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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan Chapter 2 Goals and Recommendations  Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 9 CHAPTER 2    GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 10   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 11 GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  Goals are broad statements that form the foundation of the Comprehensive Plan. Recommendations are more specific policies, programs, projects, and mechanisms that direct action toward achieving the goals. The goals and recommendations represent the values and priorities of the community, and serve as a guide for evaluating future planning decisions. Goals and recommendations are organized into 11 policy areas:  Land Use and Development (LU)  Housing and Neighborhoods (HN)  Natural Resources and Environment (NR)  Energy and Climate Protection (EC)  Agriculture (AG)  Recreation (RE)  Historical Resources (HR)  Transportation (TR)  Municipal Services and Infrastructure (MS)  Community Services (CS)  Economic Development (ED) The goals and recommendations of this plan are intended to shape the Town in a way that will result in a vibrant, healthy, sustainable, and even more livable community with attractive, walkable, and socially inclusive neighborhoods, open scenic vistas, preserved natural and agricultural areas, thriving educational and cultural institutions, a modern transportation infrastructure that accommodates all users, a prosperous and diverse population, and a distinct sense of place. Goals and policies are based on best contemporary planning practice, Smart Growth principles, and the collective vision of the larger community.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 12 2.1 Land use and development  The Town of Ithaca is committed to establishing land use practices that promote a strong sense of place for its residents. Land use and development practices provide the foundation for how a Town grows and changes, and molds the community’s quality of life, character, and sense of place. The Town’s land use and development goals anticipate a Smart Growth approach, encouraging pedestrian- and transit-oriented development by establishing walkable, mixed use residential, office, and commercial areas that are connected by a multimodal transportation system. These new areas will be interweaved with the Town’s existing conventional suburban neighborhoods, commercial enterprises, and employment centers, and establish architectural standards in commercial, office, and industrial areas to promote community identity. The Town is committed to protecting and preserving open space, agricultural lands, and sensitive environmental lands from additional development. The Smart Growth approach will support an enhanced quality of life for Town residents, and will put into practice the Town’s commitment to reduce energy consumption and to meet its climate protection and housing diversity goals. An additional goal is to create new institutional zoning for Cornell University, Ithaca College, and other area institutions. The intention of this new zoning is to provide the institutions with the flexibility to plan and develop their facilities, while ensuring that surrounding areas are protected from negative impacts such as traffic, overshadowing buildings, noise, other externalities from laboratory and research facilities, and from expansion of institutional uses into residential areas. Goals and recommendations  Goal LU‐1:  Shape and improve the quality of the built environment by focusing growth to provide for the  needs of Town  residents while fostering a balanced mix of agricultural, open space and recreational,  residential, commercial, institutional, and office/industrial uses.  LU-1-A Avoid sprawl by focusing and promoting development in areas where adequate infrastructure and services already exist or can be easily upgraded. LU-1-B Preserve and protect lands that contain: steep slopes; Federal, State, or locally designated wetlands; environmentally important areas such as quality wildlife or plant habitat; forests and woodlots; agriculture; and areas listed on the inventory of Scenic Resources. LU-1-C Limit intrusion of non-agricultural uses into agricultural and conservation areas. Buffer farms from neighboring development. Stapleton, Denver, Colorado (DT)    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 13 LU-1-D Limit low density residential uses to areas that have limited or no value as agricultural or conservation areas, and which are also not anticipated to be served by public sewer and water. LU-1-E Require development to take the form of cluster subdivision (also known as conservation subdivision) in environmentally, agriculturally, and visually sensitive areas. LU-1-F Establish more intensively developed mixed use neighborhood centers near large employers on East Hill and South Hill. LU-1-G Establish new mixed use neighborhoods in areas where they can be supported due to proximity to utilities and adequate transportation networks. LU-1-H Limit the acreage of land zoned for commercial and industrial uses in the Town to only the amount realistically needed to meet current and future demand. Discourage strip commercial zoning and speculative rezoning. LU-1-I Restrict frontage (“strip”) residential development. LU-1-J Redevelop or retrofit aging or abandoned industrial or commercial sites as mixed use, pedestrian- oriented development. LU-1-K Ensure that development is sensitive to the community’s scenic views (as identified in the Town’s Scenic Resources Inventory). Goal LU‐2:  Create, reinforce, and respect a strong sense of place through the form of the built environment.     LU-2-A Adopt architectural design requirements to promote high quality, human-scaled architecture. Encourage construction of efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings with a timeless visual appeal. LU-2-B Implement site planning requirements to promote human-scale development and social connectivity, and to discourage less attractive and less enduring alternatives (such as vehicle-oriented development where parking visually dominates the site). LU-2-C Establish standards for landscaping and screening. LU-2-D Revise sign requirements to ensure that the Town continues to be protected from visual pollution that results from excessive and inappropriate signs and clutter, while still providing adequate flexibility for agritourism and special community events. Ensure that sign regulations conform to current legal doctrine. See also: NR-2-D (tree preservation) Goal LU‐3:  Maintain and enhance the established character and sense of community of existing  neighborhoods.  LU-3-A Ensure that new development and uses in existing neighborhoods are compatible with the established character and scale of development.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 14 LU-3-B Encourage infill development and redevelopment opportunities that take full advantage of the existing infrastructure, yet respect the established character and scale of the built environment. LU-3-C Establish new and additional systems of communication between Town government and neighborhoods to ensure early awareness of and input into the Town’s decision-making process regarding proposed developments and land use changes. LU-3-D Work with neighborhood groups to determine important characteristics of their community; maintain and enhance these characteristics. LU-3-E Encourage private initiatives to maintain or improve neighborhoods (such as neighborhood cleanups, tree plantings, supervision and maintenance of play areas, and adopt-a-park and adopt-a-road programs). LU-3-F Work with the City of Ithaca and other adjacent municipalities to connect and enhance the existing neighborhoods that cross municipal boundaries. See also: RE-1-B (provision of parks and trails), TR-2-A (road design, speed, and traffic calming) Goal LU‐4:  Require that new development in designated areas on the Future Land Use  map take the form of  traditional neighborhood development (TND).  LU-4-A Scale new neighborhoods to be within a 5- to 10-minute walk (¼ to ½ mile) from a common destination. Define the edges of neighborhoods, but also provide for easy access to open space. LU-4-B Promote a wide cross-section of uses, densities, and building types in new neighborhoods. Site more intensive uses closer to a common destination; intensity and density generally should decrease with distance from the common destination. LU-4-C Require new neighborhoods to contain a mix of uses and recreation spaces that support the daily needs of residents. Locate mixed uses in the appropriate areas and in suitable building types. LU-4-D Ensure that a variety of housing types and prices are provided that support a broad range of household types, sizes, lifestyles, life stages, and household incomes in new neighborhoods. LU-4-E In new neighborhoods, require that civic uses be located in areas of high public visibility, prominence, and accessibility. LU-4-F Scale blocks to accommodate a variety of building types and to encourage walking. LU-4-G Site building types of like scale, massing, and uses to face one another on a given street. Face primary building entrances towards streets, open courtyards, or public spaces such as parks or plazas. LU-4-H Incorporate suitable sustainable development practices such as light imprint development, low impact development, and alternative energy production in the design and construction of new neighborhoods. LU-4-I Consider neighborhood identification and branding programs including gateway features, special signage, public art installations, and other features, to reinforce the identity and character of existing and new neighborhoods in the Town.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 15 See also: TR-2-G (street design following traditional neighborhood development principles), TR-6-A (Complete Streets) Goal LU‐5:  Recognize in the planning process the presence and character of Cornell University, Ithaca  College, Cayuga Medical Center, and other large institutions.  LU-5-A Implement institutional zoning to recognize and accommodate the unique land uses and built environment at colleges and universities. The intentions are: to allow institutions the flexibility to plan and develop their facilities; to promote best planning practice for institutional sites; and to protect the character of surrounding areas. Consider institutional zoning for other large institutions. LU-5-B Work with Cornell University, Ithaca College, Cayuga Medical Center, and other large institutions to ensure that their development plans conform to the Town Comprehensive Plan, while supporting the missions of their institutions. Goal LU‐6:  Use  contemporary, effective tools that reflect best current planning practice to guide the form of  the Town's  built and natural environments.  LU-6-A Adopt a new zoning code that includes all aspects of land use and development regulations that are now located throughout the Town code into one document. Consider a unified development code. LU-6-B Require a form- or transect-based zoning code to guide the development (where appropriate) of new neighborhoods and the redevelopment and retrofitting (where appropriate) of existing neighborhoods. Consider including form-based regulations in a larger zoning or unified development code. LU-6-C Adopt new subdivision regulations that are suited to a growing community with a diverse range of land use patterns and physical environments. Consider including subdivision regulations into a larger unified development code. LU-6-D Review, revise, and add to as needed, all of the Town’s development standards to ensure that they reflect current best planning practices and legal doctrine. Remove or revise standards that are barriers to implementing this Comprehensive Plan. LU-6-E Revise the zoning code to implement a simplified and more logical categorization of zoning districts, permitted uses, and siting requirements. LU-6-F Ensure that all land use regulations are written in clear, plain, and consistent language that will be easily understood by all users, including laypeople. Use tables, charts and illustrations where possible. LU-6-G Review the Comprehensive Plan and all land use regulations on a regular basis, to keep ahead of emerging land use trends, best planning practice, and potential legal issues. LU-6-H Work closely with adjacent municipalities, Tompkins County, Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG), Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), and other appropriate regional agencies and organizations regarding land use planning and development decisions.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 16 2.2 Housing and neighborhoods   A cornerstone of a community’s quality of life is its housing and neighborhood opportunities. Citizens desire safe, secure, high-quality housing and neighborhoods. Although housing in the Town is largely a function of the private sector, the Town is responsible for assuring that housing provides for affordability and diversity, including special needs and multigenerational needs. The Town of Ithaca is committed to fostering neighborhoods that are livable, affordable, walkable, transit-oriented, and sustainable. To meet that commitment, the Town’s housing and neighborhood goals include a Smart Growth approach, which encourages more density, diversity, and mixed uses in existing neighborhoods. The Smart Growth approach also promotes efficient, mixed use development with a variety of housing types, sizes, and prices that provide for a diversity of incomes, ages, and household types. Complementary services should be interspersed within new housing developments. Development will be located near and connected to existing multimodal transportation facilities (e.g. pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails, and public transport) and employment centers. New residential mixed use development will be constructed with respect for and preservation of the natural features of any proposed development site. Finally, new development will be encouraged to locate within target areas designated as appropriate for such development. The housing goals also include promoting Universal Design for seniors and those who want to age in place, and adopting a multi-pronged approach to increase the supply of housing that is affordable to median income residents. While the supply of housing geared to low income residents has increased in recent years, housing affordable to residents in the median income range continues to be in short supply. Goals and recommendations  See also: LU-1-B (protection of sensitive lands), LU-1-E (cluster/conservation development on sensitive lands), NR-2- D (tree preservation), EC-2-B (green building standards), EC-2-C (energy code) Goal HN‐1:  Promote the availability of diverse, high‐quality, affordable, and attractive residential  neighborhoods.    HN-1-A Ensure that adequate amounts of suitable land in appropriate locations are zoned to meet the Town’s share of regional housing needs. Commonland Community     Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 17 HN-1-B Focus new housing development closer to the City and in areas where public transit is available. Designate locations for new housing that will connect with the Town’s existing and future planned neighborhoods, parks, trails, and transportation system. HN-1-C Explore future locations for senior housing that are located conveniently to commercial and professional services and public transit routes. Include both moderately priced units and market rate options for seniors. Encourage mixed-age housing and housing that accommodates Universal Design/Aging in Place principles in all developments. See also: LU-1-F, LU-1-G (new mixed use neighborhood areas), LU-4-D (housing variety), HN-2-B (zoning and housing options) Goal HN‐2:  Encourage a balanced blend of high‐quality housing opportunities, including moderately priced  housing to provide a range of prices to accommodate the local workforce.  HN-2-A Require developers to provide a certain percentage of residential development as moderately priced housing affordable to households in the median income range (80% to 120% of Tompkins County median household income), and/or consider using density bonuses and other modifications of development standards (e.g., raise maximum building heights) to encourage developers to create moderately priced housing units. Moderately priced units should be indistinguishable in appearance and functionality from other housing and should not be isolated from other housing. HN-2-B Modify the Town’s Zoning Code to allow smaller lot sizes and encourage smaller residential units and other strategies in residentially zoned areas to provide housing options that will not preclude moderately priced housing. HN-2-C Consider pursuing legal or other mechanisms to ensure that affordable and moderately priced housing remains affordable over the long term, while allowing opportunities for owners to take a modest advantage of increased equity. Strategies might include: zoning regulations; housing trusts; deed restrictions; internal subsidies of lower priced units by higher priced units within private developments; or other mechanisms that allow a reasonable profit as property changes hands, while keeping the resale price below market rate. HN-2-D Continue working with the major employers in the Town, including Cornell University and Ithaca College, to promote housing opportunities for their employees near their places of employment. Continue working with Cornell University on their commitment in the Cornell/Community Housing Initiatives program to fund housing programs and projects that will support moderately priced housing opportunities in the Town. HN-2-E Seek grants from Federal, State, and other agencies and foundations to fund housing that are affordable to those at or below moderate income ranges and also use strategies that do not depend primarily on Federal or State subsidies, means testing, or third-party agency involvement. HN-2-F Consider establishment of a housing trust fund or land bank that could be used to support housing projects in the Town that are affordable to families at or below median income. Consider ways that the Town can help provide funds to decrease development costs (density bonuses, assistance with infrastructure, housing trust fund programs, etc.). See also: LU-4-D (housing variety in new neighborhoods)   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 18 2.3 Natural resources and environment  The Town of Ithaca is enriched by a wide diversity of natural features and open space. The abundance of woods, waterfalls, gorges, open fields and meadows, and lakeshore contribute greatly to the quality of life in the Town and serve as important habitat for plants and wildlife. Residents value the Town’s natural areas and scenic resources. Ninety five percent of the respondents in the 2009 Resident’s Survey stated that their quality of life was enhanced by the existence of natural areas; 91% stated the same for scenic views. However, our extraordinary natural heritage is challenged by changes to the landscape caused by development affecting the viability of the natural areas, water quality, and the Town’s scenic beauty. The Town of Ithaca is committed to the preservation and growth of diverse natural areas throughout the Town. The Town recognizes that natural areas need to be identified, designed, and preserved with an eye towards richness and diversity in native animal life, native plant life, and ecological communities. Sufficient land must be set aside for the range of needs of the specific native species that live in that ecosystem, with well-planned interconnecting natural corridors to allow for the natural migration of the flora and fauna. Natural areas should be developed with the needs of the plants and animals that inhabit them taking priority. We must ensure that these areas, features that attracted many of the Town's residents to move here in the first place, are also vibrant for future generations to enjoy. Although the Town has achieved many of the goals in the 1993 Comprehensive Plan aimed at open space and natural resource protection, most notably the adoption of a Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan, there are still more challenges and work to be done if we are maintain the character and quality of life as it relates to the natural environment. Goals and recommendations  Goal NR‐1:  Identify and target natural and environmental resources for preservation and protection.  NR-1-A Inventory, identity, and comprehensively map the Town’s natural areas and open spaces, including riparian areas, gorges, biological corridors, forest cover, steep slopes, ecological communities, wetlands, wildlife habitats, etc. Expand the Town’s knowledge of its valuable resources beyond basic existing land use information and known Unique Natural Area boundaries. Maintain and update the inventory over time. Coy Glen Creek     Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 19 NR-1-B Establish criteria and a mechanism for classifying the significance and importance of natural areas and habitat types. Include rarity as a consideration as well as high-quality common habitat/plant communities/ecosystems, such as those especially large and contiguous, isolated from human activities, old, or lacking harmful invasive species, or those providing connections between other important habitats. NR-1-C Update the 1997 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan to reflect new or expanded natural areas or open space targeted for protection (through purchase, easements, conservation zoning, etc.) subsequent to the inventory and classification process described above. Include possible new planning approaches and necessary funding mechanisms. NR-1-D Identify and designate additional natural and/or scenic resource areas that warrant Critical Environmental Area designation as a way to highlight them and to ensure that environmental impacts of proposed development will be thoroughly assessed. Goal NR‐2:  Protect open space with appropriate land use regulations and development strategies.  NR-2-A Establish buffer areas between development activities and large contiguous protected areas such as Buttermilk State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, Eldridge Wilderness, Land Trust preserves (e.g., Lick Brook Nature Preserve) and Cornell University natural areas. NR-2-B Focus development to within targeted areas to protect against habitat fragmentation. NR-2-C Develop regulations for timber harvesting activities of a certain scale; such regulations should require the submission of a sustainable forest management plan that includes preservation of enough healthy, diverse species for an ongoing forest. NR-2-D Adopt standards for tree preservation, clearing, and replanting for development activities. Provide incentives for maintaining healthy, diverse species of trees. Require a tree inventory, replacement/planting plans, and construction standards to protect retained trees. NR-2-E Continue to ensure protection of Unique Natural Areas through the development review process and its associated environmental assessment (State Environmental Quality Reviews), conservation zoning, and other mechanisms. See also: LU-1-B (protection of sensitive lands), LU-1-E (cluster/conservation development on sensitive lands), LU- 2-C (landscaping standards) Goal NR‐3:  Acquire or assist in the acquisition of open space throughout the Town.  NR-3-A Partner with existing and future nature conservation groups on establishing permanent protection of environmentally sensitive areas in the Town. NR-3-B Use funding mechanisms such as the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) or fee-simple land purchase to acquire or preserve important natural areas or open space. NR-3-C Encourage private property owners to establish conservation easements to protect environmentally sensitive lands and open space. Encourage land owners to donate to the Town or other entities, such as a land trust, environmentally important lands.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 20 Goal NR‐4:  Support private and intermunicipal efforts to protect wildlife and open space.    NR-4-A Promote incentives such as the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), to encourage development or improvement of fish and wildlife habitat. [Note: The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service administers WHIP and provides technical and financial assistance to landowners for the development of upland, wetland, aquatic, and other types of wildlife habitat]. NR-4-B Support and collaborate on intermunicipal/regional efforts to develop protection plans for contiguous expansive areas of natural resources that extend beyond municipal boundaries. Such areas might include wildlife habitat, biological corridors, Cayuga Lake and other lakes and streams, wetlands, mature forests, and other important mixed ecosystems (e.g., the Emerald Necklace effort led by the Finger Lakes Land Trust). Goal NR‐5:  Support and actively engage in efforts to control the threat of invasive species.  NR-5-A Manually remove invasive species and where necessary allow the judicous use of herbicides and pesticides on Town-owned land following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program standards and tree harvesting, as needed. Develop management plans for invasive species on Town-owned lands. Monitor trends in invasive plants growing along Town roadways and on Town-owned property. Proactively plan for the consequences of a Town-wide invasive insect infestation and the resulting damage to trees and forests NR-5-B Encourage use of native diverse landscaping which includes a variety of plant species. NR-5-C Educate residents (through the Town newsletter, informational displays at Town facilities, brochures, etc.) about invasive species found in the Town or those likely to spread into the Town. Include how to identify these species, what can be done to prevent their spread, and what should be done if they are found. Include hands-on removal programs as appropriate. Goal NR‐6:  Protect water resources and seek to improve water quality.  NR-6-A Incorporate low impact development, light imprint development, and green infrastructure standards to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces and offsite stormwater runoff. NR-6-B Continue to support water quality testing and evaluation of major streams and Cayuga Lake to ensure protection of our area’s water bodies. NR-6-C Monitor regulations, policies, and practices to ensure the health of Cayuga Lake and its value as a natural resource. NR-6-D Maintain Cayuga Lake as a natural area capable of supporting a diverse and healthy ecosystem and as a source of potable water. NR-6-E Acknowledge the “impaired water quality” designation and listing of the southern end of Cayuga Lake by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and strive to improve water quality through policy making. NR-6-F Oppose using the waste water treatment plants to receive and handle large volumes of industrial or other hazardous waste products.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 21 NR-6-G Continue to help support and participate in organizations like the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization and the Stormwater Coalition of Tompkins County to share resources; work cooperatively with other municipalities to protect Cayuga Lake. NR-6-H Establish regulatory mechanisms to protect wetlands; place particular attention on those wetlands that are not currently addressed by State or Federal wetland protection laws. NR-6-I Reevaluate methods and policies related to the maintenance of roadside ditches, including decisions related to the closing/piping of ditches. [Note: Ditches are the dominant conveyor of stormwater and their role in water quality and stormwater runoff is a critical consideration.] Educate members of the public on the need to take responsibility for the care and maintenance of ditches on their property. See also: RE-1-C (Cayuga Lake access), MS-4-A (stormwater management plan, stormwater-related laws) Goal NR‐7:  Preserve scenic resources that contribute to the Town’s  unique character.  NR-7-A Finalize the Scenic Resource Inventory and Analysis Report which identifies, catalogues, and provides analyses of the Town’s significant scenic areas. NR-7-B Pursue protection of critical scenic resources by purchasing lands or acquiring conservation easements. NR-7-C Adopt development standards intended to protect scenic resources. NR-7-D Promote the appreciation of scenic resources through education by developing scenic overlooks and educational signage in parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces. Construct overlooks and signage in such a way that they are an enhancement and amenity to neighborhoods and other locations. See also: LU-4-I (neighborhood branding) Goal NR‐8:  Protect existing air resources and maintain the air quality for the health and safety of Town   residents.      NR-8-A Consider enacting regulations that address and reduce air quality impacts from outdoor wood burning. Such regulations might include: building permits for installation of outdoor wood boilers; setbacks from neighboring properties; prohibited use in residential zones; and mandated seasonal-only use. NR-8-B Enact regulation to limit the cumulative air quality impacts from industrial, diesel, or other similar operations. NR-8-C Explore adopting a motor vehicle idling law.   Goal NR‐9:  Protect neighborhoods from noise disturbances and pollution including the cumulative impacts  of noise.      NR-9-A Prevent noise pollution through ongoing enforcement of community noise regulations. NR-9-B Establish performance and design standards to address and reduce effects of noise pollution.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 22 2.4 Energy and climate protection  The Town of Ithaca is committed to protecting and enhancing its economic, environmental and community resources, to benefit future generations while at the same time addressing the needs of today. The Town Board has endorsed sustainability and climate protection as overarching principles to guide long-term decision-making; elements of these principles are infused throughout this Comprehensive Plan. The guiding principles for the Town’s sustainability efforts are as follows:  The Town leads by example through integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate protection into its daily operations.  The Town enacts and implements policies and regulations that integrate sustainability and climate protection into building and construction practices and land use planning.  The Town engages in partnerships that strengthen sustainability efforts internally and community- wide.  The Town provides education and outreach to its constituents to promote sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and conservation, and to encourage public participation. The transition to a more sustainable future for the Town of Ithaca goes beyond the work of government. Residents, business owners, and organizations each have a part to play in creating the community we aspire to live in. Though the Town government cannot do it alone, it will provide leadership to the community as we move forward. The long- term goals articulated here support the guiding principles and provide a framework to advise future decision-making and policy development. The actions that accompany these goals are specific activities to be implemented to achieve the long-term goals. Goals and recommendations  Goal EC‐1:  Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into long‐term planning.  EC-1-A Institutionalize sustainability in Town operations. Consider continuing a sustainability position and creating an internal sustainability committee. Distribute sustainability-related tasks to existing staff as necessary. EC-1-B Conduct greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories at regular intervals to assess emissions from government operations and from the community at large. Streamline and facilitate data collection. Residential wind turbine, Town  of Ulysses     Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 23 EC-1-C Implement the Government Energy Action Plan 2011 to achieve a 30% reduction in GHG emissions from government operations by 2020. Update the Energy Action Plan (EAP) on a regular basis and consider incorporating long-term actions in future Plans to meet the existing goal of reducing government GHG emissions 80% by 2050. EC-1-D Set short- and long-term goals for community-wide GHG emissions reductions. Develop and implement a Community EAP to meet reduction goals, and update Plan on a regular basis. Maintain a citizen committee to advise on the implementation and update of the community EAP and other sustainability- related issues. EC-1-E Maintain membership in ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability for continued access to climate action planning tools, technical assistance, training, and networking. See also: LU-4 (mixed use/traditional neighborhood development), LU-6 (best planning practice) Goal EC‐2:  Reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions in buildings and infrastructure.  EC-2-A Consider using policy instruments and regulations to reduce energy use in existing buildings. For example, building owners could be mandated or encouraged to perform energy audits and energy efficiency improvements, and to track energy usage. EC-2-B Consider adopting a building code to require all new construction projects and major renovations to incorporate green building techniques and achieve specific energy efficiency standards. EC-2-C Partner with local organizations and businesses to create, promote and maintain incentives, financing options, and education and outreach campaigns that support energy efficiency in new and existing buildings. These products could be marketed to building owners, tenants, developers, builders, code enforcement officers, and other populations. EC-2-D Ensure municipal buildings and facilities act as a model of good energy efficient practices. Track energy usage on a regular basis. Conduct energy audits and implement recommended upgrades. Adopt a green building policy for all major renovations and new construction projects. Provide education for employees about behavior change to reduce energy use. EC-2-E When replacing lamps in municipal streetlights and traffic signals, investigate use of LED lamps or other high-efficiency equipment. When specifying replacement technologies, take into account the full life cycle costs, including energy and maintenance costs. Also take into account the spectrum of light produced, and its effect on visibility and aesthetics and the health of humans and wildlife. Encourage NYSEG to improve the efficiency of the streetlights it controls. Goal EC‐3:  Reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions related to the treatment and distribution of  water and wastewater.    EC-3-A Conduct comprehensive energy audits of municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure, and implement recommended upgrades. When replacing equipment, use the most energy efficient equipment that is economically viable when taking into account full life cycle costs. Explore other changes to the water supply system in order to improve overall efficiency.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 24 EC-3-B Work with Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (also known as Bolton Point) to establish a water rate structure that incentivizes consumers to reduce usage. EC-3-C Develop and implement an education and outreach program to encourage water conservation and efficiency community-wide. Consider using policy instruments and regulations as well. Goal EC‐4:  Reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions in the transportation sector.    EC-4-A Partner with local organizations and businesses to support programs that educate residents, businesses and Town government employees about cleaner operating and more efficient vehicles and vehicle use. EC-4-B Adopt a municipal green fleet policy that: includes a vehicle replacement plan that specifies vehicles that are smaller, more energy efficient, and well-maintained; reduces vehicle miles traveled by Town government vehicles through greater efficiency, planning, and cooperation; and reduces idling in municipal vehicles. See also: LU-4-A (pedestrian sheds), LU-4-B (mixed uses in new neighborhoods), TR-2-G (street design following TND principles), TR-6-A (Complete Streets), TR-6-B (neighborhood design and automobile dependence), TR-7-B (automobile dependency) Goal EC‐5:  Encourage and facilitate the production and use of renewable energy.    EC-5-A Adopt renewable energy goals for the community and for government operations, to guide decision- making (e.g. meet a certain percentage of the Town government’s energy needs with renewable energy sources by 2025). EC-5-B Revise Town regulations to facilitate local renewable energy production and use (e.g. revise Town Code, streamline the permit process, reduce permit fees). EC-5-C Work with other municipalities, local utility companies, businesses and organizations to develop financial incentives for the installation and use of renewable energy systems. Explore models for community-owned renewables. EC-5-D Partner with local organizations and businesses to support programs that provide resources and information on renewable energy technologies, installation, and financing. EC-5-E Generate renewable electricity on Town property. Consider integrating renewable technologies in all new Town buildings and significant renovations; address this early on in the planning process. Consider using power purchase agreements (PPAs) or lease agreements to make solar photovoltaic installations on Town property more economically viable. Consider installing biomass systems when replacing boilers. EC-5-F Consider the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset a portion of GHG emissions related to Town government electricity usage until Town-operated renewable systems can be installed. Encourage residents and businesses to purchase RECs. Goal EC‐6:  Reduce GHG emissions related to waste generation and purchasing.    EC-6-A Adopt a waste reduction policy for municipal operations to strengthen existing practices, and consider implementing a compost program in Town facilities.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 25 EC-6-B Partner with local organizations and businesses (e.g. Tompkins County Solid Waste and Finger Lakes ReUse) to support programs that encourage Town residents and businesses to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. EC-6-C Work in cooperation with other municipalities to eliminate duplicate recycling, reuse, and composting services. EC-6-D Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy for Town operations that calls for the procurement of products and services that have a reduced negative impact on human health and the environment as compared with their conventional counterparts, and are sourced from or provided by locally owned businesses when possible and legally permitted. Encourage local businesses to consider similar policies. See also: CS-4-A (waste management and curbside composting), CS-4-B (demolition material reuse and recycling), CS-4-C (promote recycling and solid waste center) Goal EC‐7:  Build a resilient community by preparing for and adapting to the unavoidable impacts and costs  of climate change.  EC-7-A Work with the Tompkins County Planning Department and other municipalities in the County to develop a county-wide climate change adaptation plan. Develop a climate change adaptation plan that provides specificity under the County-wide framework to prepare for the impacts and costs of climate change within the Town of Ithaca. EC-7-B Adopt new or modify existing policies so that the anticipated effects of climate change are considered when changes are made to Town infrastructure (e.g. increase the height of bridges over waterways and of pipe diameters of culverts and other stormwater conveyance systems). EC-7-C Require the planting of street shade trees in appropriate areas to counteract the urban heat island effect of parking lots and roads. See also: LU-2-C (landscaping standards), NR-2-D (tree preservation), AG-3-B (community gardens)   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 26 2.5 Agriculture  Agriculture in the Town of Ithaca is very diverse. Agricultural enterprises include dairy, vineyard and winery, direct-marketed produce (via area farmers markets, u-pick operations, and roadside stands), field crops, forest crops, landscaping and nursery stock, Christmas trees, greenhouses, horses, beef, chickens, fiber, corn- maze sound gardens, and community-supported agricultural (CSA) operations. There are newly developing farm operations, farms 20-50 years old, and several multigenerational farms. Farming in the Town is concentrated in the western part of the Town along the borders of Enfield and Ulysses, and crosses these boundaries. Portions of South Hill are also actively farmed and Cornell University uses areas of East Hill for agriculture and agricultural research. Farmland, and the farmers who work it, make a major contribution to the well-being of all Town residents. In addition to the direct contribution to the local economy through the production of local products and employment of workers, local farmers also make significant indirect contributions to the local economy through the purchase of equipment and supplies, and through the relatively low demands on costly public infrastructure. The rural character, which is enjoyed by Town residents and is essential to the local tourist industry, is provided largely by local farmers and State parks. Perhaps most importantly, farmers in the Town of Ithaca have established a tradition of stewardship of the land and its resources. Town farmers are committed to continuing farming and to keeping their land in agriculture. The Town needs to have a proactive approach to keeping agriculture viable and needs to work with farmers on issues that impede their ability to remain or become more profitable. The Town of Ithaca Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan outlines a vision for agriculture in the Town. The vision statement from the Plan is also the basis for the goals and recommendations that are found below. The Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan vision statement declares that: “The Town of Ithaca recognizes that agriculture is an integral part of the Town’s economy and environment, provides locally grown food and other agricultural products, and enhances the quality of life for Town residents. The Town proactively promotes a diversity of farm types; seeks the long-term preservation of the Town’s agricultural land resources; supports the economic viability of the farming community and the profitability of each farm; values the local public agricultural research and educational resources; and encourages the general public to understand and support local agriculture.” Farm in the West  Hill area    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 27 Goals and recommendations  The Town of Ithaca Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan contains a detailed list of recommendations under each of the goals listed below. The following recommendations were selected from that expanded list. The first five goals come directly from the overall Vision Statement for agriculture for the Town. The entire Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan is included in Appendix I. Goal AG‐1:  Ensure long‐term protection of agricultural land resources for agriculture, open space, and scenic  resources.  AG-1-A Continue implementation of the Town’s current agricultural conservation easement acquisition program (PDR) for appropriate agricultural parcels that have been targeted in the Policies and Procedures Manual for the Agricultural Land Preservation Program. AG-1-B Consider enlarging setbacks for non-farm residential dwellings in the agricultural zone to provide spatial and vegetative buffers between the houses and agricultural activities (such as crop production, animal pasturage, and hunting). AG-1-C Require vegetative buffers on non-agricultural land so that farm lands have maximum space and so that trespassing and movement of pesticides to and from farmlands is prevented and dust control is enhanced. AG-1-D Support the Town of Ithaca’s Agricultural Committee. See also: LU-1-A (infrastructure and development), LU-1-C (farmland encroachment and buffering) Goal AG‐2:  Retain and encourage a diversity of economically viable farm types.  AG-2-A Review and revise regulations pertaining to structures to accommodate farm operations (e.g., sprinkler law, use of rough-cut timber, property maintenance law). AG-2-B Encourage shared farm infrastructure development (storage and processing facilities, slaughter and processing facilities, mobile market, locations for CSA dropoff and pickup, etc.). Goal AG‐3:  Promote the availability of locally grown foods and other agricultural products for all residents,  including limited‐income families.  AG-3-A Accommodate farm stands, year-round farm markets, greenhouses, value-added product operations, home food production, u-picks, CSA, and agritourism sites. AG-3-B Require or encourage community gardens in larger new housing developments; provide community gardens, including raised beds, irrigation water, and other facilities to encourage participation of all residents, on Town lands and elsewhere. Goal AG‐4:  Encourage public understanding and involvement.  AG-4-A Continue support for agricultural and gardening programs for youth (e.g., community gardens, and 4-H Clubs).   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 28 AG-4-B Heighten public awareness through the use of the Town’s website, newsletter, and signage regarding speeding and other traffic issues affecting farmers (e.g., animal and equipment movement). AG-4-C Encourage household production of food (gardens, orchards, vines, and small food animals such as rabbits and hens). AG-4-D Notify applicants for building permits of their adjacency to or location within the Town’s agricultural zone and the County’s agricultural districts, and provide them with a copy of the right-to-farm law. Goal AG‐5:  Promote wise land use and agricultural waste management.  AG-5-A Encourage ongoing relationships between farmers and resources such as Cornell Cooperative Extension and Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District for farm management and sound farming practices. Goal AG‐6:  Protect the environment and human and animal health from the negative impacts of large  concentrated animal‐feeding operations (CAFOs).  AG-6-A Lobby State and Federal legislatures to allow towns to regulate CAFOs through local laws and ordinances.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 29 2.6 Recreation (parks and trails)  Recreational opportunities are important to the general health and welfare of the community. The Town of Ithaca park and trail system consists of a wide variety of types and sizes of facilities. These facilities include many neighborhood parks, one developed community park, four nature preserves, three multiuse trails, and several walkways. The existing Town parks provide a range of recreational facilities including play structures, ballfields, playfields, sledding hills, picnic areas, nature trails, and even a community garden in one undeveloped Town park. The multiuse trails and walkways provide off-street alternatives for joggers, bikers, and walkers, as well as commuting paths to work, school or shopping. The Ithaca area is also fortunate in having two large City parks, four State parks, Village parks, and the non-publicly owned open areas of Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust, as well as numerous other public and private recreational facilities within or near the Town of Ithaca. Both Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park are located within the Town of Ithaca. The recreational needs of the community are considered a priority. The Town has started to develop a network of parks and trails throughout the community; as the Town continues to grow, it must constantly reassess the recreational opportunities available for residents now and in the future. Goals and recommendations  The 1997 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan outlined goals and objectives regarding the development and maintenance of the Town’s recreational opportunities. Many of these goals and objectives (or recommendations) are still relevant to the Town’s future park and trails system, and have been carried over here with additions. Goal RE‐1:  Provide an integrated system of parks, recreational facilities, and open space throughout the  Town, with linkages among trails, parks, nature preserves, stream corridors, and utility rights‐of‐way.    RE-1-A Prepare and adopt an updated Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan, using the 1997 Plan as the foundation. RE-1-B Continue to locate and develop a cost-effective and interconnected network of public parks and trails to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for Town residents. Continue the Town’s support for the Black Diamond Trail, Gateway Trail, and extension of the South Hill Recreation Way. Coordinate park and trail development with the efforts of surrounding municipalities. Eastern Heights Park    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 30 RE-1-C Encourage increased public access to the recreational resources of Cayuga Lake. RE-1-D Consider future maintenance costs when planning the development of any new parks, trails, or preserves. RE-1-E Modify existing subdivision regulations to allow the required 10% reservation of park setasides to be used in a variety of ways, including preserves, natural areas, or greenways in addition to the currently allowed small pocket parks or cash contributions. Establish an option for payment in lieu of a park set- aside, where legally allowed, including a formula for determining a fair payment amount to be held in reserve for park, open space, and recreational purposes, including the acquisition of property. RE-1-F Require new parks and common open space to be amassed into meaningful, quality spaces. Require parks and common open space to be contiguous to the maximum extent practicable, and located where they are visually and functionally part of the public realm. Goal RE‐2:  Provide recreational opportunities for all Town  residents.    RE-2-A Provide recreational opportunities near residents’ homes and workplaces. RE-2-B Provide recreational activities and programs for Town residents. RE-2-C Maximize mutually beneficial intermunicipal cooperation and partnerships between the public and private sectors to deliver high-quality recreational services for Town residents. RE-2-D Aggressively pursue recreation-oriented grant opportunities. See also: LU-3-E (private neighborhood improvement initiatives), RE-1-B (provision of parks and trails)   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 31 2.7 Historical resources  The Town of Ithaca has a rich history with many cultural and historic resources that contribute to the life of the community and a sense of place. The many old stately buildings of the late 1800s and early 1900s, built in such architectural styles as Gothic Revival, Federal, Italian Renaissance and Greek Revival, are community treasures and provide visual reminders of our past. These residences, schools, and businesses were built during a period when attention to the aesthetics and architectural details strengthened the community character—a trait often missing in today’s typical subdivisions and commercial developments. Historical markers installed throughout the Town denote important landmarks, such as former Native American settlements, early farmsteads, and water-powered mills that once flourished throughout the Ithaca area. These connections to our past help us maintain our historical memory; they provide a link to our cultural heritage and a better understanding of the people and events that shaped the Town’s development. As the Town grows and changes, the tangible evidence of our history becomes more threatened. The impact of traffic, utility, and infrastructure changes such as electrical wires, road materials and road widths, incompatible architecture, fragmented land uses, and other issues need to be evaluated and addressed carefully. Protecting historic and cultural resources through proactive planning efforts will ensure that the Town maintains and enhances its unique sense of place for current and future generations. Goals and recommendations  Goal HR‐1:  Preserve, enhance, and promote the Town’s  historical resources.  HR-1-A Develop a historic preservation program using the inventory conducted by the Historic Preservation Planning Workshop at Cornell University and the recommendations outlined in their Final Report for the Intensive Level Survey (2005). HR-1-B Explore appropriate mechanisms or incentives to ensure that existing historic buildings, structures, and resources in the Town are preserved and protected. Explore grant opportunities to assist local residents in upgrading and improving historic structures that have come under disrepair. HR-1-C Consider developing and designating a local historic overlay district to protect local historic structures and sites. Town  Hall    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 32 HR-1-D Explore the benefits of participating as a Certified Local Government (CLG) under the program of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. [Note: To participate in the CLG program, the Town is required to create and adopt a historic preservation ordinance designed to protect historic structures]. HR-1-E Work with historic preservation groups, such as Historic Ithaca, to coordinate protection of historic resources. HR-1-F Ensure continued maintenance of existing Town-owned historical markers that are located throughout the town. HR-1-G Promote awareness of local history, including Native American and other early settlements and industries. See also: LU-4-I (neighborhood branding) House in Forest Home neighborhood    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 33 2.8 Transportation   The Town of Ithaca adopted its Transportation Plan in 2007 which grew out of recommendations from the 1993 Comprehensive Plan and recognition of the need for a close look at the Town’s transportation system. A number of other transportation studies have been completed since the 1993 Plan, including the Northeast Subarea Transportation Study (NEST, 1999), Forest Home Traffic Calming Plan (2007), Cornell University transportation-focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement (t-GEIS, 2008), and the Route 96 Corridor Management Study (2009). It has become clearer than ever that consideration of