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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1969-09-17 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS City of Ithaca Regular Meeting September 17, 1969 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Chairman Schmidt, Vice Chairman Reps, Firs. Hamilton, Messrs. Parkes, Putney and Korf. ALSO: Planning Director Kasprzak, Assistant Planner Meigs, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ewald, Mrs. Elizabeth Simpson, Mrs. Richard Putney, and representatives of the press and radio. ABSENT: Mrs. Anne Jones. MINUTES of the postponed Regular Meeting, August 27, 1969, were approved as published. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 1. Planning Director Kasprzak introduced Tamar Sherman, reporter for the Ithaca. Journal, to the Board. 2. Steven Peterson presented a Preliminary Progress Report for University Avenue Study which he had prepared to acquaint the Board with his accomplishments to date, the work currently in progress, and to mention some of the possible future uses of the approximate 50 acres of lard involved which is owned by the University and private individuals with the city controlling the roads. The land is mostly vacant, and because of the steep terrain, is difficult to build on; however, he believes it should be treated consistently with one plan for the whole area. C0144UNICATIONS: 1. Tom kips Count, Department of Planning. Director Kasprzak read a memo from County Planning Director Liguori which was attached to a copy of Assemblywoman Constance E. Cook's Assembly Act No. 6085, a proposal to amend the State Highway Law in relation to State arterials in the City of Ithaca and State routes in Tompkins County--legis- lation of a type which is important in reaching workable solutions to the problems involving transportation and circulation in the area. The bill was proposed in February 1968 as a means of providing authorization_ for immediate action by the Department of Transportation. Mr. Liguori feels that resolutions from official agenges actively supporting Mrs. Cook's efforts would be appropriate. Mr. Putney MOVED, "that the Planning Board support Mrs. Cook's efforts to obtain favorable adoption of the amendment." Seconded by Mr. Reps. Unanimously CARRIED. In the discussion of the above, it was pointed out that adoption of the amendment would be a means of providing immediate aid to the S. Aurora St. problem, perhaps providing another roadway into the valley. Mr. Reps believes an alternative plan should be prepared for descent From the South Hill. 2. R. Marion - Subdivision Request. Director Kasprzak read a letter from Russoll I. Marion requesting preliminary approval for street location across the "Koullf" property which was purchased to replace the right-of-way taken by the Flood Project. The proposed new road would run from Elmira Road to the proposed subdivision (commercial area development) on which the lots measure 75' x 150' and which is zoned Industrial. Mr. Putney MOVED, "to refer the matter to Codes & Ordinances Committee for study." Seconded by Mr. Parkes. Unanimously CARRIED. 3. S. Jacobs - Historic Ithaca. Director Kasprzak read a letter from Stephen Jacobs requesting the Board to move ahead with the rezoning of historic areas, one of. which is De Witt Park, even though the new Zoning Ordinance is not ,yet printed-- perhaps by an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The De Witt Park and periphery of the park have been referred to the State by Professor Westoefrom Elmira College as "landmark area," and is the focus of the initial thrust of Historic Ithaca. No action was taken by the Board; however, Mr. Reps suggested the Zoning Review Committee be asked to study the subject and respond to Mr. Jacobs through the chairman of the Planning Board. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Discussion on NARC Study. Chairman Schmidt indicated his desire to compliment the planning staff, and Gordon Jacobs who collected the material for the study, on the preparation of the Impact Study. In the brief discussion which followed, it was pointed out that the study will be incorporated into the General Plan, in summary form. Mr. Schmidt directed Mr. Kasprzak to find out if it is possible to copyright the material as it is anticipated there will be a great demand for the printed study. Mr. Reps MOVED, 1°the Board accept, and authorize publication of, the Impact Study." Seconded by Mr. Korf. Unanimously CARRIED. NEW BUSINESS: 1. De Witt Park Historic Preservation Program Application. Director Kasprzak read a letter from Mr. Nibi, Acting Assistant Regional Administrator, Metropolitan Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, informing Mr. Kasprzak that. private organizations and individuals are not eligible to receive assistance, but may provide part of the local share of project costs; however, any governmental body is eligible to receive grant assistance under Section 709, thus the Planning Board may apply for assistance with DeWitt Park Committee furnishing the local share which the Federal Government would be asked to match. No city funds would be involved, but the city would be responsible for maintenance and control. The application must be sub- mitted to the federal government by November 3, 1969 and the Planning Board requested authorization to proceed with the application and a resolution from Common Council. Mr. Reps MOVED, "the Director be authorized to seek Common Council approval." Seconded by Mrs. Hamilton. Unanimously CARRIED. Mrs. Elizabeth Simpson requested that the Board wait for approval from the DeWitt Park Committee before proceeding with the preparation of the application which Mr. Robert Mann will also help to prepare. MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Junior Planner's Permanent Appointment. Director Kasprzak informed the Board. that Junior Planner, Mrs. Margaret Monroe, has passed her Civil Service Examination and requested the Board to approve the permanent appointment of Mrs. Monroe. Mr. Putney 2 voiced disapproval of permanent appointment on less than 1 ,year of full-time service. Mr. Parkes MOVED, "the Board approves permanent appointment of Mrs. Margaret Monroe to the position of Junior Planner." Seconded by Mr. Korf. Vote: Yes w 5, Mr. Putney voting No. 2. Review of Zoning Cases. a) Request for Variance at 535-537 and 539 W. Clinton Street, also 332-406 Center Street (B.Z.A. Case No. 821) . The request for a Variance to Section 7, Cols. 2 and 3 of the Zoning Ordinance, has been reviewed in accordance with Section 21-C. This request has been considered by the Planning Board, at the request of the Common Council, on August 27, 1969. Opinions rendered then_ are reaffirmed in this petition, copies of which, including map, are attached herewith. (See Planning Board files for official copy of the report. ) Mr. Putney MOVED, "the Planning Board approve the request, with provisions stated in the Committee Report." Seconded by Mr. Parkes. Unanimously CARRIED. b) Request for Exception at 404 W. State Street to build structure for storage of garbage cans, on order from Health Department, to stop complaints and to take care of unsanitary conditions, also eliminate noise. (B.Z.A. Case No. 857) • Mr. Putney MOVED, "to refer the request to Committee in order to obtain informatipn from Health Officer and to find out what the building plans are which are proposed." Seconded by J. Parkes. Unanimously CARRIED. Director Kasprzak informed the Board he would be taking vacation the week ending September 26, 1969.' Mr. Korf MOVED, "tree Board empower the Codes and Ordinance Committee to recommend to the Board of Zoning Appeals because of its meeting taking place prior to the next Planning Board Meeting." Seconded by Mr. Reps. Unanimously CARRIED. MEETING ADJOURNED at 9:35 P.M. A short executive session was held following the regular meeting. Gregory Kasprzak 10.3.69 Planning Director 3