Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1980-05-27l % COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK SPECIAL MEETING 7:30 P.M. May 27, 1980 (WORKING SESSION) PRESENT: Mayor - Bordoni Aldermen (8) - Banfield, Boronkay, Dennis, Holman, Nichols Saccucci, Schuler, Slattery ABSENT: Aldermen (2) - Boothroyd, Gutenberger Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency - Reed, Stein OTHERS PRESENT: Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency - Bordoni, Dennis, Jones Director of Planning - Van Cort Planning Staff - Bottge Asst. Fire Chief - Sharp Developer - Goldberg- McRobb Project Architect - Werner Seligman Vice President, American City Corp. - Harry Brunett `.� Project Director, American City Corp. - Bert Winterbottom City Clerk - Rundle s PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Bordoni led all present in the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Mayor Bordoni mentioned that there was a fixed agenda for tha, evening's meeting and that Item B, "Open Space in Project ", wou.L- be discussed first. He turned the meeting over to Planning Director Van Cort. Mr. Van Cort stated that before getting into the agenda he wished to introduce Harry Brunett who is Vice President of the American City Corp., and who has worked on the Ithaca Center project since last Fall. He also introduced Bert Winterbottom who is the Project Director for the Ithaca Center project. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Open Space in Project Planning Director Van Cort explained the material that had been handed out to members present at the meeting which included the agenda, a memorandum on open space dated May 23rd, and a Memorandum of Under- standing dated May 27th. Also, those present had two sets of Resolutions, with four Resolutions each from Common Council and IURA, plus two loose Resolutions. Mr. Van Cort hoped that any differences could be hammered out that night and the language of the Resolutions in place so that the Resolutions could be passed at the May 28th Joint Meeting of Common Council and IURA. Mr. Van Cort explained why the project was being moved along as fast as possible: the developer_ would like to get the project into the ground in 1980. Mr. Van Cort mentioned that the main concerns of the people involved (600" in the Ithaca Center Project are as follows: 1. Open Space - -how it is to be used, what rights the City will have in the open space and how long it will keep those rights; also, who will pay for the use of the open space. Mr. Van Cort felt that this concern had been resolved in the City's interest. 2. Energy - -the use of energy in the project. Mr. Van Cort said that the developer will have more to say about this inasmuch as they would make it as energy efficient as possible to conserve energy and keep their operating costs down. -2- May 27, 1980 3. Pro- forma - -Mr. Van Cort commented on the pro -forma which has been reviewed by staff and the developer to make sure the numbers are as correct as they can make them at this time. Mr. Van Cort mentioned that there is some concern about the design of the building. He apologized for the drawings which had been dis- tributed at the previous Friday's meeting; those drawings were very sketchy. He expected that the developer and their architect would have more information at this meeting. Actually, the City has the right to reserve decision on the design and can, in fact, take another look at it after the UDAG application has been submitted. Mr. Van Cor again expressed his hope that the IURA and Common Council would vote in favor of the project as he felt it would be favorable for the City. Design Presentation Werner S_igman, Project Architect, presented the project as it has -7 developed si.-.ce his last presentation with the use of slides and drawings. He briefly the design of the building, where the offices would be, as well as the location of the housing. There will be a courtyard, with semi - public space, a series of smaller shops, and a market place. Mr. Seligman mentioned that some of the drawings had been changed on the recommendation of American City Corp. He spoke briefly about the facade of the Ithaca Center project and showed slides of other buildings in the area for comparison of the rhythm and continuity of the facade. Mr. Seligman presented a model of the project and suggested that those present at the meeting look at the model and the drawings that were available. After everyone had a chance tr,, gook, he would answer questions. D-' ..cession followed on questions asked with reference to the Home Dairy alleyway, the width of that alleyway, solar energy, the design of the windows in the project, ventilation and the type of housing. Mr. Seligman briefly answered the questions, mentioning that changes can, and most likely will, be made before the final design is pre- sented. Open Space - Control and Cost Planning Director Van Cort commented that one of the items that he had neglected to mention when discussing open space earlier in the meeting was the Farmers Market. Mr. Van Cort said that the subject is of great concern to him, specifically the letter which the Farmers Market had sent to the City. He mentioned that he had met with representatives of the Farmers Market the previous Saturday at its Taughannock Boulevard place of business and he felt that they had a fruitful exchange of ideas. Mr. Van Cort feels that the Farmers Market is an important part of the Commons, enjoyed by everyone, and he hopes to find a way to accommodate them in the project. He mentioned another location under the garage, as well as the idea of using push carts on the Commons. Ideas are being worked on. Mr. Van Cort called attention to his Memorandum dated May 23, 1980, addressed to Mayor Bordoni and Common Council.. He went through the items in the Memorandum and suggested that questions be askr.d after discussion of each item. He explained the control of open space when the center is open, as well as when it is closed, and the fact that permits will be issued for open space use. If open space is used when the center is closed, security and maintenance will not be the City's problem. Discussion was held on the need for, and the cost of, the roof over the