HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-24 Danby Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
March 24, 2011
Present:
Joel Gagnon
Ted Melchen
Robert Roe
Naomi Strichartz
Ray VandeBogart
Excused:
Anne Klingensmith
Steve Selin
Others Present:
PB Secretary Pamela Goddard
Code Enforcement Sue Beeners
Town Board Leslie Connors
Public Andreas Aigner, Kristen Bartholomew, Lisa Turner,
Ronda Roaring,Rudy Laurenson(arrived late)
Flashing Feathers Public Hearing
Planning Board Chair, Robert Roe opened the Public Hearing at 7:04pm.
PUBLIC HEARING to Consider a Request for a Special Permit to Flashing Feathers Bowhunters Club for
the proposed construction of a new club house to replace a preexisting club house at 18 Peter Road, on part of
Tax Parcel 22.-1-24.1.
Beeners read a letter from Ed Marx, Commissioner of Planning and Community Sustainability
with the Tompkins County Department of Planning. He stated that, "The Department has reviewed
the proposal, as submitted, and has determined that it has no negative inter-community, or county-
wide impacts."
Leslie Connors asked questions about the number of parking spaces (the lot can hold 20 vehicles).
There was a question and short discussion about the proposal to change the entrance of the driveway
in relation to the curve of the road. There are no residence or overnight stays. The building does not
have running water,but uses an outhouse facility.
Planning Board Chair, Robert Roe closed the Public Hearing at 7:09pm.
Planning Board Chair, Robert Roe opened the Planning Board meeting at 7:09pm.
Consider Flashing Feathers Special Permit
The Planning Board engaged in a discussion regarding this proposal. The Board asserted that this
will be a substantial improvement over the facilities currently in use at this location. It was also noted
that Flashing Feathers engages in valuable community service through youth programs.
Rudy Laurenson arrived late. He clarified considerations regarding the driveway entrance.
RESOLUTION NO.9 OF 2011-SEQR DETERMINATION,SPECIAL PERMIT REQUEST,FLASHING FEATHERS
BOWHUNTERS CLUB
PlanningBoard_Minutes_20110324•Monday,April 11,2011 Page 1 of 5
WHEREAS,this action is to Consider Granting a Special Permit for the proposed construction of a new club
house to replace a preexisting club house by Flashing Feathers Bowhunters Club, at 18 Peter Road,on part of
Tax Parcel 22.-1-24.1; and
WHEREAS,this is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Danby Planning Board is acting as Lead Agency in
environmental review; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Board has reviewed the Short Environmental Assessment Form and the draft envi-
ronmental assessment by the Code Enforcement Officer, recommending that a negative determination of envi-
ronmental significance be made for this action;
NOW,THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board accepts the draft environmental assessment and hereby
makes a negative determination of environmental significance for this action.
Moved by Strichartz, Second by Gagnon. The motion passed.
In Favor: Gagnon, Melchen, Strichartz, VandeBogart, Roe
RESOLUTION NO.10 OF 2011-SPECIAL PERMIT REQUEST,FLASHING FEATHERS BOWHUNTERS CLUB
WHEREAS,this action is to Consider Granting a Special Permit to Flashing Feathers Bowhunters Club for the
proposed construction of a new club house to replace a preexisting club house at 18 Peter Road, on part of Tax
Parcel 22.-1-24.1; and
WHEREAS,this is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Danby Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in
environmental review, has on March 24, 2011 made a negative determination of environmental significance; and
WHEREAS,the application was referred to the Tompkins County Department of Planning for a recommendation
pursuant to General Municipal Law 239-I and—m; and said Department has determined that it has no negative
inter-community, or county-wide impacts; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Board has reviewed the draft Agricultural Data Statement for this proposal;and
WHEREAS,the Planning Board has reviewed the General Considerations Required for All Special Permits pro-
vided in Section 901 of the Town of Danby Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Board on March 24, 2011 has held a public hearing on the matter;
NOW,THEREFORE IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board accepts the draft Agricultural Data Statement for this pro-
posal; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board grants a Special Permit to Flashing Feathers
Bowhunters Club for the proposed construction of a new club house to replace a preexisting club house at 18
Peter Road, on part of Tax Parcel 22.-1-24.1.
