HomeMy WebLinkAboutSix Mile Creek Gorge Committee Information /441111111116 TOWN OF ITHACA
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Ell 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
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TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783
FAX(607)273-1704
TO: INTERESTED TOWN OF ITHACA RESIDENTS
FROM: JONATHAN KANTER, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
RE: PROPOSED SIX MILE CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 1996
Enclosed is a copy of the current draft (02/02/96) of the proposed Six Mile Creek
Valley Conservation District. This is the result of work by the Planning Committee
and Codes and Ordinances Committee over the past year-and-a-half, which included
several public information meetings and a special joint meeting of the Planning and
Codes and Ordinances Committees (held on December 6, 1995). The attached draft
reflects a consensus of those two committees, and has also incorporated comments
received from the Conservation Board and the public.
The proposal is now at a point where it is ready for review and discussion by the
Town Board as a whole. At the March 11, 1996 Town Board meeting, the agenda will
include discussion of the proposal, and the Board will consider forwarding the
proposal to the Planning Board for a recommendation, which would then involve a
public hearing. The Town Board will also be asked to provide direction on the
Conservation District boundaries, in particular, on the Coddington Road side, where
the proposed boundary would be either 200 feet or 500 feet from the western edge of
the right-of-way of the South Hill Recreationway and remainder of the former
railroad grade. The attached map (2/6/96) shows the proposed boundaries of the Six
Mile Creek Valley Conservation District, with both alternatives along the
Recreationway and railroad grade.
Also attached is a summary sheet highlighting some of the more significant aspects of
the proposal. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions regarding the
proposed Conservation District.
Attachments: Summary of Proposed Conservation District
Proposed Local Law (02/02/96)
Map of Proposed Conservation District Boundary (2/6/96)
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CONSERVATION DISTRICT
SIX MILE CREEK VALLEY
TOWN OF ITHACA
(Revised 2/6/96)
WHY: To preserve the outstanding natural features of the Six Mile Creek
Valley, including ecological importance as plant and wildlife habitat;
sensitive slopes, soils, and stream corridors; open space character and
scenic views; and water quality of public water supply.
To provide a framework to allow future development to occur with
minimal environmental impact.
WHAT: This is a proposal to amend the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance to
establish a new Conservation District. Lands affected are currently
zoned R-30 Residence District, which allows one and two-family houses
on lots of at least 30,000 square feet. (R-15 and R-9 District lands are
not included in the proposed Conservation District.)
WHERE: Six Mile Creek Valley, generally between Coddington and Slaterville
Roads and the City of Ithaca and Town of Danby and Town of Dryden
boundaries; more specifically, following the existing R-30 boundaries
and either 200 feet or 500 feet west of the right-of-way of the South Hill
Recreationway.
HOW: By regulating the permitted uses and densities and by including specific
development standards as follows:
1) Uses: Would permit mostly the same uses allowed in R-30.
2) Density: The current R-30 District requires a minimum lot size of
30,000 square feet, and depending on availability of public sewer
and/or water, may actually result in lot sizes of between 1-1/2
and 2 acres, based upon approval by the County Department of
Health.
The proposed Conservation District would require a minimum lot
size of 7 acres.
-2-
3) Clustering: The Planning Board would be authorized to require
clustering of residential units in the Conservation District (as is
now authorized for all subdivisions in R-30, R-15 and MR
Districts). Where feasible, on the southwest side of Six Mile
Creek, the Planning Board would encourage clustering of
residential units between the former railroad grade and
Coddington Road.
4) Development Standards:
- Buildings or other structures would not be permitted on slopes
25 percent or greater, on or within 100 feet of wetlands, within 50
feet of the centerline of any watercourse carrying water six
months out of the year, or within 200 feet of the 100-Year Flood
Boundary of Six Mile Creek and Reservoirs.
- Other guidelines for development include:
* Preservation of existing native vegetation where feasible
* Siting guidelines to preserve scenic vistas
* Encouraging open space linkages to preserve wildlife
habitats and biological corridors
* Preparation of stormwater management plans where
appropriate.
5) Park and Recreation Set-Asides and Fees in Lieu: Because of the
reduced density in the Conservation District, the requirements for
maintaining open space, the existing South Hill Recreationway,
and the existing and expected additional opportunities for passive
recreational activities in the Six Mile Creek Valley, it is
anticipated that in the Conservation District, normally there will
be no need for mandated parkland reservations or fees in lieu
thereof.
DRAFT
TOWN OF ITHACA
LOCAL LAW NO. OF THE YEAR 1996
A LOCAL LAW AMENDING THE TOWN OF ITHACA ZONING ORDINANCE BY
ESTABLISHING THE SLY MILE CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Be it enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Ithaca as adopted, amended and
revised effective February 26, 1968, and subsequently amended is further amended as follows:
1. ARTICLE II, SECTION 2 is amended by adding a new district in the list of districts
after the Industrial District and before the Agricultural District entitled "Six Mile Creek Valley
Conservation District"
2. A new article, entitled ARTICLE X-A SLY MILE CREEK VALLEY
CONSERVATION DISTRICT is added reading as follows:
"ARTICLE X-A
SIX MILE CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
"SECTION 50B. Purpose. It is the purpose of the Six Mile Creek Valley Conservation District
(sometimes referred to herein as the "Conservation District") to preserve the outstanding natural
features of the Six Mile Creek Valley, as described in the report, "Six Mile Creek Valley: A
Heritage to Preserve" (November 13, 1990), and in the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan
(September 21, 1993), and to provide a regulatory framework through which development can
occur with minimal environmental impact. Foremost among its natural values and ecological
importance are its diversity as a plant and wildlife habitat, its scenic views and rural character,
and its importance as an educational and recreational resource. In addition, the Six Mile Creek
Valley contains large areas of steep slopes, wetlands, highly erodible soils and the City of Ithaca
water supply, which must be taken into consideration in planning for future development.
It is a further purpose of the Six Mile Creek Conservation District to preserve existing areas of
contiguous open space, prevent unnecessary destruction of woodland areas, preserve existing and
potential agricultural land and promote appropriate development densities and flexibility of
design and development of land. Developers should be encouraged to use mechanisms to
accomplish these objectives. Such mechanisms could include enlarged buffer areas, conservation
easements, deed restrictions, and public or semi-public land dedications.
In recognition of its natural and ecological significance, much of the Six Mile Creek Valley has
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been designated by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council as a Unique
Natural Area. It is a further purpose of this Conservation District to preserve the natural
resources and scenic beauty of the area to promote tourism as an important economic benefit to
the Town of Ithaca.
SECTION 5OC. Permitted Uses. In the Six Mile Creek Valley Conservation District, no
building shall be erected or extended and no land or building or part thereof shall be used for
other than any of the following purposes:
1. A One-Family Dwelling. A one-family dwelling occupied by not more than
(a) One family, or
(b) One family plus no more than one boarder, roomer, lodger or other occupant.
2. A two-family dwelling, provided that the second dwelling unit shall not exceed 50% of
the floor area excluding the basement of the primary dwelling unit except where the
second dwelling unit is constructed entirely within the basement area, it may exceed
50%.
2a. A two-family dwelling shall be occupied by not more than two families and each
dwelling unit in a two-family dwelling shall be occupied by not more than one family.
3. Garden, nursery or farm, including a roadside stand or other structure for the display and
sale of farm or nursery products incidental to farming and as a seasonal convenience to
the owner or owners of the land. Any such stand shall be located a minimum of 25 feet
from the street line, in such a manner as to permit safe access and egress for
automobiles, and parking off the highway right-of-way.
4. Forest Management and other forest resource uses, including the harvesting of timber in
conformance with environmentally sound forestry practices, provided that logging of
more than one acre of contiguous land shall require the submission of a forest
management plan to and approval by the Planning Board. Such a plan shall include, but
not be limited to, a description of the area to be logged, what percentage of trees will
be cut, the method of cutting and removing trees, and how the land will be restored
(e.g., through reforestation, agriculture or otherwise).
5. Public water supply.
6. The following uses, but only upon receipt of special approval for same from the Planning
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Board in accordance with the procedures described below:
(a) Church or other places of worship.
(b) Public, parochial and private schools, daycare center and nursery school.
(c) Golf course, except a driving range or miniature golf course.
(d) Publicly owned park or playground, including accessory buildings and
improvements.
(e) The application for approval of any of the foregoing uses shall be made to the
Planning Board. Any required site plan shall conform to the requirements of, and be
subject to the procedures contained in Article IX. No building permit shall be issued
unless the proposed structure is in accordance with the final site plan approved by the
Planning Board.
In determining whether to grant special approval, the Planning Board shall consider the
matters set forth elsewhere in this ordinance that the Board of Appeals considers when
it reviews applications for special approvals, and in addition shall grant a special
approval for any of the above uses only if it can be demonstrated that:
(i) The proposal is consistent with the goals and objectives of the
Conservation District, as enumerated in the purpose section relating to this
District;
(ii) The proposal provides adequate measures to control stormwater runoff and
minimize erosion and sedimentation;
(iii) The project includes adequate measures to protect surface and
groundwaters from direct or indirect pollution;
(iv) Where public sewer or water systems are not available, adequate on-site
sewage disposal or water supply systems can be provided that will not adversely
impact the water quality of nearby waterbodies, streams or wetlands, and will be
adequate to serve the proposed use and any reasonably anticipated expansion
thereof; and
(v) Off-street parking facilities are adequately buffered to minimize visual and
noise impacts on surrounding areas, and are designed to minimize the increase in
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impervious surfaces on the site.
7. In the Conservation District, no non-agricultural building shall exceed thirty-eight (38)
feet in height from the lowest interior grade nor thirty-six (36) feet in height from the
lowest exterior grade, and no structure other than a building shall be erected or extended
to exceed thirty feet in height.
SECTION SOD. Accessory Uses. Permitted accessory uses in the Conservation District shall
include the following:
1. Accessory buildings customarily incidental to the above permitted uses.
2. Office of resident musician, engineer, teacher, lawyer, architect, accountant, computer
professional, or member of other recognized profession to the extent permitted and
subject to the same requirements set forth in the provisions related to these types of
offices in the sections governing Residence Districts R30.
3. Customary home occupation, such as home cooking, dressmaking, carpentry, and other
home occupations to the extent permitted and subject to the same requirements set forth
in the provisions related to these types of occupations in the sections governing Residence
Districts R30.
4. Wildlife rehabilitation operation as defined and regulated under 6 NYCRR Part 184,
provided that no noise, dust, disorder, or objectionable odor is experienced (as a result
of that use) beyond the boundary lines of the property where such use is conducted, and
that no more than 3 additional persons not residing on the premises may be employed.
5. Day care homes and group day care facilities.
6. Elder cottages upon receipt of special approval and approval of the site plan for same
pursuant to, and subject to, the provisions of Section 59B of this Ordinance.
SECTION 50E. Accessory Buildings. In the Conservation District, any non-agricultural
accessory buildings other than garages may not occupy any space other than the rear yard. The
total lot area covered by non-agricultural accessory buildings may not occupy more than 1,000
square feet of any required rear yard and shall be not less than 50 feet from any side or rear lot
line. Non-agricultural accessory buildings shall in no case exceed 15 feet in height.
SECTION 50F. Yard Regulations. In the Conservation District, yards of at least the following
dimensions are required, unless otherwise specified:
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Front Yard - Not less than the average depth of the front yards of buildings immediately
adjacent. However, the front yard shall not be less than 50 feet or need it be greater than 75
feet.
Rear Yard - Not less than 200 feet in depth.
Side Yard - Each not less than 50 feet.
SECTION 50G. Building Coverage. No nonagricultural building or buildings on a lot,
including accessory buildings, roads, driveways, parking areas, or other paved areas shall be
erected, altered, or extended to cover more than fifteen percent of the total lot area.
Projections described in Section 66 are not to be included in computing the percentage of lot
coverage.
SECTION 5011. Size and Area of Lot. Lots in the Conservation District shall meet the
following minimum requirements:
1. The minimum lot area shall be 7 acres; and
2. The minimum lot width at the street line shall be 300 feet; and
3. The minimum lot width at the maximum required front yard setback line (75 feet) shall
be 300 feet; and
4. The minimum lot depth from the highway right-of-way shall be 450 feet.
SECTION 50I. Clustering. The Planning Board is hereby authorized by the Town Board of the
Town of Ithaca to require clustering of residential units as outlined in the Town's Subdivision
Regulations, where clustering will further the purposes of the Conservation District, subject to
the following additional requirements:
1. Dwelling units in a clustered development may be, at the discretion of the planning
board, in detached, semi-detached, or attached buildings.
2. No more than four semi-detached or attached units shall be permitted to be clustered in
any one structure, nor shall that structure be more than three stories high, including the
basement or cellar. In any event, the building shall conform to the height limitations
applicable to non-agricultural buildings in the Conservation District.
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3. Where feasible, on the southwestern side of Six Mile Creek (i.e., on the Coddington
Road side of the Conservation District), dwelling units shall be clustered between the
former railroad grade and Coddington Road, in order to preserve the natural
characteristics and scenic views of the lands adjacent to Six Mile Creek and the City
Watershed properties. In such cases, the same number of dwelling units that could have
been built on that portion of the parcel between the former railroad grade and Six Mile
Creek under the above density requirements when feasible shall be transferred to the
portion of the parcel between the former railroad grade and Coddington Road. This
provision shall not apply to parcels which are situated entirely between the former
railroad grade and Six Mile Creek.
SECTION 50J. Additional Requirements and Restrictions.
1. The following activities are specifically prohibited in the Conservation District:
(a) The importation for dumping or disposal of snow or ice collected from roadways
or parking lots into or within two hundred (200) feet linear distance of any wetland or
watercourse carrying water six (6) months out of the year.
(b) The location of buildings or structures on slopes of 25 percent or greater, with
a minimum horizontal slope length of 25 feet.
2. No buildings. structures, paved areas, or storage of construction equipment or machinery
shall be located within 50 feet of the centerline of any watercourse carrying water six (6)
months out of the year, or within 200 feet of the 100-Year Flood Boundary of Six Mile
Creek and Reservoir, identified as "Zone A" on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for the
Town of Ithaca, N.Y., Panel 25, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, within the Conservation District as in effect January 1, 1996.
In the case of residential subdivisions, whether conventional or cluster, the no
disturbance zone as defined above shall be increased by up to 50% if the Planning Board
determines that such an increase is necessary to protect water quality or to minimize the
impacts of erosion and sedimentation.
No disturbance as listed above shall be located within one hundred (100) feet linear
distance of any wetland. During the subdivision or site plan approval process, where
there is evidence of a wetland, the Planning Board may require a wetland delineation
study to determine the potential impacts of development or disturbance on said wetland.
For the purposes of this section, wetlands shall mean all freshwater marshes and other
wetland types, contiguous to any point of Six Mile Creek or a stream feeding into Six
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Mile Creek.
3. No buildings, structures, or storage of construction equipment or machinery shall be
located within 100 feet of the centerline of the South Hill Recreation Way.
4. The storage and land application of manure for agricultural purposes shall follow
established U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service best management
practices. Minimum conditions for storage of solid manure are a pad of concrete and a
leachate collecting system. The manure storage system should be designed to prevent
animal waste from entering any stream or water body.
5. The following apply to vegetation and landscaping:
(a) Existing native vegetation shall be maintained to the extent practicable.
(b) When landscaping is required by the Planning Board to enhance buffer areas, to
replace existing vegetation, or otherwise, native plant materials should be used to the
extent practicable.
6. Scenic views, in particular those with viewing points from adjacent roads and from Six
Mile Creek and the Gorge, should be preserved using practices such as the following:
(a) Avoid the siting of buildings or structures on ridgelines or hilltops. Buildings
should be sited below the crest or ridgeline of hills to preserve a natural topographic and
vegetative profile.
(b) Retain existing vegetation to the extent practicable.
(c) Retain existing stone walls, fences and other features in open meadows.
(d) Regrading should blend in with the natural contours and undulations of the land.
(e) Buildings proposed to be located within significant viewing areas should be
screened and landscaped to minimize their intrusion on the character of the area.
Building materials and color schemes should harmonize with their setting and be
compatible with neighboring land uses.
(f) Where possible, buildings and structures should be located on the edges of open
fields and in wooded areas to minimize visual impacts.
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(g) Visibility of proposed buildings or structures from public trails within the Six
Mile Creek Valley should be considered so as to minimize visual intrusion on views from
the public trails.
7. Wildlife habitats and biological corridors should be preserved. Open space linkages
should be encouraged to accomplish the above. Open space and conservation easement
areas shall be designed with massing and linking as guiding principles. Open space and
conservation areas both on and off site should be as contiguous as reasonably possible.
8. Roads and driveways should follow existing contours to the extent practicable to
minimize the impact of cuts and :ills. The number of driveways accessing public streets
shall be kept to a minimum. The appropriate use of common driveways is encouraged.
9. The following shall apply to drainage:
(a) The Planning Board may require the preparation and submittal of a stormwater
management plan, to be approved by the Town Engineer, for proposed special approval
uses and for proposed subdivisions.
(b) Existing natural drainageways should be retained where possible.
(c) In cases where a retention basin will be required, a landscaping plan shall be
prepared and submitted for the Planning Board's approval. Basin landscaping materials
that enhance wildlife habitat shall be used to the extent practicable.
10. The following shall apply to lighting:
(a) Street lighting shall be provided only where site-specific safety conditions warrant.
(b) Where street lighting is required, its location, type, and intensity shall be subject
to the Planning Board's review and recommendation to the Town Board for approval.
11. Whenever a subdivision of land is proposed in the Conservation District, the Planning
Board may require that the non-buildable areas listed above, including wetlands, slopes
25 percent or greater, and streams/watercourses and setbacks, be shown on the
preliminary and final subdivision plats.
SECTION 50K. Park and Recreation Set-Asides and Fees in Lieu Thereof. Because of the
reduced density in the Conservation District, the requirements for maintaining open space, the
existing South Hill Recreationway, and the existing and expected additional opportunities for
8
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passive recreational activities in the Six Mile Creek Valley, it is anticipated that in the
Conservation District normally there will be no need for mandated parkland reservations or fees
in lieu thereof pursuant to applicable Town Law and Town of Ithaca Subdivision and Zoning
Ordinance Regulations including Section 22 of the Town's Subdivision Regulations and any
successor or related provisions."
Section 2. In the event that any portion of this law is declared invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remaining portions shall not be affected by such
declaration of invalidity.
Section 3. This law shall take effect 20 days after its adoption or the date it is filed in
the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of New York, whichever is later.
9
SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE
// ACQUISITION OF BAKER AND PAKALA PROPERTIES
By Tripp: Seconded by Fischer
WHEREAS, in 1989 Common Council passed a Resolution that provided
$200, 000 . for property acquisition, and intended to include
additional amounts during subsequent years in order to preserve the
Six Mile Creek Gorge natural area, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 6-C of the General Municipal Law of
the State of New York, Capital Reserve Fund #26 was established for
the purpose of land acquisition in the Six Mile Creek Watershed,
and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the City acquire rim and buffer
property to protect the gorge ecosystem, and
WHEREAS, several of the gorge properties are for sale, and
WHEREAS, the Baker property, bordering Route 79 on East Hill and
next to Commonland is strategically important, and
WHEREAS, the Pakala property, located on South Hill with steep
slopes and exceptional landscaping, is threatened by encroaching
development for Hudson Street, and is used by mountain bikers from
the Recreation Way, and
WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, the Conservation
Advisory Committee, and Circle Greenway, identified the Baker and
Pakala properties as two of the highest priority properties for the
City to acquire, and
WHEREAS, the City has received current appraisal of these
properties; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City proceed with immediate acquisition of the
Baker and Pakala properties .
Carried Unanimously
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
August 14, 1995
5:00 - 7 :00 p.m.
SIX MILE CREEK WILDFLOWER PRESERVE AREA OFF GILES STREET
(IF INCLEMENT WEATHER, 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL)
AGENDA
Estimated Time
5 min. - 1 . Introductions and Agenda Review
5 min. - 2 . Selection of Vice Chairperson and Secretary
5 min. - 3 . Approval of July 10, 1995 Minutes (enclosed)
30 min. - 4 . Land Acquisition and Protection
- John Schroeder, Common Council/Planning
Committee
15 min. - 5 . Memorial Benches
- See ENCLOSED Memo from Nancy Ramage
10 min. - 6 . DPW Access Road
5 min. - 7 . Trial Maintenance
30 min. - 8 . Regulations : Enforcement and Enforceability
- Camping
- Swimming and Diving
- Bike Riding
- Report on Meeting with Police Chief, et al .
15 min. - 9 . Gorge Ranger Report
10 min. - 10 . Natural Areas Commission - Comments
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, if you
expect to be absent or if you wish to change the agenda.
273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W)
cc: John Schroeder
Elissa Wolfson
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
November 30, 1995
Alan Cohen, Mayor-Elect
c/o Simeon's
224 East State Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
RE: INVITATION TO ATTEND SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING
Dear Alan:
I chair the City's Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee. At its
last meeting, the Committee discussed the upcoming change in City
administration.
The Committee extends its congratulations to you on your
election, and invites you to meet our members .
Could you attend part of our next meeting (on Monday, December
11, 1995, 5: 15 P.M. , 3rd floor City Hall Conference Room, next to
Council Chambers,.
In particular, members would like to discuss with you the
City's historical and current efforts to increase the protection of
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area from inappropriate development. We
sincerely hope that policies and efforts in this direction, which
began under the leadership of Mayor Bill Shaw and have continued
throughout the administrations of John Gutenberger and Ben Nichols,
will continue. We are ready to assist and cooperate with you in
that regard, and hope that your attendance at our meeting will be
a first step.
Please let me know whether you will be able to join us. I can
adjust the agenda according to your needs . I may be reached at
home (273-6933) or at work (273-2202) . Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely yours,
DANIEL L. HOFFMAN '
DLH/emc
cc: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 1 486
COMMON COUNCIL
M E M O R A N D U M
To: Mayor Nichols, Superintendent Gray, Asst. Superintendent
Ferrel, Conservation Advisory Council, Parks Commission,
Shade Tree Advisory Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee,
City Forester Hillman
From: John Johnson, Chair, Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
Date: June 9 , 1995
Subj : Natural Areas Commission
The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee passed the attached
Resolution recommending that a Natural Area Commission be
established. The Commission would be designed to make
recommendations regarding general policy concerning natural areas,
and provide a forum for the members to share information about the
management of our natural areas .
It will work through the DPW and report to the Board of Public
Works and Common Council.
PLEASE FORWARD ANY COMMENTS REGARDING THIS RESOLUTION TO ME.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
�I •'II� �.. I' i
7t°ORATEO_=
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
TELEPHONE: 272-1713
COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607
M E M O R A N D U M
To: John Kanter, Town of Ithaca Director of Planning
From: John Johnson, Chair, Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
Date: June 14, 1995
Subj : Proposed Conservation District for the Six Mile Creek
Valley
At its June 12, 1995 meeting, the City of Ithaca Six Mile Creek
Advisory Committee passed the attached Resolution. We hope that
you will include this recommendation as part of the district.
Future comments may follow.
Dan Hoffman of our committee will try to attend the June 19, 1995
meeting.
JJ/jch
cc : Doug Foster
City of Ithaca Planning Department
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RESOLVED, That the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee requests that
the Town of Ithaca include the undeveloped properties off Pearsall
Place as part of the Proposed Conservation District for the Six
Mile Creek Valley (i.e. that the boundary of the district follow
the Recreationway to the City/Town line) .
,ORATED_=
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
TELEPHONE: 272-1713
COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607
M E M O R A N D U M
To: Mayor Nichols
From: John Johnson, Chair, Six Mile Creek Advisory Council
Date: June 27 , 1995
Subj : Committee Appointments
Due to the delay in the creation of a Natural Areas Commission, I
hereby request that you make the following reappointments to the
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee at the July 5, 1995 Council
meeting:
Jill Tripp - Board of Public Works, Term to expire 12-31-97
Richard Fischer - Town of Ithaca CAC, Term to expire 12-31-97
Daniel Hoffman - City of Ithaca CAC, Term to expire 12-31-97
John Johnson - Common Council, Term to expire 12-31-97
Members from the Public
Marjorie Olds - Term to expire 12-31-97
Elizabeth Mulholland - Term to expire 12-31-97
I would be happy to discuss this matter further with you, if you
have any questions or concerns .
•
"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
PERSONNEUCIVIL SERVICE (607)274-6539
MEMORANDUM
TO: John Johnson
�
FROM: Valerie Saul, Personnel Administrator
DATE: November 10, 1994
RE: Search Procedure for Gorge Ranger
As a follow-up to our conversation, there are a number of options
available for recruiting a Gorge Ranger for next summer's season.
It's my understanding that the Six Mile Creek Committee's goal is to
hire local people who are interested in and committed to the Gorge.
Some possible changes to our prior recruitment methods that you may
wish to consider are as follows:
1. Hiring part-time Gorge Rangers instead of one full-time
Gorge Ranger. The advantage of this approach is that it
would allow interested local residents who are permanently
employed elsewhere in the community the opportunity to work
as a Gorge Ranger during hours scheduled around their
primary employment.
2. Use display newspaper advertising targeted at people who
use and are committed to preserving the Gorge, in addition
to classified advertising. This type of advertising is
more likely to be seen by people who don't wish to change
their permanent employment but may be interested in
secondary employment.
3 . Recruit and solicit applications from local environmental
or nature groups or clubs who use the Gorge for group or
club activities.
4. Recruit and solicit applications from staff, faculty and
graduate students from Cornell University departments that
may use the Gorge for study or research purposes.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" A
t� Recycled Paper
" w
Memo to John Johnson
Re: Search Procedure for Gorge Ranger
November 10, 1994
Page 2
The possible obstacles to employing two or more part-time staff,
instead of one full-time Gorge Ranger, are as follows:
1. The position qualifications require prior experience in
recreation or security activities, as well as First Aid and
CPR certifications, which could reduce the pool of
qualified applicants.
2. The Security Guard Act requires that all Gorge Rangers be
registered as security guards unless they are employed for
less than fifteen days in one year. The training
requirements involved in registration could reduce the pool
of applicants.
I would be happy to meet with the Six Mile Creek Committee to discuss
these recruitment strategies further. If you are aiming to fill the
position(s) in May, then January or February would be the appropriate
time to begin recruiting.
Feel free to call me if you or the Committee have any questions or
additional suggestions.
cc: Beth Mulholland
Mew VcrSI'on
4 -27- 95
RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE FORMATION OF A CITY NATURAL AREAS
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has several natural areas, and will
soon be acquiring several more by alienation or purchase, and
WHEREAS, these areas, open to the public, will require subtle and
knowledgeable management, and
WHEREAS, the skills required for natural areas management are quite
different than those required for parks, and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission already has a great deal of
responsibility overseeing our 19 maintained parks, and
WHEREAS, our natural areas as well as our parks are important
resources for our growing tourism industry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca form a Natural Areas Commission
to advise in the management of these important open spaces .
s
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p$1.1
CITY OF ITHACA
'I JAMES L. GIBBS DRIVE
ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE
YOUTH BUREAU (607)273-8364
•
To the Six Mile Creek Advisory Board,
The Outing Program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau respectfully wishes to continue to use Six Mile
Creek between 1st and 2nd dams for climbing, repelling, zip lines, and ice climbing.
The Outing Program also respectfully wishes to continue to use Six Mile Creek 3rd Dam area to
the Trillium trail, from Town of Ithaca Burns Road for map and compass study, snowshoeing,
skiing, and New Games.
a , you,
i
is,
Ric Dietrich
Youth Program Coordinator
r;kc,_4- T.43 LP-- '17-t4
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" tot Recycled Paper
12/11/95
To: The Six Mile Creek Advisory om ee
From: Peter Fortunato 1,J2� � -zr.r�v,n� 0
Subject: Motion in support of Ithaca Youth Bureau request to continue to
use the Gorge area for certain supervised activities detailed below
Whereas Ric Dietrich, Youth Program Coordinator of the City of Ithaca
Youth Bureau has presented to the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
(the Committee) in person and by letter a request to continue to use
the Gorge area between 1st and 2nd dams for climbing, repelling, zip
lines, and ice climbing, and to continue to use the 3rd dam area to the
Trillium Trail from Burns Road, Town of Ithaca, for map and compass
study, snowshoeing, skiing, and New Games on occasion and under
supervision of qualified personnel,
and whereas the Youth Bureau is a constructive presence in the Gorge area
continuing to help other City agencies in various work programs that
maintain and enhance the area,
I move that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommend to the City
of Ithaca that special authority to engage in the supervised activities
mentioned above be granted to the Youth Bureau, with the proviso that the
Committee can review such activities at any time in order to determine the
advisability of their continuation.
4CT-25-95 WED 16:44 ITHACA YOUTH BUREAU 6072732817 P. 02
1 Of
!utin r' r u's u d r ; • • 'n • what it _ • , • i is ile ee re• its watershed.
Summer-Work programs
The Youth Bureau has a long history of working with the City of Ithaca and its youth, going
back to the late 70's; bridges, old WPA projects, stream stabilization.
In the past few years the Conservation Corps which was born out of one of our Summer Work
programs in Six Mile creek has helped build the Town of Ithaca trail system from Hudson Street
to Burns Road.
Fall School Programs
Recently ropes work was conducted for a class of students from T.S.T. BOCES. Further classes,
from Dryden are also expected.
Map and compass,New Games, stream crossings canoe rescue might be held. Fall is an
important time as hunting season prohibits us from the State Forests.
Winter
Ice climbing is a favorite if we have a good winter, as well as survival classes, new games, tree
identification and walks.
Spring
Stream crossing, canoe rescue, and a variety of repelling and climbing activities.
The demand to use the area more this fall than ever, due to the work being done at the Youth
Bureau.
Zip lines, traverse, climbing repelling are done mainly in the second dam area.
New Games, and such are run in the water shed area off of Burns Rd. In the area of 2nd and 3rd
darn.
The Youth Bureau met with the 6 mile creek advisory, which passed on their recommendations
to the full DPW Board, who consulted with Circle Greenway,the City Engineer,City Attorney
and the City's insurance company. Outside consultants were brought in to review our climbing
areas and techniques.
All parties gave us favorable reviews and let us proceed with running our programs in Six Mile
Creek and its watershed.
In conclusion,the City of Ithaca's Youth Bureau Outing Program has had all of its programs and
use reviewed and accepted.
:)CT-25-95 WED 16:45 ITHACA YOUTH BUREAU 6072732817 P_ 03
At this time,we have scheduled events in the area for Fall and Winter, and we are proceeding to
run these programs at this time.
We would be happy to meet to discuss aspects of our program if you wish.
Respectfully,
Ric Dietrich, Outing
Youth Program Coordinator
t3 1)A,(2-2 tom- R,C$
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fix Mile Creek - Chan:es in Park Re:ulations
:y omm. er in econ.e. .y omm. "al er
WHEREAS, the Report of the Six Mile Creek Study Committee,
adopted by Common Council, prohibited rock climbing and.
rappelling, and
WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee has recommended
that this particular prohibited activity be changed; now, there-
fore, be it
i
4
-3- October 10, 1984
RESOLVED, That this item under, Prohibited Activities, be
changed to read as follows:
"Rock climbing and rappelling are prohibited except under
the direct supervision of the Ithaca Youth Bureau."
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
\)
Carried Unanimously
Stewart Park Policy Declaration
By Comm. Gerkin: Secoided by Comm. Nichols
WHEREAS, the Stewart Park Master Plan contains recommended
policy statements for the development and use of Stewart Park,
and
WHEREAS, this recommended policy would provide a firm foundation
for the future of Stewart Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works approves the policy
statements listed as 1 through 8 in Chapter 3, entitled "Use
and Development: Recommended Policy" in the Master Plan Report
and recommends that Common Council adopt this policy.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Supt. Dougherty summarized statements 1 through 8 for the Board.
A�r<'
WATERSHED
Chapter 320
WATERSHED
ARTICLE I
Six Mile Creek Gorge
§ 320-1. Commitment to preservation and policy on use.
§320-2. Public access.
§320-3. Public entrances and parking.
§ 320-4. Prohibited activities.
§ 320-5. Ranger.
§ 320-6. Circle Greenway Commission.
§ 320-7. Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee.
§320-8. Signage.
§ 320-9. Penalties for offenses.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca: Art. I, 5-2-1984 by resolution. Section 320-8
added at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II. Other amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Circle Greenway Commission—See Ch.22.
32001 4_25_94
§ 320-1 ITHACA CODE § 3204
Conservation Advisory Council, and subject to the
approval of the Board of Public Works.
§ 320-2. Public access.
The city hereby permits public access to the Six Mile Gorge
for walking and nature study between Aurora Street and the
sixty-foot dam only on marked paths specified for such
purposes. Access to the reservoir area above the sixty-foot dam
and the surrounding shore area shall be prohibited, except by
special permit from the Department of Public works for
scientific studies. No access shall be permitted between sunset
and sunrise.
§ 320-3. Public entrances and parking.
A. There shall be only five (5)entrances, all to be marked:
(1) Hudson Street at Renzetti Place.
(2) Giles Street at Columbia at the present stairway.
(3) Giles Street at the Indian campground (west of
bridge).
(4) Giles Street to the Van Natta's Dam Pond (east of
r bridge).
(5) Giles Street just below East State Street.
B. Public parking for gorge use shall be maintained only at
Van Natta's Darn Pond just south of the Giles Street
bridge.
§ 320-4. Prohibited activities.
The city hereby prohibits the following activities throughout
the gorge area:
A. Swimming.
B. Boating.
32004 4-25-94
§ 320-4 WATERSHED § 320-6
C. Ice skating.
D. Camping.
E. Littering.
F. Amplified sound.
G. Wood cutting.
H. Trapping.
I. Rock climbing and rappelling.
J. Hunting and shooting.
K. Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding.
L. Plant digging.
M. Flower picking.
N. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
0. Fires of any kind.
P. Skiing.
§320-5. Ranger.
The position of Six Mile Creek Gorge Ranger is hereby
established to advise users of regulations governing Six Mile
Creek and to demonstrate the city's intention of protecting such
a unique and natural area. The Ranger shall be provided with
adequate communication equipment to communicate readily
with law enforcement agencies. The Ranger will work under the
direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and will serve
as liaison with the overseeing committee and Circle Greenway.
§ 320-6. Circle Greenway Commission.
The city's Circle Greenway Commission shall continue to
maintain trails and the wildflower preserve within the gorge
and shall work closely with the Department of Public Works in
these matters. It will explore and open new trails in accordance
32005 4-25-24