HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1971-09-28 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting City of Ithaca 7:30 P.M.
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PRESENT: Chm. Putney, Vice Chm. Doney, Messrs. Austin, Hemming, Shaw, and Conley (arrived
late).
ALSO: Director Meigs, Jr. Planner Martinez; Council members Jones and Slattery; Mayor
Johns, Ithaca Housing Authority Director Armstrong, Bldg. Commissioner Jones;
MCHC Chm. Neimeth, Secy Lucente, members Sullivan, Ware, Knepper, Roberts,
Cosentini, McNeill, Arden, Best, Belcher, Dozier, Stanton, Martin, and Rumph;
D. Saperstone, R. Cutting and members of the press and radio.
ABSENT: R. Burns.
MINUTES of the last Regular meeting of the Board, August 24, 1971, were approved as pub-
lished.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
a. Chm. Putney introduced Mr. Raymond V. Hemming who was appointed as a member of the
Board at the last meeting of Common Council to fill the vacancy caused by, the resig-
nation of William F. Schmidt.
COMMUNICATIONS:
a. Director Meigs read a letter from David Brockway, former summer employee of the
department, in which he expressed his thanks for the worthwhile and educational ex-
perience received while working in the department.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
s;
a. Committee of the Whole Board: Arrangements were made for the Mayor's Citizens' Advisoty
Committee to meet with the-Board to review the draft of the Workable Program which
will be presented to Common Council at their October 6 meeting for review and approval.
The contents of the application were discussed briefly.
Director Meigs and Mr. Doney presented the Committee Report and recommendatigns,
as follows:
"Mr. Meigs summarized the purpose of the application, which is essentially ,
that of a report of activities conducted by the City and other public and civic
agencies within the two-year reporting period, and which deal with the improve-
ment of the city in matters of physical and social development, especially as
they relate to the improvement of housing, recreation and other facilities for
lower and moderate (lower middle) income families, Reporting areas are basically,
Codes, Housing, Planning, and Citizen Involvement, which latter includes the
Mayor's Citizens' Advisory Committee, an organization required by the Workable
Program.
"The Workable Program for Community Improvement is a requirement of the
Federal Government for communities involved in, or intending to apply for,
several Federally-funded programs, including Urban Renewal and Code Enforcement. ,
It enables the government agencies involved to review the community's progress
under, or in relation to, projects and goals for which funding is given.
"Mr. Meigs explained that the application has in previous years been pre-
pared by the Urban Renewal Agency, but since that agency may be dissolved prior
to the next recertification, the assembly is being done by the Planning Board
and staff with the Agency's assistance in order to familiarize then with the
procedure. Major portions of the report are prepared by the Housing Authority,
the Building Conmissioner, and the Planning Department.
"The application was then reviewed in detail. Recommendations by members
were incorporated into the responses to various subsections, where appropriate.
Considerable discussion centered around the matter of housing, and it was the
sense of the committee that since there is now a sizeable supply of new housing
for low and middle income groups and the elderly, considerably more attention
should now be given to the problems and possibilities of the city's older housing.'
"The committee felt that with minor revisions the application was substan-
tially complete and in proper form for forwarding, with the following RECCOMMEN
DATIONS:
1. That consideration be given to indicating in Item 3, p. 3 that sections
of city codes dealing with the use of plastic pipe in plumbing installations, and
with the use of heavy electric cable in commercial construction, are more restric-
tive than the nationally accepted model codes; give an explanation; and provide
schedule for code amendments to remove these restrictions.
2. That the city's application should stress the need for conservation and
improvement of the cityls.. older housing stock."
Mr. Doney MOVED, "the Board approves the Committee recommendations which will bei
transmitted, with suggestions and modifications which occur in tonight's meeting in-
cluded, to the Common Council for review at its Oct. 6 meeting." Seconded by Mr.
Austin. CARRIED.
MCAC Chm. Neimeth expressed appreciation of the efforts, appearing in the form of
the Workable Program application, but because it is basically new to his Committee,
they cannot agree in substance with the contents beforehand. Members of this commit
tee agreed they wished to study the draft of the application further and, if there are
points to be discussed further, they will attempt to do so at the Common Council
meeting on the 6th of October.
It was noted, during the brief review, that on page 18, item 1. b. of the appli-
cation, the Mayor's Citizens Advisory Committee should be designated as a city govern-
ment committee rather than as a community organization. Director Meigs was directed
by Chairman Putney to make the change on the final copy.
b. CommunitX Facilities & Services Committee:
1. West Hill Fire Station - Mr. Austin presented the Committee Report which included
the following recommendation:
"The Committee therefore finds that the need for a fire station on West Hill
is only a part of a greater need for improved vehicular access to the area, which
will not be solved by provision of a station. The Committee therefore RECOMMENDS
that the Planning Board relay this finding to Council; and that it recommend that
Council take steps to insure unobstructed access across the flood channel in the
near future, by approaching the State for completion of their Rt. 96 project, and
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
by providing for needed access at the local level by means of a Southwest Parkway
and bridge as proposed by this Board."
Mr. Austin MOVED, "The Board accepts the Committee's recommendations."
Seconded by Mr. Shaw. CARRIED.
2. Downtown Parking Study - Mr. Austin presented the following Committee Report:
"The Committee heard a summary of the study by the planning staff, showing a
present deficiency of approximately two hundred parking spaces, based on zoning
requirements and conditions revealed by the survey. This deficiency may increase
to approximately eight hundred spaces depending on the amount and tilling of develop-
ment in the study area.
"The Committee RECOMMENDS that the study be approved and referred to Council
with particular reference to the policy considerations outlined beginning on D. 360
and that it be considered in any contemplated circulation study for the area.
Mr. Austin MOVED, "The Board accepts the Committee's recommendations."
Seconded by Mr. Doney. CARRIED.
For information of the Board, it was noted that the Board of Public Works, at
its Sept. 22 meeting, passed the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, that the Common Council's request for a traffic circulation study
be approved and the Department of Public Works requested to join with the
Planning staff in making such a study; and that a request for funds be made
if found to be necessary."
e. General Plan & Capital Improvements Committee:
1. Review of proposed capital projects list - As requested by Mr. Conley, Mrs. Hutson
read the following Committee Report to the Board:
"This Committee net on 15 and 20 Sept. to discuss the project requests to be
submitted by the Board. Members Conley, Shaw and Hemming were present.
"The Committee discussed the purpose of the capital programming and the relation
of planning thereto. It was their unanimous opinion that:
1) Capital projects should be limited to new projects, extension or substantial
replacement of existing facilities, and should exclude continuing or periodic
maintenance projects such as street resurfacing, which should be provided for -h
through a maintenance budget.
2) Unexpended funds for projects not complete at the end of the fiscal year in
which budgeted or begun should, whenever feasible, be allocated to a reserve fund
for each specific project in order to safeguard them against 'raiding' for other
projects, and to earn interest to help meet rising project costs.
3) Projects proposed by this Board should, wherever possible, be part of, and
identified with, major long-range plans developed by the Board and approved by
Council, in order that they further the goals of long-range planning for city im-
provement. The Board should emphasize the link between plans and capital budget
with the point in mind of accomplishing what is planned.
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4) A fiscally realistic view of capital programming should be taken by Board
and staff members, as well as by others with program inputs, so that only a re-
stricted number of projects with highest priority will be proposed for the year's
capital budget, which can reasonably be funded; other projects of lesser importance
should be scheduled in the later years of the program.
"With these points in mind, the Committee reviewed the projects presented by
the Planner, and RECOMMENDS that :
"The Planning Board recommend to the Capital Improvements Review Committee
that the above items be taken into consideration in preparation of the Capital
Improvement Program for the city, and their recommendation to the Finance Committee
on items for the Capital Budget, and
"That the following projects are felt by this Board to be of the highest
priority, and should be included in the Capital Budget for 1972;
1. Southwest Parkway ($800,000; $350,000 in 1972) , needed to provide a second
access between West Hill and downtown, as part of the improved circulation system
required by increased development on West Hill and to provide less restricted cir-
culation for emergency vehicles.
la. Southwest Parkway Bridge ($500,000), part of the above.
2. Elmira Rd. Improvement ($143,000; $72,000 in 1972), to improve the safety
and, attractiveness of this major business area, contributing to the overall
economy of the city.
3. Contribution to Capital Reserve Fund #11, Park Acquisition. & Development
($10,000), annual contribution to reserves for projects to implement the Recreation
and Open Space Plan. Foremost among specific projects to be undertaken with these
funds are the park adjacent to South Hill School, and Conway Park improvements,
which will provide needed facilities in areas of the city which are short on play
space. Programs and cost estimates must be developed for these projects, and in
the first instance must be worked out in conjunction with the School District.
4. Giles St. Widening ($130,000), needed to improve circulation and .the ease
and safety of access between South and East Hills, and to help relieve through
traffic pressures on Aurora and State Streets.
"Further, the Committee RECOMMENDS the attached list of projects be submitted
to the Capital Improvements Review Committee for inclusion in the 1973-77 Capital
Program, as indicated thereon." (See Official File of Planning Board for list. )
Mr. Doney MOVED, "The Board approves the Committee's recommendations." Seconded
by Mr. Hemming. CARRIED.
d. Codes & Ordinances:
1. DeWitt Park - Designation of Historic District - Because it was impossible for the .
Committee to meet to review the matter, they are unable to recommend to the Board.
