HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1970-07-22 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca
Regular Meeting July 22, 1970 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Chairman Putney, Vice Chairman Doney (arrived late) , Messrs. Reps, Conley and
Korf.
ALSO: Planning Director Kasprzak, Asst. Planner Meigs, Planning Tech. Lawrence, Mr.
and Mrs. W. Ewald, Mr. Wm. Shaw, Miss S. A. Corina; and members of the press
and radio.
ABSENT: Messrs. Schmidt and Burns.
MINUTES of the last Regular meeting of the Board, June 24, 1970, were approved as
published.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: None.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Fall Creek Youth Park Committee - Director Kasprzak read a communication from
Stephanie A. Corina, Chairman of the Fall Creek Park Committee of the Ithaca Youth Council
on Civic Affairs, requesting the City Planning Board to review the proposal for the park
and the tentative agreement which has been drawn up between Cornell University and the
City of Ithaca (concerning the use of the land) , and further asked for the Board's
approval of the proposal and the agreement; and for its support of the development of the
park. Mr. Kasprzak then introduced Miss Corina who explained in greater detail the plans
for the park and answered questions regarding same.
The land is located northwest from Ithaca Gun Company and southeast from Lake Street
bridge across Fall Creek. The Ithaca Gun Company will appoint a member to the ad hoc
committee on the park and perhaps will assist with funds in the development of the park.
Cornell University, the owner of the property, will provide an outdoor botanical class-
room in the project.
The Youth Council plans to hold meetings with a committee of the Common Council in
August and with a committee of the Board of Public Works on July 23, 1970 to discuas the
total project. The Youth Council hopes to develop the park by the end of summer 1970,
then turn it over to the city to be used as a neighborhood park.
Director Kasprzaki.informed the Board that about three years ago he explored the pos-
sibility of developing this area as a neighborhood park; he approached Cornell University
to ascertain if they would be willing to relinquish ownership of the land, but Cornell
was not receptive to the idea.
Mr. Korf MOVED, "the Planning Board endorses the proposal for the development of the
Fall Creek Park and commends the Youth Park Committee for its initiative in undertaking
the cooperative agreement between Cornell University and the City of Ithaca." Seconded
by Mr. Reps. CARRIED.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS: LG
1. Codes & Ordinances Committee - Ire the absence of Chairman Schmidt, Director
Kasprzak presented the committee's report on th-: review of the city's zoning ordinance.
After a brief discussion, Mr, Conley MOVED, "the Board accept the Committee Report and
transmit the proposed draft (Planning Board as a whole has not reviewed the Ordinance) to
the Common Council for review.` Seconded by Mr. Doney. CARRIED.
2. Community Facilities & Services Committee - In response to the request from the
City-County Committee on Functions, Mr. Reps presented the Committee's report regarding
disposition of DeWitt Junior High School, after its abandonment by the School Board.
See Committee's file. ) Director Kasprzak was directed to check with Atty. Truman Powers
regarding the deed, and any covenants in it, of Simeon DeWitt and report on the findings
to the above Committee.
Mr. Reps MOVED, "Planning Board adopt report of Committee and transmit same to City-
County Committee as requested by them. `` Seconded by Mr. Korf. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. CRP - progress report - Director Kasprzak reported that the city has received
the proposed contract from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to be executed
by the city and returned to HUD office for execution by the Federal Government. He dis-
tributed a list of consultants who have expressed interest in working on the program.
Mr. Reps MOVED, "the matter be referred to the Executive Committee of the Board for
study. " Seconded by Mr, Korf. CARRIED.
2. Elmira Road Study - G. Lawrence reported that he and the Director had met with
approximately 20 persons in the Elmira Road business area and that, on the whole, they
are agreeable to the entire proposal. However, they expressed concern over the drainage
of the land behind their businesses and the problem of four lanes of traffic feeding into
two lanes at the southern end of the road.
Mr. Reps MOVED, "Planning Board authorize Director Kasprzak to revise and submit the
study to the Common Council." Seconded by Mr. Conley. CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Review of Zoning Cases - Chairman Putney brought to the attention of the Board
that he believes they had been negligent, in at least one instance, in recommending to
the Board of Zoning Appeals without site visit. After briefly discussing the matter, the
Board decided that, in the future, the Committee will make site visits prior to making
their recommendations to the Board.
Director Kasprzak presented a request for an Exception at 206 College Avenue to
convert structure from rooming house to 4 apartment units -- B.Z.A. Case #888.
Mr. Doney MOVED, t°Codes & Ordinances Committee will make a site visit with power to
make recommendation." Seconded by Mr. Conley. CARRIED.
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ITEM NOT ON AGENDA:
Director Kasprzak submitted letter of resignation from his position as Planning
Director, effective Septerlber 1, 1970. Mr. Conley MOVED, "the utter be referred to
Executive Committee.°` Seconded by Mr. Doney. CARRIED.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 8:52 p.m.
Gregory Kasprzak
8.4.70 Planning Director
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