the interrelationships among transportation, land use, housing, and energy consumption are critical to finding the best balance of sustainable growth and development in the Town. These issues also have to be examined on a regional scale and in cooperation with other municipalities in the area. A good example is the amount of commuter traffic; approximately 14,000 in-commuters originate from outside of Tompkins County and travel through the Town and City of Ithaca on a regular basis for work. Important in these efforts is the provision of choices to residents, commuters, and visitors. Per the mission statement of the Town’s Transportation Plan, the Town is committed to fostering a transportation system that enhances the quality of life in the Town. The Town, in collaboration with other municipalities and agencies, can start developing a multimodal transportation system that reduces the dependency on single occupancy motor vehicles (SOV) through carpooling, ride sharing, and perhaps park-and-ride lots, as well as making it easier for residents to choose walking, biking, and transit for their routine transportation. Walking, biking, and transit need to be planned as complete networks so that people see them as viable transportation options for getting to routine destinations, not just as recreation. Long-term planning needs to shape development into patterns that make transporting people over large distances less necessary. Smart Growth zoning will reduce the amount of future sprawl development in our community and help organize our neighborhoods in a way that makes public transportation feasible. In addition, the Town must encourage development where it is needed, based upon proximity to employment centers, services and existing infrastructure—not just where it is inexpensive to build. Minimizing the need for automobile-based transportation is one of the most sustainable ways to solve our transportation problems. Segmentation of our community, where home, school, work, and recreation are separated, leads to increased car dependency. Low density housing is difficult to service with public transportation. Mixed use communities increase the potential for use of all alternatives to SOV trips. Changes to land use regulations and the effects of their eventual implementation can take many years. In the meantime, the Town seeks to establish and implement policies and programs that will facilitate the provision of alternatives to automobile transportation. These policies, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities in road projects, facilitating transit access, and promoting alternatives to SOV use, can be developed in the near future and implemented concurrently as part of road improvements, site development, and future planning studies. Tompkins  Consolidated Area Transit  (TCAT) bus, Tower  Road    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 34 Goals and recommendations  Goal TR‐1:  Develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that provides for the effective  movement of people and goods.  TR-1-A Develop a transportation system that serves the mobility interests of the Town’s residents and businesses, while recognizing the interests of through traffic. TR-1-B Use the Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Maps in Volume II - The Appendices of the 2007 Transportation Plan to guide the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the Town. TR-1-C Assume the costs of construction and maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities that serve a broader population beyond the adjacent neighborhoods. TR-1-D Work with other entities to improve the safety, aesthetics, and convenience of walking and bicycle connections in priority locations in the Town. TR-1-E Continue to expand and improve the multiuse trail network in the Town and work with Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), Tompkins County, and other entities to expand the County- wide trail network. TR-1-F Work with TCAT, ITCTC, and major employers, to develop a park-and-ride system. TR-1-G Consider increasing funding to TCAT to ensure adequate levels of transit service in the Town. Work with TCAT to improve transit service frequency to underserved areas of the Town and rural areas of the County. TR-1-H Continue to provide funding for Gadabout to ensure continued service for senior citizens and the disabled in the Town. TR-1-I Encourage use of carpool, vanpool, and car share from the public and private sectors. TR-1-J Devise traffic demand management strategies to reduce peak hour demand on roadway capacity. Work with employers to provide incentives to reduce peak hour single occupancy vehicle use. See also: RE-1-B (park and trail system) Goal TR‐2:  Develop and maintain a transportation system that promotes livable, healthy, and attractive  neighborhoods.  TR-2-A Control traffic speed through road design standards, traffic calming, and reduction of road widths (street diets). Incorporate low-speed designs along residential and neighborhood streets when they are reconstructed. TR-2-B Work to beautify streetscapes, restore roadways to a human scale, and improve the character and livability of the neighborhoods through which they pass when modifying and rebuilding roads in residential areas. TR-2-C Consider the effects of traffic volume on the quality of life in new and existing neighborhoods.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 35 TR-2-D Use a context sensitive approach for road planning and design. Implement design standards that consider the purpose of a road, adjacent built and natural environment, and desired character, to ensure roads are in harmony with their setting. Work with New York State and Tompkins County to apply context sensitive design solutions when designing roadways. TR-2-E Work with TCAT to minimize disruptions caused by buses in residential neighborhoods, while nevertheless providing adequate transit service to the neighborhood. TR-2-F Address truck traffic patterns that route through residential areas; to do this, work with Tompkins County, New York State, the City of Ithaca, ITCTC, Cornell, local businesses and other regional stakeholders to minimize the impacts of truck traffic on residential neighborhoods. TR-2-G Require roads in new development to follow principles of traditional neighborhood design, with a grid of streets that provides a high level of connectivity rather than looping streets, permanent cul-de-sacs, pods, and other elements that make interconnectivity difficult. Where appropriate, require alleys to provide access to garages and loading areas, and a convenient location for utilities and trash collection. TR-2-H Require mitigation plans for projects likely to generate significant truck and heavy vehicle traffic, or require offsite worker parking and equipment staging areas. Goal TR‐3:  Strive to provide a safe transportation system and to prioritize safety and security in the  implementation of every transportation‐related goal.  TR-3-A Continue to evaluate intersections with poor sight distances; make improvements as necessary. TR-3-B Regularly request crash information from the Department of Motor Vehicles to update the crash database. Identify hazardous locations and take steps to mitigate problems, including notification to the owner of the road, if not the Town. TR-3-C Continue to petition the County and State for speed limit reductions in appropriate locations. TR-3-D Adopt access management requirements to control access points to the Town's streets. Ensure access management requirements are compatible with, or where legally permitted, stricter than County and State standards. See also: TR-2-A (road design speed and traffic calming), CS-2-B (traffic enforcement) Goal TR‐4:  Effectively  maintain the transportation system.  TR-4-A Strive to ensure that sufficient capital resources are available to maintain the transportation system. TR-4-B Preserve current rights-of-way for the transportation system. Identify and pursue planned rights-of-way needed to enhance connectivity. TR-4-C Require developers and subdividers to dedicate rights-of-way and construct portions of proposed collector roads and extensions that cross or touch their property. TR-4-D Update the 2007 Transportation Plan periodically to reflect changes within the transportation system and the consequent evolution of transportation-related problems, needs, and solutions.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 36 TR-4-E Regularly update the Official Map. [Note: this map shows existing and planned roads, parks, and trails in the Town.] TR-4-F Continue to allow the Public Works Department the flexibility to set its own schedule of roadway improvements, consistent with Highway Expenditure Agreement with the Town Board, practice preventive maintenance wherever possible to save money over the long term, and operate in an environmentally sensitive manner. Goal TR‐5:  Coordinate with other local and regional organizations to promote a regionally coordinated  transportation system.  TR-5-A Continue to explore opportunities for increased intermunicipal sharing of facilities, equipment, labor, knowledge, and expertise. TR-5-B Support the establishment of community and regional pedestrian and bicycle facilities throughout the Town and County. TR-5-C Continue the Town’s strong level of participation in the ITCTC. TR-5-D Continue to support the findings of Cornell University’s t-GEIS and Transportation Impact Mitigation Strategies where appropriate. Continue to work closely with Cornell, ITCTC, TCAT, and other entities in supporting the Cornell/Community Transportation Investment Initiative Program. Goal TR‐6:  Promote future development patterns that reduce the need for and use of automobiles and  which encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.  TR-6-A Design streets in accordance with Complete Streets principles – built and maintained in a way that accommodates not only motor vehicles, but also pedestrians of all ages, bicyclists, and public transportation vehicles. TR-6-B Design neighborhoods to reduce automobile dependence and to encourage modal shifts to walking, cycling, and public transportation. TR-6-C Examine the existing sidewalk and trail system and pursue opportunities to make connections within the system. Retrofit existing streets with sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes where practical. Explore the establishment of new multi-use pathways independent of the roadway network that would allow pedestrian and bicycle mobility away from motor vehicle traffic. TR-6-D Consider transportation impacts when making land use decisions, and consider land use impacts in terms of land use patterns, densities, and designated uses when making transportation decisions. TR-6-E Evaluate parking area requirements to reduce development of excessive pavement and to encourage multiple uses of paved areas. TR-6-F Continue to work with TCAT and developers to ensure that new development in the Town is served by transit where possible; key issues are adequacy of access for buses in site plans, provision of bus stops and shelters, and route extensions or service enhancements where feasible. See also: LU-3-A (development scale). LU-4-A (pedestrian sheds)   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 37 Goal TR‐7:  Protect the environment, including the significant natural, agricultural, scenic, and historic  resources of the Town, when planning any changes to the transportation system.  TR-7-A Consider the environmental consequences of transportation decisions; minimize negative impacts on the natural environment whenever reasonable and to the greatest possible degree. TR-7-B Work to reduce the negative effects of overdependence on motor vehicles, including detriments to open space and air quality, by reducing the total number of vehicle miles driven, the number of individual trips, and the average distance and duration of trips. TR-7-C Assess the need for wildlife crossings.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 38 2.9 Municipal services and infrastructure   Municipal services and infrastructure are a vital but frequently less noticed part of the day-to-day life of the Town. Having high quality municipal services and reliable infrastructure, such as water, sewer, drainage systems, and roads, are essential to our community’s quality of life and sense of safety. Meeting expectations for existing services and infrastructure is an ongoing challenge that requires constant attention and continued coordination with local partners. Costs for improving, expanding, and maintaining these services and infrastructure, as well as the facilities used to plan and carry out these functions, are ever increasing and necessitate the implementation of strategies to help control costs. Rising energy costs alone are likely to strain limited resources and require vigilant attention to incorporating sustainable approaches in the delivery of services and operation of infrastructure and facilities. This includes concerted efforts to promote, educate, and incentivize the conservation and wise use of resources by utility and service users. The expansion of services and infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing community requires careful consideration. Expanding infrastructure to serve new areas has important fiscal implications and can have profound effects on the community character. Town land use policies can play a positive role in reducing the need to expand services and infrastructure. A policy that channels future development into areas with existing services and restricts new service to planned growth areas can avoid the ill effects of development in which demand is spread out to less dense areas, creating excessive costs that are ultimately shouldered by all service customers. The availability of reliable and high-quality services combined with rising energy and material costs are also motivating factors likely to direct and encourage development to concentrate in designated places. Meeting the expectations for municipal services requires both short- and long-term planning. Capital planning and strategic asset management approaches are effective tools to help set goals and to ensure that scarce financial resources are properly allocated, and that consideration of the community expectations for services are evaluated in the decision-making process. The Town is committed to continuing to provide high-quality and reliable services in a sustainable manner for the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of its residents, business owners, institutions, and visitors. Town  employees providing leaf collection service    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 39 Goals and recommendations  Goal MS‐1:  Provide quality and reliable infrastructure and services in a cost‐effective, sustainable,  responsible, and efficient manner – meeting current needs and anticipating needs of the future.    MS-1-A Continually update the five-year capital improvements plan (CIP) for financing the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and municipal facilities, as well as the construction of new infrastructure. [Note: The CIP is an important tool for planning, prioritizing and budgeting of capital needs for such things as buildings, utility systems, roadways, and heavy equipment.] MS-1-B Develop and adopt a long-range water and sewer master plan, consistent with the land use goals of the Comprehensive Plan, for the operation, maintenance, and extension of water distribution and wastewater collection facilities. The plan will document existing service conditions and identify short- and long-term water and wastewater servicing strategies and associated capital projects to serve the developed areas of the Town. MS-1-C Investigate additional opportunities for shared municipal services with other Tompkins County municipalities where not precluded by other existing agreements. Where desirable, consolidate municipal services and/or cooperate with other government agencies to limit the duplication of services and the costs of providing such services. MS-1-D Continue to seek and promote additional public and private funding sources for infrastructure repair/maintenance/development to offset the cost of improvements and construction. Examples might include bonding for long-term project funding needs and Federal, State, or private grant opportunities. MS-1-E Continue to work cooperatively on joint projects with the City of Ithaca and Town of Dryden concerning the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, Cayuga Heights concerning the Cayuga Heights Waste Water Treatment facility and with the four other members of the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermuncipal Water Commission on the Bolton Point Water System. See also: LU-1-A (infrastructure and development). Goal MS‐2:  Maintain, assess, and repair/replace/retrofit/rehabilitate existing  public infrastructure, facilities,  equipment, and services.  MS-2-A Monitor and evaluate the water distribution system; assess and evaluate complaints by customers and annual system maintenance measurements. MS-2-B Monitor the wastewater collection system by conducting periodic flow measurements within the sewer system to determine adequate capacities and quantities. MS-2-C Continue the Town’s proactive maintenance of Town roads, sidewalks, and trails through repair, snow removal, cleanup, and other appropriate activities, to the service levels identified by the Town Board. MS-2-D Perform annual pavement condition surveys of Town roads and determine necessary preventive and corrective maintenance measures to ensure safety and maximize pavement life. See also: TR-2-H (mitigation plans for construction-related truck/equipment traffic)   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 40 Goal MS‐3:  Based on sustainable development principals that are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan,  limit expansion of public infrastructure and services.  MS-3-A Limit extension of infrastructure into areas not designated for intensive development except when required for public health and safety. Ensure that extensions are consistent with the needs expressed in the Comprehensive Plan, sustainable development principals, and adopted Town policies or industry standards. See also: TR-6-D (transportation impacts in land use decisions) Goal MS‐4:  Ensure the capability of public and private stormwater management infrastructure and facilities  to provide reasonable protection to property and natural systems from flooding and to minimize degradation  to water quality by reducing contaminants in stormwater runoff.    MS-4-A Implement the Town’s Stormwater Management Plan in compliance with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Phase II Stormwater Regulations. Enforce, administer, and update as necessary the Town’s Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Law. MS-4-B Maintain and update a comprehensive inventory of public and private stormwater management facilities and infrastructure; create a program for routine inspections and maintenance. Develop a strategy to assess infrastructure needs, and to prioritize solutions for the repair, upgrade, and improvement of the Town’s stormwater infrastructure. MS-4-C Ensure that landowners protect and maintain privately held stormwater infrastructure and facilities to established standards. Provide education and outreach programs to inform businesses, homeowner associations, and residents about the existence, purpose, and maintenance requirements of their stormwater infrastructure and facilities and the full range of green stormwater management options available, taking into consideration site specific conditions. MS-4-D Provide appropriate staffing to enforce provisions of the Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Law to ensure compliance with Federal, State and locally adopted programs and regulations. MS-4-E Complete a Town-wide urban watershed model for use in assessing existing drainage issues and potential impacts from proposed new development on the stormwater collection and treatment system. MS-4-F Establish Town policy that prescribes when and under what circumstances the ownership for stormwater facilities and infrastructure will become the Town’s responsibility; keep in mind the practicality of long- term maintenance and operation for certain types of residential developments. MS-4-G Pursue a permanent and equitable funding mechanism for the administration of the Town’s stormwater management program. Study options such as inspection and permit fees, forming stormwater management districts, creating stormwater utilities, etc. See also: NR-6-A (low impact development)   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 41 2.10 Community services   The community facilities and services available to Town residents are important factors in maintaining and enhancing a high quality of life in the Town of Ithaca. As development occurs, the strain on existing schools, libraries, parks, emergency services, and local government functions increases; these facilities and services often need to be expanded for new residents and businesses. The Town of Ithaca requires and depends on a variety of public, volunteer, and private services for fire protection, public safety, and police services. The Town also relies on private services for its public health and educational facilities. It is important to encourage and maintain high- quality fire protection, public safety, and police services and public health facilities that provide excellent healthcare options for Town residents. Quality schools and educational institutions that provide students of all ages with the skills necessary to be successful and productive are also a critical part of a thriving community. The Town is fortunate to be home to a university, a college, and a large public school system and a variety of alternative education options and is committed to engaging students in civic life. Work study, service learning and internship opportunities are consistently offered to students with staff, board, and committee members providing training and oversight. Secondary school students have benefited from educational materials developed with the Town to augment their study of government. The Town welcomes and encourages student engagement in its operations and at public meetings The Town of Ithaca is committed to assuring that the required public safety, police, and fire services and facilities are available now and in the future to meet the needs of existing and future Town residents. The Town is also committed to supporting existing and future public health facilities, schools, and other educational institutions. Goals and recommendations  Goal CS‐1:  Maintain and strive to improve the Town  government’s ability to serve its citizens.  