HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-07-27COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 7:00 p.m. July 27, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (10) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff, Taylor,
Townsend, Cogan, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Assistant City Attorney – Dunn
City Controller – Thayer
Deputy City Controller - Andrew
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Deputy Planning & Development Director – Cornish
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Economic Development Planner - Kusznir
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
2.1 Motion to Enter into Committee of the Whole - Resolution
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
2.2 Motion to Elect a Chair of the Committee of the Whole - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
RESOLVED, That Mayor Peterson be elected Chair of the Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
2.3 Cayuga Green Update:
A. Brief Introduction and overview
Planning and Development Director Van Cort introduced Chris Shears and Andy
Rockmore from Shears-Adkins Architects. He further introduced Ken Schon from
Bloomfield Schon & Partners, the City’s preferred developer for the Cayuga Green
Project; Jim Duffy, CEO of American Screen Works, the proposed theater operator of
the multiplex theater; and Gary Cole from Carl Walker, Inc. the City’s parking
consultant.
B. Cayuga Green Project
Mr. Shears presented sketch plan drawings and the conceptual plan of the Cayuga
Green project. He reviewed the site constraints and explained the placement of the
various components of the project including the multiplex theater, outdoor amphitheater,
housing, office, and retail space, and an enhanced transit stop. Mr. Shears further
explained how the project would accommodate easy access to the parking facilities, and
service access to the library, mental health facility and the housing units. He stressed
that the project will reinforce the connection to the Creek Walk and the Commons
through the Home Dairy Alley and a proposed mid-block crossing.
Mr. Duffy presented information regarding the proposed multiplex theater, the outdoor
amphitheater that has become a signature item for stadium theaters, and the “Cinema
Grill”, restaurant/theater concept.
He explained that the amphitheater would host first run movies for outdoor showings at
9:00 pm, and concerts and other live events during six or seven months of the year. He
stated that there may be possible use of the facility by the public during the daytime
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hours, however the details need to be worked out. Discussion followed on the floor
regarding noise concerns and compliance with the City’s Noise Ordinance.
Mr. Duffy explained that stadium theaters seat less people than regular theaters, and
that this proposal includes small theaters that seat 65 people and 2 large theaters that
seat 250-275 people, for a total of 1,100 – 1,200 seats. He stated that movies prices
would be approximately $7.75 for evening shows and $3.50 for matinees (until 6:00 pm)
with discounts for students and seniors.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding Mr. Duffy’s success rate with his projects in
which he stated that he has developed, owned, and operated 135 theaters in the past
30 years. He stated that some of his older projects have been phased out. He further
stated that he has developed 7-8 “megaplexes” with amphitheaters that have been
successful. In addition, Mr. Duffy explained that his businesses are 25% employee
owned. He stated that he expects to employ 25-30 permanent employees, and 30-40
seasonal employees. During the warm weather season another 25 seasonal would be
hired. He noted that 99% of these employees would be local people. Further
discussion followed regarding what the City could do with the building if the theater
business was not successful.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the theater competing with the
smaller art theaters in Ithaca. Mr. Duffy stated that he met with the art theater operators
to offer a non-compete agreement, giving them first option on all art films. He further
offered to cross-promote the local theaters and expressed ideas such as printing art
theater information on the back of movie stubs, etc.
Advice of Counsel Session:
Mayor Peterson requested an advice of Counsel Session.
Reconvene:
Common Council reconvened at 8:35 pm.
C. Green Garage Alternatives
Mr. Shears reviewed the Green Garage construction project objectives that include
building a safe, efficient, and convenient garage that will integrate with the development
pattern. In addition, the project needs to maintain service access to Center Ithaca,
access and egress to Green Street, and provide amenities to the retail services such as
loading zones and an enclosed room for the trash compactors.
Mr. Shears led Council through a discussion of the various alternatives, their respective
components and costs.
Alderpersons Mackesey and Berry left the meeting at 9:15 pm.
D. Financial Information: Costs and revenues
Economic Development Planner Jennifer Kusznir and Planning and Development
Director Van Cort reviewed the proposed debt payment schedule specific to each
construction alternative. They further reviewed the projected revenue schedule with the
full project build-out.
Alderperson Whitmore left the meeting at 9:25 pm.
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding sales and property tax revenues and
property tax abatements.
Next Meeting:
Common Council agreed to conduct a Special Meeting on August 4, 2005 at 7:00 pm in
Common Council Chambers to consider and select a Green Garage construction
alternative.
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2.4 Motion to Rise and Report - Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That Common Council Rise and Report on the discussion of the
Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor