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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1968-10-16 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS City of Ithaca Regular Meeting October 16, 1968, 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Chairman Schmidt, Mrs. Jones (arrived late), Mrs. Hamilton, Messrs. Korf, Parkes and Putney. ALSO: Director Kasprzak, Zoning Officer Van Marter, Housing Director Armstrong, Staff members John Short and Peter Francese, Consultants Egner and Niederkorn, B. Blanchard, S. Jacobs, A. Golder, L. Cunningham, W. W. Carroll and representatives of press and radio, Sue Strandberg, D. Stewart, G. Gerard and B. Hergonson. ABSENT: J. Reps. MEETING called to order at 7:40 p.m. MINUTES of the last regular meeting, on September 18, 1968, were approved as published.. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 1. Mr. Korf introduced Mr. Stephen Jacobs who spoke on historic zoning which related to Item 12 of the Second Report of Zoning Review Committee. Mr. Jacobs said that the State has passed legislation to make it possible for local legislative bodies to designate areas in which the community is interested, for. the purpose of preserving historic areas or buildings which have architectural dis- tinction (such as the city of Schenectady has done). He then attempted to show how such a proposal, if carried out, might operate. in Ithaca, N. Y. Following are some of the points covered in the presentation. a. Historic Ithaca, a local organization, has already designated Devitt Park and immediate vicinity as a possible core area for this type of zoning. b. It is Mr. Jacobs' recommendations that boundaries of such area occur in the interior of the block rather than on the street line, c. Consent of the individuals. having interest in the core and other areas should be sought. d. Creation of architectural review board,composed of members qualified either professionally or because of community interest, is imperative to serve as advisory group on any changes occurring in such an area. The concept of historic zoning will superimpose regulations on existing zoning within the designated area. The regulations as to use, etc. will not be affected by the new regulations. Mrs. Hamilton cited the area containing bus station, bank, Atwater's and Lehigh Valley restaurant as existing area which could perhaps be considered as future historic area. Appeal to the people passing through Ithaca is of important con- sideration in this concept. Mr. Golder asked if it wouldn't amount to confiscation of property if a property owner desired or were compelled to change his particular situation. Mr. Jacobs explained that the community interest should prevail and that consideration of most historic districts would be economically based. COMMUNICATIONS: 1. Letter from Ithaca Housing Authority Director Armstrong re. "Turnkey" proposal was read by Director Kasprzak. The proposed Turnkey project consists of 24 units of family housing (eight (8) two-bedroom, twelve (12) three-bedroom and four (4) four- bedroom units) to be developed by the Ithaca firm of Golder-Powers, Company. The letter requested the approval of the project, plan and site, by the Planning Board and its recommendation to the Common Council. (See Item 1, Committee Reports. ) COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. Housing and Redevelopment Committee - Mr. Korf, Chairman of the Housing and Redevelopment Committee, presented the committee's report to the Board, recommending approval of same on following conditions: a. Additional planting is to be located around the parking area, b. Proper refuse collection areas are to be designated and access provided to they both from the interior and exterior of the building, c. Assurance from Ithaca Housing Authority to be given in writing to this Board and the Council that proper equipment will be installed in the play areas (See. official Committee File for complete report. ) During the brief discussion, the following comments were made: The committee finds it difficult to recommend approval of project. Even though it can find no major technical objections, it feels very strongly that buildings proposed are a violation to residential character of neighborhood. Planning Board, having no legal means of aesthetic control, has to rely on the Ithaca Housing Authority to exert any influence on the developer to construct housing in Ithaca which would be of high quality. Mr. Golder explained the situation of the right-of-way to provide an access to the parking area in the development. Most of the right-of-way is already in existence, the rest of it is held under option by the developer. This will provide access from the lane adjacent to Co-op through the block to Plain Street. See map. Mr. Korf MOVED, " EEDIFY_u, the Ithaca Housing Authority has advertised and received proposals for approximately forty (40) units of public housing to be produced by the "Turnkey" method of construction, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Housing Authority upon receiving "Tentative" Approval from the Regional Office of the Housing Assistance Administration has prepared a Development Program and did formally adapt same by LA Resolution #73, approving a proposal for twenty four (24) units submitted by Builders Golder, Powers Company of Ithaca, New York, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Planning Board has received and studied said Development Plan, BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the project, plan and site, be, and the same is hereby approved." Seconded by Mrs. Jones. The Board recommended approval provided the above three conditions are met. 2 OLD BUSINESS: 1. Consultant's Report on Recreation Study - At the. September meeting of the Board, Mr. Niederkorn presented policy statements for consideration upon which recommendations of recreation study are based. Since then he has modified the policy statements incorporating suggestions received from the Board and is presently preparing a written report which will be submitted at the next regular meeting of the Board. The recreation report will include in the final text description of some 60 elements of the plan about which he spoke previously. The consultant stated that he found it very difficult to adapt national standards which would be suitable for this community; therefore, he developed functional standards with the city's needs in mind. Mrs. Barbara Blanchard presented recommendations regarding several parcels of lane, in the city. This will be discussed in greater detail in the report. She also . mentioned several administrative recommendations which will be included in the report and some are as follows: a. County recreation study should be performed. b. Attention must be called to private groups already interested in recreation and conservation in this area to avoid duplication. c. City should establish a commission to identify recreational areas and be held responsible for its acquisition, development and maintenance. d. Under the capital programming some kind of priority is desired to carry out an overall master recreation plan. e. City, school district and county should participate in development of the overall concept. Approval of the recreation plan will be requested at the next meeting of the Board. 2. West Hill Neighborhood Park - Staff member John Short presented a plan for development of the 2-1/2 acre MacDaniels Park on West Hill into playground which includes the use of natural materials for several types of recreation for various age groups. The Board was very enthusiastic. Mr. Korf MOVED, "to commend the staff for the proposal and indicated enthusiastic support including recommendation for funds to carry it out." Seconded by Mrs. Jones. Carried unanimously.. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Discussion on Environmental Pollution - A short discussion was held regarding the effects on Cayuga Lake and area of the nuclear plant which New York State Electric and Gas Co. plan to construct. Board members have attended some meetings in the community and wish to hear more on the subject. Mrs. Jones reported that the Council will attempt to set up a meeting with persons who might be able to furnish more in- formation. Chairman Schmidt directed Mr. Kasprzak to express the Board's concern over the potential damage to the lake to Council and inform that body that the Board would like to participate at any meetings held regarding the Cayuga Lake. Mr. Kasprzak was also directed to inform the Board of any meetings regarding the nuclear plant in the area so that members may attend. 3 2. Report to the Board of Zoning Appeals a. Request for Special Permit at 233 Elmira Rd. by Carroll's Sales and Services: After review of the request by the Board Mr. Korf MOVED, that "in view of the fact that signs such as these are inconsistent with the long-range plans for beautification of Elmira Rd. , entry to the city, the Board does not recommend the issuance of the special permit." Seconded by Mrs. Jones. Unanimously carried. b. Request for Exception at 205 S. Meadow Street by Kentucky Beef. - sign size which is not permitted in district. Mr. Parkes MOVED, "that until the city develops . a general policy regarding sign control, with view toward beautification of the city, the Board must fall back upon existing safeguard, which at the moment is the Zoning Ordinance. Included in it are restrictions on sign regulations. The Board therefore concludes that this Exception be not recommended." Seconded by Mrs. Hamilton; Carried unanimously. Mrs. Jones reported that in regard to the present status of the CYO property, Mr. Tolles will hold a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Council and notify the Planning Board regarding its disposition. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:30 p.m. Gregory Kasprzak Planning Director 4