HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-15 Planning and Economic Development Committee Meeting AgendaPEDC Meeting
Planning and Economic Development Committee
Ithaca Common Council
DATE: August 12, 2015
TIME: 6pm
LOCATION: 3rd floor
City Hall Council Chambers
AGENDA ITEMS
Item Voting
Item?
Presenter(s) Time
Start
1) Call to Order/Agenda Review
2) Special Order of Business
a) Public Hearing – Comprehensive Plan
3) Public Comment and Response from Committee
Members
4) Announcements, Updates, and Reports
a) EPMO Fines
b) CIITAP Revision
c) Taxi Regulations
d) Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) MOU
e) MH‐1 Zoning
5) Action Items – Voting to Send on to Council
a) Comprehensive Plan
b) Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
c) Resolution Authorizing Agreement with INHS
for Future Improvements to Lake Avenue and
Eastern Portion of Adams Street
6) Discussion
a) Ithaca Falls Natural Area
b) Backyard Chickens
7) Review and Approval of Minutes
a) July 2015 – Sent Under Separate Cover
8) Adjournment
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Seph Murtagh, Chair
Megan Wilson, Planning Staff
Megan Wilson, Planning Staff
Ari Lavine, City Attorney
6:00
6:05
6:30
6:45
7:00
7:30
7:35
8:00
8:20
8:40
8:45
If you have a disability and require accommodations in order to fully participate, please contact the City Clerk at 274‐6570 by 12:00
noon on Tuesday, August 11, 2015.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
TO: Planning & Economic Development Committee
FROM: Megan Wilson, Senior Planner
DATE: August 6, 2015
RE: Review of Draft Plan Ithaca
Following the last Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting, staff circulated the draft
Plan Ithaca, dated June 30, 2015, for additional review and comment. All comments submitted to
date are attached for your review. Staff has reviewed all of the comments and incorporated many of
the requested changes into a revised draft, dated August 6, 2015. The revised draft is available on
the project website at www.cityofithaca.org/165/City-Comprehensive-Plan, and all changes have
been highlighted in green.
While staff has incorporated many of the comments, the following comments should be discussed
by the Committee before changes are made:
• Include “Environmentally-Sensitive” as an overlay (not a future land use category) and
assign a different future land use category to all areas currently included in the
Environmentally-Sensitive category.
• Include the Spencer Road area in the Low-Density Residential category, rather than
Medium-Density Residential.
Additionally, it was intended that the Planning Committee would have the designed draft of the plan
to review for the August meeting, but staff has not yet received the document. The Committee
should consider if it is willing to vote on the current version of the plan.
If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please contact me at mwilson@cityofithaca.org or
274-6560.
Proposed Resolution
Planning & Economic Development Committee
August 12, 2015
Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan – Declaration
of Lead Agency for Environmental Review
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be
established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state
environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the
lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed adoption of the comprehensive plan is a “Type I” Action under the
City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and the State Environmental Quality
Review Act and is subject to environmental review; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead
agency for the environmental review of the adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City of
Ithaca Comprehensive Plan.
Proposed Resolution
Planning & Economic Development Committee
August 12, 2015
Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan –
Determination of Environmental Significance
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is considering the adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s
Comprehensive Plan, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the preparation of
a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), dated July 16, 2015, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council and Tompkins County Planning
Department have been given the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan, and all
comments received to date have been considered, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a “Type I” Action under the City Environmental Quality
Review Ordinance and the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the
FEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own
the findings and conclusions more fully set forth in the Full Environmental Assessment Form,
dated July 16, 2015, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that
the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further
environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City
Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City
Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law.
CITY OF ITHACA
FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (FEAF)
Purpose: This Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) is designed to help applicants and agencies determine, in an orderly
manner, whether a project or action may be significant. The question of whether an action may be significant is not always easy to
answer. Frequently, there are aspects of a proposed action that are subjective or immeasurable. It is also understood those who
determine significance may have little or no formal knowledge of the environment or may not be aware of the broader concerns
affecting the question of significance.
The FEAF is intended to provide a method whereby applicants and agencies can be assured the determination process has been
orderly, comprehensive in nature, yet flexible enough to allow introduction of information to fit a project or action.
FEAF Components:
Part 1: Provides objective data and information about a given action and its site. By identifying basic project data, it assists
in a review of the analysis that takes place in Parts 2 and 3.
Part 2: Focuses on identifying the range of possible impacts that may occur from a project or action. It provides guidance as
to whether an impact is likely to be considered small to moderate or whether it is a potentially large impact. The form
also identifies whether an impact can be mitigated or reduced.
Part 3: If any impact in Part 2 is identified as potentially large, then Part 3 is used to evaluate whether or not the impact is
actually important.
THIS AREA IS FOR LEAD AGENCY USE ONLY
DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE—TYPE I AND UNLISTED ACTIONS
Identify the portions of FEAF completed for this action: _X_Part 1 _X_Part 2 _X_Part 3
Upon review of the information recorded on this FEAF (Parts, 2, and 3, if appropriate), and any other supporting information, and
considering both the magnitude and importance of each impact, it is reasonably determined by the Lead Agency that:
__A. The Proposed Action will not result in any large and important impact(s) and will not have a significant impact on the
environment; therefore, A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.
__B. Although the proposed action could have a significant impact on the environment, there will not be a significant effect
for this Unlisted Action, because the mitigation measures described in PART 3 have been required; therefore, A
CONDITIONED NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. *
__C. The proposed action may result in one or more large and important impacts that may have a significant impact on the
environment; therefore, A POSITIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.
* A Conditioned Negative Declaration is only valid for Unlisted Actions.
Name of Action: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan
Name of Lead Agency: Common Council
Name and Title of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Mayor Svante L. Myrick
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency:
Signature of Preparer:
Date: July 16, 2015
2
FULL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM (FEAF)
PART 1—PROJECT INFORMATION
(prepared by project sponsor/applicant)
NOTICE: This document is designed to assist in determining whether the action proposed may have a
significant effect on the environment. Please complete the entire form, Parts A through E. Answers to these
questions will be considered part of the application for approval and may be subject to further verification and
public review. Provide any additional information you believe will be needed to complete Parts 2 and 3. It is
expected that completion of the FEAF will depend on information currently available and will not involve
new studies, research, or investigation. If information requiring such additional work is unavailable, so
indicate and specify each instance.
Name of Action: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan
Location of Action: City of Ithaca
Name of Applicant/Sponsor: City of Ithaca
Address: 108 East Green Street
City/Town/Village: Ithaca State: NY ZIP: 14850
Business Phone:
Name of Owner (if different):
Address:
City/Town/Village: State: ZIP:
Business Phone:
Description of Action:
See attached.
3
DESCRIPTION OF ACTION:
The proposed action is the adoption of the draft Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s new comprehensive plan.
Once adopted, the comprehensive plan becomes a fundamental part of the City’s decision-making processes,
serving as both a guide for a broad range of City actions and a standard by which they can be measured.
The City has undertaken a two-phase process for the new comprehensive plan. Phase I involved the
preparation of Plan Ithaca, a city-wide plan that outlines a vision and broad goals for the entire city as well as
recommendations for implementation. Phase II will include the subsequent preparation of specific
neighborhood and thematic plans. All Phase II plans will build upon Plan Ithaca and will reflect the goals of
the broader document.
Plan Ithaca is organized around eight chapters, as follows:
1) Introduction
a. History
b. Vision
2) Public Participation & Communication
3) Land Use
4) Economic Vitality
a. Fiscal Health
b. Economic Development
c. Workforce Development & Job Training
5) Community Livability
a. Housing
b. Historic Preservation
c. Public Safety
d. Physical Infrastructure
e. Health, Wellness, & Support
6) Mobility & Transportation
a. Increasing Transportation Choice Both Locally & Regionally
b. Connecting Land Use & Transportation
c. Efficiency and Innovation in Technology, Operations, & Management
d. Communication & Education to Support Transportation Choices
7) Natural & Cultural Resources
a. Natural Resources
b. Cultural Resources
8) Sustainable Energy, Water, & Food Systems
a. Energy
b. Water Resources & Stormwater Management
c. Food Systems
Three thread-through themes serve as overarching concepts that guide the entire plan. Each chapter
reflects the principles of sustainability, equity, and collaboration, as described below.
• SUSTAINABILITY: Living in a way that allows present generations to meet their needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A sustainable community
4
must safeguard the health and well-being of its economic, social, and environmental systems —
including food security, clean air and water, healthy ecosystems, and effective governance.
• EQUITY: The services, amenities, and opportunities that are available through City efforts are
accessible to all residents through means that preserve dignity and that are free of discrimination.
These may include participation in decision-making, as well as access to information, housing,
transportation, economic opportunity, jobs and job training, recreation, and a safe and healthy
environment.
• COLLABORATION: The City works in partnership with other municipalities, educational institutions,
and community organizations to realize the goals of Plan Ithaca.
5
Please complete each question (indicate N/A, if not applicable).
A. SITE DESCRIPTION
Physical setting of overall project, both developed and undeveloped areas.
1. Present Land Use: X Urban X Industrial X Commercial X Public Forest
Agricultural Other:
2. Total area of project area: ~3890 acres ____ square feet (Chosen units apply to following section also.)
Approximate Area (Units in Question 2 apply to this section.) Currently After Completion
2a. Meadow or Brushland (non-agricultural)
2b. Forested
2c. Agricultural
2d. Wetland [as per Article 24 of Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)]
2e. Water Surface Area ~435 ~435
2f. Public ~630 ~630
2h. Unvegetated (rock, earth, or fill)
2i. Roads, buildings, and other paved surfaces ~1300 ~1300
2j. Other (indicate type) Varies but primarily privately-owned green space ~1525 ~1525
3a. What is predominant soil type(s) on project site (e.g., HdB, silty loam, etc.):
Arkport Fine Sandy Loam; Bath Valois and Lansing soils; Howard Gravely Loam; Hudson and Collamer Silt Loam;
Hudson Silty Clay Loam; Hudson-Cayuga Silt Loam; Lordstown Soils; Rhinebeck Silt Loam; Unknown (urban fill)
3b. Soil Drainage: Well-Drained ______% of Site
Varies Moderately Well-Drained ______% of Site
Poorly Drained ______% of Site
4a. Are there bedrock outcroppings on project site? X Yes No N/A
4b. What is depth of bedrock? 0’-depths unknown (feet)
4c. What is depth to the water table? 0’-depths unknown (feet)
5. Approximate percentage of proposed project site
with slopes:
X 0-10% ~67% X 10-15% ~14%
X 15% or greater ~18%
6a. Is project substantially contiguous to, or does it
contain a building, site or district, listed on or
eligible for the National or State Register of
Historic Places?
X Yes No N/A
Area includes 4 National Register Districts (3 of
which are locally designated)
6b. …Or a designated local landmark or located in a
local landmark district?
X Yes No N/A
Area includes 8 local historic districts and 24
designated local landmarks
7. Do hunting and/or fishing opportunities currently
exist in the project area? X Yes No N/A If yes, identify each species:
6
SITE DESCRIPTION (concluded)
8. Does project site contain any species of plant
and/or animal life identified as threatened or
endangered?
Locally rare species do exist.
Yes X No N/A
According to: Unique Natural Area Inventory of
Tompkins County
Identify each species: _______________________
9. Are there any unique or unusual landforms on the
project site (i.e., cliffs, other geological
formations)?
X Yes No N/A
Describe: gorges, rock outcroppings, waterfalls
10. Is project site currently used by the community or
neighborhood as an open space or recreation
area?
X Yes No N/A
If yes, explain: The area includes multiple parks,
trails, and natural areas
11. Does present site offer or include scenic views
known to be important to the community? X Yes No N/A
Describe: Multiple scenic views
12. Is project within or contiguous to a site
designated a Unique Natural Area (UNA) or
critical environmental area by a local or state
agency?
X Yes No N/A
Describe: The following UNAs are within the city:
98, 99, 100, 134, 135, 136, 137, 153, & 156
13. Streams within or contiguous to project area: a. Names of stream(s) or name(s) of river(s) to which
it is a tributary: Cascadilla Creek, Fall Creek, Six
Mile Creek, Cayuga Inlet, Flood Control
Channel
14. Lakes, ponds, or wetland areas within or
contiguous to project area:
a. Name(s): Cayuga Lake, Beebe Lake
b. Size(s) (in acres): ___________
15. Has site been used for land disposal of solid
and/or hazardous wastes? X Yes No N/A
Describe: The project area includes a former city
dump and the current Tompkins County transfer
station.
16. Is the site served by existing public utilities?
a. If Yes, does sufficient capacity exist to allow
connection?
b. If Yes, will improvements be necessary to
allow connection?
X Yes No N/A
X Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A Unknown.
The City has sufficient water and sewer capacity
to accommodate the increased development
recommended in the comprehensive plan. Any
proposals for development will be subject to a
separate environmental review that will be no less
protective of the environment.
7
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. Physical dimensions and scale of project (fill in dimensions as appropriate): N/A
1a. Total contiguous area owned by project sponsor in acres: _______ or square feet: _______
1b. Project acreage developed: Acres initially: Acres ultimately:________
1c. Project acreage to remain undeveloped: ____________________
1d. Length of project in miles (if appropriate): ___________ or feet: ____________
1e. If project is an expansion, indicate percent of change proposed: _________%
1f. Number of off-street parking spaces existing: proposed:_____________
1g. Maximum vehicular trips generated (upon completion of project) per day: _______ and per hour: ______
1h. Height of tallest proposed structure in feet. _______
1j. Linear feet of frontage along a public street or thoroughfare that the project will occupy? ________
2. Specify what type of natural material (i.e., rock, earth, etc.) and how much will be removed from the site:
________________ N/A _______________ or added to the site: ________________________________
3. Specify what type of vegetation (trees, shrubs, ground cover) and how much will be removed from the site:
acres: N/A type of vegetation:_____________________________________________________
4. Will any mature trees or other locally important vegetation be removed for this project? N/A
5. Are there any plans for re-vegetation to replace vegetation removed during construction? N/A
6. If single-phase project, anticipated period of construction: N/A months (including demolition)
7. If multi-phased project, anticipated period of construction: N/A months (including demolition)
7a. Total number of phases anticipated: ______________
7b. Anticipated date of commencement for first phase: month year (including demolition)
7c. Approximate completion date of final phase: month year.
7d. Is phase one financially dependent on subsequent phases? Yes No N/A
8. Will blasting occur during construction? Yes No X N/A If yes, explain: __________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
9. Number of jobs generated during construction: N/A After project is completed: N/A
10. Number of jobs eliminated by this project: N/A Explain: ________________________________
11. Will project require relocation of any projects or facilities? Yes No X N/A If yes, explain:
12a. Is surface or subsurface liquid waste disposal involved? Yes No X N/A; if yes, explain
12b. If #12a is yes, indicate type of waste (sewage, industrial, etc): ______________
12c. If surface disposal, where specifically will effluent be discharged? _____________________
13. Will surface area of existing lakes, ponds, streams, or other surface waterways be increased or decreased
by proposal? Yes No X N/A If yes, explain: __________________________
14a. Will project or any portion of project occur wholly or partially within or contiguous to the 100-year flood
plain? Yes No X N/A
8
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (concluded)
14b. Does project or any portion of project occur wholly or partially within or contiguous to: Cayuga Inlet
Fall Creek, Cascadilla Creek, Cayuga Lake, Six Mile Creek, or Silver Creek? (Circle all that apply.)
14c. Does project or any portion of project occur wholly or partially within or contiguous to wetlands as
described in Article 24 of the ECL? Yes No X N/A;
14d. If #14a., b., or c. is yes, explain: _______________________
15a. Does project involve disposal of solid waste? Yes No X N/A
15b. If #15a. is yes, will an existing solid waste disposal facility be used? Yes No N/A
15c. If #15b. is yes, give name of disposal facility: and its location: __________
15d. Will there be any wastes that will not go into a sewage disposal system or into a sanitary landfill?
Yes No X N/A If yes, explain: ___________________________________
15e. Will any solid waste be disposed of on site? Yes No X N/A If yes, explain:
16. Will project use herbicides or pesticides? Yes No X N/A If yes, specify:
17. Will project affect a building or site listed on or eligible for the National or State Register of Historic
Places or a local landmark or in a landmark district? Yes No X N/A; if yes, explain:
18. Will project produce odors? Yes No X N/A If yes, explain:
19. Will project product operating noise exceed the local ambient noise level during construction?
Yes No X N/A After construction? Yes No X N/A
20. Will project result in an increase of energy use? Yes No X N/A If yes, indicate type(s):
21. Total anticipated water usage per day in gals./day: N/A Source of water: N/A
9
C. ZONING AND PLANNING INFORMATION
1. Does the proposed action involve a planning or zoning decision? X Yes No N/A If yes,
indicate the decision required: _________________________
Zoning Amendment Zoning Variance X New/Revision of Master Plan Subdivision
Site Plan Special Use Permit Resource Management Plan Other: ______
2. What is the current zoning classification of site? The area includes all city zoning districts.
3. If the site is developed as permitted by the present zoning, what is the maximum potential development?
Not applicable. The proposed action is the adoption of a local land use plan.
4. Is proposed use consistent with present zoning? Yes No X N/A
5. If #4 is no, indicate desired zoning: _________________________
6. If the site is developed by the proposed zoning, what is the maximum potential development of the site?
No new zoning is proposed.
7. Is the proposed action consistent with the recommended uses in adopted local land-use plans?
Yes No X N/A If no, explain: The proposed action is the adoption of a local land use plan.
8. What is the dominant land use and zoning classification within a ¼ mile radius of the project?
(e.g., R-1a or R-1b) The area includes all city zoning districts.
9. Is the proposed action compatible with adjacent land uses? X Yes No N/A Explain: The
proposed plan is also compatible with the future land uses proposed in the Town of Ithaca’s
Comprehensive Plan.
10a. If the proposed action is the subdivision of land, how many lots are proposed? N/A
10b. What is the minimum lot size proposed? N/A
11. Will the proposed action create a demand for any community-provided services? (e.g., recreation,
education, police, fire protection, etc.)? X Yes No N/A Explain: Implementation of the
plan may create a demand for additional services. Any implementation initiative, including future
development projects, will be subject to its own environmental review that will be no less
protective of the environment. See Part III.
If yes, is existing capacity sufficient to handle projected demand? Yes No X N/A
Explain: _____________________________
12. Will the proposed action result in the generation of traffic significantly above present levels?
Yes X No N/A
If yes, is existing road network adequate to handle additional traffic?
Yes No N/A Explain: __________________________________________
10
D. APPROVALS
1. Approvals: ______________________________________
2a. Is any Federal permit required? Yes X No N/A Specify: _________________
2b. Does project involve State or Federal funding or financing? Yes X No N/A If Yes, Specify:
______________________________________
2c. Local and Regional approvals:
Agency
Yes or No
Type of
Approval Required
Submittal
Date
Approval
Date
Common Council Yes Adoption
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) No
Planning & Development Board Yes Recommendation 6/18/15 6/30/15
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission (ILPC)
No
Board of Public Works (BPW) No
Fire Department No
Police Department No
Building Commissioner No
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
(IURA)
No
11
E. INFORMATIONAL DETAILS
Attach any additional information as may be needed to clarify your project. If there are or may be any adverse impacts
associated with your proposal, please discuss such impacts and the measures which you propose to mitigate or avoid
them.
F. VERIFICATION
I certify that the information provided above is true to the best of my knowledge.
Applicant/Sponsor Name: City of Ithaca
Signature:
Title: Senior Planner
***************** END OF PART 1 *****************
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
1 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON LAND
1. Will there be an effect as a result of a physical change to project site? Yes No
The action is the adoption of a plan and there will be no physical change as the result of the action.
Any construction on slopes of 15% or greater (15-foot rise per
100 feet of length) or where general slope in the project
exceeds 10%.
Yes No
Construction on land where depth to the water table is less
than 3 feet. Yes No
Construction of parking facility/area for 50 or more vehicles. Yes No
Construction on land where bedrock is exposed or generally
within 3 feet of existing ground surface. Yes No
Construction that will continue for more than 1 year or involve
more than one phase or stage. Yes No
Evacuation for mining purposes that would remove more than
1,000 tons of natural material (i.e., rock or soil) per year. Yes No
Construction of any new sanitary landfill. Yes No
Construction in designated floodway. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
2. Will there be an effect on any unique land forms found on the site (i.e., cliffs, gorges,
geological formations, etc.)? Yes No
The plan identifies Environmentally-Sensitive areas that include unique land forms and
recommends establishing additional protections for these areas.
Specific land forms (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
2 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON WATER
3. Will project affect any water body designated as protected (under article 15 or 24 of
Environmental Conservation Law, E.C.L.)? Yes No
Developable area of site contains protected water body. Yes No
Dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material from channel
of protected stream. Yes No
Extension of utility distribution facilities through protected
water body. Yes No
Construction in designated freshwater wetland. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
4. Will project affect any non-protected existing or new body of water? Yes No
The plan identifies Environmentally-Sensitive areas that include all lands within 60’-100’ of
all waterways and recommends establishing additional protections for these areas.
A 10% increase or decrease in surface area of any body of
water or more than 10,000 sq. ft. of surface area. Yes No
Construction, alteration, or conversion of body of water that
exceeds 10,000 sq. ft. of surface area. Yes No
Fall Creek, Six Mile Creek, Cascadilla Creek, Silver Creek,
Cayuga Lake, or Cayuga Inlet? Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
3 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON WATER (cont.)
5. Will project affect surface or groundwater quality? Yes No
The plan’s recommendations include required sustainable building practices, use of
pervious paving materials, collaborative stormwater initiatives, and preservation of green
spaces to improve water quality.
Project will require discharge permit. Yes No
Project requires use of source of water that does not have
approval to serve proposed project. Yes No
Construction or operation causing any contamination of a
public water supply system. Yes No
Project will adversely affect groundwater. Yes No
Liquid effluent will be conveyed off the site to facilities which
do not currently exist or that have inadequate capacity. Yes No
Project requiring a facility that would use water in excess of
20,000 gallons per day or 500 gallons per minute. Yes No
Project will likely cause siltation or other discharge into an
existing body of water to the extent that there will be an
obvious visual contrast to natural conditions.
Yes No
Proposed action will require storage of petroleum or chemical
products greater than 1,100 gallons. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
4 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON WATER (cont.)
6. Will project alter drainage flow, drainage patterns, or surface water runoff? Yes No
See #5 above.
Project would impede floodwater flows. Yes No
Project is likely to cause substantial erosion. Yes No
Project is incompatible with existing drainage patterns. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
IMPACT ON AIR
7. Will project affect air quality? Yes No
Project will induce 500 or more vehicle trips in any 8-hour
period per day. Yes No
Project will result in the incineration of more than 2.5 tons of
refuse per 24-hour day. Yes No
Project emission rate of all contaminants will exceed 5 lbs.
per hour or a heat source producing more than 10 million
BTUs per hour.
Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
5 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACTS ON PLANTS AND ANIMALS
8. Will project affect any threatened or endangered species? Yes No
Reduction of any species, listed on New York or Federal list,
using the site, found over, on, or near site. Yes No
Removal of any portion of a critical or significant wildlife
habitat. Yes No
Application of pesticide or herbicide more than twice a year
other than for agricultural purposes. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
9. Will proposed action substantially affect non-threatened or non-endangered species?
Yes No
Proposed action would substantially interfere with any
resident or migratory fish, or wildlife species. Yes No
Proposed action requires removal or more than ½ acre of
mature woods or other locally important vegetation. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
6 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON AESTHETIC RESOURCES
10. Will proposed action affect views, vistas, or visual character of the neighborhood or
community? Yes No
Proposed land uses or proposed action components
obviously different from, or in sharp contrast to, current
surrounding land use patterns, whether man-made or natural.
Yes No
Proposed land uses or proposed action components visible to
users of aesthetic resources which will eliminate or
significantly reduce their enjoyment of aesthetic qualities of
that resource.
Yes No
Proposed action will result in elimination or major screening
of scenic views known to be important to the area. Yes No
Other impacts (if any): The proposed Future Land Use Map
recommends appropriate areas for increased
development while protecting and enhancing the
character of established residential neighborhoods. See
Part III.
Yes No
IMPACT ON HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
11. Will proposed action impact any site or structure of historic, prehistoric, or paleontological
importance? Yes No
The City’s designated historic districts were carefully considered during the preparation of
the land use chapter and Future Land Use Map. All of the proposed future land uses are
compatible with the existing character of the historic districts. Any proposals for new
construction or alteration remain subject to review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission and the Planning and Development Board (if required).
Proposed action occurring wholly or partially within, or
contiguous to, any facility or site listed on or eligible for the
National or State Register of Historic Places.
Yes No
Any impact to an archaeological site or fossil bed located
within the project site. Yes No
Proposed action occurring wholly or partially within, or
contiguous to, any site designated as a local landmark or in a
landmark district.
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
7 of 11
7/16/2015
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
12. Will the proposed action affect the quantity or quality of existing or future open spaces, or
recreational opportunities? Yes No
The plan recognizes the importance of existing parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational
facilities and commits to maintaining and enhancing these resources for future use by
residents and visitors.
The permanent foreclosure of a future recreational
opportunity. Yes No
A major reduction of an open space important to the
community. Yes No
Other impacts (if any): Yes No
IMPACT ON UNIQUE NATURAL AREAS OR CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS
13. Will proposed action impact the exceptional or unique characteristics of a site designated
as a unique natural area (UNA) or a critical environmental area (CEA) by a local or state
agency? Yes No
Proposed action to locate within a UNA or CEA? Yes No
Proposed action will result in reduction in the quality of the
resource. Yes No
Proposed action will impact use, function, or enjoyment of the
resource. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
8 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION
14. Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems? Yes No
Alteration of present patterns of movement of people and/or
goods. Yes No
Proposed action will result in major traffic problems. Yes No
Other impacts: The plan includes several
recommendations to improve multi-modal transportation
within the city. Implementation of these
recommendations will be subject to a separate
environmental review that will be no less protective of
the environment. See Part III.
Yes No
IMPACT ON ENERGY
15. Will proposed action affect community's sources of fuel or energy supply? Yes No
The plan includes several recommendations to improve energy conservation and increase
the use of alternative energy sources.
Proposed action causing greater than 5% increase in any
form of energy used in municipality. Yes No
Proposed action requiring creation or extension of an energy
transmission or supply system to serve more than 50 single-
or two-family residences.
Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
9 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON NOISE AND ODORS
16. Will there be objectionable odors, noise, glare, vibration, or electrical disturbance during
construction of, or after completion of, this proposed action? Yes No
Blasting within 1,500 feet of a hospital, school, or other
sensitive facility? Yes No
Odors will occur routinely (more than one hour per day). Yes No
Proposed action will produce operating noise exceeding local
ambient noise levels for noise outside of structure. Yes No
Proposed action will remove natural barriers that would act as
noise screen. Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH
17. Will proposed action affect public health and safety? Yes No
Proposed action will cause risk of explosion or release of
hazardous substances (i.e., oil, pesticides, chemicals,
radiation, etc.) in the event of accident or upset conditions, or
there will be chronic low-level discharge or emission.
Yes No
Proposed action may result in burial of “hazardous wastes” in
any form (i.e., toxic, poisonous, highly reactive, radioactive,
irritating, infectious, etc.)
Yes No
Proposed action may result in excavation or other
disturbance within 2,000 feet of a site used for the disposal of
solid or hazardous wastes.
Yes No
Proposed action will result in handling or disposal or
hazardous wastes (i.e., toxic, poisonous, highly reactive,
radioactive, irritating, infectious, etc., including wastes that
are solid, semi-solid, liquid, or contain gases).
Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
10 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH (cont.)
Storage facilities for 50,000 or more gallons of any liquid fuel. Yes No
Use of any chemical for de-icing, soil stabilization, or control
of vegetation, insects, or animal life on the premises of any
residential, commercial, or industrial property in excess of
30,000 square feet.
Yes No
Other impacts (if any):
Yes No
IMPACT ON GROWTH AND CHARACTER OF COMMUNITY OR NEIGHBORHOOD
18. Will proposed action affect the character of the existing community? Yes No
The population of the city in which the proposed action is
located is likely to grow by more than 5% of resident human
population.
Yes No
The municipal budgets for capital expenditures or operating
services will increase by more than 5% per year as a result of
this proposed action.
Yes No
Proposed action will conflict with officially adopted plans or
goals. Yes No
Proposed action will cause a change in the density of land
use. Yes No
Proposed action will replace or eliminate existing facilities,
structures, or areas of historic importance to the community. Yes No
Development will create demand for additional community
services (e.g., schools, police, and fire, etc.) Yes No
Proposed action will set an important precedent for future
actions. Yes No
Proposed action will relocate 15 or more employees in one or
more businesses. Yes No
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 2 — Project Impacts
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
11 of 11
7/16/2015
Small-to-
Moderate
Impact
Potential
Large
Impact
Can Impact Be
Reduced by
Project Change?
IMPACT ON GROWTH AND CHARACTER OF COMMUNITY OR NEIGHBORHOOD (cont.)
Other impacts (if any): See Part III
Yes No
19. Is there public controversy concerning the proposed action? Yes No Unknown
— If any action in Part 2 is identified as a potential large impact,
or if you cannot determine the magnitude of impact, proceed to Part 3 —
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 3
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
Page 1 of 3
DESCRIPTION OF ACTION
The proposed action is the adoption of the draft Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s new
comprehensive plan. Once adopted, the comprehensive plan becomes a fundamental part of the
City’s decision-making processes, serving as both a guide for a broad range of City actions and a
standard by which they can be measured. The City has undertaken a two-phase process for the
new comprehensive plan. Phase I involved the preparation of Plan Ithaca, a city-wide plan that
outlines a vision and broad goals for the entire city as well as recommendations for
implementation. Phase II will include the subsequent preparation of specific neighborhood and
thematic plans. All Phase II plans will build upon Plan Ithaca and will reflect the goals of the
broader document.
Plan Ithaca is organized around eight chapters, as follows:
1) Introduction
a. History
b. Vision
2) Public Participation & Communication
3) Land Use
4) Economic Vitality
a. Fiscal Health
b. Economic Development
c. Workforce Development & Job Training
5) Community Livability
a. Housing
b. Historic Preservation
c. Public Safety
d. Physical Infrastructure
e. Health, Wellness, & Support
6) Mobility & Transportation
a. Increasing Transportation Choice Both Locally & Regionally
b. Connecting Land Use & Transportation
c. Efficiency and Innovation in Technology, Operations, & Management
d. Communication & Education to Support Transportation Choices
7) Natural & Cultural Resources
a. Natural Resources
b. Cultural Resources
8) Sustainable Energy, Water, & Food Systems
a. Energy
b. Water Resources & Stormwater Management
c. Food Systems
Three thread-through themes serve as overarching concepts that guide the entire plan. Each chapter
reflects the principles of sustainability, equity, and collaboration, as described below.
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 3
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
Page 2 of 3
• SUSTAINABILITY: Living in a way that allows present generations to meet their needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A
sustainable community must safeguard the health and well-being of its economic, social,
and environmental systems — including food security, clean air and water, healthy
ecosystems, and effective governance.
• EQUITY: The services, amenities, and opportunities that are available through City efforts
are accessible to all residents through means that preserve dignity and that are free of
discrimination. These may include participation in decision-making, as well as access to
information, housing, transportation, economic opportunity, jobs and job training,
recreation, and a safe and healthy environment.
• COLLABORATION: The City works in partnership with other municipalities, educational
institutions, and community organizations to realize the goals of Plan Ithaca.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPACT ON AESTHETIC RESOURCES
Will the proposed action affect views, vistas, or visual character of the neighborhood or community?
The plan encourages the development of additional housing and business opportunities within the
city and identifies higher-density areas where growth, in the form of well-designed, compact
mixed-use development, is encouraged. This development will undergo site plan review, and any
potential visual impacts will be evaluated as part of this review. The City’s existing zoning will
remain in effect, and development proposals in any area of the city will be subject to their own
environmental review that will be no less protective of the environment.
The plan also prioritizes the preservation of existing neighborhoods (Low-Density and Medium-
Density Residential areas). While some development may occur in these areas, it must be of high-
quality design and compatible with the existing built environment and uses of the neighborhood.
Impacts on the visual character of the neighborhood are not expected.
IMPACT ON EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Will there be an effect to existing transportation systems?
The adoption of the plan itself will not have an effect to existing transportation systems, but the
plan includes several recommendations to improve multi-modal transportation within the city.
These recommendations (described in detail in Chapter 6, “Mobility & Transportation,” of Plan
Ithaca) include enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, improving transit stops and
service, creating better connections between neighborhoods, and strengthening multi-modal
connections to surrounding municipalities. The implementation of these recommendations will
result in positive impacts on the existing transportation system. In addition, the implementation
of any recommendations that involve physical changes or policy changes will be subject to separate
environmental review that will be no less protective of the environment.
City of Ithaca Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF)
Part 3
Project Name: Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Date: 7/16/15
Page 3 of 3
The plan encourages the development of additional housing and employment opportunities within
the city and recommends that the majority of this development occur in the form of compact
mixed-use development in appropriate areas. The Land Use Chapter identifies the Urban Mixed-
Use, Waterfront Mixed-Use, and Enterprise areas as appropriate locations. These areas are
considered ideal locations for greater density because of their proximity to existing housing and
employment and their location on or adjacent to major transit corridors (see map in Appendix C).
By locating the majority of additional development in these areas, it will be easier for residents
and/or employees to walk, bike, or take the bus rather than use private vehicles, with minimal
impact on the existing transportation system. Infill development may occur in other areas of the
city, but due to the smaller scale of these developments, no impacts on transportation are expected.
Development proposals in any area of the city will be subject to their own environmental review
that will be no less protective of the environment.
IMPACT ON GROWTH AND CHARACTER OF COMMUNITY OR NEIGHBORHOOD
Will the proposed action affect the character of the existing community?
The plan encourages the development of additional housing and business opportunities within the
city and identifies higher-density areas where growth, in the form of well-designed, compact
mixed-use development, is encouraged. The Land Use Chapter identifies the Urban Mixed-Use,
Waterfront Mixed-Use, and Enterprise areas as appropriate locations. There is a strong need for
additional housing in the city, and these areas are ideal locations for denser development due to
their proximity to transit corridors, walkability, and the accessibility of goods and services. New
development will undergo site plan review and be subject to its own environmental review that
will be no less protective of the environment.
As a result of the plan’s recommendations, there is potential for the population to grow by more
than 5% or 1,500 people. It is expected that the majority of new residential growth will be
accommodated in the Urban Mixed-Use, Waterfront Mixed-Use, and Enterprise areas. It is
intended that this new development will enhance the character of these areas while also allowing
the preservation of the character of the city’s established residential neighborhood. It is also
possible that there could be additional demand for community services, but new development will
increase the city’s tax base and provide added revenues to fund additional services.
The adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City’s Comprehensive Plan will set an important
precedent for future actions. The plan will inform future decision-making by guiding policy and
funding decisions. Upon adoption, the plan will replace the existing comprehensive plan, Ithaca,
NY: A General Plan, and all amending plans.
ag land pressure
David L. Kay
Sent:Wednesday, July 22, 2015 7:36 AM
To:Schroeder, John
Cc:JoAnn Cornish; Garrick Blalock ; Megan Wilson;
I'm in the middle of reviewing the County's Dra ag plan (as member of the County Planning Advisory
Board) which includes the following language about agriculture and development. This prompted me to
re-view our dra Comp Plan. In so doing, I feel that we have not included strong enough language in
either/both the land use secon/food systems secon linking the City's development policies to the
increasing development pressure on land (including ag land) in surrounding communies. This seems like
one of those system linkages that ought to be highlighted more strongly. I am not suggesng that the
COmp Plan Commiee open the can of worms involved with adding new language at this late stage, but am
hoping the Planning BOard might consider this. I will be making an argument at the PAB today, as well, that
the County ought to include City policy in its review of municipal policies affecng ag (it currently includes
only town plans).
Thanks for your consideraon.
David
1. Development paerns and implicaons for agriculture
The paern of development in Tompkins County sll shows signs of tradional development including that
within neighborhoods of the City of Ithaca, and in most village and hamlets. Suburban development
paerns along with low-density, scaered development became much more common in the second half of
the 20th century. The development of formerly open lands, including agricultural lands has degraded water
resources and influenced transportaon choices. Between 1995 and 2012, the amount of developed land in
Tompkins County increase by 25 percent, or 6,000 acres, while populaon increased by 5 percent. Nearly 90
percent of the newly developed lands were outside established centers. The agricultural community is quick
to note that this style of development complicates how and where agricultural land is worked, and also
drives up the compeon for and cost of land. This tension is parcularly obvious in the northern poron of
the county, including the Town of Lansing
David Kay
Senior Extension Associate
185 B Academic Surge Bldg.
Community and Regional Development Institute (CaRDI)
Dept. of Development Sociology
Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853
http://devsoc.cals.cornell.edu/outreach/cardi/
ag land pressure https://mail.cityofithaca.org/owa/?ae=Item&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAA...
1 of 1 7/22/2015 8:39 AM
Additional comments on draft comp plan
Cynthia Brock
Sent:Monday, August 03, 2015 5:17 PM
To:Megan Wilson
Cc:
Megan and John,
Please see my additional comments below:
East-West Traffic
As I continue to read through the draft comprehensive plan, I notice the lack of
attention given to the impact of the location of Ithaca at the base of Cayuga Lake, and
the confluence of Routes 13, 79, 89 and 96. The physical location of the city, being
one of two locations by which a traveller can go east or west across the region, and
located at the apex of these major transportation routes has a dramatic impact on
traffic, road maintenance, economy, and quality of life.
This impact should be mentioned in 1.1 History with regards to its influence on the
City's development, 3.0 Land Use with regards to the continual impact of east-west
traffic as a condition that will not be alleviated by increased density strategies or
residents' increased use of public or alternative transportation means, 4.0 Economic
Vitality with regards to the continual influx of travelers, or ability to move goods in
or out in several directions, 6.2 Connecting Land Use & Transportation with regards to
opportunity to develop economic capture of thru travelers.
I find it interesting that no mention is made of the immense opportunity to capture even
the smallest percentage of these thru-travelers -- those who did not intend to arrive in
Ithaca as a destination, but decide instantaneously to stop to eat, sleep, purchase
supplies or look around. Our community does little to capture this audience, with no
welcome signs, minimal attractions and few commercial resources on our major
transportation routes except for Rt. 13. This seems a lost opportunity that should be
identified and rectified.
Cayuga Inlet
The Cayuga Inlet has a significant impact on Ithaca's development, its traffic, its
identity and its behaviors. It is equal to that of Fall Creek, Six Mile Creek and
Cascadilla Creek. It should be identified along with the creeks as an influence in all
aspects throughout the comprehensive plan.
Land Use
Please please please remove Environmentally Sensitive as a category. Environmentally
Sensitive is not a "land use" but rather a review process. The areas currently
characterized as Environmentally-Sensitive should show the intended land use category
and overlayed with cross hatching showing the need for additional review for
environmental sensitivity. A Historic District overlay is already in place, and this is
similar in process and thinking.
Of the areas characterized as Environmentally Sensitive that have development, their
"land use" designation should be:
between Cliff and Hector - Low Density Residential (currently R2a)
between Cliff and Cass Park - Medium Density Residential or create a new category of
Urban Mixed Use for Medium Density (currently R3a)
between Floral, Elm and Chestnut - Medium Density Residential (currently R2a, R2c and
Additional comments on draft comp plan https://mail.cityofithaca.org/owa/?ae=Item&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAA...
1 of 3 8/4/2015 7:31 AM
R3a)
between Spencer Road and Town Line - Medium Density Residential (currently R2a)
Pg 23
Low Density Location: please add South Hill
Medium Density: Spencer Road is not currently medium density, and does not average
between 10-20 units per acre. There exist less than a handful of apartment complexes,
all built via variance, and as such should not characterize the area as Medium Density.
More comments will be forthcoming.....
Cynthia Brock
Alderperson, First Ward
607 398-0883
cbrock@cityofithaca.org
________________________________________
From: Cynthia Brock
Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2015 7:47 PM
To: Megan Wilson
Cc:
Subject: comments on draft comp plan
Hi Megan and John,
Here are my comments so far.. I'll send them in (as you requested) in dribs and drabs.
pg 6:
Thread-through themes -- need to fix formatting for EQUITY (needs own paragraph and
bullet)
Pg 8:
History of City's Development -- I would add to paragraph 2 the impact of Cayuga Inlet,
which I feel is equal to that of the creeks. While the Inlet does merge with Six Mile
Creek, the Inlet itself serves to divide West Hill mentally, physically and visually
from the Eastern parts of the City and is a predominant element to the structure of how
the City develops and functions. I differentiate it from Six Mile Creek which flows
predominantly east-west where the Inlet flows predominantly north-south.
Pg 12:
Paragraph 3, last sentence -- correction: Boynton Middle School is not in the city. It
is located in the town.
Paragraph 4 -- prior to discussion the movement of commercial venues out of downtown, I
think it is significant to mention the creation of Route 13 and the transfer of auto
traffic off of Cayuga Street and onto Meadow and Fulton. It is well known that
commercial venues locate to areas of prime auto traffic, and the creation of Rt 13 had a
significant impact on the economic vitality of downtown, of equal value to the creation
of the malls in Lansing. It should also be noted that the new high school was located
outside of the city.
Pg 14:
First paragraph is grammatically awkward.
Additional comments on draft comp plan https://mail.cityofithaca.org/owa/?ae=Item&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAA...
2 of 3 8/4/2015 7:31 AM
Create & Promote - A Strong Economy -- Here, and perhaps also in the awkward first
paragraph, it would be helpful to add Ithaca's commitment to supporting living wage jobs
and employers. When we mention "economic security" in the title, I believe that
security comes from jobs which provide a living wage, benefits, and long term
employment. Individuals who have to work for 3 "local businesses and current
employers", do not have economic security if they have to cobble together numerous jobs
in order to make ends meet (see Dillon Davis-Tirado http://ithacavoice.com/2015/07
/winner-chosen-in-ithaca-bus-companys-selfie-contest/). Quality, benefited, living wage
jobs are the foundation to creating economic security for residents - more so (in my
mind) than "local businesses and current employers" who pay peanuts and only offer
part-time work.
More to come, in the mean time, thank you for all your hard work on this!
Cynthia Brock
Alderperson, First Ward
607 398-0883
cbrock@cityofithaca.org
Additional comments on draft comp planhttps://mail.cityofithaca.org/owa/?ae=Item&t=IPM.Note&id=RgAAAA...
3 of 3 8/4/2015 7:31 AM
Proposed Resolution
Planning & Economic Development Committee
August 12, 2015
Adoption of Plan Ithaca as Phase I of the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan outlines a vision for the city’s future and serves as a guide for
future decision-making, policies, and funding, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca’s existing Comprehensive Plan was completed in 1971 and has since
been amended fourteen times by various targeted neighborhood and strategic plans, and
WHEREAS, while some objectives of the 1971 plan and its amendments are still applicable, many
are not, and both local conditions and broader national and world-wide trends that affect Ithaca have
changed dramatically since then, resulting in a need for an updated comprehensive plan that
addresses present-day issues and anticipates future ones, and
WHEREAS, the City decided to pursue a two-phased approach to its new Comprehensive Plan,
where Phase I entails the preparation of an “umbrella” plan that sets forth broad goals and principles
to guide future policies throughout the city and where Phase II will include the preparation of
specific neighborhood and thematic plans, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the City of Ithaca Municipal Code and New York State General
City Law, the Planning and Development Board is responsible for preparing and recommending a
new Comprehensive Plan to the Common Council for adoption, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board established the Comprehensive Plan Committee
(“the Committee”) by resolution in July 2008 and charged the Committee with the following
responsibilities regarding the preparation of a proposed, new comprehensive plan:
a) Preparing and approving a request for qualifications (“RFQ”) for a consultant team to
assist with Phase I of the development of the proposed, new City of Ithaca
comprehensive plan;
b) Reviewing the responses to the RFQ, conducting interviews of consultant teams, and
making a recommendation of a consultant team to the Planning Board, Mayor, and
Common Council for their respective approvals;
c) Overseeing the preparation of a draft of Phase I of the proposed, new comprehensive
plan, by coordinating the work of staff and the selected consultant team, ensuring the
level of public outreach and engagement necessary to reflect community goals, and
making progress reports to the Planning Board and Common Council (periodically
and as requested); and
d) Approving a draft of Phase I of the proposed, new comprehensive plan for review and
acceptance (with possible modification) by the Planning Board, recommendation by
the Planning Board to Common Council, review and approval (with possible
modification) by Common Council’s Planning and Economic Development
Committee, and adoption by Common Council, and
WHEREAS, public input has been a priority for the Committee throughout the planning process,
and the Committee made efforts to gather community input at various stages of the plan’s
development, and
WHEREAS, the Committee worked with a consultant on the initial phase of public outreach and on
the preparation of two background reports that would inform the preparation of the new plan, but
following the completion of these tasks, the City decided to move forward without the consultant
team; the remaining work on the draft plan was completed by the Committee and staff, and
WHEREAS, using comments from the initial public outreach, as well as data on existing conditions
and trends, subcommittees of the Committee (known as “chapter groups”) and staff created an
overall vision for the City and goals for the sections of each chapter, and
WHEREAS, a series of focus group meetings were held to get comments on the goals for each
section of the plan, as well as ideas for implementation, and the chapter groups and staff used this
feedback to draft each of the plan’s chapters, and
WHEREAS, at the same time, the full Committee prepared the plan’s land use chapter and held
public workshops in April 2014, and
WHEREAS, the complete draft Phase I plan, Plan Ithaca, was made available for public review in
April 2015, and the Committee held eight open houses to get public comments on the draft plan, and
WHEREAS, the Committee revised the draft plan to incorporate new public input, and at its meeting
on June 15, 2015, the Comprehensive Plan Committee voted to recommend the draft Plan Ithaca for
review and consideration by the Planning and Development Board as Phase I of the Comprehensive
Plan, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board held public comment on the draft Plan Ithaca at
its meeting on June 23, 2015 and reviewed the draft at a special meeting on June 30, 2015, where it
recommended it for adoption by the Common Council as Phase I of the Comprehensive Plan, and
WHEREAS, following the July 2015 Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting, the
draft Plan Ithaca was circulated for additional comment, and a new draft, dated August 6, 2015, was
prepared that incorporates many of the submitted comments, and
WHEREAS, the draft Plan Ithaca was submitted for review by the Tompkins County Planning
Department pursuant to §239-l-m of the New York State General Municipal Law, which requires that
all actions within 500 feet of a county or state facility, including county and state highways, be
reviewed by the County Planning Department, and has also been distributed for review by the City of
Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council, and
WHEREAS, a public hearing for the adoption of the plan was held on August 12, 2015, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has considered the draft Plan Ithaca as recommended by the
Comprehensive Plan Committee and the Planning and Development Board; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby adopts Plan Ithaca, dated August 6, 2015, as Phase I
of the Comprehensive Plan.
TO: Planning & Economic Development Committee
From: Megan Wilson, Planner
RE: Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
DATE: August 5, 2015
Attached are two applications for the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund (NIIF) for this
year’s National Night Out (NNO) events, held on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. The applicants, the
Ithaca Housing Authority Tenant Council and the Family Sites Tenant Council, represent low-
moderate income residents living in the South of the Creek and Northside neighborhoods who
spend considerable hours of volunteer time organizing and conducting the NNO events. Both
groups have sponsored the annual NNO event in their respective neighborhoods for more than 15
years.
In past years, the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund has supported celebrations in many
city neighborhoods for this national occasion that focuses attention on neighborhood safety and
solidarity. Expenditures related to the event include food, beverages, sound equipment, DJs, t-
shirts, and give-aways for kids, all of which meet criteria for reimbursement. Both of these
groups have had success procuring donations from local businesses in past years. Through this
endeavor they are furthering the aims of the fund to support resident initiatives to strengthen city
neighborhoods.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA DESARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Proposed Resolution
Planning & Economic Development Committee
August 12, 2015
RESOLUTION: Request for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Funds from the Ithaca
Housing Authority Tenant Council and the Family Sites Tenant Council for
National Night Out, August 2015
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council established the Neighborhood Improvement
Incentive Fund in 1995 to provide financial assistance to city residents seeking to
improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the fund is intended to support residents' interest in community improvement and to
encourage, not replace volunteerism, and
WHEREAS, the funds are intended to be used for projects or events that provide a general
neighborhood benefit and not for the limited benefit of individuals or a select few
residents, and
WHEREAS, activities specified by the Council as eligible for the funding include but are not limited
to items such as neighborhood clean-ups, planting in public places, and organizing
neighborhood events like block parties or meetings, and
WHEREAS, neighborhood groups are required to submit a completed application specifying other
project donations, estimated volunteer hours, estimated costs to be covered by the fund
and signatures of residents in the immediate neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, to streamline the process the Council has delegated authority to approve applications to
the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and
WHEREAS, each neighborhood group is eligible to receive up to $300 per year as a reimbursement
award payable on the submission of original receipts or invoices for approved activities,
and
WHEREAS, the City cannot reimburse residents for sales tax expenses, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Housing Authority Tenant Council and the Family Sites Tenant Council have
submitted completed applications for reimbursement funds to off-set expenses that in past
years have generally ranged from $500 – $1,000 for their annual National Night Out
events, held this year on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, and
WHEREAS, this annual event is sponsored by the Ithaca Housing Authority Tenant Council at Titus
Towers and by the Family Sites Tenant Council at Conway Park, and the events provide
opportunities for socializing with diverse groups of both South of the Creek and
Northside residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee approves the request from the
Ithaca Housing Authority Tenant Council and the Family Sites Tenant Council in an
amount up to $600.00 ($300.00 per neighborhood group) for reimbursement upon
presentation of original invoices and/or receipts.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF ITHACA
AND
ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC.
THIS AGREEMENT, entered into the _____ day of ____, 2015, between the CITY OF
ITHACA (“City”) and ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC. (“INHS”).
WHEREAS,
a. INHS has acquired the property known as 210 Hancock Street and 423 First Street, City of Ithaca
(the “INHS Property”) and intends to redevelop the INHS Property into a mixed use residential
project (the “Redevelopment Project”);
b. INHS has proposed certain improvements to City-owned land as a part of the Redevelopment
Project, and the City is supportive of such improvements;
c. As a condition of site plan approval for the Redevelopment Project, INHS will commit to
construct and maintain pedestrian and bicycle paths and a play structure on a portion of Lake
Avenue and Adams Street (collectively the “Street Parcel”) as shown on the attached survey map,
and to uphold all other obligations under this Agreement;
d. The City owns the Street Parcel and has agreed to seek the discontinuance of those portions of
Lake Avenue and Adams Street for vehicular traffic so that the Street Parcel can be used in the
Redevelopment Project as described herein and subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement; and
e. In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements in connection with the Redevelopment
Project, the Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY AGREED THAT:
Term
1. This Agreement shall be for a term of fifty (50) years commencing on the date upon which all of the
following conditions have been fulfilled:
a. Site Plan Approval,
b. Receipt of Notice of Award of Low Income Housing Tax Credits for the Redevelopment
Project, and closing on all financing necessary to construct the same,
c. Satisfactory completion of the discontinuance process for the Street Parcel.
2. In the event that the conditions stated in paragraph 1 have not been fulfilled within three years of
execution of this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate.
3. Upon termination, INHS shall be relieved of further responsibility for maintenance and repair of the
Street Parcel, and shall have no rights to the same as distinct from members of the public.
INHS Obligations
2
4. INHS shall timely apply for site plan review approval pursuant to City requirements for the
Redevelopment Project. The proposed site plan shall include community paths for public use on the
Street Parcel and a community play structure on the former Adams Street parcel. The design and
layout of the paths and the play structure, including landscajhping and trash receptacles and the items
set out at Section 7, shall be presented and approved as part of the site plan for the Redevelopment
Project. INHS acknowledges that the adherence to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall
be a condition of site plan approval by the Planning Board of the City.
5. The community paths and play structure may be used by the public during the hours between 5:00
a.m. and one-half hour after sunset, and by the City, for municipal purposes, at any time.
6. The construction and maintenance of the community paths and play structure shall be the sole
responsibility of INHS. Without limitation of the foregoing, but as clarification and in addition
a. INHS will maintain at its own expense the improvements approved of in the site plan on the
Street Parcel, including but not limited to the paths and play structure, in a safe, sound, clean
and serviceable condition, in accordance with all applicable ordinances of the City, such that
no hazard is posed to the public from the public’s use of or proximity to the same, and will
repair damage and defects in such improvements, as provided in this Agreement.
b. INHS will provide custodial and landscaping services to maintain the appearance of the
improvements, including trash removal and routine care of vegetation in the improved area as
described by the site plan and in accordance with City exterior property maintenance
ordinance.
c. INHS will plow the paths clear of snow to the City’s reasonable standard and in compliance
with the City’s exterior property maintenance ordinance, or will contract for the same.
d. INHS shall maintain all improvements and all land within the Street Parcel. INHS shall not
be responsible for maintaining land outside the surveyed boundary of the Street Parcel.
e. INHS will not have a duty to repair damages and defects caused by the City’s use of the
Street Parcel. For purposes of this clause, the public’s use shall not constitute the City’s use.
7. The design of the community paths and play structure shall be subject to the approval of the
Superintendent of Public Works to assure that City emergency and maintenance vehicles have access
to the adjoining creek. Final details shall be as set forth in the site plan approval, but shall include the
following:
a. The main path on the former Lake Avenue parcel shall be 10 feet wide, so as to allow use and
access by City vehicles as part of the City’s maintenance duties. It shall be made of materials
strong enough to support the stress of City maintenance vehicles.
b. The site plan shall delineate the turning radius for a snow plow at the intersection of Adams
Street and Alice Miller Way. This radius shall set the boundary of property maintenance
responsibilities between the City and INHS in that area. This radius will set the boundary for
the portion of Adams Street that the City will seek to discontinue. These boundary lines are
shown on the attached survey.
c. A fence, hedgerow or other demarcation as approved in the site plan shall be installed along
the property line between the INHS Property and the Street Parcel.
8. INHS shall obtain at its expense a survey to show the location of all improvements and the lines
delineating the property which is under INHS maintenance and that which is under City maintenance
duties.
City Obligations
3
9. The City will remain the owner of record for the Street Parcel. In the unlikely event that the Street
Parcel is classified by Tompkins County as taxable, any amounts due for taxes or assessments shall be
paid by the City.
10. The City is responsible for the creek bank. INHS shall not be responsible for maintenance of trees or
other vegetation on the bank, or otherwise outside the surveyed boundary of the Street Parcel. The
City shall maintain lighting, likely comprised of pre-existing on-site fixtures, and the utility cost of
lighting along the property.
11. The City has the right to use the Street Parcel to access the creek, canal, embankments and walls, or
for any other reason, including by any vehicular or mechanical means selected by the City.
12. The City will provide timely notice to INHS of any damage or defects to the Street Parcel and its
improvements. INHS further agrees to repair or remove any such damage or defect, as directed by the
City. In the event of INHS’s failure to effect such repair or removal, after notice from City to do so,
the City may carry out the same and charge INHS for such cost, plus a 25% administrative charge.
13. The City shall be the sole owner of the improvements, and may in its sole discretion alter, remove, or
destroy the improvements, at its own expense. If the City alters the improvements, including all paths,
INHS obligations under this Agreement shall continue to such extent as those obligations are
substantially similar in substance and scope to the obligations herein agreed, provided that the public
use of the paths continues to be solely for pedestrian and bicycle access. The City shall provide INHS
with notice at least ninety (90) days prior to substantially and intentionally altering, removing or
destroying the improvements, permitting INHS to provide comment on such plans.
14. Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, the City may not during the term of this Agreement alter
remove or destroy the play structure. Any damage to the play structure caused by the City shall be
promptly repaired at the City’s expense.
15. The City may close public access to the Street Parcel and improvements as necessary to work on the
creek, canal, embankments or walls or for safety hazards posed, or on any other safety hazards posed
on the Street Parcel. This restriction may limit the access of residents living in the INHS-constructed
townhomes.
16. Except in the case of emergencies, the City will give notice to INHS and, as feasible, the residents of
the Redevelopment Project of any substantial closures, repairs, and maintenance that it plans to
perform.
17. Contingent upon the execution of this Agreement and the site plan approval for the Redevelopment
Project, the City shall diligently and in good faith pursue the discontinuance process for the Street
Parcel, with ultimate discretion to complete or not complete the discontinuance vested solely in the
City.
18. Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the Agreement contained herein may be revoked or
modified by the City (a) upon such notice as is practical, in the event of an emergency that threatens
property or the public safety or welfare, or (b) upon at least one month’s notice that the
Superintendent of Public Works has determined that INHS has failed to comply with any substantive
term herein, and that INHS has not cured such breach within the notice period.
Indemnification, Liability, and Insurance
4
19. INHS shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City from any claims, damages, costs, and
expenses arising from or in connection with physical injury (up to and including death) sustained on
the Street Parcel, unless caused by defects in the property that are (a) caused by any negligence or
willful misconduct on the part of the City, or (b) as to which the City received prior written notice, as
defined in Section C-107 of the City of Ithaca Charter, but then failed to so inform INHS within one
week of receipt thereof.
20. The City shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless INHS from any claims, damages, costs and
expenses arising out of defects in the property (a) to the extent solely caused by negligence or willful
misconduct of the City.
21. When INHS and the City have both contributed to liabilities incurred by the Parties, each will
indemnify the other in proportion to its respective responsibility for the act or omission that gave rise
to such liability, except that the City’s responsibility under this paragraph shall extend only to its
negligence or willful misconduct.
22. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in no event shall the City be required to
defend, hold harmless, or indemnify INHS or any other party from suits, actions, damages, liability,
or expense which, had it been asserted against the City directly, would not have necessitated the City
either to defend on the merits or to incur the resulting liability under applicable law.
23. At all times that the Agreement is in effect, including during construction of the improvements, INHS
shall provide proof of commercial general liability coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 per
occurrence, $2,000,000 in the aggregate, and umbrella coverage of $5,000,000, and as revised by the
City from time to time. The insurance policies shall include the City of Ithaca as an additional
insured. INHS shall also provide proof of compliance with statutory Worker’s Compensation and
Disability coverage requirements.
Miscellaneous
24. The City may add any unpaid fees, reimbursements, penalties or other amounts INHS owes the City
by virtue of INHS’ obligations and responsibilities under this Agreement to the tax bill of the INHS
Property.
25. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the Parties shall bear their own costs and expenses,
including engineering fees, legal accounting, and fees incurred in connection with the negotiation and
preparation of this Agreement and any subsequent exercising of rights or performance of obligations
set forth in this Agreement. In the event that a party is determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be in breach of any of the substantive terms of this Agreement, the party found to be in
breach shall be liable for the costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees of the party that asserted and
prevailed upon such claim.
26. The use by INHS of the above-described property of the City does not constitute and shall never ripen
into or become a right to use any portion of such property without the consent of the City, but is and
shall continue to be only a use by sufferance of said property of the City, as evidenced by a duly
executed and current Agreement.
27. This Agreement supersedes all prior Agreements, understandings, and communications between the
Parties, whether oral or in writing, concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement
may not be modified or amended except by a writing signed by all Parties. The waiver by a party of
5
its rights under this Agreement or of a breach by any other party shall not constitute a waiver of any
other rights under this Agreement or of any future breaches by any party.
28. If any part, paragraph, or portion of this Agreement is held to be void, invalid, inoperative, or
unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be deemed severed and the remainder of this
Agreement shall not be impacted and shall continue in full force and effect, unless to do so would
fundamentally contravene the present valid and legal intent and purpose of the Parties. The Parties
agree that each and every provision that is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been
required by law to be included in this Agreement shall be deemed to be inserted herein and shall have
the same force and effect as if it were actually inserted.
29. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party without the express written consent of the other
party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
INHS may assign the Agreement to any entity in which it holds a controlling interest or serves as the
managing member of and which becomes the owner of the INHS Property. This Agreement is not
intended to benefit any third-party, and no person or entity who is not a party shall be entitled to
enforce any of the rights, interests, or obligations of a party to this Agreement.
30. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York. Any action or proceeding
relating to this Agreement shall be venued in a court of competent jurisdiction that is located in the
County of Tompkins.
31. All notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified mail, return
receipt requested, personal delivery, or facsimile at the following addresses:
To the City:
Mayor
City of Ithaca
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
City Attorney
City of Ithaca
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
To INHS:
Executive Director
119 East Green Street
Ithaca New York, 14850
32. The terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, successors, distributees
and assigns of the parties hereto.
CITY OF ITHACA ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC.
By: _________________________ By: _________________________
Name: Svante Myrick Name: Paul Mazzarella
Title: Mayor Title: Executive Director
Date: _______________________ Date: _______________________
LIST OF EXHIBITS: Appendix A – Survey Map
Proposed Resolution
Planning Committee
August 12, 2015
Resolution Authorizing Agreement with INHS for Future Improvements to Lake
Avenue and Eastern Portion of Adams Street.
WHEREAS, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) in 2014 purchased the
parcel known as 210 Hancock Street and began seeking community and Planning Board
input; and
WHEREAS, based on this input, INHS has proposed a development plan of the 210
Hancock parcel that includes improvements to Lake Avenue for a pedestrian and bicycle
pathway and incorporation of a playground structure in the eastern section of Adams
Street; and
WHEREAS, City staff is generally supportive of the development plans proposed by
INHS, and INHS is in the process of obtaining site plan approval; and
WHEREAS, INHS has agreed to construct and maintain such improvements at its cost in
accordance with City specifications affording City vehicles the ability to continue to
access the creek through the improved site as needed for public works or safety purposes;
and
WHEREAS, the improvements and land underneath such improvements shall be the
property of the City, and will be open to the public; and
WHEREAS, INHS has agreed to be responsible for maintenance and liabilities resulting
from use of the improved site, except for any liabilities which are caused by the City’s
negligence or willful misconduct, which shall be the City’s responsibility; and
WHEREAS, in consideration for these agreements, the City has agreed to seek
discontinuance of Lake Avenue and the eastern portion of Adams Street; and
WHEREAS, the discontinuance process will require environmental review, public
comment, and discretionary approval (or denial) by the Board of Public Works; and
WHEREAS, INHS has asked for an agreement from the City that it commits to seek
discontinuance in order to satisfy certain requirements related to the Low Income
Housing Tax Credits that INHS is seeking; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized execute an agreement with INHS
substantially similar to that included herewith, and for a term not to exceed fifty (50)
years, concerning the use of Lake Avenue and the eastern portion of Adams Street.
The prohibition to keeping chickens in this section does not apply to the keeping of up to
4 female chickens while the animals are kept in such a manner that the following
standards are complied with:
1. The chickens must be kept on a single-family parcel(s), and chickens may
be kept on a parcel(s) under one ownership with more than one dwelling if all residents
and the owner consent in writing to allowing the chickens on the property. When
chickens are kept on a multi-dwelling parcel(s) the owner of the chickens shall keep a
copy of the signed approval document for inspection upon request by animal control
personnel. (Is this too cumbersome? Could we just allow chickens on single-family
parcels perhaps? Would that be legal?)
2. The chickens shall be provided with a covered, predator-proof chicken house that
is thoroughly ventilated, of sufficient size to admit free movement of the chickens,
designed to be easily accessed, cleaned and maintained by the owners and be at least 2
square feet per chicken in size.
3. No chicken house shall be located closer than 20 feet to any residential structure
occupied by someone other than the chicken owner, custodian, or keeper.
4. The chickens shall be shut into the chicken house at night, from sunset to sunrise.
5. During daylight hours the adult chickens shall have access to the chicken house
and, weather permitting, shall have access to an outdoor enclosure on the subject
property, adequately fenced to contain the chickens and to prevent access to the
chickens by dogs and other predators. (Is this realistic?)
6. Stored feed must be kept in a rodent and predator-proof container.
7. It is unlawful for the owner, custodian, or keeper of any chicken to allow
the animal(s) to be a nuisance to any neighbors, including but not limited to noxious
odors from the animals or their enclosure or noise of a loud and persistent and habitual
nature. Animal Control will determine whether a nuisance exists on a case-by-case
basis.
8. Upon receiving a complaint of a possible violation, Animal Control will investigate,
determine if a violation exists and when appropriate leave a notice of violation and order
to take corrective action with the owner, custodian, or keeper and provide them with
written notice of the violations that require correction. Animal Control will revisit the
owner’s address 10 days or more after the notice of violation is issued. If the owner,
custodian, or keeper has failed to comply with the ordinance, Animal Control may issue
a citation to the owner, custodian, or keeper for failure to comply with any applicable
requirement of this section. (Obviously, this would require contracting with Animal
Control. In the absence of Animal Control, would police do this? What do police
do now? Have they ever written a ticket for chickens in the city)