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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1966-09-26 I,a=LNG BOARD PROCEEDINGS City of Ithaca, N. Y. Regular Meeting September 26, 1966 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Chairman Stallman, Mrs. Nordheimer, Messrs. Alo, Colbert, Feld, Schmidt, Carpenter. ALSO: Assistant Planner Kasprzak, Members of South Hill Civic Association, Mrs. Harding and Mrs. Stein, Representatives of East Hill Civic Association, J. Congdon and Jim Carrier, Press Representatives, and Bill Greenwald, summer Planning Office employee. MEETING called to order at 7:35 p.m. MINUTES of the last regular meeting, August 22, 1966 were duly approved. COlkg4UNICATIONS: 1. Correspondence - None. 2. Voices from the Public - East Hill Civic Association - At this time Chairman Stallman introduced Urs. ing of East ill ivc Association. Mrs. Harding spoke briefly, referring to the past cooperation received from the planning staff on th3 development plan for East Hill. She then expressed hope that future development and completion of the plan will be just as satisfactory as it has been in the initial stages. Mrs. Harding also hoped, that the staff could be assigned to complete the plan for East Hill. Mr. Stallman explained that shortage of professional staff will not permit planning assistance to the Civic Association. However, when the problem of staff is resolved we will gladly give you a hand in completing the plan, mean- while we will do all we can to help you. A short discussion followed wherein matters of traffic problems on East Hill were discussed, and the future comprehensive plai for the area as well as its alignment with the City of Ithaca General Plan. The discussion was ended by Mr. Stallman suggesting that Acting Planning Director and East Hill Civic Association representatives meet to discuss possible line of action on the East Hill development plan. 3. Resolution by Member of Planning Board - D.4r. Feldt requested permission to speak & proposed four 4 resolutions for consideration by the members of the Planning Board. a. Mr. Feldt MOVED: "that very high praise be expressed to Mr. Gregory Kasprzak, Act- ing City Planning Director for the outstanding performance, in continuing the function- ing of the planning office, in the face of extenuating circumstazces.11 This was unanimously seconded by the Planning Board. b. further, Mr. Feldt MOVED: "That complete support be given to Mr. Stallman in his discussions with Common Council and Finance Committee on the matter of salary increase and hiring of a new Planning Director." Seconded by Mr. Schmidt. At this time NN. Alo expressed a thought that if the salary of the city planner be raised then othc;r city officials will have to be considered. Then Mr. Stallman suggested that the Plan- ning Board support the salary analysis for all the city officials, within the bm ds of propriety. Mr. Schmidt expressed an amendment to Mr. Fedltfs motion:- 'I and that due consideration be given to all other city officials." Seconded by Dir. Alo, who also moved: "that this motion be carried to the Common Council and Finance Committee through the membership, in both organizations, of Mr. Stallman." CARRIED. c. further, Mr. Feldt MOVED: "that a committee of three (3) be formed to study the problem of professional planning staff in the City of Ithaca and possibility of coali- tion of the two Boards, City and Regional,, " Seconded by Mrs. Nordheimer. CARRIED. (Committee members, Stallman, Feldt and Nordheimer) d. further,, Mr. Feldt MOVED: "that a menfoer of '-.he Planning Board be delegated to Cornell with a suggestion that a stippen,-1 be esu'ablished for a Fellow in Planning or other related field for a part time help in the City Planning office." Seconded by Mrs. Nordheimer. CARRIED. 11r. Feldt was delegated to contact Cornell. At this point Mr. Feldt explained what the share of expenses might be: Cornell would contribute tuition and fees stippend while City would contribute an assistantship stippend for a part-time wol-ker in the City Planning office. This in result would improve "town-- gown" relationship. It was also suggested that the Regional Planning Board be invited to participate in this venture, This resolution was unanimously supported by all. C0I0RITTEE REPORTS: 1. Capital Improvements - Mr. Schmidt reported that 10 projects (attached) have been reviewed by his committee as planning prc-c sats to Capitol Improvement Review Commit- tee for their consideration. At this poi-1.;-1 a short discussion followed analysing each proposal in turn. Then Mr. Schmidt : .',;E',: ;that the first nine (9) projects be. accepted as proposed while the tenth (S. Aurora ; %reet project) be refered for further and alternative study." Seconded by Mr. Feldt. CARRIED. OLD BUSINESS: STAFF PROGRESS REPORTS: 1. Inlet Valley Development - The Assistant Planner intro- duced Mr. Nilliam Greenwald, summer employee, who then proceeded to outline the project that he was engaged on during the summer. I!r. G ,eenwald omitted, to save time, the description of land uses in the area and concentrated on the more important item - circulation. He explained the ?Jest State Street bridge over the Flood Channel and its alignment with the present 17. State Street, W. Buffalo Street, proposed Route 96 and the future traffic problems that might occur if the New York State's plan for this area is adopted as proposed by them. He then proceeded to explain the Cityls Planning Office proposal for the same area giving a better alignment of the streets and smoother traffic flow in years to come. The proposal entailes the alignment of the bridge with W. Buffalo Street rather than with 'gib. State Street. This would permit future Route 96 to cross 17. Buffalo Street at Bright angles and flow into W. State Street resulting in simpler and smoother traffic situation. A discussion ensued supporting the plan proposed by the Planning office. Mr. Carpenter suggested that Mrs. Constaice Cook, the areas representative in the State Assembly, be contacted for suggestions on how to approach this situation at State lever It was then decided that some action must be taken on this matter. Mr. Feldt MOVED: "that Mr. Carpenter be authorized to go to Syracuse with Mrs. C. Cook and try to change the location of the W. State Street bridge." Seconded by Mr. Schmidt. CARRIrD. '*.26.66 _ 2 NFV BUSINESS: 1. 0`'f-street Parking requirements for the Elderly Housing - Mr. Kasprzak sugges-.,3d that sane leniency on parking requirements for the elderly housing be considered ,:ince most of the occupants do not own cars in any case. Mr. Stallman MOVED: "that :-his be referred to the committee on Codes and Ordinances for further study." Seconder by Mrs. Nordheimer. CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Ccnsultantfs Statement - Mr. Kasprzak presented the monthly statement throug' September 26, 1966, for services rendered by Egner & Niederkorn Associates for th total sum of r)'567.36. Mr. Schmidt hWED: "that the city be authorized to pay thi amount." Seconded by i.2rs. Nordheimer. CARRIFL. 2. Employment of Assistants: I11r. Ka.sperzak read two (2) letters from prospectiv and interested candidates for the position of the Assistant Planner. Mr. Feldt t—n MOVED: "that these letters be referred to the Selection Committee." Seconded by I- Alo. CARRIED. MEETING ADJOURNED at 10:10 p.m. Gr gorY asp rza A sistant Planner 9.26.66 -- 3 - CMITTEE REPORT 31 J.- Capital S.mprcvements Proposals ,0: Ithaca Planning Board. PROM: General Plan & Capital Improvements Committee DA'L'E: September 23, 1966 Several items hive been discussed by the committee for possible iclusion In the 3.967-1972. Capital Improvements Program. The General Plan & Improve= ;iei:ts Ccramittee of 'he Planning Board t:�s re:vieued these items an-- srlaiiitte following propor als for consideration= Palk Acqu s:,.tioa: Fund — 85D000 per year, continuing yearl� thi 7h 1971. i r _s itcga was rc.coma.ended both in 1965-69 and 3.96070 Capital I.mprovmants report in the section "Conmittee Cmimerts and Reco-n-mendations." This re- serve fuad would be used for the purchase of new parklands and developnernts costs, w, Warren Place Rxerasion o (between Elm and Hoak Place.) — $39,000 project over at least a 3 (.three) year period beginning in 1967, Out of l—ds total about $3--,,500 has already been spent in 1966 for the purchase of right— of way and othe•.- im.tial costs. The addition of this roadway would open d velopa:.nt in -,',he _'uture and staged construction could be undertaken as the demands oecame neselsary. This item could be postponed to later date if absolutely necessar,A, i, Taylor Placa Ad'ition — $365,,000 to be staged over 5 (five) years begins r:f.::ag in 1967. The ievelopment of this roadway would be completed similarly to Warren Placei by staging construction and completing stages as residential development occurs. 4o Giles Street Wld(�ning (between Van Natta's Dam and State Street) - $1502000 project to be done 111 1968,, The width of Giles Street would be increased from 261 of roadway surface to 341. The introduction of this propoaalis tined -with the Water and Seiver Oepartments request to provide seer facilities and a pumphouse along Oiler Street. So Court Street Extension (from Fulton Street to Route 96)- $320,000 scheduled for 1969. This proposal is in consonancewith the circulation section of the General Plan, The addition of this wrte,nsion will replace the Seneca Street bridge and conceivali.y connect Route 96� The preceding it(ma are proposala that were included in ;she 1966-70 prc-gram by the General Fian & Capital Improvements Committee. The Polloming items are additional proposals presented for consideration by the Planning Board for the 19671971 Capita:_ Improvements Program. 6, Fall Creek Neigh),orhood Park - $30,000 scheduled for 1971. This proposal is within the frame iX Ithaca General Plan/ also the need for such has in-ceased since the construction of Route 13. The 2 - 3 acre park will be financed frcm the Park Reserve Fund. 7, Central Fire Station Parking - $35,000 scheduled for 1967-88. This would be an enlargement of existing parking lot towards state street via purchase of "Marshall property*" 8, Pier Road Parkin; Lot - $60,000 scheduled for 1971. To provide parking for approximately 150 - 200 cars. This lot would serve the Lake Shore Park Development., Golf Course and possible vacationers park can p site. 9. "Scamp Street" (between So Albany and Flood Channel) _ $125,000 scheduled for 1970 and staged aver a 5(five) year period with money evenly distributed throughout the five , ears° The first years cost of about $26,000 'would link a 02 99 ? S. Albany and S. Mealow Streets. This street would aid in the development of the West Hill as well as facilitate circulation of the east-rest traffic. 10. South Aurora Street - Problem. Money has been alocated under bonded construction o howev ar nothing has been executed, no final plans made: and no date has been ase fined for cccmencarent of wozir, 9.x.66 3 Special Committee on Alignment and Location of Flood Channel Bridge at blest State Street. r'INUTES Special Meeting October 5, 1966 PRESENT: Chairman and City Planning Board representative, J. R. Carpenter, also Messrs. A. C. Stallman, City Planning Board representative; R. C. Smith and R. O. Dingman from the Dept. of Public ?Torks; Noel Desch, Town of Ithaca Planning Board; Gregory Kasprzak, Assistant Planner; T. Niederkorn, Plan- ning Consultant; rT. S. E. Gre .nwald, Planning Staff; R. T4. Saccucci, Ward Alderman; J. P. Bozzone, ?Vest Hill Civic Assoc; 'Vest End Business repres-en- tatives: A. Shull, F. Saturn, A. L. Hull, J. F. Daino, J. 0. Ciaschi, P. Allen, R. ?Vilcox, R. J. McCarthy, A. V. IvicPherson, R. J. Bruce, and C. V. Brown. CALL TO ORDER 4:10 p.m. The purpose and background of the meeting was explained by the Chairman, Mr. Carpenter. '-Then the City Planning Board's regular meeting was held on September t16, 1966, heir. Carpenter said, the '-Test End Development Plan was presented by the City Planning Staff. At that time, it was explained that the bridge proposed by the State Department of Public Works, over the Flood Channel at W. State Street was net in complete agreement with the thinking of the planning staff, which ideas were strongly supported by the City Planning Board. Because of this disagreement, Mr. Carpenter was delegated to determine what, if anything, can be done to change the alignment of the said bridge. A few days later Mr. Carpenter met vi th Mr. Thomas Niederkorn, City's Planning Consultant, Gregory Kasprzak, Assistant Planner and Nom. Constance Cook, City's Representative in the State lssembly9 At this meeting a decision was made that if City of Ithaca proposes to do anything about the State13 alignment of the '-d. State Street bridge, the City would have to act as a 'funited frontt'. For this reason the present meeting was called. Pending its organization, a "united front'? would be presented to the State in opposition to its plans for the ?Vest State Street bridge. Othervlrise no action ,would be taken on the part of the City, expressing acceptance of State plans. At this point Hir. Carpenter requested Assistant Planner Gregory Kasprzak to ex- plain the plans prepared by the City's Planning Office and indicate ih ere they dif- fer from the plans prepared by the State office. Fir. Kasprzak first explained how the Staters alignment of the bridge accepted the alignment of ;fest State Street at more or less the existing angle. If such an alignment were accepted, ',J. Buffalo St. would have to either be dead ended or join .Vest State Street at a difficult angle and its location in relation to the new bridge would be rather precarious. In addi- tion the arterial route 96, at its presently proposed future location, would further complicate the situation by having to cross 'T. Buffalo and W. State Streets on the east side of the Flood Channel. The junction of all these streets and highways would tend to slow down the traffic and make access and exit extremely difficult. The City'o Planning Office proposal was relatively simple, and would function without confusion. The proposal was to realign the east abutment of the Flood Bridge with W. Buffalo Street xhile the west abutment would remain in relatively the same loca- tion as proposed by the State. When route 96 is constructed, its location would remain as in State's proposal, resulting in one 90° intersection at T. Buffalo Street and then gently curving into '.J. State Street. This proposal would permit easy flaw of traffic in north-south and east-west directions and generally give a better traffic distribution to '"(est Hill residents and northward to Trumansburg. Mr. Greenwald, by way of explanation, enumerated the advantages of future traffic flows between, Cornell University, Ithaca Festival Site, 'Test Hill and Southwards toward Elmira and Route 96. In the discussion that followed, members of the Special Committee expressed their thoughts on the situation in question. Mr. Hull opposed sending the delegation to the State, since this, in his view,tirJould delay the construction of the Flood Channel endangering the whole area in case of a flood similar to that in 1935. Mr. Dingman supported Mr. Hull's point of view since, he said, he recently visited the State's Department of Public ''Torks Office at Syracuse and was convinced that nothing could be done to change the State's mind on the subject of the bridge. In addition, in his opinion, Dir. Dingman said, the problem of Route 96 and 7. Buffalo Street can be resol- ved later since the State's proposal calls for Route 96 to join 17. State Street at a different level. This, he reasoned, would allow the east-west traffic to flow freely without interupting the north-south movement. Messrs. Stallman, Carpen er, Smith and Niederkorn voiced support for the Cityts solution to the problem, especially in a long range aspect. They also upheld the suggestion, from the Assistant Planner, that this vlras the latest any action could be taken before the bridge contract is let, possibly in November 1966, Further, they advised that all the merits and drawbacks should be considered before voting on action to be undertaken. The decision resulting from the votes taken was to accept the State's proposa1 as presented to the City. Mr. Stallman thanked everybody for participation and for their gentlemanly approach to the problem. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p. m. l Gr2gory Kasprzak Assistant Planner 10.5.66 - 2