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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1996CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant, as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette. Also present: Kenneth O'Neil, Dir. of Engineering and Site Development, Wegman's Food Markets) Date: February 19, 1996 Wegman's Site Development EAF, Part 1. Preliminary Report. Comments: This report is based on the LEAF, Part 1 for the proposed development of Wegman's Food and Pharmacy on South Meadow Street. As the EAF committee has not yet received Parts 2 and 3, this is only a preliminary report, and will be updated when the final parts are received. During the meeting with Mr. O'Neill, several issues concerning the proposed Wegman's development were discussed. O'Neill reviewed the plans in general, the previous DEIS filed by Cornell University in 1978 for the site (UFAIR), and the report of February 1996 by F -E -S Associates to Wegman's relative to the SEQR Act and its applicability to the project. During this discussion the Committee expressed a number of concerns about the site development plan. The questions included: a) increase in run -off pollution caused by relocating parking closer to the Flood Relief Channel; b) lack of sufficient planting in the proposed parking lot area to ameliorate vehicle- caused air pollution and localized seasonal heating effects (as well as attendant aesthetic negatives), and to improve ground water filtration of the runoff noted in a) above; c)the creation of a large amount of solid waste caused by demolition of the existing building; d)and the waste of resources connected with the questionable need for the demolition of a building less than ten years old. In the light of these substantive questions, and while we recognize the value of the earlier DEIS and traffic study, and agree that it is likely unecessary to require that all this be done anew, we can't agree that review under the SEQR Act is not needed. In fact, on Page 3 of the F -E -S Associates report of February, 1996, it is stated that "The adoption of the Negative Declaration by the Planning Board seems to indicate that they feel a separate SEAR review should be conducted as each parcel of the UFAIR project is brought in for site plan review for development or re- development. ". Although the report goes on to argue against this step, we feel it necessary for the City to examine closely any project of this scope in light of its potential environmental impact (and this plan in particular in the light of the issues raised above), and therefore, were this a final and not a preliminary report, we would recommend a Positive Declaration based on our review of the plan to date. Conservation Advisory Council Minutes Meeting of 3/11/96 Minutes by Daryl Attending : Martin, Judy, Maria, Jill, Daryl, Dan, Guy... Rick Guests : Doria Higgins, Bob Bland & Liz Moran (CU) NEXT MEETING April 8,7:30 Frank Sciarametta (sp ?) from Wegmans introduced himself. He had come to address the EAF committee re the Wegmans proposal. Martin expressed regrets that the EAF committee met at 7:00. Noted that CAC will support reviewers recommendation for a positive finding on the Wegmans proposal. Agenda: 0. Approval of minutes. 1. Doria on issues surrounding Treman Marine park & road 2. CU folks on CU lake- source cooling 0. Minutes of last meeting approved. 1. Doria Higgins on Finger Lakes State Parks plan for changes at Alan Treman St. Park, acquisition of 14 ac. "festival lands" & building of new road. DH notes that Betsy Darlington is OK on putting in the new road but DH strongly urges CAC to oppose it. Speaks for "Citizens to Save Our Parks ". Why ? (a) goals /stated intent of new road directly violate terms of 1967 agreement, (b) need for road not established (c) state's current budget constraints suggest $$$ better spent elsewhere. DH addressed arguments for road in state ( ?) document - feels each of their arguments in favor can be refuted or shown to be specious. DH concern is that deeding festival lands to state and building new road would allow eventual state road into Hogs Hole wetland. DH argues that once lands are turned over to state parks we have CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Ithaca AGENDA Meeting: Monday, April 8, 1996 7:30 PM, 3d Floor Conference Room, City Hall 7:00 PM EAF Committee: Maria, Betsy, Martin 7:30 PM CAC Meeting 7:30 PM March Minutes 7:35 PM Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project Review and discussion of draft response, with objective of finalizing response for submisson to DEC on April 9. 