HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1968-04-17 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca
Regular Meeting April 17, 1968 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Schmidt, Vice Chairman Reps, Mrs. Margaret Hamilton, Mrs. Anne Jones,
Messrs. Korf, Parkes and Putney.
ALSO: Planning Director G. Kasprzak; Housing Authority Director D. Armstrong;
Alderman W. H. Sullivan; City Engineer H. Schlieder; M. Kreisky, H. S. Brown,
M. Esolen, Atty. Mathew McHugh, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schickel, M. Milford,
B. McGee, I. McGee, C. Hernda, Jr. , G. Esolen, Ithaca Journal City Editor
Jerry Langdon and WTKO reporter Mike Robinson.
MEETING called to order at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES of the last regular meeting, on March 20, 1968, were approved as published,
with the following correction: page 4, Committee Reports, 1. Codes &
Ordinances Committee, a. Mr. Parkes MOVED, "recommendation to the Planning
Board to deny the request."
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: none
COMMUNICATIONS:
Director Kasprzak read the following:
1. a letter from Atty. J. Clynes, representing Vincent Giordano and Frank Ferrara,
owners of property at 623-625-627-631-631 1/2-633 W. Green St. and 205-207-209 S. Meadow
St. , and 228 and 232 Cleveland Ave. , requesting that the zoning of the area be changed
from B-1 to B-2; also, a letter from R. Comstock, Chairman of Board of Zoning Appeals,
asking the Planning Board to consider whether or not these areas should be rezoned and
asking for an immediate review of the zoning in these areas. In the discussion which
followed, Mr. Kasprzak brought up the following items: 1) that the area has been desig-
nated residential in the General Plan of 1964, 2) the operation of the intended business
is a 24-hour operation and this would be unfair to the adjacent residences, and 3) the
traffic problem, now bad, would increase and become more complicated for the city to
handle,
Mr. Parkes explained some of the problems the Zoning Review Committee are en-
countering in reviewing the present Ordinance as it pertains to changes that are taking
place, i.e. , expansion of commercial use.
Mr. Wm. Sullivan, alderman of the lst ward, recommended the re-zoning of the west
side of the block bounded by W. Green, S. Meadow and Cleveland Ave.
Mr. Putney MOVED, "to refer the matter to the Codes and Ordinances Committee for
study." Seconded by J. Reps. CARRIED.
2. the following resolution: "Therefore: Historic Ithaca, Inc. asks that special
consideration be given by the City of Ithaca to the future of the De Witt Park area so
that it can continue to be a dignified and attractive community center, useful for pub
lic gatherings, suitable for memorials, and a fitting foreground for the rich and im-
posing collection of cultural and governmental structures which now surround it. We
request that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca recognize the significance and the
need for action to insure appropriate development of the De Witt Park area, and ask that
this matter be referred to the City Planning Board for study and recommendations." which
has been forwarded to the Planning Board from the Common: Council requesting an opinion
on Historic Ithaca Inc. 's concern regarding their desire to preserve the Old Court House,
in connection with the proposal for a joint City-County Public Safety Building which is
to occupy the site of the Old Court House. Mr. Reps commented that it is the feeling of,
the City of Ithaca that a 4-story building could be constructed adjacent to the court
house which might be more economical to build with the advantage of not requiring demoli�r
tion of the Old Court House. He wondered if there would be a possibility of State Aid
for rehabilitation of old court houses. He also mentioned that there will be a defic-
iency in required parking accommodations.
Mrs, Jones pointed out that Historic Ithaca, Inc. offers two alternatives; also, if
nothing is to be done, this would be the time to designate the building as a historical
site.
Alderman Sullivan said the City agreed to the Joint Facility in 1965 and is
committed to the program if the County agrees.
Mr. Reps MOVED, 10to communicate to the Board of Supervisors and Common Council that
the City Planning Board supports the concept of the joint city-county Public Safety
Building; however, the Board proposes that before final action in this matter is taken
the architect be requested to restudy the design of such structure so as to permit the
retention of the Old Court House and the construction of a multi-story building which
would be in architectural harmony with the existing County Security Building and other
structures about the DeWitt Park area." Seconded by Mr. Putney. CARRIED.
3. a letter from Atty. Mathew McHugh, representing Gerald P. Schickel, requesting
an opportunity to be heard at the Planning Board Meeting of April 17.
Mr. McHugh then presented his request, on behalf of Mr. Schickel, who wishes to
purchase a small parcel of land, containing a barn, on West Hill from Mrs. Elizabeth
Mordoff. The parcel of land has only 20-feet frontage (instead of required 75 feet) and
Atty. McHugh asked for the Planning Board's reaction to his suggestion of applying to
the Board of Zoning Appeals for an Exception. Also, he asked that the requirements of
the Subdivision Law be waived in this case.
Mr. Putney MOVED, "that the Board approves the transaction related to the sale of
land to Mr. G. P. Schickel and that the Subdivision Requirements are hereby waived in
this case only." Seconded by Mr. Korf. CARRIED.
The Board also instructed Director Kasprzak to give favorable recommendation when
the case goes to the Board of Zoning Appeals for an Exception to a width at the street
requirement of the Zoning Ordinance.
4. a resolution from the Ithaca Housing Authority to the Planning Board (see
Minutes file) requesting approval to enable the Authority to recommend to the Common
Council the adaption of South Hill Turnkey Site.
Director Kasprzak then introduced the new Director of the Housing Authority, David
Armstrong, to the Board.
2
Mr. Kasprzak explained to Mr. Armstrong that the State requires the Planning Board
to accept the total project and plans and Mr. Armstrong told him these would be forth-
coming as soon as the bidding is over, and a developer is chosen.
Gary Eselon, speaking "on behalf of a considerable number of interested people,"
said that the Ithaca Housing Authority resolution, as read, differed in wording from
previous resolution, omitting reference to number of units proposed and asking for only
site approval, and asked for explanation. Mr. Armstrong then read a letter received from
the Housing Assistance Office outlining its requirements. He also said that Mr. Quigley;
owner of the South Hill site, has offered to donate to the City or Housing Authority an
additional piece of land which adjoins the site to enable more units to be constructed.
Mr. Putney MOVED, "that the Board approves the South Hill site only, presently
owned by Tuscorora Building Products, Inc. of Syracuse, as suitable for Turnkey Housing
contemplated by Ithaca Housing Authority." Seconded by Mr. Reps. CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. HousinNand Redevelopment Committee - Mr. Korf presented the recommendations
made by the Committee after their review of the area suggested by Urban Renewal for
possible redevelopment, for the following reasons:
"l. The nucleus of this area has been designated for redevelopment in the preparation
of General Plan in 1964.
2. Mayor Kiely, when speaking to the Board at its January and March meetings, re-
quested that this area be considered for a redevelopment.
3. This general area meets redevelopment requirements as set forth by Department of
Housing and Urban Development of the Federal Government.
4. Preliminary studies, as determined by 1960 census figures, indicate that this
area is suitable for this type of study.
5. From general observations the deterioration of the area is rapidly expanding.
6. Information obtained from this study will provide data both to the Planning Board
and the Common Council to make decisions on future Programs.
7. Final boundaries for the purpose of survey and planning application will be de-
termined after this study is complete."
He then MOVED, "that the area suggested be adopted for study for possible redevelopment
in the City of Ithaca." Seconded by Mrs. Hamilton. Unanimously approved.
2. General Plan and Capital Improvement Committee - a) Recreation Studer for the
City of Ithaca. Mr. Reps presented the views of the Committee as follows:
"1. This study is necessary for the inclusion in the General Plan and such study has
not been made in the past.
2. The Mayor has requested that such study be made so that future decisions on the
need for recreational land could be made.
3
3. The firm of Egner and Niederkorn Associates, Inc. be requested to make such a study.
4. That the $1300 that has been encumbered for a present contract with Egner and
Niederkorn to prepore U.R. Downtown II be transferred to this study and Council be
requested to appropriate or transfer additional money to complete the study. It is
anticipated that such study would cost about $3000."
and MOVED, "that the Board requests that Council be asked to provide the additional
$1700 needed for the study to be performed." Seconded by Mr. Parkes. CARRIED.
b) Request from the Council to prepare City Street Plan. Mr. Reps MOVED, "to communicate
to the Council, that the Committee also considered the request from the Council regarding
the city's street plan and agrees that such a plan would be of benefit to the city.
However, the committee feels that since at the present, a State Highway Plan through the
city is being considered by the State Department of Transportation which is as yet in
preliminary stages and that a street plan is a necessary part of the city's General Plant''
it would be appropriate for the city to prepare the city-wide street plan related to and,-
in conjunction with both of the above. The Board wishes to inform the Council that
preliminary plans related to State Highways and city arterials are being prepared. The
Board considers it appropriate that the city staff continue to prepare the total package.
Every effort is being made to complete this study as soon as possible." Seconded by
Mr. Korf. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Tabled Request for Rezoning Lands in the West Hill Area - During the discussion
of this item, Mr. Parkes proposed density control zoning in R-1 districts on difficult
terrain, or modification of the zoning regulations. It was decided the matter requires
further study and Mr. Parkes was directed to formulate criteria on the subject for
presentation to the Board at its next meeting.
2. CRP Application - Director Kasprzak informed the Board that the CRP Application
has been returned to him for corrections which he will make, and that it will be ready
for submission to the Board at its next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: none
MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Application for the Position of Assistant Planner —Director Kasprzak read a
letter of application from Peter Francese who will accept the position. Mr. Reps MOVED,
"to request Council to approve the appointment of Mr. Francese, at $8,878, which is
step 3 of grade 35." Seconded by Mr'. Parkes CARRIED.
2. Summer Help - Mr. Korf MOVED, "that Director Kasprzak be directed to hire what-
ever help he needs for the summer season." Seconded by Mr. Reps. CARRIED.
3. Mr. M. Milford from Mayor's Advisory Committee offered any assistance he and his
Committee on Neighborhood Improvement can give to Planning Board with any problems
needing citizens' participation.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 10:30 p.m.
Gregory Kasprzak
5.1.68 Planning Director
4
''
4THACA ; HOUSING AUTHORITY
C i t y H a
Ithaca, N.Y.
RESOLUTION: ADOPTION OF SOUTH HILL TURNKEY SITE
WHEREAS, this Authority has previously indicated that they
would study various sites in Ithaca as possible locations for
Turnkey construction of low income housing, and
WHEREAS, this Authority has studied the location on South
Hill, owned by Tuscarora Building Products , Inca of Syracuse,
New York, encompassing approximately two and one half acres as a
posible Turnkey site, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires
that the Housing Authority obtain additional proposals from other
developers in conformity with the New York State and Federal laws
applicable for the Turnkey development of the above site, and
WHEREAS, Tuscarora Building Products , Inc. has indicated a
willingness to provide this site by option, purchase or other
means for Turnkey development, for a successful bidder, now there-
fore be it
RESOLVED, that the aforementioned site be and the same hereby
is approved for the appropriate number of units to be determined,
and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the Executive Director and/or the Chairman of
the Ithaca Housing Authority move this resolution to the Planning
Board of the City of Ithaci+ for immediate approval to enable said
body to make it' s recommendations in the near future to the Common
Council of the City of Ithaca.
Elester Cunni ham,
Secretary