HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-04-11COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 7:00 p.m. April 11, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (10) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff, Taylor,
Cogan, Korherr, Townsend
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Community Development Director – Bohn
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Mayor Peterson requested the reversal of agenda items as Mr. Shears, of
Shears/Adkins Architects, had been delayed due to inclement weather in Colorado.
2.2 Update on Cayuga Green Phase II
Mayor Peterson introduced Ken Schon, and Steve Bloomfield of Bloomfield Interests.
Mr. Bloomfield presented sketches, diagrams and a model of the proposed Cayuga
Green development site. The project is currently designed to include a 2-story multiplex
movie theater with 10-12 screens including possible outdoor venue space; retail
development; 2-3 stories of office space located on top of the theater; and a linear park
between the Tompkins County Public Library and the theater building. Housing is no
longer being considered as an element of this phase of the project. Bloomfield
Interests is also working on filling the ground space in the new Cayuga garage.
Mr. Bloomfield and Mr. Schon answered questions from Common Council members
regarding the coordination with TCAT for the location of the transit shelter and stop;
project financing, the theater configuration; and the design of the theater entrance
crosswalk and receiving area.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the viability of a multiplex theater in
downtown and the issues facing the existing theaters: Cinemapolis, and Fall Creek
Pictures. Mr. Bloomfield stressed that it is in the best interest of the city and the project
that the existing theaters remain successful, and talked about ways that they could
assist the theaters with cross-marketing strategies. Further discussion followed
regarding the alternative uses of the building should the theater fail.
Discussion followed on the housing component of the project, and Mr. Schon responded
that condominiums are proposed for a later phase of the project in the space near the
new Cayuga garage. More information about the housing proposal will be available in
the near future.
Planning and Development Director Van Cort explained the project approval and
disposition of land process that will follow.
Recess:
Common Council recessed at 8:20 pm.
Reconvene:
Common Council reconvened into Regular session at 8:45 pm.
April 11, 2005
2
2.1 Discussion of Green Garage with Chris Shears
Mayor Peterson introduced Chris Shears and Andy Rockmore of Shears/Adkins
Architects. Mr. Shears reviewed the Master Plan for the Green Street Garage, and the
connection from the Commons to the Cayuga Green Project, including the creek walk,
proposed housing, parking, theaters, and retail and commercial ventures.
Mr. Shears presented diagrams of four possible parking garage configurations, and
reviewed the construction challenges including the Center Ithaca residential housing,
displaced parking, service deliveries, and stair and elevator access.
Mr. Shears reviewed the next steps to be taken including the selection of consultants,
team work session, geotechnical and additional existing condition analysis, evaluation
of alternatives, schematic design of selected alternatives, cost estimate, complete
schematic design package, expand team and proceed with design development. He
stated that construction would be scheduled to begin in January, 2006.
Discussion followed on the floor with Council members asking questions about the
proposed height of garage; parking demand, additional uses of the garage, and
pedestrian traffic flow from the Commons to the Cayuga Green Project. Further
discussion followed with Council members informing the architects of the city’s
budgetary constraints.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor