Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PARKS-1995 March 14, 1995 - Minutes of the City of Ithaca Parks Commission Present: Andy Hillman, Carol Reeves, Nina Bassuk, Scott Whitham, Linda Tsang, Rick Ferrel, JoAnn Cornish, Rick Manning, David Fernandez, Lani Peck, Margaret Hobble and Guest David Nutter of the Bicycle Advisory Council Meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. David Nutter expressed concern over the bike path where it enters the park from the suspension bridge. David stated that it was very muddy and suggested the path be better defined and possible paved. David also asked if bike racks could be placed in the park at strategic locations. Rick Ferrel and Andy Hillman said they would consider both suggestions. David extended an invitation to anyone who wanted to attend the meetings of the Bicycle Advisory Council on the third Thursday of each month, 5:30 p.m. in the 3rd floor conference room in City Hall. Chairperson Cornish read a memo from Assistant City Attorney, Pat Kennedy, concerning signage in City Parks, gorges and walk areas, to determine if users should be warned of dangerous conditions in these areas, particularly in winter. After a brief discussion, it was determined that this was really part of a larger issue concerning signage and would have to be looked at in some detail, possible by having the planning department include it in their work schedule for the coming year. Carol Reeves reported on the tennis courts in Stewart Park. saying the project would cost about$70,000 to $100,000.00. Rick Ferrel told the Parks Commission that the DPW can do the demolition work, prepare the base, place the geotextile, and bid out the rest of the work all at a considerable savings to the City. Chairperson Cornish asked for a show of hands to see how many members were in favor of spending the money and moving ahead with the project. Six members were in favor, none opposed. Cornish said she would report back to the DPW. Cornish reported that Mayor Nichols had received a request from Jack Jenson of Mutual Housing to use the Northside Park site as a staging area for phase two of the Mutual Housing project, Members were concered with the estimated time for construction, placing an erosion control barrier along the creek during construction, compaction caused by heavy equipment and how the site would be left upon completion of construction. There was some discussion of having the construction crew remove half the existing roadway along the creek n return for using the site. At this point, members of the Parks Commission moved outside to Stewart Park for a tour and discussion. The Rose Garden was the first stop. It was decided to remove the fence for use elsewhere , to remove the perennials and replant them with the other perennials near the pavillion, and to plant a few roses near the memorial boulder as a reminder of what was once the memorial garden. Concerning the entrance islands, Nina suggested a grove of trees. She volunteered, along with David Fernandez,to work with Andy Hillman in selecting an appropriate species and to complete this project by fall. It was agreed to remove the Russian Olives from the flagpole area and to find a home for them elsewhere. It was also suggested that the plant materials in the flagpole area be rearranged in a more appropriate manner. The thought is to have a work party, perhaps with citizen pruners, sometime in the fall as a one day project to accomplish this. The perennial gardens will be moved once a location for the plant materials has been decided, hopefully by the fall. The traffic circle was discussed and it was decided to plant a generous grass strip around the outside with a mass planting on the inside where the benches are located. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. City of Ithaca Parks Commission To: H. Matthys Van Cort for the Common Council Planning Committee From: JoAnn Cornish - Chair, City of Ithaca Parks Commission Date: March 30, 1995 Re: Designation of Northside Park The City of Ithaca Parks Commission, at its regular meeting on February 14, 1995, discussed at length, the boundaries of the proposed Northside Park. Several members of the Parks Commission met with residents of the Northside Neighborhood on two separate occasions (prior to the Parks Commission meeting on February 14) to discuss plans for the proposed park. Included in these discussions was the configuration of the park. Residents felt strongly that the two blocks of Lake Avenue between Adams Street and Route 13 be included in the park dedication so that this strip of land would be protected from future development. A suggested use for this linear piece of land is to provide a mixed use recreation way for use by pedestrians and