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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
January 9, 2002
Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Carolyn Peterson; Patricia Pryor, Chair;
David Whitmore
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic Development Planner
1. Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm
2. Public Hearing - Adoption of an Addendum to the Ithaca Bicycle Plan
On a motion by Peterson, seconded by Whitmore, it was unanimously decided to
open the public hearing.
Fay Gougakis, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she had not seen the
addendum, but that she realized that $80,000 is locked up somewhere. She said
that bike lanes are not necessarily needed and that people are terrified. She said
that money could be used for signage, traffic calming, and public service
announcements. She said people need to learn to respect pedestrians, bicyclists,
and differently abled persons. She said that she sees no commitment from the City
on these issues, nothing on TV or the radio. She said that she hopes the new
Council will respect bicyclists and she implored them to be creative.
Cyrus Love, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that he rides his bicycle
everywhere and that traffic on the streets does not scare him. He said that he and
his father, who rides up the Buffalo Street hill regularly, have never been close to
being hit by a car. He stated that bicyclists should be treated with respect.
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, it was unanimously decided to
close the public hearing.
3. Review Agenda
There were no additions or deletions.
4. Public Comment
Fay Gougakis, a resident of the City of Ithaca, announced viewing times for a tape
recording of the December 27th meeting of the Planning and Development Board,
whereat the Widewater's site plan was unanimously approved. The tape is three
hours long and will air on Channel 78 on Saturday the 12th at 8pm, Sunday the
13th at 3pm, and Monday the 14th at 7pm. She also said that she was upset that
the Ithaca Journal told her that it would no longer publish press releases about the
Planning Board recordings in the "Briefs" section, but would publish them in the
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"Calendar" section. She said that City meetings should have press releases. Lastly,
she said that she had spoken with Elliot Spitzer's office and that a representative
there was rude to her on the phone, declining to talk about an investigation that
the Mayor had asked for. She said that it was the Mayor and Common Council's
duty to make a strong recommendation for a thorough investigation.
David Henderson, a resident of East Spencer Street and the chair of the
Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council, stated that he would like to see movement on
the City's Sidewalk Plan, which is a year old. Meetings were supposed to have
happened this month, but haven't. Also, he was shocked to find out that the City's
budget for sidewalks includes work done on private property. He noted that last
year's budget was completely consumed by the project on West Spencer Street; no
other sidewalk project were done. He said that because limited budgets mean
limited lengths of sidewalk repairs, it should be removed from the Department of
Public Work's budget. He said that some very bad sidewalks are now 2-3 years past
due.
Cyrus Love, a resident of the Northside, stated that the mirrors and bathrooms at
the high school are unsanitary. Some bathrooms, he said, have no mirrors. He said
that he has never seen a janitor and that he has gotten sick because of the
unsanitary conditions.
5. Response to Public by Committee members
The Mayor responded to Mr. Love's comment by stating that the Ithaca City School
District is a distinctly separate entity from the City of Ithaca, and that the City has
no jurisdiction over the school district. The City can encourage the district to do
things, but more effective may be the public statement made by Mr. Love, which
might be picked up by the media.
In response to Mr. Henderson's comments, the Mayor stated that he had the same
interests and that there would be a presentation on the Sidewalk Plan at the
February 60► meeting of the Board of Public Works. The presentation will include a
report on the consultant's work and on the integration of the sidewalk data with
the City's Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Mayor said that he shares
Mr. Henderson's frustrations about how the City manages its sidewalk program.
The City budgets $75,000 to $80,000 a year, which equals a quarter of the
sidewalk work done overall, to cover the City's responsibilities to repair sidewalk
damage, for example, when a tree breaks the sidewalk. Otherwise, private property
owners pay for the other three quarters of the sidewalk work done in the City each
year. He said that the process is cumbersome - with notifications, letters back and
forth with property owners, decisions to proceed, and billing follow-ups. It would be
quicker if the City did the work, but it would also be more expensive; ultimately, he
said, it is a policy decision for Common Council. He also mentioned that two years
ago, the City undertook a $300,000 capital project to catch up on some deficient
sidewalks. He stated that the City is liable when it receives notices of defects, and
so it behooves the City to pay more attention.
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6. Review of Minutes
On a motion by Cohen and a second by Pryor, the October 10, 2001 minutes of the
Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously as
written. On a motion by Pryor, seconded by Cohen, the December 12, 2001
minutes of the Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee were unanimously
approved as written.
7. Report and Discussion on Northside Neighborhood Initiative
Leslie Chatterton, the City's Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Planner, and
Juliette Ramirez, a resident of the Northside neighborhood,joined the committee
for discussion. Logue gave an overview of the Neighborhood Summit meeting,
which was held in November as the last of three community visioning meetings;
about 80 people were in attendance. At the meeting, Cornell students gave a
presentation on the current status of the neighborhood, using information
gathered from residents through door-to-door surveys, small housing meetings,
and the previous two Community Inventory meetings. After the presentation, folks
enjoyed a large lunch catered by local businesses and then broke into 10 small
groups, organized by categories such as housing, open space, and retail
development. In these groups they brainstormed improvement projects and, with
the help of local resource people, prioritized projects by time and cost. A week after
this meeting, about 30 residents met to further detail some of the projects named
at the Summit. On December 4th, at the Women's Community Building, students
presented a first draft of the neighborhood improvement plan. Residents were given
red, yellow, and green sheets of paper to hold up during each project description,
judging the projects as a "go," a "caution, needs some work," or a "stop, serious
problems ahead."
Chatterton added that the Steering Committee was reconvening on Jan 15th. A few
sections of the plan need to be revisited and revised to take advantage of other
opportunities already available locally. Residents and staff will use smaller focus
group sessions with community leaders to learn more about what opportunities
exist and how to refine the plan. She said that she anticipates that the plan would
be ready to be presented to the City sometime in March and that it would be
helpful for the City to begin organizing its Priority Council of department heads,
who will help coordinate implementation of parts of the plan. She also mentioned
that the Notice of Funding had been released for the Community Development
Block Grant application and that the Steering Committee would be putting together
projects to submit.
Ramirez reported on a recent grant application, organized by residents and
students in a week's time, to the New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority. The grant would go towards creating a model "Energy Star"
home, an Energy Fair, and staff support to reach out and educate residents of the
neighborhood and city alike. It is intended that this program could be replicated in
other parts of the city and state. Ramirez also mentioned that Spanish translation
might be useful in the neighborhood planning process and that, though she was
really impressed with the outreach efforts, she was disappointed that more women
did not present during the Summit.
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Whitmore said that he was incredibly impressed with the level of grassroots
democracy as evidenced by the Steering Committee's work and the Community
Inventory and Summit meetings. He hoped that people would continue to be
involved and provide feedback on the process. He credited Chatterton and Logue
for their involvement.
8. BPAC Resolution Regarding Pedestrian Routes
David Henderson, chair of BPAC,joined the Committee for discussion, presenting a
resolution on "Pedestrian Accessibility Routes," as approved by BPAC. He said that
the proposal really grew out of a desire to see more crosswalks in the city and the
well-deserved resistance to having crosswalks everywhere. This project is meant to
help prioritize and evaluate pedestrian routes, especially sidewalk repairs and
crosswalk proposals. He said that it could be used by the Planning Board during
Site Plan Review. He mentioned two areas where pedestrians have poor access:
along Malone Drive, near Wegmans, and at the intersection of Aurora and Prospect
Streets. He stated that there are many routes from the Southside/South of the
Creek neighborhood to Collegetown and Cornell, but that none of them has
continuos and complete sidewalks; he said that crosswalks are often the most
critical missing piece. Cohen said that federal regulations prohibited oil-based
paints and that this plan could help identify locations for brick crosswalks, which
would be more costly up front, but would require less maintenance over time. A
similar cost/benefit analysis led to the decision to brick West State Street. He also
stated that Lynne Yost will continue to work on the sidewalk study that
Engineering has been working on, though her job has moved to the Water & Sewer
Department. Henderson said that that project did not map crosswalks, which was
part of the reason for this proposal. Pryor raised some questions about accessibility
of walkways (as opposed to sidewalks), for example, the pathway, which has steps,
through the middle of the park at Columbia and Turner Streets. She also noted
that BPAC would be taking this proposal to the Disability Advisory Council in
February and that she would put it on the next agenda, too.
9. Materials Distribution - Development Principles
Pryor distributed some materials about the development principles presented to
the City last April by the Common Good Coalition. She said that she wanted to
bring this back to the Committee. She passed out materials on the Coalition, the
statement of development principles, a memo from the City Attorney, a memo from
her about the City's internal efforts, a list of demographic information on local
trade unions, and some materials from the Coalition in support of the principles.
Whitmore passed out a possible resolution from the Workforce and Economic
Development Committee of the County Board.
10. On a motion by Whitmore, the meeting was adjourned at 9:11pm.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
February 13, 2002
Committee Members Present: Peter Mack; Carolyn Peterson; Patricia Pryor, Chair;
Diann Sams; David Whitmore
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner
Other Council Members Present: Dan Cogan
1. Meeting called to order at 7:43 pm
2. Approval of Minutes
On Peterson's motion and Whitmore's second, the January 9, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously as
written.
3. Review Agenda
The proposal about the South Plain Street bridge implementation, as put forward
in a memo from Whitmore and Sams, was added to the agenda as the last item
before adjournment.
4. Public Comment
Fay Gougakis, 406 Utica Street, spoke on three topics. First, she stated that the
Widewater's site is apparently contaminated with MTBE and that the MTBE is in
the groundwater, heading toward the inlet. She said that though she has seen
documentaries, she is not an expert, and that Walter Hang knew more. She said
that it was outrageous and that if it is on Widewater's land, they should clean it up
and shouldn't delay. Second, she said that there have been eight robberies on the
Commons in the last month. She decried the drug activity and the lack of
cleanliness and said that people should feel safe. Lastly, she said that Common
Council needs to talk about rents in the Cayuga Green project.
Eric Lerner, 504 South Plain Street, was a member of the Six Point Traffic Plan
steering committee and he attended the public workshop on the Plain Street bridge
that was held at the library. He spoke in support of the proposed implementation
committee with neighborhood residents included. He was concerned that this
project is happening alone and that the Evaluation of the Six Point Plan looked at
all six projects.
U
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Jason Hamilton, 610 South Plain Street, spoke in favor of Whitmore's
implementation committee. He said that there was resistance to the project
because Council abdicated its responsibility to prioritize implementation. He said
that the City should not just do what is easiest, but rather, what has the greatest
impact. He added that each project has concerns that need to be addressed
together, including traffic calming, the bike plan, and Southview housing.
Jennifer Dotson, a Wood Street resident and Chairwoman of BPAC, said that she
has been hearing concerns about the bridge and is in favor of Whitmore's proposal.
She said that she is also excited about the crosswalk proposal and would like to
see a higher number included in the resolution. She emphasized the importance of
good collaboration between BPAC and City staff.
Paul Soper, 203 Fair Street, spoke in favor of Whitmore's proposal. He said that he
was a bicyclist and pedestrian and doesn't own a car. He also said that the
Planning and Engineering Departments have taken some good steps to include the
public.
5. Response to Public by Committee members
Mack thanked Ms. Gougakis for her comments and attention to civics. Whitmore
echoed this sentiment.
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Peterson stated than theive •_^'"be further investigation and testing of the MTBE
issues related to the Widewater's site.
Pryor spoke about the Six Point Traffic Plan planning process. She said that in
Council's December decision to approve the plan, there were discussions about
prioritizing projects, but that Council had decided that all the projects were a
priority and should be pursued equally. She said that the City is working on the
other projects, too. She saw the Spencer Street sketches earlier in the day. She also
stated that it was decided to look at traffic calming on Wood and South Streets
before the diverters were removed and that there would be public design sessions
for traffic calming.
6. Report of Chair
Pryor spoke about the Principles of Development proposed by the Common Good
Coalition. She noted that she was especially concerned about regionalism and that
the City not be the only municipality in the area to adopt such principles. She said
that she had met with Mike Lane, who chairs the Economic and Workforce
Development Committee of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives, and
discussed putting together a joint committee to work on the principles. She passed
out and read the following:
Inasmuch as the Common Good Coalition has proposed to both Tompkins County and
the City of Ithaca that each adopt a set of development principles pertaining to
construction contracts and the provision of economic development incentives; and,
Inasmuch as the County Board of Representatives has referred the proposal to its
Economic and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Michael Lane, and
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Common Council of the City of Ithaca has referred the proposal to its Neighborhood and
Community Issues Committee, chaired by Pat Pryor; and,
Inasmuch as it is in the interest of both the County and the City to establish development
principles which will provide quality employment opportunities for residents while
encouraging and supporting sustainable economic development; therefore,
Michael Lane, for the County Economic and Workforce Development Committee and Pat
Pryor, for Common Council's Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee, do hereby
establish a Joint Working Group as a subcommittee of both committees. The Joint
Working Group will be co-chaired by Kathy Luz-Herrera for the County and David
Whitmore for the City. Its charge is to study and make recommendations on development
principles to the respective committees of the County Board and Common Council. Such
study will include an assessment of the impact of any proposed development principles
on all sectors of the community.
The subcommittee will include a representative from each of the following, except that
there will be two members of the County Board and two members of Common Council:
County Board, Common Council, Tompkins County Planning Commissioner, City of
Ithaca Director of Economic Development, Tompkins Cortland Labor Council, Common
Good Coalition, Town or Village Municipal Official, Tompkins County Chamber of
Commerce, Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, a local contractor, Ithaca
Downtown Partnership, Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, Tompkins County Area
Development.
Sams mentioned that the group should work with Cornell's workforce development
group and stated that there should be more than one person of color on the
committee. She noted that Lynette Chapel-Williams or Mary Opperman would be
good contacts. Cogan asked that the list be run by the Common Good Coalition
and noted that it might be a little light on the labor representation; otherwise he
L./ liked the idea and said it was a good direction. Whitmore said that there was good
representation so far and good work, adding that a representative from the Living
Wage Coalition would be important as that group has a lot of information. Peterson
expressed her gladness that the City and County were working together on this
and asked if Pryor had considered a timeframe or deadline for the committee. Pryor
responded that she has left that open for now, but would bring it up with Lane,
Luz-Herrera, Whitmore, and the committee as it gets organized.
7. Committee Announcements
Sams announced the Cornell-Ithaca Partnership is organizing a trip to Auburn on
March 7, 2002 in honor of Women's History. The Partnership is renting a bus and
people should call the office to sign up. They are also looking for sponsorships.
8. Application for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
On a motion by Sams, seconded by Whitmore, the application from the Martin
Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Committee was unanimously approved for $300.
Sams added that the day's events are an awesome affair.
9. BPAC - Pedestrian Accessibility Routes/Crosswalk Planning Proposal
Jennifer Dotson, chairwoman of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC)
joined the committee for discussion. Pryor explained that BPAC had brought a
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Pedestrian Accessibility Plan (PAP) proposal before the committee the previous
month. After discussions with members of BPAC and in light of the Sidewalk Study
presentation made by Engineering staff and T.G. Miller, it didn't make sense to
have two separate studies (PAP and Sidewalks) on parallel tracks, never to meet.
However, as crosswalks form critical junctures in a broader pedestrian system, it
did make sense to focus on them.
Sams added that a broader discussion should happen within the City on how
sidewalks are maintained and the associated burden on private property owners.
Logue gave a brief update on the Sidewalk Study presentation that was made to
the Board of Public Works, noting that part of that discussion was meant to open
up some questions about the City's sidewalk policies.
Cogan said that he thought it was good to break out the crosswalks, but that there
is a need to think about how to integrate the effort with the sidewalk data. He also
stated that there needs to be a close collaboration among BPAC, the Department of
Public Works, and the Department of Planning and Development. He and Peterson
shared concerns about staff time and current work loads. Cogan and Dotson said
that they would follow up to fmd out what would be involved in including more
data in the City's GIS, including information on walkways, bridges, etc. Sams
noted that On-Site Volunteers can be really helpful when it comes to collecting
data.
Peterson also stated a concern about construction materials, asking if the
resolution meant to imply only brick crosswalks. Pryor stated that it didn't mean to
U be restrictive and that she would prefer a more open interpretation to include
different materials and paint. Discussion followed about possible word choices -
whether the resolution should say constructed, installed, improved, or located.
Some changes were approved unanimously by the committee. In the second
resolved, the committee added "and associated crosswalk facilities" after
"recommendations on crosswalk materials." In the second to last resolved, the
committee changed the numbers to be ten intersections per year over a two year
period. With these amendments, the resolution passed unanimously.
10. South Plain Street Bridge Implementation
Whitmore explained the memo that he and Sams had circulated, stating that it had
come out of conversations they had had with residents who were concerned about
resident input on implementation, especially about impacts to quality of life. He
also said that though a negative declaration had been issued on the Six Point Plan,
there would be environmental review of each point individually and that other
issues needed to be considered, too. He expounded that the responsibilities of the
Implementation Committee would be to be an easy contact for neighbors who had
questions, to be a forum for neighborhood leaders' input, to oversee
implementation with the Department of Public Works and Department of Planning
and Development, and to oversee the environmental review.
When Pryor asked how this committee would be differen the current process,
Sams answered that some decisions had already been ma a and that some people
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felt disenfranchised. This committee, she said, would be inclusive, would be part of
an open government, and would bring some healing to a divided neighborhood.
Whitmore added that the Planning Department was preparing an environmental
review for consideration by the Board of Public Works; however, he said, this
project is more than just a bridge and the BPW might not be the right body to deal
with the larger issues. Pryor then stated that the City's Charter and Code spell out
the responsibilities of the BPW and Common Council. She asked if this committee
would be able to overturn either body's decision. She gave an example of
differences of opinion over styles of lighting fixtures and asked if the BPW, based
on public input, made a decision, but the committee disagreed, whose authority
would prevail. Whitmore indicated that the committee would be able to overturn
the BPW decision. Whitmore said that with Common Council approval, this
committee would look into questions as they came up and would decide how to
deal with them. Sams said that it would be similar to the Cleveland Avenue lighting
process, that the group would work with the BPW to be inclusive, but that Council
could not give away powers without a referendum.
Whitmore enumerated his vision for the committee's make up to include the four
Common Council members from Wards 1 and 2, six neighborhood residents from
the impacted streets and surrounding area, and three City staff members (2 from
the Department of Public Works and 1 from the Department of Planning and
Development). Discussion then turned to which neighborhood groups should be
represented; possible groups included the Cleveland Area Neighborhood Diversity
Overall (CANDO), Spencer Street, South of the Creek, Washington Park Civic
Association, Titus Towers Tenant Council, Southside Community Center,
Southview public housing, and Albany Street. Whitmore read a resolution based on
his memo.
Pryor stated that she could not support the resolution as read and suggested an
amendment. She suggested that the Implementation Committee be renamed a
Steering Committee, that it provide suggestions to the BPW, that its appointment
be not intended to change the timeline for the project, and that it should provide
its suggestions within the schedule for implementation that has already been
provided by staff. At this point some questions were raised about how a committee
can vote; Pryor read from an email from the City Attorney stating that committees
need four for a quorum and four affirmative votes to pass a resolution. The
amendments proposed by Pryor were approved unanimously. The resolution, as
amended, was then also approved unanimously.
11. On a motion by Sams, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40pm.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
March 13, 2002
Committee Members Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Carolyn Peterson; Patricia
Pryor, Chair; Diann Sams; David Whitmore
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner; Norma Schwab, City Attorney;
Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning and
Development; Tom West, City Engineer
1. Meeting called to order at 7:06 pm
2. Review of Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
3. Pablic Comment
Larry Beck, who manages apartments on West Spencer Street and lives in Lansing,
spoke about parking on West Spencer Street. He said there are 40 cars parked
along that street and that it can be full down past the intersection of Wood and
Geneva Streets, especially when students are in town. He read a quote from the
SRF report on West Spencer Street about how the removal or relocation of parking
would diminish the quality of life for residents of that street.
Steve Ehrhardt, a resident of S. Albany Street, said he was on the Board of Public
Works (BPW) when the aforementioned SRF report was commissioned. They had
hoped to find a narrow option, but were discouraged. He said that the loss of on-
street parking would not only be an inconvenience, but would also be a safety
issue, for example, when a utility truck needs to park temporarily. Based on the
information in the SRF report, the BPW rejected a narrow two-way option at that
time.
Joel Harlin encouraged the City to do what it needs to do in a hurry. He said that
the City should get the southwest and Widewaters going because the mall is
expanding by leaps and bounds.
Stanton Loh, a West Spencer Street resident, said that he appreciates that the
BPW and Common Council is working to make traffic better and that growth was
good for the City. He said that the difference between the options was widening the
street by 9 feet versus widening it by 27 feet. He felt that the smaller would
accomplish the goals, but that the wider would destroy the Dahl and Carpenter
buildings and would be 8 feet in front of his house.
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Catherine Lockwood, who lives at the corner of S. Cayuga Street and W. Spencer
Street, hoped that West Spencer Street decisions would be able to include parking..
She said that parking is already tight in the neighborhood and that removing
parking would create a snowball effect in the area.
Dick Flavil, a merchant on Elmira Road, spoke about the proposed benefit
assessment district. He said that.when the County proposed a solid waste center
on Commercial Avenue, they set up a neighborhood advisory group. Merchants
voiced their concerns and the County handled every one of them. He hoped that
when the BAD comes around again, there would be a way for people down there to
get together and voice their concerns.
Jessie Lind asked how many points of the Six Point Traffic Plan are still achievable.
She said that she would like to see nothing else go forward until all the feasibility
issues have been addressed.
Laurie Dahl, a resident of West Spencer Street, stated that she would rather see
her house moved than destroyed. She said that it is feasible and cost-effective. She
also said that she would like Common Council to consider more options that just
the narrow, medium, and wide because with each options there are still some
serious design issues to be answered. She said that the devil is in the details and
she would like to be involved in the details.
Fay Gougakis, 406 Utica Street, said that the barking law that Common Council
L./ established needs publicity and that there have been many incidents. She went to
the SPCA and they said that they are not in the business of publicizing City law.
She also went to the County Board, but to no avail. She said that she was tired,
furious, and fed up and that it was the City's responsibility. Also, she said that it
was unfair to make the adult section of the pool into an amusement park by
putting the hoop up.
4. Response to Public by Committee members
Sams suggested that the barking law might be advertised when people come in to
renew or get their dog license and that there could be PSAs, too. She also asked
about the procedure for people on West Spencer Street to go to the BPW, stating
that they need to have some input along the way.
Whitmore responded to Mr. Flavil, saying that he would like to see an opportunity
to get input from business owners and connect better with them. Also, he shares
concerns with Ms. Lind about the feasibility of all six traffic points.
Pryor said that she had spoken with Mr. Flavil and that he was willing to pull
together an Elmira Road Merchants Association meeting to which City staff would
be invited. She has also been in touch with the Loh's and the Dahl's and will
continue meeting with them and the rest of the neighborhood.
Cohen said that there should be opportunities for neighborhood input on the West
Spencer Street project. He thought that this was different from the Plain Street
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bridge project in that it had more physical impacts and would require a deeper
level of input. He said that earlier in the day, the BPW had reviewed the.comments
from the two public workshops on the Plain Street bridge, focusing especially on
traffic movements and the profile and width to be used in design. The BPW
requested a public information session and will be holding a public hearing on the
design. Staff is currently preparing responses to each of the comments as to
whether it was incorporated or why it was not. He said that the BPW was trying to
be clear on how decisions were made and how different ideas were or were not
incorporated into the design. He also said that the BPW approved the 20 mph
schematic design and that there would be a neighborhood mailing with information
about the design, the public information session, and the BPW resolution.
5. Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, the February 13, 2002 minutes
of the Neighborhood & Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously
with one change. Peterson clarified that she had discussed with others further
testing for MTBE on the Widewaters site, but that it was not necessarily going to
happen.
6. West Spencer Street Widening - Presentation and Discussion
Tom West, the City Engineer, made a presentation on schematic alternatives for
the widening and conversion of West Spencer Street to two-way traffic. A packet of
drawings was included in the committee's mailing. Common Council has given
themselves a June 5, 2002 deadline to decide on the width of West Spencer Street.
If no decision is made by that time, the default decision will be the narrow option.
West talked about the four levels of design for this project: schematic, preliminary,
design development, and construction drawings. His presentation would deal with
the schematic phase, which is about determining the program for the street. He
presented four alternatives (labeled ''A", "C", "D", and "E") and discussed the
impacts each alternative would have on the three uphill buildings along the street
(the Dahl's, Carpenter's, and the Loh's). He also compared the impacts of a graded
slope versus a retaining wall for each option.
Alternative A -the uridest option
• Full accommodation for cars (two 11' lanes), bicyclists (two 5' lanes), and
pedestrians (two 6' sidewalks)
• Plenty of space for trees and snow storage (two 10' tree lawns)
• Pedestrians separated from vehicles by a planting strip
• No Parking
• Would remove all three buildings
Alternative C- the medium option
• Full accommodation for cars (two 11' lanes), bicyclists (two 4' lanes)
• Sidewalk only on the downhill (west) side of the street (5' wide)
• A 8.5' treelawn on the downhill (west) side of the street
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• A 5' treelawn on the uphill (east) side of the street
• Parking on the downhill (west) side of the street (8' wide)
• A retaining wall would remove Dahl and Carpenter buildings
• A graded slope would remove all three buildings
Alternative D- the narrow option with no parking
• Adequate accommodation for cars and bicyclists (two 14' shared lanes)
• Sidewalk only on the downhill (west) side of the street (5' wide)
• No parking
• Little separation of pedestrians from traffic by a 2.5' tree lawn
• Little snow storage on uphill (east) side of the street (2.5' wide)
• Removes access to the front of the Dahl and Carpenter buildings
• Removes the Loh's garage
Alternative E- the narrow option with parking
• Sufficient accommodation for cars and bicyclists (one 14' shared lane, one
12' shared lane next to a parking lane)
• Sidewalk only on the downhill (west) side of the street (5' wide)
• Parking on the downhill (west) side of the street (8'wide)
• Little snow storage on uphill (east) side of the street (2.5' wide)
• No tree lawn on downhill (west) side of the street. Parking lane is only
separation between pedestrians and traffic.
• Removes access to the front of the Dahl and Carpenter buildings
• Removes the Loh's garage
Pryor thanked West for the hours of work that he put into the drawings and the
presentation, especially for making them accessible to non-engineers.
Cohen asked about the eleven-foot travel lanes and whether they could be reduced.
West explained that based on the projections of 6,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day,
the class of the street, and the stated goals of distributing traffic to this street, less
than eleven-foot lanes will serve to decrease the capacity of the street. People's
perceptions of the narrowness of the street could possibly divert them to different
routes.
sWhitmore asked about the exactness of the drawings and whether the survey
s results would render any decisions moot. West replied that, especially with the
tailin walls, impacts could be a few more feet, depending on construction. He
S~ said that there was still room to tweak the alternatives and that the presentation
showed the schemes listed in the Six Point Traffic Plan.
7. Benefit Assessment District - Discussion
Van Cort joined the Committee for discussion. Pryor explained that a proposal for a
Benefit Assessment District in the southwest area of the City did not pass in
December 2001, but that Council had expressed interest in revisiting the proposal
and might want to reconsider it. She described the materials that were included in
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the mailing: a map of the district and minutes from the November and December
Council meetings on the subject.
Discussion ensued as to what procedural or substantive issues needed to be
addressed before the proposal could be brought back to Council. Whitmore asked
whether businesses in the area could be notified, perhaps a group that would be
larger than the Merchant's Association; he noted that the Chamber of Commerce
had offered its help to facilitate discussions with business owners. Pryor said that
the merchants would hold a meeting, but that the City would also hold a meeting.
On Sams' question, Cohen clarified that a defeated item can be brought back by
anyone at a separate meeting; at the same meeting, only the nays can bring it
back. Schwab joined the Committee and reiterated that that reconsideration rule
only applied to the same meeting. Van Cort said that questions about the benefit
assessment district could be directed to Jennifer Kusznir or Dominick Cafferillo.
S. On a motion by Peterson, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
April 10, 2002
Committee Members Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Peter Mack; Carolyn Peterson;
Pat Pryor, Chair; David Whitmore
Other Council Members Present: Susan Blumenthal
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner; Norma Schwab, City Attorney;
Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning and
Development; Tom West, City Engineer
1. Meeting called to order at 7:40 pm
2. Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Mack, seconded by Whitmore, the March 13, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee were unanimously approved with
one minor spelling change.
3. Review Agenda
The Benefit Assessment District item was moved ahead of the West Spencer Street
Widening item. Two applications for the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive
Fund were added to the end of the agenda. Pryor noted that a special meeting of
Common Council was scheduled for Spm and at that time the Committee would be
asked to recess for a short time.
4. Public Comment
Joel Harlin spoke about rumors that Red Lobster was coming to town. He said that
many people are hoping that it will. He said that the tree huggers should go out of
the county and that people want meat and potatoes. He named a number of
national chain restaurants, such as Country Buffet, where he felt people could pay
a little and get a lot. He welcomed those types of restaurants to the City.
John Criscitello, a homeowner at 401 S. Cayuga Street, said that the City had a
myopic focus on W. Spencer Street and that E. Spencer and W. Spencer were all
one street. He said that he has an excellent view from his house and that he is a
business owner. He said that all the attention was being paid to the Dahl's and
Loh's and that he can't see how the City is going to get this done, from the bridge
all the way to Albany Street. He said that he has the only driveway on the corner
and that it is dangerous, especially with his two kids in the car. He felt that he will
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lose safety for his family and will lose property value. He said that every tow truck
in the City will use a two-way W. Spencer, since there are many tow truck
companies in the southwest area of the City. He also spoke about garbage in Six
Mile Creek over E. Spencer Street. He asked who owns the bank there and stated
that there is tons of garbage and pollution in the creek. He defied any Council
member to come and look at it.
Jessie Lind, 518 S. Cayuga Street, echoed the previous comments about the
garbage in Six Mile Creek. She reprimanded Pat Pryor for not notifying her about
more that one meeting about W. Spencer Street. She said that the Six Point Traffic
Plan was based on a number of vehicles using certain routes, but that
Taughannock Boulevard is in serious trouble of never happening and that Meadow
Street might not be widened for twenty years. She expressed her anger that the
Mayor had gotten up and left. She spoke about how the Mayor had pulled Ed
Conley away from talking with her at a meeting at the Women's Community
Building.
Larry Beck, a resident of Lansing, said that he has spent the past ten years
managing and building properties on West Spencer Street. He said that it would be
a real challenge to his business if parking is removed from the street. He also
spoke about a concern that a retaining wall might become a target for graffiti and
that it would have a negative effect on the neighborhood.
Tim Maguire, the owner of the Ford dealership on Meadow Street, said that the
extension of Taughannock Boulevard would not benefit the owners in the proposed
benefit assessment district. Though it is the largest expense, he felt that it would
serve to reduce the traffic on Meadow Street. He said that this expense to
businesses would be passed on to consumers, but that the expense should be
spread to the whole of Ithaca.
Guy Gerard, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that he had submitted a letter to
Common Council about the dog park. He said that any extension of the resolution
from last year should be carefully phrased to serve and protect the interests of the
City, should serve the dog park's purpose to ensure freedom from abusive
enforcement, and should be careful to not blur the property line between the City
and State. He said that many had fought long and hard to preserve that land from
the marina and he asked that Council consider all aspects of this project before
approving anything.
Dick Flaville, 358 Elmira Road, passed out a letter and a petition with 30
signatures against the proposed benefit assessment district.
Tom Pendall, a representative of.Bill Cook Imports on Elmira Road, spoke against
the proposed benefit assessment district. He said that it would be a negative
benefit to routing traffic away from the front of his business, which is selling cars,
parts and service, and which depends on pass by traffic.
Jennifer Dotson, 212 Wood Street and chair of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory
Council (BPAC), said that though she doesn't support the Six Point Traffic Plan,
she does favor the inclusion of bicycle facilities in the planning area, especially on
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high volume streets. She said that bicyclists will use W. Spencer Street even
�./ though it is very tight. She urged the Committee to be very specific as the devil is
in the details.
Adrian Loh, 227 W. Spencer Street, said that she had recently been imagining the
new widened street. She felt that every foot of encroachment on her property would
be a significant change in the quality of life. She thanked a number of people for
taking the time to discuss the project. In measuring the narrowest scheme with
parking, she said that she and her husband would lose their garage, driveway, a
level of tree screen, and steps. Any wider proposal, she felt, would eliminate
another level of tree screening and would expose the house to the street. She asked
the Committee to endorse the narrowest option.
Karen LoParco, a member of BPAC, said that she wanted to take a position on not
supporting the recommendation to include bike lanes on West Spencer Street. She
said that she agreed with the current resolution for the narrowest version. She said
that high volume streets and bicyclists don't necessarily go together and that
bicyclists should consider safer, alternate routes throughout the City and not just
on West Spencer Street on in the Six Point Plan.
Stanton Loh, 227 West Spencer Street, echoed Larry Beck's concern for potential
graffiti on a retaining wall, saying that he had scrubbed graffiti off his garage
before. He said that people have told him that he has protection under eminent
domain, but that it didn't feel that way. He said that he was looking for protection
from Common Council and that he hopes that the protection extended to other
neighborhoods would extend to West Spencer Street homeowners, homerenters,
and student renters.
5. Response to Public Comment
Mack stated that it was most important for the public and Common Council to try
their best to be straightforward and honest about the West Spencer Street project.
He appreciated that people were sacrificing so much. He expressed support for the
benefit assessment district and said that he would like to see the public and
business owners see every side of the situation, to see this as a broad topic. He
reassured West Spencer Street residents that they were being heard.
Whitmore said he would be willing to come down and look at the Creek. He shared
Ms. Lind's concerns and frustrations about the Six Point Plan. He also said that he
was dedicated to minimizing the impact on neighborhoods that might be sacrificed.
Cohen said that he has been hearing the concerns of West Spencer Street residents
and that it was difficult to directly respond or make public commitments on what
to do with those properties. He personally favored moving the house, but couldn't
commit because decisions must be made for prudent public policy with the proper
analysis and legal requirements. He wanted to assure people that a lack of
commitment did not mean a lack of responsiveness.
Peterson said that traffic plans and the BAD are at the heart of the issues facing
citizens as the City pursues adequate and reasonable development for revenue
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generation. This makes for some very hard decisions. She said that the mitigations
are not minimizing impacts, they are shifting them around.
Pryor agreed with the Mayor's points and explained that she would like to see a
sincere effort to find a resolution with West Spencer Street residents outside of the
eminent domain process. She also clarified that the dog park was a proposal from
TCDOG and not from the Committee chair. Cohen added that the dog park was
voted on by the entire Common Council.
6. Report of the Chair - Dog Park Status
Pryor reported on the current status of the Dog Park, saying that it was a repeat of
the report that she gave at the last Common Council meeting. She said that the
State has a plan that includes a fenced area, but that it will not move ahead until
they reach an agreement with the City of Ithaca and meet with TCDOG. She said
that nothing is really going forward on this point.
7. Apprenticeship Proposal - Discussion
Jen Bloom, a resident of the Fifth Ward, John Lowry of John C. Lowry, Inc. on East
Shore Drive, and Erin Bolt, a member of Plumbers-Steamfitters Local 267,joined
the Committee for discussion.
Bloom explained that this proposal from the Central New York Labor Federation
was proposed 3 or 4 years ago to require contractors to participate in
apprenticeship programs, but at the time there were some gray areas in the law.
Recently, New York State has passed legislation that has clarified the law to allow
local municipalities to require contractors' participation in such programs. Suffolk
County has enacted such local legislation. She explained the benefits of such
legislation include creating opportunities for the workforce, more jobs at a living
wage, and workforce diversification.
Bolt said that he is a fifth year apprentice. He said that the program takes time and
commitment, but pays off with education and employment. He said apprenticeship
programs are looking for people with good character and a GED or high school
diploma. This year, he mentioned, he will make between $50,000 and $55,000. He
said that it pays off to put in the time and commitment to an apprenticeship
program.
Lowry stated that he employs up to 150 craftsmen and has been in the
construction business for 32 years. As older employees retire, his business needs
new blood, but it needs educated, trained and experienced labor. An
apprenticeship program provides the schooling, experience on the job, and
supervision of older employees. He said this is an opportunity for Common Council
to support the continued success of construction businesses that provide quality
work on buildings and projects here in the City. He said that he's all for it.
Cohen said that it was a good proposal on its face as it ensures the reseeding of the
workforce. He asked how this would ensure an increase in the diversity of the
workforce. Bloom responded that it doesn't, by itself, but that there are separate
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ways to address that. Pryor said that it would be helpful to see demographics on
recent graduates from apprenticeship programs, those currently in programs, and
those waiting for apprenticeship openings. Bloom responded that she didn't think
that kind of data was available, but that there has been increasing diversity in the
last five years.
When Peterson asked about current participation rates in apprenticeship
programs, Bolt estimated that around the county about 60% of the firms
participate and that 40% do not. He added that Cornell University projects, which
often require participation, might skew that number. When Pryor asked why more
contractors don't participate, Bloom responded that it costs money to invest in
training and that not all contractors choose to invest in such programs.
Cohen asked if there were project size cut-offs, what state certification meant, and
if there were requirements for a number of participants per contractor or per job.
Lowry said that apprentices help lower the cost on projects. Bloom added that the
state does set up a journey to apprenticeship ratio of 1:3. She said that many
contractors not participating in apprenticeship programs are small shops and that
they can either join the union's apprenticeship program or start their own.
The Committee took a recess at 9:02pm and resumed the meeting at 9:lOpm
8. Democracy Matters of Cornell University, Clean Money/Clean Elections Bill -
Presentation and Discussion
Drew Warshaw, the Campus Director of Democracy Matters of Cornell University,
and Michael Schwab, Campus Coordinator of Democracy Matters of Cornell
University, thanked the Committee for their time and made a short presentation on
their organization and the Clean Money/Clean Elections bill. They said that they
were looking for a gesture of support from Common Council on comprehensive
campaign finance reform, including full public financing. Specifically, they asked
for an endorsement of the bill introduced in Albany by Assemblyman Ortiz and
Senator Paterson, which has been cosponsored by Assemblyman Marty Luster.
Cohen asked how many election districts are in New York State and whether this
bill would favor downstate or upstate candidates. He expressed general support for
the bill, stating that he would need more information to commit to it. He said that
New York has archaic election laws that are weighted towards the two party
system; he was interested in the effects of this bill on non-party or independent
candidates. Also he asked about the impact on the state budget. Whitmore stated
his strong support for the idea.
On a motion by Mack, seconded by Whitmore, the Committee unanimously
approved sending the matter on to Common Council for consideration with an
endorsement of the concept of clean money campaign finance reform. Also, it was
requested that the full bill and documentation be sent out to Council in the
mailing.
At 9:31pm, the Committee took a recess until 9:42pm.
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9. Benefit Assessment District (BAD)
Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning and Development,joined the Committee for
discussion. Pryor described the materials in the packet and what the previous
concerns were of Committee members about process and notification issues. She
pointed out a memo from Van Cort outlining what the City has done since the last
meeting to try to address these concerns. She then invited Ray Schlather to
address the Committee.
Ray Schlather, a resident of the City, introduced himself as representing the Elmira
Road Merchants Association. He said he was speaking against the BAD. He
compared the BAD to a business improvement district (BID) and said that there are
at least four deviations. First, under article 19-A, a BID is limited in application to
business districts in deteriorated conditions; it is clear, he said, that the southwest
area is not deteriorated, but is instead economically viable. Second, he said, a BID
gives property owners an appeal in valuation and the right to challenge the district;
neither opportunity exists in a BAD. Third, he said that if an effort to establish a
BID is defeated, that it must wait a year before being reintroduced. Fourth, a BID
is subject to the constitutional debt limit for a municipality, whereas a BAD is not.
Schlather went on to state that the Municipal Home Rule Law does not give the
authority for a local BAD for road improvements. He quoted Albany Homebuilders
v. Town of Guilderland, considered by the Appellate Third Division in 1989, stating
that that case ruled that there is no state enabling legislation to allow a BAD to be
used to fund highway improvements, that there is instead already a process in
place to fund such projects.
Schlather continued by stating that he thought there was a legal problem with
assessing the district on commercial properties only and excluding residential
properties. He said that the full value assessment method provides equal
protection for commercial and residential uses and therefore a BAD should not
create two tiers. Also, he stated that there was no rational relationship between
building square footage and traffic generation. He named a number of small
buildings, such as McDonald's, Quickfill, and Hess, that generate large volumes of
traffic. Likewise, he named a number of larger buildings that generate small
volumes of traffic. Next, Schlather stated that the Taughannock Boulevard
Extension, portions of which are not in the district, will not benefit Elmira Road
merchants and will instead create a second class district on Elmira Road and
Meadow Street. He felt that the City at large will benefit and therefore should pay
for the improvements. Lastly, Schlather pointed out that the report states that
vacant property is expected to be developed and underdeveloped land is expected
to be redeveloped. He asked about Nate's Floral Estates and whether that meant
that the highest and best use for that area meant the destruction of those homes.
At this point, Pryor asked the Committee to focus on the materials in the packet.
She asked Van Cort to explain the meeting schedule. Van Cort said that the intent
it to have another mailing to property owners, to work with the Merchants
Association to distribute the mailing to merchants, then to hold another public
meeting. Another public hearing would be held before a Common Council vote.
Pryor went through the schedule and the Short Environmental Assessment Form.
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Peterson pointed out that "public controversy" should be checked yes, which
means that a Long EAF should be prepared. Whitmore said that he would like to
meet with the Attorney before the public information meeting to address Mr.
Schlather's points. Cohen said that the concerns raised by Council members last
December related to not having enough information and not enough time for public
comment. He asked if there were any other concerns and whether the Chair could
give a report at the next Common Council meeting. Pryor agreed and asked if there
were any questions about the resolution or the map. Peterson asked for
clarification on the legal citations made by Mr. Schlather and whether it was
acceptable for the part of the Taughannock Boulevard Extension to be outside of
the district.
Cohen stated that Nate's Floral Estates is a vital neighborhood and should be
preserved. He said that the GEIS for Southwest development included a threshold
of development and that Nate's was not included in that area. He said that he
wanted to make clear the support of his administration for the preservation of that
neighborhood.
10. West Spencer Street Widening
Pryor gave a little background on the project, noting the goals for the project as
stated in the Six Point Traffic Plan. Whitmore said that he would like to see this
item moved on to Common Council for the next meeting and that he felt the more
specificity, the better. He expressed support for the narrowest option possible that
would accommodate the four street elements listed in the resolution, which he said
would be about 40-42 feet. He passed around a possible amendment about moving
the Dahl's house. Norma Schwab, City Attorney,joined the discussion, saying that
city acquisitions are regulated by the state constitution and legal principles and
rules such as fair market value. She said that if the project was to take the front
porch of the house, it would probably be considered a de jure taking. She said that
it would not be appropriate to include the amendment in the resolution.
Cohen said that the City may not be able to legally make assurances to property
owners on the question of moving or acquiring property. He asked the Attorney
whether it would be possible to include a consideration of the value of retaining a
owner occupied home in the neighborhood and the tax revenue to the City from
that house in the decision to move or acquire a property. Schwab said it would be
fair to include such analysis.
Blumenthal asked who would make decisions on street design after Common
Council decided the width of the street. Committee members answered that it
would be the Board of Public Works. She also asked if staff could begin to collect
information on the details and costs of house moving. Van Cort agreed to get what
information he could.
At this point the Committee discussed a number of possible variations on street
components and width, and discussed possible future meetings for discussion.
Pryor said that she would like to make a list of Councilors' concerns and a list of
questions that the City needs to answer to make a decision on this matter. She
suggested that the Committee recess itself until another night to further discuss it.
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11. Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, an application from the
Cleveland Avenue and Neighbors-Diversity Overall was unanimously approved. On
a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, an application from the South of the
Creek/Southside neighborhood was unanimously approved.
12. On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, it was unanimously
agreed to recess the meeting until April 29, 2002 at 7:30pm. The meeting
was recessed at 12:10am.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
April 29, 2002 - recessed from April 10, 2002
Committee Members Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Carolyn Peterson; Pat Pryor,
Chair; David Whitmore
Other Council Members Present: Susan Blumenthal
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner; Thys Van Cort, Director of
Planning &v Development; Tom West, City Engineer
1. Meeting called back to order at 7:35 pm.
2. Review Agenda
Pryor noted that the only item on the agenda was the West Spencer Street project
and that a recess was scheduled for Spm to seek the advice of counsel.
3. West Spencer Street Widening
Pryor updated the Committee that since the last meeting on April 10th, she had met
with David Whitmore and staff from the Engineering and Planning departments, in
an effort to incorporate input from various people. She added that they looked
closely at the Loh property to minimize impacts without losing sight of the purpose
of the street as outlined in the Six Point Traffic Plan.
West gave an overview of a revised drawing that he had done to show a schematic
alternative that varied the cross section of the street - one that would be narrow in
front of the Loh property and would be wider along the rest of the street. This
scheme dropped parking and a tree lawn along the Loh property, but provided
parking along other parts of the street while still providing for an even flow of
traffic. West noted that in this alternative some trees may be saved, a retaining wall
would be lower, and the Loh's driveway could be redesigned to be useable. Pryor
added that the intersections at either end of the streets will take considerable
design work and that Council's task for this project is to decide the width of the
street between the intersections.
When Peterson asked about the impacts of adding bike lanes to the West Spencer
Street program, Whitmore said that he had talked with at least one member of the
Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC) who would be comfortable with bike
lanes along the street except in front of the Loh's property. Jennifer Dotson, chair
of the BPAC,joined the Committee, saying that she was comfortable with such an
arrangement. Pryor noted that she would not be comfortable with such an
arrangement. Van Cort recommended that bike lanes be accommodated on West
Spencer Street, but noted that it was a very difficult decision.
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Blumenthal said that she had received good response to concerns from the last
Committee meeting. She was still concerned about the lack of parking. She
wondered about the possibility of using 402 Cayuga Street as a parking lot.
Pryor read through the resolution. The Committee agreed to a number of changes:
1) add "as set forth in the Wilbur Smith Evaluation" to the second resolved; 2)
delete the penultimate resolved; 3) add "and demolishing and removing the house"
and "and restoring the house to habitable condition, site restoration, and other
such costs associated with such a house moving" to the last resolved.
Whitmore made a motion to approve the resolution and send it on to Common
Council. Peterson seconded the motion. At this point, Pryor asked if any of the
residents or property owners on West Spencer Street wanted to comment on the
resolution.
