HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1969-01-02special PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca
Special Meeting January 2, 1969 3:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Schmidt, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Hamilton and Messrs. Korf and Putney.
ALSO: Director Kasprzak and representatives of the press and radio.
ABSENT: Vice Chairman Reps and Mr. Parkes.
1. Director Kasprzak read a communication from Alderman Nordheimer expanding on
remarks made by him at the November 6, 1968 meeting of the Common Council regarding
the formation of an Architectural Commission. He believes this Commission should
function in an advisory capacity to the various city agencies concerning aesthetics
and relating design to economics, to be composed and have responsibilities somewha
as follows:
(1) be composed of local architects or leading lay citizens with some design
qualifications,
(2) to serve as architectural consultants to the City on construction,-modifieatioq,
saving or demolition of public buildings without being actual project architecto,
(3) to serve as consultants in areas where City has a degree of interest and control.,
but not ownership (specifically, urban renewal, public housing, ADD permits, a'
variances, exceptions, historical zoning), and
(4) to consult with private developers, when requested, to assist in achieving con=
struction harmonious with its neighborhood.
Alderman Nordheimer expressed the desire to know the reaction of the Planning
Board and offered to express himself in further detail if the Board wishes.
Director Kasprzak suggested the responsibilities of such a commission be
combined with those serving in advisory capacity regarding historical zoning dis-
tricts. In the brief discussion following Mr. Korf expressed the belief that
services of such commission should be expanded to include some parcels of land,
gorges, etc. which might be necessary to preserve the natural character of an area.
Director Kasprzak was directed to reply to Alderman Nordheimer's letter and
inform him that the Planning Board feels the idea of creating such a commission
should be explored further and perhaps be established by the action of the Couneill
2. Director Kasprzak presented the following zoning cases for review by the Boards
(1) Request for a Variance at 410 W. Seneca Street - to conduct a Baton School
in a residential structure (R-3 district) 3 days a week. This cannot be
classified as a 19home occupation1° because the applicant does not live at the
address where the Variance is requested.
Mrs. Hamilton MOVED, "that a Variance be denied due to the fact that it is in a
residential area and due to lack of adequate parking facilities." Seconded by
Mrs. Jones. CARRIED.
(2) Request for Exception at 518 West State Street - On November 20, 1968 the,
Board reviewed the original request from Mr. Cerrache, and found no
objection to side yard requirements since it does not conflict with long-
range aspects of planning. However, it recommended that the rear ,yard
requirement be reviewed by the Fire Chief for the purpose of fire access
in event the area is built-up in the future.
After the Fire Chief reviewed the request, he advised that the situation`
is "too risky." Since then, Mr. Cerrache has modified his plans to 10 ft,
side yard and 5 ft. rear yard.
Mr. Putney MOVED, "that the Planning Board make the same recommendation at this time
that it made to the original request." Seconded by Mr. Korf. CARRIED.
(3) Request for expansion of non-conforming use and Exception to yard require
ments at 604 W. Green Street. - The request made by Art Craft of Ithaca,
Inc. , printers, is for the purpose of providing much-needed storage spaces,
it is not anticipated that the number of employees will be increased;
therefore present parking facilities are adequate for now and future.
Mr. Putney MOVED, "to grant the request." Seconded by Mrs, Jones. CARRIED.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 4:15 p.m,
G. Kasprzak
Planning Director
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