HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-2016-09-14
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
City of Ithaca
Planning & Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 – 6:00 p.m.
Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street
Minutes
Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Graham Kerslick,
Ducson Nguyen, Cynthia Brock, and Josephine
Martell
Committee Members Absent: None
Other Elected Officials Attending: None
Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Department of
Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic
Development; Nels Bohn, Director, Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA); Lisa Nicholas, Senior
Planner; Jennifer Kusznir, Senior Planner;
Deborah Grunder, Executive Assistant
Others Attending: Phil Maguire and Tom Schickel, Maguire TMPUD
Application
Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
1) Call to Order/Agenda Review
No changes were made to the agenda.
2) Public Comment and Response from Committee Members
No one from the public wished to speak during the public comment.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
3) Action Items (Voting to Send on to Council)
a) Art in Glow Mural
Resolution to Select Artwork for a Mural Installation on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
Moved by Alderperson Nguyen; seconded by Alderperson B rock. Carried Unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among other
duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of
public art in the City’s public spaces, and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within
the city, while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase
their work, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several locations for future murals and street art
by resolution on May 19, 2010 and added the Cayuga Waterfront Trail to this list on September
12, 2016, and
WHEREAS, McKenzie Jones Rounds, on behalf of the Ithaca Festival, has submitted a proposal
for Art in Glow, a glow in the dark mural featuring a dandelion and the Festival slogan, to be
installed on the surface of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail as part of the PAC’s Mural and Street Art
Program, and
WHEREAS, after discussing the project with the Ithaca Festival staff, the PAC agreed that the
section of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail adjacent to the NYS DOT property would be an appropriate
location for the proposed glow in the dark mural, and
WHEREAS, the PAC held a public comment period on the mural design and location at its
meeting on August 24, 2016 to gather input on the proposed installation, and the public responses
to the proposal have been mostly positive, and
WHEREAS, the mural will be privately funded, and the installation will be budget-neutral to the
City, and
WHEREAS, while a quorum was not present for this discussion at the August 24th meeting, all
PAC members in attendance recommended that the Common Council approve the Ithaca
Festival’s 2016 Art in Glow project for installation on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council selects the Ithaca Festival’s 2016 Art in
Glow project featuring a dandelion and the Festival slogan to be installed on the portion of the
Cayuga Waterfront Trail adjacent to the NYS DOT property and to be added to the City of Ithaca’s
public art collection; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the selected artist may proceed with the installation of her mural upon the
execution of an agreement with the City as reviewed by the City Attorney.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
b) Fall Creek Block Party, Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund (NIIF)
Planning & Economic Development Committee
September 14, 2016
RESOLUTION: Request for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Funds for the Fall Creek
Neighborhood Block Party, September 2016
Moved by Alderperson Martell; Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. Passed unanimously.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council established the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive
Fund in 1995 to provide financial assistance to city residents seeking to improve the quality
of life in their neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the fund is intended to support residents' interest in community improvement and to
encourage, not replace volunteerism, and
WHEREAS, the funds are intended to be used for projects or events that provide a general neighborhood
benefit and not for the limited benefit of individuals or a select few residents, and
WHEREAS, activities specified by the Common Council as eligible for the funding include but are not
limited to neighborhood clean-ups, plantings in public places, and neighborhood events like
block parties or meetings, and
WHEREAS, neighborhood groups are required to submit a completed application specifying other
project donations, estimated volunteer hours, estimated costs to be covered by the fund and
signatures of residents in the immediate neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, to streamline the process the Common Council has delegated authority to approve
applications to the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and
WHEREAS, each neighborhood group is eligible to receive up to $300 per year as a reimbursement
award payable on the submission of original receipts or invoices for approved activities, and
WHEREAS, the City cannot reimburse residents for sales tax expenses, and
WHEREAS, on behalf of neighborhood residents, Helen Ann Yunis has submitted an application for up
to $300 in reimbursement funds to off-set expenses from the Fall Creek neighborhood’s
annual block party, and
WHEREAS, notice of the block party was circulated throughout the neighborhood via flyers and the
neighborhood listserv, and the event provided an opportunity for socializing with diverse
groups of residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee approves the funding request
from Helen Ann Yunis in an amount not to exceed $300 for reimbursement upon
presentation of original invoices and/or receipts.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
c) Restore NY Grant Resolution
Proposed Substitute Resolution
Planning & Economic Development Committee
September 14, 2016
Authorize Restore NY4 Funding Application
Moved by Alderperson Nguyen; Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Passed
unanimously.
Alderperson Brock asked about the handling of the selection. Not much information was
available for review.
Nels Bohn stated that the timeline for this project was very tight. N ine (9) projects applied.
After review only two (2) moved forward. He further stated that there is a lot of information
to review in addition to the projects. The time restraint was an issue.
Alderperson Kerslick asked Nels Bohn to explain how the sco ring was done and
determined since both properties received a very close score.
The project selected scored a little bit higher due to the number of housing units to be
included. This project also fit more favorably in the neighborhood. More state fund ing
sources were also or will be utilized.
All projects will remain on the tax rolls.
Chair Murtagh asked about any contamination on the property.
He also asked about the Harold Square project. This is a project that’s been in the
making for a long time. This project has secured funding from another funding source that
took them out of the running.
Whereas, the 2015-16 New York State budget enacted the Restore New York’s Communities
Initiative (“Restore NY4”) to revitalize urban areas and stabilize neighborhoods and authorized
the Empire State Development Corporation (“ESDC”) to implement the $50 million program,
and
Whereas, on June 20, 2016 ESDC issued a request for proposals to provide municipalities with
financial assistance for revitalization of commercial and residential properties, and
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
Whereas, the goals of the Restore NY program are to (1) revitalize urban centers, (2) induce
commercial investment, and (3) improve the local housing stock, and
Whereas, Restore NY4 funding is available only for projects involving the demolition,
deconstruction, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned or
surplus properties, and
Whereas, cities with populations under 40,000 are eligible to submit one project, which may
contain multiple properties, not to exceed a request for $500,000 in funding, and
Whereas, only projects identified in an Intent to Apply form that was due by July 13, 2016 are
eligible for possible Restore NY4 funding, and
Whereas, on June 30, 2016 the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) issued a call for proposals
and received 9 property proposals, and
Whereas, the IURA Economic Development Committee (EDC) reviewed proposals against
Restore NY4 scoring criteria and for community benefit and recommended the following two
competing candidate projects be submitted on the mandatory Intent To Apply form:
• State Street Historic Buildings Rehabilitation - rehabilitation of properties located at 129
E. State Street, 121 W. State Street and 310 W. State Street
• Seneca/Corn Street Buildings Rehabilitation – rehabilitation of properties located at 109
N. Corn Street and 413-15 W. Seneca Street, and
Whereas, on July 21st, 2016, ESDC determined that each of the two candidate projects were
eligible for Restore NY4, and
Whereas, IURA requested detailed project information from each sponsor by August 31, 2016,
and
Whereas, on September 13, 2016, the IURA Economic Development Committee recommended
selection of the following Restore NY4 application to maximize community benefit and
competiveness for funding:
(Select one)
• State Street Historic Buildings Rehabilitation project
or
• Seneca/Corn Street Buildings Rehabilitation project,
and,
Whereas, the Restore NY4 funding application is due by October 2, 2016, and
Whereas, applications must include a municipal resolution in support of the application, proof
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
that a public hearing was held on proposed application, and a site control affidavit for projects
located on non-municipally owned property, and
Whereas, the property owners have agreed to provide the full 10% required local match
contribution, so no City match funds are required; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby endorses submission of an
application for the Seneca/Corn Street Buildings Rehabilitation project for up to $500,000 in
grant funding from the Restore NY4 program, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby finds the proposed project is
consistent with the City comprehensive plan and Urban Rene wal Plan; that the proposed
financing is appropriate for the specific project; that the project facilitates effective and
efficient use of the existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic
development and preservation of community resources; and the project develops and
enhances infrastructure and/or facilities in a manner that will attract, create, and sustain
employment opportunities where applicable, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, upon advice from the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to take
all actions necessary to submit a Restore NY4 application in accordance with this resolution,
including, but not limited to, certification of the application, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to modify the proposal to address any unforeseen
feasibility issues that arise that would impact competitiveness of the application, and
RESOLVED, that, if awarded, the Mayor, upon advise from the City Attorney, is hereby
authorized to execute an agreement with ESDC, and any other documents necessary to receive
the Restore NY grant, as well as agreements with individual property owners to implement the
project, and be it further
RESOLVED, the IURA is hereby authorized to administer and implement the City’s Restore NY 4
grant award.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
4) Special Order of Business
a) Public Hearing: Maguire TMPUD Application
Prior to the public hearing, the developer provided a summary of the project. It’s a
three phase project. Moving the Ford, Lincoln, Nissan to a new location, renovate
the existing Ford location and move the Subaru dealership .
The current site named Carpenter Business Park has been an unused site for
many years due to the issues on the site namely the power lines impede any
development as well as the railroad tracks.
They have reached out and received feedback from a number of stakeholders.
DOT has been in the works.
The Farmer’s Market will benefit due to the large population in the area. Walk
ability is greater with this project.
Solar charging stations will be available to all electric cars in the City.
There is a letter of understanding with Project Growing Hope. It offers the
Community Gardens many benefits.
The design of the car dealership is not your typical car dealership. Its intent is to
present a much-needed project that provides solar energy, etc.
This project will utilize 100% of all parking available.
Alderperson Kerslick moved to open the public hearing; Alderperson Brock
seconded it.
Rene Garcia, Fifth Street. He moved to Ithaca in 1992 from Guatemala. He lives
on Cayuga Street. His concern is the life of our children being able to play without
worrying about their safety.
Randy Murphy, 312 Fourth Street, appreciates that Maguire is a local family and
business and the good that they have done for this area. He referred to a traffic
policy that was approved by Council in 2015. This project has all the requirements
of this policy.
Christopher Trudeau, 130 East Spencer Street, asked Council to vote this project
down. It is a low generator of tax revenue. The ‘green’ features suggested don’t
make this project ‘green.’
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
Joel Harlan, Newfield. He has been around for a very long time. People are afraid
of change. They are in the twilight zone. We need to improve this community. He
is in favor of this project. We just need to do this, and not listen to all the
naysayers.
David West, 225 Cleveland Avenue. This does not comply with the
Comprehensive Plan. This will never be walkable or safe to ride a bike. He
encourages the City to stop this project. Now.
Adam Rogers, 121 Parkside Gardens, a Maguire employee. He states that car
dealerships have a bad rap. He hasn’t seen any other dealership willing to do what
this dealership is. He is in favor of this project.
Fred Wilcox, 212 Second Street, read a collective message from the Northside
Community Group that this project is not needed here.
Joe David, 222 Elmira Road, owns a business in Ithaca. Over the years, he has
seen many plans come and go. If we don’t allow this project, we wi ll regret it. We
need to give this family a chance. Please consider it. I think we need it.
Lester Sowell, 721 East Shore Drive, Lives in the Town of Ithaca and is originally
from Elmira. We are fortunate to live here. Elmira businesses are closing. He
moved here for the diversity. He supports it 100% and asks that the City support it
as well.
Jaekah Chase, Fifth Street, She thanked everyone for being here to hear both
sides. She pointed out the number of existing properties in this area – Stewart
Park, Farmers Market, etc. People are not interested in going to a deli on Route 13
or charge their electric cars. Common Council should not allow an eight-acre car
dealership or an extension of Fifth Street.
Daniel Fuson, 213 Second Street, it’s not productive for all of us to be at odds.
Things are getting really bad weather wise. We do know that the planet is
declining. This is what needs to be focused on. We need to come together as a
community. We need to decrease the number of cars we use. Let’s give a much
better value on life.
Tali Fuson, 213 Second Street, emphasized that this project is a detriment to this
community. It will disrupt the neighborhood. The cotton wood trees to be removed
doesn’t make sense. She would like to see the gardens stay there, maybe an
apple orchard, and possibly a similar site like Press Bay Alley.
Diana Ozolius, 722 Cliff Street, opposes the Maguire project. The waterfront area
has just been opened up due to the creation of the waterfront trail. She is not
opposed to development, but smart development.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
Andreas Ozolius, 722 Cliff Street, Car dealerships or the empire of car dealerships
isn’t what we need. The Farmer’s Market is accessible now because people park
on Buffalo Street and walk from there.
Judy Swann, 329 Hook Place, stated she gave up driving a car four years ago. We
don’t need this project here in Ithaca.
Dan Hoffman, 415 Elm Street, spoke on behalf of the Community Gardens.
Community Gardens can currently lose their lease with the City at a moment’s
notice. The ability for the Community Gardens to stay is a good thing. He stated,
in his view, this property isn’t Waterfront property.
Roland Conover, 109 Millard Hill Road, Newfield. He is currently an assistant
manager of the Hyundai dealership. He has been given the chance to raise and
take care of his family. He completely supports this project.
James Lukasavage, 417 S. Aurora Street, Due to the topography of Ithaca, the
pollution from automobiles settles in the value. He stated the number of chemicals
from automobiles is detrimental.
Joanne Trutko, 310 Elmwood Avenue, is a customer of Maguire but also a member
of Community Gardens. She is disheartened about this project.
Andrew Miller, 318 North Plain Street. He grew up in Lansing and now lives in
downtown Ithaca. We talk about the traffic issues, but he feels the cars we speak
of are those who are leaving Ithaca to go to work because of the lack of jobs in
Ithaca.
Jasper Adams, a graduate of Ithaca College who studied environme ntal studies.
He came to Maguire with no experience in car dealership. He believes in global
warning. With this proposal Maguire is mindful of this.
Theresa Alt, 206 Eddy Street, strongly opposes this project. She urges the City to
make sure it meets all the current zoning laws.
Mayor Myrick joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Phoebe Brown, 520 Alice Miller Way, she isn’t mad at Maguire. She doesn’t drive.
She would like to see the community come together. Maguire needs to talk to the
neighborhoods that are being edged out. She would much rather see a group
debate something else.
Armin Heurich, 114 Monroe Street. A Northside neighborhood resident. There isn’t’
a single Northside resident here tonight that is in favor of this project. No one from
Maguire ever talked to these residents.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
Danite Fish, 412 Hector Street, she is able to stay in Ithaca and raise her son
because of Maguire. She currently works at Maguire and is proud of that fact.
Maguire does a lot for the community.
Kyle O’Connor, 3218 Wilkens Road, works for Maguire and states they are a
reputable employer. He has been able to raise his children, two of which went to
Ithaca College. They (Maguire) are here for the long haul. He encourages the City
to approve this project.
Stephanie Bailey, Third Street, and Angela McEnerney, 131 Hopkins Road
appreciate some of the suggestions in this project, but Maguire has other land to
develop. Although this may not be right on the waterfront it will have an effect on it.
Affordable housing is a much more of a need.
Ryan Curtis, 6340 Carmen Road, Trumansburg is proposed to this project on this
specific location.
Raul Briones, 9398 Iradell Road, works at Maguire and supports this project.
Dan Apeel, 527 Linn Street, does not support this project.
VJ, is a Farmers Market vendor and feels that this project will help the market with
their parking needs.
Alderperson Kerslick moved to close the public hearing; Alderperson Brock
seconded it. The public hearing was closed.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
5) Discussion (with possible action)
a) Maguire TMPUD Application
Chair Murtagh thanked all that came out to voice their opinion. There has also been
an incredible amount of response from the community. He was very impressed with
the amount of positive comments from Maguire employees. He further stated that
this is not about how Maguire is as an employer, but what is best for this area.
Alderperson Kerslick appreciates all the comments tonight and that were sent in. As
the way it stands now, he doesn’t think this meets the goals of the Comprehensive
Plan.
Alderperson Nguyen thanked everyone that came to voice their opinions. He
wouldn’t necessarily write off a car dealership in this area, just not one of this size.
There is a trend across the country of mixed use development.
Alderperson Brock also thanked everyone for their comments. This isn’t a yes or no
vote at this time. We have this time to work together to come up with something for
this site. She too isn’t opposed to car dealerships. She is very mindful of what car
dealerships have in a community. She does think it’s a transition to the Waterfront
Zone. It is the acres of parking that is of concern. With any other business, cars
would come and go and would not remained parked for the entire duration of the
day. The site would remain stagnant. She is willing and interested in working with
the property owner that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Alderperson Kerslick stated he isn’t against car dealerships, but this business has
changed over time.
Alderperson Brock stated that as long as the petroleum business remains at its
current location and in such close proximity of this site, she is not in favor of housing
being developed at this site.
Alderperson McGonigal reminded his colleagues that there are only three industrial
zones in Ithaca. This site is suited more for this use than housing. He stated that
this site is also in close proximity to one of the busiest highways in the county. What
he would like to see is more conversation of porous material being used.
Alderperson Nguyen stated he’s not opposed to an industrial use of this site, but
would much rather see affordable housing.
Alderperson Martell thanked all who came out to voice their opinions. Even though
the comments made by the current employees are admirable, it isn’t about that. It’s
about what is best for the site.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
Mayor Myrick stated urban development can be very complicated . He stated that he
would like to work with the property owner to come up with something that will work
well for all.
Phil Maguire thanked all for coming and voicing their opinion regardless of whether it
was in favor or against. He apologized for not contacting the Northside
Neighborhood. He further stated that when they purchased this property, it was
zoned completely different. Now it is zoned TMPUD which is very complicated. He
asked why that along Route 13 other areas are zoned differently than this particular
parcel.
Mayor Myrick left the meeting.
Chair Murtagh asked the committee what they would like to do. There has been a lot
of comment here tonight. It is a lot to take in and absorb.
Alderperson Kerslick stated he would be fine revisiting this next month.
Alderperson Brock stated she would also like to refrain from a vote tonight. It’s pretty
uncommon that a vote of this nature be made the same night as the public hearing.
Chair Murtagh stated we will revisit this next month
Alderperson Kerslick moved to table the resolution before us ; seconded by
Alderperson Brock. Carried 4-1 (Murtagh)
Alderperson Brock stated that it is the parking that concerns her most.
JoAnn Cornish stated that an analysis should be done to compare this project and
the Comprehensive Plan. Does the project reflect that of the Comprehensive Pla n?
6) Announcements, Updates, Reports
Alderperson Nguyen thanked the three staff members for attendin g the Northside
Community Group meeting.
Alderperson Kerslick thanked JoAnn Cornish for attending the Collegetown meeting.
JoAnn Cornish stated that the Commons fountain has been started and should be
done by November.
Approved at the
October 12, 2016 PEDC Meeting
7) Review and Approval of Minutes
a) August 2016
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Passed
unanimously.
8) Adjournment
Moved by Alderperson Kerslick; seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. Passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.