HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAB-1979 Commons Advisory Board Minutes January 5, 1979
voting members present: Brown, Meyer, Niederkorn, Osborn, Taylor, Underwood
others: Clardy, Karr
A final report on the Holiday Music Program was submitted informally by Clardy,
who passed around the most recent piece of correspondence from the Musician's Union
Secretary with whom whe feels a very cordial and productive relationship has been
established. She also shared the questionnaire prepared and sent out to all performrs
and hosts in the program by the Commons office, as well as the questionnaire sent
by the Union to all stores hosting professional performers. The Board will be
informed of the results.
The Winter Wonders Weekend will not be held on January 26-27 because only
three retailers made a definite commitment to participate and the coopration of
Cornell and Ithaca College students in creating snow sculptures could not be
assured. The idea will definitely be implemented next winter and the snow sculpture
portion may still be used this season.
Clardy shared with the Board copies of the letter sent by the Carts Committee to
all Commons area food retailers and also copies of a letter received in response from
James Poulos of the Ithaca Diner. Because the initial mailing was sent Dec. 21 and
because Mr. Poulos has been the only one to respond so far, members felt the message
may have been overlooked in the holiday confusion. Clardy was therefore asked to
send second copies of the letter to the retailers with an accompanying note drawing
it to their attention. She will also respond to Mr. Poulos' letter.
The question of who is responsible for the Commons directories was raised by
Clardy who has received several calls from individuals who believe their firms should
be listed. Karr said he would be willing to prepare the strips if necessary. The
most recent inquiry was from Dr. Ward Wilson, who as a second story non-retail resident
does not qualify for inclusion anyway.
The brass sign which was ordered for the Fountains in the center of the commons
has arrived. (Signs, actually, one for each side. ) Clardy will inform the Department
of Public Works so that they can be installed as soon as wexather permits.
The attention of the Board was drawn to the problems faced by handicapped persons
downtown. Clardy reported on a meeting with the Mayor and other city representatives
recently held with representatives of various different organizations of advocacy for
the handicapped and with individuals concerned personally with the barriers downtown.
Clardy has agreed to serve as a liason to the business community which will soon be
directly approached when a survey is undertaken of the problems to accessibility. The
Board decided to create a committee designed to accelerate and facilitate the coopera-
tion of the Downtown Ithaca area in meeting the needs of the handicapped. Members of
the committee shall be: Taylor, Osborn, Meyer and Clardy. Meyer said that the city
has committed$7000 to studying the problem. The question of whether that money cbuld
be used to implement solutions rather than define problems was not clearly answerable.
Vlardy offered to write a letter to Marcy Silverman, one of the organizers of the meeting
with the Mayor, informing her of the creation of the committee and its purpose.
Clardy asked the Board's feeling about having crafts sold in limited quantities
on the Commons during Ithaca Festival. She explained that selling would be seconday and
dernonstratration primary. After some discussion, the Board said limited numbers would
be acceptable but would be subject to the user's fee of $5 per exhibitor which could
and probably should be paid by the Festival.
Taylor reminded the Board that the question of the budget for the coming year is
still ambiguous and solicited suggestions on how to demonstrate to Common Council some
of the projects and commitments of the Board without overwhelming members or seeming
defensive. After some discussion, Taylor offered to prepare a year end report for
the Mayor and Council. Niederkorn suggested that re-appointed members write open
letters to the Mayor and Council summarizing their view of the Board while formally
accepting re-appointment.
According to a recent new spaper story, the Mayor has appointed to the Commons
Advisory Board one new member, Jean Sloan, and three continuing members; Agda Osborn,
Tom Niederkorn and John Taylor. Taylor reaffirmed his inability to remain on the Board
another full term but will serve until the continuing funding of the Board is assured if
he can. Respectfully suhni ttpci_ ,/r„ , 8 rn = �..
Commons Advisory Board minutes January 19,1979
voting members present: Brown, Niederkorn, Sloan, Taylor, Underwood
others: Clardy
Jean Sloan who has recently been appointed to the Commons Advisory Board was
introduced and was welcomed by the group. Niederkorn expressed concern shared with
him by landscape architeckts about the possible use of salt on the Commons which
would eventually do irreperable damage to the trees and plantings. Clardy agreed
to inquire whether salt is now being used and to express the concern of the Board
to Mr. Dingman.
Clardy shared various pieces of recent correspondence with the Board, including
responses to the Holiday Music Program, the followup on the Carts Committee action
in a reminder letter to food retailers, and a letter to the spokesperson for the
group advocating removal of barriers to the handicapped in the downtown area.
She reported making available to those attending and visiting a New York State
Veterinary Conference at Cornell copies of the Planning Department booklets about
the Commons, copies of the Ithaca Transit bus schedule and a letter from her wel-
coming the visitors downtown and explaining the bus links to the Commons.
The fair weather concert series is developing, with the Community School of
Music and Art now scheduled to co-sponsor the first nine weeks, starting in late
March. In the event of bad weather, the concerts will move to Whitten House. The
Tompkins County Public Library has agreed to be the foul weather site for the re-
maining concerts in the series which will be held on Fridays at noon.
Clardy asked the Board's approval for a plan to hold a basketball poster contest
the third weekend in February, in cooperation with the Cornell Athletic Infoimation
Office. The posters would depict the value or excitement of the game and prizes
might include autographed basketballs, tickets to Cornell games or a chance to
practice with the Cornell team. Approval was granted
Clardy reported a suggestion on the barrier removal campaign which was made
at a DIBA marketting meeting: to equip all downtown stores with doorbells so that
individuals unable to open the doors could receive help. Members of 3d x the
Board wondered whether such an arrangement might not compromise an individual's
sense of independente and competence but Clardy agreed to shard the idea with
the advocacy group for response.
The Board discussed Common Council's passage of the remaining peripheral streets
project. Funding has now been approved for the improvement of streets immediately
east of the Commons. The City Signs project was aslo discussed, with regret and
frustration at the pace of its progress. The signs for the ramp which are of special
concern to members of the Board are not included in the project. When they were
recently drawn to the attention of the Board of Public Works, no response followed.
The Board approved a suggestion that Gerry Schickel, who serves on both Boards
be provided with a copy of the resolutions recently passed and asked to draw them
to the attention of the Board of Public Works.
Niederkorn reported that he and Nancy Meyer are working on the design of a
brochure about the Commons which is badly needed and for which $100 was encumbered
from last year's budget. The Chamber of Commerce is willing to contribute $1000
to the brochure costs if that amount is matched by the city.
Taylor shared with members of the Board copies of a leLter he wrote to the
Mayor and members of Common Council about his continuing service as a mmmber of the
Commons Advisory Board.
Clardy expressed concern about continued rental payments on a typewriter and was
urged by Brown to explore the possibilities of having rental payments applied towards
purchase. As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Clardy
Commons Advisory Board Minutes of Meeting February2, 1979
voting members present :Brown, Goldman, Osborne, Schickel, Sloan,
Underwood, Taylor
others present : Clardy, Deputy Chief of Police Walt Pagliaro
One further response has been received to the inquiry into
the attitudes of Commons area food retailers to mobile carts on
the Commons. Shiva Singe of Golden Temple Conscious Cookery
wrote a letter strongly opposing such carts which was circulated.
Goldman reported that conversations he has had with food retailers who
have not replied indicated much more opposition to the idea than
has been expressed in writing. On behalf of Toy. Niederkorn, chair
of the Carts Committee, Clardy announced a meeting of the committee
next Friday morning. She will contact members to set a time. Taylor
suggested that Commons area food retailers be invited to attend
-the- meeting -of--the-Commons Advisory Board four weeks from today
(Friday, March 2) for an open discussion of the issue. An invi-
-- -- "tation to that meeting will be sent by Clardy to all food retailers in
the tax benefit district.
Underwood shared with the Board a letter she has received from
Mayor Conley reporting his request to the Charter and Ordinance
Committee that the revised Commons regulations be submitted to
Common Council for approval.
Gerry Schickel reported on the response of the Board of Public
Works to the resolutions passed by the Commons Advisory Board on
appropriate signs for the Green Street Parking ramp. A new exit
sign for the upper deck has been ordered, to replace a former sign
. which has disappeared,_ The sign will supplement current exit
indications which are painted on the walls and lighted. Regarding
the C.A.B. resolution on the priority of maintenance of the ramp
when snow falls, 2immxxxlumx Superintendent of Public Works Robert
Dingman has advised the foreman of the danger of the helix ramp and
has urged that priority be given to clearing the ramp when snow falls.
There was some discussion of the full graphics and speed limit reso-
lutions. The graphics proposal has been completed and includes
entrance indicators to the ramp. The entire proposal now awaits
funding by Common Council. Members of the Commons Advisory Board
• will be notified when the matter is to be acted upon by Council.
Schickel commented on the difficulty of imposing a speed limit in
the ramp. Deputy Chief Pagliaro remarked that there is no concentration
of accidents in the ramp which would warrant increased police sur-
veillance for the area. The Board decided that it should not act
on the question of speed limits at this time.
Sloan raised the question of disabled cars on the ramp and asked
how they are 'landled. Pagliaro replied that there is no provision
for ticktiting on the ramp. When the ramp is full, the middle lane
is blocked. A sign forbidding parking in a 4-5 car space in the
• middle lane might be helpful.
The level of light on the Commons was discussed. The lights have
been recently checked and are operating at the level designed. The
feeling of the Board was that the security problems on the Commons
are not related to the lighting level.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes Feb. 2. page 2.
Clardy distributed copies of a list of events now scheduled
for the Commons in the coming months and those which are tentatively
scheduled or under consideration. She asked the Board's response
to the idea of scheduling as regular events which will occur on
a weekly basis certain activities which seem appropriate to the
Commons. The Board approved the idea ff a story reading hour
on Wednesday afternoons in which senior citizens will read to
children, on the Central Pavillion. Tentative support was expressed
for the possibility of inviting folk or square dancing groups to
use the Commons if they were to come on Thursday or Friday evenings,
but not on Saturday afternoons. Clardy will explore the possibili-
ties of such arrangements without making a definite commitment.
Through the Commons office, the Committee on Barrier Removal
for the Handicapped has been put in touch with Gary Sloan who
teaches at Cornell and is particularly concerned about the process
of design modification to accomodate the handicapped. Students
from his course will now work with those undertaking the accessi-
bility survey.
Brown reported that he had watched and advised members of
the Board to watch a Public Broadcasting System program on the
confrontation between the City of Burlington, Vermont and the
Pyramid Mall Company. He also shared a written report on the
struggles of Plattsburg, New York, with Pyramid.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
Commons Advisory Board Minutes February 17, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Goldman, Niederkorn, Osborn, Schickel,
Sloan, Taylor, Underwood
others: Clardy
Underwood corrected the minutes of the previous meeting to
indicate that all building owners and retailers in the Commons
tax benefit district should be contacted about the open discussion
of carts rather than only the food retailers in the district.
Niederkorn reported that the Carts committee had been advised
of three opinions on the prospect of a mobile vending cart, one
of which was neutral and two of which were negative. In addition,
a significant amount of negative response has been expressed verbally
to Goldman. In view of the response and the fact that this cart
does not offer a unique product unavailable in the Commons area,
the Committee is not disposed to grant Mr. Cassaniti a permit.
However, the Committee feels that an opportunity for full public
discussion should precede a vote. This matter was discussed at
some length. The final consensus to wait until discussion had
occurred included expressions of the need to use our open meeting
on March 2 at 9:00 A.M. as a forum for discussion of outdoor dining
and general policy for carts as well as for consideration of a
particular request.
The Board asked Clardy to release an announcement of the open
meeting to the media and distribute the information to retailers and
building owners. The format of the meeting s'iall be consideration of
the particular application, consideration of the general question of
carts and consideration of the outdoor dining options.
Clardy brought to the attention of the board two suggestions made
by Shirley Taylor of Taylor Linen Closet, a Commons business. The
first is for a brochure of the sort now being developed for the Commons
by Niederkorn and Meyer. The second is the suggestion that nurseries be
invited to use Commons planters as display areas for interesting
annuals and original arrangements of annuals. The Board expressed
reservations about the willingness of nurseries to undertake such
a project without the opportunity to identify themselves and benefit
from the implicit advertising. They also questioned t':e appropriate-
ness of allowing any such identification. Clardy agreed to contact
Phil White to explore the possibility of pursuing Ms. Taylor's idea.
Brown shared with the Board his interest in the possibility
of a hotel or motel being built in the vacant lot which might house
shops on the ground level. He summarized past interest among hotel
representatives in the site. The Board expressed great enthusiasm in
the idea and in pursuing it through informal inquiry by Brown.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
b C L� Andrea Clardy
R L
-3 7 1979 .x .
CRY CLEFK'S CFF!'F
Commons Advisory Board Minutes March 2, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Niederkorn, Osborn, Sloan, Schickel,
Taylor, Underwood
others: Clardy
The regular meeting was preceded by a public discussion of mobile
vending carts which was attended by approximately 25 Commons area
retailers or building owners and media representatives. Taylor welcomed
the visitors and expressed the Board's desire for response to the
specific proposal for a hot dog cart and to the issue of carts in
general.
Sandra Kuntz of Hal 's Deli commented that Ithaca lacks the density
of a major city population. Any cart would, therefore, compete directly
with restaurants. She also voiced concern about the difficulties of
controlling litter and limiting future carts if a precedent is set.
Sam Leonardo of Leonardo's added that he would resent competition
by any individual who is not paying fees commensurate with the tax
benefit district payments and the overhead costs of those owning or
using buildings on the Commons.
Bob Rosenfeld, a craftsperson associated with The Emporium, stated
that he believes there is no consumer market to support carts on the
Commons. He also suggested that a hot dog cart now will lead to carts
selling crafts or books or flowers in the future.
Joseph Cassaniti identified himself as the individual seeking to
set up a cart. He assured the group he would meet all requirements of
the Health Department, would join whatever associations and pay whatever
fees appropriate to a business which would still leave him a profit
margin.
Charles Schlough of The Corner Book Store remarked that anything
which is added to the Commons area must not detract from current busi-
nesses. Rather, it should add to the appeal, aesthetically or in some
other way. Any addition must have the capacity to bring new consumers
to the area or enhance the appeal of the whole.
On behalf of Judge Klein, a concern about additional litter was
expressed. Also the question was raised that carts might be inappro-
priate inherently in an area where bikes are forbidden.
Clardy stated that she had been asked to bring to the discussion
the views of the DIBA and of one merchant, Allen Buchsberg,who was
unable to attend. The DIBA opposes any carts because of its concern
that customers may have no recourse for complaints and no confidence
of reliability with a mobile vendor. Allen is opposed to carts because
they would compete with resident businesses without assuming the
financial and other responsibilites shared by indoor merchants.
Cassaniti replied that he would agree to be on the Commons at
a designated location at regular times, such as Monday, Wednesday and
Friday from 10 to 3, weather permitting. He also offered to provide
two attractive garbage cans near the cart and to hold the employee who
staffed the cart responsible for litter insofar as possible.
Un'lerwood asked the group to repond to the issue of carts in general.
Don Moore of Miller's replied that he did not want to see any carts on
the Commons because he felt they were out of keeping with the principles
of the Commons and would violate the attractiveness of the area. Charles
Schlough remarked that his previous statement applied to carts in general.
Taylor observed that a belief that carts would be appropriate must
precede any decision on a particular cart application. Although each
would be reviewed and considered independently, the assumption of the
Board is that one cart would tend to lead to others, up to a predetermined
maximum number which would probably be around five.
Cassaniti asked the audience of visitors how many would support a
cart if they were fully assured it would be attractive, well=maintained
and would pay a reasonable rent and all other relevant fees. There
Commons Advisory Board Minutes, page 2. March 2, 1979
was no indication of support.
The possibility of outdoor dining was also explored. Interest
was expressed in undertaking such a venture by representatives of The
Ground Round, (Phil Stebbens, Manager) ; Hals Deli, (Sandy Kuntz, Owner) ;
and The Bagelry, (Harold Mostel, Manager) . Members of the Board indicated
that a specific proposal would have to be submitted for their response
directly by the individuals who would be resporsible for the outdoor
dining. It was also emphasized that only three areas on the Commons
now potentially comply with the regulations drafted by the Board: the
area in front of the Ground Round, the area in front of what is now
the Plantation, and the area in front of McDonald 's which was created
by setting the front of the building back from the walkway about four
feet.
Niederkorn explained that the Common Council now forbids all
carts and has no approved regulations for outdoor dining. If the Commons
Advisory Board should approve such activities in any form, it would
then have to persuade Common Council. Similarly, if any proposal is
not recommended by the Board, the individual applicant has recourse to
Common Council.
After some further general discussion, the public portion of the
meeting was adjourned. The Board then discussed the possibility of
allowing the Bagelry to use the West Pavillion as a dining area.
Since it is neither attached to or adjacent to the restaurant itself,
the dining area is not allowed by the regulations proposed by Commons
Advisory Baord and now scheduled for consideration by Common Council.
The space which is adjacent to the Bagelry is a fire lane. The question
of making public space, such as the pavillion, a dining area for one
restaurant was considered.
When the issues had been considered, Niederkorn made the follwing
motion: Resolved: that a fifteenth item be added to the proposed regulations
for outdoor dining now under consideration by Common Council and that
the addition shall read: "Any of the above guidelines is subject to
negotiation with and modification by the Commons Advisory Board. " The
motion was seconded by Brown. Brown and Niederkorn voted for while
Underwood and Osborn voted against. Taylor voted for to break the tie
and the motion passed. Underwood will contact Ethel Nichols to inform
her of the change.
The summer agenda was discussed. Members of the Board suggested
that the Youth Bureau and Central Casting be contacted to explore possible
events.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned/
Respectfully submitted,
nr
EIVN
Andrea Clardy
MAR 12 1979 , hhece Commons Coordinator
CITY CLERK'S OFF 108 East Green Stns!
Ithaca.Now York 14850
Commons Advisory Board Minutes March 16, 1979
voting members present :Brown, Ciferri, Goldman, Meyer, Niederkorn,
Rothschild, Schickel, Sloan, Taylor, Underwood
others : Clardy, David Flummerfelt
Underwood reported that the rules of the Commons have been passed
by Common Council but the operating procedures have not.
David Flummerfelt requested a permit to sell fresh citrus frilit
from a truck parked on the vacant lot. After some discussion, members
of the Board suggested that he consider renting a vacant store on the
Commons for the purpose or selling his fruit through an existing store
in the tax benefit district such as Greg 's. Underwood moved that the
request he denied. Schickel seconded and the motion carried with Meyer
opposed.
Clardy presented the request of the American Cancer Society and
Alpha Tau Omega for a permit to sell daffodils to benefit the American
Cancer Society on Saturday, April 7. There was some discussion of the
difficulties of limiting the enthusiasm of sellers so that no direct
solicitation occurs. Suggestions were made that the police oe remined
that direct soliciting is not allowed and that the daffodil sellers
be confined to one or two specified areas. No direct action was taken
by the Board on the permit application.
Permit requests from the Alternative Community High School and the
Ithaca Gymnastics Center were unanimously approved, to be issued to
Jo Houghton and Nancy Gould respectively. Clardy was asked to inquire
what the ACHS funds raised were to be used for.
A request from Gary Garrett for a permit allowing Harold 's Army
and Navy Store to set up display racks outside the store for a spring
sidewalk promotion was denied unanimously.
Peter Ciferri submitted a request for use of the entire Commons
for a craft fair on April 27 and 2$ with April 29 as a rain date.
The question of appropriate users fees was discussed at some length.
Brown moved and Meyer seconded a motion that the permit be granted to
Ciferri for the craft fair. Schickel expressed concern about the
possibility that two craft fairs on the Commons each year may be
excessive. The motion passed. On the matter of fees, Niederkorn
moved that the two day fee be reduced from $7 to $5 for the craft
fair participants, with the hope that the $2 difference go to the
DIBA for promotion purposes. Goldman seconded, explaining that the
reduction of fees reflected the scale of participants. The motion
passed unanimously.
Clardy shared a plaque which has been created by Marjorie Cook
to commemorate the millstone. Vicky Romanoff who delivered the plaque
suggested that the wooden stand on the millstone be removed and the
plague attached directly to the stone with one way screws into lead
jackets. The possibility of damage to thy; stone was discussed and the
possibility of theft if the plaque were attached to the wooden platform.
Ciferri moved and Meyer seconded a motion that the final decision be
made by Vicky Romanoff and Tony Egner and that the Department of Public
Works then be advised of that decision. The motion passed unanimously.
Tom Niederkorn presented on behalf of the Carts Committee a reso-
lution written after last meeting 's public discussion of mobile vending
carts. It reads : "Resolved that the Commons Advisory Board, at this
time, will not recommend that the Common Council change existing regu-
lations prohibiting mobile vending carts on the Commons, and; Furhter
resolved that the Commons Advisory Board continue to develop guidelines in
support of the concept of use of mobile vending carts on the Commons
keeping in mind such considerations as type of product sold, tax
Commons Advisory Board Minutes March 16, 1979 page 2.
assessments paid by existing merchants, appearance, litter, hours of
operation and similar concernt. " The resolution was moved by Niederkorn
and seconded by Schickel. It passed with Taylor abstaining.
The question of outdoor dining was addressed. The current outdoor
guidelines will be sent to Board members with this meeting 's minutes.
Meyer moved that we inform all Commons area food retailers of the change
in guidelines and indicate that we will accept written proposals to
establish outdoor dining on the Commons. Goldman seconded and the motion
passed.
Niederkorn and Meyer reported their progress in designing a brochure
about the Commons. The recommend a four fold sheet which would list
all merchants and would print the names in boldface of those who had
contributed an amount such as $5 toward printing costs. The brochure
would outline four different wai kAng tours of downtown and nearby
resources. The Board expressed great enthusiasm for the project.
As there was no further time, the meeting was adjourned. In
an informal caucus after the meeting, members of the Board realized
no decision had been reached on the sale of daffodils. Iwi .a.ilj
The consensus was that sales should be permitted in one or two specified
areas, with reminders about not soliciting.
s; � `• Respectfully submitted,
„ REGE1 VET t
ndrea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
Mf R 2 31979 9
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
i
•
Commons Advisory Board Minutes March 30, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Ciferri, Niederkorn, Sloan, Taylor,
Underwood
others: Clardy, Mayor Conley, Karr, Ethel Nichols
Nancy DeLuca, on behalf of WelcomeWagon, requested a permit to
sell ice cream and homemade cake at the west end of the Commons just
before the Ithaca Concert Band concert in the State Theater. The e-
vent would benefit GIAC and the drop—in center. The Board reminded
her of the responsibility to keep the Commons clean and remove all
litter. The request for a permit was approved, for Sunday, May 20.
Also approved were a permit application from Ithaca Community
Poets for an oral poetry presentation by B.F. Maiz in the amphitheater
on Saturday, March 31 at 2 :30; and an application from the Heart
Association to use the west pavillion as the finish line of a spemcial
race around the lake on April 29. The Heart Association has been
advised that April 29 is the rain date for the crafts festival and
that it has a prior option to use the west pavillion if necessary.
Steve Karr presented the panels he has prepared for the time
and temperature towers to replaee the rules display. The City
sign shop will print the rules on the apprpriate section of then
new panels and mats will be provided on which the information about
Commons events can be lettered. Ideally the mats should be spray
mounted. The Board thanked Steve for his efforts.
Underwood offered to speak to Mr. Slattery of the Campus Store
about the possibility of purchasing the surface now in the cases to
be replaced. The regulations are to remain essentially the same,
with the deletion of the line which suggests libations be enjoyed
in cafes. Clardy agreed to write a letter to the editor regarding
the need for no wading in the fountain when the a weather warrants
drawing the matter to the public 's attention.
In one further permit discussion,the Board agreed to allow an
Ithaca College group sponsoring a dance to tenefit arthritis victims
to distribute information about the dance and to have a marked can-
nister for contributions on their table.
Tom Niederkorn introduced a proposal which creates guidelines
for mobile vendors. The guidelines were created because the current
prohibition by Common Council of mobile vendors states that they shall
not be allowed until guidelines are developed. The resolution voted
by the Commons Advisory Board at its last meeting stated a commitment
to develop suitable guidelines. In discussion of the proposed guide-
lines, Brown stated that his sense of the objections by merchants
was to direct competition With restaurants which might not occur
with all carts. Underwood stated that she opposes all mobile vendors
because they violate the spirit of the Commons. Further discussion
led to minor changes in the wording of the proposal. Niederkorn
then moved adoption of the proposal. The motion was seconded by
Brown and passed, with Underwood voting against.
The Board then considered two specific requests for the estab-
lishment of mobile vending carts. A proposed hot dog cart by Louis
Cataldo was considered. Taylor moved approval, seconded by Underwood.
All members voted against the motion except Ciferri who abstained.
Clardy will inform Cataldo of the action of the Board. A letter
sent to Joe Rundle by James M. Sandler of White Plains, N.Y. was
shared with the Board. Mr. Sandler inquired about the possibility
of establishing a cart to sell crepes on the Commons. Clardy will
inform him of the current situation regarding carts, and send him
a copy of the guidelines.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes, March 30, 1979 page 2.
Ethel Nichols commented to the Board on the wish of Common
Council to leave matters of policy and day to day regulations of
the Commons under the juriddiction of the Commons Advisory Board.
Major chaages in procedure would be subject to consideration by
and approval of the Council.
Clardy informed the Board that Tony Egner does not share Vicky
Romanoff's preference for mounting the millstone plaque directly
on the stone or in the cement. He would like the wooden stand to
be used. The Board decided to honor his preference and request the
Department of Public Works to mount the plaque donated by Margorie
Cook on the wooden stand.
Clardy asked the Board's permission to allow non—profit summer
camps which will participate in a summer activities day on May 19
to sell their own T—shirts on the Commons during the afternoon. The
Board agreed. She reviewed the Festival 's food plans which entail
inviting Commons Area food retailers to sell special food items and
then inviting food retailers throughout Ithaca to do so with priority
given to those in the benefit district. All participating food
retailers will pay a user's fee to the City and a supplementary fee
to the Festival which will be lower for those in the district.
Clardy distributed a list of events ma now scheduled on the Commons
April—June and asked the Board's preference on a date for an inter-
national festival. The Board preferred July 6-7 with the following
weekend as a second choice.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
44/St/A--
Andrea Clardy
Mobile Vendors
proposal passed by Commons Advisory Board March 30, 1979
It is proposed that a temporary policy of permitting mobile vendors
on the Ithaca Commons be adopted and that the Commons Advisory Board
use the following guidelines in implementing this policy:
1. In gneral, carts will be designed, maintained and owned by private
operators and not by the City of Ithaca.
2. There shall be not more than five carts operating on the Commons at
any given time. Exceptions to this might be the Farmer's Market and
similar large scale vending operations.
3 . No more than two carts shall be operated by any single business, com-
pany, corporation or individual. Exceptions stated in item 2. above might
apply.
4. The location of each cart shall be established by the Commons Advisory
Board and subject to change by said Board.
5. Carts shall be on wheels and easily movable by hand and shall generally
not exceed six feet in length and three feet in width except in unusual
circumstances. (Specified dimensions are of the cart itself, exclusive
of umbrellas or awnings. )
6. Cart operators shall be responsible for keeping the area around their
carts free from litter and trash produced by their operation. Unsightly
operations will be subject to lease termination by the Commons Advisory
Board.
7. All proposals and the products to be sold from such mobile carts shall
be approved by the Commons Advisory Board and the Tompkins County Health
Department if applicable.
$. When two or more similar proposals are submitted for approval, one of
which is from a business in the Commons Assessment District, priority
will be given to the proposal from the business located within the Assess-
ment District.
9. The Commons Advisory Board shall determine the terms of a lease,
including length of lease, fees to be charged and hours of operation,
for each individual proposal.
10. The general intent of mobile vending is to enhance and add to the
visual diversity and festive atmosphere of the Commons and to increase
its attractiveness as a community focal point of activity and excitement.
In reviewing proposals and awarding leases, the Commons Advisory Board
will have these objectives in mind.
a
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Commons Advisory Board Minutes April 27, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Goldman, Osborn, Schickel, Sloan,
Taylor, Underwood
others: Clardy, Guy Jones (for portion of meeting) 2 Cornell students,
Allen Buchsberg (for portion of meeting)
Allen Buchsberg shared with the Board his wish to renew the
permit received last year from the DPW for use of the area immediately
in front of his store, Plantations, for display of plants and flowers.
He also asked permission to use the recessed area directly across
the pedestrian walkway from his store to display carts of bedding
plants during May, June and July. Members of the Board discussed
the relationship of this proposal to the current carts controversy.
Underwood suggested a permit be granted only for the space adjacent
to the store until the Board has reached a final decision ofn the
policy for mobile vending carts. Taylor encouraged Mr. Buchsberg to
submit a request for his bedding plant carts as soon as that policy
is determined.
Clardy shared with the Board a number of requests for permits.
She has granted a permit to the Youth Bureau for sale of a booklet
about the Ithaca area entitled "A Wealth of Wonders. " Sarah Anderson
has asked, on behalf of the Spring Women's Festival to be held at
Cornell this weekend, for permission to sell T shirts and bumper stic-
kers and to display a fabric banner on the parking garage. Clardy
has denied permission for the bumper stickers and sought guidance on
the other two matters. The Board did not feel the precedent of the
Opera Association banner was sufficiently successful to warrant
further banner beign encouraged. The Tshirts seemed to the Board a
precedent in their own right which might prove unweildr. The requests
were therefore denied.
A request has been received from John Levy for a permit to show
videotapes, and distribute printed information about transcendental
meditation. The volume of the tape would be subject to control by
stated individuals on the Commons. The requested date is already
crowded. After some discussion, Osborn moved and Underwood seconded
a motion to grant a permit subject to Clardy's judgement on the date.
The motion passed, with Sloan dissenting.
Clardy has learned that the Ithaca 5andlO, an annual AAU autho-
rized race sponsored by the Fingerlakes Running Club, may not be held
downtown again because of traffic problems. The traffic inconveneince
was discussed in relation to the value of tretaining as a downtown
event a race with regional interest. Schidkel than moved that the
Commons Advisory Board recommend to the Mayor and to the Police Chief
that everything possible be done to cooperate with the Finger Lakes
Running Club to retain the Ithaca 5 and 10 as a downtown event. The
motion was seconded by Osborn and passed unanimously.
Guy Jones asked permission to share information about alternatives
to nuclear power. The Mayor would grant his permit subject to the
endorsement of the Board which, after some discussion, was granted.
Robert Lynch of WTKO has sent a lstter requesting use of the
Commons for the final giveaway of a Fiat Strada car on Satudday,
May 26, from 10 to 11 :30 AM. The promotion is not a raffle. Permit
fees were considered. Underwood then moved that the permit request
be approved. Schickel seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Jean Sloan informed the Board that Ronald McDonald would be
appearing on the Commons on Sunday, May 6, possibly accompanied by
a fire truck and marching band. The Board confirmed its earlier
approval of this proposal.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes April 27 page 2
Schickel presented the report of the Outdoor Dining Committee.
The committee met on April 20 and April 25 to review Harold Mastel's
proposal for outdoor dining. The proposal is for an enclosed area
20 feet by 2$ feet (560 square feet) including 2 of the west
pavillion and part of the west grove. The rent would be $230 per
month, figured at $5.00 per square foot. The first month's rent would
by $150 as a starrt up concession. The hours would probably be LOAM
to 10PM, and the facility would have no umbrellas, no amplified
sound and no advertising outside except a small sign at the entrance.
Mr. Mastel would be responsible for control, maintenance and clean
up. No restruoms would be available as they are not required because
The Bagelry is licensed throught the New York State Agriculture and
Markets authority rather than the Health Department, reflecting
their doing more wholesale than retail business.
The guidelines developed by the Committee further state that the
tables and chairs would all be moved. indoors at night. Mr. Mastel
would provide outside trash containers. There would be an outside
service counter for coffee service, cash register, etc. No food
would be prepared outside. The committee discussed design problems
extensively, including the fence, wind breaker and service cart.
A complete plan will be submitted by Mr. Mastel. The committee
agreed no other pavillions would be rented on a continuing basis
for now. The Department of Public Works would administer the least.
On the basis of these meetings, the Outdoor Dining Committee
submitted the following resolution for consideration: Resolved that
the Commons Advisory Board approves the concept of permitting an
outdoor dining area to Mr. Harold Mastel of the Bagelry subject
to: 1. approval of the design By Commons Advisory Board, indluding
but not limited to enclosure, service area, colors, restrooms and wind
break; 2. suspension of cart permits until at least 6/$0.
In discussion of the motion, Niederkorn proposed an amendment
to introduce the word "food" before cart permits in the final clause.
That amendment was seconded by Gorman and unanimously passed. The
amended motion was then moved by Schickel and seconded by Osborn.
It passed, opposed by Underwood, who reiterated her concern about
restrooms and the ambuguity of design details. There was some further
discussion of the design and the need for professional advise. Schickel
offered to talk informally with Mastel and indicate that the Board
would look favorably on rent relief for the first month if such money
were applied to design consultation.
Niederkorn reported the new proposal which has the unanimous
support of the Carts Committee. A copy is attached. He moved its
acceptance ;the motion was seconded by Brown. It passed with Osborn,
Niederkorn, Sloan and Brown voting pro and Schickel and Underwood
against.
Clardy shared with the Board recent correspondence with Walt
Pagliaro and Joe Cassannitti and a letter of thanks from Phyllis
Dukes. Some further plans for Ithaca Festival were shared. As there
was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Clardy
•
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD
CARTS COMMITTEE RESOLUTION
•
Preamble
A. The general intent and ptirpose of having mobile vending on the Ithaca
Commons is to enhance and add to the visual diversity and festive
atmosphere of the Commons and to increase its attractiveness as a com-
•munity focal point of activity and excitement.
B. While the Commons Advisory Board feels that outdoor dining is desirable
on the Commons it also believes that this service should ideally be pro-
vided by existing commons merchants and not by means of mobile vending
carts.
C. In reviewing proposals and awarding permits for mobile vending on the
Commons the CAB will keep the above objectives and considerations clearly
in mind.
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Commons Advisory Board is supportive of controlled mobile vending
operations on the Commons provided in accordance with the above preamble; and
WHEREAS, it is desired that such mobile vending operations be of a type that •
will provide a service or products that is not readily available in the Commons
benefit district; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following guidelines be approved and applied to mobile
vending proposals which might be submitted to the Commons Advisory Board for
review and action:
1. In general, carts will be designed, maintained and owned by private operators
and not by the City of Ithaca.
2. There shall be not more than 3 carts operating on the Commons at any given
time. Exceptions to this might be the Farmer's Market and similar large scale
vending operations.
3. The fixed location for each cart shall be established by the Commons Advisory
Board and subject to change by said board.
4. Carts shall_be on wheels and easily movable by hand and shall generally not
exceed 6 feet in length and 3 feet in width except in unusual circumstances
(exclusive of umbrellas and awnings).
5. Cart operators shall be responsible for keeping the area around their carts
free from litter and trash produced by their operation. Unsightly operations
will be grounds for permit revocation by the Commons Advisory Board.
•
.
6. All proposals for mobile carts and the products to be sold from such •
carts shall be approved by the Commons Advisory Board and the Tompkins
County Health Department if applicable. Determination of who is to receive
permits and what is to be sold or displayed shall be at the sole discretion
of the Commons Advisory Board.
7. When two or more similar proposals are submitted for approval, one of which
is from a business in the Commons assessment district, priority shall be
given to the proposal from the business located within the assessment district.
8. The Commons Advisory Board shall determine the terms of the permit, including
the time period of the permit, fees to be charged and hours of operation,
for each individual proposal.
9. Commons Advisory Board votes on proposals for mobile vending will not occur
until the 2nd meeting after the proposal is received. Notice of the intent
to vote will be distributed to all members in advance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these guidelines shall supercede those previously.
approved.
r::\ \ 171 Aq4P4i
SRI ED .
8— MAY 9 19792
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
!tam N.Y.
•
April 25, 1979
•
2 .
Commons Advisory Board Meeting Minutes May 11, 1979
voting members present : Meyer, Niederkorn, Osborn,Schickel, Taylor
Underwood
others: Clardy
The minutes of the previous meeting were corrected to acknowledge
Niederkorn's presence at the meeting which was omitted. They were then
accepted as corrected.
Clardy asked the Board's response to permit requests from the
Circle Greenway for sale of their buttens at 500 during their wild-
flower display and from Dan Kramer of the Youth Bureau for sale of
the Youth Services Booklet at 500 a copy during the summer activities
day on May 19. The Board approved both requests.
Details of Ithaca Festival 1979 were shared with the Board,
including a sketch of the stage area on the vacant lot and details
of plans for food and for timing. Special consent of the Board was
asked by Clardy for aspects of the Festival which violate operating
procedures. Those include : amplification of music which will be
minimized by the placement of most amplified groups in Stewart Park
on Sunday rather than on the Commons, special food concessions, the
presence of a unicyclists, the sale of T-shirts and of Festival
programs, decoration of the Commons with banners prepared by school
children and by artists and the presence of special equipment such
as a blacksmith's forge and a potter's wheel. Niederkorn moved that
the reqeusted exceptions be allowed. Ciferri seconded and the motion
passed unanimously. At the request of a Board mmmber, Clardy sksksksli
outlined the financial situation of the FEstival and itemized its
sources of community financial support.
Last Saturday, two day care center held rummage sales on the
Commons, having been granted a Mayor's permit to do so. Members of
the Board expressed distress and a discussion of the Board's having
some authority to decide what happens on the vacant lot ensued. Under-
wood then moved the following resolution: That Mayor Conley be asked to
seek the approval of the Commons Advisory Board before granting permits
for use of the vacant lot, thereby extending the current authority of
the Board to include that area. The motion was seconded by Osborn and
passed unanimously. Clardy was asked to share the resolution with the
Mayor and with the urban renewal committee through him.
Peter Ciferri requested a permit to hold a craft fair on the
Commons September 14 and 15 with September 16 as a rain date. Schickel
said he feels craft fairs have been overworked and should be limited to
one a year, a feeling he voiced when the permit was granted for the
Spring fair this year. That event, held the last weekend in April,
was partially rained out nn Friday and continued to Sunday. Ciferri
presented a check for $250 to the Board for users' fees. He has supple-
mented the amount actually received to provide what he considered a
necessary minimum return. The motion to approve a permit for the
September craft fair passed with Underwood and Schidkel dissenting.
Underwood suggested that CDAT be reactivated to focus on West
State street. Vicky Romanoff now chairs that group and will be invited
by Taylor to attend the next Board meeting. Nancy Meyer's critical
role in the effective efforts of CDAT was mentioned. Other past or
potential members cited were : John Meiggs, and Peter Kahn.
The need for the Board to select a new chair was reiterated. Taylor
suggested that the position might rotate and emphasized that it now
demands little time beyond Board meetings. Underwood suggested that
the new regulations should now be typed and distributed.
As there was no further business, the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted, Aftrix#.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes May 25, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Meyer, Niederkorn, Osborn, Schickel,
Taylor, Underwood
others: Clardy, Mayor Conley for part of meeting
Requests for permits by the Citizens Concerned About Nuckear Power
the the American Fencing Academy were presented by Clardy. The Board
approved CCNP's request to set up an information table during the Festival.
Clardy has confirmed the Mayor's willingness to have this Board determine
this permit and also the willingness of the Festival coordinator's to
have the display. Anthony Leach has asked for the use of space on the
Center of the Commons on June 16 for a fencing tournament for children
twelve years of age and younger. The request was approved. Clardy
will try to make cordons available as a further safety insurance.
A request for a community blackboard was considered. Submitted
by Christie Bacorn on behalf of nine individuals, the request was for
a large blackboard to develop creative expression in the public. The
possible nature of the expressions were discussed by the Board which
decided to thank the group but not to act on the suggestion.
Clardy shared a letter she has sent to individuals in Poughkeepsie
interested in the regulations and the activities of the Commons. She
will meet with representatives when they visit Ithaca. The difficulaties
of mounting the plaque created for the fountain was discussed. It will
t be mounted as vatted by the Board some months ago, in spite of the dif-
ficulties.
Attention was drawn to the attractiveness of the flowers in the
Commons planters. The Board than passed the following unanimous
resolution: "Resolved: that the Board express its appreciation for the
efforts and activities of the Mens Garden Club in preparing the beds
of flowers on the Commons and that it further express its appreciation
for the care taken of these beds by the maintenance employees of the
City of Ithaca."
The question of whether Aurora Street should go back to being two
ways was raised for discussion by Nancy Meyer. No motion was made. A
Re.,uest has been shared with members of the Board to keep bake sales
away from the west pavillion where they may compete with The Bage .ry.
- Parking problems on and around the Cc sons were discussed, The Board then
passed the following resolution:"The Commons Advisory Board recommends
that the courtesy pass system be retained until alternatives have been
fully explored and be it further fesolved: the Board approves in
principle free downtown parking vigorously enforced." The resolution was
moved by Schickel, secon ded by Osborn and unanimously approved. It
will be shared with the Mayor formally and with the Department of Public
works.
Taylor announced-that this will be the last meetin of the Board he
attends before taking his sabbatic. Since there has been no indication
of members of the Board being willing to serve as Chair in Taylor's absence,
he suggested that the responsibility rotate, with members each taking two
meetings. The idea was approved by consensus and the following volunteer
assignments to chair the Board were made: June-Schickel; July-Meyer;
August-Niederkorn; September-Brown; OctoberOsborn; November-Underwood.
There was some discussion of the possibility of Elva Holman replacing
Nancy Meyer as Council representative when Meyer leaves Ithaca.
m The Board then passed a nnaimous motion to adopt the following
resolution: "Resolved: that the Commons Advisory Board express its
gratitude and respect to John Taylor for his performance as chair of
Board and that we wish him godspeed."
Commons Advisory Board May 25 page 2.
Clardy presented final plans for Ithaca Festival 1979 and asked for
questions from the Board. The booths being constructed for children's
activities, crafts and the Farmers' Market during the Festival may be
retained through the summer m if the Board finds them attractive and
durable. The Festtivil has tentativiely arranged with the Farmers'
Market for them to be used throughout the season, subject to the Board's
approval.
The Board discussed the need to re=activate CDAT ,the Commons
Design Advisory Team. Vicky Romanoff, now chair of the group, will
be asked by Taylor to provide a clarification of goals and a specific
list of needs. Nancy Meyer played a critical role in the original
CDAT and the Board expressed the hope that she would catalyze its
reorganization to focus on the ptoblems in the peripheral streets
which now require attention. Among the names mentioned as possible
members of a new CDAT were*: Peter Kahn, Frank Hurd, Mary Lee Herbster,
Margaret Van Houtte, Brian Wood, Stan Goldberg, K.C. Parsons, Joan Sears,
Mr. Perry of the antique shop and two or three Commons merchants.
As there was no further business, the meetmng was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
{
Andrea Clardy
Commons Advisory Board Minutes June $, 1979
acting chair: Schickel
voting members 'present : Ciferri, Goldman, Niederkorn, Osborn, Schickel,
Sloan, Underwood
others: Clardy, Meiggs, Seminario, Randy Brown
Randy Brown requested a permit to sell produce on the vacant lot
on a regular basis, as often as daily, between June and November. The
produce would be grown by him and by other local producers and the most
prominent item would be apples. Last year and the year before, Brown
received a permit from the Superintendent of Public Works to sell apples
and to sell and press cider on the lot, but he felt that he should work
thro-.gh the Board if possible. He has paid no users' fee in the past.
Brown is a member of the Farmer's Market and the appearances for which
he is seeking a permit would be in addition to his invovement once a
week through the Farmer's Market.
The Board has received informal cnnsent from the Mayor to consider
the vac ant lot as within its jurisdiction and subject to the same regula-
tions as the Commons itself. However, the lot is technically under the
authority of the Urban Renewal committee and the Board would require a
written satement of its authority before granting permits on the lot.
Clardy will seek such a statement from Mayor Conley and/or the Urban
Renewal Committee. Members of the Board indicated that a policy would
have to be drafted and a fee set for use of the lot on a daily or frequest
basis. Ciferri moved that a permit be granted to Little Tree Orchards
to sell apples, cider and other produce within the guidelines and fee
structure to be determin ed by a committee of the Commons Advisory Board.
The motion was seconded by Underwood and passed unanimously. The committee
to develop guidelines includes: Ciferri, Goldman, Sloan and Clardy, ex
officio. In informal discussion, Brown indicated the range of income
from his stand last year was $20 to approxmmately $125.
Teracita Seminario was introduced to the Board. She is now working
in the planning office with particular interest in offering advice and
guidance to building owners wishing to refurbish or impirove the appearance
of their buildings. The rivival of CDAT was discussed. Meyer will be
asked to help catalyze an updated CDAT to focus on the peripheral streets.
Clardy presented a request by the Cornell Country Dance group for
regular use of the Commons on Monday evenings for their practices. This
is consistent with a request from the Board some time ago to explore the'
possibility of regular dancing on the Commons. Niederkorn moved that the
Cornell Country Dance Group be permitted to oonduct weekly dances on
the Commons and that we waive the three appearance regulation for this
purpose. The motion was seconded by Oaborn and paased unanimously.
Clardy offered to try to contact Steve Karr to find out what is
delaying the posting of the new signs indicating what is happening on
the Commons. Some discussion of the develppmment on the lot between
Rothschild's and the Home Dairy followed informally. No formal motions
were made and the consensus was that the CAB is in no position to act
on this issue collectively.
Clardy announced that the American Fencing Academy will hold is
tournament for fencers 12 years and under on the Commons this Saturday
and that a fitness day will be held June 23, sponsored jointly by the
Commons office and the athletic information office at Cornell. Other
current plans for major events nnclude an international festival in
mid July and a Thurdslay evening concert series.
The Ithaca Festival was discussed. Relatively few p vblems arose
and the Festival was warmly received by the community. Clardy invited
sug stion and comments. Among those made were a suggestion that clean-
up 0f the Commons during the days be attempted and that the full program
be readily available. 4
As there was no further pi business, the meeting was adjourned. 1lt4
Commons Advisory Board Minutes June 22, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Goldman,Meyer, Niederkorn, Osborn, Schickel,
Rothschild, Schickel, Sloan, Underwood
others: Clardy, Robin Gold (Central Casting) Linda Olson, John Meiggs
and Teracita Seminario (Planning) Yuri Memlayev (Olympic Comm. )
Rothschild raised for discussion the matter of timing on the
closing of the Green Street parking ramp for repairs. He then moved
that the Board urge the Superintendent of Public Works to close the
ramp for repairs during the month of July rather than the month of
August. The motion was seconded by Osborn and passed unanimously.
The Board then discussed the advisability of using the period of ramp r
repair to improve the graphics so that the entrance and exit may be
indicated more visibly. Later in the meeting the Board reverted to
this topic and asked John Meiggs what the status of the signs was.
He reported there is no final design determined. Niederkorn then moved
that the Planning Department be asked to make available to the Commons
Advisory Board at its next meeting any and all information relative
to the Green Street Parking Ramp. The motion was seconded by Meyer
and passed unanimously.
Goldman initiated discussion of future development of the vacant
lot between Rothschild's and the Home Dairy. Board members expressed
varZous opinions, including sentiment that the city should prepare a
package of technical, legal and financial information for potential
developers. Niederkorn suggested that the question is ourside the
jurisdiction of the Board and the Board is in no position to know the
complete story and,therefore, has no right to involve itself. Rothschild
moved that we request the City to prepare a package of financial, legal
and technical information for potential developers. Brown seconded.
After some further discussion, the motion was voted and passed with
Underwood and Niederkorn opposed.
Yuri Mamleyev requested permission to sell International Olympic
Committee pesters depicting the mascot of the 19$8 Moscow games.
He explained that the first 300 posters he sells will benefit the
Olympnis entirely and that subsequest sale prices of $2.50 will yeild
$1.00 to him and $1.50 to the Committee. The Board asked that Mr.
Mamleyev submit the letter authorizing his sale of the posters and
then moved to approve his selling on_ - hree occasions during the period
when all profits go to the Olympic committee. The motion was made by
Niederkorn and seconded by Osborn and passed unanimously.
Robin Gold appeared on behalf of Central Casting to make a number
of requests. The first was to hold open rehearsals for their July
production of "Norman Conquest" on the Commons. That was unanimously
approved. The second was to sell tickets once a week, with a video
monitor on hand to show scenes from past productions. That was also
unanimously approved. The third was to advertise the July production
with sandwich boards and free balloons. Underwood moved the saddwich
board request be denied. The motion was seconded by Goldman and passed
unanimously. The groups will be allowed, however, to distribute free
balloons, in accordance with am motion made by Meyer, seconded by
Niederkorn and unanimously passed. They will be assigned to a single
location on the Commons. The final request was for permission to hang
a banner on the parking garage for a two week period. Schidkel reminded
the Board that the Opera Association banner had been a trial and had,
in fact, created enough problems to warrant denying further requests.
Underwood moved that permission for the fabric banner be denied. Brown
seconded. Meyer stated that she felt the banner would add visual interest
and that, as long as the design was approved, such banners were attractive.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes June 22, page 2.
The motion to deny then passed, with Meyer and Sloan opposed.
Clardy then presented the recommendation of the Elitcommittee
which was appointed to decide terms for Randy Brown of Aittle Tree
Orchard. The Committee recommends that Brown be permitted to sell
apples, cider and other fruits and vegetables on the vacant lot at
times of his choice between now and November at a user's fee of $5
a day which is to be paid every two weeks. Any other individuals
or groups wishing to sell at times other than the Farmer's Market day w
must seek permission on his or her own behalf from the Board. Goldman
moved approval of the committee recommendation and was seconded by
Sloan. The motion passed unanimously.
Clardy reported plans for an international weekend July 13-14,
the Johnson Museum Articipation neat weekend, and a Thursday evening
eoncert series in July and August. She asked the Board to approve
in principle the re—allocation of funds within the budget to allow
matching money for the Music Performance Trust Fund or direct payment
of musical performers. Thh request was unanimously approved. Clardy
reported a conversation with Steve Karr in which she learned the City
Sign Shop cannot prepare the rules and regulations after all, as
had been planned. Underwood offered to contact the sign shop and
remind them of their commitment to provide this service.
Clardy read a resolution passed by Common Council commending the
Festival group for the success of Ithaca Festival 1979 and expressing
appreciation "for their unflagging efforts which delighted and amazed
us." She also shared a letter expressing thanks for her participation
in a Physical Environmental Quality Training School. She asked that
she be authroized to request a re—printing of the Planning Department
booklet on the Commons, which Meiggs indicated has already been ordered.
She informed the Board that a booklet about the commons is being
prepared by a team of downtown merchants and Board representatives.
She asked permission for members of the Empire State Bike Relay team
to ride onto the Commons on Saturday during the Fitness display which
was granted. She asked the Board to act on the DIBA nomination of Tom
Hilton. The Board is now filled passed its appointed number and it
was, therefore, suggested that Hilton be invited to attend meetings and
to assume a position as soon as one is available.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
141/PICA_
Andrea Clardy
Li
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EX00
CITY OF ITHACA
1701 NORTH CAYUGA STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 273-8364
YOUTH BUREAU CODE 607
Ithaca Commons Office
10$ East Green Street
June 2$, 1979
Memo to Mr. Dingman and Mr. Van Cort
from Andrea Clardy
At its regular meeting on June 22, the Commons Advisory
Board passed the following resolutions which I have been asked
to draw to your attention.
1."Be it resolved: that the Commons Advisory Board urge
the Superintendent of Public Works to close the Green Street
parking ramp for repairs during the month of July rather than
the month of August." This motion passed unanimously.
2. "Be it resolved: that the Planning Department be asked
to make available to the Commons Advisory Board at its next
regular meeting on Friday, July 6, any and all information
relative to signs and graphics on the Green Street Parking ramp."
This motion passed unanimously.
3."Be it resolved: that the Commons Advisory Board ask the
. City to prepare and make available a package of financial, legal
and technical information for pptential developers of the vacant
site between Rothschild's and the Home Dairy." This motion
passed with Niederkorn and Underwood opposed.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding any
of these resolutions.
cc: members, Commons Advisory Board
Mayor Conley ,���.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes July 6, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Meyer (acting chair), Neiderkorn, Osborn,
Underwood
others: Clardy, Helen Mundell, (IJ) ;Chad Novelli, (Gapevine) ;Teracita
Seminario, (Planning) ; Sirley Taylor TLC) ; Alex Turner, (Carreiro
Design) ; Matthys Van Cort, (Planning)
Novelli.x and Taylor were invited to present theri proposal for
a booklet describing the Commons area as a center of beauty and business.
They have drafted a 32 page booklet which they hope to finance with
donations from merchants cited, each of whom would be asked to contri-
bute between 10 and 20 dollars. The draft has already been shared
with the DIBA and several suggestions made have been invorporated,
including a probable change of format from $2 by 11 to 4 by 9". The
DIBA now plans to create its own small brochure of area merchants,
possibly with a directory and map.
Osborn moved that the Commons Advisory Board endorse the concept of
a Guide to Downtown Ithaca as proposed by Novelli and Taylor. The
motion was seconded by Brown and passed unanimously. Also unanimous
was passage of a motion by B7own, seconded- by Osborn, to approve the
idea of a DIBA brochure as outlined.
