Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1968-09-18 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS City of Ithaca Regular Meeting September 18, 1968 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Chairman Schmidt, Vice Chairman Reps, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Hamilton, and Messrs. Korf, Parkes and Putney (arrived late). ALSO: Director Kasprzak, consultants T. Niederkorn and T. Egner, B. Blanchard, Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenstein and representatives of W.H.C.U. , W.T.K.O. and The Ithaca Journal. MEETING called to order at 7:30 p.m. MINUTES of the last regular meeting, on August 21, 1968, were approved as published. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: None. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Planning Director Kasprzak read a memo from City Clerk, Mr. Blean, in- forming the Planning Board of the Council's request to advise them on the disposition of the Old #9 Fire Station including the land. Brief discussions developed referring to the original idea of constructing a parking lot; also that the new building, being of high aesthetic value, should be exposed to public view and provide example of good municipal architecture. In conclusion the Board decided that the land under old #9 Fire Station be retained by the city, the old building be demolished and a new parking lot constructed containing approximately 12 parking places. This would pro- vide 2 parking places for the needs of the new fire station and the remainder would be for public use, this to be metered and the rate to be set by the Council. Mr. Parkes MOVED that the above conclusions be recommended to the Council. Seconded by Mrs. Hamilton. CARRIED unanimously. (Mr. Putney was absent on this item. ) 2. As a matter of information Director Kasprzak read a letter addressed to Mr. Hershberg, Acting Director, Bureau of Project Development from New York, by Mr. Maxfield regarding the present status of McGraw Housing Project. Mr. Maxfield communicated that he finds himself in a difficult position, regarding development and construction of the McGraw Housing Inc. project. The Board, in discussing the matter, concluded that they will recommend to the Council to make every effort to see that this project comes to a positive conclusion including granting of tax abatement, if necessary. It has been the opinion of the Board that the benefits that the city derive from such a structure in the downtown area also, the benefits to the elderly in the city, would warrant all the assistance the city can give. The Director was instructed to send a letter, to this effect, to the Council and a copy of the same letter to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Korf MOVED that above recommendation be sent to the Council. Seconded by Mrs. Hamilton. CARRIED unani- mously. (Mr. Putney was absent.) COMMITTEE REPORTS: None. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Board of Zoning Appeals Reports: At the August meeting of the Board Director Kasprzak requested some indication from the Board regarding the prepara- tion of the monthly reports, in all cases, to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Board, not being clear on the legal matter regarding the enforcement of the Code, instructed the Director to prepare resolution empowering him to prepare those reports in the name of the Planning Board and request the opinion of the City Attorney to determine the legality of such authorization. The Director has received response to his request from the City Attorney who stated that Planning Board cannot delegate this official business to the Director. Any reports which are prepared in the name of the Board have to be reviewed by the same. Therefore, the Board has concluded that in the future preparation of the reports the Board will pass on the items when- ever schedule warrants, and call a special meeting if the case warrants such action; also, the Director be allowed to prepare reports on his own, these to be in the form of a personal opinion. 2. Board Members' Reports on Zoning Ordinance Review: This report, being of extensive nature, the Board decided to hold a special meeting for the purpose of reviewing the Second Report of the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee. 3, Letter from Crandall: Mr. Parkes reported that the Codes and Ordinances Committee has not met; however, the Planning Staff has prepared a limited survey indicating that under present development in the R-1 classification it is possible to construct 4.4 units per acre on relatively flat land. On the West Dill, under present zoning rules, on an average 2 units are constructed per acre of land in- cluding roads, etc. Under the proposed density controls it would be possible to construct 4.4 units even on the difficult terrain. Therefore, the Director was instructed to convey this information to Mr. Crandall; meanwhile the Codes and Ordinances Committee should be called to review the matter again. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Preliminary Report on Recreation Study: Mr. Tom Niederkorn, consultant on .a r. this project, has informed the Board that his purpose of bringing this item before the Board at this time is to present his thinking on the study and get some feed- back on the policies that he is attempting to develop He then proceeded to outline 12 points on the matter of policy regarding the recreational planning in the City of Ithaca. These policies and final recommendations together with the final report will be presented to the Board at their next regular meeting. The;Board, in the discussion that developed., concluded that the consultant's report, up to this point, was very appropriate. However, they added two or more points into the policy con- siderations and offered some changes to the first 12-considerations suggested by the consultant. It was the sense of the Board that the direction that the consultant is following is acceptable to the membership and the Board has instructed the consultant to continue in the same vein in his preparation of the final report. (The outline of the 12 points as prepared by the consultant is attached to the official minutes of the Planning Board. ) The additional points to be considered for final presentation are as follows: (1) encourage cooperation between Cornell, Ithaca College and the City in developing mutually beneficial participation in recreation facilities, 2 (2) develop policy against spread of environmental pollution, (3) develop more coordinated recreation system for the entire city, (4) consider policy regarding the use of school playground facilities and other, (5) consider policy regarding establishment of park commission which will be responsible for acquisition, etc. of land for future use. 2. The chairman has expressed concern over the environmental pollution in the community and its surrounding area. The Board has concurred with this concern and instructed the Director to put this item on the next month's agenda for more extensive discussion. MEETING ADJOURNED at 10:50 p.m. Gregory Kasprzak 10.1.68 Planning Director 3 " " Recreation Study Draft fox, Discussion Only It is proposed that the following policy statements be offered as the basis for proposals to be made In zhe City of Ithaca recreation study. 1. The city will encourage and provide leadership in the development Of special attractions and facilities which will, appeal to tourists, vacationers and other visitors. 2. The city must become aware of its natural features and resources and preserve and enhance these resources for the greater enjoyment of its citizens and the public. 3. The city recognizes the increasingly important role of government in assuring recreation opportunities for all people regardless of age or income. It will continue its efforts to expand the range of choices and to encourage a wider participation in facilities and programs, 4. The city Is aware that it cannot shoulder the total financial responsibilities of a complete recreation program. It intends to seek active participation at the town and county level in the development of a comprehensive recreation system. 5. The city feels that citizen invoiverien. irb the development of recreational_ facilities at the neighborhood level is important. It hopes to encourage this involvement by inviting neighborhood groups to participate in the initial development and continued operation of local parlks and playgrounds. 6. In looking to the future, the city sees a critical need for the preservation of open space In neighborhoods which are now undeveloped and intends to pre-erupt land for recreation purposes In these areas before development occurs. �2a 7. To supplement existing or future neighborhood facilities and to more fully and imaginatively use available land, the city intends to encourage cluster housing or other development concepts which will result in preservation of natural features and common use of open space. 8. The city feels that there is intrinsic _value in having natural open space as part of the urban environment. It intends to preserve and protect such space even though it is not developed or actively used. 9. It is recognized that there aro advantages to be derived from open space and recreation areas other than the more obvious physical benefits. Sensory experiencessuch as views, vistas, sounds, colors, and textures which are a natural part of the Ithaca city-scapv will be enhanced and accentuated® 10° The city appreciates the free spirit and inquisitive mature of children. In order to sustain and encourage these qualities, opportunities will be provided for unorganized, independent play in areas which will be left essentially in their natural state. 11. Small special-purpose activiti.es, such as gardening and beautification projects, sponsored by individuals and private groups make important contributions to a total recreation program. The city recognizes the value of these activities and is prepared to support them in any way which will. lead to broader citizen interest and par- ticipation, ar-,ticipationm 12. The city knows that a financial committment to recreation is es- sential and intends to establish a permanent budgetary item for rec- reation programs and facilities. Federal and State Assistance Pro-rams will be used whenever possible to achieve maximum effectiveness of :Local tax monies.