Larry Beck, who manages 33 apartments on the downhill side of the street, said
that bicyclists don't live on that street and that the residents need parking. He said
that he has little sympathy for bike lanes and that bicyclists should look for other
routes. Stanton Loh thanked the Committee for their work and said that he felt
that they were really listening. He said that the whole project was not ideal, but
that everyone was working really hard on it. Lauri Dahl expressed her thanks to
the Committee. She said that she is still worried and is taking a leap of faith on the
house moving. She said that the 8th whereas should mention the Carpenter
building, too. Lastly, she said that the downtown is a great place to live, that she is
glad to be here, and that she wants to save her house. Pryor asked Whitmore if he
would accept the addition of the Carpenter building as a friendly amendment. He
agreed and it was added to the eighth whereas.
There was then some discussion of the number of meetings before June 5th for the
Common Council to discuss it before voting on it. Cohen asked Committee
members to identify issues and work to solve them in the next 30 days, so that the
project can be passed on to the Board of Public Works for implementation. He said
that it would be better for the Council to be as definitive and specific as they felt
they needed to be, but that they should be prepared to let go after June 5th.
The issue of parking was raised again in regard to how far it would extend down
the street, how it might affect the treelawn, and how many bulbouts would be
included and how far apart. It was agreed that the design should include
approximately as much parking as currently exists on the street, but should not
conflict with the design of the intersections at either end of the street. It was
unanimously agreed to substitute "parking spaces on the west (downhill) side of
the street approximately equal to the number of parking spaces currently existing
on the street" for the last bullet in the third resolved. With this last change, the
resolution was approved unanimously with amendments.
4. On a motion by Whitmore, the meeting was adjourned at 9:32pm.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
May 23, 2002
Committee Members Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Carolyn Peterson; Pat Pryor,
Chair; Diann Sams; David Whitmore
Other Council Members Present: Susan Blumenthal, Dan Cogan
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic Development Planner; Norma Schwab,
City Attorney; Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning and Development; Tom West,
City Engineer
1. Meeting called to order at 7:42 pm
2. Review Agenda
Pryor noted that the agenda of the May 8th meeting, which had been postponed for
lack of quorum, had been changed slightly. The revised agenda included public
comment, committee response, reports, West Spencer Street, and a Neighborhood
Improvement Incentive Fund application. The Benefit Assessment District would be
tabled for a future meeting.
3. Public Comment
Gay Johnson, of Johnson Apartments, said that her family had been in business
for 54 years. She said that they owned all but two of the properties on the downhill
side of West Spencer Street: 33 households in all, with 51 beds. She was concerned
about a lack of parking and impacts during the construction period. She said that
it was important to keep renting those units, especially since they had made a
major investment in them. Lastly, she added that on-street parking would provide
a safety buffer for residents on that side of the street.
Lauri Dahl, 213 West Spencer Street, said that the last resolution passed by the
NCI Committee was fair and reasonable; she urged the Committee to stick with it.
She said that seven parking spaces lost on the street is a fair price to pay
compared with the price the whole street is paying for the widening.
Larry Beck, a resident of Lansing who manages apartments on West Spencer
Street, pointed to the SRF & Associates report about the street and it's discussion
of quality of life. He also read from a variance he received allowing him to provide
parking on-street and commending him for renovating an eyesore. He asked the
Committee to support the last resolution with a 50 feet wide street and a 38 foot
wide chicane in front of the Loh's property, provided that parking be provided
through the 38 foot section. He said that the actual design of the parking lane
could be left to a design professional.
Stanton Loh, 227 West Spencer Street, voiced his support for the resolution passed
by the Committee on April 29th. He liked the chicane as it would calm traffic. He
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said it would only remove seven parking spaces. He said that the additional eight
feet, if added for parking, would straighten out the street, increase speeds, and
eliminate a noise buffer.
Jennifer Dotson, a resident of Wood Street and chair of the Bicycle/Pedestrian
Advisory Council, asked what a policy level decision on the design of the street
should include. She stated that most design decisions should be left to engineers,
but that the decision to include shared lanes for bicycles and cars versus separate
bike lanes was a transportation policy decision and should be included in the
Committee resolution. She supported the chicane idea as a traffic calming design.
Theron Johnson of Johnson Apartments said that parking down the street was not
a satisfactory solution. He said that an unloading zone would not work either, as
people would use it all day. He said that property values would decrease without
parking. He suggested that bike lanes be added to North Titus Avenue and South
Plain Street instead. Also, he added, that the City could leave the existing sidewalk
at its current width.
Adrian Loh, 227 West Spencer Street, said that this was the most difficult night for
her to address the Committee. This decision, she stated, will severely disturb the
neighborhood with noise, traffic, parking, and property impacts. In trying to
envision the street with fewer trees and more traffic, she said her heart breaks. She
added that there are plenty of places in the City where people do not have parking
right in front of their homes.
Fay Gougakis, 406 Utica Street, said that she doesn't want bike lanes on West
Spencer Street, that the residents have been through enough. She said that the
SPCA has done nothing to help with dog barking and that the director has been
mean and vindictive. She said that there are other ways to get the word out about
the dog law, including public service annoucements. Lastly, she said that the
basketball hoop in the deep end of the pool is ridiculous and that because she has
high blood pressure, she likes to swim.
Jeff Moses, 222 West Spencer Street and a first year graduate student, said that
his street is a short cut from Cayuga Street to Route 13. He said that renters on
his side of the street have been getting less regard than other parts of the
neighborhood and that there were more people living on the street than one might
suspect. He said there would be much degradation of the quality of life with traffic
and parking impacts; parking, he added, is not just a landlord concern.
Victor Rosa, 238 West Spencer Street, said he works for Ithaca College and that it
is his third year living there. He stated that he has a car and needs it to get to
work. He said that he needs his parking space and that it would be a loss of
convenience without parking. He said that he likes where he lives.
4. Response to Public Comment
Sams said that the Committee should look into the basketball hoop issues raised
by Ms. Gougakis and get her an answer. Whitmore said that he would look into it
since he was the liaison to the Youth Bureau.
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Page 3 of 5
Cogan said that he was concerned about the dog issue and that the barking
ordinance is not being enforced regularly. He agreed with Ms. Gougakis that the
City needs to get the word out with PSAs, through the SPCA, and perhaps, through
a dog owners school.
Whitmore said that he appreciated the speakers on the West Spencer Street
project. He wanted them to know that the Committee had heard their comments
and would be getting to that agenda item shortly.
Pryor responded to Mr. Johnson's comments about sidewalks. She said that any
redevelopment needs to meet requirements under the Americans with Disabilities
Act and the City Code, which stated that sidewalks must be at least five feet wide.
5. Reports
Pryor reported that the June .12th meeting of the NCI Committee would be
cancelled. Instead, there would be a Common Council Committee of the Whole
meeting that night on the Cayuga Green project. Cohen added that the Planning
Committee would also be canceling their June meeting in favor of another meeting
on the Cayuga Green project.
6. West Spencer Street Widening
Pryor gave some background on the project. She said that the Committee had
passed a resolution that went to the full Council for discussion. Some questions
were raised by Councilors, including how the environmental review for this project
was being handled. To this end, the Committee was revisiting the resolution. Pryor
led the Committee through the revised resolution, pointing out changes.
Sams asked why the Board of Public Works would be lead agency on this project
when Common Council was the lead agency on the Six Point Plan. Cohen explained
that Council was lead agency on the planning phase, but that it made sense for the
BPW to be lead agency on the implementation phase. He compared it to the
planning and implementation phase of the Southwest Area Land Use Plan, where
Council was lead agency on the plan and the Planning Board was lead agency on
implementation. Sams said that it was not clear to her how the BPW was chosen to
be lead agency.
Cogan asked if Common Council had been notified about the environmental review
process. Cohen responded that traditionally the Mayor is notified on behalf of
Common Council and that he has not necessarily brought all notifications, some of
which come from outside the City, to the Council. Cogan, Sams, and Whitmore
expressed interest in being notified in the future and asked that letters of intent to
declare lead agency status be copied to Council members, too. Cohen agreed.
Pryor explained some of the changes to the resolution that were being proposed to
the Committee. First, she said that "exclusive of site restoration or retaining
structures" should be added to the third resolved to parallel the fifth resolved.
Next, she pointed out a new resolved about the BPW taking the next steps in
L implementation and about including public participation in the design process.
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Page 4 of 5
She said that so far, West Spencer Street has lacked in-depth engineering analysis
and a structured process for public participation. She contrasted this with the
process for the South Plain Street bridge design process.
This led into a long discussion about this new resolved and whether Common
Council should be that directive to the BPW. Questions were raised as to how the
BPW would receive such direction. Whitmore said that he would like to see a
similar design process, but that he was worried about previous bad feelings with
BPW members and didn't want to be overly directive. The Committee wrestled with
some new language for this resolved. Eventually, the group accepted wording from
Schwab, who suggested, "RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works will proceed
with next steps in the planning process for the widening of West Spencer Street,
including opportunities designed by staff for public participation similar to those
provided to neighbors and the public in the design of the South Plain Street Bridge
over Six Mile Creek project."
The Committee then had a long discussion about parking. Questions included:
1) whether parking could stay within the 38' chicane; 2) the benefits of retaining
parking on-street for residents, property owners, safety, and convenience; 3) the
importance of minimizing acquisition of property in this project.
When West pointed out an alternative that showed the parking slot pushed down
the street and only a small portion of the street in front of the Loh's property at the
38' width, the Committee agreed that it would not be an option under the
resolution. The intent of the resolution, everyone agreed, was that the street would
be 38' wide for the entire length of the street in front of the Loh property.
Blumenthal asked that when the resolution is rewritten to be sent on to Council,
that it include brackets and underlined text to reflect deletions and additions to the
last resolution that Council saw.
Whitmore asked about the possibility of adding bike lanes to the fourth resolved,
but after some discussion, the Committee agreed that it did not need to be
included in the language of the resolution.
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Sams, the Committee unanimously agreed
to send the resolution, with changes, back to Common Council for formal approval.
?. Minutes
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, the April 10, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood & Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously.
8. Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
On a motion by Sams, seconded by Whitmore, an application from the Latino Civic
Association was unanimously approved. Peterson pointed out that a number of
signatures where from people living outside the City limits. She asked Logue to find
the resolution creating the program.
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Page 5 of 5
i
9. On a motion by Whitmore, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20pm.
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Page I of 7
NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
July 10, 2002
Committee Members Present: Peter Mack, Carolyn Peterson; Pat Pryor, Chair;
Diann Sams; David Whitmore
Other Council Members Present: Dan Cogan
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic Development Planner
1. Meeting called to order at 7:42 pm
2. Minutes
On a motion by Peterson, seconded by Whitmore, the April 29, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood 8v Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously.
On a motion by Mack, seconded by Peterson, the May 23, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood 8v Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously.
3. Review Agenda
Pryor thanked the people who were there for the dog park agenda item for their
interest in the subject and the media for helping get the word out about it. She
`./ noted that the dog park proposal was from the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation, and Historic Preservation and that the City's job was to respond. She
also noted that access to the water was not within the City's purview.
4. Public Comment
Charles DePaolo, a resident of the Town of Enfield, said that he has been going to
Treman Park for the last dozen years and that it has not been used as much as
other parks until recently as a de facto dog park. He stated that animals are well
behaved and that the bird sanctuary problem could be solved by a metal
agricultural fence. He felt that a small dog park was worse than a large area and
that the current use draws dog owners from other parks. He noted that Treman is
easily contained by natural features and that piping for water could solve that
problem.
Judith Van Allen, a resident of the Village of Trumansburg, said that she would
love to have the dog park stay as is. She has been convinced that the state doesn't
want water access. She noted that she would prefer the current de facto use, but
could live with the proposal. She asked about seasonal use for the larger area in
the winter.
Robert Digiacinto, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that liability would be
increased by a fence and that with 40-50 dogs, there would be more problems in a
QAPLANNING\GROUMNeighborhood&Community Issues\Minutes\2002\7_10_02.doc
Page 2 of 7
smaller, concentrated area. He said that if the smaller fenced-in area was created,
- he would probably go back to using Washington Park.
Dan Hoffman, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that he served on Council for
12 years and remembered the long debates on use of the festival lands. He said
that it was clear that Council wanted control of the festival lands and continued
free access to the marina. He recounted that there were many concerns about
things such as future expansion of the marina and new buildings. He stated his
concern that the state was not in total agreement with the City's control and that
the proposal for the dog park might be a beachhead for future state use. He
suggested that the dog park be kept within the City owned festival lands to
maintain City control and that if any agreement is reached with the state that it be
very clear about state use of City owned festival lands.
Guy Gerard, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that the City could have the dog
park on the festival lands and continue to have control over the land use. He said
there could be water access at the abutting marina. He said that the state infringed
on City property for Pier 6. He urged the Committee to table the item and review
the proposal and the relationship with state parks.
Lois Alucko, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said she has spent five years with her
dog at the dog park and that she feels very safe out there with no roads and few
woods around. She said that the open area is safe for people without dogs because
people can see over long distances. She stated that a 2.5 acre, fenced-in area will
feel like a prison. The City has been lucky to have this area, she said, adding that
she didn't understand why the state was resistant to it.
Esther Herkowitz, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she has walked out
near the marina since the mid-1970's with her dog and that this was a very
emotional issue for her. She said that it was safe and didn't bother anyone. She
has met a very unique group of people there, including dog walkers, fishers,
birders, and other users who knew that off-leash dogs were around. She said that
there was nowhere else to go. She and her dog need to walk around for health
reasons, she added, and that her dog needed to be off-leash or one of them would
go crazy. She felt that the state's resistance was absurd. Lastly, she stated that the
area should be open from dawn to Spm from November to March, if not open at all
times.
Joanie Groome, a resident and employee of the City of Ithaca, recognized the high
quality of life in this area and asked the Committee to not cop out on this and to
not give in to the state. She felt that the proposed dog park was too small.
June James, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she walks her dog in the
park and that she has been informed by other dog owners to keep her dog out of
the bird area.
Joel Harlin, a resident of the Town of Dryden, said that he felt the City was going to
the dogs and that it was losing the softball leagues. He said that the City needs to
control the wolves and panhandlers who were taking over the streets. He added
Q:\PLAWNG\GROUPS\Neighborhood&Community Issues\Minutes\2002\7_10_02.doc
Page 1 of 7
NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
July 10, 2002
Committee Members Present: Peter Mack, Carolyn Peterson; Pat Pryor, Chair;
Diann Sams; David Whitmore
Other Council Members Present: Dan Cogan
Staff. Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic Development Planner
1. Meeting called to order at 7:42 pm
2. Minutes
On a motion by Peterson, seconded by Whitmore, the April 29, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood & Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously.
On a motion by Mack, seconded by Peterson, the May 23, 2002 minutes of the
Neighborhood & Community Issues Committee were approved unanimously.
3. Review Agenda
Pryor thanked the people who were there for the dog park agenda item for their
interest in the subject and the media for helping get the word out about it. She
�./ noted that the dog park proposal was from the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation, and Historic Preservation and that the City's job was to respond. She
also noted that access to the water was not within the City's purview.
4. Public Comment
Charles DePaolo, a resident of the Town of Enfield, said that he has been going to
Treman Park for the last dozen years and that it has not been used as much as
other parks until recently as a de facto dog park. He stated that animals are well
behaved and that the bird sanctuary problem could be solved by a metal
agricultural fence. He felt that a small dog park was worse than a large area and
that the current use draws dog owners from other parks. He noted that Treman is
easily contained by natural features and that piping for water could solve that
problem.
Judith Van Allen, a resident of the Village of Trumansburg, said that she would
love to have the dog park stay as is. She has been convinced that the state doesn't
want water access. She noted that she would prefer the current de facto use, but
could live with the proposal. She asked about seasonal use for the larger area in
the winter.
Robert Digiacinto, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that liability would be
increased by a fence and that with 40-50 dogs, there would be more problems in a
QAPLANNING\GROUMNeighborhood&Community Issues\Minutes\2002\7 10 02.doc
Page 2 of 7
smaller, concentrated area. He said that if the smaller fenced-in area was created,
he would probably go back to using Washington Park.
Dan Hoffman, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that he served on Council for
12 years and remembered the long debates on use of the festival lands. He said
that it was clear that Council wanted control of the festival lands and continued
free access to the marina. He recounted that there were many concerns about
things such as future expansion of the marina and new buildings. He stated his
concern that the state was not in total agreement with the City's control and that
the proposal for the dog park might be a beachhead for future state use. He
suggested that the dog park be kept within the City owned festival lands to
maintain City control and that if any agreement is reached with the state that it be
very clear about state use of City owned festival lands.
Guy Gerard, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that the City could have the dog
park on the festival lands and continue to have control over the land use. He said
there could be water access at the abutting marina. He said that the state infringed
on City property for Pier 6. He urged the Committee to table the item and review
the proposal and the relationship with state parks.
Lois Alucko, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said she has spent five years with her
dog at the dog park and that she feels very safe out there with no roads and few
woods around. She said that the open area is safe for people without dogs because
people can see over long distances. She stated that a 2.5 acre, fenced-in area will
feel like a prison. The City has been lucky to have this area, she said, adding that
she didn't understand why the state was resistant to it.
Esther Herkowitz, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she has walked out
near the marina since the mid-1970's with her dog and that this was a very
emotional issue for her. She said that it was safe and didn't bother anyone. She
has met a very unique group of people there, including dog walkers, fishers,
birders, and other users who knew that off-leash dogs were around. She said that
there was nowhere else to go. She and her dog need to walk around for health
reasons, she added, and that her dog needed to be off-leash or one of them would
go crazy. She felt that the state's resistance was absurd. Lastly, she stated that the
area should be open from dawn to 9pm from November to March, if not open at all
times.
Joanie Groome, a resident and employee of the City of Ithaca, recognized the high
quality of life in this area and asked the Committee to not cop out on this and to
not give in to the state. She felt that the proposed dog park was too small.
June James, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she walks her dog in the
park and that she has been informed by other dog owners to keep her dog out of
the bird area.
Joel Harlin, a resident of the Town of Dryden, said that he felt the City was going to
the dogs and that it was losing the softball leagues. He said that the City needs to
control the wolves and panhandlers who were taking over the streets. He added
QAPLANNING\GROUPS\Neighborhood&Community Issues\Minutes\2002\7 10 02.doc
Page 3 of 7
that Cornell, Ithaca College, and Collegetown are rich, while the City is going
broke.
Patti Jacobson, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she has spent a few years
at the dog park and that she and her dog love the space. She felt that seasonal use
or use during restricted times of the day would be acceptable for the whole area
and that the dog park should not be a smaller, closed-in area.
Roger Farrell, a resident of the City of Ithaca for 44 years, read from a list of
comments:
■ There used to be a dog run in Ithaca called the Arts College Quad. Cornell had to intervene
and shut this down. Their reasons might be interesting.
■ The proposed run is on a bermed landscape put there to give privacy to boaters, this privacy
will be compromised by the dog run
■ No dogs were seen on boats or docks today
• Is it proposed to have guards at the dog run with authority to ticker owners?or, is this a faith
and good will proposition?
■ Observed today in the area north of the dog run were 7 dogs running freely
■ Several people asked by my wife admitted they knew it was illegal
■ Today we did not see any pooper-scoopers
■ Dog urine can carry leptosporosis which can be transmitted to humans and from humans to
dogs
■ The proposed fenced area is to have a dog-on-leash area and a free-run area-where will
these be located in the fenced area? How will they be separated?
■ My guess is that, since the area north of the proposed run is much bigger and more
attractive, that the area will continue to be used by dogs off leash
■ this will invite others to leave the fenced area for the bigger area outside to the north
■ Where is parking for the dog owners? should they pay a fee?
■ Is the area shut when the State Parks close for the winter?What is the proposed
maintenance of the area?
Susanne Morgan, a resident of the City of Ithaca, stated that Tompkins County
Dog Owners Group (TCDOG) was formed 2 1/2 years ago. Over time is has done
research and advocacy, but that recently it has become somewhat inactive. She
passed out some information on the group's position.
■ During the spring of 2000 the group explored a number of options for off-leash areas, and
made specific proposals or reports about three different ones (SW Natural Area,Tutelo Park,
and the Marina). Our concern was that there was (and is) no place in the county in which it
was legal to have dogs off leash, and also that many areas that were suggested were regularly
used by dog-walkers were not ideal or appropriate.
■ The Allan H. Treman State Marine Park area emerged as the most promising for the group to
explore initially, in part because the regional office was interested and in part because the
Marina is one of the safest and least problematic areas that had become informal dog parks.
■ We have done extensive research on off-leach areas and their importance to planning of
public open space, on the relative risks and benefits, and on the varied arrangements
communities have made.
■ The organization has worked closely with relevant committees and departments in city
government and also with the regional state parks office. We have discussed the issues with
the SPCA, the County Environmental Management Council, and Ithaca Dog Training Club
and others.
■ We believe that we have presented excellent evidence in responding to concerns from these
groups about safety, about environmental impacts, and about benefits to the community.
Each of the proposals we have made has included the expectation that clear rules and
procedures would be posted.
QAPLANNING\GROUPS\Neighborhood&Community Issues\Minutes\2002\7 10 02.doc
Page 4 of 7
■ TCDOG believes that the current proposal should be supported but as the first among many
in the county.
■ It is far, far from the ideal park for the widest use by dog owners and their families. The
primary problems are the lack of access to swimming water for the many dogs that need that
and the fact that owners will have much less space for their own exercise program if they can
no longer walk"the loop."
■ It is preferable to many earlier suggestions, thanks to the ways TCDOG has been included in
the planning.
■ For some dogs, a fenced area is very important, and for many, the water access is not crucial.
■ TCDOG will support the development of a users group for the new park.
• We have additional information about suggested rules, benefits to the community,
environmental impacts, and other issues, available on request. Thank you very much.
Le Moyne Farrell, a resident of the City of Ithaca, characterized herself as an old Hog
Hole warrior, working to protect wild birds, waterfowl, and open fields. She said there
was no signage to differentiate the bird area and the dog run and that she has seen
dogs on the paths, chasing birds. She said it was a nesting sparrow area and that it
was also inhabited by warblers, migrating waterfowl, field sparrows, and bluebirds.
She also handed in written comments:
■ I pay a fee of$50 a year, for a "user fee" as President Reagan called it, to maintain and protect the
beauty of NYS Parks, of which the Treman Marina is a jewel in the crown. Perhaps this park, like
Taughanock, should be closed to out of season cars, boats, and dogs.
■ Humans can contract leptosporosis from dog urine, which is easily transferred to other dogs as
well. I am concerned that the Marina has become a dog recreation area from the Hanger Theater
to the birding area next to the lake.
■ Today between 3-4:30pm I spoke with seven sets of dog-owners with animals in the size range
between large German Shephard and miniature poodle. All seven assumed that the entire mowed
area was the "dog park;"only four realized that a leash-law was in effect in the Marina area. No
signage explained limits of access.
• According to the Park police, no unleashed dogs are allowed in the park.
■ One owner emerged with her retriever from the birding area and her dog began chasing skimming
barn swallows incessantly. She thought the birds were "playing with" her dog, not catching
insects to feed chicks in this nesting season. When the bird boxes were pointed out, she hadn't
realized their presence before. Another owner said she'd been running a dog in the Park for 20
years. While she talked about the meeting tonight, he dog urinated on a tree in the Marina area
and on a sign defining its walkway.
■ Robert Treman Park has a large treed area to the left of its entrance which is a huge area that, if
it were fenced, would make a good dog run.
■ Colorado tickets dog owners with their pets unleashed in State Parks with a$50 fine. What a
great source of income for the State Parks besides the"user fee."
5. Response to Public Comment
Whitmore thanked everyone for coming and being clear about his or her thoughts
on the proposed dog park
6. Announcements and Reports from Committee members
There were no announcement or reports.
7. Apprenticeship Proposal
Pryor explained that a draft proposal from the local trade union was included in
the mailing; she read from part of it. She further explained that she and David
QAPLANNING\GROUPS\Neighborhood&Community Issues\Minutes\2002\7_10_02.doc
Page 5 of 7
J
Whitmore had met with staff from the Department of Public Works and that they
had said that they try to get local contractors, but that with this proposed
requirement, the City may not be able to hire as many local contractors. Lastly,
Pryor added that in talking with people, she had persistently been told that most
local contractors were non-union shops and that this program would keep them
out of the competition.
Becky Meinking from the Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and
Contractors, Inc., and Dave Braung from Pleasant Valley Electric joined the
Committee for discussion.
Ms. Meinking said that anyone can apply to the Department of Labor for an
apprenticeship program, but that the DOL was prejudiced towards union shops.
She said that it was tough to get an approved program and that only 5% of over
500 contractors in upstate NY have DOL approved programs. Mr. Braung said that
it was tough for a small shop to have its own apprenticeship program - that you
needed a larger group, like a union.
Mack expressed his concern about increasing costs to the City by limiting the
number of contractors with which the City works. He said that he would be
interested in a City certification program for local businesses that could circumvent
the NYS DOL certification process. Sams agreed to follow up with a group in the
industrial park that does training. Ms. Meinking added that there is also a training
in Cortland.
Mr. Braung stated that there is only one electrical contractor in town that is
unionized and they do most of their work with Cornell. He said that there are no
unionized plumbers or general contractors. He said that Pleasant Valley Electric
does many small jobs for the City of Ithaca; he asked why the City would want to
go to Cortland or Elmira to get a unionized electrical contractor for a small City job.
Whitmore asked about the difference between a DOL approved program and other
apprentice or training programs. Ms. Meinking responded that all union shops or
contractors have approved programs and that the DOL will not approve joint non-
union programs. She also said that DOL applicant's names are posted on the DOL
webpage during review to provide interested parties (such as the federal
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the National Labor
Relations Board) the opportunity to comment.
Whitmore also asked whether the City could be more liberal than the state
program. Ms. Meinking responded that the City could do it on a project-by-project
basis by putting requirements in the bid specifications. Whitmore said that he
might favor using a price limit on a project-by-project basis for project more like
Cayuga Green and less like the $300-$500 contracts. Sams added that there are
good reasons to have unions, such as union members have benefits.
On Mack's request, Ms. Meinking said that she would get DOL statistics on union
vs. non-union approved apprenticeship programs. Ms. Meinking also added that
prevailing wage rate work must pay apprenticeship wages to certified apprentices,
otherwise they must pay journeyman wages.
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S. State Park's Proposal for a Fenced, Off-Leash Dog Park at Treman Marina
The following people joined the Committee for discussion: Jeff McDonald, NYS
Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; JoAnn Cornish, Deputy
Director of the Department of Planning and Development; Judith Van Ellen and
Susanne Morgan from Tompkins County Dog Owners Group (TCDOG).
Cornish noted that the fence mandate was from the State Parks office in Albany
and that they don't want to be the only one with a dog park. Instead, they would
prefer that local municipalities have dog parks, too. Lastly, she mentioned that the
plan for the Southwest Natural Area includes a proposal for a dog park.
McDonald stated that this was the fifth option proposed by the Finger Lakes Region
offices to Albany. He said that the region is comfortable with it, as is the state
environmental management group. He pointed out that two sections of the
proposed dog park were on City owned "festival lands," for which management and
maintenance responsibilities rested with the State.
Sams stated that if an agreement is reached between the City and the State on this
matter, it needs to be very clear about who owns which pieces of property, what
their responsibilities are, and what future control remains with whom.
To Mack's question about enforcement, Pryor responded that State Parks will ticket
again in the future. Cornish added that State Park police are state police and can
write tickets anywhere that must be honored.
Whitmore asked if the City made an off-leash dog park on the city-owned festival
lands, could the State Parks officers write tickets? McDonald said they would and
that it was not an option because the State manages that land and has a policy of
no off-leash dogs. Pryor continued that she didn't think it was appropriate to create
the dog park just on City land because there are no natural boundaries, there is
water access in the marina, and there is a sensitive environmental area (floodplain
forest) nearby. Also, she said that she appreciates the positive relationship that the
City has had with the State Parks and that she would rather look to other areas in
the county for such a use.
Ms. Morgan stated that it is a real value to the community to have an off-leash dog
park and that TCDOG had worked on a few possible locations, including Bostwick
Road, the Southwest Natural Area, and Treman Marina. Ms. Van Ellen said that
she has been involved with TCDOG, but it is not necessarily representative of all
dog owners. She said that it was clear, even last year, that the area would have to
be fenced and that, though this is not ideal, it is better than nothing.
Sams stated that she was not going to be ready to vote on this in August, that she
would like to see some alternative resolutions, and that she would like the time to
discuss them thoroughly. She also said that she would want to see clear legal
explanations that spell out uses and rights on City-owned land.
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Pryor said that she would bring the item back on next month's agenda, invite the
City Attorney, and have some alternative language to consider. She also asked Mr.
McDonald about the state's criteria for success for a trial period/experimental dog
park. McDonald listed the reduction of human/dog incidents, reduction of dog/dog
incidents, and improved dog feces clean-up. Pryor asked if the State would be
willing to do some surveying of current usage to collect data that could later be
compared with data from the smaller, fenced-in area. She noted that usage would,
in all likelihood, change significantly with a smaller, fenced-in area and that the
two might not compare so easily. Mr. McDonald said that the State was going to
judge whether to continue the park based on maintenance and liability issues.
Peterson stated that there were still some outstanding legal issues to resolve and
that she was not clear on whether dog owners want this area. She said that the
City could make a statement to Albany in favor of the status quo.
Mack left the meeting at 10:15pm.
Guy Gerard joined the Committee for discussion. He said that the City donated 25
acres for the creation of the marina; in exchange, State Parks agreed not to charge
an access fee for the park. Also, they agreed to mow the grass in the festival lands.
He said that this did not mean that the City gave up control of the land.
Whitmore left the meeting at 10:28pm
Joanie Groome joined the Committee and said that some dog park users feel like
they have been treated like criminals by the State Parks officers. She said that
officers have harassed them, hiding behind trees and buildings, and waiting for dog
walkers to pass by.
9. On a motion by Peterson, the meeting was adjourned at 10:42pm.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
August 14, 2002
Committee Members Present: Peter Mack, Carolyn Peterson; Pat Pryor, Chair;
Diann Sams; David Whitmore
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner, Norma Schwab, City Attorney
1. Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm
2. Review Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
3. Public Comment
Joel Harlan, a resident of Dryden, spoke about the dog park and rising violence in
the City. He said that criminals were protected in Ithaca and he expected more
violence in the future.
Herb Nelson, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that the skateboard park is a
lovely park, but that there is too much trash and there aren't facilities. He said
that there should be trash cans, restrooms, and water available for park users.
w�
Kristin Peters, a resident of the City of Ithaca, agreeAhe previous comments, but
spoke about the dog park. She said that she has never seen a dog in the natural
area; however, she recently saw a triple mower there, scattering birds and
destroying the area.
Marjorie Tracy, a resident of the Town of Ithaca, said that the marina area is a
godsend.The proposed, small, fenced-in dog area would be too small, she felt, and
people might get knocked over. She said that dogs and people need their space.
Doria Higgins, a resident of the Town of Ithaca, said that the Finger Lakes
Regional office has a very bad track record over the past 20 years, making false
assertions and working backstage. She felt that the regional office was trying to
take over the festival lands.
Guy Gerard, a resident of the City of Ithaca, passed out a petition signed by more
than 200 people over four days, in support of the status quo dog park. He read a
statement about how he feels the State Parks office is trying to take over the City
festival lands to build a pier and an access road.
Keri Szymanski, a resident of Trumansburg, said she used a dog park in California
for the past 7 years and found it to improve dog socialization and behavior. She
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thought the status quo dog park was an appropriate use.
Anette Schwartz,a resident of the City of Ithaca,expressed her great disappointment with how the
State Parks office was dealing with everyone.She asked that they do not dismantle the existing dog
park, stating that she felt it was the safest park in the region. Also, she felt that
State Parks was exploiting TCDOG.
Alfred Center, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that the dog park issue was out
of proportion and that there was no real problem with the current status. He did
not feel that the City should spend money on it.
Ingrid Center, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said she was a retired insurance and
risk management advisor for New York and Connecticut municipalities. She felt
that a fenced in area would increase aggression and would imply a liability that
the area was safe. She said this may not be what the City wants to do.
Virginia Cobey, a resident of the Town of Ithaca, said that she has been walking
her dog at the marina for 3 years and that the dog park has increased the use of
the area to its betterment. She said that there was even more space at Treman
park if there is a concern about aggression.
Esther Herkowitz, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she is not satisfied
with the State Park's answers on why dog walkers shouldn't be there. She said
that the City should say no to the State Park's proposal and that the State Parks
should amend their regulations about off-leash dogs.
Diane Herbert, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she moved to Ithaca for
vet school, bought a house in the City, and uses the dog park regularly with very
few problems. She said that people keep their dogs in control and that obesity is
problem in dogs. She felt that things work just fine.
Margaret Harris, a resident of the Town of Ithaca, said that her young puppy's
fright and aggression has gone away with free reign in the dog park. She said it
was a waste of money to build a fence.
Paul Salon, a resident of the Town of Ithaca, said that dogs do not really go in the
tall grass and that when dogs go in the water, the ducks don't seem to be bothered
much. He said that there are also non-dog walking users of that part of the park.
He felt there would be health problems with a small fenced-in area.
Fay Gougakis, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she is worried about safety
in the current dog park and that she feels uncomfortable around unleashed dogs.
She reported that a woman in San Francisco was eaten alive by a dog. She felt that
the City should delay this issue and look into it further.
4. Response to Public Comment
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Mack stated that he has done some research with the State Parks and in the City
Clerk's Office. He reported that the State Parks office mows the entire area, not the
City. Also, he found out that there was a complaint filed 3 months ago about an
off-leash dog that attacked an on-leash dog out by the marina; a lawsuit ensued
and the City was involved. He said that he was not satisfied with the State Park's
proposal, but was not sure about the right thing to do.
Pryor stated that no decisions would be made tonight about the dog park and that
the item was just for discussion. She mentioned that minutes exist from a
previous public meeting on the subject and that another meeting would be held on
August 22"d from 7-8:30pm in Common Council chambers.
Sams stated that there was a good deal of history with the Festival Lands, dating
back to when Ben Nichols was mayor. She thanked people for speaking and
questioned State Park's motivation. She noted that a Community Unity meeting
would be held the same night as the dog park meeting at 6:30pm.
Whitmore responded to Mr. Nelson's comments and said that he was concerned
about the lack of facilities and garbage cans. He said that the State Park's
proposal for the dog park will not satisfy people's needs.
Pryor said that she was on the committee to develop the skate park, along with
youth, residents from Titus Towers, and City employees. She said that youth
sponsored the project and helped fund raise for it and that a decision was made to
not put facilities and water there. She said that in light of City budget constraints,
the decision was also made to make it a carry-in/carry-out park. She said that
maybe the committee should regroup.
Pryor also spoke about the dog park. She said that despite the time and effort of
her involvement, she is disappointed with the proposal from the state. She clarified
that the funding would be from the state, and not the City. She said that Albany
might need direct lobbying to change their minds.
5. Announcements and Reports from Committee members
Sams announced that on August 22nd there would be a community unity march
against hatred called, "United We Stand."The march will assemble on the
Commons at 6:30pm and make its way to GIAC. She said that it will be a peaceful
march and that they are looking for positive participation and comments.
6. Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund Applications(4)
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Sams, an application from the Washington
Park Neighborhood Association was approved unanimously. Some discussion
preceded the vote. Schwab asked if the City reviews subject matter if it pays for
printed materials with the fund. Sams responded that she would not want to stifle
neighborhood expression, but would not want to support a hate message.
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Whitmore asked about liability issues.
On a motion by Whitmore,seconded by Sams,an application from Laura Lewis on behalf of FdI
Creek residents was approved unanimously.
On a motion by Sams, seconded by Mack, an application from Titus Towers
Tenant's Council for National Night Out was approved unanimously.
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Sams, an application from Jean Rowley on
behalf of Utica/Marshall Street neighbors was approved unanimously. Peterson
expressed her concern that the City is paying for food and block parties.
7. Board of Public Works-Bridge Naming Proposal-Discussion Only
Gossa Tsegaye and John Beach, members of the Board of Public Works (BPW),
joined the Committee for discussion. Pryor noted that the BPW has the authority
to name bridges and is consulting with the Committee. Tsegaye expressed his
interest in naming bridges in Ithaca based on their historical significance or
symbolism. Beach added that it would be great to recognize certain people or
events by dedicating a bridge in their name.
|
she mentioned that recent discussions about renaming Cleveland Avenue nn
"Wheat Stree_ have raised the_ire _ some residents. She also noted _that there _ �
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not enforce the leash law.
There was some discussion about how an agreement might be written up and how past
agreements have delineated responsibilities for management and maintenance. On
Mack's question about liability, Pryor stated that there has been some research
showing that dogs are more aggressive in a small fenced-in area and that she had
checked with the City's insurance provider and they had said that there would be
no increased liability for an unfenced off-leash dog park. Schwab said that she
would check about the liability for a fenced-in area.
Whitmore said that there was a clear need for an off-leash dog park in the area
and that it was important to continue having the conversation about where else
such a facility might be developed.
9. Apprenticeship proposal-Discussion Only
Pryor began the discussion by reading through a proposed resolution she had put
together in an effort to consolidate previous discussions into a policy statement.
Joining the discussion where Steve Thayer, the City Controller, Gary Curtin, IBEW
Local 24 1, and John Gillis, of the local carpenters union. Pryor asked that
someone from the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC) might be invited
back for further discussion.
Whitmore asked three questions: 1) Is it true, as ABC has stated, that unions are
automatically approved by the Department of Labor for apprenticeship programs;
2) what is the impact of DOL approvals on minority and women owned
businesses?; 3) why are non-union contractors unwilling to be posted to the DOL's
website of approved programs?
Mr. Curtin responded that most unions got approvals years ago, that they are not
pre-approved, and that the process is the same for union and non-union shops
alike. Mr. Gillis added that the state sets the standards for class hours, on-the-job
training, and safety. He said that programs are regularly reviewed by the state and
that they have to reapply every two or three years. Pryor noted that she thought
the process was slanted towards the unions.
To Whitmore's second question, Mr. Curtin responded that small firms have a host
of requirements they have to meet in order to be awarded jobs, including
financing, insurance, workforce availability, and experience. Minority and women
owned businesses are often small firms and so need to meet these requirements,
too.
To Whitmore's third questiot.Mr. Curtin responded that the DOL publishes a list
of problem contractors who ave been cited for things like violations of OSHA
requirements. He said that it shouldn't be a problem for someone who is not
breaking the law.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
October 9, 2002
Committee Members Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Peter Mack, Carolyn Peterson;
Pat Pryor, Chair; David Whitmore
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner
1. Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm
2. Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Peterson, seconded by Whitmore, the minutes from the July 10,
2002 meeting of the Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee were
approved unanimously.
3. Review Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
4. Public Comment
Dick Flaville, an owner of a business on Elmira Road, complimented Common
Council members on their recent resolution against a possible war in Iraq. He then
spoke against the proposed Southwest Area Benefit Assessment District(BAD),
stating that the supposed benefits are pure conjecture and that property owners
would simply pass the expense on to lease holders.
Tom Pendall, a resident of the Village of Freeville, said he was speaking as a
representative of Bill Cook Imports on Elmira Road. He spoke against the
proposed Southwest BAD, saying that the traffic improvements would not be a
benefit because they would take traffic away from Elmira Road.
Marilyn Ryan, a resident of the City of Ithaca and an owner of the Royal Court Inn
on Meadow Street, said that the proposed improvements would not be a benefit.
She felt that she is already paying enough in taxes and that her motel has lost
business during past traffic construction projects like the Octopus reconfiguration.
Dorothy Sturtevant, a resident of the City of Ithaca and an owner of the Meadow
Court and Royal Court inns, said she represents a small business trying to make
it. She felt the BAD would tax her twice.
Joel Harlan, a resident of the Town of Dryden, stated that he loves it when a plan
comes together. He said that the mall and Lansing don't waste time. Also, he said
that he knew the Collegetown parties were coming, but that he didn't want to tell
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the City in order to prove a point.
Tim Maguire,a resident of the Village of Trumansburg and an owner of a business on
Meadow Street, said that his business would not benefit from the traffic
improvements proposed as part of the Southwest BAD. He said that if there is
benefit, then his property will increase in value, which will lead to increased
assessments, for which he would pay higher taxes. He said that a BAD would be a
double tax and shouldn't be; sales taxes should pay for the improvements, he
said.
Jean McPheeters, a resident of the Town of Caroline, spoke on behalf of the
Chamber of Commerce. She said that she has concerns about the proposed BAD
and that businesses in the district would not benefit from the improvements. She
said that since the whole city will benefit, then the whole city should pay.
5. Responses to the Public by Committee members
Whitmore said that he appreciated the comments and would respond during the
agenda items. Pryor thanked people for coming and hoped they could stay.
6. Announcements and Reports from Committee members
Peterson said that she was researching landlord/tenant issues and possible
legislation on"repair and deduct" laws.
7. City Code-"Peace &Good Order" and "Stewart Park"
Pryor asked to switch items 7 and 8 on the agenda. The Committee agreed.
Khandikile Sokoni, the Associate Attorney,joined the Committee for discussion.
Sokoni introduced the proposed ordinance changes, saying that they followed
recent investigation concerning indecent exposure and nudity. She said that
Section 250-3 related to swimming nude, but that swimming is not allowed in any
natural water bodies in the City of Ithaca, according to the Superintendent of
Public Works. The proposed legislation, she said, was meant to clarify the City's
rules about swimming by better defining the prohibition on swimming and by
using the state penal law on nudity and indecent exposure.
After some discussion, Logue asked if the prohibition on entering waters within the
City would exclude fishing in places like Fall Creek. Sokoni said that she would
check that point.
Whitmore asked why we want to keep people out of all the natural waters in the
City and what the policy goal was that was behind this. Peterson added that she
did not know that there was a City policy of"no swimming" and asked where in
the City Code it existed. She also asked about jurisdiction under the suspension x
bridge over Fall Creek, where many people swim. r
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8. Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund Application
On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Mack, an application from the South Hill
Civic Association for funding from the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund
was approved unanimously.
9. Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund Discussion
Peterson distributed some notes about the fund and the resolution and press
release from when the fund was created. Logue distributed a 6-year summary of
the funded applications under the program.
Peterson said that it seemed that the fund was supposed to be for physical
improvements in neighborhoods, but that it was mostly being used for social
events. She said that she didn't much like the idea of the City paying for food and
block parties as it would be replacing volunteerism, something the fund was not
meant to do.
Pryor said that she saw it the other way around and that the fund was meant to be
very open and flexible. She added that for many grassroots; efforts, it is very
important to have social events to bring people together and that food is often a
great way to do that. She pointed out that funding has almost exclusively been
used in the lower income neighborhoods downtown.
Peterson asked if written materials should be included in applications if the
requested funding would be used to pay for the written materials. She also pointed
out that the original resolution included neighborhood re-use events and that she
didn't feel it was appropriate for the City to pay for something like a garage sale,
where individual residents would profit. Mack agreed with that point.
Logue mentioned a somewhat similar program in Savannah, Georgia called
"Grants for Blocks," and how that program has been successful in developing
leadership in neighborhoods and how it has been used to build community. He
said that he would circulate a book about it for Committee members to read.
10. Benefit Assessment District
Thys Van Cort, Director of Planning& Development, and Jennifer Kusznir,
Economic Development Planner,joined the Committee for discussion. Pryor said
that the Planning Department had compiled a set of questions raised by Council
members about the BAD and answered them in a memo included in the packet.
Van Cort walked the Committee through the questions and answers, explaining
each one in greater detail. He described the basis and structure behind the
proposed district, how properties would benefit, and the methodology through
which assessments were derived.
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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
December 11, 2002
Committee Members Present: Alan J. Cohen, Mayor; Peter Mack, Carolyn Peterson;
Pat Pryor, Chair; David Whitmore
Staff: Tim Logue, Neighborhood and Economic
Development Planner; Norma Schwab, City Attorney
1. Meeting called to order at 9:12 pm
2. Approval of Minutes
Logue noted that the July minutes included in the packet had already been
approved. On a motion by Whitmore, seconded by Peterson, the August 14, 2002
minutes from the Neighborhood 8i; Community Issues Committee were approved
unanimously with one minor word change. On a motion by Peterson, seconded by
Mack, the October 9, 2002 minutes of the Neighborhood & Community Issues
Committee were approved unanimously as written.
3. Review Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
4. Public Comment
Fay Gougakis, a resident of the City of Ithaca, said that she was very informed
about the Inlet Island promenade issue regarding boats on the water and the DEC.
She expressed her hurt that no Council member brought up her written concerns.
5. Responses to the Public by Committee members
Mack responded to Ms. Gougakis'comments, stating that issues with boats and
the DEC were being dealt with internally.
6. Announcements and Reports from Committee members
There were no announcements or reports.
7. Concept Memo Regarding Human Rights Ordinance
Pryor introduced the item by saying that Larry Roberts of the Disability Advisory
Council and Francis Billker of the Ithaca Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgendered Task Force (recently renamed Ithaqueer) could not make the
meeting, but have been working on a review of the City's Human Rights Ordinance
(Chapter 215 of the Code). Schwab joined the Committee, presenting a memo by
Associate Attorney Khandikile Sokoni, and giving some background history to the
issue.
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Discussion focused on the different laws and ordinances the State and City have in
relation to bias and discrimination and whether committee members were
interested in seeing the City's Human Rights Ordinance updated to reflect more
recent or progressive language of inclusivity. The recent New York City local law
about gender-based discrimination was presented as an example. Pryor noted that
the City's Bias-Motivated Crime Law (Article V of Chapter 215) goes beyond the
state law, but is already seen as outdated by some. Committee members showed
interest in seeing work done on this topic and Whitmore volunteered to work on it.
8. Peace & Good Order and Stewart Park
Schwab presented the proposed changes to Section 250-3 (Peace & Good Order)
and 336-23.1 (Stewart Park) of the City Code. Peterson reported on comments from
the Natural Areas Commission and the Parks Commission. The NAC had concerns
that Fall Creek, under Ithaca Falls and the suspension bridge, is currently used as
a neighborhood swimming area and that this ordinance will not be enforced. The
Parks Commission endorsed the language changes, but had some questions about
whether people can go topless in City pools. On a motion by Whitmore, seconded
by Mack, it was approved unanimously to move this item on to Council for a vote.
9. Traffic Calming Implementation Update
Logue gave a brief update on the traffic calming program, its history, and its
current status. He said that a consultant is currently preparing drawings that will
be put out to bid for construction in the summer of 2003. He talked about the most
recent plans for Dey Street, Buffalo & Court Street, South Aurora Street, and the
South of the Creek neighborhood. He also discussed the current cost estimates and
budget.
10. On a motion by Whitmore, the meeting was adjourned at 10:24pm.
Note: The next NCI meeting will be Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 7:30pm in
Common Council chambers.
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