HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-2014-08-13Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
City of Ithaca
Planning & Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.
Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street
Minutes
Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Graham
Kerslick, Cynthia Brock, Josephine Martell, and
Ellen McCollister
Committee Members Absent: None
Other Elected Officials Attending: J.R. Clairborne
Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Department of
Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic
Development; Megan Wilson, Planner,
Department of Planning, Building, Zoning and
Economic Development; Phyllis Radke,
Director of Zoning Administration, Department
of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic
Development; Debbie Grunder, Executive
Assistant, Department of Planning, Building,
Zoning, and Economic Development, and Nels
Bohn, Director, Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
(IURA);
Others Attending: Chain Works Group – Scott Whitham, Noah
Demarest, and Jamie Gensel from Fagan
Engineers.
Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:01p.m.
1) Call to Order/Agenda Review
The resolution for Item #5e was not included in the packet. It was distributed to
the members at the meeting.
Item #6b will go after announcements.
2) Special Order of Business
a) Public Hearing – Substantive Revisions to Collegetown Area Form
Districts, Building Height and Recessed Entry
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Alderperson McCollister moved to open the public hearing; seconded by
Alderperson Kerslick. Passed Unanimously.
There was no one from the public to speak on this subject.
Alderperson McCollister moved to close the public hearing; seconded by
Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously.
b) Public Hearing – Chain Works District, Planning Unit Development
(PUD)
Alderperson Kerslick moved to open the public hearing; seconded by
Alderperson McCollister. Passed unanimously.
There was no one present to speak on this subject.
Alderperson McCollister moved to close the public hearing; seconded by
Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously.
3) Public Comment and Response from Committee Members
John Efroymson, 408 Columbia Street, requested the order of the agenda be
changed.
4) Announcements, Updates, and Reports
Chair Murtagh informed the group that Jay Franklin from the Tompkins County
Assessment Office will be attending our September meeting.
JoAnn Cornish stated that there will be a meeting set up on Cornell Heights for later this
month.
JoAnn Cornish also stated she had a meeting with Susan Ritter from the Town and Scott
Whitham regarding the Chain Works PUD project. It was decided that the Town’s
Planning Committee will do the review for the Town, and the City’s Planning Board will
do the review for the City.
5) Action Items – Voting to Send onto Council
a) Substantive Revision to Collegetown Area Form Districts, Building
Height and Recessed Entry
An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca,
Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Amend §325-45.2B, “Definitions and
Related Standards,” of the Collegetown Area Form Districts
Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously.
WHEREAS, following the adoption of the Collegetown Area Form
Districts in March 2014, staff has identified several revisions that
are necessary to strengthen the intent of the code, and
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
WHEREAS, the proposed revisions to the standards for building height
will help reduce construction costs and further promote high-quality
design on sloped sites while reducing the impacts of taller
buildings on adjacent smaller structures, and
WHEREAS, the addition of a definition of “recessed entry” will
clarify the intent of this form requirement; now, therefore,
ORDINANCE NO. ____
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca that Chapter 325 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca
be amended as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 325, Section 325-45.2B(2) of the Municipal Code
of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to read as follows:
(2) Building Height
(a) The existing definition of building height shall apply
(refer to §325-3 – “Height of Building”).
(b) Building heights in the CR and MU districts are
regulated using feet and stories. No portion of any building
shall exceed the maximum number of stories or the maximum
height in feet.
(C) A building may be stepped back, provided that each
stepback is a minimum of 12’ of building depth. Each
stepback defines a portion of the building. The height is
measured from the average grade plane adjoining that portion
of the building.
(C) (D) The only parts of the building which may exceed the
maximum building height are bulkheads, housing for mechanical
equipment, towers, and similar constructions not intended for
human occupancy, provided that the requirements of §325-
45.2B(10) §325-45.2B(14) are met.
Section 2. Chapter 325, Section 325-45.2B of the Municipal Code of
the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to add a definition of
“Recessed Entry” as Section 325-45.2B(10), and all subsequent
sections shall be renumbered accordingly. Section 325-45.2B(10)
shall read as follows:
(10) Recessed Entry
(a) Definition: A functioning entry that is set back a
minimum of 12” from the front façade of the building.
Section 3. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect
immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices
as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning”
To Amend §325-45.2B, “Definitions and Related Standards,” of the Collegetown Area Form
Districts – Declaration of Lead Agency for Environmental Review
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed Unanimously.
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for
conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead
agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying
out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental
Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for
the environmental review of the adoption of an ordinance to amend §325-45.2B, “Definitions and Related
Standards,” of the Collegetown Area Form Districts.
An Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning”
To Amend §325-45.2B, “Definitions and Related Standards,” of the Collegetown Area Form
Districts – Determination of Environmental Significance
Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is considering an amendment to Chapter 325 of the Municipal Code in
order to (1) amend the standards for Building Height and (2) provide a definition for “Recessed Entry”,
and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the preparation of a Short
Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated July 2, 2014, and
WHEREAS, these zoning amendments have been reviewed by the Tompkins County Planning
Department Pursuant to §239-l–m of the New York State General Municipal Law, which requires that all
actions within 500 feet of a county or state facility, including county and state highways, be reviewed by
the County Planning Department, and have also been reviewed by the City of Ithaca Conservation
Advisory Council and the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is an “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF
prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the
findings and conclusions more fully set forth in the Short Environmental Assessment Form, dated July 2,
2014, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the
proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further
environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is
hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and
forward the same to any other parties as required by law.
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
b) Public Art Mural
Resolution to Select Artwork for a Mural Installation on the Entry Ramp to the Upper Levels of the
Green Street Parking Garage
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Martell. Passed unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among other
duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of public art in
the City’s public spaces, and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within the
city, while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase their
work, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several locations for future murals and street art,
including walls in the City garages on Green Street and Seneca Street, by resolution on May 19, 2010,
and
WHEREAS, local artist Jennifer Ospina has submitted her proposal for a mural depicting the culture of
the indigenous Kogi tribe of Columbia as part of the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ospina was selected as a finalist by ¡Cultura! Ithaca and several other community
organizations to paint a mural that celebrates the community’s Latina culture, and
WHEREAS, at its meeting June 25, 2014, the PAC identified the entry ramp to the upper levels of the
Green Street Parking Garage as an appropriate location for this proposal, and
WHEREAS, the PAC held a public comment period on the mural design and location at its meeting on
July 23, 2014 to gather input on the proposed installation, and the majority of the responses to the
proposal have been positive, and
WHEREAS, the artist will receive some paint from the City as well as funding from ¡Cultura! Ithaca and
several other community organizations to install the mural, and
WHEREAS, at its meeting on July 23, 2014, the Public Art Commission unanimously voted to
recommend that the Common Council select Jennifer Ospina’s mural to be installed on the entry ramp of
the Green Street Parking Garage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council selects Jennifer Ospina’s mural depicting the
culture of the Kogi tribe, as recommended by the Public Art Commission, to be installed on the entry
ramp of the Green Street Parking Garage and to be added to the City of Ithaca’s public art collection; and
be it further
RESOLVED, that the selected artist may proceed with the installation of her mural upon the execution of
an agreement with the City as reviewed by the City Attorney.
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Latina Mural Project Submission
Name/Contact
Jennifer Ospina
Bio Statement
I am a self taught artist that has been inspired by color. My expressions in my
paintings represent connections to the earth and the universe. I began painting 2
years ago, and I moved to Ithaca because it inspired me by its art community.
Description of Mural
For the mural project I will be expressing the indigenous culture of Colombia.
This indigenous tribe is called the “Kogi”, and they live in the mountains of Sierra
Nevada de Santa Marta. The Sierra Nevada is a nurturer, protector, and Mother
to the Kogi. Because of the support and resources the mountain provides for the
Kogi, there is no need for them to adapt to a progressing world. In fact, the Sierra
Nevada has been described as a miniature planet. Their desire to live in harmony
with nature underlies their basic belief in "Aluna", a "generative spiritual force in
which all things exist and from which all things take their being". The importance
of this culture reflects the respect that we should also have for mother earth. In
my sketch you could see the mother of this tribe holding the universe in her hand,
also she is surrounded by the very mountains that give life to this tribe. This is a rough
sketch of what I am planning to do but there will more detail in
the mural.
Also, the head of the mother will have a willow tree with animals infused with
each other
Materials:
Brushes, Acrylic, mediums for blending colors, and coating after finished.
