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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Review Committee September 4, 1997To: Town Board Town Planning Board From: Conservation Board Date: 8 September 1997 Re: Proposed Mecklenburg Heights development N H IN � --) S& 8 X997 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING, ZONING ENGINEERING The Conservation Board (CB) has reviewed the sketch plan for the proposed Mecklenburg Heights development (#9708253). While we realize this is only sketch plan review, we felt the materials received were inadaquate to make a determination of its environmental significance. We would expect more detailed information will be forthcoming should this project move forward. To facilitate future reviews the CB feels the developer should include information on the following; 1. Storm drainage. Surface and storm sewer flows will directly affect the adjoining properties and storm drainage infrastructure in the City of Ithaca. Applicant should provid the information necessary for Town and City staff to accurately assess the magnitude of impacts and determine the adequacy of any mitigative measures proposed by applicant. 2. Traffic. Volume, periodicity, modal split, and accident data must be provided in order to evaluate the need for, and adequacy of, traffic control measures to maintain appropriate levels of safety and flow on Mecklenburg Rd. (State Rt. 79) at this location where topography and differential vehicular speed levels are pronounced. The data and evaluation should cover a section of Rt. 79 extending beyond the intersections of West Haven Rd., in the Town, and Warren Pl., in the City. 3. Use and development of the remainder of the property to be subdivided, with special emphasis on the portion of the 47 acres which applicant proposes to purchase. Desribe the purpose of a reference made to a Tuture access road extension' made on drawing S-1. Also, describe the site's setting in terms of land use, physical characteristics or other data necessary to explain the present proposal. The proposed low income development appears to have certain positive aspects. In particular, the building design appears to be asthetically pleasing and can be clustered to preserve open space. The proposed development has the potential for enhancing the quality of life for its prospective occupants, and thus for making a positive contribution to the Town. We hope that these comments will be useful, and we look forward to undertaking a more thorough review if the proposal proceeds. TOWN' OF ITHACA PLANNING DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Conservation Board/Environmental Rev � o emmittee FR0NI: Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning DATE: August 21. 1997 �' RE: Development Application Subject to Conservation Board Review. Enclosed for review by the Conservation Board, per the requirements of Local Law No -4 of 1993, are materials for the following application before the Town of Ithaca Town Board and Planning Board: Project No.: 9708253. Mecklenburg Heights Affordable Housing Proposal, Nlecklenburg Road Description: Consideration of request for rezoning from R-15 Residence to MR Multiple Residence and sketch plan review for the proposed development of 56 apartment units in seven buildings to be located on a 9.12 +/- acre portion of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 27-1-13.12, totalling 95 +/- acres. The site is located on Mecklenburg Road, adjacent to the Town of Ithaca/City of Ithaca boundary. R-15 Residence District. The proposed development would consist entirely of rental apartments targetted for families making no more than 50 percent of the area median family income. The applicant has received approval for a funding commitment from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) under the Low Income Tax Credit Program and the HOME Program. Anthony Ceracche, Owner; Conifer Realty, Applicant; John Fennessey, Agent. The action referenced above is tentatively scheduled for Town Board consideration at their September 8. 1997 meeting, and if referred to the Planning Board for further consideration, would be scheduled for sketchplan review at the September 16. 1997 Planning Board meeting. Please let me know if you have any questions on this matter. Attachments Mr -km CONIFER REALTY CORPORATION I (g97 ® An affiliated company of Home Properties NG August 20, 1997 Ms. Catherine Valentino, Supervisor Town of Ithaca 126 E. Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Mecklenburg Heights Apartments Dear Ms. Valentino: With this letter and attachments we are requesting a zone change for the parcel proposed for the above development. By way of introduction to our proposal I have set forth the following narrative. Conifer Realty's principal business has been the development of government assisted h9using since our founding in 1975. We have developed numerous apartment projects in the upstate area, including nearby Cortland and Elmira. We chose the Ithaca area for development of assisted housing believing that sufficient market demand existed to warrant the expense of preparing an application for project funding under the New York Sate Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). After meeting with your board in January we submitted an application to DHCR in February for project funding under the HOME Program, as well as the Low Income Tax Credit Program. On June 11th DHCR informed us that our application was approved and the project was awarded $725,000 in a low interest loan through the HOME Program and a low income tax credit reservation sufficient to raise the nearly $3,200,000 in equity the project will need. A market rate loan from our parent corporation (Home Properties of New York, L.P.) of $700,000 completes the project funding. We anticipate total project costs to approach $4,600,000. Suite 101/890 Seventh North