open space. Originally the project came without a roof, but after meetings with members of the Arts Council and merchants, it was suggested that the roof be added to the project. The City will fund up to $245,000 from the UDAG for roof construction, and when it is turned over to the developer he will bear all costs connected with the operation and maintenance of the roof. �f -3- May 27, 1980 There will be no charge or rent for the use of the open space, but the user will have to take responsibility for setup and cleanup of the open space used. Questions were asked, followed by discussion of whether the City should have an interest in the open space after the project is com- pleted. Also, the amount of open space involved was discussed, as was the acoustics of the roof. The liability of the City and the developer was discussed in detail. Questions were asked and answered with the help of an insurance agent present at the meeting. The matter of heating the open space was discussed briefly as the City will not have responsibility for heating during the first year of operation. After the first year the issue of whether the City should make a contribution towards the cost of heating will be negotiated. Whatever terms are acceptable to Common Council, with reference to open space, will be included in closing documents. Planning Director Van Cort said the proposed form of agreement with the developer on open space will give the City rights to the open space forever. That question was one of concern of several people attending the meeting. Proposed Resolutions The following Resolutions, with reference to the Ithaca Center Project, were presented by Common Council and Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency for discussion, and consideration for the Special Common C,.)uncil Meeting May 28, 1980. IURA ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #lA - DESIGN APPROVAL May 28, 1980 WHEREAS, the IURA and Common Council have reviewed both the schematic and design development drawings for the Ithaca Center Project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the IURA does approve the design for the Ithaca Center Project, with the exception of final design of the north facade, the glass roof, and the open space, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the developer be directed to present final design -of the facade, the glass roof; and open space to the IURA and Common Council for approval. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no future substantive changes will be made in the design of the rest of the project without the approval of this agency and Common Council. Draft 5/27/80 COMMON COUNCIL ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #1A - DESIGN APPROVAL May 28, 1980 WHEREAS, the IURA and Common Council have reviewed both the schematic and design development drawings for the Ithaca Center Project, and WHEREAS, the IURA has approved with certain reservations the design for the Ithaca Center Project and required any future changes be brought to the IURA and Common Council for approval; i y -4- May 27, 1980 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council does hereby concur with the IURA action approving the Ithaca Center design ,aitt'_ the exception of the final design of the facade, the glass roof and the open space, and in requiring that any substantive changes with the rest of the building be brought to IURA and Common Council for approval. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the developer be directed to present final design of the facade, the glass roof, and open space design to the IURA and Common Council for approval. Draft 5/27/80 IURA ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #2 - OPEN SPACE May 28, 1980 WHEREAS, developers McRobb and Goldberg have presented to the IURA and Common Council plans for a project on the Ithaca Center site that is to include public covered open space, and WHEREAS, the IURA and Common Council have previously expressed their support for providing of such open space in the Ithaca Center project, -:111 WHEREAS, '-Lie Ithaca Center project will be improved by covering the space, making it available for public use in inclement weather, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has agreed to use part of the Urban Develop- ment Action Grant to pay for the construction cost of the roof of the open space; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Agency does direct that an operating agreement be prepared that will preserve for the City such rights as are specified in H. M. Van Cort's memorandum to the IURA and Common Council dated May 27, 1980, on the subject of public open space in the Ithaca Center project, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Agency hereby directs that the operating agreement shall contain provisions that will give the City of Ithaca rights in the open space that will bind the developers, their successors, and assigns forever. Draft May 27, 1980 COMMON COUNCIL ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #2 - OPEN SPACE May 28, 1980 WHEREAS, developers McRobb and Goldberg have presented to the IURA and Common Council plans for a project on the Ithaca Center site that is to include public covered open space, and WHEREAS, the IURA and Common Council have previously expressed their support for providing such open space in tie Ithaca Center project, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Center project will be improved by covering the space, making it available for public use in inclement weather, and -5- May 27, 198 WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has agreed to use part of the Urban Development Action Grant to pay for the construction cost of the roof of the open space, and WHEREAS, the IURA has directed that the city retain certain rights to the open space in the Ithaca Center; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council does concur with the IURA action reserving rights to the open space in (moo" the Ithaca Center, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Common Council does direct that an operating agreement be prepared that will preserve for the City such rights as are specified in H. M. Van Cort's memor- andum to the IURA and Common Council, dated May 27, 1980, on the subject of public open space in the Ithaca Center project, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby directs that the operating agreement shall contain provisions that will give the City of Ithaca rights in the open space that will bind the developers, their successors, and assigns forever. Draft May 27, 1980 IURA ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #3 DESIGNATION OF McROBB /GOLDBERG AS PREFERRED DEVELOPER WHEREAS, McRobb /Goldberg were previously designated conditional preferred redeveloper for the Ithaca Center site, and WHEREAS, McRobb /Goldberg have since that time presented to the IURA and Common Council schematic and design development drawings for the site, and WHEREAS, they have provided the city with preliminary pro - formas and cash -flow statements for the proposed Ithaca Center project, and WHEREAS, they have provided other information necessary for proceeding with development of the Center, including a commitment for permanent financing contingent upon a UDAG and a 90 percent loan guarantee by the Farmers Home Administration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the IURA does hereby request that the New York State Urban Development Corporation designate McRobb /Goldberg as the preferred redeveloper for the Ithaca Center site contingent on receipt by the Citizens Savings Bank of a 90 percent first mortgage loan guarantee by the Farmers Home Administration and on the award to the City of Ithaca of a UDAG by HUD, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chairman of the IURA, with the assistance of the IURA Attorney, is hereby authorized and (400, directed to prepare or cause to be prepared all necessary documentation for transfer of the land to the developer based on the resolutions of this date and those of May 14, 1980, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding between the developer and the city, dated May 28, 1980, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any substantive changes in the project including but not limited to changes in the design, pro- forma, or financing shall be brought before the IURA and the Common Council for their consideration and approval. Draf t May 27, 1980 -6- May 27, 1980 COMMON COUNCIL ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #3 DESIGNATION OF McROBB /GOLDBERG AS PREFERRED DEVELOPER WHEREAS, McRobb /Goldbergeforpreviously designated pre- ferred redeveloper and WHEREAS, McRobb /Goldberg have since that time presented to the IURA and Common Council schematic and design development drawings for the site, and WHEREAS, a r provided city preliminary pro- forms andecash- flwstatementsfo the prroposedItaca Center project, and WHEREAS, McRobb /Goldberg have provided other information necessary for proceeding with development of the Center, including a UDAG and 90r percent eloanlguarantytbytthe Farmers pon a Home UD G Administration, and WHEREAS, the IURA requested the New York State Urban Development Corporation to designate McRobb /Goldberg as preferred redeveloper for the Ithaca Center site; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council does conct,z !171,,.h the IURA in requesting designation of McRobb /Goldberg as preferred redeveloper, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Common Council does hereby request that the New York State Urban Development Corporation designate McRobb /Goldberg as preferred redeveloper for the Ithaca Center site contingent upon receipt by the Citizens Savings Bank of a 90 ercent first mortgage loan guaranty by the Farmers Home P Administration and on the awarding to the City of Ithaca a UDAG by HUD, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor, with the assistance of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized and directed to prepare or cause to be prepared all necessary documentation for transfer of the land to the developer based on the resolutions of this date and those of May 14, 1980 as well as the Memorandum of Understanding between the developer and the City, dated May 28, 1980, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That any substantive changes in the project including but not limited to changes in the design, pro - forma, or financing shall be brought before the IURA and Common Council for their consideration and approval. Draft May 27, 1980 IURA ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #4 - UDAG APPLICATION May 28, 1980 WHEREAS, the U. S. Department of dousing and Urban Development requires that the City of Ithaca, and not the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, apply to HUD for an Urban Development Action Grant; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the IURA does request that the Common Council be named as the official applicant for the UDAG, and -7- J May 27, 1980 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the IURA directs that the IURA and its staff provide all possible assistance in preparing the grant application, transferring ownership of the land, arranging for the UDAG loan repayment by the developer, and any other aspects of the project that fall within the jurisdiction of the IURA. Draft May 27, 1980 COMMON COUNCIL ITHACA CENTER DRAFT RESOLUTION #4 - UDAG APPLICATION May 28, 1980 WHEREAS, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that the City of Ithaca, and not the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, apply to HUD for an Urban Development Action Grant; a NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council is hereby named as the official applicant for the UDAG, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council does hereby delegate responsibility for administration of the UDAG to the IURA /CDA including oversight of the grant application, transfer of ownership of the land, UDAG loan repayment terms and any other relevant matters associated with the UG. Draft May 27, lti After reviewing each Resolution, discussion took place, questions were answered and changes made, Planning Director Van Cort reiterated that changes will be made as more information is available, especially pro - formas. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:39 P.M. a - Jo ph A. Rundle, City Clerk Raymond Bordoni, Mayor