Moved by VandeBogart, Second by Strichartz. The motion passed.
In Favor: Gagnon, Melchen, Strichartz, VandeBogart, Roe
Waldorf School Sketch Plan Review
A sketch plan was distributed for a proposal by the Ithaca Waldorf School to build a school in two
phases at 23 Nelson Road. The Planning Board engaged in a discussion about this proposal with peo-
ple from the Waldorf School. Beeners introduced members of the School and gave a short report re-
garding the history of this proposal going back to 2006. The current proposal is for a school to ac-
commodate approximately 108 students. The IWS currently has 55 students enrolled.
There were questions about the floor plan and uses of the spaces. It was noted that the Ithaca City
School district has reviewed and approved a transportation plan. Busses will collect students in the
school district. Other families car pool children to the school.
In a discussion about the time schedule for proposed construction, a representative from the IWS
said that they hope to break ground soon after approval of a special permit. They will continue to rent
during this coming school year while they build. More detailed plans should be prepared within the
next month. Roe suggested setting a public hearing for the April PB meeting. Secretary Goddard
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noted that she will not be available on the fourth Thursday of April. Beeners recommended that the
date be kept on the 28th of April and that the Board appoint an acting secretary for that date.
RESOLUTION NO.11 OF 2011-SET PUBLIC HEARING
Resolved,that the Planning Board of the Town of Danby sets a Public Hearing for Thursday April 28, 2011 at
7:00pm regarding a proposed school for the Ithaca Waldorf School,to be built in two phases at 23 Nelson Road.
Moved by Strichartz, Second by Gagnon. The motion passed.
In Favor: Gagnon, Melchen, Strichartz, VandeBogart, Roe
Town Board Report
Leslie Connors reported on recent activities and action of the Town Board. She advised the PB
that there will be a public hearing and vote on 4/4/2011 regarding proposed changes to the Zoning
Ordinance,particularly in regards to appointing Planning Board Alternates. She also informed the PB
about a hearing on the County Road Use Laws on 3/29/2011 at the"Old Jail"on Court Street and a
presentation by Arthur Berman regarding gas drilling economics on 3/31/2011 at the Town Hall.
Town Wide Meeting
The board reviewed a draft statement crafted by Robert Roe for the Town Wide Meeting to be
held April 7 at the Town Hall. Small changes and corrections were suggested. There was a discussion
about who will present for the Planning Board. Roe agreed to represent the PB during the April 7
meeting.
RESOLUTION NO.12 OF 2011-APPROVE STATEMENT FOR APRIL 7,2011 TOWN WIDE MEETING
Resolved,that the Planning Board of the Town of Danby accepts the amended statement written by Robert Roe.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Melchen. The motion passed.
In Favor: Gagnon, Melchen, Strichartz, VandeBogart, Roe
Rapid Waters Unit Management Plan
Beeners informed the PB that a meeting will be held on April 14, 2011 in Candor.to report and
comment on the management plan for the Danby State Forest. There was discussion about how the
PB should respond to the final draft of the plan. Connors reported on her understanding of the plan
review over the past three years. She encouraged people to attend the 4/14/2011 meeting.
Gagnon expressed concerns about natural resource management and whether the Unit Manage-
ment Plan includes consideration of ground water. There were also questions about whether mineral
rights are held on the Federal or State level.
Written comments on the Plan can be submitted until April 30,2011 [subsequently extended to
May 14]. Gagnon suggested that the Board review the Plan and submit written comments later in
April. Beeners advised that the document is available on the internet for review. Roe stated that he
will most likely write comments as a private citizen. He did not make any promises about crafting a
statement on behalf of the PB. Gagnon offered to review the Plan as well and would send comments
to the board.
Ray VandeBogart needed to leave the meeting at 8:05pm
Local Law#2 of 2011
Beeners reported on the need for the Planning Board to submit a resolution of support to the
Town Board for adoption of the proposed changes in this local law.
RESOLUTION NO.13 OF 2011-PROPOSED LOCAL LAW AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE RELATED TO EN-
FORCEMENT,BUILDING PERMITS,CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY,TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE,OPERATING PER-
MIT,PLANNING BOARD,AND VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES—CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO TOWN BOARD
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WHEREAS,the Town Board of the Town of Danby is considering adoption of a Local Law Amending the Zoning
Ordinance of the Town of Danby Related to Enforcement, Building Permits, Certificate of Occupancy,Temporary
Certificate, Operating Permit, Planning Board, and Violations and Penalties; and
WHEREAS,the Town Board has classified the adoption of said Local Law as an Unlisted Action under 6NYCRR
Part 617.6 of the implementing regulations for the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act(Environ-
mental Conservation Law Article 8); and
WHEREAS,the Town Board has determined that it should be Lead Agency in environmental review of this ac-
tion; and has so notified the involved agencies identified for this action, being the Town of Danby Planning Board
and the Tompkins County Dept. of Planning; and
WHEREAS,the Town of Danby Planning Board has reviewed the proposed Local Law, the Environmental As-
sessment Form, and the recommendation of the Town's Code Enforcement Officer that a negative determination
of environmental significance be made for this action; and
WHEREAS,the Town of Danby Planning Board is also charged with making recommendation to the Town Board
on any amendments to the Town's Zoning Ordinance and the Town's Subdivision and Land Division Regulations;
NOW,THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board, acting as involved agency in environmental review of this
action, concurs that the Town Board is Lead Agency in such environmental review, and recommends to the Town
Board that a negative determination of environmental significance be made; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Planning Board recommends to the Town Board that the proposed Town of
Danby Local Law No.2 of 2011, "A Local Law Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Danby Related to
Enforcement, Building Permits, Certificate of Occupancy,Temporary Certificate, Operating Permit, Planning
Board, and Violations and Penalties" be adopted.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Strichartz. The motion passed.
In Favor: Gagnon, Melchen, Strichartz, Roe
Hamlet Plan Discussion
The Planning Board continued its discussion on the Hamlet Plan. Strichartz re-asserted her view
that it's best to incrementally add small changes to zoning in the Hamlet. Roe said that he appreciates
that view but wondered whether it was better to do things in one shot rather than going back to the
citizens several times for review.
There was a discussion about where the most sensible center for the focal point of the Hamlet
should be. The areas around the old store or the Town Hall were suggested. Public transportation and
a small commercial district(such as a"Brookton's Market" style store)were seen as important as-
pects of Hamlet development. Mixed use or vertical zoning, with combined residences and busi-
nesses,was discussed.
Roe suggested that a starting point might be to lay out a hypothetical Hamlet footprint within a
walkable area. Within that should be a useable parcel of developable land. This might be linear,rather
than circular.
Approval of Minutes
RESOLUTION NO.14 OF 2011-APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Resolved,that the Planning Board of the Town of Danby approves the minutes of February 16, 2011.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Strichartz. Roe cast one vote for the Board.
Appoint April Secretary
Goddard stated that she would unavailable for the April 28 Public Hearing and Meeting. Beeners
offered to fill in as acting secretary for that date. Goddard also advised the PB that she will not be
available the fourth Thursday in July, and that the fourth Thursday in November is Thanksgiving. The
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question of potentially moving meetings to the third Thursday of the month should be on the April
agenda.
Conservation Advisory Council
Beeners and Gagnon reported activities of the CAC. This council is advertising for an intern with
excellent GIS skills to develop the required open space inventory. The CAC has a lead on such a per-
son. In addition the group has access to the Ithaca College GIS lab through one of its members.This
should build on the work being done by the Critical Environmental Areas group.
Request from the Public
Ronda Roaring requested that the Planning Board address development in low density residential
areas. She disagrees with the intent of the zoning in relation to road frontage and the length of drive-
ways. Strichartz suggested that Roaring bring this concern to the Town Board, as the body which
makes zoning changes. There was a lengthy discussion about what recourse a citizen might have to
change zoning and the proper procedure.
Strichartz departed during the discussion of Roaring's Request.
Adjournment
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:20pm.
Pamela S Goddard,Planning Board Secretary
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