HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2008-01-10Approved by ILPC — 3/13/08
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
January 10, 2008
Present:
Alphonse Pieper, Chair
Nancy Brcak
George Holets
Susan Stein
Lynn Truame
Mary Tomlan, Common Council Liaison
Leslie Chatterton, Staff
Megan Gilbert, Staff
Chair A. Pieper called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m.
I. PUBLIC HEARING
None.
II. PLEASURE OF THE CHAIR
A. Administrative Matters
Chair A. Pieper welcomed newly-appointed Common Council Liaison Mary Tomlan. M.
Tomlan explained her role as Common Council liaison to commission members.
Chair A. Pieper then welcomed the returning members of the commission and thanked
them for their continued membership. The Commission then discussed filling the final
vacancy.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 4, 2007
On a motion by L. Truame, seconded by N. Brcak, the October 4, 2007 minutes were
approved with corrections by vote of the ILPC.
B. December 18, 2007
On a motion by S. Stein, seconded by G. Holets, the December 18, 2007 minutes were
approved with corrections by vote of the ILPC, with N. Brcak abstaining.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Former Ithaca Gas Works – response to community
L. Chatterton reported that she is still working to craft a response based on the discussion
at the November 2007 meeting. The commission discussed that the response needs to
emphasize that it is not an either/or situation in that it is possible for the site to be
properly cleaned up and the building to be preserved. The response should also note that
this situation has occurred elsewhere. The commission discussed the North Hampton
situation presented at the November meeting and suggested that this case be used as an
example in the response. As for now, the clean up has been delayed due to the need for
the school district to relocate to an alternate site.
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ILPC Minutes
Meeting Held December 18, 2007
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B. Letter to property owners
The letter to property owners was last mailed in 2006, so this upcoming year may
be a good time to re-send the letters. L. Chatterton will e-mail the letter to
commission members so changes can be suggested. The letter to property
owners in the Cornell Heights, DeWitt Park, and University Hill historic
districts was last mailed in the summer of 2007. The last mailing to property
owners in the East Hill historic district was in March 2006.
C. Certified Local Government Annual Report
L. Chatterton reported that staff has been working on the 2006-2007 Certified
Local Government Annual Report. She reviewed some statistics about the cases
that have come before the commission within the past year. The commission then
discussed a question about desired trainings for the upcoming year, and members
noted that they would like some training on legal and procedural review, CLG
overview, and technical issues and materials.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. 302 Wait Avenue
Staff discussed an application from 302 Wait Avenue with the commission. Commission
members agreed that the application was incomplete and could not be considered as
presented.
B. Programs & Issues for 2008
1. Cascadilla Boathouse
The Cornell Historic Preservation Planning Alumni would like their annual work
weekend to focus on the Cascadilla Boathouse. The students planning the weekend
envision an ongoing project for current students and alumni. Aside from the Cornell
students, alumni, and faculty, others may be willing to donate their expertise to the
project. It would be good to work on the property so that a more public use is
possible. With a more public use and a volunteer work force, the project will be more
competitive for grants.
The work weekend has not been schedule yet, but it appears that it would be
sometime in mid-March or April. As owner, the City would be responsible for
making sure the projects are what the City would like to see done and for addressing
liability issues. In terms of the tasks that could be completed, the historic structure
report prepared by John Bero of Bero Associates in Rochester outlines the three
phases for the rehabilitation of the boathouse. It may be possible to pick out discreet
projects from this report.
ILPC Minutes
Meeting Held December 18, 2007
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2. Cornell Avenue
The commission discussed John Schroeder’s proposed rehabilitation of Cornell
Avenue. This would include improved lighting, reconstruction of the stone wall at
Llenroc, and replacement of the rectory fence. J. Schroeder has suggested a possible
partnership between the City, Cornell, and Delta Phi. As next steps, the commission
could ask the City to clarify who is responsible for the crumbling stone wall. A
formal communication to the Common Council or to the City Attorney’s Office
would also be an option.
3. Article on Preservation and Sustainability
Staff distributed an article from Preservation regarding preservation and
sustainability. There will be a discussion at the February meeting once commission
members have had the opportunity to read the article. The commission also discussed
writing a statement on the issue or inviting a speaker. L. Truame offered to compile
some related information that she has and bring it to the next meeting.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. by Chair A. Pieper.
Respectfully Submitted,
Leslie A. Chatterton, Secretary
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission