HomeMy WebLinkAboutI - 02 Racker Center CorrespondenceOFFICIAL NOTICE
11/7/2023
Bruce Weber
Town of Cortlandville
Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building
3577 Terrace Road
Cortland, NY 13045
Re: Establishing a new community residential home 3266 Walden
Oaks Blvd
Dear Zoning Officer Weber,
Pursuant to Section 41.34 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law,
this letter shall serve as a formal notification of the intent of Racker,
formally known as Franziska Racker Centers, to establish a
community residential home to be located at 3266 Walden Oaks Blvd
Cortland, NY 13045. This home will be a supervised Individualized
Residential Alternative (IRA) for six (6) adults with developmental
disabilities.
Racker is a voluntary not-for-profit organization that operated under
the licensure of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
(OPWDD). We provide residential, respite, community habilitation,
self-direction, and family support services for individuals with
developmental disabilities in Cortland, Tompkins, Tioga and
surrounding counties.
A site assessment of the 3266 Walden Oaks Blvd property has been
conducted to determine its suitability to meet the needs of the
individuals and the Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA)
requirements. It has been found that this property will meet the needs
for home construction to meet the needs of the six identified
individuals. The home is being established as a single family residence
for six (6) individuals who are currently supported in other Racker
homes and need a single story home that can better support their
needs as they age.
Enclosed, please find a printout of the recent Social Services directory
listing residential and institutional facilitation in Cortland, NY.
Cristine Donovan, Executive Director
Jeffrey S. Lewis, M.D., D.M.D., Medical Director
Tompkins County Sites
❑Administrative Bldg., Clinic,
Early Childhood, Residential and
Community Services
3226 Wilkins Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel: 607.272.5891
Fax: 607.272.0188
❑Audiology Clinic
619 W. State St. Ste. C
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel: 607.882.9047
Fax: 607.882.9048
❑Counseling Programs
at TST BOCES
Smith School
555 Warren Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel: 607.257.2353
Fax: 607.257.2510
Cortland County Sites
❑Early Childhood, Residential
and Community Services
882 NYS Rt. 13
Cortland, NY 13045
Tel: 607.753.9375
Fax: 607.758.9287
❑Counseling Programs
at OCM BOCES
1710 NYS Route 13
Cortland, NY 13045
Tel: 607.758.5100
Fax: 607.758.5146
Tioga County Sites
❑Early Childhood, Residential
and Community Services
1277 Taylor Rd.
Owego, NY 13827
Tel: 607.687.8929
Fax: 607.687.8153
2
Racker has developed several high quality residences and we look forward to working closely
with you on this project. Racker values our reputation as good neighbors within the Cortland
community and we are looking forward to providing a home and living environment in the Walden
Oaks Neighborhood.
Under the statute the municipality can respond in one of three ways:
1. Support the site recommended by the sponsoring agency (Racker ).
2. Suggest one or more alternate suitable sites within the jurisdiction, which
could accommodate such a home.
3. Object to the establishment of a facility of the kind described by the
sponsoring agency (Racker ), because it would result in such a concentration
of community residential facilities for the developmentally disabled in the
municipality or in the area in proximity to the site selected or of a combination
of such facilities licensed by other agencies of state government, that the
nature and character of the areas within the municipality would be
substantially altered.
If the municipality (Town of Cortlandville ) does not respond within forty (40) days, the
sponsoring agency (Racker) may establish a community residence at the site
recommended in this notice.
I will be happy to meet with you and the members of the Planning Board at your earliest
convenience if there is any additional information that you require. The statute 41.34
requires a decision from you within forty (40) days of receipt of this letter, and I will comply
with your requests in a timely manner.
Please contact me at (607) 272-5891 x 209 or via -email at katieb@racker.org. Thank you
for your attention and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Katie Boardman
Director of I/DD Services
Enclosures
cc:
Anna Kelles, New York State Assembly Member
Lea Webb, New State Senator
Vanessa Smith, Deputy Director, Regional Field Office , District 2
Vincent Schmidt, Director, Regional Field Office District 2
Paula Millard DDPS 4, Regional Field Office, District 2
Sharon MacDougall, Community Services Director, Cortland County
Racker is a non-profit organization providing strength-based support for individuals with
disabilities and their families in Tompkins, Cortland and Tioga counties. Guided by the vision of
a world where all people know they belong, Racker offers programs and services to more than
3,500 people, helping them to build lasting connections and lead fulfilling lives.
Racker – Who Are We?
Racker meets the needs of our community with a wide continuum of services. We operate 26
residential homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our programs reach
into our community through volunteering, goal directed activities and self-advocacy. Racker
provides opportunity and the choice for everyone to write their own narrative each day.
Our organization creates belonging while providing young people the tools they need to succeed.
Racker’s Early Childhood Program embraces children of all abilities in the classroom, clinical
therapies, childcare and early intervention.
Our agency is proud of our partnerships with local schools and BOCES where our story of
belonging continues. Racker provides social work and an environment of safety and belonging
for young people in need of more support. We partner with local community groups and
businesses to support our programs and build an inclusive environment. Racker utilizes the
academic resources of our local colleges and universities for board work, fundraisers and
inclusive activities.
Our staff includes social workers, nurses, direct support professionals, clinicians, teachers, and
community support professionals. We employ over 800 caring and dedicated individuals who
represent the best of our community. Their work demands compassion, attention to detail and an
understanding of each person receiving services. They are the bedrock of our mission of
belonging.
Racker is proud of the quality of services and programs that we deliver to the community.
Throughout our long history, we have helped and supported tens of thousands of people and their
families. And our work continues every hour, of every day, as we strive to create a world where
all people know they belong.
What are Developmental Disabilities?
Developmental disabilities are special conditions that may occur anytime from before a baby’s
birth, up until the age of 22. A developmental disability may take different forms. They are
different from “developmental delays,” that show up as a lag in one or more areas of growth or
skill. A developmental disability may cause a child to develop more slowly all along, or to have
physical difficulties and limitations, or have trouble learning and growing like other children in
general. Developmental disabilities include: intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy,
epilepsy, and neurological impairment.
Why Was This House Chosen?
What attracted us to 3266 Walden Oaks Blvd. is probably the same as what attracts anyone. The
residents would enjoy a nice, quiet, safe neighborhood with community resources nearby. This
property meets our needs for a buildable lot with municipal service so that we can build an
accessible home where residents can age in place and receive the support they need. The house
will have a spacious interior, be easy to negotiate, and will be accessible for the needs of the
residents. It is also conveniently located for the residents’ commute and visits with their families.
Who is Going to Live in This Home?
Every year many families approach us seeking services for their loved one. This year we have
worked with six families to develop a home for their family members, all of whom are aging and
have higher medical needs. For these individuals our goal is to provide a quality of life by
supporting their needs, dreams, and ambitions, helping them flourish as they transition out of
their current home and live with more independent supports. Living in neighborhoods currently,
these individuals are well suited to continue living within a community.
Will the Individuals Be Supervised?
Ten full time Direct Support Professionals will provide supports and services, including
supervision, on an individual basis according to their needs. The home will be staffed 24/7
whenever anyone is home. During waking hours, two staff will be present. On the overnight, two
staff will be present. On-site supervisory and clinical staff are also assigned, including weekly
nursing oversight. Our extensive training program is designed to promote services of the highest
quality. Each team member is screened, and background checks conducted. All team members
receive comprehensive training in the area of developmental disabilities as well as initial and
ongoing training specific to those being served. Competency demonstration is required to
become certified. A new employee receives over 200 hours of initial training.
What Kind of Neighbors Will You Be?
Our desire is to have each individual truly feel a part of their community. One way to achieve
this goal is to be a responsible neighbor. We take pride in being good neighbors, as we are for
all of our homes throughout multiple counties. We have established friendly and supportive
relationships with our neighbors and local communities. The Racker team recognizes the critical
importance of maintaining the home and yard. We make exceptional efforts to ensure they are
well kept. We also want to be considered just another neighbor. There will not be any signs on
the property nor on our vehicles. Our goal is to simply blend in.
How will Parking Be Handled?
We recognize that parking of vehicles is of concern to neighbors. Like most families, we plan to
have a minivan and a car for this home. As families grow and teenagers begin to drive, having a
few vehicles is the norm these days. The garage and driveway accommodate our needs. Again,
we try to blend in as we are sensitive to appearances, and as such will utilize the garage as much
as possible and park neatly in the driveway.
Will Allowing this Home Change the Zoning of the Property?
Yes. The current zoning is for a Day Care. We are requesting a conversion to a residential
(single) home to fit with the rest of the homes within Walden Oaks. With that change, the house
at 3266 Walden Oaks Blvd will be considered a single-family home. The planned group home
fits within the Walden Oaks HOA and is to be treated as a family home according to New York
State law.
How Can I Receive More Information?
For more information, please do not hesitate to call Katie Boardman of the sponsoring agency,
Racker, 3226 Wilkins Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 at (607) 272 – 5891. She is more than happy to
answer your questions.
44
H
o
l
l
a
n
d
A
v
e
n
u
e
Al
b
a
n
y
,
N
Y
1
2
2
2
9
-
0
0
0
1
050 _5_11_23
(866) 946-9733 | NY Relay System 711
www.opwdd.ny.gov
NYS Site Selection
A guide to the process for establishing
community residences for people with
developmental disabilities
Community-based housing, or group
homes, offer different levels of
support to people with developmental
disabilities based upon each person’s
specific needs. The site selection
process for group homes is governed
by Section 41.34 of the New York
Mental Hygiene Law. Service provider
agencies must follow the site
selection process as outlined in law to
establish a group home.
New York’s Site Selection Law
The Notification Process – The sponsoring
agency must inform the chief executive officer of
a municipality that it proposes to establish a
group home at a specific address.
The municipality has 40 days to make a decision.
Public hearings may be held, but they are not
mandatory. The municipality will waive its right to
object to the site if it fails to respond to the
sponsoring agency’s 40-day notice letter by the
deadline.
There are three options the municipality can
choose: (1) approve the site, (2) suggest
alternatives, or (3) object to the site on the
grounds that the neighborhood is already
saturated with sites.
1. Approve site – The municipality can approve
the site selected by the sponsoring agency.
2. Suggest Alternatives:
• Alternatives Accepted – The sponsoring
agency approves the alternative site
suggested by the municipality.
• Alternative Rejected – If the municipality
proposes an alternative site the sponsoring
agency finds unacceptable, the municipality
then has 15 additional days to propose other
alternatives.
3. Object Because Saturated – It is up to the
municipality to prove that a community
residence should not be built because there is
already such a concentration of sites that a
new one would substantially alter the character
and nature of the community.
Resolving Disputes
Disputes can occur only if: (1) the municipality
objects to the site because it is already saturated,
or (2) the sponsoring agency objects to the
alternative site proposed.
Commissioner’s Hearing – The first step in
resolving disputes is a hearing before the
commissioner. At the hearing the commissioner
must determine if there is a need for the
proposed residence. If the commissioner
determines that the character of the
neighborhood would be substantially altered, he,
or she must sustain the objection. Determination
is made within 30 days.
Judicial Review – The commissioner’s action
may be reviewed through an Article 78
proceeding, according to the New York Civil
Procedure Law and Rules.
A sponsoring agency is not able to set up a group
home unless every necessary step is followed. If
a community’s objection is upheld by a
commissioner’s ruling or through judicial review,
the site may be rejected.
Important Terms
An individualized residential alternative, or group
home, is a residence of 14 or fewer beds either
operated or licensed by the Office For People
With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). There
are two types: supervised and supportive
residences.
A Supervised residence provides around-the
clock staff, while a Supportive residence allows
more independent living under periodic
supervision. All supervised residences from one
to 14 beds and supportive residences with four to
14 beds must go through the site selection
process.
A Sponsoring Agency is the person, service
provider agency, or governmental unit that plans
to establish a community residence.
A Municipality is either:
• A village;
• A town (which is affected only if the proposed
community residence is to be located outside
any village within the town);
• A city (except New York City); or
• A community board district in the City of
New York
Once a provider has successfully completed the
site selection process for a home, it must be
considered a Family Unit according to
appropriate local laws and ordinances.