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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2020-01-21TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Shirley A. Raffensperger Board Room, Town Hall 215 North Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Tuesday, January 21, 2020 AGENDA 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision located at 1 I Alex Way, 14 Alex Way, 15 Alex Way and 128 Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 60.-1-25.21, 60.-1-25.22, 60.-1-25.23 and 60.-1-21, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the three existing lots on Alex Way to create six new residential lots, with Lot I containing the existing residence at 1 I Alex Way. The proposal also involves subdividing a strip from the north edge of 128 Honness Lane which will become part of Lots 5 and 6. The project will also involve improving Alex Way, extension of water and sewer lines, and stormwater facilities. Giora and Limor Fix, Owners/Applicants. 7:15 P.M. SEQR Determination: Limbwalker Tree Care, 1457 Trumansburg Road, 7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business, located at 1457 Trumansburg Road. Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 21-1-27, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the use of machinery, equipment, trucks and other appurtenances that are stored on the property, including the storage of wood products removed from off-site operations. Keith Vanderhye, Owner/Applicant. 7:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage project located on the corner of Palm Road and Solidago Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 64: 1-1 and 64.-1-2.2, Planned Development Zone No. 9 (Cornell Precinct 7). The proposal includes placing storage containers on an existing parking lot behind the Cornell Grounds Department building. The containers will be used to store and secure equipment used by the Grounds Department. Cornell University, Owner; Dan Schied, Grounds Director, Applicant/Agent. 7:45 P.M. SEQR Determination: Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition Modification, 114 Seven Mile Dr. 7:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project located at 114 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposed modification involves adding a 12.25 +/- square foot sign above the entrance door on the front of the proposed addition. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Daniel C. Thaete, Town Engineer, Agent. 7. Nomination and Election of Vice -Chairperson for 2020. 8. Persons to be heard 9. Approval of Minutes: December 17, 2019 10. Other Business 11. Adjournment Susan Ritter Director of Planning 273-1747 NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY SANDY POLCE AT 273-1747 or SPOLCE a TOWN.ITHACA.NY.US. (A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.) Accessing Meeting Materials Online Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project materials are accessible electronically on the Town's website under "Planning Board" on the "Meeting Agendas" page (httv://www,town-1thacu.nv.us/meetinE-RE!endns). TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Tuesday, January 21, 2020 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following times and on the following matters: 7:00 P.M. Consideration of Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision located at 11 Alex Way, 14 Alex Way, 15 Alex Way and 128 Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 60.-1-25.21, 60.-1-25.22, 60.-1-25.23 and 60.-1-21, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the three existing lots on Alex Way to create six new residential lots, with Lot 1 containing the existing residence at 11 Alex Way. The proposal also involves, subdividing a strip from the north edge of 128 Honness Lane which will become part of Lots 5 and 6. The project will also involve improving Alex Way, extension of water and sewer lines, and stormwater facilities. Giora and Limor Fix, Owners/Applicants. 7:15 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business, located at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the use of machinery, equipment, trucks and other appurtenances that are stored on the property, including the storage of wood products removed from off-site operations. Keith Vanderhye, Owner/Applicant. 7:30 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage project located on the corner of Palm Road and Solidago Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 64.-1-1 and 64.-1- 2.2, Planned Development Zone No. 9 (Cornell Precinct 7). The proposal includes placing storage containers on an existing parking lot behind the Cornell Grounds Department building. The containers will be used to store and secure equipment used by the Grounds Department. Cornell University, Owner; Dan Schied, Grounds Director, Applicant/Agent. 7:45 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project located at 114 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposed modification involves adding a 12.25 +/- square foot sign above the entrance door on the front of the proposed addition. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Daniel C. Thaete, Town Engineer, Agent. Said Planning Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections thereto. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessary, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Susan Ritter Director of Planning 273-1747 Dated: Monday, January 13, 2020 Publish: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 TOWN OF ITHACA AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AND PUBLICATION I, Sandra Polce, being duly sworn, depose and say that I am a Senior Typist for the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, that the following Notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town of Ithaca and that said Notice has been duly published in the local newspaper, The Ithaca Journal. Notice of Public Hearings to be held by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board in the Town of Ithaca Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, January 21_, 2020 commencing at 7:00 F.M., as per attached. Location of Sign Board used for Posting: Town Clerk Sign Board — 215 North Tioga Street. Date of Posting: January 13, 2020 Date of Publication: January 15, 2020 Sandra Polce, Senior Typist Town of Ithaca STATE OF NEW YORK) SS: COUNTY OF TOMPKINS) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15Th day of January 2020. r Notary Public DEBORAH KELLEY Notary PLiblic, State oDN3New York IVo ©ualified in Schuyler County Commission Expires May ; 7, 20 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020 9 THE ITHACA JOURNAL TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Tuesday, January 21, 2020 By direction of the Chairperson of the Planning Board, NOTICE IS H€REBY GIVEN that Public Hearings will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Ithaca on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y., at the following times and on the following matters: 7:00 P.M. Consideration of Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision located at 11 Alex Way, 14 Alex Way, 15 Alex Way and 128 Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 60.-1-25.21, 60.-1-25.22, 60.- 1-25.23 and 60.-1-21, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the three ex- isting lots on Alex Way to create six new residential lots, with Lot 1 containing the existing residence at 11 Alex Way. The proposal also involves subdividing a strip from the north edge of 128 Honness Lane which will become part of Lots 5 and 6. The project will also involve improving Alex Way, extension of water and sewer lines, and stormwater facilities. Giora and Limor Fix, Owners/Applicants. 7:15 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business, located at 1457 Tru- mansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23--1- 27, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal in- volves the use of machinery, equipment, trucks and other appurtenances that are stored on the property, including the storage of wood products removed from off-site operations. Keith Vanderhye, Owner/Applicant. 7:30 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage Project located on the corner of Palm Road and Solidago Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 64.-1- 1 and 64.-1-2.2, Planned Development Zone No. 9 (Cornell Precinct 7). The proposal includes placingg storage containers on an existing parking lot behind the Cornell Grounds Department building. The con- tainers will be used to store and secure equipment used by the Grounds Department. Cornell University, Owner; Dan Schied, Grounds Director, Applicant/Agent. 7A5 P.M. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project locat- ed at 114 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The pro- posed modification involves adding a 12.25 +/- square foot sign above the entrance door on the front of the proposed addition. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Daniel C. Thaete, Town Engineer, Agent. Said Planning Board will at said time and said place hear all persons in support of such matters or objections there- to. Persons may appear by agent or in person. Individuals with visual impairments, hearing impairments or other special needs, will be provided with assistance as necessa- ry, upon request. Persons desiring assistance must make such a request not less than 48 hours prior to the time of the public hearing. Susan Ritter Director of Planning 273-1747 Dated: Monday, January 13, 2020 Publish: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD Tuesday, January 21, 2020 Minutes Present: Liebe Meier Swain, Chair; Members Fred Wilcox, Yvonne Fogarty, Cindy Kaufman Christopher Biehn, Gregory Lindquist, and Ariel Casper Chris Balestra, Planner, Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk, David O'Shea, Engineer and Susan Brock Attorney for the Town Agenda Item 1: Consideration of Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision located at 11 Alex Way, 14 Alex Way, 15 Alex Way and 128 Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 60.-1-25.215 60.-1-25.22, 60.-1-25.23 and 60.-1-21, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the three existing lots on Alex Way to create six new residential lots, with Lot 1 containing the existing residence at 11 Alex Way. The proposal also involves subdividing a strip from the north edge of 128 Honness Lane which will become part of Lots 5 and 6. The project will also involve improving Alex Way, extension of water and sewer lines, and stormwater facilities. Giora and Limor Fix, Owners/Applicants. David Herrick, T. G Miller Engineers and Surveyors, gave an overview of the project thus far, noting that this proposal was in front of this board last month to turn an existing approval of a 3 -lot subdivision into a 6 -lot subdivision for which they received preliminary approval contingent on a number of conditions, most notably, we were asked to develop a tree protection and planting plan that would focus on preserving as many of the mature trees that are on the property within the proposed 30' foot building setback as possible as well as additional plantings that would provide visual screening from the adjacent properties to the north. This new plan is in your packets. Mr. Herrick noted that the applicants also own property Discussed enhancements for the drainage berms with Town Engineers and those are also submitted. Mr. Herrick reported that he did looked into the actual property line of an adjacent parcel owned by Rheinhart that was under question at the last meeting and whether the north line was correctly depicted on Honness Lane. After researching the actual Kenny Baker survey filed in 1990 the representation as submitted in our final plat is correct and the illustration from Tompkins County Assessment of the property line was not. Mr. Herrick stated that they stand by their survey and the way the boundary is reflected in the final plat. Ms. Meier Swain opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. Erica Dienard addressed the board and stated that she was speaking for her mother who owns 130 Honness Lane. She said they have no quibble with the dimensions that are set out in the T G Miller plan and they agree with what was presented at the last meeting is correct. She added that the assessment done by Mr. Baker that is on file with the County Clerk's office and the Assessment office does reference a different deed book and page number which is incorrect; the TG Miller is Book 42, PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 1 Page 477 and what is referenced on the file at the Assessment office is Book 589, Page764. The dimensions are practically identical, and we have no issue with what was presented. Ms. Dienard commented on the drainage and the discussion that have been had about how it fails to drain properly on the downhill side of Honness Lane. She asked that whatever happens in terms of improving the drainage there, as part of this project, the drainage actually comes from Cornell and goes underneath the East Hill Recreation Way and continues a few meters onto our property and continues onto the Alex Way property. Whatever the Alex Way development is planning to do to improve that, please keep in mind that this is a ditch that has been there for 50 years and she doesn't want their property cut off to disturb that connectivity to the drainage pathway through their property. Neighbor — Stated that she did not make the last meeting but did send an email in which was read to the board but the reading or reference of it inaccurately stated that "we have moisture in our house" but we actually have water in our house, and moisture, depending on the level of the storm. She said her only concern after reading what was required and how they were addressed is that there are references to "neighbor" and she didn't know what the relationship was going to be between Alex Way and our house at 124 Honness Lane, if anything. She wasn't sure what the references to "swales" and "will help drain water into the neighbor on Wildflower Dr" and she wasn't sure who that is. She said her concern is that any time there has been construction, one of us is usually here to say we have a concern about increasing water in our house. She said they moved in in 1976 and never had a drop of water and now she has, this last big storm, 3" inches of water in her basement. She wanted to express her concern to mitigate this realizing that it is not totally because of the Alex Way construction, but also from everything that has happened over the past 30 years with Cornell and the rec path and filling in the drainage ditch for the sidewalk, so lots of things have happened and we just happen to be on the downhill part of it. She asked who the "neighbor" is that Mr. Herrick also just referred to. There are several places where "neighbor" is referenced both in the minutes and the correspondence from Mr. Herrick to Ms. Balestra and she just wanted clarification on that. Ms. Balestra responded that from her understanding, we were referring to a swale that is above 128 Honness Lane towards Eastwood Commons. It looks like it is behind 130, 128 and 126 Honness Lane. She asked if the improvements that are going to be made will also be made to that area so there will be no additional water. Mr. O'Shea responded that the applicants have proposed to define the swale more and do an over flow to protect from erosion and it is designed to get all runoff from a 25 -year storm. She asked how a 25 -year storm is measured and Mr. O'Shea responded that we can only require and use what is defined by New York State and this is what is defined by NYS DOT for a 25 -year storm. Mr. O'Shea said this ditch has been redesigned based on comments from the last meeting to redefine it and make sure the piping can handle a 25 -year storm for downstream structures. This is for the PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 2 swale that is east -to -west and north of the three properties on Alex Way. The swale ends above 126 Honness Lane and goes into a pipe to their private system and then into the Town's system. Mr. O'Shea said there is an existing pipe that probably isn't receiving much water based on existing conditions and this will be fixed under this plan. Mr. Herrick approached the speaker and showed her on the diagram how it will work and improve the existing drainage infrastructure. The speaker said she comes to these meetings and every time we are told the plans will handle the additional water and every time, we get more water in our house. She said that she thought she saw in the documents that there will be additional meetings when the houses are actually planned and permitted. Ms. Brock explained the language she was referring to saying that if they get approval tonight, that is all they need to have the plat signed and filed and the verbiage is regarding easements that have to be drafted and approved by the Town Engineer and Attorney which is outside of this process. She said she doesn't object to any of this construction, just the 3" inches of water in her basement that didn't used to be there. Neighbor — stated that she was at the last meeting and the concern of Eastwood Commons residents was privacy and she asked if the planting plan and 30' foot setback has been satisfied and she wondered when the residents are able to look at the plan before it is deemed satisfactory? Ms. Balestra responded that the entire Planning Board plan is on the website before the meeting and she gave the speaker a copy. Ms. Meier Swain closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m. Ms. Meier Swain noted that the SEQR determination was adopted the last meeting. Final Subdivision Approval discussion Ms. Brock had a change to the proposed resolution suggesting that the tree preservation requirements in the 30' foot setback is noted on the plat to make it enforceable on future owners. Ms. Brock read the proposed language which the board accepted. Mr. Wilcox asked about maintenance of Alex Way and who would be responsible for it; even though there is a condition requiring it, how is it going to work as a private driveway with multiple owners? Mr. Herrick responded that the applicant will be responsible until the lots are sold and it is going to be incumbent on the applicant to maintain it until all the parcels are sold and the anticipation is that it will be paved when most or all the lots are sold. At that point it will be up to the owners of the properties to maintain it. He said he doesn't know how the owners will decide to make that happen but there is no set-aside fund or future maintenance plan that he is aware of. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 3 Ms. Brock added that the private road will function like a driveway and there have been a number of shared -driveway agreements that have happened and will cover the concerns raised and it will be up to the owners to draft that and enforce it. There was some discussion on the layout of the resolution and Ms. Brock and Ms. Balestra explained the flow of the resolution and the attempt to group like conditions. The resolution is required to be referenced with the six deeds so the potential owner(s) are aware of all these conditions, including the issuance of any access easements. PB RESOLUTION 2020-001: Final Subdivision Approval Alex Way Subdivision 11, 14 & 15 Alex Way, 128 Honness Lane Tax Parcel No.'s 60.4-25.21, 60.4-25.22, 60.4-25.23 & 60.4-21 Town of Ithaca Planning Board, January 21, 2020 WHEREAS: 1. This is consideration of Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed subdivision located at 11 Alex Way, 14 Alex Way, 15 Alex Way and 128 Honness Lane, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 60.4-2521, 60.-1-25.22, 60.-1-25.23 and 60.-1-21, Medium Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing the three existing lots on Alex Way to create six new residential lots, with Lot 1 containing the existing residence at 11 Alex Way. The proposal also involves subdividing a strip from the north edge of 128 Honness Lane which will become part of Lots 5 and 6. The project will also involve improving Alex Way, extension of water and sewer lines, and stormwater facilities. Giora and Limor Fix, Owners/Applicants; 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as lead agency in the environmental review with respect to the project, on November 19, 2019, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by the Town Planning staff, 3. The Planning Board, following a public hearing on November 19, 2019, granted preliminary subdivision approval, after reviewing and accepting as adequate a set of plans entitled "Alex Way Subdivision, Giora and Limor Fix, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York", including a survey plat, sheets C101 -C104, sheet C201, and sheets 10173, 20173, and 30173, prepared by T. G. Miller P.C., dated July 30, 2019, and other application materials; and 4. The Planning Board, on January 21, 2020, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a set of revised plans entitled "Alex Way Subdivision, Giora and Limor Fix, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York", including a final plat, sheets C101 -C105, and sheet C201, prepared by T. G. Miller P.C., dated July 30, 2019 and revised December 9, 2019; and sheets 10173, 20173, and 30173, prepared by T. G. Miller P.C., dated July 30, 2019, and other application materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 4 That the Planning Board hereby grants Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed Alex Way Subdivision, as shown on the plans noted in Whereas 94 above, subject to the following conditions: a. Submission of a revised subdivision plat containing the non-invasive vegetation maintenance requirements within the 30 -foot setback of lots 2-5, as shown on Sheet C 105 "Tree Protection and Planting Plan"; b. Submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an original and three dark lined prints of the revised approved subdivision plat, prior to filing with the Tompkins County Clerk Office, and submission of a copy of the receipt of filing to the Town of Ithaca Planning Department; c. Within six months of this approval, consolidation of the portions of 128 Honness Lane (Tax Parcel No. 60.-1-21) with Lots 5 and 6 indicated on the subdivision plat, and submission of a copy of the consolidation request form to the Planning Department; d. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the filing of this Planning Board resolution in the Tompkins County Clerk's Office, indexed to the six lots, and submission to the Planning Department of proof of such filing; e. Before the issuance of any building permits for any lot other than Lot 1, submission for review and approval by the Attorney for the Town and the Town Engineer of the documents specified in (i) and (ii) below, and completion of the actions in (iii) and (iv) below: (i) Submission of a stormwater Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement between the owner of the Alex Way Subdivision and the Town of Ithaca for the proposed stormwater management facilities, specifying the ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the stormwater system, (ii) Submission of a stormwater easement or other mechanism that includes Town of Ithaca access to the stormwater facilities, (iii) Town Board authorization to allow the Town Supervisor to sign any necessary stormwater-related easements and the stormwater Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement associated with the project, (iv) Full execution and filing of any necessary stormwater-related easements and the stormwater Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement with the Tompkins County Clerk's Office. f. Prior to the issuance of any building permits for any structures located on any lots except Lot 1, approval by the Town Board of the concept and locations of the water and sanitary sewer lines and mains and related infrastructure to be conveyed to the Town; g. Prior to the issuance of any building permits for any structures located on any lots except Lot 1, acceptance by the Town Board of all water and sewer sanitary lines and mains and related infrastructure to be conveyed to the Town; h. Prior to the issuance of any certificates of occupancy for any buildings located on Lots 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, submission, approval by the Town Board, full execution and filing of a 20' sanitary sewer easement granted to the Town of Ithaca for the extension of the sewer main to connect PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 5 to Lots 3-5; such easement shall be satisfactory to the Attorney for the Town and the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department; i. Prior to the conveyance of any lot besides Lot 1, filing of restrictive covenants (reviewed and approved by the Attorney for the Town) for Lots 1-6 that run with the land and that specify the shared Alex Way maintenance and repair/replacement responsibilities for the owners of Lots 1-6; j. As deemed necessary by the Attorney for the Town to assure each of the six lots has access to (i) every part of Alex Way, and (ii) all water and sewer infrastructure serving the relevant lot, upon the initial conveyance of each lot besides Lot 1, filing in the Tompkins County Clerk's office of the necessary access and/or utility easements that have been approved by the Attorney for the Town; such filing shall be made at the time of the recording of the deed for the conveyed lot, and proof of such filing shall be submitted to the Planning Department within 5 days of the filing; and k. As shown on the subdivision plat, any principal buildings shall be constructed according to the 30' foot setback area indicated, as long as it does not contradict the Town of Ithaca Code. Moved: Yvonne Fogarty Seconded: Cindy Kaufman Vote: Fogarty, Kaufman, Wilcox, Meier Swain, Casper, Bien and Lindquist Agenda Item 2: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business, located at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the use of machinery, equipment, trucks and other appurtenances that are stored on the property, including the storage of wood products removed from off-site operations. Keith Vanderhye, Owner/Applicant. Mr. Vanderhye gave an overview saying that the business is a small tree company doing mostly residential and small commercial tree cutting and some municipal work. We sell woodchips, mulch, firewood and logs but otherwise the property is used as a staging area. For example, firewood will be staged there until people start buying it for the winter. We do all deliveries, no one comes in to get their own so there isn't that kind of traffic. SEQR Determination review Mr. Lindquist asked how much mulch is produced and stored. Mr. Vanderhye said they do not double grind them or dye the mulch, it is just woodchips. Most of the people buying it are farmers or people with small garden projects. It is produced offsite as a byproduct of the tree cutting and trimming and brought back to the site. Mr. Vanderhye added that local municipalities used to take these wood chips do not accept it anymore so we store it. We also have junk lumber that is ground up. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 6 Mr. Lindquist asked about DEC regulations regarding mulch storage because they instituted regulations regarding storage. Mr. Vanderhye said he is aware of super sites that use mulch but... Mr. Lindquist said his only concern is that this board goes through the process of approving the SEQR and Site Plan and then the applicant finds out he needs something from DEC that affects the operation. Ms. Ritter asked about the thresholds thinking that it is probably aimed at saw mill situation than something this size. Mr. Lindquist said it is more than IOK and less than 25K cubic yards onsite which requires a permit from DEC and an annual regulation report. Mr. Vanderhye said they make that much mulch over a year, but that amount is never stored on the site. He added that they try to give it away to schools for playgrounds and farmers and the like whenever possible. He added that there is a new plant coming to Cortland that is going to be taking wood debris and turn it into gasoline. It's not ready yet but will be and then all or most will go to them. A change was made to the SEQR to reference the possible need for a NYS DEC permit or registration. Ms. Fogarty asked about the very large pile of wood there now. Mr. Vanderhye said that he tries to get rid of it and hopefully that will also go to Cortland in the near future but for now, we grind it to mulch a bit by bit. Ms. Fogarty said she was shocked at the size of the pile and she asked what will happen if the Cortland plant doesn't happen. Mr. Vanderhye said he gives it away to anyone that wants it. Ms. Kaufman asked about whether there have been any complaints regarding noise. Ms. Ritter said there was a complaint about the piles of wood which initiated this whole process. Ms. Kaufman asked about if the sounds of the processing of the lumber is offensive to the neighbors. Mr. Vanderhye responded that they do not process wood at the site and they don't even run chain saws. He added that our firewood processor is a small diesel engine that is very quiet and registered at 68 decibels when staff came out. Ms. Ritter added that she and Mr. DePaolo went to the site when drafting the law to allow the business type and it was well within noise limits allowed in low density residential. Ms. Foagarty was very concerned about the site of the pile of logs and what neighbors thought of it. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 7 Ms. Ritter said that all neighbors have received notice of this application twice and no one has commented or come to these meetings. Mr. Casper asked what the hours of operation were. Mr. Vanderhye responded 8-4 but no work is done onsite; we meet there and go out to work. PB RESOLUTION 2020-002: SEQR Preliminary & Final Site Plan, Special Permit Limbwalker Tree Care Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27 Town of Ithaca Planning Board, January 21, 2020 WHEREAS: This action is Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business, located at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the use of machinery, equipment, trucks and other appurtenances that are stored on the property, including the storage of wood products removed from off-site operations. Keith Vanderhye, Owner/Applicant; 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the lead agency in the environmental review with respect to Site Plan Approval and Special Permit; 3. The Planning Board, on January 21, 2020, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, Short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, an aerial map, a survey map titled "Survey Map of Lands at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York," prepared by Howard R. Schlieder, dated July 19, 2007, and other application materials; and 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval and Special Permit; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced action as proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. Moved: Christopher Biehn Seconded: Gregory Lindquist Vote: ayes — Biehn, Lindquist, Wilcox, Meier Swain, Fogarty and Casper PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 8 Public Hearing — Ms. Meier Swain opened the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. No one wished to address the board on this action and the hearing was closed. Special Permit Determination Ms. Fogarty was still concerned about the pile of soft wood and asked what would happen if the business was sold and she wondered if there should be a condition that it be cleaned up in that event. Ms. Brock said the town has never mandated something like that of other businesses to remove items associated with their business if they move or cease operations. Solar panels and telecommunications removal are included in the local laws overseeing them. Mr. Wilcox thought it would be self-fulfilling in that if it doesn't sell with the pile on it, the applicant will clean it up in order to find a buyer. Some buyer may want it and also, no one is complaining about it. Ms. Ritter added that there is a restriction in the local law for this type of business that restricts materials to no more than 15% of the lot. PB RESOLUTION 2020-003: Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit Limbwalker Tree Care Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27 Town of Ithaca Planning Board, January 21, 2020 WHEREAS: This action is Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business, located at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the use of machinery, equipment, trucks and other appurtenances that are stored on the property, including the storage of wood products removed from off-site operations. Keith Vanderhye, Owner/Applicant; 6. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead agency in the environmental review with respect to the project, has, on January 21, 2020, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, and 7. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on January 21, 2020, reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, an aerial map, a survey map titled "Survey Map of Lands at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York," prepared by Howard R. Schlieder, dated July 19, 2007, and other application materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 9 1. That the Planning Board hereby finds that the special permit standards of Article XXIV Section 270-200, Subsections A — H, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met, specifically that: A. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the property's size, location, and physical site characteristics. • The property is large enough to accommodate the proposed use, and it complies with the minimum lot size outlined in the Town Code for a tree -care service (10 acres). The property is located along a NYS highway, which makes it easily accessible for the business; and it contains existing barns and outbuildings that adequately fit equipment, trucks and other items associated with the business. B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area. • There are no proposed new structures, but the site layout includes a 50 foot non -occupied perimeter buffer that will provide separation and screening of the use from any adjacent residences (the applicant will move any non-compliant items out of the buffer). C. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes, vibration, illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted use in the particular zone. • The tree -care use includes chipping and mulching, which occurs offsite. A hydraulic saw is used on site, but it is less noisy than the chipping and mulching operations, and the hydraulic saw sound levels comply with the noise standards outlined in the Town Code. Further, the noise from the saw is similar to the noise that emanates from residential lawn mowing or farm operations, which are permitted uses in the zone. D. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services, roadways, schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use. • There are no changes to existing infrastructure and services. All infrastructure to accommodate the use is in place and is of adequate capacity. E. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of the Town Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan. F. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic circulation, and parking and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is safely designed for emergency vehicles. • There is no need for bicycle or pedestrian access or public parking or loading facilities because onsite sales or meetings do not occur on the property. The site is used for storage of equipment, logs and wood chips associated with the tree care service. The three gravel areas (two adjacent to buildings, one adjacent to a wood pile) are appropriately placed for easy navigation by the trucks and other equipment used to haul the logs and wood chips. The property is open, with easy access for emergency vehicles should an emergency arise. G. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect surrounding land uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 10 • There are no changes to existing vegetation. buffer around the perimeter of the property, service and adjacent residences; and The project includes a 50 foot, non -occupied to serve as a separation between the tree care H. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure complies with all the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270, Zoning. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: 1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in a significant alteration of neither the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board; and 2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Limbwalker Tree Care business located at 1457 Trumansburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 23.-1-27, as described in the set of site plan drawings noted in Whereas 9 3 above. Moved: Fred Wilcox Seconded: Cindy Kaufman Vote: ayes — Wilcox, Kaufman, Biehn, Fogarty, Meier Swain, Lindquist and Casper Agenda Item 3: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage project located on the corner of Palm Road and Solidago Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 64.-1-1 and 64.-1-2.2, Planned Development Zone No. 9 (Cornell Precinct 7). The proposal includes placing storage containers on an existing parking lot behind the Cornell Grounds Department building. The containers will be used to store and secure equipment used by the Grounds Department. Cornell University, Owner; Dan Schied, Grounds Director, Applicant/Agent. Mr. Schied gave an overview stating that Cornell was notified by the Town that there are buildings that were not placed with a building permit or process. He said the buildings are used for storing equipment and securing small equipment. He added that these buildings predate his tenure with the college and so he does not know when they were placed in the various locations. Mr. Wilcox said it appears that what Cornell has done is create a building by renting these storage units individually and lining them up side-by-side to save the cost of constructing a building for storage spaces. Mr. Scheid said he thinks Cornell was using the utility boxes earlier to put equipment in them and they realized that there was an opportunity to create some dry storage and carports with them and it just grew from there. Mr. Wilcox said he actually has no problem with it in that they are hidden out of the way and it seems to fulfil the purpose of these types of containers. He isn't comfortable that they are already there after the fact, but understands the evolution of it. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 11 Ms. Kaufman asked about building codes and fire protection. Mr. Scheid responded that that will be part of the building permit process and a request for a sprinkler variance and if granted, application for the building permits. Mr. Mosely Marry added that this is one structure because the roofs are connected and it exceeds the minimum 400sgft to be considered a structure. Mr. Wilcox asked Ms. Brock to explain the role of other boards and what this board can consider under its purview for the decision here. Ms. Brock explained that the Zoning Board of Appeals has jurisdiction to determine whether a sprinkler variance is appropriate or not and this Board is not supposed to base its decision on whether it thinks it is appropriate or not. Just as the Planning Board does site plan approvals and others the Zoning Board, when it is making its decisions, does not take into account what the Planning Board has jurisdiction over. Each board has its own jurisdiction and criteria for decisions. Mr. Casper asked if the structure is temporary in that it is not bolted to the ground. Mr. Scheid responded that they are on a surface with a 12"-15" inch stone base and 6" inches of malcale on top of it. Ms. Meier Swain asked about the Environmental Review Committee's concerns about pesticides and fertilizers that may be stored in these. She said she didn't get the sense that that is occurring but asked for a comment. Mr. Scheid stated that the college has a separate pesticide storage facility that has lights and alarms and is heated etc. He added that some fertilizer may have been or is being stored in these sites to keep them dry. Mr. Mosely said he is not aware of anything in the Code that dictates storage of fertilizers; NYS Code has maximum amounts of hazardous materials and that would be analyzed during the building permit process to verify that any materials stored did not exceed those amounts. Mr.Schneid stated that fertilizers would not fill a container and it is more grass seed and fertilizer for use with the equipment stored. Ms. Kaufman stated that she doesn't mind this use but they do appear a bit rickety and she would like to make sure safety is addressed. Mr. Mosely said that will also be analyzed during the permitting process. He added that the this is not the only area that Cornell may or may not have these types of storage containers and the City and the Town have partnered on a letter regarding the number of storage containers they have around the area and putting them on notice that this is going to be addressed. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 12 Mr. Lindquist asked if there is a number being considered for the amount of these being allowed and Ms. Brock noted that some may be in different types of zones and others in planned development zones that have different or no limits attached. Ms. Meier Swain asked why, if we know more are coming, that this action tonight isn't considered segmentation of the whole issue of these things throughout campus? Discussion followed and the structures and sizes are varied and could be pretty far apart. Unless they were affecting the viewshed, they are not related to each other other than that they are all storage containers. It is not phases of one large project, there just happens to be a lot of them throughout campus. This is before the board because of the size of it while some of the others, while needing a building permit, would not trigger board review. Ms. Meier Swain noted that there is no SEQR review as this is a Type 2 action. Public Hearing — Ms. Meier Swain noted that there was no public present and the public hearing was opened and closed at 8:12 p.m. Ms. Balestra noted that the italicized items are associated with the Special Approval criteria from the PDZ language and the standard print are from the Special Permit criteria and two findings that are needed. A condition is also proposed to add the receipt of any necessary Zoning Board variances. PB RESOLUTION 2020 - 004: Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage Corner of Palm Road & Solidago Road Tax Parcel No.'s 64.-1-1 & 64.-1-2.2 Town of Ithaca Planning Board, January 21, 2020 WHEREAS: 1. This action is Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage project located on the corner of Palm Road and Solidago Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 64.4-1 and 64.4-22, Planned Development Zone No. 9 (Cornell Precinct 7). The proposal includes placing storage containers on an existing parking lot behind the Cornell Grounds Department building. The containers will be used to store and secure equipment used by the Grounds Department. Cornell University, Owner; Dan Schied, Grounds Director, Applicant/Agent; 2. This is a Type 11 Action, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Section 617.5(c)(10) of the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, because the action constitutes "routine activities of educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area and school closings, but not changes in use related to such closings." Thus, approval of the site plan and special permit are not subject to review under SEQR; and PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 13 3. The Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on January 21, 2020, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, aerial maps and pictures, a site map titled "Grounds Department Precinct 7 Development of Operational Facilities, Figure 1," date-stamped December 19, 2019, and other application materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 1. That the Planning Board hereby finds that the special permit standards of Article XXIV Section 270-200, Subsections A — H, and the "special approval" standards of Chapter 271, Section 271- 10.L ofthe Town of Ithaca Code, have been met, specifically that: I. The health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community in harmony with the general purpose of this section shall be promoted for the reasons stated in paragraphs B -I below. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the property's size, location, and physical site characteristics (The premises are reasonably adapted to the proposed use; The proposed use and the location and design of any structure shall be consistent with the character of the district in which it is located). • The property is used for the Cornell Grounds Department and other university -related maintenance facilities, containing a building, parking lot, and many other items typically found in a grounds and maintenance facility. The proposed storage containers fit perfectly in place on the flat area behind the parking lot of the building. K. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area. (The proposed use and the location and design of any structure shall be consistent with the character of the district in which it is located. The proposed use shall not be detrimental to the general amenity or neighborhood character in amounts sufficient to devaluate neighboring property or seriously inconvenience neighboring inhabitants). • The site layout was designed many years ago and received approval by the Planning Board in 2006 for improvements. Although the storage structures are not typically found in a maintenance yard, they are a creative solution to leaving equipment outside in the weather. Maintenance facilities are generally "industrial" looking, and the storage containers are compatible with the surrounding area in that respect. The neighboring inhabitants include Cornell University campus and Cornell maintenance facilities and staff. The proposed use is compatible with the neighborhood. The value of the property is irrelevant in this case — it is private, University -owned property being used for University purposes. L. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes, vibration, illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted use in the particular zone. The purpose of the containers is to store equipment. As such, there are no fumes, vibrations, noise, or other potential nuisances associated with them. There is no illumination proposed. M. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services, roadways, schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use. (The general effect of the proposed use upon the community as a whole, including such items as traffic load upon public streets and load upon water and PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 14 sewerage systems is not detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the community. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in determining whether the effect of traffic generated by the project is so adverse as to preclude construction of the project, the Board shall consider whether adequate measures such as traffic demand management control, exist so as to minimize or eliminate the addition ofvehicular traffic on neighborhood roads used to access the proposed project in the Special Land Use District.) • There are no changes to existing infrastructure and services. All infrastructure to accommodate the use is in place and is of adequate capacity. There will be no increased demand for police, fire and other protective services due to the project. The storage containers will not increase traffic load, as they are simply protecting on-site equipment and tools. The storage containers have no plumbing, so there will be no increased demand for water or sewer services. This project is not a residential project, so there will be no impact on the Ithaca City School District. N. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of the Town Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan. O. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic circulation, and parking and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is safely designed for emergency vehicles. (The proposed access and egress for all structures and uses shall be safely designed). • There are vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle facilities associated with the Grounds Department building and parking lot. The containers are located in a manner to provide easy parking and loading of maintenance equipment. Upon a site visit, Planning staff observed easy and orderly traffic circulation of maintenance vehicles throughout the site and more than adequate space for emergency vehicles. P. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect surrounding land uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible. (Consideration has been given to minimizing adverse impacts of the proposed use upon any Natural Area or View Area). • There is no need for screening or buffering, as the project is not in a Natural Area or View area. The surrounding land uses include additional Cornell maintenance facilities, Cornell emergency services, Cornell Botanic Gardens facilities and other university service facilities. Also, there is no vegetation loss associated with the project, as the storage containers will be placed on an existing parking lot. In terms of public views, there is an existing, heavily vegetated berm along the north side of the property, facing Dryden Road. The containers are located well away from the berm and Dryden Road, and cannot be seen at any point along Dryden Road or from Palm Road. Q. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure complies with all the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270, Zoning. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 15 3. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in a significant alteration of neither the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board; and 4. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed Cornell University Grounds Department Equipment Storage located on the corner of Palm Road and Solidago Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 64.-1-1 and 64.-1-2.2, as described in the items noted in Whereas # 3 above, subject to the following condition: a. Receipt of any necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals Moved: Yvonne Fogarty Seconded: Liebe Meier Swain Vote: ayes — Fogarty, Meier Swain, Casper, Biehn, Wilcox and Lindquist Agenda Item 4: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project located at 114 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposed modification involves adding a 12.25 +/- square foot sign above the entrance door on the front of the proposed addition. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Daniel C. Thaete, Town Engineer, Agent. Mr. O'Shea, Town Engineer, gave an overview saying that the town did not have the details of the sign when it went through site plan approval. Ms. Balestra explained why this request had to come before the Board; this circumstance was not thought of when the sign law was developed and may be addressed in the future to remove it. PB RESOLUTION 2020-005: SEQR Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval Town of Ithaca Public Works Addition — Sign 114 Seven Mile Drive Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1 Town of Ithaca Planning Board, January 21, 2020 WHEREAS: This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project located at 114 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposed modification involves adding a 12.25 +/- square foot sign above the entrance door on the front of the proposed addition. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Daniel C. Thaete, Town Engineer, Agent; 2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the lead agency in the environmental review with respect to the project; PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 16 The Planning Board, on January 21, 2020, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, a narrative, a set of plans including sheet C 100, titled "Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Administrative Office Addition, Proposed Sign Plan," prepared by T.G. Miller/D. O'Shea, dated 12/12/2019 and revised 12/23/2019; sheet ASIl, titled "Public Works Facility, Town of Ithaca, 114 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, New York 14850, Partial South And East Elevations," prepared by HOLT Architects, dated 11/21/19; sheets A201 and A501, titled "Addition and Alterations to Public Works Facility, Town of Ithaca, 114 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, New York, 14850," prepared by HOLT Architects, dated 12/09/2019; and other application materials; and 4. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposed Site Plan Approval; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced actions as proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required. Moved: Fred Wilcox Seconded: Greg Lindquist Vote: ayes — Wilcox, Lindquist, Meier Swain, Fogarty, Biehn and Casper Public Hearing — Ms. Meier Swain noted for the record that no public was present and the public hearing was opened and closed at 8:23 p.m. Site Plan Approval discussion The Board had no comments on this request. Minor change made to the draft resolution to follow the sign law verbiage and distinction of the type of sign. PB RESOLUTION 2020 - 006: Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval Town of Ithaca Public Works Addition — Sign 114 Seven Mile Drive Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1 Town of Ithaca Planning Board, January 21, 2020 WHEREAS: This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project located at 114 Seven Mile Drive, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 33.-2-6.1, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposed modification involves adding a 12.25 +/- square foot sign above the entrance door on the front of the proposed addition. Town of Ithaca, Owner/Applicant; Daniel C. Thaete, Town Engineer, Agent; PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 17 6. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as the lead agency in the environmental review with respect to the project has, on January 21, 2020, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after reviewing and accepting as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, and 7. The Planning Board, at a public hearing held on January 21, 2020, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, a set of plans including sheet C100, titled "Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Administrative Office Addition, Proposed Sign Plan," prepared by T.G. Miller/D. O'Shea, dated 12/12/2019 and revised 12/23/2019; sheet ASII, titled "Public Works Facility, Town of Ithaca, 114 Seven Mile Drive Ithaca, New York 14850, Partial South And East Elevations," prepared by HOLT Architects, dated 11/21/19; sheets A201 and A501, titled "Addition and Alterations to Public Works Facility, Town of Ithaca, 114 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, New York, 14850," prepared by HOLT Architects, dated 12/09/2019; and other application materials; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in a significant alteration of neither the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board; 2. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby determines that the proposed sign is acceptable as to design, materials, illumination, placement and size, and approves the sign based upon the following criteria: a. Signs should be legible in the circumstances in which they are seen and the layout should be orderly. • The proposed sign will be seen above the main entrance door the as visitors approach the building entrance. The proposed layout, color, size and font of the sign lettering will clearly indicate the entrance and make the sign orderly and very legible. b. Sign panels and graphics on the building should relate with and not cover architectural features or details; and should be sized in proportion to them. • There are no sign panels or graphics. The sign's simple "storefront" lettering style matches the architectural character of the building, and the lettering is sized in proportion to the metal panel siding on the building. c. Illumination should be appropriate to the character of the surroundings and shall be in accordance with the Town's Outdoor Lighting Law. • There is no lighting proposed for the sign. d. Monument signs are preferable to pole signs. Pole signs should be as low to the ground as possible. • This criterion only applies to freestanding signs. The proposed sign is not a freestanding sign, so the criterion does not apply. PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 18 e. Multi -use or multi -tenant signs located on the same premises should meet the requirements of §270-256 C and F. • This criterion only applies to freestanding signs in commercial and industrial zones in the town. The proposed sign is not a multi -use or multi -tenant sign, nor is it a freestanding sign in a residential zone, so the criterion does not apply. The reviewing Board may require that landscaping be used at the base of a freestanding sign if such landscaping will improve the overall appearance of the sign. • The proposed sign is not a freestanding sign, so the criterion is not applicable. 3. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed modification to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility Addition project, as shown on the submitted plans referenced in Whereas number 3 above, with the conditions carried over from the April 2, 2019 approval, PB Resolution No. 2019-008: a. Submission of one large -size original of the final site plan drawings, including a revised Sheet V100 (to show the correct number of existing parking spaces along the south side of the building), signed and sealed by the registered land surveyor(s), engineer(s), architect(s), or landscape architect(s) who prepared the site plan materials, b. To protect the stream located along the southern property line, there shall be no construction staging, equipment storage or storage of materials along the area labeled "asphalt parking" shown on the drawings on the south side of the project site; and c. All outdoor lighting must comply with the Town of Ithaca Outdoor Lighting Law. Moved: Yvonne Fogarty Seconded: Cindy Kaufman Vote: ayes — Fogarty, Kaufman, Biehn, Wilcox, Casper, and Lindquist Agenda Item 5: Nomination and Election of Vice -Chairperson for 2020. Mr. Casper nominated Mr. Wilcox as Vice -Chair, seconded by Mr. Lindquist. PB RESOLUTION 2020-007: Nomination and Election Planning Board Vice Chairperson 2020 Town of Ithaca Planning Board January 21, 2020 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board does hereby nominate and elect Fred Wilcox as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Board for the year 2020, and be it further RESOLVED, that said election shall be reported to the Town Board. Moved: Ariel Casper Seconded: Greg Lindquist Vote: ayes — Casper, Lindquist, Fogarty, Meier Swain, Biehn Agenda Item 6: Persons to be heard — Pulled PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 19 Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes: December 17, 2019 Mr. Wilcox moved the approval, seconded by Mr. Biehn; unanimous. Agenda Item 8: Other Business Ms. Balestra gave an overview of some of the trainings and helpful tips that were sent out with the packet for the board, especially given the number or new members. Some discussion and question and answers followed. Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Submitte y Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk PB 2020-01-21 (Approved 2020-03-17) Pg. 20