HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2022-03-01 TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca,New York 14850
Tuesday,March 1, 2022
Due to COVID-19 and the NYS Legislation allowing virtual meetings (amendments to Chapter 417 of the Laws of
2021 signed by Governor Hochul on 1/14/22),the meeting will be held via the Zoom audio/visual application with no
in-person attendance permitted. Members of the public may listen to (call in on cell or landline: (929)436-2866 and
enter the Meeting ID: 836 4376 4382) or view (by computer go to https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382)the Board
meeting through Zoom.
AGENDA
7:00 P.M. SEQR Determination: Reaffirmation of the October 19, 2021, SEQR determination, Resolution No. 2021-
031 (negative determination of environmental significance),for the New Cornell University Baseball Field
project, located near the corner of Ellis Hollow Road and Game Farm Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s
62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and 62.-2- 6, Low Density Residential Zone. The sewer service associated with the
project has changed from an extension of the existing municipal sewer system to the installation of an onsite
private septic system. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant;Michael Mantell, PE, Civil Engineer, Stantec
Consulting Services Inc.
7:05 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed New Cornell
University Baseball Field project, located near the confer of Ellis Hollow Road and Game Faun Road,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and 62.-2- 6,Low Density Residential Zone.
The proposal involves the construction of a new baseball field facility, consisting of a stadium with a
synthetic turf field, dugouts, scoreboard, and bleachers. The project will also include a 15,160 +/- square
foot support building, a 590+/- square foot building with bathrooms, 80 parking spaces, and other
appurtenances. This is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act,which the
Planning Board issued a negative declaration of environmental significance on October 19, 2021. Cornell
University, Owner/Applicant;Michael Mantell, PE, Civil Engineer, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
7:15 P.M. SEQR Determination: Steele 5-Lot Subdivision, 545 571 Sheffield Road.
7:15 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 5-
lot subdivision located at 545 571 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,Agriculture
Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 127.5 +/-acre property into five lots: Lot 1, a 1.2+/-acre lot
containing an existing residence at 571 Sheffield Road; Lot 2, a 3.6+/-acre lot containing barns and
agricultural structures; Lot 3, a 1.5+/-acre lot containing a large barn; Lot 4, a 1.1+/- acre lot containing
an existing residence at 545 Sheffield Road, and remaining agricultural fields. This is an Unlisted Action
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. Eastern
Artificial Insemination Corporation(GENEX), Owner; Kyle Steele,Applicant.
7:30 P.M. SEQR Determination: Katzmann 2-Lot Subdivision, 1335 Mecklenburg Road.
7:30 P.M PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-
lot subdivision located at 1335 Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28.-1-24, Low Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 9.9 +/- acre property into two lots consisting of:
Parcel A, an 8.9+/-acre lot(1335 Mecklenberg Rd) that contains an existing residence,and Parcel B, a
1.0+/- acre vacant wooded lot. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act and is subject to environmental review. Brent E. and Diana Z. Katzmann, Owners/Applicants.
7. Persons to be heard.
S. Approval of Minutes: February 1,2022
9. Other Business.
10. Adjournment.
Susan Ritter
Director of Planning
273-1747
NOTE:IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND,PLEASE
NOTIFY CHRIS BALESTRA AT 273-1747 or CBALESTRA0 TOWN.ITHACA.NY_US_
(A quorum of four(4)members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business_)
Accessing Meeting Materials Online
Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project materials are accessible electronically on the Town's website under
"Planning Board"on the"Meeting Agendas"page(http://www.town.ithaca.nv.us/mectinlz-aecndas).
TOWN OF ITHACA
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
215 N. Tioga St 14850
607 273,1747
wwwtown,i n vas
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY MAIL. AND POSTING & PUBLICATION
STATE OF NEW YORK ) SS.:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
1, Abby Homer, Administrative Assistant for the To of Ithaca being duly sworn, depose
and say, that deponent is not a party to the actions, is over 21 years of age with a professional
address of 215 North TToga Street, Ithaca, New York.
That on the 23rd day of February 2022,deponent served the within Notice upon the property
owners within 500 ft. of the property and projects identified below for:
Consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed New Cornell University Baseball Field
project, located near the corner of Ellis Hollow Road and Game Farm Road, Town of Ithaca Tax
Parcel No.'s 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 61-2-5, and 62.-2- 6.
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 5-lot subdivision
545 — 571 Sheffield Road,Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1.
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot subdivision
located at 1335 Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28.-1-24.
By depositing same enclosed in a postpaid addressed wrapper, in a post office under the exclusive
care and custody of the [."nited States Post Office Department within the State of New York, and
that the attached notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town Clerk of the Town of
Ithaca on February 23rd, 2022, and the notice has been duly published in the official newspaper,
Ithaca Journal on February 23rd, 2022.
_ � µ lg�_r--------------------------------......
Abby Home( Admmistrative Assistant
Sworn to before me on 2022.
, X)11d-d4411
A�Jwm .............................................................
Notary Pub M BECK I., JORDAN
NOTARY PUBUC-STATE OF IqEW YORK
IML). OIJ061016361
Quoliffled In TOMPMns CoUnly
Expttes ZAP
a
TOWN OF 9'I"HACA PLANNING SqARp
The Nanning Board w HI hold Public hearings ann `U'uuo-seda ,
Maara;dn I ,/022, at the followingturnnes and on the fanlla)ra ing matters,
05 P" onsideration of Final Siva plan
the proposed New Cornell Ulnlwrersit �aseOa Approvll al
val for
ec�t, located near the corner of I& IHollc"Oe I'Roaad�arid Game Farm`Road, Town of Ithaca "Fans Paarcel,U o,'s Fri ,d« ,
62- -4, 62,- --S, and 62._2,_ t.cavv Density,Reslr.Nesrntdal
fame
Zwie. irhe �asnsal'involves the ccanstrw.actklcarn aaf new
baseball Held faacility, ccanslstin eaf �3 stadlum with a +syOn�
thetic turf field, edaa�asu,M sccnr4boaercd, bleachers.ancd; "1h e
parmdect wudM salsas 6nrEe.redar a 7 m„160 �a-/«°�s uaare foot�sauFaUsoa kraaudalfrnd� a S q f:: selaaari*`fcacat dannlidin With bathrooms
ksti iaarltdrwr sfaaaces, aarici catfiner, a nPPLirterntarnces. "'pros Un n
V dac; l atctuanrn uuunader tune State Environmentall=<?UaHt'y^ Ite--
voew �4„t, .wdrlrUn flees da0 aannlrn Board issued as negative
clexlaratiwwaw cai envirrninrnnentaU significances on October 19,
r U, uarnell t)rnderersity, fXneer/.�Fadaldcant; i'v ichaeI
Ir�aaroteUd, Ual Civil
IF
ne drnea r, Stante.c aansu.uUtl naq Services
Irrc,.
71S F",M Consideration of FXrO(minary and iFunaU Suat)addwel-
Mon Approval for Ove Proposed 5-lot se,albrdlvisicsn located i at 45 �- 571 SheffieldRoad, 'rown of Ithaca fax Parcel
No. r,5. 1, Agriculture one. The r'o�recasaR Unvcalves wad-
diviad"ang are 127 5 *l acre Faroiieerty )tla f)veu lotd; Lot,d, a
1 +/- ;acre. Ic)t cnrrtainrna .an existing"", r
arns
Sheffield Road;, U_ext ,;a� .a,/_ acre-I r„��a�In t �f U
and a ricuudtuaral strw.wclures;, Lot d< a 1:S+/- facre`Int chi�aln_uuncdas �arg�e b arrn; Lot 4i a 1.1+/- acre lot e dnta6rning an era�-
istlnad re Irdence it' 545 heffielyd Road„ ancd rertnaWnricaJ aural fielcds, This is aan U nlistesd'Action sander thk-,StateEnvironmen�ta i QuaHt'y ReiAeew Act and is-subject to envy 11�
rrtsnrnental ireview. Eastern Artificial fnsernd'e-natienrn t anrl,ren -�
ra00rl(CaFNEX)„Owenera kyle Ste-We„,a.dad.uUrcantt
0 P m ConsIderatiOn of Prc'iHrwnlnary and IFl 'aV Su,sbdM-
siaarn /A,durlarovan for the F.sran nense.cd 2-last su.ubdivisdaan located
at 1335 Mecklenburg ftrnaa -I-0wr5 eaf Uthafcas Tax Parcel No.