In response to the resolutions passed at the last Board meeting,
AIex Turner and Thys Van Cort presented a summary of the status of
the signs for the Green Street parking garage and the sign project as
a whole. Turner shared with the Board slides of the signs which have
been designed as regularoty signs to replace the present clutter without
reducting safety, as will as providing guidance to those unfamiliar with
the City. This effort was part of the project, which also included direc-
tions and guide to City AHall, the design of a new City letterhead and
business cards for elected officials.
The signs are intended to assist motorists and pedestrians in
locating areas such as the Commons and parking areas. Members of the Board
raised questions about the design of the directional arrow on the signs,
the final size of the signs and the structural base on which they will
be displayed. Particular concern was expressed regarding the signs for the
parking garage. The nedd for entrance and exit indicators, pedestrian
exits, additional parking, street names and access was acknowledged.
These are not part of the current package, except the access signs towards
the ramp and at the entrance. The possibility of having the signs for
the Green Street ramp completed ;.this summer was considered and found
unlikely by Van Comrt. "Turner said that some portion of the project
was to have been done in advance of the remainder, for which funds have
not yet been allocated by Council. Meyer agreed to propose to Common
Council that funding for the Green Street signs be first and immediate.
Brown then moved that the Commons Advisory Board convey to Council an
urgent request for action by Common Council to expedite sign placement
for the Green Street parking ramp. The motion was seconded by Niederkorn
and passed unanimously. Clardy and Meyer will draft a letter to members
of Council.
Linda Olsen, a work study student from Cornell in the Planning Depart-
ment for the summer, presented a proposal to create an information booth
on the Commons to distribute information to passers—by. The booth would
be staffed by volunteers through RSVP and would operater between the
hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. ilmilmr Niederkorn moved the Board approve the
creation of such a booth on an experimental basis. Underwood seconded
and the motion carried unanimously. In discussion of the motion, it
was suggested that the booth might occupy a pavillion rather than a
new construction. This was not made a condition of the motion.
Clardy requested permission to allow the sale of handcrafted items
from Ireland not locally made during the International Festival July 27—s.
Permission was Granted. subject to a users fee. R.S. A.C.
.2 _
procession of "Art Creations on Wheels"
early evening: classical music, with food available from 5-7,
later evening: integration of music', dance and drama,
transforming -the images used throughout the festival
into a multi-media performance.
followed by jazz jam session for all interested musicians
and the public.
Sunday, June 4: IN STEWART PARK
11:30-12 procession of motorized "Art Creations on Wheels"
from the Commons to Stewart Park, to join antique cars
brought to "old 'car breakfast."
12-5 various musical presentations, including All City
Chorus, bluegrass and chamber music groups and Communitr
Band.
folk dancing of various kinds
display by local artists of their two dimensional works.
sharing of specialties of various Ithaca restaurants
refreshments and old time games for children
Ithaca Festival '78 is completely a community effort. Dancers
from seven studios and musicians from local groups of all kinds will
participate. Many organizations and individual artists in other media
are taking part, as well as numerous groups of all ages, interests and
abilities from throughout the area.
Ithaca Festival '78 is sponsored by Summer Ithaca, a non-profit organizn. .
It is supported by a grant from the Expansion Arts Program of The
National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
d �o
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. I
010
PLEASE NOTE WE MEET THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 10!
Commons Advisory Board Minutes August 3, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Meyer, Niederkorn, Osborn, Underwood
others:Clardy
The meeting was chaired by Meyer. Niederkorn mentioned two
inquiries directed to him as acting Chair during Clardy's absence
on vacation. She will contact Julie Pereles of the Youth Bureau
and Bob Teitlehaum of the adoptive parents group to answer those
inquiries.
Clardy read to the Board an announcement by the City Engineer
that the Green Street ramp will be closed for repairs between August
5 and August 12. During that time, the area under the parking ramp
will be available for permit and general parking. The advise of the
Board was sought regarding the desir&bility of Clardy's accepting in
vitations to join an advisory committee for the Cornell Athletic
Information office and also an advisory group to the Youth "Bureau
for county recreation. Clardy asked if the Board saw any conflict
of interest and was encouraged to join such groups, as the interests
are complementary rahher than potentially conflicting.
Meyer introduced the topic of the Ithaca Center site :r oc
Board discussion. She reported that the Planning and Development
department has shared with Council a list of local and regional
groups who have made proposals for development of the site. She
also shared the fact that Tays Van Cort reported favorably on his
trip to Washington, indicating that $40-60,000 would be needed to
pay for market research. The question of whether a potential de-
veloper would be persuaded by market research whj.ch had been done
by the City or for the city was discussed.
A general discussion of the problem of balancing aesthetic
and financial concerns in development of the site followed. The
difficulty in knowing whose interpretation of the urgency of
immediate building should be trusted was mentioned. Brown suggested
a format for public input similar to that used in developing the
Commons itself would be appropriate. This would involve.'having
an agency work with a consulting architeckt to develop a coherent
plan which would then be publicly discussed. The questions of whe-
ther it is appropriate for the CAB to comment on design of the
site development was raised. A document written in June, 1976,
outling social and aesthetic considerations in developing the site
was presented for discussion from Underwood's admirable records.
A COPY OF THAT DOCUMENT AS VaKITTEN IN 1976 IS ENCLOSED. Brown then
moved we revise the statement as needed and, subject to the approval
of Board members, sand copies to the Mayor, Mr. Van Cort and the Urban
Renewal agency. THIS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION AT THE AUG.
10 MEETING.
A draft of the proposed cover for the prochure being designed
by Novellie and Taylor was shared with the Board. As there was
no furt s •usiness, the meeting was adjourned.
Q,
Respectfully submitted,
(tTlpt
� Andrea Clardy
7019?9 Commons Coordinator
/that, N Off/et
•.\ •f
1 ; I 1
CC a2ONS CENTER SQUARE
The Commons Advisory Board recommends that the following suggestions be
strongly considered in the design of the Commons Center. After administering
the Ithaca Commons activities, and establishing the regulations and ordinances
for this area, we feel, as a board, we have gained some valuable experiences in
knowing how well the space in the Commons works, and what is lacking in the
present design.
1 - A continuation of the Commons flavor and feel - visually compatable with
the design of the present space.
2 - The Commons Center should be designed with an open feel, and space - perhaps
tall deciduous trees with grill around base as is found on Commons East.
This allows space underneath to be used for large exhibits, yet gives a
covered or enclosed feeling.
3 - A coolant factor should be considered for this area - perhaps water - grass -
or lots of trees.
4 - Winter skating would be a welcome addition to create cold weather activity. The
Commons now has much activity in summer weather, but winter activity is limited.
Perhpas this could be designed adjacent to a restaurant, then when not used
for skating in winter, could be converted by the adjacent restaurant as
outdoor dining in warm weather. Perhaps public rest rooms could be near by.
5 - This space should be kept free of fire lanes if possible. Fire lanes could
be from Green Street, or old Tioga and State area now refered to as Center
Commons.
6 - Configuration of buildings to be erected will somewhat dictate the design of
the open space which will become part of the Commons. However, we hope that
consideration and study will be given to the idea of public rest rooms in
this area that are convenient, attractive, and safe.
7 - Flag poles, or one large flag pole should be considered for this space, but
placed in such a way as not to be an obstruction.
8 - Open space, yet with a covered, and inviting feeling is needed. A space
that can be used for quiet resf seating) ; or used for mass gatherings; displays;
rallies; or parades.
(-`, Submitted by: Peggy Underwood, James Rothschilds, Gerald Schickle 6/14/76
.�
n
s I�,
Commons Advisory Board Minutes 10, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Ciferri, Go • :n41M , - korn,
Osborn, Rothschild, @thiibWI Ata: ■ derwood
others : Clardy, Brenda Bullion (visitor) J - ac1H4 'S QFAa A)
acting chair: Niederkorn Ithaca, N.Y.
Brenda Bullion was introduced by Clard tb the Board,, • he is
new in Ithaca and interested in historical pre- -ry ` - - • restoration.
Her particular concern is whether her daughter ca ' erskate on the
peripheral streets during non—business hours as they will reside on
N. Aurora Street. After some discussion of the precedent, the regu-
lations and the possibility that rollerskating may soon take on fad
dimensions, Ciferri moved that rollerskating not be allowed on the
public portions of the Commons and the peripheral streets. Schickel
seconded and the i'totion passed, with Sloan dissenting. A commiyy,ee
was anointed to explore the matter and to check with public works
and police department officials regarding skating. That committee
consists of Brown, Ciferri and Sloan.
Joanna Bard asked permission on behalf of the DIBA to hang a
banner over the parking ramp at the hack of the vacant lot to welcome
students back. The Board discussed the precedent of the Ithaca Opera
banner and some of the problems which developed. The fact that this
banner would be created by an artist and that it will not advertise
a particular event were discussed. Osborn than moved that the Board
grant the DIBA permission to hang a banner on the Green Street parking
ramp wall this fall to welcome the students back. The motion was
simultaneously seconded by Goldman and Rothschild. It passed, with
Underwood dissenting..:
Ben Guthrie from Wagner vineyards requested permission to hold
a wine tasting on the Commons, preferably on a Saturday afternoon.
between the hours of 1 PM and IPM. Ciferri moved that the request
be tabled until the problems which might be infolved have been explored
by a committee of the Board. Goldman was appointed to chair such a
committee on which Schickel and Sloan shall also serve.
The board agreed, at Clardy's request, to waive the three day limit
for Cornell Thateu to sell season tickets. The Board was informed of
the proposed display of Cornell costumes in shire windows. The resolu-
tion to allow further sales was made by Ciferri, seconded by Sloan
and passed unanimously.
The idea of making a statement to Common Council on the aesthe-
tic soncerns of the vacant laot was discussed. The statement drafted
several years ago has been distributed to Board members for discussion .
Goldman suggested the Board is irrelevant to the decision process on
this matter. Schickel added that a statement such as that proposed
was fine as a statement of principle or as an idea,but inappropriate
if the Board was attempting to effect action or influence the development
of the lot. A tentative decsion was made to draft a letter to Council
stressing the Bommons Advisory Boards sense of need to be represented
in dectons about the lot and sharing the preamble, item 1 and item 6
from the historic position taken by the Board. Clardy will draft such
a letter.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Clardy reminded Board members of the industrial display which will
take place August 24 and 25 and of the Oktoberfest tentatively sche-
duled for September 21 or 2$.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Clardy, Commons Coordinator
Commons Advisory Board Minutes frit% 25
K
voting members present : Brown, Goldman, NiedurNor „ f4 l4 Underwood,
others: Clardy, Mrs. Houghton,' Seminario `\ Ott,as,�EEI�f Schickel
The minutes of the previous meeting were co sated to cludeJim
Rothschild rather than Jean Slaan on the wine-tastin sideration com-
mittee.
Jo Houghton, a member of the Farmer's Market asked permission from
the Board to contiue to sell whole wheat bread and possibly some craft
items after the regular appearances of the Market have ended for the
season. The possibility of creating ,inappropriate competition with
existing merchants was discussed. Also, the standard user's fee of
$5 per appearance would represent too high a portion of Mrs. Houghton's
gross. Goldman moved, after further discussion, that Mrs. Houghton
be permitted to sell home-made baked goods on Wednesdays after the Farmer's
Market season has ended ,and that she pay 7% of ,her gross income to the
city. This permit is to be considered experimental. , The motion was
seconded by Underwood and passed unanimously.
Brown presented a committee report on the roller skating question.
There is a city ordinance against roller skating on the streets or side-
walks which pretty well settles the question. Brown suggested that if
there is eventually sufficient demand, the Commons Advisory Board might
with toconsider the possibility of chaining off the second floor senter
section of the Green Street parking ramp for skating certain nights a
week under the supervision of the Youth Bureau. Clardy will find out if
thsi would be possible in principle. It was recommended that the re-
quest by Brenda Bullion for her daughter to skate on N. Aurora Street
be denied. Clardy will inform her and suggest that she might make an
independent inquiry of First Bann regarding their lot which is privat
property.
Clardy informed the Board that the Chamber of Commerce has forwarded
to her a request for information about theFestival from Brockton, Massa
She also mane available to the Board a letter from the Chamber endorsing
the Festival and a letter from WVBR expressing thanks for the live
broadcasting opportunity on side*alk sales days. She read a letter from
Eddie Moore, secretary of the Musician's Union, stating that the Union
could not fund performances during the holiday 'season in stores but would .
be interested in appearing if public space could be arranged. Last
year's MPTF grant was experimental, as the Union dannot usually place
musicians in places that convey commercial advantage. I will check with
Mr. Dingman about the possibility of temporary heating for one pavitlion,
probably the amphitheater to allow performances during the holiday season.
The possibility of using facilities such as the library, the Women's
Community Building or the Strand was considered also.
Schickel said he has spoken recently with Bob Edsal and learned that
bikes chained to trees are becoming a problem and a potential hazard to the
trees. He suggested that the CAB create some sort of tag asking that
bikes not be chained to tress but placed in the racks, whose location
would be indicated. The Board endorsed the suggestion and instructed
clardy to devise a text. Schickel also suggested that Mr. Edsal and/or
Ed Lynch be invited to attend occasional meetings of the CAB. Clardy
will issue the invitation.
The information booths were discussed. The blue booth from IC
was to have been removed. The planning department and Chamber structure
was not found to be an asset to the appearance of the Commons. While
i service i useful the facility is imperfect. Underwood moved and ofdman seconded a motion to have them removed by Sept 4.
c
Clardy will contact the Chamber and planning to arrange their departure.
,Clardy announced (that the CAB budget must, be submitted by September
1 to the Youth Bureau. She asked the endoreei ent of the Board for.
re—allocating dollars within a proposed budget' of the same amount as
this year. The intent will be to transfer dollars unused this year
for purposes such as printing and telephone to the CDAT line of the
budget for professional services from which dollars can be spent eor. ''
mathhing 'MPTF grants and other cultural activities. Some discussion ,
of the possibility of raising Clardy's salary. occurred. Clardy will
devise a budget proposal and confirm it with Browmx and Niederkorn.
Clardy read a letter sent to Stu Lewis and Mayor Conley 'by Donald
Lifton, Trustee of the Village of Lansing. The letter was to Roger
Yonkin of the NY State `department of transportation objecting to the
sign"business district" at. the N. Triphammer exit from_ 13. The sign
implies that the Triphammer area is downtown Ithaca and should either
be removed or corrected to read "Lansing Business District." The
Board applauded the letter and instructed Clardy to explore the response
it has received and, if appropriate, to send a supporting letter. '
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned, with
members .invited to view the Industrial Display on the Commons.
, ( Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
•
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Commons Advisory Board Minutes September 7, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Ciferri, Osborn, Schuler (replacing
Nancy Meyer as Common Council representative) Underwood
others: Clardy, Semiinario
Brown presided and asked for additions or corrections to the
minutes of the previous meeting. The committee appoxinted at the
last meeting to review the directories in the time ant temperature
towers in order to devise a policy for inclusion consisted of
Brown, Underwood and a DIBA member to be selected. The minutes
were approved with this addition, on motion by Ciferri, seconded
by Underwood and unanimously passed.
Clardy presented the budget which was submitted for inclusion
in the Youth Bureau budget due Sept. 1. A copy is enclosed with the
minutes. The increase in the total budget represents a 7% salary
increase for the Coordinator which was recommended by Cutia and
informally recommended at the previous Commons Advisory Board
meeting. The remainder of the budget is in the same amount as
last years but the dollars have been reallocated to increase the
funds available for professional services. This reallocation
will allow an Increase in cultural events on the Commons by pro-
viding seed money and matching funds. Osborn moved the budget
be accepted; Underwood seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Thank you letters were circulated which have been received from
Zan Sawyer-Dailey, General Manager of the Theater Arts Department
at Cornell for the costume display, from Karleen Stevens of Coope-
rative Extension for assistance in locating resources for the 4-H
Fair Talent Show, from Mary Carey of the Finger Lake Library System
for help with the Story telling Festival held on and around the
Commons in June and from James Savitt, General Manager of WVBR,
for cooperation in live broadcasting during sidewalk sales.
Regarding the signs for the Green Street ramp, Clardy reported
that a medting was held in Mr. Dingman's office on Tuesday, September
4, attended by Alex Turner of Carreiro Design,John Gutenberg of the
Common Council finance committee, Mr. Dingman, and Rothschild, Nieder-
korn and Clardy for the Commons Advisory Board, As a result of the
meeting, Commons Council will be asked tox x fund the Green Street
signs as a pilot for hhe entire package. Clardy will arrange for
the DIBA Board to become informed about the signs and the design
project as a whole in the hope that the DIBA would endorse the
effott. At the Cpuncil meeting on September 5, Council decided it
could not act without seeing the design package as a whole and
ascertaining how much the package would cost. It referred the matter
to its planning committee.
Clardy shared a letter written to the NY Department of Trans-
portation reg&rding the sign "business district next exit" which
appears by the south bound lande of Route 13 at the Triphammer
exit. The letter applauds Lansing Trustee Donald Lifton's protest
that the sign should read Lansing business district and asks that
the sign be changed or moved. In a conversation with the DOT,
Clardy was told that a further letter of support from the DIBA would
be helpful. She will solicit such a letter.
The blue boothw from IC which was on the Central Pavillion has
been returned to IC. The information booth is still there, however,
although it has now completed its service for the summer. Clardy
read copies of memos exchanged by Mr. Dingman and John Meiggs which
indicate the DEW will remove the booth to the Chamber of Commerce in
the coming week. While the service to visitors provided by the booth
was substantial, an estimated 2000 persons having received information,
Commons Advisory Board Minutes September 7 page 2.
the appearance of the booth is offensive to members of the board.
There are minor problems also with parking for the senior citizens
who have staffed the booth. The Board considered whether a Youth
Employment Services worker might provide help in transporting infor-
mation.. The possibility of moving the booth under the ramp was
also discussed. Underwood agreed to work with Jon Meiggs of the
Planning department and Helen Recknagel of the Chamer of Commerce
to resolve the removal of the booth and to consider the best way
to provide this service next summer.
Regarding the tagging of bikes chained to trees on the Commons,
Clardy suggested the text read: "Your bike does not belong here!
For the health of our trees and the convenience of pedestrians, please
use the bike racks at the east and west ends of the Copmmons. Thank
you." The Board approved the text and asked Clardy to check with
the Police Department to see if their name can be added at the end.
She will also order the tags and arrange for their printing.
The matter of the new format for rules and regulations was
discussed. Since the sign shop aannot efficiently letter the signs,
Clardy will seek bids from outside sign shops to do the letter so
the new boards designed b y Steve Karr can be put in place.
Teracita Seminario reported on efforts to reactivate N CDAT
and distributed copies of her summary of what has happened so far.
Members of the Board stressed that one reason forCDAT's initial
success was its independence from City Hall and its use of citizens
to exert peer pressure. Seminario replied that her efforts are
to catalyze CDAT reactivation rather than to supercthde citizen
leasership. Two further names were suggested as potential members
of the committee : Fran Russell who is with Laux Advertising and
Frank Hart.
The wine tasting will not be held. The police feel it will be
too difficult to control. Clardy has so advised Wagner vineyards.
Peter Ciferri announced that 45-50 participants are registered
for the Eraft fair September 14-16.
Osborn and Schuler were asked to serve as the Commons Advisory
Board representatives to CDAT. Please note : the first order of
business , inadvertently omitted from these minutes, was a cordial
welcome to Nancy Schuler who has been appointed to replace Nancy
Meyers and complete her term. Brown expressed the Board's pleasure
in having her with us.
Respectfully submitted,
Anc'rea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
_ .
Budget Request Ithaca Commons Coordinator 19$O
1979 19$0 Reason for change
total budget $6929 7279 7% salary increase
salaries 5000 5350 It It
office supplies 450 450
telephone 429 279 few out of town calls
needed
printing 350 100 most printing done
on city duplicator
CDAT 500 900 money needed to match
music grants and
sponsor cultural
events
travel 200 200
A full summary of this year's Commons events will follow. It
should be noted that the DIBA donates $1000 to the City towards salary
costs and that about $350 dollars was received in payment of user's fees
for activities on the Commons.
t
SE? Ickis
94) P'14//1 &1411111
Commons Advisory Board Minutes September 21
voting members present : Brown (chair)Goldman, Niederkorn, Osborn,
Rothschild, Schickel
others: Clardy, permit seekers
The minutes of the previous meeting were corrected to indicate
that Schickel had been present. They were accepted as corrected.
The budget was approved unanimously as distributed with the minutes
of the previous meeting.
Four individuals appeared to request permits which warranted
Board approval. Elizabeth Zwanzig asked permission for the
society for Cultural Anachronism to present a demonstration of
Medeival dance, music and combat. The local group is affiliated
with a national organization which is a nonprofit educational
organization dedicated to the recreation of the Middle Ages and
Renmaissance. A written description of the group was distributed.
After some discussion, the Board approved the request to distribute
information about the Society on Saturday, Sept. 29 and to present
dancing and combat demonstrations beginning at 2 PM.
The Seedling Theater from Oneonta will be in Ithaca on Tudsday,
September 25. The Board was asked for permission for the group
to stage a puppet and drama show focussed on the dangers of
nuclear waste disposal in West Valley NY and elsewhere. The re—
quest was approved, after some discussion of the unpleasantness
which can result from confrontational strett theater.
Joe Cassannitti reminded the Board of his interest in a hot
dog cart. He suggested that a packet park on the vacant lot would
be a pleasant addition. His purpose in coming was to request that
the Cayuga Sertoma Club, a nonprofit service organization which
benefits speech and hearing therapy, be allowed to sell pumpkins
beside First Band and Trust on the Commons. They would display
and sell the pu}lkins on the two weekends prior to Haloween along
both the State and the Tioga walls of the bank. Niederkorn moved
approval of the request. His motion was seconded by Schickel and
passed unanimously. In a brief discussion of adding color and
interest to the Commons, Brown commented that a spectacular popcorn
machine,mmy comparable to one now at Pyramid, may be presented to
the Board in the spring with a request that it appear regularly on
the Commons.
A representative of 4H asked permission for a banner to be hung
either on the Parking ramp or across the Commons during national 141
week. After some discussion, Niederkorn moved that the request be
denied because of previous difficulties we have had with banners.
Activities or events which would promote interest in 14.H would, however,
be very wIlcome. The motion was seconded by Schickel and passed
unanimously.
The Board then considered old business. Regarding the Breen
Street parking ramp signp, Clardy was asked to clarify the minutes
and then to verify that Common Council would make money available
to the Department of Public Works to create a temporary sign indi-
cating the entrance to the ramp. She will do so. It was noted that
the difficulty currently is increased by the Ithaca Transit buss
stopping in such a way that they obscure completely the present
sign.
Clardy shared the most recent correspondence regarding the
"business district next exit" signs at the intersection of Rte.
13 and North Triphammer Road. She will encourage the DIBA and
the Mayor's office to immediately send further supporting letters.
Clardy reported that the Police department does not with to have
its name on the bike tags since those who chain bikes to trees
are not breaking a law. The tags will say "City of Ithaca" instead.
/.--
‘ (C)
. CEIVsb
SEP 2 71979 ow 9
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE jz
`• !Nina N Y
, . .
•
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I
U, SPECIAL EDITION: September 25 , 1979
DOWNTOWNER
News . Membership Confidential • Upcoming Events
• News and Happenings
- Published by and for Members of DIBA
Everything's waiting for you!
SPECIAL MEETING: THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, at
8 : 30am AT RAMADA INN, to welcome new members of
DIBA! Here' s your chance to say hello and get to
know our newest members : PRINTER'S GALLERY, ITHACA
FARMERS MARKET, MOOSEWOOD, CAT'S PAJAMAS, RAMADA
INN, NIPPENOSE, GRAPEVINE, MILES MUSIC, HICKEY 'S
MUSIC STORE, WOOLWORTH'S, COMMON GROUND, FRAME
YOURSELF, J.S.BARR ASSOCIATES, BISHOP'S OF ITHACA,
INC. , CHEMUNG ELECTRONICS.
ALL MEMBERS OF DIBA SHOULD BE PRESENT. This is
strictly a social meeting; no business will be
conducted. Coffee and Danish will be served.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Our several good meetings with Cornell sports
publicist Phil Langan have resulted in a number of
joint efforts for DIBA and the University' s Athle-
tic Association. We will have an important "pre-
sence" in Schoellkopf Stadium at each home football
game, as DIBA will award the winner' s trophy to
fraternity or sorority parading the best banner
during a half-time "Big Red Spirit Contest . " (And
now that Bob Blackman has demonstrated that The
Big Red knows how to win--BIGI--the crowds ought
to be growing on The Hill! ) Other activities in-
clude: a lacrosse clinic, with Coach Richie Moran,
Downtown; poster contests ; half-time activities
at basketball games . All these involve minimal
costs, and good opportunities to let students,
faculty and staff know that Downtowners are Big
Red Boosters !
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ANOTHER DATE FOR YOUR CALENDAR: SUNDAY EVENING,
OCTOBER 28--DIBA' s first-ever Halloween Costume
Party, at Gazebo ! Disco, prizes , games , myster-
ies !
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
THIRTY DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS were invited to a spe-
cial meeting of your Marketing Committee on Septem-
ber 20. While the turnout at the meeting wasn' t
as large as promised, most of our restaurateurs in-
dicated they were enthusiastic about the concept
of promoting Thursday and Friday evening dining/
shopping together. Further development of the con-
cept was left in the hands of a committee, and a
plan will be submitted to the Marketing Committee
and Downtown restaurants in October.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Alex Turner, of TurnerDesign, presented concept of
new signs for the Downtown at our September 13
Board meeting. The sense of the Board was Turner' s
designs were "right on the money" in terms of ex-
pressing the unique character of our Downtown. It
was further moved by the Board that DIBA recommend
to Common Council that priority be given to signs
for the Green Street Ramp . Turner pointed out that
Council had not yet seen the design package, be-
cause his associates were anxious to learn DIBA' s
reaction before presenting it to Council.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Both our Board and Marketing Committee have appro-
ved a 10-week radio schedule on three local sta-
tions. The series is entitled, "Let ' s talk about
shopping," and discusses Downtown' s personal ser-
vice , local ownership , parking, quality and variety
of merchandise. It begins in October, and runs
through the height of the Christmas shopping sea-
son. The series pulls no punches, and the Market-
ing Committee will be anxious to hear your reaction.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
REMEMBER THE NEW MEMBER COFFEE HOUR, this Thursday,
September 27, 8 : 30am at Ramada! ! Let' s show our
new members they are welcome, and give them a
chance to talk with some of our "old-timers" in-
formally ! (Bring along a prospective new member,
too ! )
Commons Advisory Board Minutes k / U c ► .;�,dr 5, 1979
Oct "
NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING: OCTOBER 19, 1 ,9* . 1 9 9
voting members present : Brown, Osborn (Cl . r) « t4 rwoo.,
others present : Clardy, Mayor Conley, WI 1, reporter K'
In the absence of a quorum, an inform.:l _ was held. Cards
were not sent to remind members of this meeting for some reason. Clardy
will confirm that they be sent for the nex, meeting and will add a remin-
der of the date to minutes.
