Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.24.2012 Revised Comp PlanVillage of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan Revised Draft April 30, 2012 Photo courtesy of Fred Cowett Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 i Table of Contents Part 1. Plan Inventory Village Character 1 Village Demographics 8 Village Land Use 12 Village Ecology and Open Space 15 Village Parks and Recreation 20 Village Transportation 21 Village Public Services 26 The Village’s Government & Financial Structure 29 Village Zoning Law 32 Part 2. Plan Goals and Objectives 46 Introduction 46 Quality of Life 46 Community Character 49 Ecology & Scenic Assets 50 Economy 54 Housing 56 Transportation 59 Public Services & Utilities 62 Part 3. Plan Implementation Matrix 66 Part 4. Plan Implementation Details 69 Quality of Life 69 Community Character 75 Ecology & Scenic Assets 76 Economy 81 Housing 84 Transportation 85 Public Services & Utilities 88 Appendices Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 ii Figures, Maps & Tables Figure 1. Cornell Heights Historic District 6 Table 1.1. Changes in Population in Village of Cayuga Heights - 1980-2010 8 Table 1.2. Population by Age Group in Village of Cayuga Heights - 1980-2010 9 Table 1.3. Number of Households by Size in Village of Cayuga Heights - 2010 11 Table 1.4 Village Expenditures - FY 2011-2012 32 Table 1.5 Village Revenues - FY 2011-2012 32 Map 1.1. Existing Land Use 13 Map 1.2. Ecological Resources 17 Map 1.3. Existing Sidewalks 23 Map 1.4. TCAT Bus Routes in the Village of Cayuga Heights 25 Map 1.5. Existing Zoning 36 Map 3.1. Proposed Land Use and Zoning 74 Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 1 Part 1. Cayuga Heights – A Village Inventory (Note: A number of photo images and other graphics have been temporarily removed from this section.) Village Character The character of any village is expressed through a combination of physical qualities and social infrastructure. Physical qualities are expressed in the geographical setting and built environment of buildings, streets, and landscapes. The social infrastructure refers to the village population and its activities. This combination imparts a community identity. The inventory that follows provides information that defines the community of the Village of Cayuga Heights, drawing upon its historical development. Print sources have been used as well as personal interviews. Gathering such data has been a critical step toward compiling the first comprehensive plan in the Village’s century-long history. Key Historical Developments Jared Newman and Charles Blood founded the Village of Cayuga Heights by buying a large tract of farmland north of Cornell University overlooking Cayuga Lake early in the twentieth century. They envisioned a residential community for Cornell faculty families and purchased several parcels of land, totaling roughly 1,000 acres. The first purchase of some 650 acres was made in 1901 from Franklin Cornell, a son of the University’s founder, Ezra Cornell. Despite great personal and financial challenges, Newman and Blood succeeded in laying out the Village streets and developing its first neighborhoods between 1900 and the 1930s. At the time of its incorporation in 1915, Cayuga Heights encompassed .44 square miles. In 1954, through the annexation of scattered residential development to the north, it grew to its present size of 1.82 square miles. For many years thereafter, the original Village precinct was commonly referred to as the “old” Village, and the newly annexed area, extending from Upland Road to the Village of Lansing, as the “new.” Cayuga Heights represented a new trend in community development in the early 20th century. It was a departure from the historic concept of a village centered on one or more Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 2 industries; the rolling topography and lack of substantial water sources, and lack of railroad access in fact were significant deterrents to industrial development. Instead, Cayuga Heights was designed as a residential neighborhood to serve the thriving industries and businesses of Ithaca to the south, and a growing Cornell University. Throughout its history the Village has not experienced any demand or economic need for industrial development. It has instead filled an important role within the regional economy by providing high quality housing close to the city and places of employment. The introduction of the electric trolley car before World War I and the bui lding of the Village’s own wastewater treatment plant in the 1950s were major catalysts to its physical growth as well as the establishment of its political autonomy. In the 1970s, the treatment plant’s capacity was increased from 1 million to 2 million gallons per day in order to meet increased demand. An independent municipality within the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County, the Village has chosen to maintain its own infrastructure of sewer and other public services such as road maintenance, snow plowing, fire and police departments. The decision was made not to join the City of Ithaca at the time of its 1954 extension and the question has not been raised since. Village policy has consistently illustrated a sense of independence with fiscal frugality befitting its small size and population of less than 4,000. Adopting a comprehensive plan is intended to affirm the identity of Cayuga Heights and to position it for continuing growth and prosperity. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 3 Community Snapshot: Key Dates and Figures. 1901 Jared Newman and Charles Blood lay out first streets and lots, development of Village begins Early 1900s Ithaca Street Railway Co. extends trolley lines across Fall Creek and through Village, helping to boost its growth 1915 Village of Cayuga Heights incorporated as a municipality, with a population of 137 1924 First elementary school built on Upland Road Early 1930s Ithaca Street Railway goes out of business as the automobile becomes the norm for transportation 1947 Development of Community Corners as a retail service center for Village residents 1950 According to US Census, Village population is 1,131 persons 1952 1 million gallons per day wastewater treatment plant constructed; Village adopts zoning regulations 1954 Village expands from .44 sq. mil to 1.82 sq. mi. by annexing Town of Ithaca areas north to Town of Lansing border 1950-1970 Increased demands on wastewater treatment system due to growth trigger doubling of wastewater treatment plant capacity to 2 million gallons per day 1969 First Congregational Church relocates from downtown Ithaca to Highland Road 1970 According to US Census, Village population is 3,130 persons 1975 Village joins other municipalities to create Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission 1980 According to US Census, Village population is 3,170 persons 1980 Cayuga Heights Elementary School is closed due to low enrollment. Community organizes to support reopening the school in 1988 with enrollment recovery 1990 According to US Census, Village population is 3,457 persons 1995 The Kendal Corporation develops the former Savage farm off North Triphammer Road as Kendal at Ithaca, a continuing care retirement community providing a mix of living arrangements, residential services, amenities, and comprehensive on-site health care for life 2000 According to US Census, Village population is 3,738 persons 2010 According to US Census, Village population is 3,729 persons Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 4 Physical Layout and Architectural Heritage Perhaps the most notable characteristic found in the Heights is its organic layout of roads and lots, most pronounced in the area known as the Old Village. The result is largely due to Newman’s collaboration with Harold A. Caparn, a landscape architect from New York City. Many of the mature white pines lining The Parkway were originally planted as part of Caparn’s plan. A second defining element is the Community Corners commercial district. Developed in the mid 1940s, the district has grown to encompass an area that brackets Hanshaw Road between North Triphammer Road on the west and Pleasant Grove Road on the east. The district extends along both sides of Upland Road approximately 700 feet southward from its intersection with Triphammer Road and Hanshaw Road. The Community Corners area today is comprised of the Corners Community and the Village Green shopping centers, a gas station/convenience store, plus a number of stand-alone office buildings along Hanshaw Road and Upland Road. The original Corners Community Shopping Center building, a small but distinctive white building with a red gable roof reminiscent of a colonial era tavern, still stands. The building and the lawn area in front of it are considered to be a local landmark and defining element for the Village. Historically, the Community Corners area provided for a wide variety of retail shopping opportunities, including for many years a small supermarket. Over the past two decades, however, many of the former retail shops and the supermarket have closed and much of the space has been re-occupied by professional offices and services. The historic development of Cayuga Heights is notable for the lack of industrial development. While there may have been limited opportunity for industrial development, despite the rolling terrain and lack of water resources, its founders envisioned the Village as supporting the well established and vibrant industrial sector centered on Ithaca proper. Cayuga Heights would instead play a supporting role as a new residential n eighborhood. Because the Village is essentially built out, there are no locations within its boundaries Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 5 where industrial development could occur without significant adverse impacts on surrounding homes and on the Village street system. Village founders Newman and Blood established guidelines for architectural styles and required their approval of house plans prior to construction. With few covenants or deed restrictions currently in place, the Village relies heavily on its zoning regulations to plan and guide new building projects in Cayuga Heights. Architecture styles in the Village vary greatly; many found in the Old Village reflect nationwide trends that were popular in suburban development during the first half of the twentieth century. As evi dent when driving through the older sections of the Village, some homes contribute to a distinct and quaint charm found in the Village, providing a unique sense of history. Some of the major architectural styles are Arts and Crafts and variations of Greek, Tudor and Colonial revival. A small portion of the Village of Cayuga Heights is designated on the National Register of Historic Districts. It makes up approximately one-third of what is known as the Cornell Heights Historic District that reaches from the City of Ithaca into the Village on its southern edge near Cornell. The boundaries of the Cayuga Heights portion of the Cornell Heights Historic District are Kline Road from the southern boundary of the Village to Highland Avenue, thence south along Highland to the southern edge of the First Congregational Church property, thence east to Triphammer Road, and south to the Village boundary. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 6 Figure 1. Cornell Heights Historic District showing Village and City sections. The original Cornell Heights subdivision, including the small portion that protrudes into Cayuga Heights, is a relatively intact example of a turn of the century planned residential suburban development. Cornell Heights was planned by William Webster, a landscape architect from Rochester. The curvilinear street plan, use of topography and naturalistic setting reflect the influence of noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Thirty-five structures are identified within the portion of the Cornell Heights Historic District that falls within the boundaries of Cayuga heights. As distinct from the National Register of Historic Districts, there are no individual building structures or sites in the Village of Cayuga Heights listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places. There are a number of structures in the Village that would be strong candidates for listing, meeting such criteria such as: 1. The properties are 50 years old or older; 2. They have retained its architectural integrity (i.e. it has not been extensively altered); Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 7 3. They are associated with events, activities, or developments that were important in the past, with the lives of people who were important in the past, or with significant architectural history, landscape history, or engineering achievements; or 4. They have the potential to yield information through archeological investigation about our past. Individual properties can be eligible. Also however a collection of properties, not all of which may be significant individually, but collectively may have historical significance, can be included in a historic district. 2112 North Triphammer Road is an early- to mid 1800s Greek Revival home and one of a number in the Village that may be eligible for listing on the State or National Register. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 8 Demographics The 2010 U.S. Census of Population and Housing estimates the Village of Cayuga Heights population at 3,729 persons. This represents a statistically insignificant decrease of 9 residents since the 2000 U.S. Census. Since 1980, the Village has experienced a population increase of 17.9 percent, 9.1 % from 1980 to 1990 and 8.1% from 1990 to 2000. (Table 1.1) Table 1.1. Changes in Population in Village of Cayuga Heights - 1980-2010. 19 8 0 19 9 0 % C h a n g e 19 8 0 -19 9 0 20 0 0 % C h a n g e 19 9 0 -20 0 0 20 1 0 % C h a n g e 20 0 0 -2 01 0 % C h a n g e 19 8 0 -20 1 0 Population 3,170 3,457 9.1% 3,738 8.1% 3,729 0% 17.6% Households 1,234 1,358 10.1% 1,497 10.2 1,541 2.9% 24.9% Source: U.S. Census of Housing and Population In comparison to neighboring municipalities, the Village of Cayuga Heights has experienced substantially less population growth over the past thirty years. The Town of Ithaca’s population grew by 28% since 1980, while the Town of Lansing’s population grew by 32%. Cayuga Height’s smaller population increase can be attributed to the fact that the Village is relatively built-out leaving little room for new development. Comparison of the age profiles of area municipal populations reveals subtle differences. While the Town of Ithaca contains a large and stable population of persons age 15 to 24, due to the presence of Cornell University and Ithaca College within its boundaries, its population is aging with an increase in persons age 75 and older. The Town of Lansing, on the other hand, has seen small but steady growth acr oss its entire age profile, except for a declining population of persons age 20 to 24. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 9 Table 1.2. Population by Age Group in Village of Cayuga Heights - 1980-2010. Age Group 19 8 0 19 9 0 % C h a n g e 19 8 0 -19 9 0 20 0 0 % C h a n g e 19 9 0 -20 0 0 20 1 0 % C h a n g e 20 0 0 -20 1 0 % C h a n g e 19 8 0 -20 1 0 Under 5 88 125 42.1% 86 -31.2 131 52.3% 48.9% 5 to 9 212 149 -29.7% 149 0.0% 157 5.4% -25.9% 10-14 172 129 -25% 181 40.3% 177 -2.2% 2.9% 15-19 340 356 4.7% 199 -44.1% 539 170.9% 58.5% 20-24 585 676 15.6% 360 -46.8% 398 10.6 -32.0% 25-44 706 885 25.4% 785 -11.3% 814 3.7% 15.3% 45-54 397 311 -21.7% 465 49.5% 369 -20.7% -8.1% 55-59 175 181 3.4% 171 -5.5% 204 19.3% 16.57 60-64 183 161 -12.0% 105 -37.3% 203 93.3% 10.9% 65-74 240 265 10.4% 310 17.0% 240 -28.6% 0% 75-84 135 162 20.0% 327 101.9% 267 -18.4% 97.8% 85 & Over 29 58 100.0% 148 155.2% 230 55.4% 693.1% Source: U.S. Census of Housing and Population A large number of person age 65 and older have always lived in the Village, given the large number of professional, managerial and higher education academics among its residents who have chosen to retire in place. (Table 1.2). In 1980 this segment of the population accounted for 404 residents, or 12.4% of the total population. The construction of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community in 1995 brought a substantial increase in the number of persons age 65 and over. Today some 737 residents, or 19.8% of the population, are age 65 or older. Despite the increase in the older population, total population did not increase between 2000 and 2010. This is due to declines in population in the 45 to 54 year and the 65 to 74 year age brackets. (Within the 65 and older category Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 10 the decrease in the 65-74 year age bracket was offset by a steep increase in the number of persons aged 75 and older.) This increase in older population is also apparent when comparing data for the Village of Cayuga Heights with Tompkins County as a whole. In 2010, some 19.7% of Village residents were 65 or older. In Tompkins County, the percentage was only 10.8%, or nearly half that of Cayuga Heights. While the Village contains a relatively older population compared with the rest of Tompkins County, it contains fewer adults age 25 to 54, the key age group for families owning their own homes and making up a substantial market for retail goods and services. The percentage of such persons in Cayuga Heights is only 31.7%, compared to 35.4% for Tompkins County. Increasing the percentage of this age group will play an important role in keeping Cayuga Heights a vibrant and indeed viable community. The Census data do show a substantial reversal since 2000 in the decline of residents under the age of 14 in the Village that took place between 1980 and 2010. Between 2000 and 2010, the population of children under 14 increased by 50, or 12.1%, following an increase of over 50% in the number of children age 5 or under. The viability of the Cayuga Heights Elementary School is contingent upon an adequate base of younger children living in the Village. Between 1980 and 1988 the Cayuga Heights Elementary School was closed by the Ithaca City School District because of fallen enrollment. There was also a substantial increase in the number of persons aged 15 to19 in the Village between 2000 and 2010, likely attributable to the relocation of freshman student housing at Cornell to the north campus residential area, a small portion of which lies within Cayuga Heights. In 2010, some 579 persons were identified in the Census as living in group quarters within the Village, including students living in program houses, residence halls, fraternities and sororities. Household size in the Village of Cayuga Heights is consistent with its age profile. There was a large spike in single person households after the opening of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community in 1995. Single person households now make up 41.9% of the total households Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 11 within the Village, a much higher percentage than the Town of Ithaca or Tompkins County as a whole. (Table 1.3) Table 1.3. Number of Households by Size in Village of Cayuga Heights - 2010. Households Vi l l a g e o f Ca y u g a He i g h t s Pe r c e n t o f To t a l To w n o f It h a c a Pe r c e n t o f To t a l To m p k i n s Co u n t y Pe r c e n t o f To t a l Total Number 1,541 100% 6,988 100% 38,967 100% 1 Person 646 41.9% 2,589 37.1% 12,958 33.3% 2 Person 492 31.9% 2,298 32.9% 13,347 34.3% 3 or 4 Person 327 21.2% 1,781 25.5% 10,283 26.4% 5 or more Person 76 4.9% 320 4.6% 2,379 6.1% Source: U.S. Census of Housing and Population Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 12 Land Use The Village of Cayuga Heights encompasses 1.82 square miles, or about 1,164 acres, made up of mostly single-family residences. Almost three-quarters of the Village, approximately 870 acres, is dedicated to residential land use (Map 1.1). This category is comprised of single- family dwellings, duplexes, and multiple-family housing, including apartment complexes, fraternities and sororities, Ecology House, Townhouse Community, and the Low-Rises at Cornell. Residential land use also includes approximately 60 percent of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community comprised of attached independent living units. Housing stock varies throughout the Village, with older, larger houses in the “old” Village near the University and newer one-story houses in the northern part. Public and Institutional facilities take up about 28 acres. This includes the Village Department of Public Works on Sheldon Road, Cayuga Heights Elementary School, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, the wastewater treatment plant, Cayuga Heights Fire Department, and a portion of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community that is taken up by health-related and assisted living units, as well as the Kendal at Ithaca multipurpose community center. Another 25 acres of the Village is categorized Commercial in the area commonly referred to as Community Corners where Hanshaw Road runs between the Village Green and the Corners Community Shopping Center with an adjoining strip on the west side of Upland Road. The commercial district includes the Verizon facility located to the south of the Carriage House Apartments. Almost 20% of the Village's area, or around 216 acres, is classed as vegetative cover. This refers to land that is unused, either in vacant lots or in protected areas, such as Palmer Woods and the greenway that surrounds the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community. Many of these vacant lots are on the western slope of the Village along Remington Road. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 13 Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 14 While some of these areas are commonly referred to as "public services,” like the Kendal property, or as “vacant lots,” like the land along Remington Road, “woodland, brush or meadow” is a more accurate description of such areas. “Woodland, brush or meadow” as a land use category also includes such ecologically important areas as Palmer Woods and the Newman Tract, both managed by Cornell Plantations and designated by Tompkins County as Unique Natural Areas. The ravine between the Townhouse Community and the A-Lot parking lot on the section of the Cornell campus that falls within the Village also falls into this classification. Recreational areas account for another 27 acres, or about 2.3% of total Village area. The area listed as recreational on Map 1.1 includes the Ithaca Country Club and Cornell’s Jessup Fields. These are both private facilities and not available to all Village residents. Route 13 is a limited access highway with a right of way through Cayuga Heights that takes up approximately 20 acres along the west side of the Village and separates the residences on Tyler Road from the rest of the Village in its northwest corner. The only access to Tyler Road is through the Village of Lansing to the north. Remaining acreage – apart from residential, public or institutional, commercial, and vegetative land use – is taken up by the small amount of land covered by water and wetlands in the northern portion of the Village. Streams run down to Cayuga Lake in various locations. While the large number of mature trees in the Village may give the impression that there is a great deal of undeveloped land, a closer look suggests otherwise. Development in Cayuga Heights is certainly not as dense as the City of Ithaca, but there are few sites suitable for subdivision. As a result, the Village can plan on only a limited amount of new construction, most of which will require tearing down and replacing older structures or redeveloping sites. Such a trend may not be in the best interest of Cayuga Heights; the Village character that residents list as a reason to live here would inevitably change. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 15 Ecology and Open Space Located on the Allegheny Plateau and Lake Ontario Plain, within the Finger Lakes region of New York, Cayuga Heights sits on a hilly area at the southeastern end of Cayuga Lake. The upland, or eastern, side of the Village, where nearly half of the community lives on a 0 – 6% slope, is approximately 900 feet above sea level. The western side, where another quarter of the population lives on 7 – 15% slopes, drops down just under 400 feet toward the lake. Beautiful, steep and deep gorges with 5 – 54% slopes contain dry and seasonal streams that run through Cayuga Heights. Two streams are classified as active, although lacking in trout life and, therefore, not involving New York State Department of Environmental Conservation jurisdiction. They are Renwick Brook in the northern half of the Village and Pleasant Grove Brook in the southern half. Cayuga Heights and the surrounding region are located in the Seneca River Watershed and the Oswego River drainage basin. The Village is subdivided into portions of two smaller watersheds, the northern section in the East Cayuga Lakeshore South Watershed and the southern section in the Fall Creek Watershed. The boundary between the two watersheds is just south of Pleasant Grove Brook and runs approximately east-west, following the course of all natural water sources in the Village flowing down to Cayuga Lake below. There are no wetlands within the Village that have been mapped by either the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation or the National Wetlands Inventory. There are, however, a number of areas that would likely qualify using current State and Federal criteria, as indicated on Map 1.2. The Tompkins County Environmental Management Council has classified certain Village sites as Unique Natural Areas (UNA) that possess outstanding environmental qualities and deserve special attention for preservation and protection. UNAs are chosen because characteristics make them extremely vulnerable to a wide range of direct and indirect impacts and site disturbances. UNAs have no legal status and include both public and private land that may not be open to the public. UNA inventory data may be utilized, however, on an advisory basis in planning and in efforts to identify and mitigate potential impacts. To be classified as a UNA a site must meet at least one of five of the following criteria:  is an important natural community; Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 16  is a high quality example of a particular type of ecosystem;  has rare or scarce plants or animals;  has resources of geological importance;  has aesthetic or cultural qualities. Within Tompkins County there are 192 UNA sites, four of which are located within the Village of Cayuga Heights: UNA 101, the Newman Tract; UNA 102, Renwick Slope, which has two boundaries and counts as two sites; and UNA 104, Palmer Woods. (Map 1.2) Renwick Brook Just above North Sunset Drive Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 17 Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 18 UNA 101, the Newman Tract, is located in the southwest corner of the Village off Sunset Drive. It encompasses some 7.6 acres of land and was selected for its rare plant community, scenic and aesthetic value and old growth forest. Newman Tract slopes are typically over 15% with elevation between 397 and 583 feet above sea level. The special land-use information in the UNA inventory notes that the Tompkins County Greenway Coalition has identified a biological corridor in the tract and a mature forest stand with trees over 150 years old. The Newman Tract is valued by residents and is a Cornell Plantations Natural Area. The ecological community contains mixed oak and chestnut oak forests, hemlock-northern hardwood forest and oak-beech-hickory-pine type forest areas, a rocky headwater stream with shale cliff and talus slope woodland. Elm-leaved goldenrod (Solidago ulmifolia) and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), which are rated as "locally rare," were found on the site. The UNA Inventory does not contain much specific data regarding animal species. UNA 102, Renwick Slope, runs along the western edge of the Village and was selected for such ecological features as rare plants and plant communities, scenic/aesthetic value and old- growth forest. The site has locally important views. Slopes exceed 3 0%, between 400 feet and 700 feet above sea level. The site encompasses some 74 acres in total, including areas lying in the Town of Ithaca, Town of Lansing and Village of Lansing. The special land-use information notes from the Tompkins County Greenway Coalition in its greenway plan document identified a biological corridor and a mature forest stand with trees over 150 years old, as is the case on the Newman Tract. Water resources information for Renwick Slope notes a lake or pond. The ecological community consists of a rocky headwater and intermittent stream, forests of the beech -maple mesic and Appalachian oak-hickory types, with a successional red cedar woodland, a shale cliff and talus community and woodland. Forked chickweed (Paronychia canadensis), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), heart-leaved alexanders (Zizia aptera), hoary mountain-mint (Pycnanthemum incanum), moss phlox (Phlox subulata), palmate violet (Viola palmata), and pitch pine (Pinus rigida) were all found on the site. They are all rated as "locally rare." The UNA Inventory does not contain much specific data regarding animal species. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 19 UNA 104, Palmer Woods, is in the southeastern corner of the Village, adjoining the Cornell campus. It was selected because of bird watching opportunities, the plant community, its urban green space with an old grown forest and scenic value. Slopes in a number of places within the UNA exceed 30%. It is just under 44 acres in area, including a small portion located in the Town of Ithaca. The special land-use information notes a mature forest stand with more trees over 150 years old. The ecological community consists of mixed oak; hickory, white ash, and oak; and maple and basswood rich mesic forests, as well as successional hardwoods, a midreach stream, deep and emergent marsh, and sedge meadow. No rare or scarce plant species were located on the site. The UNA Inventory does not contain much specific data regarding animal species. Palmer Woods is also managed by Cornell Plantations as a Natural Area. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 20 Parks and Recreation Within Cayuga Heights there is a limited number of park and recreation facilities. Residents have access to public and priv ate park and recreation facilities just beyond the Village boundaries. Within the Village, Sunset Park off Cayuga Heights Road is important to both Village residents and people coming from elsewhere who enjoy its lawns and scenic overlook for passive recreation. East of Cayuga Heights within the Town of Ithaca there are recreation parks in the Tareyton and Salem Drive neighborhood known as “Cigarette Heights” that are accessible by foot via paths from Community Corners to Texas Lane, from Texas Lane to Si msbury Drive, Lisa Lane to St. Catherine Circle, and finally to the Northeast Recreation Way bicycle and pedestrian path. Just north and east of Cayuga Heights there is a conveniently accessible community park on Uptown Road in the Village of Lansing. There are several privately owned and maintained but functionally semi-public recreation facilities in close proximity to the Village and easily accessible by its residents in the Village of Lansing, including the cooperative Ithaca Swim Club on Uptown Road that offers a seasonal outdoor pool and tennis courts and the YMCA off North Triphammer Road just past The Shops at Ithaca Mall, which offers a full array of recreation for children and adults. Part of the present-day Pleasant Grove Road location of the Ithaca County Club, which was founded at a previous site within the Village near the First Congregational Church, lies within the Village. The Country Club offers a fine golf course, tennis courts and social facilities that are often used by the greater community as well as its members. Cayuga Heights residents also enjoy access to numerous recreational activities at Cornell University and Ithaca College, including Cornell’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Course owned by Cornell University on Warren Road just outside the Village in the Town of Ithaca which has a clubhouse offering a restaurant and meeting facilities. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 21 Villagers have access to the natural areas, Palmer Woods and the Newman Tract, described above and administered by Cornell Plantations. The Plantations Arboretum and its other gardens are open to the public and much enjoyed by residents. The recently completed Cornell Plantations Visitor Center within the Arboretum is a center of educational exhibits and visitor services. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology on Sapsucker Road with its bird sanctuary and walk trails is only one and a half miles from the eastern edge of the Village. Although school playgrounds and playing fields are not open to the public during school days or practice and games times, the grounds of the Cayuga Heights Elementary School (CHES) and the Northeast Elementary School on Winthrop Drive just outside the Village are very popular with parents and children. Ithaca High School and Boynton Middle School offer playing fields, a running tack, tennis courts, and a swimming pool on their campuses just below the Village at the base of Kline and Wyckoff Roads. It should be noted that pedestrian access to Ithaca High School and Boynton Middle School is affected by the steep topography heading down and up the hilly and narrow Village streets, as well as by the lack of sidewalks. On Warren Road, east of the Village adjoining Northeast Elementary School, DeWitt Middle School offers athletic fields, baseball/softball fields, and an exercise trail. The Town of Ithaca provides bike paths and pedestrian walkways east and northeast of Cayuga Heights, including The Northeast Trail, DeWitt Exercise Trail, and the Lisa Lane, Simsbury and Place Walkways described above. Additionally, a footpath from North Triphammer Road behind Warren Real Estate runs to Lisa Place. Cornell Plantations provides a network of wonderful walk and bikeways; most Village residents access them by car. Transportation The Village of Cayuga Heights owns and maintains 21 miles of roads; the few private roads in the Village are Strawberry Lane, Park Place, Jessup Road (owned by Cornell), and Country Club Road. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 22 Most roads in Cayuga Heights primarily serve local residents and have relatively low traffic volume, but high traffic volume is found on its roads that are used by drivers heading to and from Cornell, downtown Ithaca, the Lansings, and beyond. Commuter use in the Village is found on Hanshaw, Pleasant Grove, East Upland, North Triphammer, Triphammer and Cayuga Heights Roads. Commuting traffic has grown proportionately with population growth and commercial development in the Town of Ithaca, the Village and Town of Lansing. Cayuga Heights was envisioned as a residential community and lacks the history of industrial development common elsewhere in the region. Because of this, its street network was laid out to follow the contours of the land and to emulate country lanes. They are characteristically narrower than standard city or suburban streets and have numerous irregular curves as they follow the topography. As a result, most streets in the Village are not suitable for use by contemporary large trucks. The Village of Cayuga Heights street paving program repaves one mile of roadway each year in the warm weather.All roads within the Village are paved, and the number of roads is not projected to increase. Increased traffic on the commuting arteries impacts road maintenance. Average daily traffic counts by the New York State Department of Transportation show 29,000 vehicles on Route 13, whose four-lane limited access highway segment within Cayuga Heights is its busiest roadway. Village access points are at Cayuga Heights Road and North Triphammer Road just north of the municipal boundary. The sidewalk network in the Village is limited to roads in the older section of the Village (Map 1.3), and there are no current plans for expansion. Sidewalks are located on a single side of a street and are repaired by the Cayuga Heights Department of Public Works. A sidew alk along Hanshaw Road from Community Corners heading east along Hanshaw Road to the Village boundary has been planned in coordination with a Tompkins County project for a larger segment of the street, but this has been put off because of funding problems and public opposition. In partnership with Kendal at Ithaca a pedestrian island and new crosswalk were installed at Kendal’s North Triphammer Road entrance, which has enhanced pedestrian safety there, both for Kendal retiree residents and the residents of a group home across the street. Pedestrian access to the Ithaca High School and Boynton Middle School southwest of the Village within walking distance for the school populations has been identified as a safety issue Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 23 Map 1.3 Existing Sidewalks in the Village. because there are no sidewalks on the steep and narrow hilly streets on the popular routes to the schools. The routes take students along roads without sidewalks in the City and Town of Ithaca as well as the Village. Walkability for the school age population is a key concern also for parents of Cayuga Heights Elementary School (CHES) whose younger children walking to school are served by sidewalks on The Parkway and other streets, but not to the north of the school along a small section of The Parkway, all of Highgate Road, Highland Road and other streets that all lie within a half mile of the school and present reasonable sidewalk gradients. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 24 Public bus service in Cayuga Heights is provided by Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) with six TCAT Routes currently servicing the Village. Bus routes through the Village have become an issue of prime importance to some residents who perceive a lack of attention to their input. The Village has proposed that TCAT service be extended within the access roads to Kendal at Ithaca. Recently, the Village installed bus shelters at both the intersection of Hanshaw Road and North Triphammer Road and at Pleasant Grove Road adjacent to the Fire Department. The newest TCAT route realignment in the Village involved diverting Route 30, TCAT’s most heavily patronized service, from East Upland Road to Northway Road. TCAT has cited gradient and curve issues as the rationale for this change, which brings the bus directly past an entrance to Cayuga Heights Elementary School and has been a concern for many residents. In response, the Village reduced the speed limit at all approaches to CHES on Hanshaw Road, Upland Road and The Parkway from 20 to 15 miles per hour and made the Northway and The Parkway intersection a four-way stop. Commuting Patterns According to the 2000 United States Census, 67% of Cayuga Heights residents used cars, trucks, or vans to go to work, 12% walked to work, and 10% used public transportation. In Tompkins County, 72% of residents used cars, trucks, and vans to go to work, 17% walked to work, and 5% used public transportation. Most residents of the Village and Tompkins County took less than 19 minutes to commute to work. The relatively large percentage of Village residents walking and taking public transit to work and the short commute time is accounted for by the Village’s proximity to Cornell University. In addition, the Village has a sizable student population bordering the Cornell University Campus. Incoming commuting traffic into the Village is concentrated in the Community Corners area. Outbound traffic is concentrated in three areas of the County: Cornell University, the research/business center at the Tompkins Regional Airport, and Downtown Ithaca. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 25 Map 1.4a, TCAT Weekday Bus Routes in the Village of Cayuga Heights Map 1.4b TCAT Weekend Bus Routes in the Village of Cayuga Heights Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 26 Transportation Priorities Current transportation priorities are to keep the existing infrastructure in good condition and to balance the transportation and safety needs of the Village population with those of neighboring communities. Another priority is improving transit service. One improvement proposed entails adding designated turning lanes to reduce vehicle conflict points at the intersection of Triphammer, North Triphammer, Hanshaw, East Upland and Pleasant Grove Roads in the Community Corners area. Under the planned improvement, right - hand turning lanes would be instituted on northbound Pleasant Grove Road and southbound North Triphammer Road Traffic count information for major roads in the Village of Cayuga Heights is scarce and discontinuous. The Village does not routinely conduct traffic counts that are conducted rotationally by New York State, Tompkins County and the Town of Ithaca. However, New York State traffic count data are not uniform by the year collected and up-to-date traffic volume data for local roads have only been collected for Hanshaw Road. According to NYS Department of Transportation data, Route 13 through the Village carries approximately 29,000 vehicles per day. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 27 Public Services Of prime importance to the Village is its municipal water and sewer infrastructure. Cayuga Heights water comes from Cayuga Lake through the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission, a.k.a. Bolton Point, a joint entity made up of five municipalities: the Towns of Dryden, Ithaca, and Lansing, and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing. The Bolton Point water supply facility, located at 1402 East Shore Drive has the capacity to process 9 million gallons of water a day (MGD). Recent daily production averaged 2.476 million gallons a day. The Village of Cayuga Heights owns a municipal wastewater treatment, or sewer, plant at 951 East Shore Drive with an operating capacity of 2.0 MGD. Average dry and wet flows are 1.5 MGD and 2.0 MGD respectively. The plant services the entire Village of Cayuga Heights, most of the Village of Lansing, small portions of the Town of Lansing, the Northeast area of the Town of Ithaca, and a very small portion of the Town of Dryden. For the purpose of stormwater management, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) categorizes the Village of Cayuga Heights a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). As required by EPA Phase II Stormwater Regulations, the Village has a local law for stormwater management covering six required elements: public education, public participation, illicit discharge detection/elimination, construction erosion control, post construction stormwater management, and municipal operations. By law, all storm sewers must be separate from the sanitary sewer system, meaning it is illegal to connect a storm sewer to a sanitary sewer. Given the Cayuga Heights wastewater treatment plant’s maximum capacity of 2.0 MGD, any large rain event has the capacity to overflow the system, causing untreated sewage to be discharged into the lake. in Cayuga Heights stormwater discharges directly into Cayuga Lake. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 28 Public Utilities New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) provides electricity and natural gas to the Village of Cayuga Heights. It owns the distribution system of pipes and wire and delivers services from multiple generation points. A cell phone tower owned by Verizon is located within the Village south of the Corners Community Shopping Center. The structure transmits cellular telecommunications and is about 100 feet tall. Although recognized as important to modern telecommunications, some residents are concerned about the tower’s impact on the aesthetic quality of the community. New telecommunication towers are only allowed within the Commercial and Planned Development zoning districts. The Village Zoning Law regulates the location and construction of telecommunication towers. Building applications are reviewed by Village Zoning Officer, the Zoning Board of Appeals, when necessary, and the Village Planning Board. Applications are subject to site plan review, a visual impact assessment, a local and intermunicipal public hearing and other review processes. In addition, applications must comply with the Code of Federal Regulations and towers must be designed not to interfere with air navigation. Public Safety Police protection and public safety is provided for the Village of Cayuga Heights by its own Police Department located with the Village offices in Marcham Hall at 836 Hanshaw Road. The Police Department has a staff of 14 full- and part-time officers with a central dispatch center for 24-hour communications between officers and the public. The Cayuga Heights Fire Department provides volunteer fire protection for residents and businesses, dispatched through the Tompkins County 911 central dispatch system. In addition to providing fire and rescue, 24-hour emergency medical assistance and light rescue service is rendered. The Department has an innovative, live-in “bunker” program that allows seven firefighters, who are often students from the local colleges, to live in a second floor dormitory at Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 29 the station rent free in exchange for their duty shifts, thereby assuring the Department’s ability to maintain its excellent response time of three minutes, the fastest among all the volunteer fire departments in the surrounding townships. The Department recruits new members bi-annually and enjoys a stable membership, except when student members are out of town. Education Village of Cayuga Heights children in kindergarten through the fifth grade attend the Cayuga Heights Elementary School, one of eight within the Ithaca City School District. The present school building, built in 1956 on the site of an earlier one, has been expanded several times. When it was closed between 1980 and 1988 for low enrollment, a Montessori school was operated there and a Cayuga Heights Community Association was formed to organize a wide array of community activities in the building. A group of district parents and teachers worked very closely together on the 1988 school reopening. CHES occupies 2.5 acres and has two playgrounds, a community built play structure, a soccer field and a nature and fitness trail. There is an after school program for children ages 5 to 12 affiliated with the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins County. The School is an integral part of the community and frequently mentioned as a reason to move into the Village. For preschool children, a Montessori House on The Parkway has offered daycare and early childhood education. Community Nursery School with a toddler program and programs for children age 3 to 6 has been in existence since the 1940s and for decades has been located at the First Congregational Church on Highland Road. After elementary school, within the Ithaca City School District, Cayuga Heights young people attend Boynton or DeWitt Middle School in the sixth through eighth grades and then go on to Ithaca High School. The Village is served by Tompkins County Public Library located in 101 East Green Street in the City of Ithaca, which is the Central Library for the Finger Lakes Library System. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 30 The library offers a circulating collection of 263,000 items including books, paperbacks, magazines, videos, DVDs, music CDs, and recorded books. An interlibrary loan service is available to help patrons borrow items that are not owned by the library. There are computers for public use. Wireless internet is also available in the library for people to use their own laptop. Village residents who are affiliated with Cornell University or Ithaca College have access to the libraries of those two institutions. The Kendal at Ithaca retirement community also has a library primarily for its own residents. The collection includes books, journals, magazines, and CDs that are available for public use on site. The Village’s Government & Financial Structure Government The Village is governed by the Mayor and the six-person volunteer Board of Trustees. The mayor oversees the Village staff, made up of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, the Treasurer, the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, the 10 Public Works Department employees, the Chief of Police and the 14 full- and part-time Police officers, and two Police Clerks. The Chief directs all aspects of the volunteer Cayuga Heights Fire Department with elected junior officers. Additionally, The Village Justice and Court Clerk make up the Village’s judiciary. A volunteer seven-person Zoning Board of Appeals and a volunteer six-person Planning Board round out the Village governing structure. Additionally, numerous individuals serve the Village in a voluntary capacity as its Forester, for example, and as members of various community boards and commissions involved with area youth programs, the environment, local television and wireless access, and more. The Mayor represents the Village to the Tompkins County Council of Governments where the incumbent mayor serves as a vice president. Current trustees represent the Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 31 Village as municipal colleagues on such bodies as the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and the Tompkins County Health Care Consortium. Mayoral and trustee positions are filled for two-year terms with Village elections held in March annually, three of the six trustees are elected each year. Village staff, board and commission memberships are mayoral appointments approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees meets monthly to conduct the Village’s business. The Village website, overseen by the Clerk, serves as the main point of communications for the Village; all aspects of the Village government, including minutes of the Board of Trustees meetings, may be referenced there. Budget The Village budget with $3.8 million expenditures for the July 1 – June 30, 2011- 2012 fiscal year funds its public services -- maintaining public safety through police and fire protection and the Village court and maintaining the physical infrastructure through the public works water and sewer systems, solid waste pick-up and recycling, road maintenance, building and zoning code enforcement and more. Budget expenses for FY 2011-2012 are broken down in Table 1.5. The Village has a number of revenue sources that fund its operating expenses (Table 1.6). The primary source of its operating, or general fund, budget is property taxes at 65%, and sales taxes at 18%, plus various fees. Funding for the maintenance and operation of the Village water and sewer systems, including the Village-owned wastewater (sewer) plant, which is its greatest capital asset with a value of over $2 million, comes from user fees and benefit assessments rather than taxes. The Village contracts with a priv ate company, Yaws, for the operation of the sewer plant. Villagers purchase water from the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (SCLIWC), a.k.a. Bolton Point, on whose commission the Mayor and one other Village resident sit as two of the ten commissioners that determine water rates and govern the operation. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 32 Because Village property taxes are the largest source of General Fund revenues, the value of taxable properties in the Village is critical. The total assessed value of taxable properties in Cayuga Heights in 2010 was approximately $383,576,000. In addition to taxable properties, 88 properties are tax exempt with an approximate assessed value of $37,785,000, or 9% of total assessed valuation. Table 1.4. Village Expenditures - FY 2011-2012 Fund Amount General Fund Expenses $3,583,050 Debt Service $244,450 Water Service $517,000 Sewer Service $927,000 Source: Village of Cayuga Heights Adopted Budget, April 27, 2011 Table 1.5. Village Revenues - FY 2011-2012 Revenue Source Amount Property Tax $2,246,083 Sales Tax $630,000 Other Taxes, Fees, State & Federal Aid $591,417 Water Service Revenues $517,000 Sewer Fund Revenues $827,000 From Surpluses $460,000 Total Revenues $5,271,500 Source: Village of Cayuga Heights Adopted Budget, April 27, 2011 Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 33 The Village enjoys a relatively robust property tax base. Excluding the tax exempt properties within the Village, the amount of taxable property is just over $101,000 per capita, which compares favorably with other villages in Tompkins County and the surrounding region1 where the average is $64,500 per person. Although the property tax base for Cayuga Heights is comparatively large, the fact that the Village is essentially built out indicates that any growth in the property ta x base will be limited to increased valuations of existing properties. Sales tax revenues are collected by Tompkins County and distributed to Cayuga Heights based on the size of its population. Because the population of Cayuga Heights is expected to remain relatively stable, while population is growing in the surrounding Town of Ithaca, the Village’s share of County sales tax revenues will likely decrease. Zoning Law Since 1953 the Village of Cayuga Heights has regulated land use through zoning law referring to the permissible height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of occupancy of lots and parcels of land that may be occupied; and the density of population, Article VII of NYS Village Law. Article IX of the Village of Cayuga Heights Laws establishes specific zoning districts and sets forth specific uses permitted in each district, as well as design and operating standards. The Village has amended and updated its zoning regulations on a number of occasions since their original adoption. Zoning is one of the key tools utilized to implement the vision set forth in a comprehensive plan. The following commentary is not a complete analysis of the Village of Cayuga Heights zoning regulations. Rather, it looks at the potential implications of current zoning with regard to the character and land use activities in the Village and future development or redevelopment within the Village. 