HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-28 Danby Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
June 28, 2012
Present:
Joel Gagnon
Anne Klingensmith
Frank Kruppa
Ted Melchen
Naomi Strichartz
Robert Roe
Absent:
Steve Selin
Others Present:
Secretary Pamela Goddard
Code Officer Sue Beeners
Town Board Leslie Connors
The Planning Board Meeting was opened at 7:03pm
Town Board Report
Connors informed the PB of recent actions by the Town Board,including approval of a lease
agreement with Solar Liberty(for solar electric installation at the Town Hall) and a presentation by
the Finger Lakes Land Trust at the most recent Town Board meeting.A Special TB meeting and pub-
lic hearing was held on June 20 in West Danby,regarding grants for improvements to the West Danby
Water District. Installation of the solar panels will be complete by May 2013 and will be in place for a
15 year lease.
Connors also shared information about continuing problems between the Oasis Dance Club and
adjacent neighbors. The Board held a short,preliminary discussion about a possible Noise Ordinance
in relation to such problems and to high impact industrial activity. The Planning Board expressed in-
terest in reviewing the current noise ordinances of Town of Ithaca and Town of Dryden. These ordi-
nances were cited as"workable"by the Sheriff.
Support West Danby Water District Grant Applications
Beeners gave an update on environmental review and current grant applications regarding needed
improvements to the West Danby Water District.A rather thorough state and federal level environ-
mental review was completed. The National Heritage Program listed three rare species possibly in the
area: Blunt-Lobe Grape Fern,Northern Harrier, and Bog Turtle. Beeners said that it is highly unlikely
that these species would be impacted by the water tank improvements. Land disturbance should be
confined to less than an acre.
Two grants are being applied for simultaneously, from the Appalachian Regional Commission and
the Community Block Grant Program. There was a short discussion about the options available to the
District if these grants are not awarded to the Town. Beeners noted that an income survey,required by
the Community Block Grant Program,is good for two years and could be used for housing improve-
ment grants.
Planning Board_Minutes_20120628•Friday,July 13,2012 Page 1 of 4
RESOLUTION NO.15 OF 2012-IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION TO THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMIS-
SION FOR FUNDING FOR THE WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS,the West Danby Water System is in great need of improvements to ensure a safe and reliable water
supply to the residents within the Water District; and
WHEREAS,the West Danby Water Storage Tank Replacement and Water Conservation Improvements Project
is proposed to include replacement of the existing, deteriorated water storage tank, replacement of flushing as-
semblies and household meters, a leak detection survey, and an automated reading system, at an estimated
cost of$404,800; and
WHEREAS, application is being made to the Appalachian Regional Commission for a grant for this project;
NOW,THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Planning Board supports the application of the Town for funding through the Appalachian
Regional Commission recognizing that such funding is essential to making the project affordable;and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Planning Board finds that the Project would enhance opportunities for housing
rehabilitation and new affordable housing within the West Danby Hamlet, in accordance with the Town Compre-
hensive Plan.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Kruppa.
In Favor: Gagnon, Klingensmith, Kruppa, Melchen, Strichartz, Roe
RESOLUTION NO.16 OF MAY 24,2012—IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR FUNDING FOR THE WEST DANBY WATER DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS,the West Danby Water System is in great need of improvements to ensure a safe and reliable water
supply to the residents within the Water District; and
WHEREAS,the West Danby Water Storage Tank Replacement and Water Conservation Improvements Project
is proposed to include replacement of the existing, deteriorated water storage tank, replacement of flushing as-
semblies and household meters, a leak detection survey, and an automated reading system, at an estimated
cost of $404,800; and
WHEREAS, application is being made to the Community Development Block Grant Program for a grant for this
project;
NOW,THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Planning Board supports the application of the Town for funding through the Community
Development Block Grant Program, recognizing that such funding is essential to making the project affordable;
and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Planning Board finds that the Project would enhance opportunities for housing
rehabilitation and new affordable housing within the West Danby Hamlet, in accordance with the Town Compre-
hensive Plan.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Strichartz.
In Favor: Gagnon, Klingensmith, Kruppa, Melchen, Strichartz, Roe
Member Items
Klingensmith reported that she and about a half dozen Danby residents attended a protest about
hydrofracking at Talisman offices in Elmira.Approximately 150 people from all over the state were
there.
Gagnon reported on two meetings he attended: the Finger Lakes Land Trust presentation to the
Town Board and a meeting sponsored by Tompkins County Planning. The County Planning meeting
was an update on proposed nodal development plans. Gagnon reported on a proposed housing devel-
opment for county-owned property in the Town of Ithaca near the hospital, therefor nearby a major
employer.
Roe reported on a proposed five year deer management plan through the DEC. One of the deer
management areas corresponds to the Town of Ithaca and Upper Buttermilk Park. The proposal in-
cludes measures to control deer populations, including expanded harvesting(up to two deer a day in
all deer seasons). This proposal has not yet passed the legislature. He also reported on measures to
control the movement of feral pigs in the State.
Planning Board_Minutes_20120628 Friday,July 13,2012 Page 2 of 4
Approve Minutes
RESOLUTION NO.17 OF 2012-APPROVE MINUTES
Resolved,that the Planning Board of the Town of Danby approves the minutes of May 24, 2012.
Moved by Gagnon, Second by Klingensmith.
In Favor: Gagnon, Klingensmith, Kruppa, Melchen, Strichartz, Roe
Hamlet Zoning
Chairman Roe presented a potential resolution regarding proposed zoning changes in the Central
Danby Hamlet Area. Roe suggested that this be forwarded to the Town Board for an indication of in-
terest and support.
Klingensmith suggested adding a"whereas"that,based on information presented regarding state
and local health laws, reducing lot size is not an effective way to increase density. Cluster develop-
ment is not possible without a shared water and septic system with a responsible management area.
Klingensmith and Krupp drafted the additional "whereas"which was approved by other members of
the PB.
There was an extensive discussion about the distance component in the resolution. The Planning
Board discussed whether a quarter or half mile distance should replace"15 minute walking distance"
in the resolution. It was decided to send this to the Town Board as is.
RESOLUTION NO.18 OF MAY 24,2012—RECOMMENDING THAT THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF DANBY
AMEND THE ZONING REGULATIONS OF THE TOWN OF DANBY TO ALLOW MIXED USE VERTICAL DEVELOPMENT
IN THE HAMLET OF DANBY
WHEREAS,the the residents of the Town of Danby have expressed a desire for the availability of locally situated
amenities offering services and commercially available products; and
WHEREAS, professional review of the commercial potential of the hamlet of Danby strongly indicates that fac-
tors such as population density and traffic flow through the Hamlet are insufficient for the support of viable single
use commercial establishments; and
WHEREAS, State and Local Sanitary Code establishes a minimum lot size in the absence of public water sys-
tems; and
WHEREAS,the legislative power to amend and enact zoning regulations lies with the Town Board of the Town of
Danby;
NOW,THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Planning Board recommends that the Town Board of the Town of Danby amend the Zoning
Regulations of the Town of Danby to allow for the vertical mixed use of structures both existing and planned in
the Hamlet of Danby. For the purpose of this recommendation vertical mixed use is defined as the use of the
ground floor of a structure for commercial activity, home business, and the provision of services such as, but not
restricted to, beauty salons, instructional classrooms and studios, cafes and coffee shows, and medical offices or
other professional services and the use of the first and subsequent floors for residential applications. For the
purpose of this recommendation the Hamlet of Danby shall consist of the existing structures and the developable
parcels located within a 15 minute walking distance of the Town of Danby Town Hall located at 1830 Danby
Road, Ithaca NY; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Planning Board of the Town of Danby also recommends that all applications
submitted under the amended Zoning Regulations be subject to review and approval by the Planning Board of
the Town of Danby and that the review process include at least SEQRA review, a site plan review, and a public
hearing prior to possible final approval.
Moved by Strichartz, Second by Klingensmith.
In Favor: Gagnon, Klingensmith, Kruppa, Melchen, Strichartz, Roe
The PB characterized this as a first step recognizing that the Board will have more work defining
the hamlet area and other details, should this find favor with the Town Board.
Planning Board_Minutes_20120628 Friday,July 13,2012 Page 3 of 4
Beeners advised the PB that building code is very specific and strict about mixed use zoning, in-
cluding the need for fire separation, sprinkler systems, etc. She thought it might be a modest change
to create minimum one acre lot sizes to increase some density.
Beeners initiated a discussion about correcting the low density zoning currently in place on the
East side of Danby Road. The West side is zoned at a higher level. Klingensmith recommended that
the PB review maps showing physical constraints,hydrologic soils, and current zoning in light of a
possible change to one acre lot size.
Comprehensive Plan Work Session
The PB continued discussion of a work plan for reviewing the Comprehensive Plan and Hamlet
Plan. The board discussed strategies and tools for editing the existing Comprehensive Plan. The re-
sulting document will be a revised Comprehensive Plan,rather than a stand-alone amendment. There
was specific discussion of the Natural Resources and Housing sections of the plan.
Beeners suggested reviewing the draft update of the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan as a
possible model for Danby's review.This draft is available on the Town of Ithaca web site.
There was a short discussion of a time-line for this review and target dates for public presenta-
tions. The PB has set a target of November and December 2012 for substantial revisions and pubic
presentations.
Adjournment
The Work Session/Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 pm.
Pamela S Goddard,Planning Board Secretary
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