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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1967-12-20 PLANNING MOD PROCEEDINGS Regular Meeting City of Ithaca, N. Y. 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Chairman Stallnan, Messrs. Alo, Schmidt, Parkes, Mrs. Nordheirler. ALSO: Planning Director Kasprzak, M. Van Marter, Building Coriiissioner; R. Nordheiner, Councilrian Elect; Attorney S. Tsapis, Leslie Tottey, and representative of the press. ABSENT: Members Feldt and Carpenter, MEETING called to order at 7:40 p.ia. MINUTES of the last regular meeting, November 15, 1967, were approved as submitted. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Dewitt Park Inprovement Cormittee - G. Kasprzak read a letter from Mrs. Elizabeth Simpson, Chaima.n of the Dewitt Park Improvement Corznittee, dated October 28, 1967, in which she expressed concern regarding preservation of the character of the park and adjoining properties, and asked for suggestions, if any, from the Planning Board. After a brief discussion concerning possible future uses of the properties, Mr. Schriidt MOVED, "that a letter be sent to Mrs. Si:-ipson, thanking her for her letter and requesting that she keep the Board advised as her coi-a-littee's plans develop." Seconded by Pair. Alo. 2. State University Delhi, N. Y. - G. Kasprzak read a letter frog: Ronald Beach, Rural and Urban Development Construction Technolo"y Division of Agri- cultural and Technical College at Delhi, N. Y. , re. suauaer erlploynent for Planning Interns, where the State University contributes 80% of the students' wage and the local agency 20%. Mr. Schriidt MOVED, "that G. Kasprzak be directed to investigate further." Seconded by Mrs. Nordheiner. 3. E. J. Miller, Inc. - Mr. Kasprzak read a letter freri Robert S. Miller, president of Erie J. Miller, Inc. , 320 Elmira Rd., an autoriobile dealer, in which he proposed that the Planning Board recovxend to Corvion Council the rezoning of the area bounded by Elmira Rd. , South Meadow St. and Spencer Rd. to B-4. Mr. Kasprzak, with the help of M. Van Marter, Zoning Officer, investigated records which included a newspaper clipping dated Feb. 15, 1960, Minutes of the Board of Public Works and Planning Boaxd, and a a-ieno, from the files of F. Laverty, former Supt. of Public Works. However, they could find nothing complete regarding zoning, in this area, in the Annexation Agreement of 1957 when the property passed frons the Town of Ithaca. to the City. Mr. Leslie Tottey, resident of 505 Spencer Rd. , explained some of the details of the case, clairn.ing that the agreement had been to continue the zoning in effect prior to the annexation, in the Spencer Rd. area,, and indicated that he feels the city is obligated to the residents of the area to continu,& with this zoning.. Mr. Schnidt believes that Attorney Jas. Buyoucos has files on the case and that additional information can be obtained froaa then. It was decided that the Board will have to acquire pore information on the natter before a recos_siendation can be rade to Corraon Council. C0124ITTEE REPORTS: Codes and Ordinances. 1. Request for Rezonintr, Spencer Rd. Area, Mr. S. C. DeKay, property owner at 414 Spencer Rd. , in ra letter to the Planning Board which was presented at the November 15th meeting, requested that his property be rezoned frorl R-3 to B-4. Mr. Kasprzak was directed to investigate the case further. The information re, E. S. Miller, Inc. (above) is applicable here also and as yet there Is not enough information to ?;lake a recoix-tendation to Corimn Council. Pers. Nordheiner MOVED, "to accept Cormittee's Report that the problem is being studied." Seconded by Mr. Parkes. 2. Catholic Youth OrZanization - S. Tsa ams - Pair. Kasprzak read a letter to the Board from Attorney S. Tsapis who requested., on behalf of the Catholic Youth Organization, that the 9 1/2 acres of CYO property on Pier Rd. be rezoned fron P-1 to R-3 so that the property will be marketable. Dor. Kasprzak reported that he had acquired some information from the City Engineer, Fire Chief, and Mr. V. Hannan of the Sewer and Water Departnent as follows: City EpLineer 1. Property is land-locked since the Pier Rd. to the north is a park property and not a. street. 2. The 33 feet R.O.W. at the western side of the CYO property belongs to the city, and perhaps could provide access; however, it would have to be widened to meet city's requirements for the R.O.W. 3. The property to the south of the CYO land seeds to be included in the proposal; however, it is owned by Everett A. and Clara N. Robinson. Sewer & Water Duartnent 1. At present no sewer or water is available. 2. There is no possibility of installing; sewer which would operate under gravity, a pump system could work; however, it would be quite expensive. 3. Water could be provided again at expense higher than normal; also nany problens of soil, dead-ending pipes, etc. would be encountered. 4. Due to flatness of terrain, storm sewer ::iay present problems. 2 Fire Chief 1. It would be necessary to install an adequate (for fire fighting) water supply and perhaps a loop systei frog York St. to Pier Rd. be sufficient. 2. Hydrants have to be installed. 3. Access as indicated may present some problem; it would be preferable to have another .ccess to the actual development, other than that shown. 4. Fire training is directly north and may be objected to by future resi- dents of the development. Mrs. Nordheimer refused, as a member of Codes and Ordinances Committee, to recommend rezoning without further details regarding access to the property,' whether or not the city will install water and sewage facilities, and an estimate of the cost of sane. Mr. Tsapiso client, Geo. Rabinor of Highland Holding Corporation, wishes to purchase the property, contingent on being able to develop it for apartments. Due to a deadline set at the time of the purchase offer, October 23, 1967, Mr. Tsapis pressed for a recommendation at this time. Mr. Stallman requested that another meeting of the Board be held, and a meeting was arranged for Thursday, December 28, 1967 at 7:30 p.m. , at which time more detailed information will be presented so that the Board can make a recommenda tion to the Common Council. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Belle Sherman - Board. of Education Property Mr. Kasprzak informed the Board that the Board of Education has placed the property on Cornell Street (9.9 acres east of Belle-Sherman School) on the narket and is asking present market value of $85,000, plus 1% per nonth increase beyond December 1967. The land was originally appraised at $58,000; then $70,000 was agreed upon by the Board of Education and the city but, because there was uncertainty as to whether the Board of Education would sell the land, the offer of sale was removed. The land is essentially developed and extremely useful to the city. The cost to the city would be 12 1/2% and the remainder would be paid for by funds from state and federal governments, if approved. Mr. Schrlidt MOVED, "that the city entertain the purchase of the property at $85,000 requested and attempt to discontinue the 1% monthly market increase while details of the transaction are being negotiated." Seconded by Mr. Parkes. Unanimously CARRIED. 3 MISCELLANEOUS: 1. AAAS Conference in New York City - Mr. Kasprzak requested and received approval from the Board to attend the AAAS Conference in New York City December 26 through 29, 1967. MEETING ADJOURNED at 10 p.n. Gregory Kasprzak 1.8.68 Planning Director k