HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1967-09-20 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, N.Y.
Regular Meeting September 20, 1967 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Vice Chairman Nordheimer, Messrs. Alo, Feldt, Parkes and Schmidt.
ALSO: Planning Director Kasprzak, City Engineer Schlieder, Mrs. Barclay
Jones, South Hill Civic Association; Mrs. Agd6` Osborne;- Citiztns
Advisory Committee; and member of the press.
ABSENT: Chairman Stallman and Mr. Carpenter.
MEETING called to order at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES of the last regular meeting, August 30, 1967, were accepted as published.
COMMUNICATIONS:
A. Letter from Regional Water Resources - Mr. Kasprzak read a notice from
E. Abbott, Chairman of the Cayuga Lake Basin Regional Water Resources Planning
and Development Board, informing the Planning Board of a public meeting on results
of a Flood Plan Information Report on the shoreline of Cayuga Lake recently
completed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The meeting will be held on
September 28, 1967 at 2:00 p.m. in the Tompkins County Courthouse. After a brief
discussion, the Board directed Mr. Kasprzak to attend the meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. Codes and Ordinances - 1. Review of residential structures within I-1 zoning
classification. As a result of a communication from the Building Department
which was presented at the last meeting of the Board, and a letter from
Mr. R. Hildreth, 321 N. Fulton Street, dated August 31, 1967, the Committee met
and reviewed the request for consideration of Industrial classification require-
ments as pertaining to existing residential structures. The Committee recommended
that the definition of Industrial classification not be changed, that rezoning
of the area in question not be considered, and that future requests on the non-
conformity or exceptions in the I-1 classification for residential structures be
referred to the Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration. Mr. Schmidt MOVED,
"to adopt the Committee Report." Seconded by Mr. Parkes. CARRIED by 3 (three)
yes votes, 2 (two) no votes.
Yes votes by: Schmidt, Nordheimer, Parkes.
No votes by: Alo, Feldt (Mr. Feldt's no vote pertained mainly to the
part two, rezoning of the area in question. )
In other matters the Committee recommends that; due to minimal response
on the Rezoning of Inlet Valley area, presently under consideration by the
Council and Planning Board, letters be sent to all individuals located in the area.
This would hopefully provide sufficient feedback to assist the Planning Board
in making final recommendations to the Common Council. Some hesitation was
expressed as to the amount of money to be expended for mailing approximately-
500 letters and maps. Therefore, reconsideration of this matter was suggested
by the Board.
B. General Plan and Capital Improvements Com-ittee - 1968-1973 Planning Board
Projects. Mr. Schmidt presented the Committee Report of proposed Capital Improve-
ment Projects for the 1968-1973 Program (copy filed) as submitted by the General
Plan and Capital Improvement Committee after review of the items. Mr. Schmidt
expressed concern as to time element in estimating project costs. Mr. Feldt
MOVED, "to approve the Committee Report." Seconded by Mr. Alo. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Downtown Parking Study - Mr. Parkes gave an account of the progress of the
parking study since the last reporting. Two meetings have been held since then.
The applicability;of city zoning was discussed. The following suggestions were
reviewed as possible solutions to the parking problem: 1) abolish retail area
parking requirements, 2) the city may consider building and operating parking
garages, 3) the city may build and lease parking garages to the retail store
owners, 4) assess retail owners for city built parking facility, and 5) create
a city parking authority. A trip was made to Elmira, N. Y. to observe "Midtown
Plaza and Centertown" parking projects which are leased to merchants who make them
free to their customers who are spending a certain amount in their stores. A
trip has been scheduled to be made in the near future to Cortland, N. Y. to
inquire into the parking solutions in downtown areas.
Mr. Schmidt expressed concern over the number of gas stations permitted
within the city and the number of parking spaces curb cuts absorb to permit
access to these stations, also suggested that a study be conducted to clarify
this situation.
Mr. Parkes stated that the DeLeuw, Cather and Associates Engineer's study
of 1964 has been re-examined and found that 300 additional parking spaces will
be needed on top of regular Zoning Ordinance requirement. Since that time the
number, due to new construction, has increased to approximately 400 parking
spaces needed to meet the demand for the downtown area.
B. Wood Street Park - Mr. Kasprzak reported on his trip to New York City for
.the purpose of inquiring about federal and state aid and he now has sufficient
information that he can proceed with the final application. He also read
context of a letter from the Ithaca Board of Education dated August 29, 1967
which makes the purchase of the park by the city an imperative action.
"The Board of Education is placing its property at the corner of Wood
and Meadow Streets on the open market.
The school district wishes to give the City of Ithaca an opportunity to
preserve this open land for recreational purposes should the City wish to
purchase the property at the going market rate-. If the City does not wish
to exercise this right, the property will be put up at a non-restricted
public auction."
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At the present time the City holds in the city attorney's office an option to
purchase the Wood Street property. The Board urian-,mously supported filing the
applications and purchasing the property for the city's use.
STAFF REPORTS:
A. Current projects in the office - Mr. Kasprzak reported on the projects
currently underway in the departnent:
1. Community Renewal Program
2. Rezoning of the West End part of the city
3. Land use study
4. Capital Improvement Program
5. Economic Impact study of the Inlet Park Development
6. Neighborhood Analysis study
MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:00 p.m.
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Gregory Kasprzak
Planning Director
9.29.67