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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-E&NQ-2007-04-23 Environmental Neighborhood Quality Committee April 23, 2007 Meeting called to order at 7:10 pm. Approval of February 26, 2007 meeting minutes: Motioned by Townsend — 2"d: Cogan - Carried Approval of March 26, 2007 meeting minutes: motioned by Cogan — 2nd Townsend[ Ca Tied Public Comment — None Response to the Public & Privilege to the Floor— None Additions - Emerson Transmission and TCE Contamination — Resolution: Nominations for Golden Shovel Award May 28th meeting rescheduled to Tuesday, May 29th at 7 pm. Effects of Racism in the Ithaca City School District - Discussion with ICSD reps. Superintendent Dr. Judy Pastel, Barry Durfel, Kim Fontana, Joe Wilson, Colleen Ludly &Judy Cogan. March of 2006 many local teens attended a panel discussion with this committee expressing concerns about how they are treated within their community in the following 6 areas: *School environment * Shopping on Commons *Harassment *Pyramid Mall *Equal Opportunity Employers *Police Discipline *Media. The ICSD reps. presented the following programs that are the focus for their diversity efforts including the staff Development training series with the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond. ICSD and the City of Ithaca mutually realize the need for collaboration to reach common goals. There are many agencies in our community that provide valuable resources — outside help is much needed. IHS progressing at de-escalating situations at the high school — on-going work. In progress is a student survey to allow the district to listen to the students. Communication/support from the IPD has definitely had an impact on calming many situations at the high school. How well do we support our kids especially 9th grade —Work is in progress to invest more into the 9th graders. Effective Sept. 2007 there will be 7-9 full time staff added almost exclusively for the incoming 9th graders and follow them through the school year. The 9th graders will have an Administrator, and a Social Worker. Discipline — last 3 years studied who was administering discipline. Making our decision more consistent, still not satisfied with that effort. Link Crew — a year-long program. First year has been successful — have had positive feedback from students as well as parents. Work in progress. Main idea is for upper classmen 12 - 11 graders to team up with freshman. There are 2 leaders to every 10-12 freshmen students. They help with orientation day. Take kids around campus to get to know others, welcomed, etc. Continue to look after kids throughout school year. Academic follow-up — Curriculum for program — Interactive — gives with a purpose, social activities — get to know each other, 260 freshmen attended (Cocoa& Cram) 3 hrs — another one planned before end of the year. "Revelation of Kindness" we choose from a cross selection of students to represent diverse atmosphere. Freshmen seemingly feel more comfortable academically, socially and emotionally. AVID (Advancement via Individual Development) - addresses Equity Issues — Prepare our kids for College and designed to help all students. Most students are in the middle to low income families, students of color, and probably the first student to go to college in their family. First year — 24 freshmen — Dewitt/Boynton — 3 year commitment. Most difficult classes to apply for scholarships for college. They have Home base together— have common goals— hard work, support one another. Develop to look for college stuff. What needs to be done to succeed at academics — applying to colleges — 70% improvement, in discipline and parent contact. First year executed — taking hold with students and teachers as well. Students gathered together to rent a bus to attend a college fair. Athlete's first— Partnership with IHS/IYB and GIAC — Staff of GIAC and IYB academic assistance for all kids participating in sports, meets after school and before practice. CDCR/IYB retreat for student sin 2004 to problem identification/solving. SPIRIT— Student identifying problems &working them out. Second Retreat— Upcoming before school year ends. Relying more on students to lead groups. IPD — Frequently talked to and their presence has made a big difference Surveys —Two different ones - Healthy Youth (Social Norm Survey) — Realm of risky behavior. - Survey regarding the achievement gap has been given twice and will be given again in Fall *Equity Strategic Plan — Four main concerns: Date, Curriculum, staff and community involvement. Equity report card — shares where we are across the board for student progress. Compiled yearly. Curriculum — Cohesive, Coherent Staff Development—Two components Remedying - Teacher expectation — staff development — Understanding causes of equity partnership - Community Involvement — 1) Feeder School Programs; 2) Trainings in Community; 3) Working with IYB (this Friday). Looking forward to extending out reach efforts. Work in progress to eliminate racism, classicism etc. in the schools. What we are doing: - Maintain Accountability, networking to our community - Monthly meetings open (90 minutes) to the community. 25 students are working on a DVD together, the plan is to have families get together to watch DVD to which their children are a part of, to get families together, socialize and become more familiar. - Enfield —Advocacy— 10-15 folks least connected to the school. Provide childcare, food, and provide computer access — for dialogue— idea is to spread model out to other schools. Korherr inquired as to who call when students are in the immediate area to the high school (Ward 5) fighting in the neighborhood — contact Principal Wilson and IPD. Gang violence Status — more communication as adults and setting rules - no bandanas, strengthen young peoples trust & respect. There is an Emergency plan where the Fire Dept., Bangs, IPD, Sheriff are contacted via a Red phone in the Superintendent's Office. Mayor Peterson stated that 180 students from Government classes at IHS attended a training — City Clerk/Department Heads planned visits from students. A learning experience for all the kids who participated —very engaged, questions were great and overall very successful. Time this evening has become short but agreed that the discussion be continued with 1 or 2 ICSD Reps, in a less formal setting. Contact will be made by Korherr to ICSD to schedule a meeting. Emerson/Borg Warner—TCE in homes in the South hill area — since 2004 no effort has been made to address the many concerns home owners have. Emerson needs to be pressured more to clean up the TCE they have been since they are responsible for dumping. Remediation is not happening, Currently there are about 22 houses impacted, public health is at risk because of the TCE levels. The homeowners presenting this information will get more detailed information to the Mayor and she will move forward with her contacts that can direct us as to how we can get Emerson to respond. In addition, Maurice Hinchey and Barbara Lifton should be involved as well. This topic will be placed on next months agenda. Golden Shovel Award — awarded yearly in April — Resolution (attached) —Townsend moved, 2nd Cogan — carried unanimously. Yes — Council members can nominate for this award. The Mayor awards the Golden Shovel Award at the Common Council Meeting. Updates — Reality check heading to Washington D.C. — Pedestrian Awareness Committee will be present at next months meeting. Cogan moved to adjourn meeting, Berry 2nd — meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Resolution — IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOLDEN SHOVEL AWARD WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is dedicated to heighten pedestrian awareness and safety through the creation of the Pedestrian Awareness Committee (PAC), and WHEREAS, the PAC has drafted recommendations for Common Council that provide steps to make Ithaca pedestrian_friendly_throughout.the.year, and_ WHEREAS, among other actions taken, Common Council has tightened the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance section on snow removal to insure that snow is removed from sidewalks and curb-cuts within 24 hours after the beginning of snowfall, and WHEREAS, in addition to the responsibility of the property owner, reports of"neighbors helping neighbors" have been received by members of Common Council, including reports of snow removal for disabled persons needing access for medical providers, for removal by young persons wanting to lend a hand, for block competitions among residents for snow removal of multiple properties, and WHEREAS, these individuals represent the caring citizens that make Ithaca a small City of choice nationally and have improved access for disabled citizens, and their civic efforts must be publicly acknowledged and rewarded, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that Common Council endorses the PAC recommendation for a Golden Shovel Award and directs Neighborhood Planning staff to implement the annual award by disseminating the annual award announcement to all neighborhood association listserves and the media by April 1st of each year, and be it further RESOLVED, that the criteria for nomination includes any City resident/s who has/have improved pedestrian access in the winter months by removing snow and ice on their own sidewalk or property, or the property of others, and be it further RESOLVED, that nominations are to be reviewed and coordinated by the City standing committee empowered with neighborhood programming so that the selected nominees will be presented with their award at the beginning of the May Common Council meeting, and be it further RESOLVED, that the number of awards is evaluated each year based on prior years, and evaluation occurs prior to dissemination by Planning Department staff. Print View Page 1 of 1 � a From: "David W. Henderson" <dwh2@cornell.edu> To: <rkorherr@cityofithaca.org> Date: Monday - April 16, 2007 1:26 PM Subject: crosswalk resolution Robin Here is the BPAC resolution of 11 Dec 2003. The list includes: (notice which is first!) 1. Campus @ Stewart. 2. State @ Quarry (on the East side of Quarry). 3. State @ Mitchell (at stop bar for westbound 79 traffic). 4. Prospect/Turner/East Spencer/Clinton intersection (a: Across Prospect along East side of intersection; b: Across Clinton in front of police station). 5. Hudson @ Prospect (South side of Prospect). 6. Elm Street @ ACS Stairs. 7. Stewart near Edgemoor (at the North end of the Cascadilla bridge). 8. Floral @ Elm (South side of Elm). 