Street/Liverpool, New York 13088/(315) 451-8876/FAX (315) 451-8983 F Ms. Catherine Valentino, Supervisor Town of Ithaca August 20, 1997 Page 2 The proposed project will consist of 56 apartments contained in seven buildings. The following are the rental characteristics: # of Total 50% Units/ # of Monthly Tenant Monthly of Area Area Unit Occu- Basic Paid Housing Median Median Size pants Rent Utilities Cost Income Income 16 -IBR 1.5 $399 $30 $429 $17,175 $34,350 32-2BR 3 $480 $35 $515 $20,610 $41,220 .a-3BR 4.5 $557 $38 $595 $23,816 $47,632 56 The rents for this development are all designed to serve area families making 50% of the area median family income. The project design is patterned after a similar DHCR project Conifer developed in Wayne County. Photographs of that project are attached. To implement the project Conifer and Better Housing for Tompkins County, Inc. ("Better Housing") are entering into a Joint Venture Agreement where we will be co -general partners in the development. We both believe this will be an exciting opportunity to develop and manage a family project of the highest quality. We believe our respective strengths will make for a better project. An accompanying letter from Better Housing sets forth their role in this project. As part of the application to DHCR for funding we were required to establish that there was sufficient housing market demand for the 56 units. To that end we retained Phoenix Associates, Inc., professional housing market consultants from Rochester, to establish and analyze the market area. I have enclosed the executive summary of the market analysis and a map of the market area. We feel comfortable with the market demand, as does DHCR in underwriting our project. ` Ms. Catherine Valentino, Supervisor • Town of Ithaca August 20, 1997 • Page 3 With this letter and accompanying materials Conifer and Better Housing are requesting the zoning on the proposed housing site changed to the multi -family designation. Likewise, we are requesting subdivision approval since the proposed housing site, approximately nine acres, is a part of a 95 acre parcel owned by Anthony Ceracche. We have a purchase agreement contract with Mr. Ceracche to acquire forty-seven acres of his property. We look forward to working with the town to implement this exciting and important project. JHF/snt enclosures Ithaca Elderly and Non -Elderly Housing Market Study Tompkins County, New York Prepared For: Mr. John Fennessey Vice President Conifer Realty Corporation Suite 100 890 Seventh North Street Liverpool, New York 13088 (315) 451-8876 Prepared By: Phoenix Associates, Inc. 186 North Water Street Rochester, New York 14604 (716) 454-4190 11.1;0& Phoenix Associates, Inc. February 1997 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Project Summary This study has been completed to determine the feasibility of apartments targeted to households .earning primarily between 45 to 60 percent of area median income. The proposed project includes 8 one -bedroom units with gross rents of $384, 32 two-bedroom units with gross rents of $488, and 8 three-bedroom units with gross rents of $564. The proposed rents for a one-, two-, and three-bedroom unit are 21 percent, 22 percent, and 35 percent below the fair market rents established by the United ' States Department of Housing and Urban Development for Tompkins County. The proposed project is located on Mecklenburg Road (NYS Route 79) in the Town of Ithaca. The site's eastern boundary is the City of Ithaca. The market area is made up of census tracts 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17, which includes portions of the City and Town of Ithaca and the Towns of Newfield, Enfield, and Ulysses. Demographic Trends • The Ithaca market area experienced substantial increases in population and the number of households from 1980 to 1990. From 1990 to 1998 the population of the market area is expected to decline slightly, while the number of households is expected to remain stable. • Fifty-six percent of market area elderly households and 38 percent of market area non - elderly households earn less than $25,000. • Among households earning less than $25,000, 42 percent of elderly households and 85 percent of non -elderly households rent. • There are an estimated 637 one-person and 748 two- and three-person tax credit eligible households in the market area who can afford proposed project rents. Availability of Affordable Rental Housing • There are 570 subsidized apartments including 428 units with rental subsidies targeted to elderly/handicapped/disabled households and 142 units for households of all ages located in and around the market area. These units are primarily available to households earning less than 50 percent of area median. Few target market households would be eligible to live in these units and few households already living in these units would be able to afford proposed project rents. There are an additional 250 existing units and 14 units under construction which have below market rate rents but no project based rental subsidies. These units are decent and affordable housing options available to target market households. Ithaca Mar t Study Phoenix Associates, Inc. 50152 S-1 February 1997 There are 870 households county -wide receiving Section 8 rental subsidies. This may include some households renting in subsidized apartment projects. Section 8 subsidies are available primarily to households earning less than 50 percent of area median. The most recent survey of market rate apartment projects documented average gross rents of _$567,_$681, and $683 for one-,. two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Based on newspaper listings and conversations with rental housing managers, rents for apartments in smaller multi -unit buildings are also predominately not affordable to target market households. Proposed project rents are 21 to 35 percent below