HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-Parks-2015-05-12Approved 7/14/15
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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.
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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
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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.