8:30 PM Discussion of Park Service Cass Park Plans Report by Guy Gerard 8:50 PM SEQRA Training- report by Chair 9:25 PM New Business 9:30 PM Adjournment Next Meeting: May 13, City Offices, 3d Floor Conference Room 7:00 PM EAF Committee 7:30 PM CAC expressed concerns about tight time schedule viz scoping. Suggests that CAC formally request extension. BB noted that they will be meeting with Town Conservation Board and with the EMC's "ad hoc SEQRA cmte ". Daryl expressed concerns with (1) facility expansion and degree to which draft scoping encompasses this issue, concern is that capacity expansion will be via DEC permit that does not go through formal or public review process (2) the draft scope has a focus on "lakewide model" for, e.g., thermal effects instead of more specifically stated "local" models and could thus understate localized effects and (3) the draft scope relies on static climatic model - why not add "alternative" to scope that incorporates global warming climate model ? Dan expressed concerns that scope buries info about use of molluscicides in a non - obvious category. Dan proposed that Martin (a) draft list of concerns to become CAC position and (b) contact DEC re extension of deadlines so we can meet once more on 4/8. BB replies to Daryl concerns : Physical and regulatory limits to expansion. Regulatory - SPEDYS (sp ?) permit is first 5 years and every 5 thereafter, at renewal DEC would do SEQRA determinance, could be negative. Physical - different facility components have diff. limits. Intake pipe could be primary limiting element. Daryl asked if "conceptual" section of scope be beefed up to include subsection on these design limits ? Liz Moran on "lakewide" versus "local" modelling. Noted that model will include numerous gridlines East/West as well as horizontal (lake depth) and will thus allow very localized data at, e.g., intake and outflow points. Daryl Q. is "is this local data collection explicitly in the stated draft scope" ? Guy expressed concerns about cumulative effects of biocides. BB sez SPEDYS permit will note and limit biocides. Judy asked about possible use of "treat and trap" to contain chlorine residues from Zebra mussel treatments. BB notes for Daryl Q. that system flow is 50 -70 million gals /day peak. Typical is 15 mgal /day. Milikan Station is 100 -150 mgal /day. Martin passed out info re SEQRA training. Group endorsed and passed Darlington resolution re DEC budget cuts. CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Ithaca AGENDA Meeting: Monday, April 8, 1996 7:30 PM, 3d Floor Conference Room, City Hall 7:00 PM EAF Committee: Maria, Betsy, Martin 7:30 PM CAC Meeting 7:30 PM March Minutes 7:35 PM Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project Review and discussion of draft response, with objective of finalizing response for submisson to DEC on April 9. 8:30 PM Discussion of Park Service Cass Park Plans Report by Guy Gerard 8:50 PM SEORA Training- report by Chair 9:25 PM New Business 9:30 PM Adjournment Next Meeting: May 13, City Offices, 3d Floor Conference Room 7:00 PM EAF Committee 7:30 PM CAC little control, notwithstanding "reverter clauses ". New road will cut -off festival lands. DH asks CAC to insist (to state ?) that Betsy D's original request for water sampling be followed through. State parks have "disappeared" this issue. Guy asks if "Festival Lands" are park "by dint of usage ". DH sez yes, clearly. Dan notes that this is not official, would have to take it to court. Noted that tripartite agreement (1967 ?) sez anything not used by state is city park. Martin expressed belief that new road is clearly first step toward enlarging the marina. Dan notes that legal status as park is not CAC turf. We must focus on environmental effects. Guy will consult with Doria and draft a document with issues and approaches focussed on CAC -turf issues. (e.g. wetlands risk). Jill supports Doria's points about state fiscal constraints. Doria closed by reminding that this is more than a state parks issue... it is the City of Ithaca giving land to the state that is currently a park and will be turned into asphalt. 2. CU lake- source cooling Bob Bland noted that input from first meeting on scoping had raised issue of "view" (Meigs from (city /town ?) planning) and /or visible elements of facility design, that these appeared to have substance and will probably go into scope. BB noted that Town Planning Board had declined lead agency status, DEC expected to be La. Next scoping hearing at Boynton m. s. 3/12. Guy asked about timetable and apparent CU push on this. BB sez this spring will hopefully be their last year of data gathering. Process of future reviews, etc will be that Town PB will handle hearings, findings, etc and Site Plan Review. Town Board will be in on zoning change needed. Q. what is city role, CAC role. A. city will be involved via "wild & scenic rivers program" which it administers for the state and vie the BPW for the street opening permit. Q. raised of who /what has authority on lake itself ? DEC ? Thruway authority... Dan sez CAC can, nonetheless, comment on impacts on lake. Jill CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Ithaca AGENDA Meeting: Monday, April 8, 1996 7:30 PM, 3d Floor Conference Room, City Hall 7:00 PM EAF Committee: Maria, Betsy, Martin 7:30 PM CAC Meeting 7:30 PM March Minutes 7:35 PM Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project Review and discussion of draft response, with objective of finalizing response for submisson to DEC on April 9. 