HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAB-1994 1
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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 MINUTES APRIL 15, 1994
Present: Boyd, Calhoun, Gearhart, Gillis, Martins, Shenk, Stark.
Other: Guy, Ithaca Festival; Karr-Segal and Meigs,
Bicycle Advisory Council .
Members introduced themselves and were welcomed by CAB Chair,
Andrew Gillis. Gillis explained that elections for Chair and
Vice Chair would be held at the next meeting. Members: Hogue,
Lieberman, Patz and Smith were not able to attend this meeting
and the member representative from the Shade Tree Commission had
not been appointed yet.
Commons outdoor dining has created pavement clean up problems.
In response to a request by the Commons Maintenance Supervisor,
the Board of Public Works passed a resolution that recommends
suggestions for making outdoor dining permit holders more
responsible for cleaning and maintaining their Commons dining
areas. If areas are not cleaned once a week, a reminder may be
issued by the Supervisor or the Commons Coordinator. Failure to
comply shall result in the City taking necessary action to
restore the Commons to its prior condition. The City shall then
bill the dining permit holder for the cost of such cleaning.
After discussion it was suggested that these conditions become a
part of the dining space rental contract between the City and the
outdoor dining establishments .
Cafe Decadence's request for an outdoor dining permit was granted
pending payment of an outstanding bill for food vending during
Apple Harvest Festival ' 93 (6-0) .
Section 65.21, prohibiting certain activities in streets and
parks, such as ball playing etc. was eliminated from the City
Code during recodification. This was used to regulate certain
types of game playing on the Commons. The elimination was
discovered during conversations held with the Police Department
in response to complaints by business people regarding hacky sac
games on the Commons and a request for a permit to hold a hacky
sac tournament in the Center Pavilion. After a lengthy
discussion on how to accommodate everyone it was determined that
the regulations governing passage and flow of foot traffic in the
pedestrian walk way should be considered as a way to keep walking
lanes open and safe.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
The request for a permit to hold a hacky sac tournament in the
Center Pavilion was granted to Ben Stimson pending a change in
the date of the event (6-0) . Downtown Ithaca has the Center
Pavilion reserved on May 7, 1994 for a Mother' s Day event.
Bicycle Advisory Council representatives Karr-Segal and Meigs
presented a request from the Council to locate additional bicycle
racks at locations on the interior Commons and near the west
entrance. Several interior locations were discussed, Martins and
Stark volunteered to look over the locations and respond at the
next meeting.
Ithaca Festival Coordinator, Laurel Guy announced that the
Festival plans were going well and a full report detailing the
Friday and Saturday June 3&4 events on the Commons would be made
at the next meeting on May 6 .
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 6 AT
8 : 30am IN ROOM 207 OF CITY HALL.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean S. Deming
Coordinator
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR =MOW
TELEPHONE: 607-274-6546
FAX: 607-272-7348
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 6, 1994
PRESENT: Calhoun, Gearhart, Gillis, Hogue, Lieberman, Martins,
Patz, Shenk, Stark. Other: Laurel Guy, Ithaca Festival .
ABSENT: Smith. EXCUSED: Boyd.
The minutes of April 15, 94 meeting were approved as written.
PLANS FOR THE ITHACA FESTIVAL were reviewed by Laurel Guy,
Festival Coordinator. There will be fewer food vendors and less
loud bands located on the Commons this year. Activities are
scheduled from 12 Noon to 8PM daily. Food booths will be located
in Bank Alley, a backyard circus will be held in DeWitt Park,
dancing will take place on the Commons and the downtown theatres
will host various performances . Films will be shown on the side
wall of the Fire House Theatre and a junk car will be placed in a
location convenient for decorating as sculpture. The lack of
public restrooms and the grease spills on the Commons from people
walking about with food seemed to be the only major concerns .
Laurel assured members that several portable toilets would be
placed in convenient locations and business owners with somewhat
public restrooms would be assisted by festival volunteers .
THE BICYCLE RACK REPORT was given by Martins, see attached.
A REOUEST BY WPCX TO CONDUCT A COUNTRY SHOWDOWN on the Commons
needed more details about times and type of sound equipment used.
Hogue mentioned that some merchants were providing sponsorships
for the event. Deming stated that station personnel were trying
to obtain a noise permit and were getting back to her with more
details about times and number of participant bands and sponsors .
CATHERINE MARTINEZ REQUESTED PERMISSION TO BRING HER LITTLE DOG TO
WORK with her at her office on the Commons . Ms . Martinez is a
therapist and her dog provides comfort to her patients, especially
children who are put at ease playing with the dog. She assured
the CAB in her letter that the dog would never run free on the
Commons . The board agreed that she could bring her dog to work if
she used a pet carrier while transporting the dog across the
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
Commons .
A SUB-COMMITTEE IS NEEDED TO REVIEW SIGN. FACADE. AWNING AND
DEMOLITION PERMIT REOUESTS WITHIN THE COMMONS AREA. This review
is done as part of the Building Department ' s permit process .
Often this is done in conjunction with the Design Review Board.
The sub-committee will meet on May 19 at 3 :30 PM with the Design
Review Board to review the building permit application for the
addition to the Masonic Temple. Gearhart, Gillis, Hogue,
Lieberman, and Patz volunteered to serve on the Committee.
Martins offered to serve as a backup when needed.
MEMBERS SENT CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA BOYD ON THE ARRIVAL OF HER
NEW BABY BOY.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 3. 94 AT 9 AM.
Respectfull submitted,
an erring
Commons Coordinator
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COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD
SUB-COMMITTEE ON BICYCLE RACKS
REPORT: MAY 1 1994
The following are the findings of the sub-committee regarding proposed new locations of
bicycle racks on the Commons:
1. Replace all damaged, or missing racks from existing locations.
2. Proposed new locations #1 (T.J. Tuesday's), #2 (Bank Alley at Fleet), and #3 (at Chess
Tables) were all considered inappropriate. See memorandum from J.D. 4/12/94.
3. Proposed new location #4 (Cayuga St. at Angelheart) is fine.
4. Possible new locations suggested by this sub-committee:
a. On two sides of the two square planters on Aurora St. by the McCurdy's Bldg.
Three holders exist there now. Twelve more could be added.
b. At the West End of the Commons, there is a notch in the planter behind the
pavilion. If the bench were removed, there is space for 3 to 6 more bike
holders. There is an electrical panel there, so public works would have to be
consulted.
5. If more racks become necessary because of increased enrollment at the TC3 Extension
Center, then the sub-committee should do further study. Possibly, Location #1 at T.J.
Tuesday's could be used.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Martins
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF xxxlmaxceotxxxxxx
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR IMMIX
TELEPHONE: 607-274-6546
FAX: 607-272-7348
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JUNE 15, 1994
PRESENT: Boyd, Gearhart, Gillis, Hogue, Lieberman, Patz, Shenk, Smith, Stark.
ABSENT: Martins. EXCUSED: Calhoun.
OTHER: Jason Fane, Jaget Sharma, William Shaw, Pat Kennedy, Jon Meigs, Deming,
Johnson, Callahan.
Due to the lack of a quorum at the June 3 meeting, no official minutes were submitted for
approval.
Proposed additions to the Masonic Temple: Mr. Jason Fane and Mr. Jaget Sharma were
present to address questions of the Board regarding proposed additions to the Masonic
Temple. A written statement prepared in response to questions provided prior to the meeting
by CAB staff was read by Jason Fane. The transcript of this statement, provided by Fane, is
enclosed. A report and preliminary resolution, prepared by staff for the sub-committee
assigned to the project, were presented. After lengthy discussion, Gearhart moved to vote on
the resolution as written, Boyd seconded. The motion failed by a unanimous vote. A second
resolution was produced, approving of the addition of the retail pavilions as designed under
the condition that the architect follow the recommendations of the Design Review Board. The
resolution was moved by Patz, seconded by Smith. The motion carried, 5-2, in favor of the
resolution. Voting in favor of the resolution were CAB members Patz, Lieberman, Smith,
Boyd, and Gearhart. Voting against the resolution were Gillis and Hogue.
1994 Ithaca Festival Comments: Memorandum prepared by CAB staff was presented to the
Board for comment. Hogue expressed concern over the amount of grease stains in Bank
Alley. Exact requirements should be developed in the future for protecting the concrete from
vendor's grease, and strictly enforced by City and Festival staff.
Sidewalk Display and Sale of Good: Memorandum prepared by Chief Harlin McEwen
regarding sidewalk display and sale of goods was presented to the Board for consideration.
The particular issue was a permit application to the Board of Public Works from Oasis
Grocery. Although Oasis is not under the jurisdiction of CAB, and such a situation on the
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
Ithaca Commons would clearly fall under Commons Rules, it might set a precedent which
Commons merchants might try to follow.
Muscular Dystrophy Association Great Bed Race: Letter from Robyn Lupole, Program
Coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association was presented for discussion. The MDA
wish to conduct a Great Bed Race in Bank Alley on either August 5 or August 12. The
Board would like more information on the event before approval. Particular issues were: time
- lunch time would not be appropriate because of pedestrian traffic; safety - will the lane be
roped off; format - what direction would the beds race, how many beds at one time; wheels -
should be rubber and wide enough to not fall into storm grates; insurance; opinions of
adjacent me hants. Staff will follow up on these questions.
Resp.. . ,bmitted,
J;re ,y C: : I .
o,/m$ns Staff Assistant
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR ) XXR
TELEPHONE: 607-274-6546
FAX: 607-272-7348
MEMORANDUM
TO: Commons Advisory Board ,
FROM: Jeremy Callahan, Staff Assistar
RE: Muscular Dystrophy Association Bed Race on the Commons
DATE: July 1, 1994
I have spoken to Robyn Lupole, Program Coordinator, with the Muscular Dystrophy
Association concerning the planned MDA Great Bed Race planned on the Ithaca Commons
for August. The date still depends upon the preference of the Board - either August 5 or 12.
This decision should be made soon. The race format will be an obstacle course, with one
team racing a bed each race,judged by the time necessary to complete the course. The race
can begin at either the center of the Commons or the Tioga Street entrance by the clock
tower. Obstacles will be placed down the center of Bank Alley. Approximate hours for the
event are 5pm - 9pm on the Friday evening, alleviating Board concerns regarding interruption
of lunch time pedestrian traffic in Bank Alley. There will be approximately ten teams
participating. MDA is insured to $1,000,000, and Robyn will provide the necessary
Certificate of Insurance as the Commons Rules require. The wheels of the beds will be made
of rubber, slightly wider than bicycle wheels, and will not pose any harm to the surface of the
Commons, or fall into storm grate openings.
I instructed Robyn to begin contacting merchants, particularly those in Bank Alley, to inform
them of the event (and solicit sponsorships). I also told her to plan on coming to Ithaca to
get a permit pending approval by the Board. She will call Jean Deming on Tuesday, July 5,
to make these arrangements. I recommend quick approval of this event so that Robyn can
proceed with her planning.
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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 MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 1994
PRESENT: Calhoun, Gearhart, Gillis, Hogue, Lieberman, Martins, Patz, Shenk, Stark.
OTHER: B. Apgar, DII; W. Gray, DPW; Mayor Nichols; L. Tsang, Planning Dept.
EXCUSED: Boyd, Smith.