Regarding old business, Clardy asked eracita Semenaria about the
vent pipe on the side of the newly painted LoPinto building on the
corner of N. Aurora and Cayuga Streets. Ste was assured that the pipe
will be painted so it is less conspicuous. A question was raised about
the painting of the side and back of that •uilding which has not yet
been begun. Clardy will inquire.
Clardy has obtained competitive bids orally for the rules and regu-
lations sign and has determined that Printer's Gallery is the least
expensive of those interested in doing the job. She asked the Board's
authorization to proceed and it was grantee . She bras also learned that
a rubber stamp for the bike tags would be ost efficient and least
expensive and she will order one and have IhExax tags stamped.
The possibility of flowers being take from one of the Commons
beds by volunteers for distribution to nur .igg homes was again dis-
cussed. Clardy has had several conversations with Brad Marples, a
Cornell undergraduate who tried to arrange to do this project last
year. He has made initial contact with the Mens Garden Club, the
Senior Citizens Center and a nursing home ' hat would be delighted to
receive the plants. Clardy recommended th.:t the suggestion made by
Niederkorn last WE meeting be endorsed, na ely that the project be
undertaken in a limited way under the supe vision of the DPW. The
DPW has expressed reservations. While Mr. Dingman indicated that
a limited project might be acceptable if Boab Edsal approved, he
was not willing to give Mr. Edsal written .authorization for the
project. Clardy suggested that approval b' the CAB might influence
his to approve it. Members were reluctant however, to endorre a
plan about which Mr. Dingman was unenthusiastic and they decided not
to allow Mr. Marples to take any plants, despite Clardy's request.
Brown added to the discussion a message from Nancy Schuler who was
unable to attend that she had received a request to support the effort
to donate the plants to a nursing home.
Mayor Conley commmented on the possib lities for the vacant lot.
He explained that Ithaca is now recognized nationally as a leader in
revitalizing the central business district and commented on the very
favorable response he received at a conference in Hartford, Conn. of
the International Downtown Executives Asso' iation. Representatives of
about a dozen cities throughout the world ave asked that he come
and comment directly on development of the r downtowns. He has been
asked also to serve as the keynote speaker at a conference to be held
in February by the University of XMassachu..etts. One aspect of down-
town develpment about whxich Mayor Conley felt he was himself learning
more was the new retailing through a market place of diverse small
merchants in a carefully planned collective such as Quincy Market.
Under new business, Clardy read a letier received from Jean Sloan
in which she submitted her resignation fro the Board because her job
now requires her to be away from Ithaca frequently. The Bogard accepted
her resignation with regret and with gratiiude for the interest and
concern Jean brought to the Board.
Commons Advisory Board Minutes Oct. 5 page 2.
A series= of projects in cooperation with the athletic information
office at Cornell was announced. Clardy has been meeting with Phil
Langan and DIBA representatives to develop the proposals. The first
event would be a poster contest for hockey which would be held through
November and early December. Also planned is a lacrosse clinic to
be conducted on the Commons by Richie Moran and members of the Cornell
. varsity squad on March 22, the last Saturday before the beginning of
their season.
Clardy read to the Board the most recent letter of thaks received
regarding Ithaca Festival 1979. This was from Myra Klahr, Executive
Director of New York State Poets in the Schools. She also asked the
Board's approval for including the Commons as a resource in the People 's
Yellow Pages, a resource directory being put togetehr by the Alterna-
tives Fund. She read the proposed texte which would describe the
Commons as a performance site and as a center for distribution of
information by non—profit gorups. Members of the Board felt that
such a listing might invite groups it does not want to sekk out for
encouragement, however. They asked that Clardy not submit the listing
until the Yellow Pages have been published onhce and their exact nature
in more apparent.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
41411/'---
Andrea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
coming events: October 12, 13— Ithaca Art Association Display and Sale
South Hill Day care bake sale
Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27— sale of pumpkins by Sortoma Club
Oct. 27 — Magic and Machines
Oct. 2$— Jaycees sponsored costume judging, in coopera-
tion with DIBA
October 19= Nest CAB meeting.
:()/#0
f 1
CAC MINUTES
OCTOBER 16, 1979
4:00 P.M.
Council Chambers
PRESENT: Margaret Jones, CAC
John Ford, CAC
Kathe Evans, CD Staff
Jon Meigs, Planning & Development Dept.
Evans updated those present on Community Development Projects and Programs.
She presented a report of C.D. activities through October 10th and said that
this report, due in August, was held up because of lack of staff. These
reports are required every three months and she said that a new one would be
prepared in November.
In the meantime, she asked CAC members to note funds expended between August
15 and October 10.
With regards to the status of St. James A.M.E. Z_on Church, she reffered to
Jonathan Meig's letter of October 5, 1979, to H.U.D. secretary Robert C. Embry, Jr. ,
in which the importance of rehabilitation is stressed.
Evans asked for ideas on how to go about solving this problem and said that
an ILPC staff member, who's job would include study of this problem, was in
the process of being hired.
Another idea would be to reprogram the budgetted $$30,000 into INHS Loan and
Grants/ ith the stipulation that the funds would be recoverable when the Church
versus State lawsuit was settled. However, she reported that she had checked
this out with H.U.D. and they had recommended not reprogramming.
Also on the subject of reprogramming, she reported that $40,000 would be
reprogrammed, per IURA/CDA resolution, into C.D. Administration and INHS City
Crew Leader ($20,000 each) .
Evans announced the dates for the 1980 Community Advisory Committee review
meetings of C.D. progress. These meetings are scheduled for January 9, April 10,
and July 10, at 4:00 P.M. in Council Chambers.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted, , Approved,
Natalie de Combray Katherine Evans
Commons Advisory Board Minutes October 19, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Goldman, Osb.rn, (chair) ; Schickel, Schuler
others present : Clardy, Seminario, Ann Brya t for Amanda Marga
The meeting was called to order by acting Chair Osborn. The minutes
of the September 21 and October 5 meetings ere approved as sent. Ms.
Bryant asked permission to set up an inforinotion table on behalf of
Amanda Marga, a meditation society, to focu. on the plight of hurrican
David vie-trims in the Dominican Republic. A permit for the information
table was approved, with provision for a ca nister to passively solicit
contributions and singing of traditional so gs. A request to have
someone wear a placard was denied. The gro p will be- in the West
pavillion this Saturday and next from noon o 3 .
Clardy showed the Board a poster recei ed from Tam Mailey of the
Tompkins County Develpment Corporation supp.rting Amendment #1 on the
November ballot. The Board decided that th- poster violated a policy
against politi ti. partisan information and as not appropriate. Clardy
had advised Mailey this was a highly likely decision and will advise
him of the Board 's action.
The Board formally approved the hockey poster contest which will
be undertaken with Cornell University's athi etic information office
beginning Nov. 1 and continuing until mid-D-cember. Clardy shared
plans for the Magic and Wonderful Vehicles Display to be hied Oct
27 in which trucks will be located on the v. cant lot and student
magicians will perform at the amphitheater. She asked the Board's res ..e
ponse to the idea of inviting the ornitholo.y lab people from Cornell
down to the Commons in the spring to demons rate bird banding and rela-
ted specialties. The Board endorsed the idea and suggested bird carvings
would be a nice supplement/
Clardy suggested that the Board comme d those responsible for the
restoration of the Bates Beck building on he corner of North Aurora
and Seneca Streets. Teresita has provided he addressed. The Board
unanimously approved sending such letters in a motion by Brown, seconded
by Schickel. Clardy will send the letters. In addition to letters to
Mthssers LoPinto and to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff M.rris of The Northeast Fisher-
man, the Board wished to express its appre•iation of Teresita for her
personal efforts and those of the Planning Department .
Tom Niederkorn, who was unable to att end the meeting provided two
clippings for the Board's attention. Copies of onw are attached to the
minutes. The ob.hhr dealt with a paint-in eld in Buck Hill, Pa. at
which artists paint while being observed b the public. Such an event
was suggested for next spring of summer.
Brown commented on the popcorn machine at Pyramid which is very
glamorous and is not doing much business. He felt it woold be an attrac-
tive feature on the Commons. Schickel observed that popcorn generates
a lot of mess. No action was taken/
Schickel suggested to the Board that .ts members consider the
issues involved in free two hour parking .nd in the ramp. There
are serious± problems invovled in the current operation of the Green
Street ramp and Board members should be aware that, having gone on
reconrd in support of meter removal, they , ay soon be asked to address
problems implicit in ramp operation and in meter removal.
Clardy was asked to fIllow up on the "business district" sigg
problems and report to the Board any further developments. She asked
the Board's guidance on locations suitable for musicians during the
holiday music program in December. She is reluctant to heat a pavillion
enclosed with temporary materials using ga.. or kerosene and the circuitry
on the Commons will allow only very limite• electrical heat. One
R
CAB Minutes Oct. 19, page 2. '
possible side is the bus shelter at the Aurora Street corner of the Com-
mons. Board members were doubtful that this would be sufficiently
central. Clardy informed them that the DIBA would not contribute
towards mat±hing a n MPTF grant for music so far removed from stores.
The Board recommended that the shelter not be used and that music
be outside only if no more suitalbe solution can be found.
The Campfire girls have asked permission to sell candy for two
weekends in mid—November. The Board approved the request with a re-
minder that the campfire group will not have exclusive use of the
Commons and also with an awareness that this is onw of the exceptions
to the policy against the sale of manufactured items on the Commons.
A Haloween costume judging contest swill be held on the Commons
Oct. 27 at about 7/ It will follow a parade from Washington Park.
Clady has arranged the permits, judges and prizes for the event which
is organized by the Jaycees in cooperation with the DIBA. The parade
will begin at the park at 6 :30 and proceed to the Central Pavillion on
the Commons.
Next month's chair will be Peggy Underwood who will be unable to
attend the first meeting. Osborn agreed to serve in her absence.
As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
AVM
Andrea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL BE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1979!
suggested agenda item for next meeting: recommendation to the Mayor
of continuing and/or new members of the Board, as many current terms
expire at the end of this year.
S\1�:
(11 Eb.
Rithj
OCT261979 9
tk CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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' ' and it's driving
all the radicals of the late Sixties and recession, ' Max said. "Our inven Patrick's Cathedral." them up the wall. I've even offered
"How does Saks Fifth Avenue feel to
aren working consumer
—~ —' is in a buying
' ,but profitzwiSe we're being squeezed "They haven't welcomed us with Taylor's, but I told him I felt the
Volume-wise we're ahead of spring, side their front door?" der. He wants me to move to Lord&
i ing. You can walk.down the main i street of any large bity now aild see Irz by the high,Cost of card tables and the enthusiast:11=-0100.w,-. :,..,. very, location was too far down Fifth
I hundreds of outdoor stands Sx up 1 pushcarts." our . aks comes out . p N Avenue and they didn't have ade-
- -- this generation ' "Well, certainly have a �- \
"=^" "° " my type
princes are selling leather belts, and rent of`~~hn -e' l offered to merge with
1 I carnations, jewelry, towels, art "Yes, we did a --� ' uf' tbe: ' Saks on the condition they opened
i work and pressure cobkers. They ,,1 various sidewalks in Manhattan and N unfairly with him. I try to explain their books to me, but I was turned
have not down.Frankly, wasn't disappointed
system ^ bd `mmewummnny000.
I was ' '�- '-- ' - ---
Avenue the other day and sto Fifth Avenue's ��� "Did you ever dream when you
, front of a stand with a sign tacked on plays. They also have an excellent us they'll go into his store. I don't were trashing the Dow Chemical Co
the card table: "Max's F know how main 1970 that some day you'd have a
— r^mv�"�Since June ,� over into business of you ��—
---' -- --' ---�--- "No, bot�u�o�but�u&o�r�uo
Max was selling T-shirts for $4 Bloomingdale's than .
that which is located they've
apiece.H—was doing a good business next door'was " I dream is all about Any person who
! and I had to wait a long time before "For a while we were set up on said.�. is to work can star out on a
I could have a word with him. 34th Street, but we decided to ^/ don't understand him," slab of concrete in front of
' Finally, over for grade our merchandise and appeal to said For years people complained "°""` =" and by perseverance
~ him and we could chat. the more affluent ~-~ oeouuoewewore trying to overthrow and g wind up with his own
_„„„ , "What does the fall look U— " l anted us to Put up our stand the system. They said we were a card table in front of one of this
him. in front of Bergdorf'Goodman, but- of bums that didn't know what country's fines dopurboeotetoreo.^
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■
Commons Advisory Board Minute \' 9 . _ ber 2, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Osborn ( hairfi)0 or .p Schickel Schuler
others: Clard (permit requesters and al .f � i fo portions)
Ys g P
Two requests have been received for . �.son;, q members of the
Farmers' Market to sell at times when the re -t12, 6 market is not going
on. One request was presented directly by Tom MacDonald of Interlaken
who raises vegetables and would be willing to pay $5 for each day of .
selling on an experimental basis. Niederkorn moved and Schickel seconded
a motion that MacDonald Farms be permitted to sell vegetables grown in
the Ithaca area at their convenience in choice of days. Their stand is
to be located at the edge of the vacant lot near the space now used by
Little Tree. A fee of $5 per selling day will be paid to the City -
retrospectively on the first and fifteenth of- each month. Schickel
emphasized that this arrangement is experimental and subject to reconside-
ration and to revoking at any time. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board also approved a request from Marcelle Mitchell of Dundee
for permission to sell home—made grape juice form locally grown garapes.