bicyclists as a direct route to the Cayuga Inlet, the Golf Course and Stewart Park. These ideas were presented to the Parks Commission at their February 14 meeting and were included in the discussion. Members of the Parks Commission were unanimous in their recommendation that the land dedicated for the proposed Northside Park include the triangle on the old "Pogo Parcel" as well as the two blocks of Lake Avenue between Adams Street and Route 13. The Parks Commission appreciates the opportunity to comment on this issue. If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. cc: Mayor Ben Nichols Board of Public Works Planning and Development Board Conservation Advisory Council John Efroymson City of Ithaca Parks Commission Meeting Schedule for 1995 January 10, 1995 February 14, 1995 March 14, 1995 April 11, 1995 May 9, 1995 June 13, 1995 July 11, 1995 August 8, 1995 September 12, 1995 October 10, 1995 November 14, 1995 December 12, 1995 All meetings begin at 4:30 p.m. and are held in the 2nd Floor Conference Room in City Hall. Communications can be directed to JoAnn Cornish, Chair at 277-6740. April 11, 1995 -Minutes of the City of Ithaca Parks Commission Present: Andy Hillman, Carol Reeves, Nina Bassuk, Linda Tsang, Rick Ferrel, JoAnn Cornish, David Fernandez, Lani Peck, Graham Kerslick, Margaret Hobble, John Ulberg and guest Besty Darlington Meeting was called to order at 4:40 p.m. Besty Darlington made a presentation to the commission concerning a proposed park on the non-commercial properties near the WalMart site. Some reasons for this proposal are: to restore the wetlands, to enhance the wildlife habitat, and for the expansion of Negundo Woods, among others. Besty went on to say that much of the land is already city owned and this area is earmarked for park lands in the Town of Ithaca's Comprehensive Plan. That this is the only large piece of contiguous land that could be used for parkland left in the City. If this were to become parkland, it would be a complement to Buttermilk Falls State Park, it would be adjacent to the proposed Black Diamond Trail, that the views from the trails at Buttermilk will remain open and it contains the only channalized stream left in the city. In addition, it could serve as a gateway to the city, possibly with a tourist information booth. Besty suggested that it could be an intermunicipal park possibly with state funding. It was pointed out that flood plain forests already exists in Southwest Park and that the dollar value of Southwest Park will become an issue. Nina Bassuk stated that there are other pressing needs in the City and that we should consider this proposal carefully before recommending funding. John Ulberg stated that parks can be considered "places to be, as a relief from development, a natural area" and that this area dosen't necessarily have to be developed as a park but could just be left as open space. It was decided by the Commission to wait for a more formal proposal from the CAC before making any decisions. Chairperson brought everyone up to date on the meetings concerning Cass Park lights saying that the issue of the Women's Softball schedule had been revised to avoid having to play as many late night games but that the fall soccer and football programs have not been worked out to the satisfaction of the West Hill Residents. Cornish will continue to attend the meetings and report back to the Commission. Rick Ferrel reported that the Tennis Courts at Stewart Park would be repaired in house. The DPW decided to go with the four courts instead of the three and the courts would be shifted to avoid paving over the tree roots. Due to budgetary constraints, there will be no wind barrier and the fence will be standard chain link, not the colored mesh originally hoped for. Carol Reeves reported on the carry in carry out trash policy being considered for Cass Park. This would be in effect throughout the park except in the pavillion area. The Parks Commission agreed that this would be a good idea and asked Carol to report the decision to the DPW. Nina and David volunteered to work on the Stewart Park entrance plantings. Nina also said she would speak with those interested in the memorial garden and plantings. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. May 9 - Minutes of the City of Ithaca Parks Commission Present: JoAnn Cornish, Rick Ferrel, Andy Hillman, Rick Manning, Scott Whitham, Nina Bassuk, John Schroeder, Linda Tsang and Paul Stevenson The Parks Commission met at Wood Street Park. The recent improvements were discussed as well as the cost of the improvements. Rick Manning gave a brief overview the history of the park which prompted the changes. Safety was a major issue, espically for residents of Titus Towers. From here, members walked to the Titus Triangle which has been discussed in the past as a possible park site. Cornish reported that the street had been closed and that neighborhood residents had shown their support by presenting a petition some years ago but since then, nothing had been done. The amenities of the site were discussed. The fact that it is adjacent to Six Mile Creek is a major factor when considering this site for a park. The proposed use is for passive recreation since Wood Street Park which is more active, is only a block away. The Commission agreed to study this site further and to draw up some conceptual site plans for the DPW. Neighborhood input would also play a major role in the design. Cornish said she would look into getting the base map and that thic could possibly be a fall and winter project for the Parks Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m. There was no June meeting of the Parks Commission due to scheduling conflicts of the chair. City of Ithaca Parks Commission -Minutes June 1995 Parks Commission meeting canceled due to a scheduling conflict. July 11, 1995 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes Present: Graham Kerslick,JoAnn Comish,John Schroeder, Andy Hillman,Paul Stevenson, Linda Tsang, Rick Ferrel,David Fernandez, Scott Whitham,Margaret Hobbie,Lani Peck,Rick Manning The meeting was held at the proposed Northside Park Site on First Street. The meeting was called to order at 4:45 p.m. John Schroeder reported for Common Council that Planning and Development had decided on the substitute park land parcels in Six Mile Creek. Of primary consideration is to protect the forested land and to protect the watershed. The proposed parcels are in the NYS Legislature,the Senate and the Assembly have approved them and they are now waiting for Pataki to approve. The parcels are: Grigorov's, Baker's, Ithaca Falls and Basin, Lookout at Willard Way, Pakala Parcel, and some land in Inlet Valley for a buffer for the future Black Diamond Trail. Schroeder also reported that the road layout on the Northside Park site was not the layout that we had recommended previously. He recommended that we look into this and be sure that the road coincides with the agreed upon layout. Cornish agreed to look into this. City Forester Andy Hillman requested support from the Parks Commission for another full time tree trimmer, stating that he was not able to do all that is required with the current staffing. Members agreed that chairperson Cornish should draft a letter of support to be distributed to members of the BPW. Linda Tsang reviewed the proposed Northside park design for the Commission members. It was suggested that we involve the neighborhood residents and the police in the design implementation process. How to spend the CBDG grant money was also discussed. It was agreed that"greening" up the park was most important. This means planting trees and grass which will be about all that the grant money will pay for. It was also suggested that pressure be put on NYGEG to move the utility pole located in the road between the park and P&C. The meeting moved across the creek. A maintenance program,perhaps with Citizen Pruners,was suggested for the creek banks. Residents have voiced their concern that the vegetation be selectively maintained as it serves as a sound and visual barrier. This will be even more important as the additional Mutual Housing Units are developed. The group walked to Auburn Park. Commissioner Manning,who lives on Auburn Street,informed the Commission that the park was heavily used. It was well maintained,primarily by neighborhood residents and at times, by the Kiwanis group who uses it. The home plate was protruding and posed a tripping hazard and the bench was in need of repair. Other improvements were suggested and Rick Manning offered to monitor the park's condition and offer design suggestions. The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m. August 8, 1995 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes Present: JoAnn Cornish, Andy Hillman, Carol Reeves, The August meeting of the Parks Commission took place in Conway Park. JoAnn Cornish brought members up to date on meetings that she and Paul Stevenson had with neighborhood residents. Cornish explained that Community Police Officer Cathy Gillem had attended the first meeting and she, along with neighbors,offered some suggestions for the park. Residents agreed with the following: Remove the shrubs around the table to increase visibility,prune the trees in this area up,also to increase visibility,remove the play structure which harbors drug deals and drinking and is not used for play by area children and replace with a new play structure,grade the soccer field for better playing surface,and replace the baskets on the basketball court. Rick Ferrel and Andy Hillman had, since that meeting, removed the shrubs and play structure, pruned the trees,and plans were under way for grading the soccer field. Cornish reported that she and Stevenson were having ongoing meetings with residents to decide on the type of play structure. Work in the park is being funded by a CDBG and being administered by HUD. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. September 12, 1995 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes Present: JoAnn Cornish, Andy Hillman,Nina Bassuk, Scott Whitham, John Schroeder,Carol Reeves, Neighborhood Residents: Tracy Ferrell, Bruce Frantz Nina Bassuk and Andy Hillman explained to members of the Parks Commission that several trees in the park are in decline and that work had been done on the trees in the park earlier in the spring. Residents voiced their concerns and told members of the Parks Commission what they would like to see the done in the park. They included:plantings for seasonal color,painting the light poles, installation of a park identification sign,repair of the broken bricks at the corners,the addition of perimeter plantings,the removal of some shrubs, specifically those that are not massed but are single shrubs,more massing of other shrubs,timers on the lights,paint and repair the lids on the trash barrels, removal of the light pole in the center of the park. Tracy Ferrell reported that the issue of dog droppings in the park has greatly improved since residents have taken an active role in monitoring the situation. It was also reported that ball playing,kite flying,bike riding, skateboarding, roller blading,to name a few,were all activities that happened in the park. The park gets heavy active and passive recreational usage. It is also the site for several parade gatherings throughout the year. It was generally agreed among members and residents that the park needed to be updated and should be done with neighborhood input. In other business,Nina Bassuk reported that Parking Lot Planting Guidelines had been drafted for the City. That 100 trees were being planted around the City. Some were planned for the pool area at Cass Park and some are to be planted along Fulton Street. It was suggested that a policy for the size of trees be drafted. Perhaps the Parks Commission and Shade Tree Advisory could work on this together and come up with suggestions for tree species especially for trees under 30'to be planted under primary wires. Andy Hillman reported that plans were being made to hire a third tree trimmer. The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. City of Ithaca Parks Commission H. Matthys Van Cort Planning and Development Director City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca,New York 14850 Dear Thys, At the December 12, 1995 meeting of the Parks Commission,we were made aware of the New York State Council of the Arts grant received by the Town of Ithaca,the City of Ithaca and Cornell University. It is our understanding that this grant is to be used for the study of Cayuga Lake shoreline development. In previous discussions of the Parks Commission, the entire shoreline of Stewart Park was determined to be a high priority project. Specifically,the area between the two pavilions, (formerly the boat launch and adjoining shoreline)was identified as having the greatest need. Shoreline cleanup and restoration is a top priority. Additional plans include: building renovation, a pedestrian plaza where the parking lot currently exists, fishing access, etc. Please include this project for consideration in your deliberations as part of this grant. Members of the Parks Commission would be pleased to meet with you to further discuss this request. Sincerely, 4 y- JCS 42 h JoAnn Cornish- Chair City of Ithaca Parks Commission cc: Mayor Cohen Members-BPW City of Ithaca Parks Commission Meeting Schedule for 1996 January 9, 1996 February 13, 1996 March 12, 1996 April 9, 1996 May 14, 1996 June 11, 1996 July 9, 1996 August 13, 1996 September 10, 1996 October 8, 1996 November 12, 1996 December 10, 1996 Unless otherwise noted, the Parks Commission will meet in the Second Floor Conference Room in City Hall. City of Ithaca Parks Commission Member and Liaison Phone List Name Daytime Phone Evening Phone Fax Nina Bassuk 255-4586 277-1400 JoAnn Cornish 273-1747 277-6740 273-1704 David Fernandez 257-3000 266-0024 257-5242 Margaret Hobbie 257-0800 x34 272-1486 257-1423 Graham Kerslick 255-3552 272-0289 Rick Manning 277-1400 277-0178 277-6092 Leilani Peck 254-4314 272-2372 254-4308 Scott Whitham 255-9342 277-4526 255-8071 John Ullberg Rick Ferrel 272-1718 Andy Hillman 272-1718 387-3067 Carol Reeves 273-1524 273-1524 Heather Tait 273-8364 273-2817 Linda Tsang 274-6566 277-3428