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
c) Neighborhood Improvement Application
Megan Wilson explained the criteria needed to meet in order to be eligible for these
funds. This fund has supported celebrations in many City neighborhoods including
this national occasion we are voting on tonight that focuses attention on
neighborhood safety and solidarity. Expenditures related to the event include food,
beverages, sound equipment, DJs, t-shirts, and give-aways for kids all of which meet
criteria for reimbursement.
RESOLUTION: Request for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Funds from the
Titus Towers Tenant Council for National Night Out, August 2014
Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed
unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council established the Neighborhood
Improvement Incentive Fund in 1995 to provide financial assistance to city residents
seeking to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the fund is intended to support residents' interest in community
improvement and to encourage, not replace volunteerism, and
WHEREAS, the funds are intended to be used for projects or events that provide a
general neighborhood benefit and not for the limited benefit of individuals or a select
few residents, and
WHEREAS, activities specified by the Council as eligible for the funding include but
are not limited to items such as neighborhood clean-ups, planting in public places,
and organizing neighborhood events like block parties or meetings, and
WHEREAS, neighborhood groups are required to submit a completed application
specifying other project donations, estimated volunteer hours, estimated costs to be
covered by the fund and signatures of residents in the immediate neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, to streamline the process the Council has delegated authority to
approve applications to the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and
WHEREAS, each neighborhood group is eligible to receive up to $300 per year as a
reimbursement award payable on the submission of original receipts or invoices for
approved activities, and
WHEREAS, the City cannot reimburse residents for sales tax expenses, and
WHEREAS, the Titus Towers Tenant Council has submitted a completed application
for reimbursement funds to off-set expenses that in past years have generally ranged
from $400 – $800 for the annual National Night Out event, held this year on
Tuesday, August 5, 2014, and
WHEREAS, while this annual event is sponsored by the Titus Towers Tenants
Council, notice is circulated throughout the neighborhood, and the event provides an
opportunity for socializing with diverse groups of South of the Creek residents, now,
therefore, be it
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee approves the
request from the Titus Towers Tenant Council in an amount up to $300.00 for
reimbursement upon presentation of original invoices and/or receipts.
RESOLUTION: Request for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Funds from the
Family Sites Tenant Council for National Night Out, August 2014
Moved by Alderperson Martell; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed
unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council established the Neighborhood
Improvement Incentive Fund in 1995 to provide financial assistance to city residents
seeking to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the fund is intended to support residents' interest in community
improvement and to encourage, not replace volunteerism, and
WHEREAS, the funds are intended to be used for projects or events that provide a
general neighborhood benefit and not for the limited benefit of individuals or a select
few residents, and
WHEREAS, activities specified by the Council as eligible for the funding include but
are not limited to items such as neighborhood clean-ups, planting in public places,
and organizing neighborhood events like block parties or meetings, and
WHEREAS, neighborhood groups are required to submit a completed application
specifying other project donations, estimated volunteer hours, estimated costs to be
covered by the fund and signatures of residents in the immediate neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, to streamline the process the Council has delegated authority to
approve applications to the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and
WHEREAS, each neighborhood group is eligible to receive up to $300 per year as a
reimbursement award payable on the submission of original receipts or invoices for
approved activities, and
WHEREAS, the City cannot reimburse residents for sales tax expenses, and
WHEREAS, the Family Sites Tenant Council has submitted a completed application
for reimbursement funds to off-set expenses that in past years have generally ranged
from $400 – $800 for the annual National Night Out event, held this year on
Tuesday, August 5, 2014, and
WHEREAS, this annual event is sponsored by the Family Sites Tenant Council at
Conway Park, and the event provides an opportunity for socializing with diverse
groups of Northside residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee approves the
request from the Family Sites Tenant Council in an amount up to $300.00 for
reimbursement upon presentation of original invoices and/or receipts.
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
d) PUD for Chain Works District, Approval in Concept
There was a public information session held which was very well received.
Alderperson Brock commented she was very impressed at the number of people
who attended the information session and who are involved. Brock further stated
that the portion of the area T5 abuts a single-family housing neighborhood. She
recommends more of a transition zone in this area.
Cornish stated that due to the fact that this is a new procedure, she stated that
comments and concerns should be brought to the forefront.
Noah Demarest commented that as JoAnn stated, this is a concept that is being
asked approval of and any zones being identified may not stay at that zone.
Alderperson Brock’s concerns are focused on the Hillview Place, Turner Place,
and South Hill Terrace area which is an established one- and two- family
neighborhood.
The project team stated that as we go through the process certain areas will
need further attention than others. Many changes will take place throughout the
site-plan review process.
Alderperson Brock would like to see more of the zoning concepts be identified
prior to voting on a concept.
The action tonight is approving the concept in order to give “permission” for the
applicant to start the site-plan review process.
Alderperson Clairborne’s concern is approving the concept, but also approving
the first application.
It was suggested by JoAnn Cornish to include the process steps in the approval
of the concept resolution.
Alderperson Kerslick stated that the fact there isn’t anyone here during the public
hearing clearing shows that the public is on board since the previous public
information session.
JoAnn Cornish recommended that portions of the project overview and zoning,
density, parking if applicable brought forth by the developers should be included
in the resolution moving the concept forward. Steps that the Council will go
through will be stated. Graphics will be included.
Common Council Conditional Approval-UnChained Properties LLC,
application for Planned Unit Development – Resolution
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed
Unanimously.
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2014, the Common Council adopted legislation allowing for the
City to establish Planned Unit Development districts on any property in the City currently
zoned for industrial uses, and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2014, UnChained properties submitted a completed application
for consideration to establish a Planned Unit Development district at the site of the former
Morse Chain/Emerson Power facility, and
WHEREAS, the proposed Chain Works District seeks to redevelop and
rehabilitate the +/-800,000 SF former Morse Chain/Emerson Power Transmission
facility, located on a 95-acre parcel traversing the City and Town of Ithaca
municipal boundary, and
WHEREAS, approval of this application would allow the site to be developed into
a mixed-use district, which includes residential, commercial, office, and
manufacturing, and
WHERAS, the site’s redevelopment would bridge South Hill and Downtown
Ithaca, the Town and the City of Ithaca, by providing multiple intermodal access
routes, including a highly desired trail connection, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the adopted City process for consideration of a
planned unit development, the application was circulated to City boards and
committees, as well as, to the Town of Ithaca, and to the County Planning
Department, and
WHEREAS, a public information session, hosted by the applicant, was held on
August 5, 2014 and the meeting was advertised in the Ithaca Journal, the
property was posted with signs and property owners within 500 feet of the
property were notified by mail of the meeting, and
WHEREAS, a legal notice was posted to the Ithaca Journal, on July 29, 2014, in
order to advertize a legal public hearing on August 13, 2014, and
WHEREAS, the process for consideration of an application for Planned Unit
Development requires that the applicant obtain an approval in concept from the
Common Council prior to beginning the site plan review process; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council does hereby grant an approval in
concept to UnChained Properties for their application for a Planned Unit
Development district to be established at the former site of the Morse
Chain/Emerson Power facility, and be it further
RESOLVED, that by granting an approval in concept, the Common Council
acknowledges that the applicant is able to begin the site plan review process,
despite any zoning-based deficiencies in the application, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Common Council does hereby request that the City
Planning Board update the Common Council after each Planning Board meeting
where this project is considered and to request ongoing written comments from
the Common Council, and be it further
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
RESOLVED, that if this project has receives a negative declaration of
environmental significance and contingent site plan approval, the applicant will
return to the Common Council for final consideration of the adoption of the
Planned Unit Development district.
e) Programmatic Changes in NHI Program
Nels Bohn explained to the group the programmatic changes to the Housing
Initiatives Bond Program. There are three changes:
1) Supplement the Program to Provide for a Pilot Competitive Grant Program
2) Expand Categories of Eligible Project Sites
3) Affordability Requirement
Programmatic Changes to the IURA Neighborhood Housing Initiative Bond
Program
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Martell. Passed
unanimously.
WHEREAS, The Neighborhood Housing Initiative was created to convert
substandard, rental, residential properties negatively affecting their surrounding
neighborhood into quality, owner‐occupied housing that would benefit the nearby
neighborhood, increase homeownership and expand the tax base of the City, and
WHEREAS, to implement the program, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)
used bond proceeds to acquire eligible properties; renovated them, or demolished
and constructed new homes; and sold them for the highest marketable price to
homebuyers with a deed restriction requiring the property to remain owner‐occupied
for at least 25 years, and
WHEREAS, IURA bonds financing the Neighborhood Housing Initiative are
guaranteed by the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, $1,050,000 in bonds were issued to capitalize the program, of which, as
of 2014, approximately $590,000 remains available to implement the program going
forward, and
WHEREAS, certain changes to the structure of the program are now proposed to
enhance effectiveness of the program, and
WHEREAS, the changes were approved by bond counsel Orrick, Herrington &
Sutcliffe LLP on July 18, 2014, subject to adoption by the IURA and approval by the
Common Council, and
WHEREAS, the program assists renovation or construction of single-family, two-
family or three-family residences, which qualifies as a Type II action not subject to
environmental review under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
WHEREAS, the proposed programmatic changes were adopted by the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency on July 24, 2014; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby approves the following
programmatic changes to the IURA Neighborhood Housing Investment program:
1. Supplement the Program to Provide for a Pilot Competitive Grant Program ‐
Convert the program delivery model to a competitive grant program to assist
not‐for‐profit housing developers carry out homeownership projects for a fixed
subsidy amount rather than have IURA undertake site selection, acquisition,
rehabilitation/construction and resale. Payments of grants will be made upon
project completion.
2. Expand Categories of Eligible Project Sites – Expand the categories of
properties eligible for assistance under the program from solely substandard,
rental residential properties to include, substandard vacant structures, properties
acquired through property tax delinquency, primary structure cited as unsafe for
occupancy, and vacant parcels.
3. Affordability Requirement – Impose a new requirement that each new
owner‐occupied residential unit assisted must be sold to homeowners earning
80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), and further require any resale of
the home to low/mod income homebuyers during the 25‐regulatory period.
6) Action Items – Approval to Circulate
a) Revisions to City Noise Ordinance
Chair Murtagh pointed out the main changes made to the City ordinance are
Sections 240-8, 240-9, and 240-10.
Alderperson McCollister asked about air conditioning units that are extremely
noisy. How do we control that?
Alderperson Brock asked what does a person do if they have a neighbor
complaint. Chair Murtagh stated the complaint will be filed with the mayor’s
office or a designated person.
Alderperson McCollister moved to circulate; seconded by Alderperson
Kerslick. Passed unanimously.
b) Lot Coverage Amendment, decks
Phyllis Radke explained to the group that the City has been allowing decks to
be included in the calculation of lot coverage. It has been allowed, but not
adequately stated in the Code. Many definitions are lacking in the zoning
ordinance. This section of the Code does not currently include definitions of
such structures as porches, decks, patios, etc.
The suggested changes are not changing how we have done things to date.
These changes will only include a clear definition of these structures in order
to correctly calculate the total lot coverage. Better definitions are needed in
order to better enforce the ordinance.
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Alderperson McCollister asked for clarification to what we are being asked for
tonight. It is to clarify the definitions of the structures that will make up the
calculation of overall lot coverage.
Alderperson Martell asked whether there are any concerns when calculating
such lot coverage when it comes to handicap ramps.
Radke stated we have set dimensions for these ramps. If anything further is
requested, it would be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Alderperson Brock stated she would like to see a notification of a ramp that is
needed and added to the property; not so much an approval process, but just
a notification to the City and to adjacent neighbors.
Radke stated that this is a policy issue, and has been asked for clarification
from some developers.
Balconies are not currently covered in the calculation of the overall lot
coverage. This may be something we would want to add to the Code.
Alderperson Martell spoke in response to Alderperson Brock’s comment
regarding the suggested notification to neighbors when a handicap ramp is
built. Martell thinks that if these ramps are needed, they should be allowed
without much mandate from the City.
Chair Murtagh asked if the group is comfortable circulating this for comment.
Radke further stated that the percentage of lot coverage should remain the
decks, porches, etc. The handicap ramps can be looked at a later date.
A motion to circulate for comment was moved by Alderperson McCollister;
seconded by Alderperson Martell. Passed unanimously.
7) Discussion
a) Proposed Change to Community Investment Incentive Tax Abatement
Program (CIITAP)
Alderperson McCollister stated she thinks this is good. She asked how it
would be find out that the applicant is not eligible.
Nels Bohn stated the process will start in the attorney’s office. Compliance
can also be found in the City database of existing businesses, home owners,
and business partnerships.
8) Review and Approval of Minutes
a) April, May, June, July 2014
Alderperson McCollister moved all four months; seconded by Alderperson
Brock. Passed Unanimously.
9) Adjournment
Minutes Approved at
September 10, 2014 P&EDC Meeting
Alderperson Kerslick motioned to adjourn; seconded by Alderperson Murtagh.
Passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.