CS-1-A Encourage inter- and intramunicipal cooperation and communication to provide high-quality services at reasonable costs. Continue joint development of mutually beneficial services and facilities and cooperation with shared equipment with neighboring municipalities and the county. CS-1-B Ensure that Town residents are well informed in Town matters through continued distribution of the Town newsletter and regular updates on the Town website. CS-1-C Ensure that Town officials, boards, committees, and staff are well versed in the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, and support professional and educational development for all officials and staff to serve the community well. Rescue Engine 202, Village of Cayuga Heights  (Village FD web site)    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 42 CS-1-D Continue to support public libraries. Explore opportunities for local residents to use libraries at local educational institutions. Goal CS‐2:  Ensure that fire protection, public safety, and police services in the Town  of Ithaca are adequate.    CS-2-A Explore options for an increased presence of public safety officials in the Town. CS-2-B Partner with existing public safety officials to ensure enforcement of vehicle safety and traffic laws in the Town. CS-2-C Explore ways to reduce fire protection costs to residents, such as continuing negotiations for current fire contracts, establishing a Town-sponsored fire department, and investigating shared services with other non-partnered municipalities. CS-2-D Update the Town’s Zoning Code to reflect the most recent fire code regulation changes. Goal CS‐3:  Integrate public school facilities planning with Town  land use planning.  CS-3-A Work with the Ithaca City School District so that land can be reserved for schools when planning future development and so that school facilities will be in harmony with the Town’s vision of future land use. Goal CS‐4:  Minimize the impact of solid waste on Ithaca’s residents, businesses, and the natural  environment.  CS-4-A Continue coordination with the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division for the removal and management of the Town’s solid waste. Implement a townwide program to test residential curbside composting in partnership with the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division. CS-4-B Explore the option of a construction and demolition ordinance that requires the diversion from landfills of a proportion of all waste associated with construction, demolition, and renovation projects (e.g., shingles, ceramic tiles, sheetrock, toilets/bathtubs/sinks, treated wood, wallboard) either through recycling or reuse. CS-4-C Promote use of the newly renovated Recycling and Solid Waste Center to help Tompkins County reach its goal of diverting 75% of waste from landfills by 2016 and 80% by 2030.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 43 2.11 Economic development  Economic development is a means of enhancing the well-being of the community as a whole. It includes the creation and retention of jobs and support for workplace practices that promote broad-based economic prosperity with a focus on alleviating local poverty. Local tax policy has minimal effect on the decision by corporations to locate or remain in a community. The quality of life, cultural and recreational opportunities, educated population, and natural attractiveness of the Ithaca area have consistently been cited as inducements to live here. The Town welcomes the creation and growth of sustainable, locally focused businesses—ones that use local resources, employ local people, and create products and services to benefit the local market and beyond. The Town welcomes businesses that complement our community character, including those that take advantage of our farms to create value- added food products, our natural areas and parks to bolster tourism, and the high level of education in our local population to enhance technology and the green economy. The Town values its entire labor force and the employers who respect the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively. The Town recognizes the important contributions of our institutional and educational service employers, including research spinoff companies. The Town acknowledges that our local economic future will be even stronger if it is supported by a solid base of smaller companies and businesses that are locally owned and operated and which employ local construction workers and employees. Local businesses create a multiplier effect, in that the profits derived and the wages earned are likely to be invested locally. And businesses that are committed to the local economy have a greater stake and interest in the long-term viability of our community. The Town wants to focus on sustainable businesses that are committed to being part of the community over the long term and not short-term or extractive industries that create infrastructure demand and lingering costs to the community far beyond the life of the business. Maintaining and encouraging job growth is also important to the Town. Our community is fortunate to have a relatively stable employment base with many well-paying jobs. Yet, we still have many who are underemployed or who must work more than one job. By continuing to support the creation of quality and diverse job opportunities— ones that that provide benefits, prospects for advancement, and wages at or above a living wage—the Town can help to provide employment opportunities for residents across all skill levels and socioeconomic groups. South Hill Business Campus    Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 44  Goals and recommendations  Goal ED‐1:  Promote a stable, sustainable, and diverse local economy.  ED-1-A Encourage the continued vitality of existing employers, full employment, wage levels that keep families out of poverty, and the incorporation of marginalized citizens into the economy. ED-1-B Foster a positive entrepreneurial environment for business start-up and expansion. ED-1-C Consider ways to streamline development review, permit processing, and code enforcement within shorter timeframes; clarify and simplify regulations; eliminate redundant layers of control; and ensure predictability (also discussed in the Land Use Section, Goal 6). ED-1-D Support workers in attaining fair labor practices. ED-1-E Support the mission of the Town’s major public and non-profit institutions which: contribute to a diversified economy; bring living wage jobs, new activity and capital into the economy; develop and promote advanced technology; and provide substantial public benefits and needed services to area residents. ED-1-F Support artists, arts organizations, and institutions because of: their potential contributions to a healthy business climate; their role in creating a cultural environment that attracts other living wage employers, as well as tourists, to the region; and the substantial benefits they provide to the region’s quality of life. ED-1-G The Town should lead by example by considering the local economic impact of layoffs, attrition, wage levels, and level of benefits and by giving priority in purchasing and contracting when legal and practicable to locally based business with positive employment practices. ED-1-H Work to increase communication among government agencies, businesses, organized labor, institutions, and other entities that might provide economic opportunities. The aim is to enhance the common understanding of issues related to employment growth, business competitiveness, public policy goals and program implementation. Promote partnerships between government and business. ED-1-I Support agricultural economic development, including a strong agritourism industry, based on the findings of the Town’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. ED-1-J Support sustainable businesses rather than short-term, high-impact extractive industries. Goal ED‐2:  Establish a cohesive and sustainable economic development policy for the Town  of Ithaca.  ED-2-A Articulate a socially equitable long-term economic development strategy that builds on local competitive advantages and promotes environmental stewardship and economic justice. ED-2-B Participate in a larger, regionally coordinated economic development planning strategy, which includes businesses, organized labor, institutions, Town officials, officials from neighboring communities, and area residents.   Town  of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 45 ED-2-C Engage Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) in cooperative efforts to develop viable economic incentives and initiatives tailored to the Town’s unique conditions; adapt TCAD’s major economic goals to fit the Town’s needs. ED-2-D Work to reduce poverty by supporting economic development efforts that provide worker training and recruitment of businesses that offer employees the opportunity to be elevated. ED-2-E Promote regional industry clusters that will draw on local advantages to access local and wider markets. ED-2-F Evaluate publicly supported economic development programs and incentives on their long-term benefits and impacts, including long-term employment at living wages. Give weight towards projects that practice outstanding site and architectural design, promote redevelopment of brownfields and greyfields, and do not exacerbate urban sprawl. ED-2-G Ensure equitable public economic development investments, which prioritize infrastructure and supportive services that promote the vitality of all local businesses or an industry sector, rather than individual businesses. ED-2-H Support tax policies that encourage business development and growth based on the area’s workforce, economic vitality, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and generally high quality of life, rather than tax breaks that shift funds from the general public to specific profit-making entities. ED-2-I Provide funding to nonprofit agencies contracting with the Town that encourages those agencies to employ staff at or above the living wage. ED-2-J Actively pursue increased financial support from prominent local tax-exempt institutions to substantially offset existing and future costs of infrastructure and beneficial services.