1 Aurora, Cazenovia, Dryden, Freeville, Groton, Lansing, Moravia, Owego, Trumansburg Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 34 For the purpose of zoning, the Village of Cayuga Heights is divided into four types of zoning districts (Map 1.5): Residence District Multiple Housing District Commercial District Planned Unit Development District The Village of Cayuga Heights has not had any history of industrial development. Such land use was not anticipated in any early planning schemes for the Village for a number of reasons discussed earlier in this document. Given the essentially built out nature of the Village, no suitable opportunities for industrial development exist today. Uses within each district are further broken down into land use activities permitted with the issuance of a building permit; land use activities permitted upon the granting of Special Approval from the Village Board of Trustees; and land use activities that are su bject to Site Plan Approval by the Village Planning Board. The largest zoning district in the Village is the Residence District which covers about 75 percent of the land area in the Village. The uses permitted in the Residence District are:  residence for not more than two families with a total of not more than two other occupants residing in the residence; or a residence for not more than one family with a total of not more than three other occupants residing in the residence; or a residence in which there is no family and a total of not more than four occupants residing in the residence;  public schools;  home gardening;  golf courses, except a driving range or a miniature golf course conducted on a commercial basis;  accessory uses as are customarily incidental to the main use of the property, including: offices of a resident doctor, dentist, musician, engineer, teacher, lawyer, artist, architect, Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 35 or member of other recognized profession, where such office is a part of the residence building; and  customary home occupation, such as dressmaking, hairdressing, laundering, home cooking, of Family Day Care Home, conducted by one person only, resident in the dwelling;  any municipal or public utility purpose upon approval by the Village Board;  any cemetery purpose upon approval by the Village Board. The next largest zoning district classification is the Multiple Housing District. This district covers approximately 138 acres, or about 12 percent of the land in the Village. The district is located in the southern portion of the Village adjacent to the City of Ithaca border and the Cornell University campus. Permitted uses within the district are:  any use permitted in the Residence District;  dwelling for three or more families  churches or other places of worship including ancillary facilities such as convents, parish houses and church schools;  public libraries and museums, private and parochial schools, nursery schools;  fraternities and sororities;  hospitals or sanitariums, except for treatment of patients with mental health issues, and except for nursing or convalescent homes, which are prohibited;  any use by an institution of higher learning, upon approval by the Village Board of Trustees Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 36 Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 37 The Commercial District covers the area commonly referred to as Community Corners and including the Corners Community and Village Green shopping centers plus adjacent properties along Hanshaw, Triphammer, Upland and Pleasant Grove roads. The district covers approximately 25 acres and permits the following land uses:  any use permitted in the Residence District and Multiple Housing District;  retail and services businesses, provided that any manufacture or processing of goods on the premises is clearly incidental to a retail business conducted on the premises;  business or professional office;  health and fitness center;  restaurants or dairy bar for the serving of food and beverages, upon special approval of the Board of Trustees;  bank or other financial institution;  gasoline retail sales station including facilities for minor repairs, upon special approval of the Board of Trustees;  theater, but not a drive-in theater, upon special approval of the Board of Trustees;  car-wash operation and car-rental operation, upon special approval of the Board of Trustees;  and other approved uses. In addition to the above three zoning districts there is one Planned Development zoning district in Cayuga Heights. Located off North Triphammer Road, the district encompasses about 100 acres of land. The objective of the Planned Development District is to permit diverse land uses to be developed together on a single parcel of land as part of a unified plan of development. Land and buildings may be used for any purpose to the extent permitted elsewhere in the Zoning Law, subject to whatever requirements may be imposed by the Village Board of Trustees in its Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 38 approval. The existing Planned Development district was created in 1993 to permit development of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community. The zoning regulations also contain in Section 17-B detailed provisions for the control of telecommunications towers. These were adopted as Local Law No. 3 of 1998 and mirror the standard approaches to controlling such facilities in conformance with the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Despite their relative simplicity and age, until recently the Village zoning regulations have provided adequate protections against unwanted, undesirable or unattractive forms of development. There are, however, a number of issues that have been identified in the review of the current regulations. In no particular order with regard to priority or importance: They include: 1. a lack of specific statements of purpose for the Residence, Multiple Housing, and Commercial zoning districts. Well-crafted statements of purpose for zoning districts can provide municipal boards and officials valuable guidance with regard to the objective of the particular zoning district. On occasion where the zoning district regulations may not be clear on a particular use, the language of the purpose statement can provide valuable guidance for interpreting the district regulations. 2. There are no definitions for many of the terms utilized in the zoning regulations. An important component of any set of zoning regulations is a comprehensive glossary of terms. Whenever a community utilizes a specific word or words either outside their generally accepted dictionary meaning or in relation to a very specific context within the regulations, the word should be clearly defined in a glossary within the zoning ordinance. In the review of the zoning regulations, definitions were only found for "family," "building height," "sign" (with 6 associated definitions) "building face," "building front," "shopping center," and several associated with “telecommunications.” There are no definitions for key zoning terms such as "yard," "frontage," "lot depth," "dwelling," "retail," or "professional office," "institution of higher learning," among other terms. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 39 3. The current definition of "family" (Sect. 2) appears to be outdated. It can be interpreted to mean that marriage is a prerequisite for identification as a family, and also can be interpreted as excluding adopted children as members of a family. A common definition of family today is: "…two or more persons occupying a single dwelling unit, related by blood, marriage or adoption, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, or two unrelated persons occupying a single dwelling unit and living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit…" This definition has been found to accommodate the variety of household types that exist today. In communities with large college student populations it can also control the encroachment of student group housing into traditional family neighborhoods. 4. The zoning regulations are inconsistent; they permit "public" schools (undefined) in the Residence District, but not "parochial" schools. There is no rational basis presented for permitting parochial schools in the Multiple Housing District, but not in the Residence District. 5. Limiting churches or other places of worship and their ancillary facilities to the Multiple Housing District may be legally problematic. Although the Village is practically built out and the possibility that construction of any new church, synagogue, mosque or other religious institution will be proposed may appear remote, the possibility does exist. In this country, religious institutions have traditionally been located within residential neighborhoods, meaning the Village should consider whether it is at risk of a constitutional challenge for not permitting them in the Residence District as well. 6. The Village may wish to reconsider the current prohibition on nursing homes. While the possibility of such facilities being developed in the Village may appear to be remote, given an aging population, the potential is there. Moreover, the zoning regulations do not provide for newer type housing for the elderly or disabled, such as assisted living facilities or elder housing cottages that may permit older Village residents to continue to live in the community. Providing more flexibility in zoning Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 40 for an evolving population will permit a wide diversity in terms of age groups in the Village and enhance the overall quality of life. 7. The Village may wish to consider permitting, with appropriate design and operating standards, bed and breakfast establishments. A number of large homes in the Village, in attractive settings on relatively large lots, could be operated by resident owners as bed and breakfast inns without adverse impacts to the surrounding areas. Explicit design and operating standards however would be needed to protect neighboring properties 8. The lot sizes and frontage requirements for residential lots set forth in Section 7 may warrant review. They in effect dictate a minimum lot size of 18,000 to 20,000 square feet. Although this may be an appropriate size in older portions of the Village or newer areas where environmental constraints such as steep slopes dictate lower densities, there may be opportunities for smaller lot single-family home development elsewhere in the Village. Smaller lots, where appropriate and coupled with design standards (such as found in New Urbanist form-based zoning codes), could be utilized to promote development of neighborhoods similar to Bryant Park or Cascadilla Park in the City of Ithaca and boost density without sacrificing community character or quality of life. Moreover, although lots in Bryant Park or Cascadilla Park are smaller in size, the majority of the homes are comparable in size to the typical Cayuga Heights home. The development of more than one residence district would enable the Village to provide for more variety in terms of housing while protecting its established neighborhoods. 9. The restrictions on building lot coverage for the Multiple Housing (12%) and Commercial (15%) zoning districts should be reviewed. Lot coverage of 10 to15 percent is common and appropriate for lower density single-family residential areas. In higher intensity districts, however, it can lead to inefficient use of available land with little benefit to the community in terms of buffering or screening. Generally in commercial and multi-family housing development, lot coverage by Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 41 buildings can be as high as 30 to 40 percent, depending on parking requirements, and still provide for adequate buffer and yard setbacks. Yard setbacks, restrictions on building height and massing and landscape screenings can be more effective ways to ensure compatible commercial and multi-family development, and to control the impacts on adjacent properties of such development. 10. No specific parking requirements for multi-family and commercial development (Section 14) exist in the zoning regulations. This can lead to both too little parking as well as too much parking. Enough empirical data are available through the Institute of Transportation Engineers and other organizations for the Village to establish definitive parking requirements for non-residential development. Equal emphasis should be put on ensuring adequate parking and preventing construction of excessive amounts of parking. One approach to parking, utilized by the Town of Ithaca, is to permit a developer to build only 80 percent of parking spaces required by zoning, provided the developer allocates enough land to accommodate the remaining 20 percent of spaces should they prove to be needed. 11. The standards for the Board of Trustees granting special approvals, such as "… a need for such use exists for the convenience of the neighborhood and that the general welfare of the Village will be served and that there will be no excessive noise in connection with the use…" and "… the location and size of the use, the nature and intensity of the operation involved, and the size of the site in relation to it, the location of the site with respect to roads giving access to it, and any other reasonable requirements necessary to keep the proposed use in harmony with the appropriate and orderly development…" are relatively vague and may lead to controversy and conflict. In New York state, in general, the listing of a use as being permitted by special approval is considered a legislative determination by the municipality that the use is an appropriate use for the district(s) in which it is permitted. The general intent of special approval reviews is to identify potential adverse impacts of a proposed development and set conditions of approval that Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 42 ensure those impacts are mitigated. The burden of proof in denying or requiring substantial mitigation measures for special approvals is on the municipality. By establishing explicit design standards to be met by applicants for special permits, however, the Village can both protect its interests and reduce the potential for controversy and conflict. 12. The standards for Planning Board approval of site plan applications outlined in Section 23 (II) should be reviewed. The site plan review process is intended to be a technical review of a proposed development for compliance with zoning and with generally accepted design and engineering standards, as well as to insure the health and safety of the general public entering and using the facility. The legislative determination by the municipality that the use is appropriate for the district(s) in which it is permitted has already been made. Approval criteria such as "… location and site of the use…" "…nature and intensity of the operation involved…" "…size and topography…" "Location and dimension of buildings…" "Landscaping…" and "Architectural features…" and "…other factors reasonably related to the health, safety and general welfare…," without explicit standards, can lead to unnecessary controversy and conflict. As with the special approval process, anticipating potential impacts of potential developments subject to site plan approval and having in place more explicit design standards can both inoculate the Planning Board against potential conflict and streamline the review process. 13. The restrictions in the number and size of signs in Section 17-A(B)(2) should be reviewed. As currently written, the regulations governing the size, location and number of signs make it extremely difficult for retail and service establishments in the two shopping centers in the Community Corners commercial area to be "seen" and recognized by motorists. Currently, both shopping centers are limited to one freestanding sign, with sign faces not exceeding 18 square feet in area. As a result, it is not possible to advertise tenant stores within the shopping centers to passing motorists. Even prospective customers driving through the parking lots may have Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 43 difficult seeing signs due to distance and relative small size. Revising the existing sign regulations in order to permit larger signage along streets and on individual store facades could enhance the visibility and increase customers in the Community Corners commercial area. Such revisions, however, have to be carefully crafted in a manner that enhances merchant visibility while protecting the unique character of the Community Corners commercial area. 14. The “On premises sign” restriction in Section 17(A) should be reviewed. Over the past decade the federal courts have ruled in a number of cases that municipalities may regulate the size and location of signs, but that the regulation of sign content may be a violation of free speech. 15. The language used in the criteria set forth in Section 17(F)(3) for the approval of a sign permit application, such as "…the smallest sign which will suit the purpose shall be the guide…" and "A sign with only a few letters need no be as large as one with many letters…" "The character of the neighborhood." appears to be somewhat subjective. Generally, municipalities are free to regulate size and location, but attempts to regulate design without more explicit standards can create unnecessary conflict and controversy. 16. The zoning regulations currently do not address residential solar energy or wind energy installations. Although residential solar energy installations may be appropriate, wind powered energy systems may not be. While existing mature vegetation may likely mitigate the visual impacts of wind turbines, lot sizes, noise impacts and safety considerations may render them unsuitable uses within the Village. 17. The zoning regulations currently do not list natural gas drilling as a permitted use within the Village. Industrial activities have historically not been part of the fabric of Cayuga Heights and have not been listed as permitted uses anywhere within the Village. Moreover, given the land requirements of gas drilling operations, the Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 44 essentially built out character of the Village, the ecological sensitivity of the undeveloped lands within its boundaries, and regulatory setback requirements, appropriate sites for drilling within the Village are neither likely to be identified nor to be permitted. The above issues are the primary issues identified in the review of the Village zoning regulations. A number of them are technical in nature and do not have major land use related implications. They may be resolved relatively easily. A number of them, however, involve major land use decisions and should be considered in the context of an overall comprehensive planning process. Design Standards A major issue, highlighted a number of times in the above discussion, is the lack of more ex plicit design and performance standards for commercial, multi-family housing and other non- residential land uses to guide both Village boards and prospective applicants. Examples of useful standards include: 1. Requirements for vegetated buffer areas between non-residential and residential development that include specific requirements governing type, number and minimum sizes for vegetation and for screen fences to be utilized; 2. Outdoor lighting design standards for non-residential development that would eliminate the potential for glare, "light trespass" onto adjacent properties, and the projection of light into the atmosphere; 3. Minimum requirements for and ceilings on the maximum number of parking spaces for non-residential land uses, as well as design standards for parking lots that set minimum requirements for size and number of trees (per parking space), parking bay layout and stormwater management facilities; 4. Minimum landscaping requirements for non-residential development, including size and numbers of plant materials; Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 45 5. Minimum standards for useable open space and recreational areas for residents of multi-family housing developments. 6. Specific standards for siting certain activities, for instance, gasoline pump islands and canopies. Although across the country citizens and municipal officials have expressed a desire to better screen such uses, for instance, by locating them to the rear of the site, few municipalities have actually explicitly codified the requirement in their zoning regulations. The gas station convenience store is used here as an example because it has become a dominant feature of our landscape and also a major source of conflict in zoning and site plan review. Conclusion The above analysis is a review of the Village of Cayuga Heights from a land use planning and regulatory standpoint. Although the Village zoning regulations appear to function relatively well in protecting the Village and its residents, they are also in many ways outdated, inconsistent to some degree and lack a number of key components, such as definitions and design and performance standards. They do provide a solid foundation and framework upon which to expand and improve the Village's land use and growth management capacity. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 46 Part 2. Plan Goals and Objectives Introduction Key to an effective plan for the future is a set of clear and concise goals and objectives that provide an overall framework for actions and policies that follow. Goals are generally statements of a desired outcome, based on the values held by a community at large, but which may not necessarily be attainable. Progress toward any particular goal may not usually be easily quantifiable. Objectives, however, are concrete actions or policies that can be taken to further the goals of a plan. Progress toward completing these actions or enacting specific policies can be measured in some manner. The following goals and objectives are intended to address specific issues related to the future of the Village of Cayuga Heights, and are intended to further the vision set forth above. Under each objective specific recommended courses of action to be carried out by the Board of Trustees and other Village boards are listed. Quality of Life Goal QL1: Ensure retention of the Village's residential character, and improve upon the quality of life and economic viability of the village. Rationale: The Village is well known for its quality of life, "…a residential village, a quiet village, a village that accepted a few service stores to meet the needs of villagers…" in the words of long-time mayor Frederick G. Marcham. This community Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 47 attribute, however, is one that is consistently challenged as communities evolve and respond to outside forces over time. Vigilance and proactive local government and civic associations are keys to maintaining and improving the quality of life for a community. Cayuga Heights needs to explore ways in which the overall quality of life and economic viability of the Village can be stabilized and improved. Continued growth beyond the Village, competition with other retail areas and an aging population are challenges that need to be addressed with a creative mix of strategies. These strategies encompass issue areas such as housing, commercial development and redevelopment, and transportation. Objective QL1.1: Enhance the growth management tools available to Village boards to ensure a high quality of life in the future. Recommendation 1.1: Review and update as needed Village zoning regulations to maintain the existing scale, density and character of development within historic residential neighborhoods in the older sections of the Village. Recommendation 1.2: Review and update as needed zoning regulations to ensure that future commercial, multiple family and institutional development is designed to protect the existing historic neighborhoods. Recommendation 1.3 Create as part of a new zoning ordinance an Institutional zoning district to address land use issues related to such educational and other institutional uses. Recommendation 1.4 Create as part of a new zoning ordinance a second residence zoning district (Residence 2) that would permit medium density owner occupied residential development. Recommendation 1.5: Integrate into Village growth management and construction codes standards that will promote environmental sustainability in site design and building construction practices. Recommendation 1.6: Continue historic role as residential neighborhood providing housing in support of the region's industrial, commercial and education services-based economy. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 48 Objective QL1.2: Establish design standards for commercial development that ensure future development will complement the architectural character of the original Community Corner buildings. Recommendation 2.1: Establish design standards for parking, lighting, landscaping, signage, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and other elements of site design and construction. Recommendation 2.2: Establish height, setback and bulk standards for new commercial and residential development in the Community Corners area that will complement the original buildings. Objective QL1.3: Ensure the provision of a comprehensive system of fire, police and emergency services to protect life and property throughout the community. Recommendation 3.1: Identify possible synergies in the provision of emergency management services in partnership with Cayuga Heights Fire Department, Village Police and associated public and private agencies, and work cooperatively with these agencies to promote more comprehensive and efficient delivery of emergency services. Objective QL1.4: Provide a wide variety of recreational and health and fitness opportunities for residents of all ages. Recommendation 4.1: Ensure that Village residents of all ages and abilities have convenient access to a comprehensive system of parks, playgrounds and other recreational and fitness facilities. Recommendation 4.2: Bring cultural events to the Village through collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, the Tompkins County Arts Council and other public and private organizations. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 49 Community Character Goal CC1: Preserve and enhance the rich collection of natural, architectural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources that make the Village a distinctive community. Rationale: The Village was conceived as a "residential park" by one of its founders, Jared T. Newman. Aspects of that original vision such as meandering streets following topography and capturing views, its mix of lot sizes and architectural styles, and picturesque positioning of buildings in a continuous parkland setting, coupled with a central commercial node to provide neighborhood services and venues for community gatherings continue to distinguish Cayuga Heights as a community. This historic pattern of development is a foundation for future development that emphasizes stewardship of both the built and natural environment within the Village. Objective CC1.1: Establish a framework for documenting and preserving those aspects of the Village of Cayuga Heights that contribute to its historic character. Recommendation 1.1: Appoint a Village Historian to research, document, record and publicize Village history with the intent to educate Village residents about the history of Cayuga Heights and provide benchmarks for present policies and future Village development. Recommendation 1.2: Establish a Village Landmarks Preservation Committee that would be charged with developing criteria for identifying both historic structures and historic landscape elements, and creating a framework for their preservation. Recommendation 1.3: Create a list of village landmarks to include built structures and key landscape features that are significant in the history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture of the community and that should be preserved. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 50 Recommendation 1.4: Establish a role for the Planning Board in protecting the historic resources of the Village through the site plan and subdivision review processes. Recommendation 1.5: Develop a program to recognize property owners who restore or protect historic structures or landscapes. Recommendation 1.6: Create a network of historical markers to educate residents and promote a sense of place in the Village. Objective CC1.2: Better define the Village of Cayuga Heights as a distinct place within the overall Ithaca urban area. Recommendation 2.1: Create distinctive gateways at key entrances to the Village to establish a sense of arrival to the Village. Recommendation 2.2: Establish design standards for commercial development that would address streetscapes, parking, lighting, landscaping, signage and other site design elements that contribute to the sense of the Village as a distinctive community. Recommendation 2.3: Update design standards for fences and walls and setbacks for these structures that will be consistent with the historic parkland character of the Village as seen from the public right of way. Recommendation 2.4: Investigate incorporating a public square or park into the Community Corners area through measures such as reconfiguring streets and reorienting parking. Recommendation 2.5: Continue historic role as residential community providing housing in support of the region's industrial, commercial and education services-based economy. Ecology and Scenic Assets Goal ES1: Preserve the Village’s scenic, naturalistic setting while protecting natural resources and improving recreational opportunities. Rationale: The Village possesses significant natural resources (e.g. woodlands, streams, wildlife) that provide its residents with scenic beauty, a daily connection to nature, important ecosystem services, and recreational opportunities. Ecosystem Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 51 services are defined as those naturally occurring functions of the environment including but not limited to habitat provision, stormwater reduction, soil erosion mitigation, air quality improvement and heat island moderation. Due to these many benefits, the Village’s natural resources should be protected and enhanced where possible so as to preserve the character and quality of Village life both for current residents and future generations. Objective ES1.1: Protect undeveloped open space and environmentally sensitive areas of the Village. Recommendation 1.1: Channel future development from environmentally sensitive undeveloped land to previously developed areas to reduce resource consumption and preserve ecosystems. Recommendation 1.2: Work with Cornell University to develop a framework for the permanent protection of Palmer Woods and other University owned natural areas within the Village. Recommendation 1.3: Create and publish a map showing undeveloped open space, Unique Natural Areas and other environmentally sensitive areas of the Village including trails and self- guided nature walks, and post map to Village website. Recommendation 1.4: Designate the existing Unique Natural Areas within the Village as Critical Environmental Areas as provided for under NY State Environmental Quality Review Act. Objective ES1.2: Preserve water quality by minimizing urban runoff pollution erosion and sedimentation, and stormwater discharge. Recommendation 2.1: Require all new development and re-development of existing sites to restore to the extent practicable the historic hydrological function of streams on the site. Recommendation 2.2: Consider site plan approval for construction on steep slopes where slope grade exceeds 15%. Recommendation 2.3: Avoid development of areas that contain wetlands or that perform wetland ecological functions, including isolated wetlands. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 52 Recommendation 2.4: Protect and restore riparian buffers by stabilizing and re- vegetating with native plant communities degraded and eroded stream channels. Recommendation 2.5: Rehabilitate lost streams that have been artificially modified and daylight storm water channels using stable geomorphological and vegetative methods to restore ecosystem functions. Recommendation 2.6: Adopt stream buffer ordinances that will protect riparian corridors from development impacts. Objective ES1.3: Preserve ecological diversity and sustainability of natural resources. Recommendation 3.1: Develop and implement an active management plan for the control and management of invasive plants to limit damage to local ecosystems. Recommendation 3.2: Preserve plant communities native to the eco-region to promote regional diversity and provide habitat for native wildlife. Recommendation 3.3: Identify and preserve all vegetation designated as special status by local, state, or federal entities. Recommendation 3.4: Establish a list of native trees to prioritize for protection against removal and publicize this list as part of overall public education program for residents. Recommendation 3.5: Require property owners to secure a permit from the Village Forester for removal of any prioritized native tree with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than or equal to six (6) inches. Recommendation 3.6: Manage wildlife species that threaten species diversity and long term landscape ecology. Recommendation 3.7: Incorporate measures that prioritize the protection of native trees and consultation with the Village Forester into the Planning Board site plan review process and design standards. Recommendation 3.8: Promote ecological and sustainable approaches to landscape management such as integrated pest management, use of native plant species and organic soil amendments. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 53 Objective ES1.4: Sustainably manage the Village's trees. Recommendation 4.1: Establish a Village Shade Tree Board with the Village Forester as Chair and Superintendent of Public Works as ex-officio member to create a management plan for the long term health of Village street trees and to identify a list of native trees to prioritize for protection against removal. Recommendation 4.2: With the assistance of the Village Shade Tree Board, develop and adopt a Village Shade Tree Ordinance and organize volunteer street tree plantings. Recommendation 4.3: Establish a mechanism for the replacement of trees within the street rights of way that are removed as a result of public improvements or construction activities on adjoining properties. Objective ES1.5: Augment recreational opportunities for Village residents Recommendation 5.1: Identify opportunities for connectivity of open space and potential linkages for a system of Village trails. Recommendation 5.2: Explore opportunities to create additional park space from Village owned property and property near the Community Corners area. Recommendation 5.3: Collaborate with public agencies, Cornell University and other private groups to create a bicycle and pedestrian linkage between the Community Corners area and the University campus. Recommendation 5.4: Collaborate with the Town of Ithaca to improve and expand the bicycle and pedestrian path network between the Community Corners area and Warren Road in the vicinity of DeWitt Middle School. Recommendation 5.5: Collaborate with Kendal at Ithaca to create connections to its existing walking path network, and the Community Corners area and neighborhoods to the west and south. Recommendation 5.6: Create and publish a map showing undeveloped open space and environmentally sensitive areas of the Village including trails and self-guided nature walks, and post map to Village website. Recommendation 5.7: Create a self-guided “nature walk” within the Village. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 54 Recommendation 5.8: Create a network of marked running trails and streets to encourage the use of less busy streets and promote its use by pedestrians and joggers. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 55 Economy Goal EC1: Maintain and enhance the economic vitality of the Village, and in particular, its retail and commercial center. Rationale: Community character and the quality of life afforded Village residents correlate with a tax base adequate to support public services and infrastructure. It is in the self-interest of Village residents to maintain and enhance the Village as an economically vibrant and desirable place to live, including the Community Corners area, its central economic and governmental node. The Community Corners area is a defining element in the overall character of the community and a valued asset. In recent decades, however, it has experienced increased competition from new retail development beyond the Village and lost many of its everyday retail services. Re- establishment of these lost services and securing new ones would restore its role as a focus of community activity and improve the overall quality of life for Village residents. Objective EC1.1: Improve the business climate for property and business owners in the Village. Recommendation 1.1: Establish a regularly scheduled forum to facilitate communication and encourage collaboration between Village officials, property and business owners, and tenants. Recommendation 1.2: Review and update as needed Village sign regulations to enhance the visibility of businesses while protecting the visual character of the community. Recommendation 1.3: Organize additional community events in collaboration with local businesses to draw residents and others to the Community Corners area and raise its profile as a community gathering and shopping place. Recommendation 1.4: Seek out grant funding to leverage private sector investment in the Community Corners area. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 56 Objective EC 1.2: Facilitate home-based businesses. Recommendation 2.1: Survey existing small-scale home-based businesses in the Village to identify issues affecting their viability and the ways in which the Village can reduce obstacles to small- scale home-based business ventures. Recommendation 2.2: Update as needed Village zoning regulations to permit appropriate small-scale home-based businesses while maintaining the Village’s residential character. Objective EC1.3: Re-invigorate the Community Corners area as the economic and social hub of the Village. Recommendation 3.1: Develop and implement a master plan in collaboration with property owners and businesses for redevelopment of the Community Corners area as a dynamic mixed-use commercial and cultural center for the Village, and a continued defining element for the community. Recommendation 3.2: Work with property owners, businesses and tenants to encourage and incentivize the provision of everyday neighborhood retail services in the Community Corners area. Recommendation 3.3: Investigate use of incentive zoning to encourage development of mixed-income housing as part of a mixed- use district at Community Corners. Recommendation 3.4: Make streetscape improvements including better sidewalk connections and crosswalks to facilitate and encourage pedestrian access to the Community Corners area. Recommendation 3.5: Tap the resources of the Tompkins County Planning Department, Tompkins County Area development, Inc. and other organizations to assist with the redevelopment of the Community Corners area. Objective EC1.4: Enhance the property tax base in the Village and stabilize or reduce property tax rates for residents and businesses. Recommendation 3.1: Identify and exploit opportunities to collaborate with the Town of Ithaca and other municipalities to provide shared services that are cost effective and beneficial to the Village. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 57 Recommendation 3.2: Identify possible synergies in the provision of emergency management services in partnership with Cayuga Heights Fire Department, Village Police and associated public and private agencies, and work cooperatively with these agencies to promote more comprehensive and efficient delivery of emergency services. Housing Goal HO1: Ensure that a variety of high-quality housing options are available to any person wishing to reside in the community. Rationale: The vision of its founders distinguished Cayuga Heights as a residential village. In recent decades, however, the changing nature of the American household, the encroachment of student housing into historically family neighborhoods, and the need for a variety of housing types to accommodate older residents desirous of aging in place, have posed challenges to this vision. Creative thinking is necessary to provide for changing housing needs while protecting community character and the high quality of life for Village residents. Approaches to land use regulation such as mixed use zoning districts and performance based design standards can further the goal of high-quality housing in the Village, while protecting the environment. Objective HO1.1: Update zoning regulations to provide for a wider variety of housing options to meet the needs of a more diverse Village population. Recommendation 1.1: Replace the existing zoning ordinance and the August 2010 amendment with a comprehensive new ordinance that better protects family residential neighborhoods. Recommendation 1.2: Ensure that new zoning regulations contain definitions that are carefully crafted to ensure clarity in the intent of the regulations and provide adequate protections to Village property and residents. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 58 Recommendation 1.3 Create as part of a new zoning ordinance a second residence zoning district (Residence 2) that would permit medium density owner occupied residential development. Recommendation 1.4: Provide additional opportunities for multi-generational housing, such as elder cottages and senior apartment living above garages in single family and two family zoning districts. Recommendation 1.5: Develop inclusionary or incentive zoning tools to encourage developers to provide market rate affordable housing units in a new mixed-used zoning district. Objective HO1.2: Develop provisions to permit residential development in the Community Corners area to attract new homeowners and renters to invest in the community. Recommendation 2.1: Replace the Commercial District zoning in the Community Corners area with a new mixed use zoning district that can provide for residential and retail commercial establishments as part of an overall plan for redeveloping the area. Recommendation 2.2: Increase the resident population in the Community Corners area to promote the use of public transit and other alternatives to the automobile. Objective HO1.3: Establish a design review process that will encourage creativity in the design of new and renovated housing to emphasize in particular efficient use of the Village's existing infrastructure, and protection of scenic and open space assets. Recommendation 3.1: Review zoning and subdivision regulations and update them to permit more flexibility in subdivision planning and design, including preservation of open space and riparian corridors. Recommendation 3.2: Adopt architectural design guidelines and site design guidelines to assist design professionals in creating proposals for new residential developments. Recommendation 3.3: Incorporate into site plan review standards and subdivision standards relevant standards that will promote environmental sustainability such as those proposed by the International Green Construction Code and LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development). Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 59 Objective HO1.4: Protect historically single- and two-family residential neighborhoods from potential adverse impacts of student housing through the conversion of owner-occupied housing stock to student housing. Recommendation 4.1: Replace the existing definitions in the zoning ordinance to fully define the term “family” and also ensure that existing district regulations adequately protect the single- and two-family character of residential neighborhoods. Recommendation 4.2: Establish a framework for working with Cornell University, fraternities and sororities, and private landlords to address existing and potential issues with student housing developments within the Village. Objective HO1.5: Expand the stock of moderately priced owner-occupied housing within the community. Recommendation 5.1: Establish a Planning Board sub-committee to make recommendations for how appropriate aspects of the county’s proposed “Housing Strategy for Tompkins County” (2007) might be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan and Village policies. Recommendation 5.2: Encourage partnerships between landowners and the Community Housing Trust run by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) to facilitate lowering the initial cost of housing units for potential buyers. Recommendation 5.3: Adopt as part of an updated zoning ordinance the medium density residence zoning districts proposed on the Future Land Use map. Transportation Goal TR1: Maintain a transportation system that meets the needs of both residents and non-residents, encourages the use of public transit, creates a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment in the Village, and preserves the character and quality of life in the Village. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 60 Rationale: Transportation systems typically prioritize cars and vehicle movement. The Village’s suburban, low density character has encouraged a car dependent environment. In addition, the Village’s location bordering Cornell University has resulted in significant pass-through commuter traffic, especially as increased residential development has occurred to the Village’s north in the Town and Village of Lansing. Expeditious vehicle movement for residents and non-residents should continue to be provided, but greater attention should be given as well to reducing the number of vehicles on Village streets by encouraging the use of public transit and creating a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment. Objective TR1.1: Maintain an effective and efficient street network without compromising Village character and walkability. Recommendation 1.1: Maintain a maximum of one (1) travel lane in each direction with the exception of turn-lanes at major intersections. Recommendation 1.2: Review and update as necessary Village street use regulations in order to adequately control overweight truck traffic and protect Village streets from damage, including establishing weight restrictions and standard road use and security agreement. Recommendation 1.3: Review and upgrade as needed signage on Village streets and make additional improvements to improve traffic flow along arteries within the Village (e.g. Triphammer, Hanshaw, Pleasant Grove, and Cayuga Heights Roads). Recommendation 1.4: Ensure any proposal for new development within the Village addresses impacts to the street network and traffic flow. Recommendation 1.5: Maintain the efficiency and attractiveness of Village streets by establishing better controls on parking in front yard areas and within Village street rights of way. Objective TR1.2: Maintain and upgrade Village streets as necessary. Recommendation 2.1: Review the current street maintenance schedule and assess whether it sufficiently addresses resident and non- resident needs. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 61 Objective TR1.3: Encourage Public Transit Use. Recommendation 3.1: Continue working with TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) to build bus shelters and install signage to identify bus stops more clearly. Recommendation 3.2: Consider partnering with Cornell and TCAT to subsidize bus passes for students living in the Village. Objective TR1.4: Reduce conflicts between TCAT buses and Village residents. Recommendation 4.1: Establish a formal channel for communication with TCAT that provides for consultation with the Village prior to service changes. Objective TR1.5: Facilitate safe bicycle travel on Village streets. Recommendation 5.1: Develop a strategic plan for bikeways in the Village that would integrate connections to existing bikeway networks in surrounding areas, and would incorporate existing resources such as the Ithaca/Tompkins County Transportation Council plan. Recommendation 5.2: Create bicycle lanes where feasible on arterial Village streets and where bicycle lanes are not feasible install signage and pavement markings as appropriate to alert motorists of the presence of bicycle traffic. Recommendation 5.3: Include redesign of arterial Village streets to accommodate bicycle lanes as part of regular street repair and maintenance process. Recommendation 5.4: Install covered bicycle storage racks at Marcham Hall and at major intersections in the Village along TCAT bus routes. Recommendation 5.5: Incorporate relevant provisions of the International Green Construction Code and LEED-ND related to bicycle facilities into Village site plan approval criteria. Objective TR1.6: Maintain, expand, and improve the sidewalk network in the Village. Recommendation 6.1: Develop and implement a strategic plan for Village sidewalks including identifying and addressing gaps in Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 62 the existing sidewalk network and ensuring the safety of Village pedestrians, especially residents of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community and children walking to Cayuga Heights Elementary School, Boynton Middle School and Ithaca High School. Recommendation 6.2: Conduct a “walkability audit” with Village residents and commercial property owners to identify and prioritize pedestrian improvements. Recommendation 6.3: Ensure in site plan review that any new site development prioritizes pedestrian connections to the existing Village sidewalk network and provides safe pedestrian circulation within the developed site. Recommendation 6.4: Consider traffic calming measures on arterial streets such as raised intersections or increased street tree plantings to lower traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety. Recommendation 6.5: Coordinate sidewalk repair with regularly scheduled street repair and maintenance. Recommendation 6.6: Consider widening existing sidewalks where space permits. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 63 Public Services and Utilities Goal PS1: Develop and maintain a system of services and supporting infrastructure that meets the needs of the residents in the Village. Rationale: Public service and utility systems are essential to maintaining the daily operations of the Village and its residents. Efficient and economical provision of high quality services form the basis for, and make possible, other Village enhancements. Objective PS1.1: Ensure that existing public infrastructure is maintained and upgraded as necessary. Recommendation 1.1: Establish and update strategic plans for all utility systems, beginning with base plan mapping and capacity benchmarks, and planning for obsolescence replacement. Recommendation 1.2: Include utility appraisal in conjunction with planned street improvements. Recommendation 1.3: Ensure any new development within the Village addresses impacts to the public infrastructure. Recommendation 1.4: Seek opportunities to partner with adjacent municipalities and institutions for funding contiguous infrastructure projects. Recommendation 1.5: Seek opportunities to partner with businesses and utilities to identify and enact sustainable practices. Recommendation 1.6: Plan for relocation and burial of overhead line utilities with development of the Business District to reduce “visual clutter.” Recommendation 1.7: Adopt policies for better control of street lighting to reduce the impacts of street light glare and light trespass on adjoining properties and reduce light haze that washes out the night sky. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 64 Objective PS1.2: Maintain and upgrade Village fire protection/prevention service and police protection as necessary. Recommendation 2.1: Make first aid equipment (defibrillators) available in Village public buildings and select Village vehicles. Provide training for Village employees. Recommendation 2.2: Update and publicize the Village’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. Objective PS1.3: Maintain and upgrade Village trash and recycling services as necessary. Recommendation 3.1: Partner with County entities to promote increased sustainability measures. Objective PS1.4: Maintain and upgrade Village government service as necessary. Recommendation 4.1: Expand and renovate Marcham Hall to ensure adequate space, accessibility for all Village residents and the efficient function of Village agencies. Recommendation 4.2: Regularly assess approaches to ensuring long term success/maintenance/continuity of fire protection in the Village. Recommendation 4.3: Regularly review the various governance procedures utilized by Village boards and committees to ensure transparency and compliance with State laws. Recommendation 4.4: Establish a staff planning position or contract with the Town of Ithaca to provide professional planning services to the Village and its residents. Recommendation 4.5: Continue to exploit opportunities to collaborate with the Town of Ithaca and other municipalities to provide shared services that are cost effective and beneficial to the Village. Recommendation 4.6: Establish formal communication links with Cornell University, the Town of Ithaca, the City of Ithaca, and the Village of Lansing planning departments for proactive development discussions. Recommendation 4.7: Ensure that Village records management and digitizing of Village documents promote both preservation of Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30 2012 65 important documents and enhance public access to public records. Objective PS1.5: Maintain the opportunity for high quality, close to home elementary school education for Village families. Recommendation 5.1: Establish ongoing dialogue with Ithaca City School District (ICSD) to assess needs of Cayuga Heights Elementary School (CHES). Recommendation 5.2: Ensure safe access to CHES by Village residents and non- residents. Goal PS2: Support and actively contribute to the Tompkins County 2020 Energy Strategy completed and endorsed by the County Legislature in 2010. Rationale: Evidence shows that the county’s overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% in the period from 1998 to 2008 was not achieved. This was based primarily on the increased use of private vehicles. However, the 2008 TC County assessment that led to this conclusion showed that the adoption of improved energy efficiency measures for building facilities in both the public and private sectors as well as public sector vehicle fleet emissions reduction improvements have the potential to improve this situation in the long term. As part of an amendment to its Comprehensive Plan, in 2008, the TC Legislature adopted a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions county-wide by at least 80% by 2050 with an interim step of a 20% reduction by 2020. Objective PS2.1: Develop a program to identify and carry out energy efficiency monitoring and making improvements as practicable in relation to Village-owned building facilities and vehicles. Recommendation 1.1: Establish a task force to study this and recommend action to the Board of Trustees. Objective PS1.2: Use Marcham Hall as a model for sustainable practices Recommendation 2.1: Incorporate sustainable building design and site design features including sustainable site plan and landscape features, parking lots and stormwater management systems in the re-development of Marcham Hall so that it may serve as a model of sustainability for the rest of the Village. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 66 Part 3. Plan Implementation Matrix The goals objectives and recommendations set forth in Part 2 lay out an ambitious action agenda for the Village of Cayuga Heights. Their implementation will require a coordinated effort on the part of the various Village boards and committees, and Village departments. In some cases taking action will require collaboration with Tompkins County, adjacent municipalities or private non- governmental agencies. In all cases the ability of the Village to carry out the Comprehensive Plan will be dependent upon the availability of required resources. These resources include fiscal resources, staff resources, and the time available to the numerous elected and appointed officials who are committed to provide high quality, efficient government services to Village residents. This Plan recognizes that those resources are finite, and years, even decades, will be require to achieve some objectives. Moreover a number of recommendations will require multiple actions and collaborations that will extend over a number of years before they are completely implemented. Prioritizing strategies and actions is thus critical to successful plan implementation. In the following matrix the objectives set forth in Part 2 are listed. Each objective is then catalogued as: 1. Short Term – objective which should be achieved within the next 3 years; 2. Medium Term – objective which should be achieved within the next 3to 7 years; 3. Long Term – objective which should be achieved, but which is less of a priority or which is of a complexity or scale that it is expected to take 7 or more years to achieve; 4. Ongoing – and initiative or policy which should be implemented as soon as practicable, but which will be implemented continuously over the course of the plan. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 67 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Matrix (Short Term: 0-3 years; Medium Term: 3-7 years; Long Term: 7+ years) Objective Strategy or Action Lead Responsibility Timeframe Objective QL1.1 Enhance the growth management tools available to Village boards to ensure a high quality of life in the future. Planning Board Short Term Objective QL1.2 Establish architectural and site planning and design standards for commercial development that ensure future development will complement the architectural character of original Community Corners buildings. Planning Board Short Term Objective QL1.3 Ensure the provision of a comprehensive system of fire, police and emergency services to protect life and property throughout the community. Board of Trustees On Going Objective QL1.4 Provide a wide variety of recreational and health and fitness opportunities for residents of all ages. Planning Board Medium Term Objective CC1.1 Establish a framework for documenting and preserving those aspects of the Village of Cayuga Heights that contribute to its historic character. Board of Trustees Short Term Objective CC1.2 Better define the Village of Cayuga Heights as a distinct place within the overall Ithaca urban area. Planning Board Medium Term Objective ES1.1 Protect undeveloped open space and environmentally sensitive areas of the Village. Planning Board Ongoing Objective ES1.2 Preserve water quality by minimizing urban runoff pollution erosion and sedimentation, and stormwater discharge. Public Works Committee Ongoing Objective ES1.3 Preserve ecological diversity and sustainability of natural resources. Planning Board Ongoing Objective ES1.4 Sustainably manage the Village's trees. Shade Tree Board Ongoing Objective ES1.5 Augment recreational opportunities for Village residents. Planning Board Medium Term Objective ES1.6 Use Marcham Hall as a model for sustainable practices. Board of Trustees Short Term Objective EC1.1 Improve the business climate for property and business owners in the Village. Board of Trustees Short Term Objective EC 1.2 Facilitate home-based businesses. Planning Board Short Term Objective EC1.3 Re-invigorate the Community Corners area as the economic and social hub of the Village. Planning Board Medium Term Objective EC1.4 Enhance the property tax base in the Village and stabilize or reduce property tax rates for residents and businesses. Board of Trustees Ongoing Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 68 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Matrix (Short Term: 0-3 years; Medium Term: 3-7 years; Long Term: 7+ years) Objective Strategy or Action Lead Responsibility Timeframe Objective HO1.1 Update zoning regulations to provide for a wider variety of housing options to meet the needs of a more diverse Village population. Planning Board Short Term Objective HO1.2 Develop provisions to permit residential development in the Community Corners area to attract new homeowners and renters to invest in the community. Planning Board Short Term Objective HO1.3 Establish a design review process that will encourage creativity in the design of new and renovated housing to emphasize efficient use of existing infrastructure, and protection of scenic and open space assets. Planning Board Medium Term Objective HO1.4 Protect historically single- and two-family residential neighborhoods from potential adverse impacts of student housing through the conversion of owner-occupied housing stock to student housing. Board of Trustees Short Term Objective HO1.5 Expand the stock of moderately priced owner-occupied housing within the community. Board of Trustees Medium Term Objective TR1.1 Maintain an effective and efficient street network without compromising Village character and walkability. Public Works Department Medium Term Objective TR1.2 Maintain and upgrade Village streets as necessary. Public Works Department Ongoing Objective TR1.3 Encourage Public Transit Use. Board of Trustees Medium Term Objective TR1.4 Reduce conflicts between TCAT and Village residents. Board of Trustees Short Term Objective TR1.5 Facilitate safe bicycle travel on Village streets. Planning Board Medium Term Objective TR1.6 Maintain, expand, and improve the sidewalk network in the Village. Planning Board Medium Term Objective PS1.1 Ensure that existing public infrastructure is maintained and upgraded as necessary. Public Works Department Ongoing Objective PS1.2 Maintain and upgrade Village fire protection/prevention service and police protection as necessary. Board of Trustees Ongoing Objective PS1.3 Maintain and upgrade Village trash and recycling services as necessary. Public Works Department Ongoing Objective PS1.4 Maintain and upgrade Village government service as necessary. Board of Trustees Ongoing Objective PS1.5 Maintain the opportunity for high quality, close to home elementary school education for Village families. Board of Trustees Ongoing Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 69 Part 4. Plan Implementation Details Many of the goals, objectives and recommendations in Part 2 are straightforward. A number of them, however, will involve multiple actions and engage multiple boards and Village residents, property owners and other entities in the implementation process. This section outlines in further detail recommended actions and implementation strategies for attaining the objectives of the previous section. They are organized under the same headings as Part2: Quality of Life; Community Character; Ecology and Scenic Assets; Housing; Economy; Transportation and Public Services and Utilities. Quality of Life Implementation Strategy 1.1: Land Use Regulations (Obj. QL1.1) The Village should establish a task force of Village officials and residents for the purpose of reviewing existing zoning regulations and other growth management tools. The task force approach is recommended for the development of new zoning and other growth management tools because: 1) it will bring together members of the Village bodies that will be key to administering the regulations; 2) bring residents into the process early on; and 3) reduce the burden on any one board or staff member in overseeing the process. This task force could be charged by the Board of Trustees with responsibility for reviewing the Village zoning regulations and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees for amendments, including the establishment of new zoning districts Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 70 and new zoning map, specific standards for individual zoning districts and categories of land uses. Key objectives of the zoning regulations and architectural and site planning and design standards to be developed by the task force are (1) minimizing any negative environmental impacts of future development in the Village and (2) protection of the historic character of older residential neighborhoods and the Community Corners area as the Village evolves in the coming decades. Recommended changes to the existing zoning regulations that the task force should carefully consider are: 1. Creation of a new Institutional zoning district that would apply specific controls to student housing such as dormitories, fraternities, and sororities, covering in particular the design and location of parking, and provisions for buffering between such housing and single-family housing. This Institutional district would cover certain areas currently within the existing Multiple Family zoning district (see Map 3.1). This new Institutional district would also permit educational institution uses such as the Africana Research Center, churches, and public and private schools. 2. Creation of a Mixed Use district to replace the existing Commercial district in the area that includes the Corners Community and Village Green shopping centers and surrounding areas. This would facilitate redevelopment of the area as a mixed use medium density residential and commercial area. The new district ordinance would include detailed building height and bulk regulations designed to encourage living units above and interspersed with commercial space. It would also include parking guidelines and standards designed to encourage greater levels of pedestrian activity and attractive space for social interaction and community events. Creation of a Conservation Overlay district that would provide additional controls on development of steep slopes, along stream corridors, within wooded areas, Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 71 on sites adjacent to wetland areas and on properties contained within and bordering UNAs. 3. Creation of a second Residence district (Residence-2) permitting smaller lots than the minimum 18,000 to 20,000 square foot lot size requirement in force today. These smaller lots could be 8,000 to 10,000 square feet. The district would also permit owner occupied attached housing subject to design standards governing elements such as building height and bulk, garages (to rear of buildings), dedicated common space and buffer areas. Areas that could be considered for such zoning would be in the vicinity of the Community Corners area and along North Triphammer Road between Hanshaw Road and the Village of Lansing. 4. Modifications to the existing Residence district regulations to limit intrusion of student housing, but also, through special approval review process, allow other uses traditionally found in residential areas such as churches, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc. Include in the special approval process specific design standards for parking, landscaping and buffering from adjacent family homes. Bed and breakfast establishments operated by the resident of the premises may also be an appropriate use, subject to special approval and design standards. 5. Modifications to the existing Multiple Housing district ordinance to better control parking area size, design and location, increase permitted building lot coverage from 12% to 30%, and provide site design and buffering standards protecting adjacent single- and two-family homes. Increasing lot coverage as proposed could provide for additional density on existing sites, while still maintaining adequate buffer areas, green space for tenants and a suburban character. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 72 6. Design standards for commercial development that would address buildings, streetscapes, parking, lighting, landscaping, signage and other elements that contribute to the sense of the Village as a distinctive community. 7. Zoning definitions that are carefully crafted to ensure clarity in the intent of the regulations and provide adequate protections to Village property and residents. 8. Incorporate language codifying the longstanding policy of not promoting industrial development within the boundaries of the Village but instead maintain the Village's historic role in the regional economy. Map 3.1 - Future Land Use Map illustrates the general form of the proposed new zoning districts outlined above. The bulk of the land within the Village will remain within the existing Residence zoning district. The proposed districts would cover the following areas: 1. Mixed Use. Approximately 20 acres encompassing the Corners Community and Village Green shopping centers and properties along the north side of Upland Road and the west side of Pleasant Grove Road. 2. Residence-2. Approximately 35 acres in total, to consist of lands along North Triphammer Road and south of the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community. 3. Institutional. Approximately 70 acres encompassing lands currently occupied by Cornell University buildings and other facilities (excluding Palmer Woods and adjacent meadow lands which would remain in the existing Residence zoning district), fraternities and sororities, and the First Congregational Church in the southern portions of the Village. 4. Multiple Housing. Approximately 17 acres that encompass the existing multiple residence district within the Village. The district would include the existing apartments at the southern edge of the Community Corners area. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 73 They would serve as a transition zone between the proposed Mixed Use district and the existing Residence zoning district to the south. Implementation Strategy 1.2: Recreation (Obj. QL1.4) The Village of Cayuga Heights should partner with the Town of Ithaca, the Village of Lansing, the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community, and Cornell University to assure continued convenient access to parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities. Although space within the Village limits opportunities for the development of new parks, there are nearby park and recreational facilities in the Village of Lansing and adjacent areas of the Town of Ithaca. This approach can enable the Village to develop and maintain desired facilities in a cost effective and efficient manner. The redevelopment of the Community Corners area into a mixed use neighborhood would also afford the opportunity to develop a new public space at the Village’s center. This public space could provide valuable green space and also function as a gathering spot for the community, much in the manner of a New England green or commons. It might offer additionally a small play area for children and a venue for concerts and other community gatherings and cultural events. This area could provide adequate room for a gathering of 400 to 500 residents for a concert or other event in an area safely removed from streets and conflicting surrounding uses. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 75 Community Character Implementation Strategy 2.1: Historic Preservation (Obj. CC1.1) The preservation of Jared Newman’s historic "residential park" concept with its rich composition of natural, architectural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources will require a number of implementation measures. The Village should take steps in the near future to ensure that Newman’s legacy is protected in the coming decades, including: 1. Establish a Village Landmarks Preservation Committee. This committee would be charged with developing criteria for identifying both historic structures and historic landscape elements, and creating a framework for their preservation. The committee can tap local resources such as Historic Ithaca and Tompkins County as well as the New York State Historic Preservation Office in its work. It can also advise the Planning Board on issues pertaining to historic structures or spaces within the Village. 2. Create a list of Village landmarks or districts to include built structures and key landscape features. Criteria for such designation could include structures or landscapes that are significant in the history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture of the community. The Village would have the option of designating such landmarks and districts in order to highlight their significance. It can also consider the creation of a landmarks preservation ordinance that could empower the Village to review alterations to historic structures. This would be similar to the practice in the City of Ithaca and other cities which take a more active role in protecting historic resources. 3. Expand the number of historic markers that would highlight the rich history and notable figures that have lived in the Village. There are a number of homes of early farmers, as well as homes of internationally known people such as Hans Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 76 Bethe within the Village. Another topic of such markers would be the origins of place names, such as Sunset Park, Renwick or The Parkway. The historic marker installed by the Town of Ithaca in front of Marcham Hall in 1996 would be a template for this expanded program to educate Village residents about their community’s history. Ecology and Scenic Assets Implementation Strategy 3.1: Significant Open Space (Obj. ES1.1) Enhanced zoning regulations are required to better protect the significant natural resources that provide Village residents with scenic beauty, a daily connection to nature, important ecosystem services, and recreational opportunities. To protect this as a legacy for future generations, the Village should take steps to channel future development from environmentally sensitive undeveloped lands, such as areas shown on Map 1.2, wherever possible and to better control activities that may occur in such areas in the future. Two key actions in implementing a protection strategy are: 1. Creation of a Conservation Overlay district that would provide additional controls on development of steep slopes, along stream corridors, within wooded areas, adjacent to wetland areas and on properties bordering Unique Natural Areas (UNAs). Such controls should include minimum setbacks from stream centerlines and, where present, ravine edges; and limit clearing and cutting of vegetation on steep slope areas, and on lot coverage and disturbance. A site plan approval process for new construction in such areas would provide the Village the opportunity to utilize the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process to assess potential environmental impacts of such activity. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 77 2. The Village, in collaboration with Cornell University, should establish measures to permanently protect from development the University owned Palmer Woods and Newman Tract natural areas. These two areas have been recognized for their significance as open space and ecological resources through designation as Tompkins County Unique Natural Areas and through their incorporation into the Cornell Plantations Natural Areas system. These designations, however, do not provide adequate protection from development or other activities that may damage or destroy their ecological integrity. If the two areas are not already protected through such instruments, one potential measure would be for the Village of Cayuga Heights to acquire conservation easements from Cornell University, through purchase or by donation. Education is another effective means of protecting critical open space assets within the Village. To better inform residents of the rich natural heritage in Cayuga Heights, the Village should develop informational materials for residents as well as prospective residents. These could be in the form of: 1. A map showing undeveloped open space and Unique Natural Areas and other environmentally sensitive areas of the Village including trails and self-guided nature walks. The map could be posted to the Village website and included in a newsletter. 