8 1 24, Law f)e^nsitya'Residential Zone. The raaasaarsal In„
vOi'ves subdividing as 9,9 +1 acre Property Iunto two hats
accnnsistiFa aa'f: faarcer0 .an .9+1 acre lcat (133 MecklenIId
Parcel 8,a C04/-)atcr vacant drWoodeds an isting lot "fnisidee i arnncU rlilst U+I
ed Action under th. State. Environmental QVWRY ftenvlew
,cart and Is.SUjeCt taa envirasnrnerntal review. Brent F- arid
Dianne Z,,Kata,un"rrann, Ovr nersdApplicarat%
Due tc;f:0V(C')_V`9 abd the N+ ILsrgWati"n aU10moUnf vaiu�tauaal
rune etin s 'fame, ncdrraent.s to - dna stern '4 7 of the Lanw,mes; of
2021 seldrnead Ibyr Governor Hochiu an 1/?4/222) td)ar raneetiane
wrlU be.9lneNcY via tFxmrwcurn .anaaalrca/Sddsadl alaliatllcrru vaert s rnaa in-Uai rsaan attenciaance faemtrnittead, M rr' ers of
trine psuab Ilc rraay ldstern tea call in; an cell 11 daaanadllne„ fin )�d1tw- Uri fi aped enter tfa Ala*etlrna� lam. td t; +si�'7'Ea � dt ) run w Ieva trine tUenarchrrnaamrtan�r:t0nwc:weusdFs oorrr Fa s:earn7q:>un ter
, ca maa tntldas:f6 uast9Fwvemte.aarcrorra.eus,A a, d7drab �).
Any persomwishinq to azadedr4ss they Iboard will be heard, In
aacdedution, rrrdnrn#,Mts can be tent via errrnaii to t0 w rrcierlc t
aam ntfuaaca ny«.eus UP W'tfne end Of business the day of the
rneaetInad aanad all c0mrrnerrts,will be forwarded to the
board. Additiorias information Is available at w%Nw.tcwr1,i k
th aca.nry.Uas.
Susan IRIv ter,"Inir�.tfcyr of Planning
'ap XfM,9pJyX
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
March 1, 2022
Due to NY Laws of 2021 signed by Governor Hochul, the meeting was held via Zoom and
broadcast to the Town's YouTubeLive channel
MINUTES
Board Member Present: Liebe Meier Swain, Chair; Cindy Kaufman, Fred Wilcox, Arie1
Casper, Yvonne Fogarty, and Alternate Bill Arms Absent: Greg Lindquist and Liz Bageant
Town Staff. David O'Shea, Engineering; Marty Moseley, Codes; Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk;
Susan Brock, Attorney for the Town; Chris Balestra, Planner; and Sue Ritter, Director of
Planning
Ms. Meier Swain opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Item 1 Consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed New Cornell University
Baseball Field project, located near the corner of Ellis Hollow Road and Game Farm Road,
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and 62.-2- 6, Low Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a new baseball field facility,
consisting of a stadium with a synthetic turf field, dugouts, scoreboard, and bleachers. The
project will also include a 15,160 +/- square foot support building, a 590 +/- square foot
building with bathrooms, 80 parking spaces, and other appurtenances. This is a Type I Action
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, which the Planning Board issued a
negative declaration of environmental significance on October 19, 2021. Cornell University,
Owner/Applicant; Michael Mantell, PE, Civil Engineer, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Mr. Mantell gave an overview of the main changes to the project. First is the switch to using a
mounted septic system with a pump station rather than connecting to municipal services.
The change has been discussed with the Town's Public Works Committee which was
recommend by them to the Town Board and approved on January 24tn
The second change is with stormwater design changing from an infiltration basin with vegetated
swales upstream to a dry open system which will fully discharge all water and reduce flow rates
from the facility and water quality will be done by Cornell and a Stormwater Operation and
Maintenance Agreement signed as well as adding a sediment row and other control features
discussed with the Town Engineering Department.
There are some layout site updates and enhancements such as relocating the bus parking closer to
the clubhouse and electric car charging stations and handicap parking moved closer to the plaza
courtyard which has been realigned for better transitions throughout the facility.
Mr. Mantell went through other minor changes and the planting and landscaping aspects of the
project.
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 1
He noted that they expanded the noise study for the speakers using a maximum of 95 decibels;
by the time it reaches the residences on the South side and Summerhill area, there is no impact.
Across the field from Game Farm Rd, levels of approximately 32 —25 decibels were records
which are equivalent to leaves rustling or whispering.
Mr. Mantell noted that variances needed from the Zoning Board and the Town Board have been
received.
Mr. Wilcox asked about the sound analysis, saying that the statement of"no impact" is incorrect,
there will be an impact,just minimal.
Mr. Mantell responded that essentially there would be no change the ambient noise.
Mr. Wilcox asked for clarification regarding the sign placement not shown.
Mr. Mantell responded that it is moving from one side of the road to the other.
Ms. Kaufman asked about the dry pond and what it will look like visually.
Mr. Mantell responded that it is essentially a grass bowl with a sloped bottom to a concrete box
that is the control structure. It will always remain grassy and dry, looking like a bowl, except
when water is draining from it during events, slowing the rate of flow and mitigating impacts
downstream.
Mr. Arms asked about the address system, saying that it seems useless at the levels you are
indicating.
Mr. Mantell responded that the idea is to have it only loud enough for the people in the bleachers
to hear it and anyone immediately adjacent to the field and that is why it is placed at home base.
Mr. Arms asked about the septic system, which in the 2015 Master Plan, showed much more
build out of this sports complex.
Ms. Schill responded that the Master Plan did have much more build out, and when and if that
ever happens, the entire infrastructure plan would be relooked at and evaluated. This is the short
term and immediate build out plan.
Ms. Fogarty asked about the area between the driveway and the dry pond and whether there
would be room for parking, which could be dangerous.
Mr. Mantell responded that there is not room to park and it slopes off pretty sharply.
Mr. Wilcox went back to the noise issue, as it was commented on during the preliminary
approval process, saying that in his experience with the Women's Softball Field,he felt the
project is in good shape in terms of mitigating the impacts.
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 2
Ms. Meier Swain agreed, saying that she really appreciated the additional efforts made to
quantify the noise impact.
SEQR—REAFFIRMATION
Ms. Balestra stated that Staff felt the changes to the project were not significant enough to
require a new SEQR form; the Board agreed.
PB R:ESOLUTION 2022-004: SEQR—Reaffirmation of Negative Determination
CU New Baseball Field Project
Tax Parcels 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, 62.-2-6
Ellis Hollow Road
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of reaffirmation of the October 19, 2021, SEQR determination,
Resolution No. 2021-031 (negative determination of environmental significance), for the
New Cornell University Baseball Field project, located near the corner of Ellis Hollow Road
and Game Farm Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and 62.-2-
6, Low Density Residential Zone. The sewer service associated with the project has changed
from an extension of the existing municipal sewer system to the installation of an onsite
private septic system. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Michael Mantell, PE, Civil
Engineer, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.;
2. This is a Type I Action pursuant to the Town of Ithaca Code, Chapter 148 —Environmental
Quality Review, requiring a coordinated environmental review of all actions;
3. The Planning Board granted preliminary site plan approval for this project on October 19,
2021, after establishing itself as lead agency in the environmental review on June 15, 2021,
and issuing a negative declaration of environmental significance and granting preliminary
site plan approval and special permit on October 19, 2021;
4. The Planning Board, as lead agency in the environmental review, on March 1, 2022,has
reviewed and accepted as adequate a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) Part 1,
submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Town Planning staff, along with an
applicant narrative and a set of plans prepared by Stantec Landscape Architects, titled
"Cornell University New Cornell Baseball Field Site Plan Submission,"including sheets CN-
1, C1, C2.1, C3.1, and C3.3, dated 02-11-22, and sheets C2.2, C3.2, C4.1, C4.2, CS-1.0, CS-
1.1, SP-1, L1, L1.1, L2-L4, L5.1, L5.2, L6.1-L6.7, SD-1-SD-3, dated 01-07-22, and other
application materials; and
5. The Town Planning staff has recommended that the Planning Board reaffirm its negative
determination of environmental significance with respect to the proposal; now therefore be it
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 3
RESOLVED, that the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby reaffirms its negative
determination of environmental significance that was made on October 19, 2021, in accordance
with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and 6 NYCRR Part 61.7 New York State
Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced proposal, based on the information in
the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Fred Wilcox Seconded: Ariel Casper
Vote: ayes Wilcox, Casper, Arms, Meier Swain, Kaufman, and Fogarty
PUBLIC HEARING
Ms. Meier Swain opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m.
Kyra S. spoke, saying that she addressed the Board at the last meeting about the noise and the
long-term strategic plan for the area and this project not following that plan. She stated that she
and her husband understood that the long-term plan would be followed and it is not so what is
the point of a long-term plan if it is not followed.
She said that the noise will affect her health and she felt this was a bait and switch; the plan had
the baseball field much closer to Pine Tree Rd.
Ms. Meier Swain responded that she hears her frustration,but sometimes conditions change.
Kyra S. responded that she would understand if it was moved slightly from its original plan,but
this is a totally different location and she and her husband have long term strategic plans for their
living and thought that since the stadium was going to be far away, it would not bother us.
Ms. Meier Swain said that she understands, and heard her frustration,but from the noise study
that's been done quantitatively, the Board believes there shouldn't be a disturbance for you and
although she understood that is not what she anticipated or was hoping for, the Board can only
evaluate on the matter that's actually before us and not a strategic plan that hasn't come to
fruition.
Kyra S. asked what if they are wrong about the noise.
Ms. Meier Swain stated that the town does have a process in place for filing complaints.
Kyra S. responded that it would affect her and it was poor performance by Cornell to change the
plans so drastically and if a plan is presented, it should be represented to the public first, not to
the Town as a done deal. This is not good community relations and she can't fight Cornell. She
added that if she and her husband had known, they would have moved and emphatically restated
that the noise would definitely impact them and this was wrong.
Ms. Meier Swain responded that she didn't believe that was the case, and opportunities are and
were given for people to express their opinions and concerns on the public record.
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 4
There was no one else wishing to speak and the public hearing was closed at 7:31 p.m.
DETERMINATION
Mr. Wilcox commented that this project has made us realize that Cornell University is running
out of space on central campus. This field is being moved to make way for a new engineering
computer science building. We've seen the alumni fields slowly disappear, over time, and this is
proper, moving the non-educational experiences off central campus into the outlying area, and he
suspects we will see more of it.
There were no other comments or questions from the Board.
PB RESOLUTION 2022-005: FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL
CORNELL NEW BASEBALL FIELD
Tax Parcels 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and 62:2-6
WHEREAS:
1. This action involves consideration of Final Site Plan Approval for the proposed New
Cornell University Baseball Field project, located near the corner of Ellis Hollow Road
and Game Farm Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.'s 62.-2-3, 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, and
62.-2- 6, Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a new
baseball field facility, consisting of a stadium with a synthetic turf field, dugouts,
scoreboard, and bleachers. The project will also include a 15,1.60 +/- square foot support
building, a 590 +/- square foot building with bathrooms, 80 parking spaces, and other
appurtenances. This is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act, which the Planning Board issued a negative declaration of environmental
significance on October 19, 2021. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Michael
Mantell, PE, Civil Engineer, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.;
2. This is a Type I Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, acting as lead
agency in coordinating the environmental review with respect to this project, on March 1,
2022, reaffirmed their negative determination of environmental significance from
October 19, 2021, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate a Full Environmental
Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3,prepared by Town
Planning staff, and other application materials; and
3. The Planning Board, at a public hearing held on.March 1, 2022,has reviewed and
accepted as adequate an applicant narrative and a set of plans prepared by Stantec
Landscape Architects, titled"Cornell University New Cornell Baseball Field Site Plan
Submission," including sheets CN-1, C1, C2.1, C3.1, and C3.3, dated 02-11-22, and
sheets C2.2, C3.2, C4.1, C4.2, CS-1.0, CS-1.1, SP-1, L1, L1.1, L2-L4, L5.1, L5.2, L6.1-
L6.7, SD-1-SD-3, dated 01-07-22, and other application materials;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 5
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Final Site Plan Approval for the
proposed Cornell University New Baseball Field Project, located near the corner of Ellis
Hollow Road and Game Farm Road, as described in the materials listed in Whereas #3
above, subject to the following conditions:
a. Before the issuance of building permits, inclusion of the New Baseball Field project
into the campus-wide Stormwater Operations, Maintenance, and Reporting agreement
between Cornell University and the Town of Ithaca,
b. Before the issuance of building permits, submission of documentation to the Town
Engineering Department of any necessary NYS DEC approval of the sanitary sewer,
and submission of proof that the project has obtained the applicable permits for the
onsite wastewater system (NYS DEC/SPDES permit),
c. Before the issuance of building permits, submission of proof that the project has
obtained consent for the exemption from the Tompkins County Health Department
for not connecting to municipal sewer service, and
d. All outdoor lighting shall conform to the requirements of the Town of Ithaca Outdoor
Lighting Law and all proposed exterior parking lot and site lighting shall not exceed
3000K LED color temperature.
Moved: Fred Wilcox Seconded: Ariel Casper
Vote: ayes—Wilcox, Casper, Meier Swain, Kaufman, Fogarty and Arms
Item 2 Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 5-
lot subdivision located at 545 —571 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 24.-5-1,
Agriculture Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 127.5 +/- acre property into five lots:
Lot 1, a 1.2+/- acre lot containing an existing residence at 571 Sheffield Road; Lot 2, a 3.6+/-
acre lot containing barns and agricultural structures; Lot 3, a 1.5+/- acre lot containing a large
barn; Lot 4, a 1.1+/- acre lot containing an existing residence at 545 Sheffield Road and
remaining agricultural fields. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental
Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review. Eastern Artificial Insemination
Corporation (GENEX), Owner; Kyle Steele, Applicant.
Mr. Steele gave an overview, saying that this is to continue cleaning up the site and preserving
the agricultural uses as well as the buildings by subdividing and selling the parcels to the
people who are interested in doing each.
The proposal was brought to this Board a few months ago but tabled to allow for pursuance of
a Zoning Code change, which was enacted, to allow buildings without a primary structure in
the Agricultural Zone, which will allow him to restore some of the structures for use.
The portion in the Town of Enfield has been sold, and most of the agricultural land has been
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 6
sold to a farmer.
Mr. Steele stated that there are two houses on the property in bad shape and the plan is to fix
them up and if funds allow,restore the Quonset but to its former glory; it is a beautiful
structure with incredible beams and workmanship.
There are two wells and septic service to the residential buildings that have been pumped and
certified as functional.
SEQR DETERMINATION
Minor changes were made to the form.
