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Home My WebLink AboutMN-PLED-1994-06-20 PLANNING COMMITTEE June 20, 1994 Regular Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Common Council Chambers MINUTES Present: Committee Members: John Schroeder,Chair; Pam Mackesey; Roey Thorpe. Non-Voting Committee Member: Benjamin Nichols,Mayor Staff: Charles Guttman, City Attorney; Leslie Chatterton, Planner, Douglas Foster, Planner. Others: Mary Tomlan,Ithaca Landmark Preservation Committee; Joe Daley,Task Force on Traffic issues; Susan Hurwitz; press. L Report of Task Force on Traffic Issues. Joe Daley explained the purpose of the Task Force and presented the major recommendation proposed in the Task Force's report. As an initial step toward implementing the Task Force recommendation, Daley proposed that the Planning Committee adopt the Report's "guiding principles" as described on page 58 and recommendation 6 on page 13. A discussion followed between Mr. Daley and Committee members concerning various aspects of the report including speed limits, enforcement of traffic and parking regulations, and how specific streets function within the City's traffic flow system. The Committee concluded by directing staff to write a memo to the Board of Public Works asking for its response to the guiding principle statement,with the intent of having the Council adopt this statement and directing the Board of Public Works to use these principles as a guide in making future traffic flow and related decisions. II. Reaffirmation of Local Designation of Masonic Temple Mary Tomlan and Leslie Chatterton reviewed the rationale for designating the Masonic Temple a local historic landmark. The appropriate reports have been prepared by the Planning Board. Mackesey moved and Thorpe seconded a motion to reaffirm Council's decision to designate the Masonic Temple a local historic landmark. Motion passed 3-0. Planning Committee Minutes 2 June 20, 1994 Meeting III. Inlet Island Land Use Plan. Executive Session,see separate minutes. IV. N.Y.S. Canal Recreationway Master Plan. Staff explained the planning process initiated by the Canal Corporation to develop this plan. Comments from the various jurisdictions which have land within the canal system in Central New York will be coordinated by the Finger Lakes Association. The Planning Director has sent a letter to the Finger Lakes Association listing a number of city waterfront related projects for inclusion in the plan. The Planning Committee reviewed this list and concurred with the proposed projects. V. Reuse of Historic Seneca Bridge Over Cayuga Inlet. John Schroeder reported that this bridge will be removed and a new bridge installed in its place as part of the Route 96 project. Since this is one of the few good, remaining examples of a bridge produced by the Groton bridge company, reuse in another location should be explored. The Committee discussed the following alternatives: -Black Diamond Trail bikeway bridge near the Fist Ladder -connecting North and South Titus Streets as recommended in the Task Force on Traffic issues Report(p.41,#8) -connecting the linear park proposed alongside Cascadilla Creek in Northside to Dey Street Jon Meigs will request Bill Gray's assistance in further exploring these proposals. VL MPO's 1994-1995 Transportation Improvement Program. Mayor Nichols reported that the Policy Committee of the MPO has adopted a five year Transportation Improvement Program ('111)). The program calls for $78 million in traffic improvements within the MPO area, $28 million of which is for the Route 96 project. Twenty nine per cent (29%) of the total budget is for public transit related projects. All of the locally initiated projects are in the latter years of the five year period. The mayor pointed out that there is $60,000 in the TIP for Park and Ride Programs. He also stated that DoT recognizes the needs of public transportation, bicycle, and other alternate forms of transportation. There will be ongoing discussions with DoT regarding the design, bidding and construction of these projects. Planning Committee Minutes 3 June 20, 1994 Meeting John Schroeder reported to the Committee that DoT has agreed to meet with representatives from the City, Town of Ithaca, and Finger Lakes State Parks to discuss the design of the Route 13 (south) improvements. DoT has agreed to prepare a conceptual design for pedestrian and bicycle bridge and to build its abutments. Purchase and placement of the actual bridge will be a city responsibility. Schroeder will keep the Committee appraised of these discussions. VII. Small Bed and Breakfasts. Susan Hurwitz was present for this discussion. Based on previous discussions, staff research, and suggestions from the Building Commissioner, the Committee agreed to the following general guidelines for a Bed and Breakfast provisions for the Zoning Ordinance: -limit the number of rooms to 3-4 -limit the meals offered to just breakfast -property must be owner occupied -limited stay by each guest -only one sign advertising the business -parking to be provided off street -each bed and breakfast must be at least 500 feet apart -no cooking facilities in the guest room -this use will be allowed in all R zones -a definition of bed and breakfast consistent with one provided in the publication called Zoning Report,April 23, 1993,page 5 (the sixth alternative"bed and breakfast accommodation... an owner occupied...") Staff will write a concept memo presenting a draft of the Zoning Ordinance amendment. VIII. Minimum Building Height. Discussion of this topic was deferred to a future meeting. /mc C.MC/PlannComm./June20.doc