Director Meigs explained to the Board that the deadline for a decision, according
to the Bylaws of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee, is October 26, 1971.
Mr. Austin MOVED, "the matter be returned to Committee for review." Seconded by
Mr. Conley. CARRIED.
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e. Executive & Liaison Committee:
1. Proposed 1972 Planning Board Budget - Chr.1. Putney reported the Connittee and
Director Meigs have reviewed the budget needs of the Board for 1972 and have pre-
pared a preliminary budget request which was requested by the Controller. After a
brief discussion, Mr. Conley MOVED, "The Board approves the preliminary budget and
reaffirms the action of the Executive Connittee in transmitting it to the City Con-
troller." Seconded by Mr. Doney. CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Distribution of the General Plan: Pair. Meigs announced that the General Plan should at
last be printed by early October, and asked the Board's recommendations on the scope
of free distribution. Mr. Hemming MOVED, "the Board directs Mr. P'ieigs to prepare an
list of those whom he thinks should receive complimentary copies of the General Plan
and present the list to Chm. Putney who will review it." Seconded by Mr. Doney.
CARRIED.
MISCELLANEOUS:
a. Zoning Cases: The following zoning appeals were presented to the Board:
1. BZA Appeal 956 - Request by Mr. &. Mrs. Robert W. Baker for a Variance to convert
forger apartment building at 408 N. Tioga St. , in an R-3 District, into professional
office building. Mr. & Mrs. Baker claim the conversion will conform to the general
use and occupancy throughout the neighborhood; they wish to rehabilitate the
building and do not intend to make any exterior structural changes, additions, etc:
The Board reviewed the appeal and feel the use would be of a character compatible
with, and not detracting from the residential neighborhood in which it is located.,_
Mr. Austin MOVED, "the Board recommend the Variance be granted." Seconded by Mr.
Shaw. CARRIED.
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2. BZA Appeal 957 - Request byr Mr. & Mrs. Charles Keirns for an Exception to convert
the second floor of a one-family dwelling at 302 E. Lincoln St. , in an R-3 District,
into an apartment for rent. The dwelling is situated on a lot which is deficient
in size; however, it was stated that the conversion would not create additional
problems because there is already a two-car garage on the lot which could serve an'.
additional occupant. Appellant d contention that many other houses in the area
contain apartments is not supported. There was some feeling that not enough in-
formation was given (by appellants) and no hardship shown to exist.
W. Austin MOVED, "the Board recommend the Variance be granted." Seconded by
Mr. Hemming. VOTE: Ayes - 4; Nays - 1. CARRIED.
3. BZA Appeal 958 - Request by Irv. Lewis, Inc. for a Variance to use existing struc-
ture at 303 W. Lincoln St. , in R-3 District, fora garage. Mr. Lewis claims that
construction of the building and the area is best suited for garage use. The
building was constructed for a woodworking shop and afterward rented to BOCES for
use as a school for machine shop training. Because of insufficient information
concerning the type of garage, etc. , Mr. Conley MOVED, "the appeal be referred to
Codes & Ordinances Committee for action after more information is acquired."
Seconded by Mr. Doney. CARRIED.
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4. BZA Appeal 959 - Request by Byway Holding Corp. for a Special Permit (Sign) at
100 Commercial Street, in an I-1 District. The Board has previously recommended
approval of the request, subject to the relocation of the sign on the lot so that
the set back requirements from the adjacent lot lines are net. The Board of Zoning
Appeals granted the previous appeal on condition of the relocation of the sign.
Since then, the applicant has attempted to comply with the condition set by the
Board. However, no suitable location could be found, and after consultation with
the Planner, the present application was Made.
Mr. Shaw MOVED, "the Planning Board recommends granting the Variance subject
to the following conditions :
1) that the total message-bearing area of the sign be not more than 250 sq. ft. ;
2) that the sign be located on the east side of the building, as. far from the
property line as possible and as close to the building as allowable;
3) that if the sign is to be set on a line approximately perpendicular to the
Elmira Rd. , as suggested by the General Manager of Century Housewares, no part
of the sign or its structure shall project more than twelve feet horizontally
beyond the eave line of the roof, nor closer to Elmira Rd. than the southeast
corner of the roof;
4) that all possible care be taken in the design and construction of the sign to
insure that it presents no danger to life or property on adjacent lots."
Seconded by Mr. Hemming: CARRIED.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 10:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Jonathan C. Meigs
10.4.71 Director of Planning
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