The conditions would be the same but the fee charged might need to be
lower. Because of the difficulty of assessing a realistic percentage of
income figure as a fee, alternatives were considered. The Board might ask
the growers invovled this year to collect data on their sales and their .
costs, in so far ab they can be listed, so that some foundation for future
decisions on fees could be laid.
Clardy agreed to ask ) for information on volume and income from the
current applicants for permits and also from Little Tree Orchards and
Jo Houghton to whom such permits have already been issued.
Ithaca Management Club has asked permission to sell wreaths on the
central pavillion and the Sortoma Club asked to sell Christmas trees
on the vacant lot. Tach of the selling groups is a non—profit service
organization. Brwon moved approval of the requests, subject to approval
by those businesses who might be competitively disadvantage, Bools and
The Plantation. Niederkorn seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Eva Hoffman asked permission for the Sierra Club to sell raffle
tickets. Permission was denied because of legal constraints. Ms. Hoff-
man was encouraged to seek private space and to consider the Commons
again when the Sierra Club has future projects.
A group called Ithacawareness would like to hold a trahhathon, in
which volunteers pick up litter and collect pledges for quantities of
it. The Commons would be a weigh station and collecting point. Money
would go to a coalition of energy concerned groups.Niederkorn moved the
permit be granted, after considerable discussion and the motion was seconded
by Schuler. The groups would be required to guarantee : that the area
selected was well defined; that all litter was in plastic bags; that all
litter was removed the afternoon of the event and that the purpose of the
event be clarified and publicizexd. The motion , which included these
requirements passed, with Niederkorn and Schuler voting yes; Schickel and
Brown dissenting and Osborn casting the decidming affirmative vote.
Clardy asked if the Festival wood structure could remain in place if
properly maintained, until next spring and the Board agreed unanimously.
Plastic which comes loose will have to be removed.
The problems of someone who rents space on the Commons and wishes to
bring her dog to it were discussed. Schickel moved and Niederkorn seconde d
a motion that a person renting space on the Commons be allowed to bring
doxgs to and from that space. The motion carried unanimously.
The desirability of having a written narrative on the developm9nt of
the Commons was discussed. The meeting then adjourned for the viewing of
a slide presentation of the Bates Block renovation and other CDA'P project
by TPraclta Seminario and other members of the Planninc department..A ,.
r
2
Commons Advisory Board Minutes , D • -mber 16, 1979
7 $ ' ��
voting members present : Brown, Niederko , I ,. A is ld, Schickel,
Schuler pFF10E
others: Clardy, Mayor Conley '� CLEflKS
Ithac^-
The minutes were approved as distrib .-bed. Clardy ,Rpologized for not
having mailed them. The Board resolved to ..ndepse ids regular business to
allow time to view the slides which Mayor Con - ' 'ses in presentations about
the Commons.
Under old business, Clardy advised the Board that the Ithacawareness
group decided to postpone a possible trashathon until the spring so the permit
allowed at the last meeting was not issued. Clardy shared with the Board
the letter sent to the Hamilton, New York, craft fair organizers advising
them that priority would be given to local management and that the Board
would require further information about the group's history and activities
before endorsing a fair on the Commons. A copy of the letter was sent to
Peter Ciferri who has not definitely indicated whether or not he wishes to
hold a craft fair in the spring.
A follow up letter about the "business district" sign at the intersection
of Rte. 13 and North Triphammer was sent to the NY Department of Transporta-
tion, dated Oct. 19. A reply dated Nov. $ was received which says in part :
"we are pleased to inform you that we will be adding a sign panel that
indicates'Ithaca-3 miles' under the existing Business District—next exit
sign which was erected over a year ago." The Board discussed this proposed
action and was not certain it constitutes a real solution of the problem.
An improvement which is not a real solution may make any further changes
impossible. Clardy will ,-.eiterate the hope that the business district be
identified as Lansing's.
The Dog—in—transit—to—rented—space problem was raised again because
Mr. Dingman is inclined to allow no dogs at all. Clardy will discuss the
particular situation and the Board's previous action with him.
The Browser's Guide has not yet appeared and Clardy expressed concern
that it may not be imminent. She asked the Board to consider creating its
own brochure after all if the guide cannot be prepared by a date early in
19$0 to be set after talking with Chad Novelli and/or Shirley Taylor.
Under new business, a sample poster from Clever Hans about radio broadcast
it sponsors has been presented to be put in the display boards. The Board
felt that it would initiate an avalanche of ads for worthy events sponsored
by profit making ventures and should, therefore, not be approved. The DIBA
has asked the Commons Advisory Boe&d to deal with the problem of newspapers
blowing around on the Commons. The problem is attributed by the DIBA to the
display racks for the Ithaca Times and the Grapevine. Simply putting a brick
or stone on top of the pile was seen by the Board as an invitation for someone
to throw the brick or stone. Clardy will direct the problem to the attention
of the newspapers involved, and ask that they recommend and implement some
solution. Clardy reported that posters about the hockey poster contest will
be ready within a few days and will be distributed with the minutes and also
that plans for the holiday music program are developing well. No peofessional
music is now planned because of the difficulty of finding a public space
sufficinntly sheltered.
The green Street ramp problem of signs was raised. Brown moved, after
some discussion. that the same group which previously discussed the problem
convene again as soon as possible to suggest a solution. Schickel seconded
and the motion passed unanimously. That group consisted of: Mr. Dingman,
John Gutenberger, Framk Gombas who was unable to attend, Tom Niederkorn, Jim
Rothschild and A. Clardy.
Tom suggested that some identification of trees and flowers and shrubs
on The Commons would be worthwhile and might warrant inclusion in the brochure.
Tags would have to be secure against vandalism. Niederkorn will discuss some
alternatives with Marvin Adelman and Schuler will contact Cornell Plantations
C.A.B. minutes, page 2. Nov. 16
for their suggestions.
Because several CAB memberships expire in 1979 and because the Board
is appointed by the Mayor, Board members felt the need to acquaint Ray
Bordoni with the workings of the Board and possibly also with Mayor Conley's
suggestions of membership for the new Board. Schuler and Conley will discuss
and monitor ways to introduce the future Mayor to the Board's responsibili-
ties and actions. Mayor Conley emphasized his commitment to the Board and
the Commons Coordinator's position as essential elements in the continuing
vitalization of downtrrcrn.
The Mayor agreed to allow or support temporary parking under the Green
Street ramp during the holiday shopping period. Arrangements are now being
made with the DIBA.
The Board adjourned to the Mayor's office to view his slides and
discuss his efforts to share the Ithaca experience with other cities.
Respectfully submitted,
drea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
•
Commons Advisory Board Minutes Nov. 30,1979
voting members present :Brown, Ciferri, Goldman, Niederkorn, Schickel, Schuler
others: Clardy, Terry Banfield for Sertoma Club, John Halpern for Art
Corporation of America
The meeting was chaired by Brown. The minutes were approved as sent.
Mr. Banfield explained the Sortoma Club's interest in selling Christmas
trees on the vacant lot between December $ and 25. Both daytime and
evening hours are being considered. To support and display the trees,
the group would either construct a frame or place a cress piece on the
existing structure which belongs to Ithaca Festival. Clardy said the
Festival structure could be modified if it was restored to its present
condition after use. The Sertoma Club's responsibility to avoid
running wires on the pedestrian walkway and the City's poi.rer requirements
were discussed. The City does not accept responsibility for proteActing
the trees from damage or theft, although the police will be informed
of their presence. Goldman moved the request be approved. Schickel
seconded and them motion carried unanimously.
A discussion of the green Street parking ramp sign problem followed.
Clardy has talked with Mr. Dingman who offered to ask the Department of
Transportation for permission to put a "Park here" sign on the overpass
above Green Street if and only if the DIBA and the Aeommons Advisory
Board each sent him a letter indicating that such a sign would, in the
opinion of the group, solve or significantly alleviate the problem.
After some discussion4. board members doubted that such a sign would be
of any value. A three sign package was suggested consisting of a sign
by Woolworth's guiding cars to the right lane for access to the ramp,
a sign announcing the ramp one block west and a sign over Cayuga Street
directing traffic to turn left for the ramp and then use the right lane.
Clardy will discuss this with Jim Rothschild and then with Mr. Dingman.
John Halpern introduced himself and distributed phobostate of a
news article about public activities he has conducted. He now plans to
suspend a hammock between the pylons of the suspension bridge over Fall
Creek this evening. The hammock holds a "cocoon" in which he said someone
would spend the night. Later he said nobody would actually sleep in
the hammock. He asked the Board for a permit to follow up on the bridge
event on Saturday morning by digging a hole in the vacant lot in the shape
of the cocoon with $ inch grooves representing the rope. The hole itself
would be 3 feet deep and 6 feet long. Natural elements would be placed
in the grooves which would subsequently be refilled. Niederkorn moved
the request be denied. Goldman seconded. Discussion centered on the
safety hazards of large trenches and holes and on the ysymbolic sanction
of an event which does not have permission from Cornell or the police
and is potentially life threatening. The motion carried unanimously.
Halpern then suggested a modified event in which natural elements
would lie on the surface of the lot and lines would be painted in water
only to link them. Like the first proposed event, this would be recorded
on videotape. Niederkorn moved that Halpern be allowed to locate five
points on the lot and place nb.tural elements on the ground and connect
the points with water. All materials would then have to be removed.
Schuler seconded. Niederkorn and Schuler then voted pro and Ciferri and
Schickel con. Goldman abstained, saying he would need time to consider.
Brown broke the tie by voting con, remarking that the proposed deception
on the question of someone sleeping in the cocoon undercut his confidence
in other statements made. Halpern was urged to approach the Board sooner
for future projects. as discussed again. Mr.
The matter of dogs crossing the Commons as g
Dingman has the authority to decide whether any dogs shall be permitted.
` He does not wish to allow any, as exceptions have proved very troublesome
in the past.
Clardy informed the Board that she has talked with Randy Brown of
Little Tree Orchards. Randy has indicated that he would be interested
in having a permit next year for the period fvom July 1 to Dec. 1 for
which he would pay a lump sum rather than a daily rate, which proved
almost prohibitively expensive this year. The Board approved the idea]
in principle, noting the substantial contribution made by Little Tree
to the pleasant atmosphere on the Commons. Clardy suggested that the City
might pay back some portion of the fee received from Little Tree which
amounted to $405. The Board agreed to consider the possibility and make
a decision at the next meeting.
Clardy read a letter announcing a meeting of the Ithaca Landmarks
Preservation Commission on December 4 at 4 PM in Common Council Chambers.
She also shared with Board members the schedule for the Holidays and Music
program on the Commons which will begin next Thursday, December 13. The
flyer with the full schedule will be designed by a Cornell Civitas student.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
4h41/114 ,,
Q. /IA, Andrea Clardy
Commons Coordinator
S
g[cEiv Lb\\\,_
b DEC c 1979:::.
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE f
Ithaca, N.Y. 1
Commons Advisory Board Minutes December 14, 1979
voting members present : Brown, Ciferri, Goldman, Niederkorn, Osborn,
Rothschild, Schickel, Underwood
others: Clardy
The question of Board membership for the coming year was discussed.
Clardy will give the Mayor a list of potential members for the coming
term, with the suggestion that the incoming Mayor may be advised by
Mayor Conley in select-h.ng those to serve. The current membership of
twelve should be reduced to nine, and there is a commitment to the DIBA
to welcome Tom Hilton as a member.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. The discussion
of signs for the Green Street Ramp was reopened at Jim Rothchild's request.
He is reluctant to endorse the status quo, although he shares reserva-
tions about the effectiveness of a sign over Green Steet past the entrance.
After some discussion, Brown moved that we send a memo to the Department
of Public Works requesting that a sign saying "Park Here" on the bridge
over Green Street be put in place and be supplemented by three signs
on approach streets to the ramp. Ciferri seconded and the motion passed
unanimously.
Clardy shared copies of the poster announcing the Holiday Music
Program with members of the Board. The poster was designed by Loretta
De Intinis, a student at Cornell, who also designed the hockey poster
contest flier. She performed both services as a volunteer through the
CIVITAS program. Osborn moved the Board express its gratitude to Loretta
Delntinis for the excellent job she has done and for the generosity of
her donation of talent to the City of Ithaca. The motion was seconded
by Goldman and passed unanimously.
Randy Brown's request for permission to sell produce on the Commons
and pay a fee for the season from July to December was reconsidered.
Clardy will ask Brown to write a letter making a formal request which
the Board will then answer. There is support fot the idea of forgiving
some protion of next year's fees to reimburse Little Tree Orchards for
what turned out to be a burdensome fee schedule this year. The presente
of the Orchard's representatives on the Commons was welcome and well
received. Memebers of the Board reiterated their desire to facilitate
Little Tree 's continued presence.
Brown announced that all Board members would be most welcome a3t
a party to honor Mayor Ed Conley which is scheduled for Dec. 21 from
5 to $ PM at the Party House. The party will be one small way of expressing
the gratitiude of Ithacans to Mayor Conley for his service.
The possibility of the Commons Advisory Board defining in writing
its concerns about the Ithaca Center project was discussed. Underwood
suggested that if the Board is ever to make its views known, it might
be better advised to do so when there is no crisis. Scepticism about
the appropriateness of saying anything more than that we would like it
to be Et lovely was voiced. No action was taken. As there was no further
business, the meeting adjourned. THIS BOARD WILL MEET ON FRIDAY, JANUARY
la 11, 1980. Until new members are apporinted, current members will
continue to serve.
Res-pectfully submitted
THE NEXT COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING WILL BE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 11.
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