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
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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.
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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.
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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