EMPIRE GAMES BEAUTIFICATION AND SIGNAGE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
APGAR AND MAYOR NICHOLS discussed the upcoming games in August of 1995. It was
suggested that the Commons Advisory Board could: assist in helping with plans to improve the
Commons plantings,redesign the fountain and participate in developing a banner/flag project that
would add color and provide directions from City gateways to the Downtown. It would be very
advantageous to have this all in place by the opening of the Games because it would do a lot to
market Ithaca to the many thousands of visitors to our City. The improvements are necessary
and would help to begin a plan for future projects that could be funded by a BID or continued
assessment.
A SUMMARY OF THE ADOPT A PLANTER AND SHADE TREE COMMITTEES'
REPORT ON THE DOWNTOWN PLANTERS was given by Deming. The off Commons
Adopt a Planter Project was well received by the Downtown Community. People offered
encouragement and some financial support but businesses really did not totally take on the full
responsibility of planting, weeding and watering the planter gardens. Monica Roth and a core
of volunteers spent a lot of time maintaining the gardens. She reported that some financial
support for purchases of flowers and a day or two's time planting the beds were reasonably
obtainable from volunteer contributions. It was recommended that watering be done by the
Commons maintenance crews. The planter beds need more soil and more nutrients, better
coordination of flower types and color, appropriate plantings for light conditions and better
pruning of shrubs and trees. Consideration should be given to using some perennials and
replacing some of the shrubs with ones that are more showy and colorful. Also several trees
need to be replaced. The assistance of a landscape architect and/or a horticulturist is necessary.
Landscape architect, Linda Tsang of the Planning Department kindly offered to help. Gray
commented that he was unfamiliar with any of the problems but would take care of them once
Linda Tsang and the Committees told him what formulas to use for the soil and what plants to
purchase.
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES, 10/7/94 continued
FUNDING THE BANNER PROJECT WAS DISCUSSED. Mayor Nichols said the City could
fund design fees, Martins said he would raise money for the purchase of the banners from the
merchants and other members of the Downtown Community. It was indicated that City crews
could install the hardware and the banners. Deming said that she would take the Banner Project
to the Art and Design Committee so that a request for proposal could be sent to the appropriate
designer.
THE REDESIGN OF THE FOUNTAIN WAS MENTIONED but the meeting had to end
before it was could be discussed.
SIGN PERMITS WERE REFERRED TO SUB-COMMITTEE.
APPLE HARVEST WRAP-UP/EVALUATION MOVED TO NEXT MONTHS.
AGENDA.
TIE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4. 1994 AT 8:30 AM.
Res // tfully sub"itted,
JanS. D. m_
Commo s Coordinator
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF
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ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR X)088K
TELEPHONE: 607-274-6546
FAX: 607-272-7348
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
November 4, 1994
PRESENT: Boyd, Gearhart, Gillis, Lieberman, Smith, Wetmore.
ABSENT: Calhoun, Martins.
EXCUSED: Hogue, Patz, Shenk, Stark.
OTHER: Peter Newell & Associates, H. Sieverding, L. Tsang.
PLANS FOR THE CITY HALL ANNEX were discussed by Peter Newell, architect and
developer of the project. He stated that it was necessary to add additional space to the building
to make the project economically feasible because the high cost of improvements for code
compliance and amenities could not be offset by income from the existing amount of rentable
space. The only way space can be gained is by a rooftop addition to the existing building.
Newell said that the addition would not be designed to match the existing building but to blend
in an appropriate manner . The addition: only slightly exceeds the building height limits for the
zone, will be set back to be less conspicuous, and will provide high rent penthouse space.
Newell assured members that any changes to the first floor and entrances would be minimal and
only as necessary for the proper function and safety of the building. The Landmarks Preservation
Commission is the lead agency for the environmental review of the proposed rehabilitation of the
building. Design review is not scheduled but approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals and
Board of Planning and Development are required. Members encouraged Newell and wished him
success with his proposal. It was recognized that the project was being properly reviewed by the
other boards.
THE DESIGNS FOR THE COMMONS PLANTERS WERE DISCUSSED by Tsang.
Members of the group were still making decisions on the specific kinds of flowers, flowering
shrubs, and trees to be selected. The plantings that needed to be removed have been noted and
replacement selections will be forthcoming in the next few months. Soil and nutrient replacement
will take place in the Spring. Tsang will continue her work with the group representing the
Shade Tree Committee, Adopt a Planter, and other interested beautification committees. Tsang
will direct all final recommendations to DPW Supt. Gray for action.
"An Fniial Onnortonity Emolover with an Affirmative Action Proaram"
CAB minutes of 11/4/94 continued
THE MASONIC TEMPLE AWNING AND SIGN PERMIT REQUEST was approved as
submitted by the owner of Europa. The first floor of the building will be occupied by the
restaurant, EUROPA, which is scheduled to open before the first of next year. The remainder
of the building will be developed by this tenant.
AN APPROVAL FOR HORSE AND WAGON RIDES ON COMMONS' BOARDER
STREETS was given to DII for the Holiday Season. Rides will load at the West End entrance
of the Commons. The permit will be issued pending review and approval by Police and BPW.
WORDING ON THE PROPOSED FOUR SPOT PARKING METERS that will be installed
by the DPW on some City streets was reviewed for comment. Suggestions were: Four spot
meter service is too confusing, clarify instructions, number instructions in step by step format.
THE APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL EVALUATION was postponed until next meeting but
LISA BOYD was thanked for doing such a terrific job with the children's programming for the
event.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 1994 AT 8:30 AM
Respectfully submitted,
J S. Demi , ordinator
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR =9
TELEPHONE: 607-274-6546
FAX: 607-272-7348
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
December 2, 1994
PRESENT: Boyd, Calhoun, Gearhart, Gillis, Hogue, Liberman, Shenk, Stark,
Wetmore.
ABSENT: Martins.
EXCUSED: Patz, Smith.
The minutes of the November 4, 1994 meeting were approved as written.
The following CAB activities were reviewed: From the Heart of Downtown, a Valentines Day
Promotion started by Common's office to inspire the Downtown merchants to do an event at this
time. DII hopefully will take over this retail event. Art Walk, Summer Concert Series, Kids
Stuff or other children's summer entertainment,Apple Harvest and Holiday Activities such as the
Gingerbread House Contest were approved to continue on the CAB's yearly event schedule.
Ideas for the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Commons are welcome. We must decide
date, type and length of event we want. An event based on community and Downtown history
received some support. Wetmore had volunteered to work on Downtown history and photos.
Boyd will Chair the committee. The celebration will take place during warm weather with the
date dependent on the completion of the History Underfoot Project.
$2,000 has been appropriated for redesign of the Commons fountain and waste/recycling
bins. Waste and recycling bins should be clustered together for maximum efficiency and use.
Extra bins should be available for all special events. Fountain should be functional or redesigned
so it can serve as a working fountain. It should be kept clean. The Art & Design Commission
will submit designs for CAB approval; suggestions are welcome.
The parking area behind the Southwest corner of the Commons has become a hazard and
Commons Advisory Board minutes 12/2194 continued
an eyesore. The abuse of pickup and delivery parking zones and kids skate boarding create traffic
and access problems. Overflowing dumpsters and litter, along with illegal dumping create an
unpleasant approach to the Commons, a fire hazard and violations of Health Department
regulations. Members of the City's various Departments are currently meeting to plan a strategy
to deal with this problem. Business and property owners will be invited to make suggestions and
serve on a special committee of the Board of Public Works. It was suggested that the City make
sure that the pavement in this area is thoroughly cleaned.
Plans for signage for Wildware, on the Commons and Europa, formerly the Masonic
Temple, were approved as submitted.
There will be no January meeting; the next meeting will be on Friday February 3. 1995 at 8:30
am.
Respectfully sub itted,
Jean S. Deming
Commons Coordinator