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,
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(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
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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.
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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.