rents for available market rate units in the area. The rental survey completed for this market study, indicates rental vacancy rates of 3 percent for market rate units and 4 percent for assisted units. At the time of the 1990 Census, 43 percent of elderly and 55 percent of non -elderly renters in the market area paid 30 percent or more of household income on gross rents. Required Capture Rates and Project Competitive Positioning The adjusted market potential includes 350 one-person households and 446 two- and three-person households who can afford proposed project rents and have incomes within the limits of the tax credit program. The proposed 56 unit project would have to capture 4.6 percent of single person households and 9.0 percent of larger households to achieve full occupancy. The adjusted market potential excludes 265 households assumed to be adequately housed in existing or soon to be completed below market rate housing in the market area. The remaining market potential households are likely among the 2,395 market area households paying more than 35 percent of income for rent. Conclusions The proposed 56 unit project provides needed housing to a market segment not well served by subsidized and market rate rental housing currently available in the market area. The proposed project can be expected to achieve full occupancy in a reasonable period of time without negatively impacting occupancy at other publicly assisted or market rate rental housing in the market area. Ithaca Market Study Phoenix Associates, nc. 50152 S-2 February 1997 1.0 INTRODUCTION This housing market analysis has been prepared by Phoenix Associates, Inc. Phoenix Associates is a professional consulting firm specializing in the provision of market research, planning and real estate development services for private and municipal clients. The company has prepared need/demand analyses for proposed projects throughout New York State and the Northeast. In addition, Phoenix has conducted in depth market studies for residential and commercial land use and specific projects for both public and private clients. The company was, founded in April, 1982. The need/demand analysis has been prepared at. the specific request of the Conifer/Home Properties to determine whether a subsidized family rental project is marketable in the Town of Ithaca. The proposed project will include 16 one-, 32 two-, and 8 three-bedroom apartments. All of the ground floor units will be accessible to the elderly and/or disabled. Gross rents for the proposed one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are $384, $488, and $564 respectively. These rents are intended .10 meet the needs of very low and low income elderly and non -elderly households. The study has been prepared using 1980 and 1990 U.S. Census Data, Claritas/NPDC Updates, consultant field and phone surveys and other source documentation as noted. Market estimates are based upon area demographics, residential construction trends, and housing conditions as reflected in the 1990 U.S. Census. They are considered to be a gross estimate of the market for the project as described. Phoenix Associates, Inc. has no identity of interest with the developer of the proposed project nor will it have an identity of interest in the project in the future. Its payment for the preparation of the market study is not contingent on project approval. The proposed low income housing project may include funding from one or more of the programs listed below. The program descriptions also include relevant age and income restrictions. Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) - rental housing units financed with the proceeds of low income tax credit syndication are restricted to occupancy by households earning 60 percent or less of the area median household income adjusted for household size. Unless LIHTC financing is combined with internal or external rental subsidies, project occupancy is also effectively limited to households who can afford proposed project rents. HOME - all HOME funds must benefit households earning 80 percent or less sof area median income adjusted for households size; 90 percent of all rental units (including tenant based rental assistance) must be occupied by households with incomes at or below 60 percent of area median adjusted by households size. HOME financing may include or be combined with other sources of rental subsidies. Otherwise, project occupancy is limited to households who can afford proposed project rents. Ithaca Mawket Study Phoenix Associates, Inc. 50152 1-1 February 1997 sM*z .11 Housing Trust Fund (HTF) - all projects outside of New York City financed through the HTF are limited in occupancy to households earning less than 90 percent of median income, though funding preference is given to projects targeted to households earning less than 50 percent of median. Occupancy in HTF financed projects may also be limited to occupancy by households earning less than 60 percent of median if combined with funding from programs with more stringent occupancy restrictions. Like HOME financed projects, HTF financed projects may be structured to provide internal project subsidies or combined with outside sources of rental subsidies. However, most often project occupancy is limited to households who can afford proposed project rents. Ithaca Market Study Phoenix Associates, Inc. 50152 1-2 February 1997 ' MARKETAREA Phoenix .9sstxrQte4 Inc ITHACA MARKETAREA • CONIFER/HOME PROPERTIES �, .j� 186 North Water Street Rochester, New York 14601 TOM C)Frrt tACJ, TOLVWM COMP, NEWYOFUC I FIGURE 1 poC�o 147 West Gray St., Suite 219, Elmira, New York 14901 Phone — (607) 734-2971 Fax — (607) 734-3229 DRAWING DESCRIPTION DATE SITE LOCATION MAP 8/20/97 PROJ NO. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1110 MECKLENBURG HEIGHTS -APARTMENTS DWG NO. CJ .� m z`r` poC�o 147 West Gray St., Suite 219, Elmira, New York 14901 Phone — (607) 734-2971 Fax — (607) 734-3229 DRAWING DESCRIPTION DATE SITE LOCATION MAP 8/20/97 PROJ NO. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1110 MECKLENBURG HEIGHTS -APARTMENTS DWG NO. u P r : 5 '4'a. +'�? , e-� M-; • 31rG'•^�k'.,x -tet r "s�gf�' s.� (F f •r'. ;Zh4 41� 4 ^ I i # 3 F . t is 4 �'`��'' �S ; � s, '4 l _" J} PRY L go �d• �- i,Ij T 1. SITE AREA: 912 ACRES 2. EXISTING ZONDKk R-15 PROPOSED 6J.xNBWx may► , N,` 3 RESMENTIAL BUBDiNGS (8 UNITS EACH) 'sToR1,i1 Irul.4 AiDcsM� " 4Rlr�t*� �.a , 16 ONE BEDROOM UNITS -:,d, 32 TWO BEDROOM UNITS , *ate, 56 UNITS TOTAL a t DLNSnT: 6-12 D.UJACRE 5. BUILDING SITE COVERAGE 8.316 irfra Id Ju 1 y 7 y i Y j. lkfl f Tvffi iL u� __ Y _ / ' y� ^moi t .meq , a / y � � T. •y � J —q _ ^ _ RE W>/ i {.OR VM.M 't /' 4 3. J L 'rs� `d -A•?,, F' . - ' QFdGSTS III �RALIw ROM ,i %f"i �. C. __ •.-_—._ . . . — ... _ _ . .. ,. iid�: t`jc r'`.. l ��s�r7� Im YM .. _E. tw.... ,.--. _. _---_ - r _. -. _ .S,K/•,..I �•ti -.. qr. 7r,. �. ,. ... o.• .... R d r I I I I r r.Itll I I -I• I I I I L --------------J �J L--------- TYPE A BUILDING FIRST FLODR PLANS I I .Xm 1 MR wKl \ TYrIGdL LNITe WIT TT'17 HAMA 1 V.J IM.• tN �/ IM.i ANY rIM.T 8000 etlq,OM AM& -CQ® FLOC" .IALOIO AMA. SX4 r - -pi H l#p4iKz IMOM W.m- - MbOp wlwLt• A.• GIA, ATTIC LOWV01 its 9•7 III_ - _ _ � � -=:ii::i =�= SB iii _ - ��• TYPE AMUILDINn _ -• EYAT-11 PN ISI'l . 'I =j Et. �-at Atm um f M Aw �- Iwo n" • A anon" •► Art r. • ROCHESTER, NEW YORK DI"M MICHITICT'S CISTI►ICATIOR: MECKLENBURG HEIGHTS APARTMENTS "ift If "'W" OF IfMACA rw'oft MMMp1. M,� jo MR n..M tr %cw r:1.MNM tf .:CM Scd. 1/t•�1• C. 0 M14 r17-MtT 9M1. I.yN ARCHITECTURAL TYPE A BUILDING FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS Urr—nQ Ma A-1 I• I I-. r - � IIF=---------__- #I III II I III � / III 111 «""re! II I 1 II II 1 IIF ------- '--#1 I II II I 1 II III til I II \A111.1� r.w�/ 11 I I I I flR 'f1f I I I a Ijl 1 s,et=sl {''l hI Ixzro` Ix All I 12 0W. -Ci. I I I a I I Ii !arc= °-° ;sa�el Ia�;ecR( �. j�pa•T,ei -. I ;zc:lzs! I I I ( I I TYPE B 51 ELEVATION `_:m = . --======::t =I---_ -::t= TYPE B BUILpING FRONT ELEVATION •:un�w �j L�,, VIA _l ;1 -- ��MA1All .� Al A1�IAl A1♦Y. m•miss .mossm mm Al1A ■ Is im um AT♦ Amp ra w. map Nw .IMO swo. Y qggggg Al A�A�L ROCHESTER. NEW YORK D95IDN ANCNITCCT'f CENTIIICATICN MECKLENBURG HEIGHTS APARTMENTS ntwte �� ",*N tM ITHACA 'aw Yom awrNbl. �Y i.t. w D..w ti �C)W U-a«A q am DAM «0.04.91 DAY war♦/ ARCHITECTURAL TYPE B BUILDING FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS A-2 I II -- ' I - III rn« III utAt� III III 111 III w«.. III AwA1«t III III y 111 � � � ! t I ,-_.� � , __ III 111 I j LEW I �•�' '.r !•' �ut..Aric nsuuzlrx. e � .fir... rlft&T ►LOOK BUILDING AbW !/ .�• i ,r ♦ a ,_.:: .} a�•.. s_ A. r I ._ .. _._ . } . r r . ' i 1 • b 6ECOND FLOOR OUILDING • A:22 Df t -_. _ - ° ' .-_ __ wRbT FLOOR UNIT "1 >!F TYPE B BUILDING :FIRST FLOOR 'SI OND"L°°'tt1NIT1061,� TYPE B BUILDING SECOND FLOOR / -ADD M.OIG• — A&• Du ATTIC Lwvlw ..._.._ •.'Xs M.n.Y�� -----� 4' DIA AtTIC LOUvIIIII I I I ( I I TYPE B 51 ELEVATION `_:m = . --======::t =I---_ -::t= TYPE B BUILpING FRONT ELEVATION •:un�w �j L�,, VIA _l ;1 -- ��MA1All .� Al A1�IAl A1♦Y. m•miss .mossm mm Al1A ■ Is im um AT♦ Amp ra w. map Nw .IMO swo. Y qggggg Al A�A�L ROCHESTER. NEW YORK D95IDN ANCNITCCT'f CENTIIICATICN MECKLENBURG HEIGHTS APARTMENTS ntwte �� ",*N tM ITHACA 'aw Yom awrNbl. �Y i.t. w D..w ti �C)W U-a«A q am DAM «0.04.91 DAY war♦/ ARCHITECTURAL TYPE B BUILDING FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS A-2 ■11171 MID io 10 Iv r--- — --- 1 I I I I I I MT�1 "llor I I� �I I I I I I I I �rttn �ITw. I I Dow tr"Itr I I I I I I 1 I I I II I �Is In �I TYPE C BUILDING : FIRST FLOOR PLANE I I I THREE BEDROOM BUILDING SIDE ELEVATION T7PICAL UNITS atlT.Ar, Q.DUILQ.2iQ JAmLAA TJIN�r /LOOK BUILDING 5.162 M �[CCND It -<M BUILDING ip7 fP "IItlDT'LOCtt WIT 1136 pP 5BCCND FL JOR WIT IIS y --- "IYY vM11I i MI' ma •Ifir. I[MIN" TYPE C BUILDING= • SECOND FLOOR PLANS "(101 YnNCyI S -- Y' nl. ♦.nr i...•�. I I 1 I I I T�RE��DROOM BUILDINCs FRONT ELEVATION rar�.ltulr w.�.t�tr�Ts� w r �w w iit1�� � t� Jtwtwpa �► w tet. � ROCHESTER, NEW YORK O[lIGN ARCMIT[CT'3 C[RTIr ICATI0k MECKLENBURG HEIGHTS APARTMENTS ."lilt to "'Wh no ITM.C• Nita YnAlll :I.1. J.1 N. O..I.n if .CW 1h.b.4 bit O.I. n7 -W -t1 ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING TYPE C FLOOR PLANS 3 ELEVATIONS A-3 j� OF 1p _ _ > TOWN OF ITHACA n 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 \� '10 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607) 273-1704 TO: Members, Environmental Review Committee FROM: George Frantz, Assistant Town Planne i? DATE: August 6, 1997 RE: Development Application Subject to Conservation Board Review. Enclosed for review by the Conservation Board, per the requirements of Local Law No.4 of 1993, are materials for the following application before the Town of Ithaca Planning Board: Project No.: 9708251. 900 & 1000 Block, Coddington Road. 3 -Lot Subdivision, Walker Property. Description: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 47-2-6.2, +/- 113 acres in size, into three lots, +/- 16.6 acres, +/- 39.5 acres and +/- 61 acres in size respectively, with the 16.6 acre lot to conveyed to the City of Ithaca for consolidation with its adjacent wat ed lands, located on the north side of Coddington Road approximately 1,300 f e eas pdike Road, Residence District R-30 and CD - Conservation District. Ri. and L. Ruth S. Walker, Owners/Applicants. Planning staff expects that the above refere-need-a 'on will be considered by the Planning Board at its meeting on September 16, 1997. Should you have any questions regarding this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me at 273-1747. 17 OF I Town of Ithaca D .7 1 --EL F IV= 126 East Seneca St.'`T--Ipv Date Received Ithaca, NY 14850 =-!:CA70N Project N o. 771017 1 -7,11 5 1 ALL Applications: Type of Application: Subdivision Site Plan Rezoning Stage of Review: Sketch Preliminary Final Additional Meeting Project Name if any): Street Address or Location of Project: Ne,f1, se t Tax Parcel s) Involved: V 7 - Z - 6-, 2 - Owner: og,, 4,,,-d —d /Z./� si. W./k, Address: Icon Phone: Applicant or Agent if different from Owner): Address: Phone: Ella�- ge,Q- Phone: Architect: Phone: ; 4 Planner: Phone: Attorney: Phone: SUBDIVISION Applications: Total number of lots proposed (existing + new): 3 Are new roads or public utilities proposed? No Estimated site improvement cost (exclude cost of land acquisition & prof. fees): $ C7 .00 SI lications: Project is: Residential Lot rea: o. of dwelling units: Non -Regi Total Bldg. Fioor Area: Esll�mated Fproject cost (exclude cost of land acquisition & prof. fees): $ .00 REZ-M ------------ Exist' Propose ALL Applications: The information on this application form is submitted in addition to other information, plats, and plans required by the Town of Ithaca. I attest that all information so submitted is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Also, by filing this application, permission is granted to members of the various Town Boards, Committees, and Councils, the Planning Dept. staff, Engineering Dept. staff, and any other persons designated by the Town that may be involved in the review of this application, to enter the property specified above to inspect in connection with review of this application. Owner's Signature Date Applicant/Agent Signature (If different) Date Rev. 8/92 F601 11 �� / , Town Assigned Project ID Number Town of Ithaca Environmental Review SNORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM For UNLISTED ACTIONS Located in the Town of Ithaca,, Tompkins County, NY ONLY PART i - PROJECT lKIPC)QUATICIN ITh ha emmnlPtpd by Annlir-an} nr Orml—+ Crl/,r1e^r, 1. Applicant/Sponsor- 2. Project Name: 3 - Lo f 5,. l 4 3. Precise location (street address,I s, road Intersections, prominent landmarks,,L etc. or provide map): / L A/,,, fA SrKc dT' Ccc�rr�,e2 f'°� 9v, ,bei,...,-�J all--o/,T!// 1, 3oU ftc/ So.rfhrasf aT' i.. T•-.�.•c�v Tax Parcel Number: y 7 ' 2- 4. 4. Is proposed action: NEW? EXPANSION? MODIFICA7CN/ALTE].;3A770N? S. Describe project briefly: (Include project purpose, present land use, current and future // construction plans, and other relevant items): S/rb�r✓rscvy o t 1/3 aC"C- ✓Ja%Ce[ /n 70 3 �a.-c��s� t 3`7.7 aell e— l�.G. acrYS :R,cl •}• G/ UC/CS /� S/2f /CSp�c /✓1././r W 11 ow e,/ b, '_�I L //-�,� «l --e4 pa'iCl !0 •`j G�, /q COi`OO/a �ea/ /n XD 217< l�/ry O� /�r'/�I CC[ LaJ rif (Attach secarate sheet(s) :f necessary to adeauately descrit:e the orccosed projec:.) 6. Amount of land affected: Initially (0-5 yrs) / Acres (6-10 yrs) O Acres 10 yrs) (2 Acres 7. How Is land zoned presently?', R-30 CIS - Ce�s�: ✓a� on 8. Will proposed action comply with existing zoning or other existing 11aA si_ use restrictions? l/ l YES NO --,2- If no, describe conflict briefly: 7 i,� �� '"'e �"' ` `� "" `` �'�^cl�ac %«( u^ /SSS 9. Will proposed action lead to a request for new: Public Road? YES NO __)( Public Water? YES NO Public Sewer? YES NO 10. What Is the present land use in the vicinity of the proposed project? Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture Y_ Park/Forest/Open Space X Other Please Describe: 11. Does proposed action involve a permit, approval, or funding, now or ultimately from any other governmental agency (Federal, State, Local)? YES 'l NO If yes, list agency name and permiUapproval/funding: C,fr o>` I&. to a i7p�iCl 12. Does any aspect of the proposed action have a currently valid permit or approval? YES NO If yes, list agency name and permitlapproval. Also, state whether It will require modification. I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE iS TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE Applicant/Spons r Name (Print or ,T/ype)): , ,/,C c/i u �.{ �,/ / l e r Signature: X 1 r (/V C� Date: ° 7 Rev. 9/92 -r FlidAi Town of Ithaca Planning Department 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca. New York 14850 (607)273-1747 AGRICULTURkL DATA STATEMENT In accordance with Section 283-a of the New York State Town Law.. the Town of Ithaca will use the data in this statement to assist in evaluating the impacts of proposed development projects on farm operations in Agricultural Districts. 1. Name of Applicant: /1,��,�.�� L u /2Nfti ti/•//�l� Address: logo Cocl�,� y �o•� I2( -9 2. Project Name/Location: 11/d�N 5 plc Cc�tdi���fn fZcl r l 300 >Ct SE a L/nA' �e r�� 3. Description of proposed project. S 6�� �. s «� �l t // s 3 l5 t .3,q acres r /(e•!o acus u�c+ G/ acres 6 Z,e ecri.✓e i i f 4. Tax Parcel Number(s): `1 �- L - G. 2- 5. 5. Numbe'r'of total acres involved with project: // 3 6. Number of total acres presently in Tax Parcel: t: // 3 7. How much of the site is currently farmed? C Acres 8. Please identify who is farming the site. A)114 9. Please indicate what your intentions are for use of the remainder of the property. over: Five years: 4,09 Ten years: 4'1,4 Twenty years:X1114 10. Who will maintain the remainder of the property not being used for this development? (PLEASE COMPLETE OTHER SIDE.) 11. Please indicate crop(s) or vegetational cover for the site. 5 12. Are there anv drainage ways or underground tile systems located on the site? ,- s Will this project alter existing drainage patterns? a v If yes. please describe 13. Is the parcel included in a farm plan prepared by the Tompkins County Soil and Water District of the USDA Soil Conservation Service? Xe s Are federally funded cost sharing practices in place for the parcel? s Name of program(s). ^.t„ 1 " �Q ,17, 7 y z '1 14. Is the parcel currently granted an agricultural tax exemption? Yes No Signature of Applicant: X ��2���L�� "W L� -.vl Date: 5'- h-- Z FOR TOWN USE ONLY: NO'T'E: This form and a map of the parcel(s) should be mailed to County Planning as part of the GNIL m and n referral. It should also be mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the property boundary along with the Notice of Public Hearing (:attach list of property owners within 500 feet). Name of Staff Person - Date Referred to Countv Planning - (Orin. Date: 4/22194. Rev. 1/97) TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607) 273-1704 TO: Members, Environmental Review Committee FROM: George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner G2'�- DATE: August 6, 1997 RE: Development Application Subject to Conservation Board Review. Enclosed for review by the Conservation Board, per the requirements of Local Law No.4 of 1993, are materials for the following application before the Town -of Ithaca Planning Board: Project No.: 9707248. Elmira Rd./NYS Rte 13/34/96. 