PB RESOLUTION 2022-006: SEQR
Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
GENEX-Steele Subdivision
545-571 Sheffield Road
Tax Parcel 24.-5-1
WHEREAS:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 5-lot
subdivision located at 545 —571 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel 24.-5-1,
Agriculture Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 127.5 +/- acre property into five lots:
Lot 1, a 1.2+/- acre lot containing an existing residence at 571 Sheffield Road; Lot 2, a 3.6+/-
acre lot containing barns and agricultural structures; Lot 3, a 1.5+/- acre lot containing a large
barn; Lot 4, a 1.1+/- acre lot containing an existing residence at 545 Sheffield Road and
remaining agricultural fields. Eastern Artificial Insemination Corporation (GENEX), Owner;
Kyle Steele, Applicant;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the lead agency in
the environmental review with respect to the project;
3. The Planning Board on March 1, 2022, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, a
subdivision plat titled"Subdivision Map Lands of New York Artificial Breeders Co-
Operative Inc., Known as Genex Cooperative Minnesota, Being Part of Military Lots No. 41
& 48, Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Part of Tax Map No. 24.-5-
1, Part of Referenced Deed: L.301/P.98 (Second Parcel),"prepared by Reagan Land
Surveying, dated Feb. 11, 2022, and other application materials; and
4. Town planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 7
environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law
and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced
action as proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part I and for the reasons set forth in
the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Fred Wilcox Seconded: Yvonne Fogarty
Vote: ayes—Meier Swain, Kaufman, Wilcox, Casper, Fogarty and Arms
PUBLIC HEARING
Ms. Meier Swain opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. There was no one wishing to speak
and the hearing was closed.
DETERMINATION
There were no comments or questions from the Board.
PB RESOLUTION 2022-007: GENEX-Steele Subdivision
Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
545-571 Sheffield Road
Tax Parcel 24.-5-1
WHEREAS:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 5-lot
subdivision located at 545 —571 Sheffield Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 24.-5-1,
Agriculture Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 127.5 +/- acre property into five lots:
Lot 1, a 1.2+/- acre lot containing an existing residence at 571 Sheffield Road; Lot 2, a 3.6+/-
acre lot containing barns and agricultural structures; Lot 3, a 1.5+1- acre lot containing a large
barn; Lot 4, a 1.1+/- acre lot containing an existing residence at 545 Sheffield Road and
remaining agricultural fields. Eastern Artificial Insemination Corporation (GENEX), Owner;
Kyle Steele, Applicant;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as lead agency in
the environmental review with respect to the project, has on March 1, 2022, made a negative
determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate
a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and
3 prepared by the Town Planning staff-,
3. The Planning Board on March 1, 2022, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, a
subdivision plat titled"Subdivision Map Lands of New York Artificial Breeders Co-
Operative Inc., Known as Genex Cooperative Minnesota, Being Part of Military Lots No. 41
& 48, Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Part of Tax Map 24.-5-1,
Part of Referenced Deed: L.301/P.98 (Second Parcel),"prepared by Reagan Land Surveying,
dated Feb. 11, 2022, and other application materials;
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 8
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed GENEX-Steele Subdivision, as shown on the plans noted in Whereas #3 above,
subject to the following condition:
a. Submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an original and three
dark lined prints of the approved final subdivision plat, prior to filing with the Tompkins
County Clerk Office; and submission of a copy of the receipt of filing to the Planning
Department.
Moved: Liebe Meier Swain Seconded: Cindy Kaufman
Vote: ayes—Meier Swain, Kaufman, Wilcox, Casper, Fogarty and Arms
Item 3 Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-
lot subdivision located at 1335 Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28.-1-24,
Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 9.9 +/- acre property into
two lots consisting of: Parcel A, an 8.9+/- acre lot (1335 Mecklenburg Rd) that contains an
existing residence, and Parcel B, a 1.0+/- acre vacant wooded lot. This is an Unlisted Action
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to environmental review.
Brent E. and Diana Z. Katzmann, Owners/Applicants.
Mr. Katzman gave an overview, saying that he and his wife have owned the property for 20
years and a close friend approached them interested in building a retirement home and we would
love to have them next door and embarked on this process.
Mr. Wilcox asked about water and sewer for a 1-acre lot.
Some discussion followed with Ms. Balestra stating that she emailed the Health Department who
suggested placement of the home and Mr. O'Shea adding that there are other options now and
septic systems can be pretty small, depending on how much the builder wants to spend.
