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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-2014-04-07BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Special Meeting 6:00 p.m. April 7, 2014 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Commissioners (5) — Acharya, Darling, Jenkins, Morache, Warden OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney — Lavine Superintendent of Public Works — Thorne Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer — Whitney Common Council Liaison — Fleming Executive Assistant — Gehring Engineer — William J. Gray EXCUSED: Commissioner - Goldsmith Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities — Benjamin Director of Engineering — West DAC Liaison — Roberts SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Declaration of Lead Agency Status for the Environmental Review of the Property Clean -up, Lands of Norfolk- Southern Corporation — Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR), Section 176 of the City Code, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, CEQR provides for an uncoordinated review for "Unlisted" projects that involve more than one agency, and WHEREAS, the proposed clean -up of property owned by Norfolk- Southern Corporation is a Type I action under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed Property Clean -up, Lands of Norfolk- Southern Corporation. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Acharya arrived at 6:03 Environmental Review of the Property Clean -up, Lands of Norfolk- Southern Corporation — Resolution By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Warden WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared itself to be the lead agency for the environmental review for a project ( "the Project ") entitled "Property Clean -up, Lands of Norfolk- Southern Corporation" in accordance with Section 176 of the Ithaca City Code (CEQR), and in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (SEAR), and WHEREAS, the Project is comprised of clearing and cutting brush of less than 4 inches in diameter, placement of 150 cubic yards of fill dirt and crushed stone, and construction of approximately 700 linear feet of access drive. The purpose of the project is to provide improved access to emergency and public services to this land- locked parcel of undeveloped land owned by Norfolk- Southern Corporation, and Board of Public Works Page 2 April 7, 2014 Special Meeting WHEREAS, the Project is a Type I action according to CEQR and a Type II action according to SEAR, and WHEREAS, a Short Environmental Assessment form was prepared by staff for CEQR, and WHEREAS, on April 7, 2014, the Board of Public Works declared itself lead agency for an uncoordinated environmental review for CEQR, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as lead agency, has, on April 7, 2014, reviewed and accepted as complete Environmental Assessment Forms Part I, and Project plans prepared by staff, and other project materials, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works determines that the project for Property Clean -up, Lands of Norfolk- Southern Corporation, located in the City of Ithaca, will result in no significant negative environmental impact and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Section 176 of the City Code be filed in accordance with the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance. Carried Unanimously Public Input for Temporary Use of the Property at 967 East State Street During Construction of the Water Treatment Plant Resolution to Open Public Hearing By Commissioner Morache: Seconded by Commissioner Acharya RESOLVED, That the public hearing regarding Temporary Use of the Property at 967 East State Street During Construction of the Water Treatment Planta)e declared open. Carried Unanimously The following addressed the Board regarding the purchase of the property at 967 East State Street: Margaret Hobbie, 966 East State Street, explained that the Water Treatment Plant does not pre -date the residential neighborhood, which was shown on an 1890 development map, and the property in question was listed in the 1906 city directory. Liz Cohen, 962 East State Street, stated that houses are still affordable, but if the neighborhood is changed, she expressed concern that it will not remain residential. She further expressed concern with public safety, and that the city's purchase would deter families from moving into the neighborhood. Tessa Rudan, 226 Bryant Avenue, stated her hope that the City does not take the attitude that the neighborhood is subordinate to the Water Treatment Plant, since the plant was built after the neighborhood was started. She further stated that the property in question qualifies as affordable housing within the Belle Sherman neighborhood. Andrew Ramage, 964 East State Street, stated he has lived on the 900 block of East State Street since 1972. He expressed concern that if the property were to be made into a driveway for the Water Treatment Plant, it would require an enormous amount of fill to bring the driveway up to grade for large trucks. He suggested that construction trailers might be less expensive than fitting the house with drawing boards, etc. Ann Sullivan, 109 Irving Place, expressed her opinion that the purchase and renovation of the house would be a poor use of city resources. Michael Engle, 973 East State Street, agreed with the engineering report that the curbs at the corner of East State Street and Water Street should be cut back to allow more room for large trucks to turn. He expressed concern about the city demolishing the house at 967 East State Street and building a second entrance to the Water Treatment Plant for trucks. Ellen McCollister, Third Ward Alderperson, stated that there has been a tremendous amount correspondence on the neighborhood listservs in opposition of purchasing the house. She noted that residents to not want the house at 967 East State Street to be torn down. Board of Public Works Page 3 April 7, 2014 Special Meeting Debbie Brown, 965 East State Street, stated that the trucks currently making deliveries to the Water Treatment Plant do not disturb her. She expressed concern that she would be living next to a vacant lot, rather than a nice house, should the house in question be demolished. She suggested the City lease the house during the construction of the new water plant, rather than purchasing the property. Charles Peterson, 211 Water Street, spoke regarding the potential increase of traffic on Water Street. He stated that Water Street is used as a short cut between Cornell University and South Hill, and he would not like to see anything done that increased the traffic on Water Street Aurora Valenti, 104 Valley Road, expressed her opposition of tearing down a taxable structure within the City. She asked the Board to think of other ways to solve the problem. Julee Johnson, former director of the Board of Directors for Ithaca Housing Authority, expressed her opposition to removing housing from residential areas. She does not think the City should take the property off the tax rolls. Response to the Public City Attorney Lavine responded to Alderperson McCollister that under current zoning laws, a construction office for the purpose of construction can be permitted for a two - year period, and a special zoning permit may be permitted in a residential zone. He clarified that the proposal on the table is a two -step process. The first step would be to purchase the property and modify the house for use as a construction office, which is a decision for the Board of Public Works. The second step would be to demolish the house and modify the property into a driveway. The second step would require a site plan review through Planning and Economic Development. Resolution to Close Public Hearing- By Commissioner Darling: Seconded by Commissioner Morache RESOLVED, That the public hearing regarding Temporary Use of the Property at 967 East State Street During Construction of the Water Treatment Plant[be declared closed. Carried Unanimously Alderperson Fleming reiterated Alderperson McCollister's point that a tremendous amount of correspondence could be found on neighborhood listervs in opposition of the purchase and demolition of the house. She agreed, stating that the house would cost more than the rental of construction trailers to return the house to livable condition after the construction project was over. She strongly encouraged the Board of Public Works not to proceed with the purchase proposal. Discussion followed on the floor regarding affects to the streetscape should the house be demolished to build a driveway, and renting the house rather than purchasing it. Commissioner Warden thanked the public for addressing the Board. He noted that the neighborhood has already had to endure a huge impact from the Collegetown Terrace project. He expressed concern with safety for trucks traveling in and out of East State Street and an expected increase in the size of trucks. Discussion followed on the floor regarding reselling the property after the Water Treatment Plant project is completed. Commissioner Morache suggested that the resolution contain a clause instructing the Department of Public Works not to proceed with site plan review for renovation of the property and to return the property to the tax rolls through sale. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the number of construction trailers would be required for the project, and whether the house would be large enough to replace all the required trailers. Supt. Thorne suggested that rules be written regarding the usage of the house to ensure the house and property remain in good condition during the construction project. Board of Public Works Page 4 April 7, 2014 Special Meeting Commissioner Darling responded that the net gain would be approximately $250,000 savings to the project. He stated the house has been on the market on and off since 2009. He is in favor of utilizing the house during construction of the water plant, but he is not in favor of transforming the property into a driveway. He believes Council should sell the property after the construction is complete. To purchase the property would allow the city to modify the house; leasing it would not. Asst. Supt. Whitney noted that the construction phase for the Water Treatment Plant was expected to last two years. He stated he would like to retain the property for a third year in order to replace the storm sewer, and the sewer and water mains before the City resells the property. He further would like to ensure there is an easement agreement for a portion of the property that is adjacent to the water plant property. The Board generally agreed to a purchase or lease arrangement of the property for use as a construction office, but to return the property to residential housing after the construction of the Water Treatment Plant was complete, and to upgrading the infrastructure running through the property. Commissioner Acharya disagreed with the Board's decision and stated other options should be explored. Alderperson Brock requested a presentation as to why the City wanted to purchase the house and transform the property into a driveway. The Board responded that the rationale had been presented at several previous meetings, which caused the Board to schedule this public comment meeting. Alderperson Brock noted that if the property was not transformed into a new entrance for the Water Treatment Plant, the City would need to make adjustments to the intersection of East State and Water Streets to ensure easier access for large trucks. Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss the Acquisition of Real Property — Resolution By Commissioner Warden: Seconded by Commissioner Morache RESOLVED, That the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss the proposed acquisition of real property. Carried Unanimously The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:21 p.m. Reconvene The Board reconvened into regular session at 7:39 p.m. with no formal action taken during the executive session. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Kathrin D. Gehring Executive Assistant Svante Myrick Mayor