2 -Lot Subdivision. Description: Consideration of Preliminary Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision of Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 35-1-7.2, +/- 63.22 acres in size and located approximately 1,000 feet east of Elmira Rd./NYS Rte 13/34/96 and extending southerly from Lick Brook to the Town of Newfield, into two lots, +/- 26.81 ac. and +/- 36.41 ac. in size respectively, with the +/- 26.81 acre parcel to be conveyed to Cornell University as a Natural Area, LI -Light Industrial District. John B. Babcock, Owner; Nancy L. Ostman, Applicant. Planning staff expects that the above referenced action will be considered by the Planning Board at its meeting on^September 2; Y997-,-- Should you have any questions regarding this proposal, please do not hesitate to, contact me at 273-1747. OF I h rTown of Ithaca O 9( s F --> 126 East Seneca St. -- Z� 4,w '(0 Ithaca, NY 14850 �IE�TIE t� REVIEW A.P]P>,LICATION ........... ....... . .......................... Date Received FoT7�m4 7 Project No. [jHLOJ71alijil ALL Applications: Type of Application: Subdivision v"' Site Plan Rezoning Stage of Review: Sketch Preliminary Final Additional Meeting Project Name if any): Lick Bv-a6l- 5ubbi�i,�ov� Street Address or Location of Project: Wc-k'B=k- chConr-a-it t_,,r, n�°ar- `►' '''`.,�cf`°�"' o��-tr.t3r3 Tax Parcels Involved: _1+1hi c --e . 35- — I — '7-2— 7.2Owner: Owner:doh r1 $. �a,bev�'� 1� U . G i k -k RJ. I,f' lUL6C, Phone: 2G--4 —6293 Address: &00 Cct ari Applicant or Agent If different from Owner): a nl C/b-TVAalyl Address: corntll &w+ 5 I P"+cchd Rd s.-4,4ra 1490 Phone: ZSs-X163.9 Engineer: Sur 0r T.G. Ml i `P►r f. C, Phone: 272 — �q77 Architect: '— Phone: Planner: Phone: Attorney: Phone: SUBDIVISION Applications: Total number of lots proposed(existing + new): Z Are new roads or public utilities proposed? NO Estimated site improvement cost (exclude cost of land acquisition & prof. fees): $ 0 .00 SITE PLANApplications: Project is: Residential Lot Area: No. of dwelling units: Non -Residential Total Bldg. Floor Area: Estimated project cost (exclude cost of land acquisition & prof. fees): $ .00 REZONING Applications: Existing Zoning: Proposed Zoning: ALL Applications: The information on this application form is submitted in addition to other information, plats, and plans required by the Town of Ithaca. I attest that all information so submitted is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Also, by filing this application, permission is granted to members of the various Town Boards, Committees, and Councils, the Planning Dept. staff, Engineering Dept. staff, and any other persons designated by the Town that may be involved in the review of this application, to enter the pr?perty specified above to inspect in connection with review of this application. 13/� z� 7 29��, Owner's Signature Date A IicanUAgent Signature (If different) Date Rev. 8/92 TilZ y I Town Assigned Project ID Number Town of Ithaca Environmental Review SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM For UNLISTED ACTIONS Located in the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, NY ONLY PART I - PROJECT INFORMATION (To be completed by ADDlicant or Prosect Soonsorl 1. Applicant/Sponsor: Gohn BabcoGK 2. Project Name: 1 iGk Brei Co me l l S u bei 1%l s L ca n 3. Precise location (street address, road intersections, prominent landmarks, etc. orrovide map): `. laic Ic B"C' k on +ha. coll rs ra.� l •�t�ns. �var io u*e l3 R aw"A -tit, SO4.vt K 04 .-5+kL 1 -Cc*' Tax Parcel Number: Z k a.ca. a 5 -- I. — '% -Z 4. Is proposed action: NEW? EXPANSION? MODIFICATION/ALTERATION? 5. Describe project briefly: (Include project purpose, present land use, current and future construction plans, and other relevant items): SubcLi lli &, A 163.2 z cure.. 1pa-rce 1�ivina� c, 2 6 �1 gLtn� '� r A- a+ IZ -tkt- rwrtti end aa-a�ccv►-F 4* L -i c �t o k -lam Cav-nc it UhNcrsi�y -far- Vl a}u.v a•� area., . (Attach separate sheet(s) if necessary to adequately describe the proposed project.) 6. Amount of land affected: Initially (0-5 yrs)24*91 Acres (6-10 yrs) Acres (> 10 yrs) Acres 7. How Is land zoned presently? 8. Will proposed action comply with existing zoning or other existing land use restrictions? YES ✓ NO If no, describe conflict briefly: 9. Will proposed action lead to a request for new: Public Road? YES NO X Public Water? YES NO k Public Sewer? YES NO K 10. What Is the present land use In the vicinity of the proposed project? Residential K Commercial Industrial Agriculture X Park/Forest/Open Space X Other K 1?0.11r0a.d Please Describe: Lujac,,+ 6.nAs a.rt, ' eveste-cl eram4orrnLr agrjCUA4'U'0-t �1,etAS. -A tarle -trctcf is owned b -the. FL� L.aALS L -a iA Trus+- av A also [s Ac t'wraA 4,� , 11. Does proposed action Involve a permit, approval, or funding, now or ultimately from any other governmental agency (Federal, State, Local)? YES ✓ NO If yes, list agency name and permit/approval/funding: Vagi onto. �vovn �ont✓iq Bna�d 12. Does any aspect of the proposed action have a currently valid permit or approval? YES NO X If yes, list agency name and permittapproval. Also, state whether It will require modification. I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE Appllcant/Sp`on�sor q Name (Print or Type): 9 I � �`�t8/92t Signature: / / `� Date: 71, !�4% Rev. CORNELL 2- PLANTATIONS The ARBORETUM, BOTANICAL GARDEN, and NATURAL AREAS of CORNELL UNIVERSITY July 29, 1997 ONE PLANTATIONS ROAD ITHACA, N.Y. 14850-2799 607-255-3020 Memo to: Town of Ithaca Planning Board Inl, From: Nancy Ostman, Natural Areas Program Director, Cornell Plantations 1 Re: Proposed subdivision of John Babcock land, Ithaca tax parcel 35-1-7.2 at Lick Bro�ok John Babcock has offered to give Cornell University part of his land near Lick Brook as natural area. (See Map 1, the survey plot. Also see Map 2, the tax map showing the larger section where the gift parcel is indicated by hatches). His intention in making this gift is to provide protection for the gorge and forested slope for the long term. Lick Brook is regarded by local naturalists as one of the region's natural treasures (see the attached description of the property) and has been designated a Unique Natural Area in Tompkins County by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council. The Finger Lakes Land Trust owns and manages the north side of Lick Brook as a natural area. The proposed gift will be one of Cornell's designated Natural Areas, and as such under management of the Natural Areas Committee of the Cornell Plantations. Babcock has asked Cornell University to accept restrictions on the property stating that the land will be used as natural area, and we expect the language in the deed will be similar to that noted on the attached page which is an excerpt from the deed of property given by John Babcock to Cornell at Coy Glen. The intention of the Natural Areas Committee is to use Lick Brook as an educational and research resource. It is intention of Babcock, as well, in giving this property to us, that we do so. Thus, we would oppose park -like uses of this Lick Brook parcel. A public trail, the Finger Lakes Trail, passes through the property at the base of the slope on a recently abandoned farm field (see Map 3), and we expect this use to continue, but we would not encourage other public trails on the property. We regard most of this site as far too fragile to handle much increased human use. We request a preliminary review and approval of the subdivision proposal, so we may proceed with the next steps in the process to final approval. The entire Babcock parcel is land -locked, but has several legal access points. Babcock will transfer a legal access to the gift property to Cornell. The several points of legal access are noted on the attached maps (Map 4, the McDonell map and Map 5, the G. W. Erhart map). These are, for practical purposes, pedestrian access -ways only, because the creek crossings are difficult. We appreciate your review of this matter. Thank you. Lick Brook Howard Edward Babcock Preserve (27 acres) given by John Babcock in 1997. Lick Brook has long been known and appreciated as one of Ithaca's most beautiful wooded gorges and wa- terfalls. The north side of the gorge is a Finger Lakes Land Trust Preserve, which is reached via the Finger Lakes Trail. Description This forested parcel is south of Ithaca in the Cayuga Inlet Valley. A deep stream gorge cuts into the steep, west -facing slope. There is a large waterfall and several smaller falls. Along the gorge, hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), yellow birch (Betula alleghanimsis), and red maple (Acer rubrum) are dominant. Red cedar (Junipenrs virginiana), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), and white oak (Quercus alba) are found on dry rock ledges near the gorge. Several locally scarce ferns --glade fern (Athyrium pycnocarpon), blunt -lobed woodsia (Woodsia obtusa), and walking fern (Asplenium rhizophylum)—are found along the gorge. On the northwest -facing slope, maples, oaks, and hicko- ries dominate the forest. The forest on the lower slope is very diverse, with tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), basswood (Uha americana), sugar maple (Acer saccha- rum), and bittemut hickory (Carya cord�brmis) abun- dant. The floodplain near the creek has been farmed in recent years, but may eventually revert to floodplain forest. Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is found on the edges of the open field and is dominant elsewhere on this floodplain. References Cayuga Trails Club. 1993. Guide to the Trails of the Finger Lakes Region. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cayuga Trails Club, Inc. [IS1; 1'56 225 Being portions of the same premises conveyed to the Grantor herein by instrument recorded in the office of the Tompkins County Clerk in Liber 404 of Deeds at page 309. The conveyance of the said parcels A and B is made upon the condition that they shall be permanently preserved and maintained as Natural Area pursuant to the criteria established by the Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Committee or its successor (e.g., the presence of relatively unique flora, fauna, or other natural features). The University shall take reasonable steps to preserve the parcels against the adverse effects of encroachment, overuse, and development while nonetheless malting them available for controlled and supervised use for educational purposes. The Grantee's management shall include adherence to the policies and regulations established from time to time by the Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Committee or its successor in its management policy (e.g., limitation of hunting, collecting, or any other destruction or removel of organic or geological materials). Regardless of whether the then existinor policies or regulations permit same, without prior special approval of the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, there will be no construction other than non -permanent structures for research purposes on either of said parcels, nor any alteration of the natural condition, vegetation, forests or other natural or geologic features except as necessary in order to protect and preserve the natural state and condition of the parcels or to maintain the passive educational uses of the land. The Grantee shall be free to assign, transfer, or otherwise alienate all or any portion of the premises (or its products) if the Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Committee or its successor determines that the area no longer meets the criteria of a natural area. The Town Planning Board shall be notified in writing at least 45 days prior to any such intended alienations. Any such alienation, if the Planning Board determines that the interests of the public so require may, however, be made subject to the continuance of the property as a natural area and continuance of the restrictions on construction and other uses set forth in this deed. The net proceeds realized from any such alienation of the Premises or its products shall be applied first to the expenses of the preservation and management of the Coy Glen Natural Area and, second, to such expenses of any other Natural Area maintained by the Grantee. TOGETHER with all right. title and interest. if anv. of the parte of the first part in and to anv streets and roads abutting the above described premises to the center lines thereof. TOGETHER with the appurtenances and all the estate and rights of the party of the first part in and to said premises. Pa,ie 4 /`J,9N OF SABCOGK- /IcCa/VAlk" SALE O/v EL/7/•Q /i Ro qD /N TawN OF /TNi4cR arca/Q. /"-/do' /Voy.%/RW Co,/ Cro0db//,c•6• /fhaca/N"Y• o /ee' 104' Sea �`o b `I Yb � •�� rac 'a• N.vA/al tJ cQ F •`� \` ii°k a • // ;, � � • •.v Si/af T o '� Mc Co nna.I/ � % acres fid: -_ �.t•t6V W /3,)1 T././ K Wei A ;•, c 416, lre� • qa foo' /S2 ®r;J �e �' � To+trn O. Babcock i12.3 � ~ 2.47AC. ~ (' 6 4.1 57o.e 18 5.1 13.68 AC. CAL. �� I 50 AC. \ fl 127.4 i AC. CAL. Miller - Cortwright / I A 1210 S C) \ lA7.1 /Qti. I 10.1 I �• 10.2 1813 AC. CAL. 1< IM Babcock 1�•• - .. .lb Eddy = � S:F��4 iii ,_ . :•� y~` 1•`Turback , 66, Finger Lakes Land Trust ~ L 8 ° 4.33 AC. -CAL. E /i. 1: , i, ►y J 214.97 ../ �6J 9' 1 r', Turback EnfieldCreek i y j/ 0 John Babcock . •��• ,� � to Cornell Univers y f ( Overbaugh72 \ " ". / / •' /CAL. 4 4 95 AC. 3 y �"� °"° / . i j • 63.22 AC. I Thayer John Babcock TOWN - - - - TOWN I' _ 'N"" I - . -x:n 509 75 1 STOW „y OF NEWFIELD NEWFIELD FIRE DISTRICT a 24.12 "- I a �/j R 2.58 AC o 374.99 24.11 B" 2,v at. �3 j6° a: •/" �mJ a 1.67 ACSO e 210 1 y �¢ a X24.13375 334 � 0,�� . a •0 24.3 ° I 15.13 \ " i'' i J 1.72 AC ° 1.37 AC. CAL. zro .r %' '/ �1L� 37 I 23.2 e� 104.64 AC CAL r ,' Babcock o J ]t 96 2 I� z o 24.2 _ `b b va v 56.88 AC. CAL. s Q°�y" �� Sturdevant w o w Z p 29.133 Q O Q o 9.7 AC \ v = Mgr Z' 50 __`I I O bl!' 0. WS '•'\ 1040.6 ISS I 29.14 \' J 9,,y ,�-.... a" 10.54 AC. _w - a �• 25 6 / / 29.7 1.10 �; �j 29.131 - W n = 37 AC 16.86 AC. 3 �r 40.8 AC. CAL. 29.2 Z J, - 11.33 AC CAL a r' 1 � 1 27.1 L,,, LL 5.67 AC O O 29.91 CAL �G y 6,5 AC -CAL. •ppb b6 29.62 R-•o.++ °� 29.61 10.21 AC. CAL. S� 30.2 J. H 2.7 AC. CAL. 29,5 4.86 w.' UiJ 8 9 AC CAL AC•CAL• 29.93 28.21 y0 •• � ''t:. ��'' 6.8 AC Ro 17.14 ACC . ITS\. � lo°e.r B ti'^ I °- <4�FS '�:�• / 2997 <e, / 29.92 6•3 I� TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783 FAX (607) 273-1704 TO: Phillip Zarriello FROM: George Frantz Gni DATE: August 6, 1997 RE: Development Applications Received. Enclosed please find, per the requirements of Local Law No.4 of 1993, materials for the following applications before the Town of Ithaca Planning Board: Project No.: 9707249. Dryden Road/NYS Rte 366. Cornell University Central Heating Plant Addition Description: Consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval for the proposed construction of an addition approximately 36 ft. by 36 ft. in area and 66 ft. high, to house equipment to reduce exhaust stack particulate emmisions, said addition to be located at the southeast comer of the Cornell University Central Heating Plant, located on the south side of Dryden Road/NYS Rte 366 approximately 250 ft. east of its intersection with Hoy Road on Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 63-1- 8.1 and -8.2, LI -Light Industrial District. Cornell University, Owner; Hugh R. Bahar, Agent. Status: Pending. Tentative Planning Board Date: September 2, 1997. This proposal is not subject to automatic review by the Conservation Board, however, if you believe review by the ERC is appropriate please let me know and I will forward. packets to the Committee. Should you have any questions regarding this proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me at 273-1747. M memorandum TO: Town of Ithaca Planning Board FROM: Conservation Board DATE: August 28, 1997 SUBJECT: Review of proposed subdivision #9705237 THRU: Jonathan Kanter, Director of Town Planning On behalf of the Conservation Board, I have reviewed the proposed modications to the Hospicare parking facilities project #9706247. I do not foresee any adverse environmental impacts associated with the proposed changes, but I echo Tompkins County's concern that extra care should be taken to ensure the protection of the South Hill UNA. We agree with Hospicare's intent to choose non-invasive landscape plants and urge Paula Horrigan, the landscape architect for Hospicare, to consult with Nancy Ostman and/or Bob Wesley on their selections. Also, I was unable to determine the drainage characteristics of the pro- posed parking areas. It appears these drain to Chase Pond, so it would be desirable to maintain vegetative buffers and swales that will entrap pollutants from the parking area before entering the pond. Thank you for the opportunity to review this proposal. Phillip J. Zarriello, Chair L