Mr. Wilcox noted that it is not in the Board's purview but is something the Board can bring to
the attention of the applicant for consideration of subdividing such a small parcel with those
constraints, forestalling the possibility of returning for a further subdivision request to add more.
Mr. Arms asked about what appears on the aerial view to be a drainage ditch or waterway.
Mr. Katzman responded that they looked at the Stream Setback law and the list of streams and
there is a stream on the land he is retaining and exceeds the setback requirements by almost three
times what is required.
He added, in reference to the previous comments regarding septic, that the proposed house is
1,000 sqft and will need a modest system and as proposed, will still have 100 feet or so
separation from the well.
P13 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 9
There were no further questions or comments from the Board.
PB RESOLUTION 2022-008: SEQR
Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
Katzmann 2-Lot Subdivision
1.335 Mecklenburg Road
Tax Parcel 28.-1-24
WHEREAS:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 1335 Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28.-1-24,
Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 9.9 +/- acre property
into two lots consisting of: Parcel A, an 8.9+/- acre lot (1335 Mecklenburg Rd) that contains
an existing residence, and Parcel B, a 1.0+/- acre vacant wooded lot. Brent E. and Diana Z.
Katzmann, Owners/Applicants;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is the lead agency
in the environmental review with respect to the project;
3. The Planning Board on March 1, 2022, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, a
subdivision plat titled"Survey Map Showing Lands of Brent E. Katzmann & Diana Z.
Katzmann, located on Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,"
prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., dated 1/25/2022, and other application materials; and
4. Town planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law
and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced
action as proposed,based on the information in the EAF Part I and for the reasons set forth in
the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Liebe Meier Swain Seconded: Cindy Kaufman
Vote: ayes—Meier Swain, Kaufman, Wilcox, Casper, Fogarty and Arms
PUBLIC HEARING
Ms. Meier Swain opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. there was no one wishing to speak and
the hearing was closed.
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 10
DETERMINATION
PB R:ESOLUTION 2022-009: Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval
Katzmann 2-Lot Subdivision
1.335 Mecklenburg Road
Tax Parcel 28:1-24
WHEREAS:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed 2-lot
subdivision located at 1335 Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 28.-1-24,
Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves subdividing a 9.9 +/- acre property
into two lots consisting of: Parcel A, an 8.9+/- acre lot (1335 Mecklenburg Rd) that contains
an existing residence, and Parcel B, a 1.0+/- acre vacant wooded lot. Brent E. and Diana Z.
Katzmann, Owners/Applicants;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, as lead agency in
the environmental review with respect to the project, has on March 1, 2022, made a negative
determination of environmental significance, after having reviewed and accepted as adequate
a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and
3 prepared by the Town Planning staff;
3. The Planning Board on.March 1, 2022, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a narrative, a
subdivision plat titled "Survey Map Showing Lands of Brent E. Katzmann & Diana Z.
Katzmann, located on Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,"
prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., dated 1/25/2022, and other application materials;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary & Final Subdivision Approval for the
proposed Katzmann 2-Lot Subdivision, as shown on the plans noted in Whereas #3 above,
subject to the following condition:
b. Submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an original and three
dark lined prints of the approved final subdivision plat,prior to filing with the Tompkins
County Clerk Office; and submission of a copy of the receipt of filing to the Planning
Department.
Moved: Yvonne Fogarty Seconded: Cindy Kaufman
Vote: ayes—Fogarty, Kaufman, Wilcox, Casper, Arms, and Meier Swain
Item 4 Persons to be heard—None
Item 5 Approval of Minutes: February 1, 2022
Moved by Mr. Wilcox, seconded by Ms. Meier Swain; unanimous.
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3/18) Pg. 11
Item 6 Other Business
Preview of upcoming projects and schedules.
Meeting adjourned upon motion by Ms. Fogarty, seconded by Ms, Meier Swain, unanimous.
Subm'
Paulette Rosa, Town Clerk
PB 2022-03-01 (Filed 3,118) l"g. 12