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