9. Buffalo Street along the South-side of Washington Park. 10. North Cayuga Street @ Cascadilla and Farm Streets. As far as I know the progress is as follows: 1. not done 2 & 3. in design phase 4. b. is done; a. is not done 5. not done 6. done 7. not done 8. ?? 9. done 10. done So of the 10: 3-1/2 are not done with another 1 with question marks; 2 are in the design phase, 3-1/2 are done. David Print View Page 1 of 1 From: "David W. Henderson" <dwh2@cornell.edu> To: "Robin Korherr" <rkorherr@cityofithaca.org> Date: Tuesday - April 17, 2007 1:22 PM Subject: Re: crosswalk resolution Robin Thanks, Robin. This will be helpful. I (and PAC) also recommend that CC (and Mayor) consider fulfilling (and/or modifying) the recommendations in Section I (Policy/Organization) of the PAC Final Report. I am sure that some of this has been done but PAC does not know what. For example, some city staff have reported needing more direction (and mandates) from CC and the Mayor in regards to what they should put priority attention. Another, as we discussed on the phone, is get a person to coordinate pedestrian issues in they city, see recommendation I.A.4. We can discuss this more at the 2AMay meeting David At 08:20 AM 4/17/2007, you wrote: >Thank you David. This is my next action step toward a walkable community. Report of the Page 1 of 9 Report of the Pedestrian Awareness Committee Meeting 5 April 2007 Prepared by David W. Henderson Introduction: The Pedestrian Awareness Committee(PAC)was appointed by Mayor Carolyn Pederson on 5 January,2005,and"charged to examine the problem areas in our community regarding at risk areas for pedestrians,exemplary and poor pedestrian actions,understanding pedestrian and driver rights and responsibilities,how to educate the public,infrastructure condition, and police enforcement."In this context(and in agreement with NYS law)`Pedestrians"include`persons in wheel chairs and strollers'. The PAC submitted its final report on 30 June 2005 to the Mayor and Common Council.The final sentence of the Introduction to this report reads: "We call on the Mayor to reconvene this committee in June 2006 for the purpose of evaluating the progress on the recommendations in this report." After some discussions this reconvening did not happen until: On 18 March 2007,the Mayor send the following message: Dear David(and PAC members), I regret that I had to miss the committee meeting where progress regarding PAC recommendations occurred. As a followup,I request that you reconvene the Pedestrian Access Committee to look into which of the 100+PAC recommendations have been followed and to recommend prioritized next steps. One of the major decisions will be when to recommend the start of an extensive education/enforcement campaign that is recommended by the PAC final report. I authorize all city staff who are members of PAC to meet as part of their city responsibilities. In addition,I will direct the Building Department and the City Clerk's office to appoint a staff member to join PAC at this time,or,at a minimum,attend as needed for the progress of your agenda. Sincerely, Carolyn Peterson Mayor-City of Ithaca The first reconvened meeting of the PAC was held on 5 April 2007 in Common Council Chambers. The following people were present: Chair,David Henderson: citizen,formerly Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council(BPAC) Laura Boyd: citizen,formerly:Cornell Dept.of Campus Life,Collegetown Neighborhood Council Lois Chaplin: Bicycle Safety Specialist,Cornell University Jennifer Dotson: Board of Public Works(BPW),Planning Board,BPAC David McElraith: Disability Advisory Council(DAC),BPAC Tom West: engineer,Department of Public Works(DPW) Doug Wright: Sergeant,IPD Report of the Page 2 of 9 Julie Holcomb(City Clerk) Kent Johnson(technician,Department of Public Work) This is a report of that meeting. The format is some general comments and then specific comments on specific recommendation in the PAC Final Report.Added comments will be in bold and 12 point type with the excerpts from the Final Report in 10 point type. General Comments: The group went through the recommendations of the PAC Final Report and discussed what has happened,what needs to happen,and what fii they information is needed. Comments on specific recommendations are inserted below. We found that we needed more input from the Mayor,Common Council,Building Department, and the Planning and Development Department. We will solicit this input from the entities involved and request that representatives attend our next meeting. We felt that it did not make sense to meet again unless we can have these representatives participating. Without endorsement and attention from all parts of the City of Ithaca government,many of the PAC recommendations will be useless. In particular we need comments and attention about the following PAC recommendations. The people at the meeting were not aware of actions in line with the recommendations or modification thereof or aware of decisions and policies that have been or soon will be put in place. Common Council and Mayor: PAC Recommendations: I.A.1-4; I.B.1-5, and I.D.1 (see below). Some city staff reported that they need guidance and directives (and in many cases, funding) from Common Council and the Mayor concerning what recommendations they should attempt to follow(or modify)and put staff resources into. Planning and Development Department: PAC Recommendations: I.C.1-5,II.G.1-4 Building Department: PAC Recommendations: I.C.1,3,4; II.D.1; IV.E.1-8 Coordinated Education and Enforcement: We recommend that a small working group be appointed (by the Mayor and Common Council) to coordinate this effort. This effort will need to be funded. There are state funds available but requests for these funds must go through the Tompkins County Traffic Safety Board (TCSB) and must be submitted to the state by May 15. (See Recommendation III.D.1 below.) Therefore, this must get urgent attention. Specific comments on the PAC recommendations below: Sec I. Policy/Organization I.A.Situation: Decision makers often seem unclear about what priority the City puts on walkability and pedestrian safety (and speck steps to support these goals). PAC Recommends: 1. Include/add a clear commitment to walkability and/or pedestrian safety in City guiding documents(for example, Report of the Page 3 of 9 comprehensive plan,mission statement,etc.)to back up decisions that improve our pedestrian facilities.Use phrasing such as the following: "The City of Ithaca recognizes bicycling and walking(including wheelchairs and strollers)are valuable,important and desirable modes of travel for transportation,recreation,health and wellness." {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} 2. The Mayor and Common Council affirms that bicycling and walking(including wheelchairs and strollers)issues have high priority in the City of Ithaca and that this commitment be expected of all department heads and to be a part of performance reviews at all levels from department heads on down. We should ask the mayor to make this a criterion of performance expectations,assessment and evaluation of department heads and then in turn for staff in their departments. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} 3. The City should have staff time earmarked specifically for working on bicycle and pedestrian issues. The mayor should direct each department concerned(DPW,BD,IPD,PDD)to contribute to pedestrian and bicycle issues 10 hours of staff time per week. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor.This is being done in some departments (such as DPW and City Clerk)but is apparently not institutionalized.} 4. Establish a City Pedestrian(and Bicycle)Program Coordinator staff position.Secure ongoing,durable funding for this position.PAC sees this position as the primary liaison between the walking public and BPAC and city agencies, boards,and departments,and possibly director or coordinator of other projects significantly affecting pedestrians(and bicyclists)in the City(including the community-wide public awareness campaign recommended under"Education"). Investigate the possibility of such a position being in the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council,our Metropolitan Planning Organization. (Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} I.B.Situation: The current system for dealing with pedestrian and bicycling concerns is cumbersome and confusing,both for the public to report concerns,and for the City to smoothly resolve(or address)concerns in a coordinated way.Many pedestrians and bicyclists become discouraged and stop attempting to report concerns,or,even worse,stop walking and bicycling. PAC recommends: 1. Streamline,consolidate,and/or reorganize various departmental responsibilities for sidewalks,crosswalks,and other pedestrian ways(such as paths and bridges)to ensure the best possible system of pedestrian facilities.Include in this streamlining snow,ice,and shrub clearing enforcement,as well as other PAC recommendations. (Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor. We know that some work has been done on this but we do not know what.} 2. Make public(on the web and otherwise)a list of what department(or staff person)is responsible for each aspect of pedestrian issues(for example,who in the city is responsible for hedges on private property that block sidewalks or pedestrian/vehicle visibility?).Include public contact information. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} 3. Set up a central"Pedestrian Hotline"(and web page,if possible)to receive and sort concerns to the appropriate staff member or department,and minimize confusion for the public. Report of the Page 4 of 9 {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} 4. Maintain a public log of reported and inspected problems on sidewalk,crosswalk,and other pedestrian facilities. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} 5. Establish an intern position based in the Mayor's office to support BPAC,DAC,and city staff with pedestrian and bicycle related issues. The intern would prepare reports,web-research of documents and campaigns from other cities, write minutes,and so forth. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor} I.C.Situation: Existing zoning and design guidelines produce inconsistent pedestrian facilities. PAC recommends: 1. Institutionalize the inclusion of DAC and BPAC in(particularly DPW,PDD,BD,IPD)decisions affecting pedestrians,at the point(s)in the decision process when their recommendations are most effective.The advisory council should be invited to respond to proposals and designs(such as site plan reviews,and engineering designs)and to be included in related discussions in recognition of their city designated role as"advisory councils".The advisory councils will not be able to respond to all invitations but the opportunity to do so should be presented. {See the appendix for a letter of endorsement of this recommendation from the BPAC} {The inclusion of DAC and BPAC is happening in DPW and PDD,but even there it is not institutionalized in way that makes it ongoing is there is a turn-over of people. It is not clear what is happening in BD and IPD.} 2. Procedures should be instituted for the consideration of speck request for new or improved pedestrian facilities (such as crosswalks,sidewalks,and pedestrian signals).These procedures should include significant input of the public through DAC and BPAC. {Needs comments and attention from CC and Mayor and probably joint action by DPW and PDD.} 3. All site plan reviews should be require that the installation of all traffic and pedestrian facilities are in accord with MUTCD and ADA guidelines and city codes(so that they will be enforceable)that would applicable if the facilities were in the public right-of-way. There should also be instituted a program for inspections(by BD,BPW,PDD,or outside inspector)to insure compliance with these requirements. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor and probably joint action by PDD and BD.} 4. Create easy-to-use checklist(s)for pedestrian and bicycling facilities for Building Department and Planning and Development Department staff and board members to use in approving building permits and site plans and in issuing certificates of compliance. {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor and probably joint action by PDD and BD.} 5. Evaluate land use policy to insure that traffic generators(shopping centers,stores,residential clusters)provide adequate pedestrian facilities(sidewalks,crosswalks between storefronts and parking lots). Report of the Page 5 of 9 {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor and probably action by PDD.} I.D.Situation: Adults frequently use wheeled vehicles on City sidewalks,in violation of current law. The public is not aware of relevant safety issues, and it's not clear that City code is appropriate in this instance. The current city code reads: §137-1.No person shall ride,drive or operate a bicycle along any public sidewalk or footpath intended for the use of pedestrians. This provision shall not apply to children 10 years of age or under nor to anyone who,because of a disability,requires the use of a bicycle as a means of transportation or mobility. PAC Recommends: 1. Put high priority on the further investigation(including input from pedestrians,bicyclists,BPAC,DAC,and IPD)of this issue and recommend action including public awareness efforts and/or code changes to insure the safety of sidewalk uses and bicyclists.A compilation of resources and data on this issue can be found at hftp://www.bike.cornell.edu/pdf%20files/Sidewalk—biking_FAQ.pdf {Need comments and attention from CC and Mayor. The current city code has been updated so that this code is now enforceable,but there is considerable opinion that the code should be modified but no consensus as to how.} Sec H. Engineering/Facilities Situation: Pedestrians frequently encounter hazards(incomplete pedestrian facilities and obstacles)in traveling around the city on foot or by wheelchair. Recent City budgets have not allowed the City to undertake(or facilitate)thorough upgrading of all pedestrian facilities on all roadways throughout the City. ILA.Situation: The city is currently without a traffic engineer and there is a perception that decisions of the traffic engineer were mainly focused on issues from the point-of-views of the motorists PAC recommends: {All these recommendations have been implemented.} 1. The new traffic engineer position should focus on all transportation modes: bicycles,walkers,wheelchairs,buses, strollers,roller blades,cars,and taxis. 2. The city looks to the possibility of reorganizing and pooling internal human resources,including the involvement of sharing expertise between DPW and PDD.The idea is to integrate responsibility for trails,bicycle lanes,public transit,sidewalks,and land-use with responsibilities for motor traffic. 3. The city should do whatever it takes to hire a traffic engineer who is appropriate for the recommended position above. 4. A technician can be hired(or assigned)to do some of the routine duties related to traffic such as laying out crosswalk for striping and performing traffic counts that have,in the past,been done by the traffic engineer. H.B.Situation: Side walk repair and new construction: 1. II.B.1-2 {have been responded to by the new Sidewalk Program which is in the direction recommended by PAC but with considerable different details. The details of this new program are still being worked out.} 2. 3. Need walking facilities to the SW development,Elmira Road,Floral Avenue.Force owners(under the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement)to install sidewalks where they do not exist. {This is in process of being implemented essentially as recommended.