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HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan Chapter 4 ImplementationCHAPTER 4 IMPLEMENTATION Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 73 74 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan IMPLEMENTATION For this comprehensive plan to be realized, the goals and recommendations included in Section 3 must be implemented. Some actions must be implemented immediately, while others can be accomplished over the next ten years. The implementation strategy provides a framework for completing each action. The following action plan tables categorize each of the policy areas, goals and recommendations according to the type of action that each will take to implement, and list the relative priority and timing of actions. It provides guidance for allocating necessary resources, and assists in tracking progress. Policy areas The action plan tables are organized by the following policy areas, each including all the goals and recommendations from Chapter 2. • 4.1 Land use and development (LU) • 4.2 Housing and neighborhoods (HN) • 4.3 Natural resources and environment (NR) • 4.4 Energy and climate protection (EC) • 4.5 Agriculture (AG) • 4.6 Recreation (RE) • 4.7 Historical resources (HR) • 4.8 Transportation (TR) • 4.9 Municipal services and infrastructure (MS) • 4.10 Community services (CS) • 4.11 Economic development (ED) Action Types of actions are: • Decision: recommendations and policy decisions made by Planning staff, other Town employees, volunteers, appointed officials, and elected officials serving on boards and committees dealing with issues addressed in this plan. • Regulation: writing and adopting new laws, or modifying or reforming existing laws. (DC): Creation/adoption of a new unified development code and zoning map to replace the existing zoning code, subdivision code, sign code, and other land use regulations found throughout the municipal code. • Plan: initiating, adopting and implementing neighborhood, corridor or subject -specific plans. Descriptions of specific planning actions follow. • Project: achieved by one or more temporary endeavors. A project may be a physical (e.g. new infrastructure) or analytical (e.g. a report or inventory) concern. • Program: establishing formal long-term programs that carry out one or more goals and recommendations of the plan. A program may be the foundation for carrying out multiple projects. • Cooperation: forming partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and other joint efforts with neighboring communities, public agencies, Tompkins County, New York State, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and other organizations. Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 75 A single action—regulation, plan, project, program or cooperative effort—may address many of this plan's goals and recommendations. Action types may reference specific recommended action items, which should be implemented as soon as possible to ensure land use actions and decisions are aligned with this plan's policies. These include the following: Priority Priorities are time frames for implementing actions. • Immediate: initiated before or immediately following the adoption of this plan. • High: initiated and realized shortly after plan adoption, through 2014-2016. • Medium: initiated and realized between 2016 and 2019, or after high-priority items are completed. • Open: initiated and realized any time, but action to be taken by 2019-2024 if not before. • Continuous: ongoing actions with no set initiation or completion date, generally decisions and long-term projects and programs. • Completed: actions that have been completed. 76 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 4.1 Land use (LU) LU -1: Shape/improve the built environment by focusing growth, balancing agricultural, open space and recreational, commercial, institutional and office/industrial uses. Goal/recommendation Action Priority LU -1-A: Concentrate development in areas with adequate Regulation (DC) Regulation: High infrastructure and services. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -1-13: Preserve/protect environmentally important and scenic Regulation (DC) Regulation: High lands. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -1-C: Limit intrusion of non-agricultural uses into Regulation (DC) Regulation: High agricultural/conservation areas. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -1-D: Limit low density residential to areas with limited/no value Regulation (DC) Regulation: High as agricultural/ conservation areas, unlikely sewer/water. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -1-E: Require development to take a cluster/conservation form in Regulation (DC) Regulation: High environmentally, agriculturally and visually sensitive areas. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -1-F: Establish more intensively developed mixed use Regulation (DC) Regulation: High neighborhoods near employment centers. (South Hill, East Hill) Decision Decision: Continuous Plan Plan: Open LU -1-G: New mixed use neighborhoods where they can be Regulation (DC) Regulation: High supported due to proximity to utilities and adequate transportation Decision Decision: Continuous networks. Plan Plan: Immediate LU -1-H: Limit commercial/industrial zoned land to what is needed, Regulation (DC) Regulation: High discourage strip commercial and speculative rezoning. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -1-I: Restrict frontage residential development. Regulation (DC) Regulation: High Decision Decision: Continuous LU -14 Redevelop/retrofit aging/abandoned industrial/commercial Regulation (DC) Regulation: High sites as mixed use, pedestrian -oriented development. Cooperation Cooperation: Continuous LU -1-K: Ensure development is sensitive of scenic resources. Regulation (DC) Regulation: High Decision Decision: Continuous LU -2: Create, reinforce and respect a unique sense of place. Goal/recommendation Action Goal/recommendation Action Priority LU -2-A: Adopt architectural design requirements. Regulation (DC) High LU -2-13: Implement site planning requirements. Regulation (DC) High LU -2-C: Establish landscaping and screening standards. Regulation (DC) High LU -2-D: Enhanced sign requirements. Regulation Immediate LU -3: Maintain and enhance established character and sense of community of existing neighborhoods. Goal/recommendation Action Priority LU -3-A: New development compatible with existing development. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous LU -3-13: Infill development takes advantage of existing infrastructure. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous LU -3-C: Establish new and additional communication systems between Town and neighborhoods regarding development. Program Medium LU -3-D: Work with neighborhood groups to determine, preserve important neighborhood characteristics. Program Open LU -3-E: Private initiatives to maintain and improve neighborhoods. Program Open LU -3-F: Work with adjacent communities to connect neighborhoods sitting on municipal boundaries. Cooperation Continuous Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 77 LU -4: Require new neighborhoods to take the form of traditional neighborhood development (TND). Goal/recommendation Action Priority LU -4-A: Scale new neighborhoods around pedestrian sheds. Define neighborhood edges. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-13: Variety of uses, densities and building types; more intensive in neighborhood center. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-C: Mix of uses and recreation spaces to meet daily needs of residents. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-D: Variety of housing types and price ranges for various household types. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-E: Civic uses in prominent locations. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-F: Scale blocks for variety of building types, pedestrian traffic. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-G: Site similar buildings across from each other. Face entrances towards public spaces. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-H: Sustainable practices such as light imprint development, low impact development, alternative energy production in neighborhood design. Regulation (DC) High LU -4-I: Neighborhood identification and branding programs. Program Medium LU -5: Recognize the presence and character of the Town's large institutions in the planning process. Goal/recommendation Action Priority LU -5-A: Implement institutional zoning. Regulation (DC) High LU -5-13: Ensure campus/institutional development plans conform to Cooperation Continuous Town plan. LU -6: Use contemporary tools that reflect best planning practice. Goal/recommendation Action Priority LU -6-A: Adopt new zoning code, consider unified development Regulation (DC) High code. LU -6-13: Require form/transect-based zoning where appropriate. Regulation (DC) High LU -6-C: Adopt new subdivision regulations, consider unified Regulation (DC) High development code. LU -6-1): Revise/amend development standards to reflect best Regulation (DC) High planning practice. LU -6-E: Simplified/more logical categorization of zoning districts, Regulation (DC) High uses, siting standards. LU -6-F: Plain English regulations, using tables, charts, and Regulation (DC) Regulation: High illustrations where possible. Decision Decision: Continuous LU -6-G: Review comprehensive plan regularly to ensure conformity Program Continuous with best practice. LU -6-H: Work with adjacent municipalities, other agencies regarding Cooperation Continuous planning and development decisions. 78 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 4.2 Housing and neighborhoods (HN) HN -1: Promote diverse, high quality, affordable and attractive neighborhoods. Goal/recommendation Action Priority HN -1-A: Suitable land in appropriate locations to meet housing needs. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous HN -1-B: Concentrate new housing development closer to city and where public transit is available. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous HN -1-C: Locate senior housing close to services and transit. Encourage housing that accommodate aging in place principles. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous HN-2: Encourage a balance of quality housing opportunities, including workforce housing. Goal/recommendation Action Priority HN -2-A: Require percentage of, offer incentives for affordable housing in new developments. Affordable housing should be indistinguishable from market rate. Regulation (DC) Program Regulation: High Program: Medium HN -2-B: Allow smaller lot sizes in zoning regulations. Regulation (DC) High HN -2-C: Pursue mechanisms that would ensure long term supply of affordable housing. Regulation (DC) Program Regulation: High Program: Medium HN -2-D: Work with major employers for provision of workforce housing near places of employment. Cooperation Program Cooperation: Continuous Program: Open HN -2-E: Seek grants to fund affordable housing. Program Continuous HN -2-F: Establish a housing trust fund to support affordable housing projects to families at or below median income. Program Open Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 79 4.3 Natural resources (NR) NR -1: Identify and target natural and environmental resources for preservation and protection. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -1-A: Inventory open/natural areas. Expand knowledge of resources beyond land use and unique natural areas. Project Medium NR -1-13: Establish criteria for classifying natural areas and habitat. Project Medium NR -1-C: Update 1997 Park Plan to reflect new inventory of open/natural areas. Plan Medium NR -1-D: Identify/designate natural/scenic resources that warrant Critical Environmental Area designation. Project High NR -2: Protect open space with appropriate land use regulations and development strategies. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -2-A: Establish buffers between development activities and large contiguous sensitive/protected areas. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous NR -2-13: Focus development in urbanizing areas to protect against habitat fragmentation. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous NR -2-C: Timber harvesting regulations. Regulation Immediate NR -2-D: Tree preservation regulations Regulation (DC) Regulation: High NR -2-E: Protect Unique Natural Areas through development review process, other mechanisms. Decision Continuous NR -3: Acquire or assist in acquisition of open space in the Town. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -3-A: Partner with nature conservation groups. Cooperation Continuous NR -3-13: Use funding mechanisms to acquire or preserve important natural/open space. Program Medium NR -3-C: Encourage conservation easements and donations. Program Medium NR -4: Support private and intermunicipal efforts to protect wildlife and open space. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -4-A: Promote incentives like the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Program Medium NR -4-13: Collaborate on intermunicipal /regional efforts to develop protection plans for expansive natural resource areas. Cooperation Continuous NR -5: Support and engage in efforts to control invasive species. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -5-A: Remove invasive species following IPM. Develop management plans. Plan for consequences of Ash Borer, other insects. Program High NR -5-13: Encourage use of native species in landscaping. Regulation (DC) High NR -5-C: Educate residents about invasive species. Program High 80 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan NR -6: Protect water resources and seek to improve water quality. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -6-A: Low impact development and green infrastructure Regulation (DC) High standards. Program Medium NR -6-B: Support water -quality testing of major streams, Cayuga Decision Continuous La ke. Program Medium NR -6-C: Monitor regulations, policies, practices to ensure health of Decision Continuous Cayuga Lake. NR -6-D: Maintain ability to support a diverse ecosystem in Cayuga Decision Continuous La ke. NR -6-E: Acknowledge impaired water quality designation, improve Decision Continuous water quality through policy making. NR -6-F: Oppose treatment of industrial waste using waste water Decision Continuous treatment plants. NR -6-G: Support/participate in organizations protecting water Cooperation Continuous quality. NR -6-H: Wetland protection regulations, emphasis on areas not Regulation Medium addressed by state or federal laws. NR -6-I: Reevaluate policies/methods related to ditch Decision Continuous maintenance/closing. NR -7: Preserve scenic resources that contribute to the Town's unique character. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -7-A: Complete Scenic Resource Inventory and Analysis Report. Plan Immediate NR -7-B: Purchase land, conservation easements to preserve critical scenic resources. Program Medium NR -7-C: Adopt development standards to protect scenic resources. Regulation (DC) High NR -7-D: Promote scenic resources through signage, educational programs. Program Medium NR -8: Protect air resources and maintain air quality. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NIR -8-A: Regulate outdoor wood burning. Regulation (DC) High NIR -8-B: Regulate air quality impacts from industrial operations. Regulation (DC) High NIR -8-C: Vehicle idling law. Regulation High NR -9: Protect neighborhoods from noise pollution. Goal/recommendation Action Priority NR -9-A: Enforce noise regulations. Decision Continuous NR -9-B: Performance/design standards to address noise pollution. Regulation (DC) High Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 81 4.4 Energy and climate protection (EQ EC -1: Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into long-term planning. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -1-A: Institutionalize sustainability in Town operations. Program Open EC -1-B: Conduct GHG inventories regularly. Program Continuous EC -1-C: Implement Government Energy Action Plan (EAP). Update on regular basis. Plan Continuous EC -1-D: Develop and implement Community EAP. Establish sustainability committee. Plan Continuous EC -1-E: Maintain ICLEI membership. Decision Continuous EC -2: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and infrastructure. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -2-A: Policy, regulations for energy use reduction in existing Regulation High buildings. Program Open EC -2-B: Require green building techniques and energy efficiency Regulation Medium standards in new commercial buildings. EC -2-C: Partner with organizations/businesses to support incentives Cooperation Continuous and options for energy efficiency. . EC -2-D: (Various municipal building/facility recommendations.) Program Program: open Decision Decision: continuous EC -2-E: (Various streetlight recommendations.) Program Program: open Decision Decision: continuous EC -3: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions related to treatment and distribution of water and wastewater. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -3-A: (Various water/wastewater system recommendations.) Program Decision Program: open Decision: continuous EC -3-B: Water pricing based on use. Program Open EC -3-C: Water conservation education/outreach program, regulations. Program Regulation Medium EC -4: Reduce energy consumption and GHG emission in transportation. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -3-A: Support programs to educate residents on efficient/clean vehicles. Cooperative Continuous EC -4-B: Municipal green fleet policy. Program Decision Program: high Decision: continuous 82 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan EC -5: Encourage and facilitate production and use of renewable energy. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -S-A: Adopt renewable energy goals. Plan High EC -5-13: Revise regulations to facilitate renewable energy production. Regulation Program Regulation: high Program: open EC -5-C: Work in partnership to provide incentives for renewable energy systems. Cooperation Continuous EC -5-D: Partner with organizations/businesses to support programs providing resources, information on renewable energy. Cooperation Continuous EC -5-E: (Various recommendations regarding renewable energy generation at Town facilities) Program Decision Program: medium Decision: continuous EC -5-F: Consider REC purchase to offset GHGs related to Town government operations. Encourage RECs for others. Decision Program Decision: High Program: open EC -6: Reduce GHG emissions related to waste generation and purchasing. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -6-A: Waste reduction policy, compost program for municipal Project Project: open operations. Program Program: open EC -6-13: Partner with local organizations/businesses to support Cooperation Continuous recycling/compost programs. EC -6-C: Work with other municipalities to eliminate redundant Cooperation Continuous recycling/composting programs. EC -6-D: Sustainable purchasing policy for Town operations. Project Project: high Encourage businesses to consider similar policies. Program Program: open EC -7: Build a resilient community by preparing for and adapting to impacts of climate change. Goal/recommendation Action Priority EC -7-A: County -wide climate adaptation plan in cooperation with other municipalities and agencies. Cooperation Open EC -7-13: Update policies to consider impacts of climate change on infrastructure. Decision Open EC -7-C: Plant shade trees. Regulation (DC) High Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 83 4.5 Agriculture (AG) AG -1: Ensure long-term protection of agricultural land resources for agriculture, open space, and scenic resources. Goal/recommendation Action Priority AG -1-A: Continue agricultural conservation easement program. Program Continuous AG -1-13: Spatial and vegetative buffers between non-farm dwellings in ag zone and agricultural activities. Regulation (DC) High AG -1-C: Vegetative buffers on non-agricultural land to shield from farming (dust, pesticides) . Regulation (DC) High AG -1-1): Support Town Agricultural Committee. Program Continuous AG -2: Retain and encourage a diversity of economically viable farm types. Goal/recommendation Action Priority AG -2-A: Review/revise regulations regarding agricultural structures. Regulation (DC) High AG -2-13: Encourage shared farm infrastructure. Program Medium AG -3: Promote availability of locally grown foods and other agricultural products for all residents including limited income families. Goal/recommendation Action Priority AG -3-A: Better accommodate farm stands, year-round farm markets, greenhouses and value-added product operations. Regulation (DC) High AG -3-13: Require community gardens in new development. Regulation (DC) High AG -4: Encourage public understanding and involvement. Goal/recommendation Action Priority AG -4-A: Support agricultural and gardening programs for youth. Cooperation Open AG -4-13: Public awareness of vehicle traffic issues affecting farmers. Program Open AG -4-C: Encourage household food production. Regulation (DC) Program Regulation: High Program: Open AG -4-1): Awareness of right -to -farm law when building near/in ag zones. Program High AG -5: Promote wise land use and agricultural waste management. Goal/recommendation Action Priority AG -S-A: Encourage relationships between farmers and resources Cooperation Open such as Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District. AG -6: Protect the environment and human and animal health from large concentrated animal feeding operations. Goal/recommendation Action Priority AG -6-A: Lobby state/federal legislatures to allow towns to regulate CAFOs through local ordinances. Cooperation Open 84 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 4.6 Recreation (RE) RE -1: Provide an integrated, interconnected system of parks, recreational facilities, and open space throughout the Town. Goal/recommendation Action Priority RE -1-A: Update 1997 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Plan Medium RE -1-13: Develop network of parks to serve current and future needs of Town residents. Program Continuous RE -1-C: Encourage public access to Cayuga Lake. Decision Continuous RE -1-D: Consider maintenance costs when planning new parks, trails or preserves. Decision Continuous RE -1-E: Allow required park setasides to be met in a variety of ways. Regulation (DC) High RE -1-F: Require new parks to be amassed into meaningful spaces, functionally part of the public realm. Regulation (DC) High RE -2: Provide recreational opportunities for all Town residents. Goal/recommendation Action Priority RE -2-A: Recreational opportunities near residences and workplaces. Regulation (DC) High RE -2-13: Recreational programs to residents. Project Open RE -2-C: Intermunicipal cooperation and public-private partnerships in providing recreational services. Cooperation Continuous RE -2-D: Pursue grant opportunities. Decision Continuous Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 85 4.7 Historical resources (HR) HR -1: Preserve, enhance and promote the Town's historical resources. Goal/recommendation Action Priority HR -1-A: Develop a historic preservation program using the Plan Medium inventory conducted by Historic Preservation Planning Workshop at Cornell University and recommendations of the final report (2005). HR -1-B: Ensure preservation of existing historical buildings and Decision Continuous resources. Pursue grant opportunities. HR -1-C: Local historic overlay district and ordinance. Regulation Medium HR -1-D: Participate as a Certified Local Government under the Cooperation Medium program of the NYS Office of Park, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Requires preservation ordinance. HR -1-E: Coordinate protection of historic resources with Cooperation Continuous preservation groups. HR -1-F: Maintain historic markers. Decision Continuous HR -1-G: Promote awareness of local history, including pre -European Program Open period. 86 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 4.8 Transportation (TR) TR -1: Develop and maintain a multimodal transportation system that provides effective movement of people and goods. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -1-A: Develop transportation system that serves mobility Decision Continuous interests of residents and businesses, considers through traffic. Regulation (DC) Regulation: high TR -1-13: Base pedestrian/bike facilities on Bicycle and Pedestrian Decision Continuous Corridor Maps of 2007. Decision Continuous TR -1-C: Assume costs of construction/maintenance of bicycle and Decision Continuous pedestrian facilities serving a population beyond adjacent Decision Continuous neighborhoods. TR -1-D: Work with other entities to improve ped/bike connections Cooperation Medium in priority locations. Regulation (DC) Regulation: high TR -1-E: Expand multiuse trails, work with ITCTC/county/others to Cooperation Open expand countywide trail system. Project TR -1-F: Work with TCAT/major employers to develop a park -and- Cooperation Open ride system. Program High TR -1-G: Consider increasing funding to TCAT for adequate transit Decision Continuous service levels. Regulation High TR -1-H: Continue funding Gadabout. Decision Continuous TR -1-I: Encourage carpooling/vanpooling/car sharing. Program Open TR -1-J: Traffic demand strategies to reduce peak hour demand on Program Medium roadway capacity. TR -2: Develop and maintain transportation system that promotes livable, healthy and attractive neighborhoods. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -2-A: Control traffic speed through road design standards, traffic Program Program: open calming, and street diets. Incorporate low -speed designs when Regulation (DC) Regulation: high reconstructing roads. TR -2-13: Streetscape beautification, human scale roadways, improve Decision Continuous character of roads when rebuilding. TR -2-C: Consider effects of traffic volume in new/existing Decision Continuous neighborhoods. TR -2-D: Context sensitive approach for road planning and design. Decision Decision: continuous Regulation (DC) Regulation: high TR -2-E: Work with TCAT to minimize bus disruption in residential Cooperation Continuous neighborhoods while maintaining adequate service. TR -2-F: Minimize through truck traffic in residential neighborhoods. Cooperation Continuous TR -2-G: Road networks in new developments to follow TND Regulation (DC) High principles. TR -2-H: Require traffic mitigation plans for large projects. Regulation High Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 87 TR -3: Provide a safe transportation system, and prioritize safety and security for all modes. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -3-A: Evaluate and improve intersections with poor sight distance. Program Continuous TR -3-B: Maintain vehicle crash database. Program Continuous TR -3-C: Petition State/County for speed limit reductions in certain areas. Cooperation Continuous TR -3-D: Access management requirements that are compatible with County and State standards. Regulation (DC) High TR -4: Effectively maintain the transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -4-A: Sufficient funding to maintain transportation system. Decision Continuous TR -4-B: Preserve/reserve current and future rights-of-way. Decision Continuous TR -4-C: Require developers to dedicate ROW, construct portions of proposed collector roads. Regulation (DC) Decision Regulation: High Decision: Continuous TR -4-D: Update 2007 Transportation Plan. Plan Medium TR -4-E: Update Official Highway map. Project Continuous TR -4-F: Public Works flexibility to schedule road improvements/ maintenance. Decision Continuous TR -5: Coordinate with other local and regional organizations to ensure a regionally coordinated transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -S-A: Explore intermunicipal sharing of facilities, labor, Cooperation Continuous knowledge, expertise. Regulation (DC) High TR -S -B: Support establishment of community/regional Regulation (DC) Regulation: High pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Program Program: Medium TR -6-E: Evaluate parking requirements to reduce excessive pavement, other uses of paved areas. Cooperation Cooperation: Continuous TR -S -C: Participate in ITCTC. Cooperation Continuous TR -S -D: Support findings of t -GEIS, TIMS where appropriate. Decision Continuous Cornell/Community Transportation Investment Initiative Program. TR -6: Promote future development patterns that reduce vehicle dependency and encourage alternate modes of transportation. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -6-A: Design streets using Complete Streets principles. Regulation (DC) High TR -6-B: Neighborhood design that reduces automobile dependence. Regulation (DC) High TR -6-C: Interconnected sidewalk and trail system. Retrofit existing streets with sidewalks, bicycle lanes. Decision Continuous TR -6-D: Consider transportation impacts in land use decisions, vice versa. Decision Continuous TR -6-E: Evaluate parking requirements to reduce excessive pavement, other uses of paved areas. Regulation (DC) High TR -6-F: Ensure transit service for new development. Cooperation Continuous 88 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan TR -7: Protect the environment when planning any changes to the transportation system. Goal/recommendation Action Priority TR -7-A: Consider environmental consequences of transportation decisions. Decision Continuous TR -7-13: Reduce vehicle dependence, trip distance/duration/number. Decision Continuous TR -7-C: Assess need for wildlife crossings. Regulation Decision Regulation: open Decision: continuous Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 89 4.9 Municipal services and infrastructure (MS) MS -1: Provide quality infrastructure and services in a cost-effective and sustainable manner, meeting current and anticipated needs. Goal/recommendation Action Priority MS -1-A: Update Capital Improvement Plan. Plan Continuous MS -1-B: Draft/adopt water and sewer master plan. Plan Medium MS -1-C: Investigate shared municipal services with other communities. Cooperation Continuous MS -1-1): Seek/promote funding sources for infrastructure to offset improvement and construction costs. Decision Continuous MS -1-E: Joint projects with City, other communities concerning water and wastewater treatment systems. Cooperation Continuous MS -2: Maintain, assess, and repair/replace/retrofit/rehabilitate existing public infrastructure, facilities, equipment and services. Goal/recommendation Action Priority MS -2-A: Monitor/evaluate water distribution system. Decision Program Decision: Continuous Program: Medium MS -2-B: Monitor wastewater collection system. Decision Continuous MS -2-C: Preventative maintenance of Town infrastructure. Decision Continuous MS -2-1): Annual pavement condition surveys of Town roads. Program Continuous MS -3: Based on sustainable development principals that are consistent with the Plan, limit expansion of public infrastructure and services. Goal/recommendation Action Priority MS -3-A: Limit development of infrastructure to areas not Decision Continuous designated for intensive development. Medium MS -4-C: Ensure maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure. Public education about stormwater infrastructure. MS -4: Ensure the capability of stormwater management facilities to provide reasonable protection to property and the natural environment. Goal/recommendation Action Priority MS -4-A: Implement the Town's Stormwater Management Plan. Decision Continuous MS -4-B: Inventory of stormwater management facilities. Program Medium MS -4-C: Ensure maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure. Public education about stormwater infrastructure. Program Continuous MS -4-1): Appropriate staffing to enforce stormwater management laws. Decision Continuous MS -4-E: Complete a townwide urban watershed model. Project Medium MS -4-F: Policy for ownership of stormwater facilities. Project High MS -4-G: Funding mechanism for stormwater management program. Project Medium 90 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 4.10 Community services (CS) CS -1: Maintain and improve Town government's ability to serve its citizens. Goal/recommendation Action Priority CS -1-A: Encourage inter -jurisdictional cooperation and communication for providing services and continue mutually beneficial shared services. Cooperation Continuous CS -1-B: Keep residents informed on Town matters. Program Continuous CS -1-C: Ensure officials are versed in the Comprehensive Plan. Program Continuous CS -1-D: Support public libraries. I Decision I Continuous CS -2: Ensure adequate fire protection, public safety and police services. Goal/recommendation Action Priority CS -2-A: Explore options for increased police presence. Project Open CS -2-B: Partner with law enforcement to enforce vehicle safety and traffic laws. Cooperation Continuous CS -2-C: Explore ways to reduce fire protection costs. Project High CS -2-D: Update Town's Zoning Code to reflect fire code changes. Regulation (DC) High CS -3: Integrate public school facilities planning with Town land use planning. Goal/recommendation Action Priority CS -3-A: Work with Ithaca City school district to reserve land for schools, site schools in conformance with this plan. Cooperation Continuous CS -4: Minimize impact of solid waste on Town residents, businesses and the natural environment. Goal/recommendation Action Priority CS -4-A: Coordinate with TCSWD for removal and management of solid waste. Cooperation Continuous CS -4-B: Explore option of a construction and demolition recycling/reuse ordinance. Regulation Medium CS -4-C: Promote use of the newly renovated Recycling and Solid Waste Center; goals of diverting waste from landfills. Program High Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan 91 4.11 Economic development (ED) ED -1: Promote a stable and diverse local economy. Goal/recommendation Action Priority ED -1-A: Support continued vitality of existing employers. Cooperation Continuous ED -1-13: Positive entrepreneurial environment for new and expanding businesses. Decision Continuous ED -1-C: Streamline development review, land use regulations. Regulation (DC) High ED -1-1): Support workers in attaining fair labor practices. Decision Continuous ED -1-E: Support major public and non-profit institutions. Cooperation Continuous ED -1-F: Support artists, arts organizations. Decision Continuous ED -1-G: Preference to local businesses for purchasing, contracting. Decision Continuous ED -1-H: Improve communication among government agencies, businesses, institutions. Program Open ED -1-I: Support agriculture economic development, including a strong agritourism industry. Program Open ED -1-J: Support sustainable businesses rather than short-term extractive industries. Decision Continuous ED -2: Establish a cohesive and sustainable economic development policy for the Town of Ithaca. Goal/recommendation Action Priority ED -2-A: Long term investment strategy based on local competitive Program Medium advantages, social equity, environment. ED -2-13: Regional economic development strategy. Cooperation Continuous ED -2-C: Engage with TCAD in cooperative efforts to develop Cooperation Continuous incentives tailored to the Town's unique conditions. ED -2-D: Work to reduce poverty by supporting efforts that provide Decision Continuous worker training and business recruitment. ED -2-E: Industry clusters drawing on local advantages. Program Open ED -2-F: Evaluate ED programs based on long-term benefits, not Decision Continuous short-term job or revenue gains. ED -2-G: ED efforts equitable, promote vitality of industry sector, not Decision Continuous focused on individual businesses. ED -2-H: Support tax policies that encourage business development Decision Continuous based on local assets, rather than shift funds from public to profit- making entities. ED -2-I: Provide funding to nonprofits contracting with the Town that Decision Continuous encourages agencies to pay their staff a living wage. ED -2-J: Pursue financial support from local tax-exempt institutions. Cooperation Continuous 92 Town of Ithaca 2014 Comprehensive Plan