HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing 5/12/1993132
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes. -of a Public Hearing of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cayuga
Heights duly published and posted, held May 12, 1993, 7:00 PM in connection with
the Application for Preliminary Approval of a Planned Unit Development on the I
Savage Farm and also for the purpose of discussing the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement.
PRESENT: Mayor Anderson; Trustees Collyer, Fleming, Kira, Perry; Attorney Geldenhuys;
P.W. Supt..Rogers.
ABSENT: Trustees Janis, Pimentel.
OTHERS: Paul Lewis, Tom Niederkorn, Barbara Blanchard, Peter Trowbridge, Jay Wolford,
Attorney Miller, Dr. and Mrs. Ellis, Leslie Trotter, Bob Story, John Munschauer,
Kay Newman.
Mayor Anderson opened the Public Hearing with a summary of the procedural process
dictated by a Planned Unit Development. He stated that the Village has known of
the interest by Kendal Corp. of the Savage Farm as an Ithaca location for a Retire-
ment Care facility for two years. Paul Lewis' comments were related to the provis-
ions of a Life Care Community, entry fees, etc. He stated that the only difference
between the preliminary application and the current application is the change in the
alternate, secondary access now through the Yeh property (acquired by Kendal) for
use in emergency situations and not to be used by the public. He explained the New
York Certificate of Authority procedure.. In response to Mr. Rogers' question con-
cerning bankruptcy, he stated that because of the nature of the financing, Kendal
can't even start the project until there is enough commitment, and if for some
reason it should fail at a lateritime, the State of New York has the right to
demand new management. Jay Wolford described briefly the architectural character
of the Retirement Community. Mayor Anderson reiterated, point by point, the eleven
concerns raised at the April 19th meeting as outlined and submitted by Tom Nieder-
korn's office. He asked for questions from the floor.
Dr. Elkins asked if Kendal Corp. has obtained a tax abatement. Mr.. Lewis said this
is not possible to get in NYS and the Assessment Office will provide them with an
assessment figure. Mrs. Elkins asked if there will be enough plantings so that
people (on N. Triphammer Rd.) will still have a "restful" view.and wondered if the
axis ting : - small 'i rise, -of rland:on, the Savage Farm willil remain, -so that the buildings
will not be visible from the road. The response was the grade will not change.
Lesley Trotter asked what level of commitment Kendal now has and in what form. Mr.
Lewis answered that 250 living units are planned; that people have placed a $1,000
fully - refundable deposit down - in terms of financial commitment, there are none.
Keen interest in the project - judging by attendance at local meetings - 361 people
have put down deposits; 230 have indicated they would be interested in coming in
at opening. Kendal anticipates some drop -off, but would not be going forward if
there was not the feeling that a large number of people are strongly committed to
the project.
Trustee Collyer asked what percentage of initial applications are out -of- County.
The reply - around 20 +% are out of the immediate County area.
John Munschauer commented that he has just sold his house in C.H. and cited some of
the comments made by his Real Estate Agent relative to prices coming down, real
estate moving more quickly than last year. Bob Story and Kay Newman had no comment.
Peter Trowbridge,.•Anchitect, spoke about storm water improvement issues and exhibited
a drawing showing retention areas. Leslie Trotter suggested that buses be allowed
to make a complete route inside the project - stating this will cut down traffic o
the "outside." 'Teter Trowbridge responded saying:there are areas on the site whic
have been designated to accommddatel,busctraffic- no revision is needed in design.
The Mayor raised the question of wetlands. Mr:«.•Trowbridge said there are no pro-
tected DEC wetlands on the site and made reference to a Wetland definition from the
Army Corps of Engineers. There were no further questions or comments and the Public
Hearing was declared closed at 8:20 PM'
Anne Krohto, Clerk