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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 807
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 19, 1990
PRESENT: CANNON, CUMMINGS, DI GIACINTO, GILLIS, SCHLOUGH, SHEIKH.
ABSENT: HAYES, MILLER, UNDERWOOD.
OTHER: MAYOR BEN NICHOLS.
The minutes of the December 15, 1989 meeting were approved as written.
THE ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY met on
January 8, 1990. Cummings reported that members discussed downtown and are interested
in addressing the issues of: vacancies, upper story development, building codes,
and the needs of the cultural community. She explained that the IURA's projects include
housing and business, Center Ithaca being an example of a recent business project.
Cummings also announced that Kathe Evans is seeking applicants for the economic
component of the community development grant being prepared for April. Applications
are due in Kathy's office by February 15, 1990. •
THE CAB 1990 AGENDA WILL FOCUS ON: exploring the possibilities of a Downtown
Development Corporation and Tax Benefit District, also the utilization of existing build-
ings for housing, business and cultural use. Members would like to work cooperatively
with the Planning and Building Departments and their committees and boards. The
issue of safety and security in the CBD must be addressed also.
MAYOR BEN NICHOLS announced that he will reappoint Schlough and Underwood to the
board for another term. He said that in the next two years he will be making big
changes; he plans to develop a cooperative venture with government and business and
he will see that the City does its part. The Mayor supports the idea of downtown as
a 24 hour community with cultural facilities and activities, more people living there in
affordable apartments above commercial spaces, and many things going on at night to
maximize the use of parking spaces. He would like to see more shopping hours at night •
and other activities that bring people downtown in the evenings. The Mayor also said
that he considers downtown a vital part of the city and recognizes its economic value
and how it helps the tax base. Areas he proposed to explore are zoning and building
codes, zoning laws, enhancements, incentive zoning, cooperative efforts between build-
ing owners so they could share core elevators and stairways.
Cannon expressed concern that the proposed city income tax could cause businesses to
move out of the city. The Mayor responded that there is no proposal for a tax. But
national and state level cuts on taxes of high incomes has put a burden on municipalities
because the amount of money the City receives from the federal government has decreased
and the money from the state remains constant, while the City budget increases. The
burden is then borne unfairly by property tax payers.
Di Giacinto and Cummings inquired about regional tourism and the value of the out of
town dollars to downtown and the community. The Mayor mentioned the Convention
and Visitors Bureau and the room tax money being used to promote the City.
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING JANUARY 19, 1990 continued
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A LIGHTING COMMITTEE update was given by Di Giacinto. He stated that the door
to door campaign would be underway in March, Burma Stewart,the Commons Civitas
worker is preparing the block sheets and the printed material is done.
THE PARKING COMMITTEE OF DII AND THE CITY is preparing a package of proposals
for managing parking and changes in the structure of revenues. Schlough reported
that they will be presented to Common Council as a package and not a menu. Joe
Daley has been working with the committee and has been helpful.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 16, 1990 at 8:30 AM
ELECTION OF OFFICERS MUST BE HELD AT THIS MEETING, PLEASE ATTEND!
Respectfully bmitted,
J n S. erring
Commo Coordinator
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CITY OF ITHACA
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108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF _ TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 1990
PRESENT: CANNON, CUMMINGS, DIGIACINTO, GILLIS, HAYES, MILLER,
SCHLOUGH, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD.
OTHER: J. DALEY, J. SCHROEDER, E. WHIFFEN.
The minutes of the January 19, 1990 meeting were approved as written. •
Underwood was elected chairman (8-0-1) and .Schlough was elected vice chairman (8-0-1) .
NEW BUSINESS:
A PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE BUILDING HEIGHT TO 75 FEET IN DOWNTOWN was
presented by Alderperson John Schroeder. He stated that the current 100 feet limit
allowed buildings that were too tall and blocky for the existing streetscapes. Schroeder
showed drawings with buildings that could.be built at current limits, pointing out his
objections to the impact that these large buildings would have on the character of the
downtown. Members pointed out that visual guidelines could be used to minimize the
visual impact of new buildings 100 feet tall. They also expressed concern over issues
such as: housing, rents, jobs, vacancies, and people living and walking to work in
the Central Business District, and felt that these were much more important. Cummings
said that if high buildings were going to be built that they belonged in the core of
the downtown. She also favors incentive zoning that allows for art, parking, cultural
space and moderate housing. Members urged Schroeder to deal with the important issues
and accept the height limit we currently have. Members asked that Schroeder focus
on the economic health of downtown today. The CAB voted 8-1 against supporting a
reduction in the current 100 feet building height limit.
PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND REQUESTS:
ANNUAL PERMITS FOR PLANTATION ' AND LOGOS WERE REVIEWED. Sheikh stated
that Plantation's request for using sidewalk space for plant displays should be denied
because there is plenty of space available outdoors in their new location. The Plant-
ation's request for outdoor sidewalk display space was denied. Logos' request to
direct amplified sound toward the Commons was granted and a permit was issued.
MOBILE VENDING CART PERMIT APPLICATIONS for April 1 thru September 30, 1990
submitted by Louis Cassanitti for Lou's Gourmet Hot Dogs and Eilia Jahah for King
David's Falafel and Kohbobs were approved.
THE SCIENCENTER REQUESTED A WAIVER so they could construct an outdoor exhibit
for the Ithaca Festival. The Sciencenter would like to have their exhibit 10 feet high
which is 2 feet higher than the 8 feet limit for displays on the Commons. The members
suggested that the Sciencenter present their exhibit drawings at the next meeting so
members could see what the exhibit would look like at a height of 10 feet. Placement of the
1 exhibit would also be discussed at the next meeting.
An Equal Opportunity Employer wan an Atl rmal Action Program
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 16, 1990 continued
JASON FANE REQUESTED PERMISSION TO PLACE THE OLD CIGAR FACTORY SIGN
on 108-114 the Commons before painting the building one color. He provided for
painting within a period of time after the weather permits. The board voted 0-9
r in granting the request. Members felt it would be impossible to assure the painting
would be done as required by Design Review and CAB vote.
THE FORMAT OF THE NEXT MEETING was discussed and it was decided that the
Police Chief would discuss CBD safety and security with board members and selected
members of the CBD; this will be an informal discussion not a business meeting.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY MARCH 2 AT 8:30 AM.
Re ectfully subm" ted,
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
MAY It 1990.
PRESENT: CANNON, CUMMINGS, DI GIACINTO, GILLIS, GREEN, HAYES, SCHLOUGH,
SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD.
ABSENT: MILLER, WICKHAM.
OTHERS: C. ADAMS, ITHACA JOURNAL; B. SOUTHWORTH, D. TRIANA,
K. WALKER, T. CRANE, ITHACA FESTIVAL.
A REQUEST FOR A PERMIT TO SELL THE ITHACA JOURNAL pN THE COMMONS was
presented by Adams. The Board approved the request for three designated selling
locations to be used on occasional dates with prior notice to Mayor's and Commons Coord-
inator's office. Times will be from 11 :30 am - 1 :30 pm at East, West, and Central areas
of The Commons. The application will be referred to P. Kennedy, Ass't. City Attorney
for final details and approval.
THE ITHACA FESTIVAL COMMITTEE gave an overview of this year's four day event to be
held on May 31-June 3. It was agreed that no food would be served at the fountain.
Ribbons will be used to rope off a loop in Bank Alley so cars transporting " Stars " can
drive on The Commons and not interfere with pedestrian safety. Food vendors will be
placed so that smoke or lines will not interfere with business operation on The Commons
or inconvenience downtown residents. The Craft Fair will be held on Cayuga Street
between Green and Seneca Streets and the block of West State Street from Cayuga to
Geneva Streets will be closed to traffic for the placement of the State Street stage and
additional food vendors. Food vendors will not be placed in front of restaurants.
A DESIGN FOR THE FACADE OF AMERICAN PIE, FORMERLY THE DUGOUT, was submitted
by the Building Department for approval by the CAB. Members requested additional infor-
mation about building materials and colors to be used. Deming to request this information
from J. Sharma, architect.
THE JUNE 1 MEETING WILL NOT BE HELD DUE TO THE ITHACA FESTIVAL. The summer
meeting schedule will begin on June 15, meetings will be held monthly thru September 7.
espectfully ubmitted,
S. mi
Common Coordinator
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
JULY 20, 1990
PRESENT: CUMMINGS, DI GIACINTO, GILLIS, GREEN, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD, WICKHAM.
ABSENT: CANNON, HAYES.
OTHER: D. LOOK, J. MILLER, N. THADANI.
The minutes of the May 4, 1990 meeting were approved as written.
THE COMMONS MAINTENANCE REPORT AND CAPITAL PROJECTS REQUEST, prepared
by Deming were reviewed and discussed by Thadani, Miller and members. Thadani
said that members should prioritize maintenance items and projects and the Commons
Coordinator's office should be the office to identify repair needs, accept and refer
problems and complaints regarding maintenance and do the necessary follow up efforts.
Members stated that the capital project request was the priority, that nothing had
been done for so long that all major repairs were necessary immediately. Deming
remarked that the Commons Maintenance Supervisor and Building Systems Supervisor
were the ones that should be in charge of identifying and responding to repair
needs, that her office would continue to assist with this with the help of members
and occupants of the CBD. Members agreed with that arrangement. Miller said
that he needed more help to maintain The Commons properly; members said they
would provide a letter of support at budget time.
THE WANZER BLOCK PROJECT PROPOSAL BY HOLT, ARCHITECTS FOR ROY H.
PARK was presented by Doug Look. The project consists of incorporating the
Leonardo Hotel Facade into a five story, 28,000 square foot, L shaped building that
will rap around the Wanzer Block building and fill in the space once occupied by
Andrew's Candy Shop and the White Apple Gallery. The footprint of the building
will be approximately 5,600 square feet, have retail on the first floor, offices on the
second floor and apartments on third, fourth, and fifth floors. Hopefully construction
will begin in the Spring of 1991. Members agreed that the traditional design was
very appropriate for the site, a comfortable fit in the space and in the Aurora/East
State Street block. The apartments were designed to meet the needs of community
residents, which pleased members. It was suggested that Mr. Look encourage
Mr. Park's organization to prepare a request for the Board of Public Works, asking
them to consider a night time, downtown residents parking garage permit offered at
a reduction of the monthly daytime rate. This would help to attract residents to the
downtown and support the CAB's plan for a 24 hour downtown community.
MEMBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AS TO THE AUGUST MEETING DATE
Reszfectfully sub 'tte
:`--De�ri{
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?mmons C ordinator
An Equal pportunuy Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 31, 1990
PRESENT: CANNON, DI GIACINTO, GILLIS, GREEN, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD, WICKHAM.
ABSENT: CUMMINGS, HAYES.
-
The minutes of the July 20, 1990 meeting were corrected to show Green and Wickham
present and Cannon absent. It was noted that Green would meet with Jim Miller to
gather information for a letter of support for additional Commons maintenance workers
in the 1991 DPW budget request.
THE 1991 COMMONS BUDGET REQUEST was reviewed. A 2/3 position at a cost of
$11,700 excluding benefits was the major item. The remainder of the request reflected
a 2.05% increase which is only possible if the additional staff position is accepted.
THE PROPOSED DESIGN FOR THE ENTRANCE TO 15 STEPS/CENTER ITHACA was
reviewed by Di Giacinto. The entrance design was accepted. There was a lengthy
discussion about the proposed neon 15 STEPS sign. Di Giacinto explained that the
sign met sign ordinance requirements and that it .is' proportionately correct, unfortun-
ately the drawing makes the sign appear to look larger than it is. Cannon said he
felt uncomfortable about making judgements of taste, noting that the Race Equipment
facade was a reminder of an approval given recently for a design that did not meet
expectations. The CAB approved the 15 Steps entrance design with Di Giacinto
abstaining.
MEMBERS OF THE CAB ON THE VISIONS TASK FORCE commented on the progress
of the group and the number of talented people who have committed their time and
effort to planning the future of downtown. Underwood is a consultant to the Business
Improvement District Sub Committee, Sheikh is on the Upper Story Development and
Marketing Sub Committees, Di Giacinto is a consultant to Land Use Planning, Cannon is
on the CBD Parking Study Sub Committee, Cummings is on the Marketing & Recruitment
Sub Committee and Deming is staff to M&R and BID. Sub Committees plan to have
recommendations ready after the first of next year.
THE IMAGE OF DOWNTOWN IS IMPORTANT and Underwood suggested that CAB members
continue to boost the downtown, when ever possible, to keep people aware that it is
still alive and an important part of our community.
JOHN MILLER HAS RESIGNED FROM CAB to take a new position in Tampa Florida.
Members are asked to think about suggestions for replacements for John and Charles
Schlough.
Respectfully submitted
Jean S. De ing
Commons Coordinator
See enclosures
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"