2. A brochure that would include both map and narrative that could be available in Marcham Hall and other locations, including local real estate offices, for distribution to prospective new residents. Implementation Strategy 3.2: Stormwater Management (Obj. ES1.2) Over the course of its development, the various streams in the Village have been altered and water quality negatively affected. In the coming years the Village Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 78 should take steps to 1) reduce the impacts of new development on water quality and 2) begin efforts to restore water quality. Toward this end, the Village should enact site plan design standards that would require site designs that maintain the historic hydrological functions of the site. This would entail controlling stormwater runoff and also treatment of stormwater runoff for urban stormwater pollutants. New approaches to stormwater management that emphasize retention of runoff onsite and infiltration into the ground, such as bioswales and pervious pavements, should also be emphasized in site design. Establishing this type of guideline for use by the Planning Board will assist the members of the board in evaluating proposed site designs. Such guidelines should enable the members without specific expertise in such issues to assess proposed stormwater management measures for smaller scale projects. In addition to standards for site design, the Village should also where feasible integrate bioswales and other stormwater management and treatment practices in the design of Village streets. The Village should publicize such practices and encourage homeowners to consider approaches such as bioswales, rain gardens, and pervious driveway pavements at their residences. Implementation Strategy 3.3: Riparian Resources (Obj. ES1.2) The Village should take additional steps to protect riparian resources. These include: Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 79 1. Completion of an inventory and mapping of wetland areas within the Village, using the criteria established by the federal government in the late 1980s1. These criteria provide a consistent framework for identifying wetland areas, including small areas of the type that can be found in the Village. These wetland areas and a surrounding buffer area can then be included within the Conservation Overlay zone proposed in 1.1 above. 2. In collaboration with the Soil and Water Conservation District and Village landowners, identify degraded and eroded stream channels and drainage swales and restore riparian buffers by stabilizing and re-vegetating with native plant communities. This would reduce erosion and sedimentation into local streams and ultimately Cayuga Lake. 3. In collaboration with the Soil and Water Conservation District, identify streams within the Village that have been channelized or buried for long stretches in culvert pipes. Where feasible such streams should be day- lighted and the streambeds rehabilitated using stable geomorphological and vegetative methods to restore ecosystem functions. Implementation Strategy 3.3: Ecological Diversity (Obj. ES1.3) The natural ecology of Cayuga Heights has been disrupted over the course of several decades. There are measures, however, that the Village should implement to protect existing assets and restore some balance to the ecology. The Village Forester can take a leadership role in a number of strategies, including: 1. Identifying and preserving plant communities native to the eco-region, and vegetation designated as special status by local, state, or federal entities. A number of native tree species are included in this category. Because the 1 The 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and 1989 Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands established specific criteria for identifying wetlands. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 80 Village is essentially built out, this process is viewed as being primarily one of identifying such species, and educating Village residents of their importance and the desirability of preserving them. 2. Develop educational materials that list desirable native plant species and encourage Village residents to utilize such plants in their landscaping. This can be done in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension. The information could be available in a number of forms, including a brochure available at Marcham Hall and on the Village website. 3. Establish a permitting process for removal of any prioritized native tree with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than or equal to six (6) inches. The Village Forester would administer the process. A permitting structure would enable the Village Forester to monitor the number and condition of prioritized trees in the community and to also educate Village residents about the importance of such trees to the local ecology. 4. Incorporate into the Planning Board site plan review process design standards and measures that prioritize the protection of native trees. The site plan review process can be an effective tool in the protection of significant native vegetation on private properties within the Village. The Planning Board, in consultation with the Village Forester, should establish specific standards to protect such trees and incorporate them into the Zoning Code. These standards would include basic requirements such as incorporation of such trees into the site design and minimum design standards such as setbacks from curbs and paved areas and other measures to protect the root structure and canopy of the trees. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 81 Implementation Strategy 3.4: Street Trees (Obj. ES1.4) The Village should create a Village Shade Tree Board with the Village Forester as Chair and Superintendent of Public Works as ex-officio member. The primary charge to the Shade Tree Board would be to create and implement a street tree management plan for the long term health of the trees within Village street right-of-ways and other Village properties. It would also develop and maintain a list of native trees within the public right-of-ways to prioritize for protection against removal. The proposed Village Shade Tree Board should also establish a mechanism for the replacement of trees within the street right-of-ways removed as a result of public improvements or construction activities on adjoining properties. Economy Implementation Strategy 4.1: Economic Development Partnership (Obj. EC1.1) The Village needs to take action in the coming years to maintain and enhance the Community Corners area as a desirable, economically vibrant retail and government center. The Community Corners area is a defining element in the overall character of the community and a valued asset, but increased competition from new retail development beyond the Village has eroded its traditional place in the fabric of Village life. The Village should establish a joint public - private economic development partnership. This non-governmental Economic Development Council could be modeled along the lines of the Downtown Ithaca Business Alliance. Its mission Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 82 would be to promote the Community Corners area and coordinate the efforts of businesses in the Village to redevelop and revitalize the retail sector there. In carrying out its mission the new organization would: 1. Advise the Village Board of Trustees and other bodies on matters pertaining to the Community Corners area business community and on issues Village businesses face in their daily operations. 2. Prepare a strategic plan for the revitalization of the retail sector, including a plan to elevate the profile of the Community Corners area in the greater Ithaca region as a retail center. 3. Organize community events to draw residents and others to the Community Corners area and raise its profile as a community gathering and shopping place. 4. Seek out public and private grant funding to leverage the private sector investment in the Community Corners area. To provide support for the new economic development organization the Village should provide funding for a part-time director of the Economic Development Council. While this position would entail responsibility for the day-to- day operation of the organization. it would not necessarily become a new Village staff position since such services could be contracted out to an established economic development organization in Ithaca or Tompkins County. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 83 Implementation Strategy 4.2: Area Plan for Community Corners (Obj. EC1.3) The Village, in collaboration with the Economic Development Council, property owners and individual businesses, should develop and implement a new master plan for the redevelopment of the Community Corners area as a dynamic mixed-use commercial and cultural center for the Village. This area plan would include a vision for transforming the area and detailed recommendations for implementation of the plan. It would also align well with Tompkins County's proposed nodal development strategy, Integral to any master plan for the area would be identification and preservation of the original buildings and landscape that constitute the area's historic identity, while creating a new Village center comprised of a mix of retail, service and residential uses. The process of developing a master plan for the Community Corners area should be a dynamic, interactive process that would include a broad range of stakeholders. These include property and business owners in the designated area, Village officials, and members of the general public. A team of experts in planning, design and community participation should be assembled to guide the community in its efforts to create this new future for the Community Corners area. Implementation Strategy 4.3: Home-Based Businesses (Obj. EC1.2) Home-based businesses are a growing economic sector both nationwide and in Cayuga Heights. The Village should facilitate home-based businesses that are compatible with the character of its neighborhoods. To further this objective the Village should: Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 84 1. Survey existing small-scale home-based businesses in the Village to identify issues affecting their viability and the means by which the Village can reduce obstacles to small-scale home-based business ventures. 2. Update as needed Village zoning regulations to permit appropriate small- scale home-based businesses while still maintaining the Village’s residential character. Housing Implementation Strategy 5.1: Expand Housing Options (Obj. HO1.1, Obj. HO1.2) The Village should address the changing nature of the American household and the need for a variety of housing types. It can do so by implementing a number of measures in the coming years. Multi-generational housing such as elder cottages and senior accessory apartments in Residence zoning districts can provide the opportunity for older Village residents to age in place, and for others who may have special needs. The concept can also enable Village residents to provide housing for parents and other older relatives. The Village should ensure that such opportunities exist in a new zoning ordinance. By slightly adjusting residential density upwards, backed by inclusionary or incentive zoning in the proposed mixed use zoning district, developers could be encouraged to provide not only market rate units, but below market rate affordable housing. The units should be owner-occupied, if possible. Increasing density, however, may not be enough. The Village should work with for-profit developers, not-for-profits such as Better Housing for Tompkins County, Tompkins County, and Cornell University to develop lower cost housing. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 85 Tompkins County has a Community Housing Trust fund that could be a possible source of funding for this endeavor. Implementation Strategy 5.2: Creative Residential Development (Obj. HO1.3) The Village should review and, where necessary, revise its existing subdivision regulations to permit more flexibility in subdivision planning and design. The use of cluster subdivision strategies in new development can achieve a number of planning objectives, including preservation of open space, protection of riparian corridors, expanding the stock of affordable housing, and permitting residential design more suitable to higher density where appropriate. In addition to flexibility in subdivision design, the Village should enact a set of architectural design and site design criteria for new cluster-type residential developments. Besides addressing aesthetic and public safety considerations, these design criteria might also incorporate relevant provisions of the International Green Construction Code and LEED-ND into residential site plan and subdivision standards. Transportation Implementation Strategy 6.1: Street Infrastructure (Obj. TR1.1) The Village has not adopted the practice of widening streets in response to increased traffic. In addition, the original terrain-following alignments of Village streets have remained intact. By maintaining a maximum of one travel lane in each direction and limiting investments in increased capacity to adding turn lanes at key intersections, the Village has been able to balance the efficient movement of vehicular traffic with preserving community character. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 86 This strategy should be continued in the coming years. As part of this strategy, the Village should also continue to implement traffic flow improvements along arteries such as Triphammer, Hanshaw, Pleasant Grove, and Cayuga Heights Roads. The objective of any such improvements should be to maintain a safe flow of traffic. The Village should couple any proposed traffic improvements with traffic calming measures on arterial streets, such as raised intersections and increased street tree plantings, to lower traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety. Implementation Strategy 6.2: Public Transit (Obj. TR1.3, Obj. TR1.4) Providing safe, comfortable and conveniently located bus shelters is a critical component in increasing public transit ridership. The Village should collaborate with TCAT to develop and implement a plan for placing bus shelters at key locations along all bus routes. In locations where bus shelters may not be warranted, safe waiting areas with distinctive signage should be constructed. The Village should also establish a formal channel for communication with the TCAT organization. Such arrangement would provide for consultation with Village officials and improved communication between TCAT and Village residents. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 87 Implementation Strategy 6.3: Bicycle Transportation (Obj. TR 1.5) Homes and businesses throughout the Village are located in relatively close proximity to the Community Corners area, Cornell University and other activity nodes. Many Village residences are within ten minutes of these and other destinations making bicycle use a viable alternative to the automobile. To more effectively exploit the bicycle as a transportation alternative, the Village should develop a strategic plan for promoting bicycle use. Such a plan would: 1. Identify appropriate on-street and off-street routes for bicycles that would provide direct connections to major activity nodes such as Cornell University, the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community, Cayuga Heights Elementary School, and the Village of Lansing shopping district. 2. Incorporate whenever possible into the identification of bicycle routes American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials design standards governing gradients, sight distance and curve alignment. 3. Develop a uniform system of signs to identify bicycle routes and alert drivers to increased bicycle presence on Village streets. 4. Develop design standards for site plan approval that include covered bicycle parking in convenient locations within developments. 5. Ensure that the proposed Village bicycle route network is integrated into the regional network of bicycle routes. 6. Develop a capital improvement program that will include redesign of arterial Village streets to accommodate dedicated bicycle lanes as part of regular street repair and maintenance process. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 88 Implementation Strategy 6.4: Pedestrian Infrastructure (Obj. TR1.6) Creating a more pedestrian friendly environment is a key to reducing reliance on the automobile and creating a more sustainable Cayuga Heights. As a first step, the Village should develop and implement a strategic plan for sidewalks. This initiative would: 1. Identify and address gaps in the existing sidewalk network. 2. Develop a plan for a network of walkways that provide direct connections to major activity nodes such as Cornell University, the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community, Cayuga Heights Elementary School, Boynton Middle School, Ithaca High School, and the Village of Lansing shopping district. 3. Create specifications for Village walkways that address issues such as width, pavement design, accessibility for the physically impaired, buffering between pedestrian and vehicular traffic, summer shade, and maintenance. 4. Develop a capital improvement plan to prioritize and fund proposed pedestrian improvements. Public Services and Utilities Implementation Strategy 7.1: Utility Infrastructure (Obj. PS1.1) The continued efficient and economical provision of high quality services provides the basis for and makes possible other Village enhancements. To ensure this, the Village should establish and update strategic plans for all utility systems, beginning with base plan mapping and capacity benchmarks, and planning for obsolescence replacement. This process should: Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 89 1. Identify opportunities to partner with adjacent municipalities and institutions for funding joint and mutually beneficial infrastructure projects. 2. Identify opportunities to partner with businesses and utilities to pursue sustainable practices. One such practice would be a program in collaboration with New York State Electric and Gas Corporation to replace existing street lights with newer technology such as solar powered LED lighting. Such lighting technology would increase energy efficiency and reduce the impacts of street light glare and light trespass on adjoining properties and reduce light haze that washes out the night sky. 3. As part of an overall plan for a mixed-use district for the Community Corners area, plan for relocation and burial of overhead utility lines. Implementation Strategy 7.2: Governmental Services (Obj. PS1.2, Obj. PS1.3, Obj. PS1.4) As the Village of Cayuga Heights evolves in the coming years, it should consistently review its provision of services to Village residents and be vigilant in identifying opportunities to streamline and improve the delivery of services. Specific steps that the Village should take in the near future include: 1. Establishing formal communication links with Cornell University, the Town of Ithaca, the City of Ithaca, and the Village of Lansing to better coordinate municipal planning and development decisions. 2. Establishing a staff planning position or contracting with the Town of Ithaca to provide professional planning services to the Village and its residents. The availability of professional planning expertise on a continuous basis can ensure that this plan can be implemented in an effective, efficient and comprehensive manner in the coming years. Village of Cayuga Heights Comprehensive Plan DRAFT April 30, 2012 90 3. Establishing an ongoing dialogue with Ithaca City School District (ICSD) to assess the needs of Cayuga Heights Elementary School and provide safe access to the school.