8:30 PM Discussion of Park Service Cass Park Plans Report by Guy Gerard 8:50 PM SEQRA Training- report by Chair 9:25 PM New Business 9:30 PM Adjournment Next Meeting: May 13, City Offices, 3d Floor Conference Room 7:00 PM EAF Committee 7:30 PM CAC Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant(s), as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: March 11, 1996 1. Novarr SPDR Comments: The plan reviewed for the development at 120 -140 Brindley Street raises no significant environmental issues. We would like to comment on one aspect of the plan which is posi- tive, that is, the use of gravel surfacing for parking. This approach could do much to mitigate runoff - related water pollu- tion in this area by providing a modicum of soil filtration. We would also like to call attention to the intended plantings, and recommend that the Shade Tree Advisory Committee be consulted about species suitable for this area. Recommendation: Negative declaration 2. Wegmans LEAF Comments: First, we would like to underline our comments in our preliminary EAF report of February 19. We noted in that report potential major negative environmental impacts caused by this project in several areas: 1. increased runoff pollution caused by relocation of parking (which could be mitigated by placement of planting islands throughout the lot); 2. creation of a large amount of solid waste; 3. waste of resources caused by replacement of a relatively new building. To these comments we would like to add the following: 4. deleterious effects of increased traffic in the vicin- ity, especially on smaller streets, which would be exacerbated by the addition of other commercial operations on the site, as envisaged by the construction of three additional buildings; 5. elimination of a large amount of green space on the north side of the property, and its replacement by an unattrac- tive loading area which will be more visible than the one currently in use. These issues combine to indicate that this development will have a major impact on this part of the city, as well as on the regional environment. Mitigation measures can and should be considered wherever possible to reduce these impacts, especially in the areas of runoff pollution control and traffic handling. Modification of the parking lot plan in particular could go a long way in reducing the negative effects, both to reduce pol- lution and improve the aesthetic characteristics of the site. Additionally, ways must be found to ameliorate the problems associated with increased traffic, including the problems noted in the LEAF connected with tractor-trailer use of the Clinton - Meadow Street intersection. We thus agree with the Reviewer on the substance of environmen- tal impacts as noted in the LEAF, and concur with the conclusion that a Positive Declaration of Significant Environmental Impact is warranted. Recommendation: Positive declaration Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: BZA and Building Department Applicants as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor Planning Board & Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: March 11, 1996 1. Appeal #2292, Cornell Federal Credit Union Comments: We have reviewed the EAF for this project on December 19 and have no further comments. Recommendation: Negative Declaration 2. Appeal ##2294, 215 Esty Street Comments: No comments. Recommendation: Negative Declaration Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant(s), as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: May 13, 1996 1. Goldwin Smith Hall Renovations Comments: No environmental impacts other than those involving esthetic /historical issues. Recommendation: Negative declaration. 2. 201 1/2 Wyckoff Avenue Comments: No environmental impacts other than those involving esthetic /historical issues. Recommendation: Negative declaration. Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant(s), as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette) Subject: Wegmans DEIS Date: August 5, 1996 After a review of the DEIS for the Wegmans South Meadow Street Shopping Plaza expansion the EAF comittee of the CAC has the following observations to make: 1. There is no discussion of solid waste disposal issues in the DEIS as required under SEQR. 2. In A.1.a, ponding data is given for 2 -year storms, but 10, 25, and 100 -year storm data should also be cited. 3. In A.1.b, the TR -55 method used to calculate runoff is noted as inaccurate for the high water table and dense soil conditions at the site. Another calculation method should then be used. Even using TR -55 the 11 -24o increase given in the table seems high, not "relatively small ". 4. The vegetated strip planned as a filter for the run -off is possibly not adequate. Further, there is no mention that the floodway boundary is adjacent to this vegetated strip. 5. On p. 28, the conclusion that "stormwater flow rates will increase slightly will pollutant loads will not..." is not sup- ported by the arguments or evidence given. 6. Sediment traps are discussed as ineffective without sup- porting evidence. 7. In A.3, p. 30, the conclusions are not supported by the evidence given. 8. In B.1.a, it must be noted that the two out - parcels must be considered separately as no specific plans are given. 10. All tree and shrub species should be shown to be tolerant of local conditions. 11. The increase in traffic will be significant, and may have impacts on the quality of life in neighborhoods affected beyond any point (intersection) effects noted. This should be addressed in the FEIS. 12. In IV.A, pp.46 & ff., no clear arguments are given to sup- port the positions taken that it is infeasible to expand the existing structure without suspension of operations, or that it is infeasible to not pursue the out - parcel development. More information including a more detailed consideration of theses alternatives is desirable. MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Meeting of Monday, Sept. 9, 1996 Present: Judy Jones, Martin Violette (Chair), Jill Brantley, Betsy Darlington, Dan Hoffman; CC liaison Rick Gray, EMC liaison Barbara Ebert; Guest, Doria Higgins Absent: Daryl Anderson, Guy Gerard, Paul Salon 1. Aug. Minutes were approved with one change: Judy Jones was not present. 2. Doria Higgins presented her concerns about transfer of the City's Festival Lands to State Parks. After some discussion -- including that fact that construction of the Black Diamond Trail was never a part of the original agreement with the City although it has subsequently been linked by some - -we passed unanimously the following resolution: Whereas, Finger Lakes State Parks has completed the environmental impact statement for the Treman Marina Master Plan and is expected to ask the City to transfer ownership of the Festival Lands and Parcel B to the State, in order to accommodate the State's plans; and Whereas, the proposed new entrance road and marina expansion would be an unnecessary expenditure and of questionable value, and would have a negative impact on the Hog Hole and the natural area to its south -for example, by increasing the amount of impermeable surface and proximity of traffic to wildlife; and Whereas, if the City surrenders control of the Festival Lands and Parcel B to the State, the City will lose its say over future marina expansions, such as those previously proposed by Finger Lakes State Parks, and these would have a serious negative impact on the Hog Hole; Now therefore, since "the natural flood plain remnant at the end of Cayuga Lake is so small ... [and] needs all the protection fiom future development that is possible to provide" (Environmental Management Council letter of 8/30/96); be it Resolved that the City, of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council urges Common Council to retain ownership of the Festival Lands and Parcel B. 3. OId City Dump: Betsy raised concerns about the old City dump, much of which lies under Nate's Floral Estates, based on the deep concern expressed to her by a City resident who spent much of his childhood playing at the dump. He had reported to her that the only rule about what could go into the dump was that two men be able to lift it. Stuff of all sorts, including from local industries, was routinely dumped there. He felt that this was a ticking time bomb, and that all sorts of toxic substances would eventually leach out into the lake. Possible impacts on residents of Nate's are another concern. Judy said that if it had been capped with clay, and given that a fair amount of blacktop is now over it, there may be little water flowing through it to leach out toxic materials. Judy also asked if there was an aquifer under the site, and Betsy said she thought there was. We discussed what to do next, and how to go about get- ting information. Also, was any assessment done when Nate's was built, and where are those records, if so? Barbara agreed to go to CLEARS at Cornell and get Jeannie Barnaba's help in looking for aerial photos of the site from the days when the dump was in use. Betsy agreed to ask .ion Meigs for help in directing us to sources of information. Betsy and Barbara said that they didn't have time to do much searching in the immediate future, but would do the best they could. 4. Martin reminded us that we need to find a replacement for Maria Coles. S. Martin asked us to give some thought to having a rotating Chair- -maybe one year stints. Betsy suggested that maybe he could be the chair but that we could have a rotating vice -chair to take on some of the responsibilities. No one expressed enthusiasm for either idea (except Martin!). 6. Next meeting will be on Oct. 21, since City Hall will be closed on Oct. 14 for Columbus Day. Adjourned about 9:15 PM - -Betsy Darlington CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272 -1713 CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CODE 607 Resolution from the Conservation Advisory Council regarding the Festival Lands and Treman Marina Whereas, Finger Lakes State Parks has completed the environmental impact statement for the Treman Marina Master Plan and is expected to ask the City to transfer ownership of the Festival Lands and Parcel B to the State, in order to accommodate the State's plans; and Whereas, the proposed new entrance road and marina expansion would be an unnecessary expenditure and of questionable value, and would have a negative impact on the Hog Hole and the natural area to its south, for example, by increasing the amount of impenneable surface and the proximity of traffic to wildlife; and Whereas, if the City surrenders control of the Festival Lands and Parcel B to the State, the City will lose its say over future marina expansions, such as those previously proposed by Finger Lakes State Parks, and these could have a serious negative impact on the Hog Hole; Now therefore, since "the natural flood plain remnant at the end of Cayuga Lake is so small... [and] needs all the protection from future development that is possible to provide" (Environmental Management Council letter of 8/30/96); be it Resolved that the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council urges Common Council to retain ownership of the Festival Lands and Parcel B. Passed unanimously on Sept, 9, 1996 "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant(s), as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: September 9, 1996 1. Site Development Plan Review - Aldi Food Store Comments: It appears on review of the LEAF Part 2 for this project that items 6, ground water quality, and 14, transporta- tion systems, should have been marked "Yes ". Ground water quality will be marginally affected by an expected increase in vehicle traffic on the site, and the attendant increase in run- off. This appears to be a minor effect. However, the effect on transportation is more important. There is a large amount of pedestrian and bicycle traffic crossing Route 13 on Farmer's Market days, and the location of what will be essentially a neighborhood food store will increase this traffic. The Route 13 - Third Street intersection should be improved to accommodate this traffic, as well as the vehicular traffic (which is addressed by the proposed lane designations in the plan). Well- marked crosswalks with appropriate signage and on- demand pedestrian traffic light cycles could do much to alleviate a potentially dangerous condition. ' One other aspect of the plan deserving comment is landscaping. Species' choice given on the drawings is not suitable for the site: Bradford pear for example is somewhat fragile, and smaller than would be desirable. Larger trees and more suitable species should be chosen (and as usual, we recommend consulting the Shade Tree Advisory Committee on this). Also, within the restraints of the site, effort should be made to integrate the landscaping with the Farmers' Market entrance as much as pos- sible - this small area has the potential to be very attractive, rather than an eyesore. Recommendation: Negative Declaration. 2. Site Development Plan Review - Evaporated Metal Films. Comments: In contrast to the preceding SDPR comments, we would like to note the excellent species' choices - both in type and diversity - in this plan. We would also like to repeat our comments about the increase of impermeable surfaces in this area. A comprehensive look at this problem is warranted. Recommendation: Negative Declaration. Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: BZA and Building Department Applicants as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor Planning Board & Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Coles, Darlington, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: September 9, 1996 1. Appeal #2309, 417 North Cayuga Street Comments: None. Recommendation: Negative declaration. 2. Appeal #2311, 610 -612 Mitchell Street Comments: None Recommendation: Negative declaration (pending SEAF). Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Minutes October 21, 1996 1. Meeting commenced at 8:05 p.m.. September minutes approved as submitted. Moved by Judy Jones. Second by Paul Salon. 2. Postponed discussion of old city dump. Barbara had not checked with CLEARS. Betsy spoke to Larry Fabroni; he doubts that there are records on what is disposed at the sight. 3. Wegmans DEIS comments: Martin noted that CAC comments failed to mention pedestrian access to the store ; CAC comments on Aldi market did include such comments. Martin reported on a meeting he had with Herman Seiverding and John Meigs - we will be tied in more closely to the Planning Board schedule so we don't get " behind" in information and to allow our information to reach them in a timely fashion. 4. New business. a. Southwest Park -Betsy reported on the discussions of the Planning and Development Committee. They voted 4 to 1 to recom- mend that Common Council approach the county concerning possible purchase of the "flag" and "flagpole" parcels. b. County Household Hazardous Waste program -the committee will go on a field trip to Broome County to see their facilities in operation. c. Citizens Planning Alliance -a new group being formed to work on planning and environmental issues will meet Thursday, November 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Women's Community Building. 5. Nominations. Martin has tried to contact Patrick Walkinshaw- no luck. Martin will talk to Lee Adler, who visited tonight regarding "The Woods" development. Adjourned at 8:42 p.m. recorded by Barbara Ebert CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Ithaca Minutes Meeting of November 1 8,1996 Present: Brantley, Darlington, Cray, Hoffman, ,tones, Scion, Violette 1. Minutes for October accepted without changes. 2. Barbara Ebert went to CLEARS„ and examined photos and maps of the old city dump. She reported that the active use of the dump ended in 1978. In 1980 trailers could be seen in the northern part. 3. Violet reminded everyone of the sea. C.P.A. meeting. 4. Darlington noted that the county board meeting on the budget would be important. The board planned to cut the position of Natural Resource Planner, and replace with a lower level position -Water Resource Planner. 5. Southwest Park. Brantley asked. Darlington to comment. The feeling was that five thousand versus twenty-five thousand would not win- although it's in the public interest. However, if the land is sold, it should be with restrictions. Brantley pointed out that the county has no park land. This would be a way of getting " something for nothing". Hoffman noted that the city was asked by the county to pay a private developers price for the land -which is "un- neighborly". Scion made comments about the wetland reserve program and that it could work if all parties cooperate. Violette noted this would be on the December agenda. A discussion followed about ways to restrict the development of this land if sold. Hoffman moved that deed restric- tions be connected to prohibit building or paving if land passes out of guilty ownership. Passed unanimously. 6. Brantley asked about status of city budget cuts in planning. Gray noted that Common Council has shelved this for now. Darlington recommended that the chair disseminate info for example by phone tree, including agendas with items important to CAC. Violette agreed to e -mail such items and others would contact those with no e -mail. It was ques- tioned whether a legal notice about the development near Buttermilk Falls was published. Darlington said the Town Clerk should be able to say if one was. A discussion followed about the efficacy of normal channels of promulgation of such notices in getting such information to the public. During this discussion a general feeling emerged that this could be a suitable area for action by the CAC, and Violette agreed to place it on the December agenda. ,tones reported on a visit by the Hazardous Waste Committee to the Broome County disposal site, which she described as very impressive, and commented that it was beneficial to have such a model close at hand. Brantley asked about Cornell incinerator project status. Darlington noted that the project is currently on hold. Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: BZA and Building Department Applicants as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor Planning Board & Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Darlington, Gerard, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: No\, ember 20, 1996 1. Appeal 2317, 211 Hancock Street Comments: No environmental effects. Recommendation: Negative declaration. 2. Appeal 2318, 403 College Avenue (Stella's) Comments: No environmental effects. Recommendation: Negative declaration. 3. Appeal 2319, Womens Community Building Comments: Although this change in bulding use will have little if any negative impact, it is unfortunate that will ultimately result in the lack of such residence facilities in the downtown area. Hopefully this change will be gradual, as indicated in the appeal, in order to accommodate any unforeseen changes in usage. Recommendation: Negative declaration. 4. Appeal 2320, 504 South Aurora Street. Comments: In the list of property owners required to be notified of this appeal, the ratio of absentee to owner - occupied is 4 to 3. It is important in neighborhoods such as this to preserve as much of the residen- tial character as possible, which is in part what zoning is for. In this light, and since we see no compelling economic argument, we regard this appeal to be unsubstantiated. Recommendation: Positive declaration. Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant(s), as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Darlington, Gerard, Violette) Subject: EAF Review(s) Date: November 18, 1996 1.927 North Tioga - Fenner Subdivision. Comments: None Recommendation: Negative declaration. 2. 312 College Avenue, SPDR Application Comments: The SPDR Application enumerates a number of areas of concern which require a DEIS, with which we concur. We would like to note two areas in particular based on this preliminary document with which we are concerned: architectural appropriateness and changes in traff ic Patterns. it is hoped that the design of this development will insofar as possible be not merely consistent with its surroundings, but an attempt to improve the visual character of the neighborhood. Our concern with traff ic pattern changes is occasioned by the inclusion of two retail spaces in the site plan. It is hoped these are directed towards walk -in business, so that this activity will not exacerbate the already somewhat congested vehicular traffic conditions in the area. Recommendation: Positive declaration. Conservation Advisory Council City of Ithaca Memo to: Planning Board & Dept. Applicant(s), as noted below Copy to: Common Council and Mayor BZA and Building Dept. City Attorney CAC From: Conservation Advisory Council's Environmental Review Subcommittee (Darlington, Gerard, Violette) Subject: "The Woods" DEIS Date: November 18, 1996 After a review of the DEIS for "The Woods" project, the EAF comittee of the CAC has the following obser- vations to make: 1. Under Section 3, the changes in neighborhood character would most desirably be depicted in terms of trends in the neighborhood. Is this project counter to processes already at work, or compatible with them? Especially in 3.b., the "evolution of the Cornell Heights neighborhood" should be given in as full a detail as possible in order to better evaluate the suitability of such a develpment as "The Woods" to this environment. 2. Under Section 3.d., impact on wildlife and plant species should include species not only rare and endangered, but of local importance and special concern. 3. Under Section 3.g., community services should include electric services. CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Minutes Meeting of December 9, 1996 Present: G.Gerard, D. Hoffman, J. Jones, P. Salon, M. Violette, R. Gray, B. Ebert. Guests, M. Fabrizio, K. Hagedorn. Recorded by J. Jones 1. Dan Hoffman gave a background review of the 1994 Southwest Area Land Use Study, currently being recommended for adoption by Planning Department. It was decided that CAC should re- review issue, and argue for environmental review of plan under SEQR, noting that public needs to be involved. A sub- committee was formed to pursue this approach: B. Darlington, D. Hoffman, G. Gerard, P. Salon. 2. Paul Salon reviewed Federal Wetland Reserve Program, and how it could be possibly tied in to the Southwest Park issue. 3. K. Hagedorn discussed efforts to protect park environs and promote the "viewshed" concept as an inte- gral part of such protection. 4. Instead of the generalized discussion of public access to environmental information which had been scheduled, the Council heard a presentation by Margaret Fabrizio on the Lavender Garden issue. She questioned existing procedures and their adequacy in dealing with this matter, and discussed alternate plans presented to the School Board to ameliorate the environmental impacts of the planned construction project. She stated that she believed the City may not be in compliance with the requirements of the Recreational River Corridor regulations, and that the CAC should be actively engaged in effecting such compliance. A discussion followed on tactics to help preserve the garden. A resolution was passed by the CAC stating that a proper environmental review of the project should be undertaken, and that the City should determine the applicability of the Recreational River System regulations. Adjourned 9:50 pm. CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Ithaca AGENDA Meeting: Monday , January 13, 1997 7:00 PM EAF Committee 7:30 PM, CAC, 3d Floor Conference Room, City Hall 7:00 PM EAF Committee: Darlington, Gerard 7:30 PM CAC Meeting 7:30 PM December minutes. 7:35 PM Discussion of community access to environmentally - related information. 9:15 PM New Business 9:30 PM Adjournment Next meeting: February 10, 1997, City Offices, 3d Floor Conference Room 7:00 PM EAF Committee 7:30 PM CAC