Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-Parks-2015-05-12Approved 7/14/15 1 CITY OF ITHACA PARKS COMMISSION Tuesday, May 12, 2015, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, City of Ithaca MINUTES Present: Commissioners: Larry Fabbroni Margaret Hobbie Dan Krall Ellen Leventry Roberta Moudry Stephan Schmidt Staff: Megan Wilson, City Planner Jeanne Grace, City Forester Jim D’Alterio, Recreation Facilities Director/Cass Park Josephine Martell, Common Council liaison Others: Joe Bowes; Cynthia Brock; Rick Manning; Diana Riesman; Peter Trowbridge 210 HANCOCK STREET PROPOSAL Joe Bowes and Peter Trowbridge, on behalf of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), reported on the proposed development at 210 Hancock Street. The proposal developed out of a four-month neighborhood planning process and was built around constraints of the site, zoning, and public feedback. The proposal will feature 65 housing units, including apartments and for-sale townhouses, ground floor commercial space, a playground, and green space along a creek walk. The creek walk is proposed for construction in the current Lake Street right of way along the east side of the project site. It will be primarily a pedestrian walkway but will be open to City and emergency vehicles. The playground will be located in the northeast corner of the site, along Adams Street and across from Conley Park. INHS will build and maintain the playground, but it will be open to the public. The details of the playground have not been finalized, but it will likely provide equipment for younger children since the development will have a head start program in one of the commercial spaces and the Children’s Center is across the street. It may be desirable to remove some of the vegetation at the south end of Conley Park to create an open connection between the park and the playground. INHS is seeking comments from the Parks Commission on the proposed playground and creek walk before presenting to the Board of Public Works. The project is currently undergoing site plan review by the City’s Planning and Development Board and will need zoning variances for building height, parking, and loading requirements. Approved 7/14/15 2 L. Fabbroni asked about safety and emergency access and suggested that INHS get comments from the police and fire departments. P. Trowbridge noted that there have been several presentations to City staff, including police and fire. Emergency vehicles will access the project through the interior of the site. J. Grace noted that it would be good to make sure the playground feels connected to the parks so it feels open to the public. P. Trowbridge responded that they agree but they would prefer not to intercede on City parkland. The group discussed ways that the City could improve this connection including a capital project and working with City staff, Citizen Pruners, and/or Cornell Cooperative Extension. On a motion by D. Krall, seconded by L. Fabbroni, the Parks Commission voted unanimously to support the development of a creek walk within the Lake Street right-of-way and the construction of a playground as part of the proposed development at 210 Hancock Street, noting that both features will be positive additions to the Northside neighborhood. LOCATION & STATUS OF STEWART PARK INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND R. Manning reported that the Friends of Stewart Park will be undertaking a fundraising campaign that focuses on the area of the playground for children five years of age and younger. They will be going to the Board of Public Works on June 8th and June 29th. C. Brock stated that she has concerns about the spray park and thinks the City should consider the best way to provide these facilities given current infrastructure and needs. An enhanced spray area should be incorporated to maximize the facilities we have now. R. Manning responded that the spray area can be modified and made more efficient but he feels it should be in Stewart Park. Commission members noted that we are looking at things individually, depending on where energies are. Other facilities and parks that also have needs do not get the same consideration. J. Dalterio noted that the Cass Park wading pool is very popular but needs to be phased out/replaced. The City could incorporate a spray facility and new wading pool in Cass Park. It could then use the same filter building and utilize pool technicians that are on staff. In addition, the kiddie area could be separated from the main pool to extend its season. The Commission would like to continue discussing some of the larger park improvements in the context of the entire park system. On a motion by M. Hobbie, seconded by S. Schmidt, the Parks Commission voted to support the Friends of Stewart Park’s fundraising campaign for the portion of the all-inclusive playground designed for young children. OTHER STEWART PARK UPDATES Carousel – The painting of the carousel horses by Christi Sobel and Julia John as well as a lot of maintenance work by City staff is proceeding. D. Riesman reported that Approved 7/14/15 3 she has submitted a grant application to the Schaffer Foundation for the carousel fence, but they have questions about funding public-private partnerships. Signs – R. Manning designed some entry signs to be installed at the main park entrance and the trail entry to the park. The money from the signs will come from the Creating Healthy Places Program. S. Schmidt asked about the color of the signs, noting that it seems a bit garish. M. Hobbie added that she would like to have uniform signage in all City parks. Perhaps this type of signage could be adapted for other parks. D. Krall stated that the willow branding is specific to Stewart Park. The City emblem could be used instead with a note that the park is supported by Friends of Stewart Park. Several other Commissioners noted that they would like uniformity in language and design among park signs. - M. Hobbie and D. Krall will work with R. Manning on signage. Canoe/Kayak Racks – The Commission discussed the idea of canoe and kayak storage racks being installed in Stewart Park. J. Dalterio stated that this should be a City function due to maintenance costs and needs as well as the City’s ongoing responsibilities for park reservations. Geese – The Commission again discussed the concern from golf course staff that there are too many geese that are damaging the course. There is a USDA program that removes geese during the summer months and they are then used for good. All waterfront parks would need to be addressed, not just the golf course. Commission members did not have strong feeling on how to proceed on this issue. J. Martell agreed to organize a subcommittee to discuss the geese and identify option for next spring. R. Manning and J. Dalterio agreed to participate, and it was suggested that golf course staff join the group as well. WATER FOUNTAIN AT THE BORDONI FITNESS TRAILHEAD There has been a request to install a water fountain at the trailhead, but specific details on the installation were not available for the discussion. The Commission asked about (1) costs to run a water line and for water use; (2) who is responsible for maintenance; and (3) who will replace the fountain in 4-6 years. Commission members noted that it would be nice to have water extend that far, but if it becomes a problem, the City should have the ability to remove it. The fountain should also be designed to address water waste and leaks. If the Department of Public Works and other City staff are comfortable with the responses to these questions, the Parks Commission is supportive of a water fountain at the fitness trailhead.