because of steep slopes . They present that these areas have characteristics that need to be protected. Mr. Wertis asked if they were going to present each members desired accomplishment for the conservation zone . Ms . Schneider stated within the concept of the conservation zone they are trying to protect areas that have unique and valuable features . They should be protected to benefit our children and the Town, these benefits include endangered species, beautiful viewshed ' s that increase tourism, environmental aspects-such as recharge areas that protect water quality. In her mind in protecting environmental aspects of the Town that they currently have intact that provide benefits should not be lost due to development. It would be financially beneficial to the town, but it also protects the environmental aspects . It also provides a sense of place to the residents . Mr. Kerness stated he likes Ms . Schneider' s definition of a conservation zone. He stated what is in a conservation zone should be the UNA ' s, viewshed ' s, etc . Mr. Zeserson stated he agrees with what has been stated, they have a beautiful area he would like to see protected . However, being a newcomer he feels uncomfortable in not allowing growth and letting other people come in. So , they need to be sensitive to growth yet allow a way to steer and plan the growth through a conservation area. He believes they should protect the UNA ' s, viewsheds, recharge areas-yet use it as a tool for future development. He does not see this as a tool to prevent development but initially as a tool for developer to be informed as to what is on their property. This would help prevent the clear cut they have already witnessed in these areas . Mr. Wertis stated he agreed with the definition and protecting the UNA ' s, steep slopes & creeks, he does want some clarification regarding the recharge areas . Mr. Schneider clarified as water hits the ground and fills the water tables this is called a recharge areas . There are specific areas that support this system as well defined areas to Planning Board 2 5/20/08 provide quality water to wells . These areas should be protected as many of our residents use wells, unfortunately these areas have not been defined. Mr. Wertis informed Ms. Schneider he appreciated the clarification and agreed they should protect these areas yet he is not sure how they would do this without determining where these areas are. Ms . Schneider used an area of Indian Fort Road that has a well supported for an example. They do have USGS maps that indicate these areas, she offered to bring these maps to the next meeting: Mr. Means stated from his standpoint he agreed with the definition, however he wondered if this is a step between zoning or a comprehensive plan. How would this be enforced. A lengthy discussion regarding the process for researching, establishing and presenting the conservation zone and UNA ' s was discussed. The need to prevent spot zoning with the use of individual areas was presented. They also discussed what they are trying to protect. Do they want to protect the land, houses, steepness of the slope being degraded, it is important to define but stating they want to protect the land is not definitive. They agreed they would like to prevent the picture that was presented in that during development water poured off the slope and water flowed across Route 89 and onto other people ' s property. They discussed to define the zone theylmay consider limiting square footage and lot acreage. It was presented that asking Ms. Ritter (Planner Town of Ithaca) to come to the June 3rd meeting to discuss Ithaca ' s conservation zone. All members agreed this would be beneficial. Mr. Zeserson stated he would request Ms. Ritter attend that meeting. Mr. Zeserson stated he would contact the other members to see if they could attend so quorum would be maintained. He asked the other members if they would be able to attend . Ms . Schneider stated she would not be able to attend the 3rd but would be at the meeting on June 17`h. Mr. Means and Mr. Wertis stated they could attend the meeting on the 3rd . Mr. Kerness presented a handout of the resolution that was presented to the Town Board with target dates . The members reviewed and stated they thought the timeline was feasible. Mr. Wertis stated he would obtain the zoning regulations for these particular areas . Mr. Means made the MOTION to approve the minutes of previous meetings. Mr. Wertis SECONDED ;the motion. All members voted unanimously, minutes approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8 : 40 am. Tasks for next meeting. Ms . Schneider' bring maps to the next meeting. Mr. Coogan will research property maps/tax listings and bring to next meeting. Mr. Wertis research zoning regulations for specific areas . Respectfully submitted, Robin Carlisle Peck Secretary 06/02/08