HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2007-03-01 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
March 1, 2007
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee,James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann,
Brent Katzmann, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
PUBLIC: Caleb Crow
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
None
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: Because the Longview Project was not accurately described in the public hearing notice
(published in the Ithaca Journal) for the February Planning Board meeting, due to
miscommunication on the part of the applicant, it will need to be rescheduled for a future
Planning Board meeting. Resident's in the Northeast area of the Town continue to express
concern about drainage, and the potential increase in runoff from the Briarwood II Subdivision
proposal. The Town has received a Zoning Board of Appeals application from Leslie and
Margaret Reizes requesting a variance to construct a two-family residence on the west side of
Taughannock Blvd,in the Conservation Zone (more on this in ERC report below).
Coordinator: The Town will begin considering updating the 1993 comprehensive plan. It is
anticipated that the initial task of reviewing the plan will be undertaken by Town Board
members, with likely wider participation sought once a determination is made on the updating
needs. Jon asked about the status of recently reviewed Planning Board projects, such as the
Cornell Animal Health Center, Merrill Family Center, and the utility department service yard
improvements at Cornell. Sue and Eva provided input on each of these recent Sketch Plan
proposals. All of the applicants are expected to return, with formal and detailed site plan
submissions to the Planning Board in the near future.
Business:
Minutes: February 1, 2007 meeting minutes were approved as corrected.
R. Fischer Award 2006 Environmental Award: The committee met and after carefully weighing
each of five nominations,has decided to recommend Caroline Elementary School fifth grade
teacher,Jane Clark. Because of Ms. Clark's long dedication to environmental education, the
nature of her student's calendar project, and its successive influence on students over the years,
she ranked ahead of the other nominees. The committee felt that this year's nominees were all
quite impressive and it was difficult to make a decision. All runner-ups will be mentioned in
the public announcement.
Tree/Forest Protection Ordinance:
James favored modifying the existing language of the Conservation Zone to provide forest
protection, and/or developing a comprehensive tree protection law for the Town. Sue stated
that current existing laws/zoning do not protect forests, or individual trees stands, and a tree
protections law would help protect these resources. Discussion then focused on the
relationship between the conservation zone and potential tree ordinance. Larry asked how a
new ordinance will be enforced and who is responsible for enforcement.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: The Cornell University coal expansion project, the Taughannock Blvd project, and the
Ithaca College Athletic Expansion project were discussed. The committee submitted a memo to
the Planning Board describing concerns over the Ithaca College Athletic project, particularly the
size of project and amount of fill to be moved. Owners (Margaret B./Leslie Reizes) of land on
Taughannock Blvd.have applied for a variance to construct a two-family residence. Sue
reminded the Board that the request for a two-family residence also requires issuance of a
special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (in addition to the area variance), and
therefore the project will need a SEQR review. The committee will make a site visit in the near
future.
SCENIC RESOURCES COMMITTEE: The committee finalized the insert for the town
newsletter. The Town Board will likely approve funding for the copying/mailing costs, so it
will not affect the Conservation Board's budget. The committee is also producing a handout
which will be available at the exhibit, illustrating and describing a tour of the identified views in
the Town.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: None
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: The Community Science website
is being further developed and will now increase the readability of graphs of data collected.
Sampling results have determined that the three damns present on Six Mile Creek prevent
sediment and increase turbidity, subsequently improving overall water quality. This
information may impact the City's decision on water source.
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Discussion about what to do with the
City's water reservoir area (Six Mile Creek). One potential option is to turn it into a Park if the
City decides to turn to Bolton Point for water.
Other Business: None
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict
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