} Report of the Page 6 of 9 R.C.Situation: Pedestrians(not crossing against a traffic/pedestrian signal)have the right of way in all marked crosswalks and at all intersections(whether marked or un-marked).However, most people(pedestrians and drivers)are confused as to where the legal crosswalk exists.A addition, without clear markings it is difficult to ticket and prosecute violations. PAC Recommend: 1. Where there is high vehicular traffic and/or high pedestrian traffic(such as state highways in the city)at an uncontrolled(no stop sign or traffic lights)leg of an intersection,designate the safest crossing location with markings and"Yield to Pedestrian"signs.Where needed also install signs for pedestrians reading"Watch for Turning Cars". Note that some intersections are controlled from one direction but not from other directions(for example,State at Mitchell). (Work on this and I .C.2 is progressing because of attention from the new tgraffic engineer and because of the ji ib description of the new technician who coordinates the stripping/signage crew and the engineering staff.) 2. Since resources are limited,prioritize the locations that need marked and/or signed crosswalks giving highest priority for marking and signing to uncontrolled intersections in H.C.l and school zones and lowest priority to controlled low- volume intersections.Also,solicit and use the advice from the city advisory boards,BPAC and DAC,for general guidelines and for priorit3 locations. (Again,this is being coordinated by the new technician.) H.D.Situation: There is a general problem that many sidewalks are not clear promptly of snow, ice, leaves, and over- hanging branches as is required by City Code. {See Situation IV.E for the enforcement aspects of this issue.} PAC Recommend: 1. Clearing of sidewalks remain the responsibility of the property owner as is now the case,but that enforcement must be changed from the current practices to be more strict(see IV.E.I below). {Need comments an attention from the Building Department—what actually happened last winter? There was i report that there was a 2-week lag between the time of a complaint and the dispatching of D PW crews. It was also reported that there were calls for the DPW to clear sidewalks (at 1 iroperty-owner expense). We need comments and attention from the Building Department on the details in IV.E.1-8.1 2. Institutionalize"model behavior"by City staff in maintenance of City-owned sidewalks,pedestrian bridges,bus stops, and curb cuts bye tablishing performance goals and criteria that include this maintenance. {This seems to be evolving effectively. Question: How is the coordination between BD and DPW working on this matter from the point of view of BD?} 3. To do more and better jo of striping,clearing snow,the Streets Department needs more person-power(most important)and some mo a equipment. Set more realistic expectation for the public(that every thing can not be done at once and needs to be F rioritized). {This has happened in the case of the sidewalk program. What is the current situation overall in the Streets Department?) 4. Establish system for positive reinforcement of businesses and others(like a"Golden Shovel Award")for exemplary jobs of keeping sidewalks and curb cuts clear. Report of the Page 7 of 9 {This is being implemented this month by the Environment and Neighborhood Quality Committee of CC.) H.E.Situation:Recently installed pedestrian signals(and many older signals)seem to unnecessarily hinder pedestrian traffic and do not(in most cases)give the pedestrian any advantage especially against turning motorized traffic.. PAC Recommends: 1. When the pedestrian signals are activated by a push-button:The"walk"P'flashing hand"phases should prohibit any conflicting motor traffic across the crosswalk. {Many of the push-buttons have been removed where not necessary. The remaining push buttons are necessary for various reasons (not merely to prohibit conflicting traffic) for example when pedestrian action is needed to trigger the signal cycle.) 2. Traffic signals with pedestrian signals shall be phased and timed to provide clear and safe directions to pedestrians and motorists. Where appropriate in the opinion of the Traffic Engineer and consistent with MUTCD and ADA, "advanced walk"shall be used and the combined"walk"P'flashing hand"phases should last until the end of the "green phase"of the traffic signal in the same direction.These are generally in accord with the latest MUTCD and ADA recommendations.The goal of the"head start"for pedestrians is to allow pedestrian to occupy the crosswalk before there is turning traffic- {Advanced walk has been implemented on Elmira Road and elsewhere. Lengthening(as recommended) the timing of pedestrian signals is being accomplished except for those signals controlled by the state.) H.F.Situation:Design standards appear to be haphazardly applied. PAC Recommends: 1. Develop easy-to-use guidelines and/or checklists for the following situations(and others?).(Update these guidelines/checklists as other recommendations are implemented.) a. Work zones(on both public and private property) b. Traffic signals C. Crosswalk striping d. Curb cuts and skirts e. Sidewalk repairs(both City-owned and private) f. New sidewalk construction(both City-owned and private) {These have been developed by the DPW with help from the new traffic engineer and technician and the new sidewalk program.) 2. Establish attainable(and,also,ideal)standards for"complete streets"for pedestrian(and bicyclist)use, applicable to all roadways in the City system. Resource:"complete streets"website,others? {This has not yet been implemented.) II.G.Situation: We do not have the f nancial resources to do everything—There is a need for long-term(S year, 10 year) plans for pedestrian facilities. PAC Recommends: Report of the Page 8 of 9 {Some planning and prioritizing has been done on this but not long-term plans. This needs joint action by DPW and PDD.} 1. Develop a mapped network of priority"PARS"(pedestrian accessibility routes).Incorporate into City comprehensive plan.The goal would be to have every neighborhood connected to every school,shopping cluster,business center, and park by a PAR. The PARS would have high priority in terms of maintenance and facility improvements. 2. Further improve crosswalks and intersections for pedestrians,and plan for larger intersection and crosswalk improvements,based on existing BPAC recommendations for general guidelines and for priority locations.Regularly update a plan for ongoing intersection improvements. 3. Implement"complete streets"(at least to attainable standards,and where possible,to ideal standards)on all City roadways.Place first priority on improvements to PARS. 4. Establish a system for updating mapped PAR network regularly. Sec III.Education M.A.Situation: The public is not aware of their rights and responsibilities as motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. This decreases pedestrian(and bicycling)safety, and makes enforcement of laws more difficult. PAC Recommends: 1. Devise and carry out an ongoing and comprehensive educational campaign for motorists,bicyclists,and pedestrians as to their respective rights and responsibilities to insure the safety,attractiveness,and convenience of walking in the City. {An IC class prepared an educational campaign as a class project. The City Clerk's office has been taking this product and modifying it(where necessary)to fit the current on-going situations. There are currently implemented(or being implemented) brochures on bicycle and pedestrian safety,public service announcements (some in multiple languages). Pedestrian and bicycle safety tables targeted at young people have been set up at the Ithaca Festival. The walkability and the large number of walking commuters in Ithaca has been advertised. This campaign needs more resources and attention from the Common Council and the Mayor in order to expand and continue,especially when combined with a coordinated targeted enforcement campaign.} {We did not have time to discuss in detail the remaining recommendations but agreed that there should be a small group appointed and supported by Common Council and the Mayor to plan and implement a coordinated and on-going education/enforcement campaign. Such a campaign needs to be strongly endorsed by Common Council and the Mayor and it will need person and financial resources.} [Of urgent time importance now is the recommendation for state sources of finding—the state deadline is May 15 and all requests must be channeled through the Tompkins County Traffic Safety Board(TCSB). M.D. Situation:An education campaign can be expensive, but there are possible sources of support. PAC Recommends: 1. Apply for state funds—must go through the Tompkins County Traffic Safety Board(TCSB).The TCSB is a once-a- year group that meets to allocate moneys from the Governor's Traffic Safety Fund.TCSB consists of the County's Public Safety Committee plus representatives from several police agencies.Last year,the Sheriff took responsibility for packaging up everyone's requests.The person in county government who keeps track of this is Joan Jurkawich in the Planning Department,<Jurkowich@tompkins-co.org>.She confirmed that the best channel for applying is to Report of the Page 9 of 9 work with IPD as the police agencies usually take the lead in applying for these funds,although the Mayor's Office would also be an option. 05/18/2007 01:17 6072778691 ITHACA DOWNTOWN PART PAGE 02 e COMNQ'><'MENT TO D]iVER51TY Goals: Increase the number of minority owned and operated businesses. Increase minority representation and diversity on downtown boards and committees. Increase the number of youth and seniors working collaboratively for the good of downtown. Statements of Policy: Downtown is everybody's neighborhood Downtown is a celebration of diversity.Downtown's strength and uniqueness is derived from its ability to serve people of all races,, creeds, ages, incomes and orientations. All people are welcome do*ntown,both in public spaces and in places of business. Everyone should feel at ease and.welcome in downtown. Everybody is entitled to a dow7nown environment that is respectful of both individual dignity and quality of life. Downtown should be sensitive to age diversity. All ages should feel welcome downtown- Tasks/Action Items: Pro-actively seek out minority businesses and entrepreneurs. Pro-actively seek out minority candidates for boards and committees. Accept zero tolerance for disrespect of the goals and policies listed above. *Hold type indicates new additions to the downtown strategy. '4: TO: Mary Tomlan, Chairperson Planning and Economic Development Committee FROM: Daniel L. Hoffman, City Attorney DATE: April 12,2007 RE: Proposal for Remediation &Redevelopment of Former Ithaca Gun Site BACKGROUND: Since the closure of the Ithaca Gun Company factory, on Lake Street, in the mid-1980s, the former factory buildings (on the north side of the street) have remained vacant and abandoned. The structural deterioration of the buildings is obvious(and in sharp contrast to the surrounding residential neighborhood). In the late 1980s, it was confirmed that the Gun Company operations had left a legacy of extensive contamination of land in the vicinity of the buildings,caused by discarded lead shot and other pollutants. State Street Associates, LLC., acquired the Ithaca Gun site in 1988, and subsequently developed the Gun Hill apartment complex on the south side of Lake Street(and new parking lots on the south side,below the factory- buildings). In 1999, the City of Ithaca acquired title to land in the vicinity of Ithaca Falls that had been owned by Cornell and others(as "substitute parkland" for parkland.on Inlet Island). Parts of this property were known to be contaminated; the City's intention was to secure State and Federal assistance for a comprehensive clean-up, and to maintain the remediated area as a public park/natural area. The City's Natural Areas Commission studied the newly-acquired parkland, and recommended that the City also acquire the so-called "Island"area(between the old raceway and the Fall Creek gorge)which was then still owned by State Street Associates. Control of this area,which includes a spectacular overlook of Ithaca Falls,was seen as essential in protecting the character of the adjacent natural area and in creating the possibility of continuous public access between the lower and upper parts of the City-owned parkland. A multi-year Superfimd clean-up (reported to have cost$4.8 million)was carried out by the US Environmental Protection Agency, starting in 2001, largely(but not entirely) on City-owned land. According to various agreements executed at the time,the owner of the former Ithaca Gun Company site was to carry out a"voluntary" clean-up of the buildings, under the supervision of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, in the same time frame. For reasons that are still not completely clear, the EPA clean-up was halted at several locations near the boundaries of the City-owned land, and the unremediated areas (which tend to be on steep hillsides) were covered with plastic tarps. Furthermore, the voluntary clean-up of the privately-owned factory site did not occur. 4. FCR would agree to pay the 10%local match for the ERP program. 5. The City would agree to submit a new RestoreNY grant application, for the next funding round (anticipated to begin within the next few months)to assist with the cost of demolition of the Ithaca Gun buildings, asbestos abatement,remediation of the building sites,private redevelopment of the property and public access improvements. 6. FCR would commit to finalize the terms of its own voluntary clean-up program,by satisfying all DEC requirements. 7. FCR would agree to commence building demolition and remediation within a specified time(10 days?) of award of the RestoreNY grant. 8. FCR would agree to undertake the redevelopment project, and to seek all necessary approvals, within a specified time frame. Attached are conceptual drawings of potential redevelopment of the site for mixed use—condominiums and offices—produced by FCR's architect. The actual design is subject to change, pending FCR's selection of a lead developer, and is subject to any required approvals, e.g., variances and site plan. 9. FCR would agree that its property will remain taxable for at least 10 years from completion. ISSUES: If this concept is agreeable, there are still some specific issues to be worked out,including the following: (a) Exactly where should the boundary between lands to be deeded to the City and lands to be retained by FCR be drawn? DEC suggests that placing the boundary in the middle of the raceway might simplify certain clean-up issues. FCR prefers to place the boundary to the south of the raceway. (b) Related to the previous issue is the question of the fate of the tall brick"Ithaca Gun" smokestack (and the boiler house at its base). Many have called for its preservation as a neighborhood landmark(and what would be the lone, intact reminder of the area's industrial history), but FCR does not want the financial responsibility associated with maintaining it. FCR would be willing to include the smokestack and boiler house in the land to be conveyed to the City. The idea of renovating the boiler house as some kind of tourist stop and/or for an historical display has come up. Access for maintenance or public use would require an easement through the parking lot owned by State Street Associates. Cost of renovation/repair of boiler house and stack is probably not eligible for RestoreNY funding. (c) The acceptable methods and level of remediation, particularly as it affects land now owned by the City, or which would be conveyed to the City under this proposal,remains to be established. Cc: Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson Tom Parsons, Deputy Fire Chief Phyllis Radke, Building Commissioner Doreen A. Simmons, Esq. 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