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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1972-04-25 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting City of Ithaca 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Chm. Doney, Messrs. Austin, Burns, Ewanicki, Schmidt and Shaw. ALSO: Director Meigs; B. Friedlander, C.R.P. Consultant; Bldg. Comm. Jones; A. Jones, D. Slattery and J. Spencer, members of Planning & Development Committee of Council; Suzanne Hammond and Barbara Aller, Ithaca College; Janet Cantrell, South- side Assoc. ; Thomas Parker; J. Ellis, WHCU; F. Yahn, Ithaca Journal. The Minutes of the last Regular meeting of the Board, March 28, 1972, were approved as pub- lished. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: a) Representative of Raymond, Parish &Pine - Director Meigs informed the Board that a new Jr. Planner, Mrs. Williams, has been added to staff and is presently developing informa- tion which will be needed if the city decides to make application for a Neighborhood Development Program in conjunction with the Community Renewal Program. Brent Friedlander, consultant, explained in some detail the Community Renewal Program7- the progress to-date and what is remaining to be done in order to complete the program. The background work on the CRP is all underway and much of it is near completion, the basic family and structural survey work is now being tabulated, the studies of administrative and social resources are underway simultaneous with base analysis which is in draft form. Diss cussion of actions indicated by the basic analyses is a little ahead of itself, essentially on the basis of information gathered so far, conversations held, etc. , on some tentative proposals. The two areas of greatest need and possibility for action are the south and north sides of the city. It is the feeling that attention to these areas has to be fairly comprehensive. Also, it is shown that code enforcement and rehabilitation are desirable in large portions of the 7 areas studied. We have been dealing primarily with physical conditions and generalities; we have not gotten into what public facilities are needed, or rehabilitation--this can't be done until ',- the information is back from the survey tabulation. The deadline is November 1972 and no problems are foreseen as far as meeting it. Surveys took longer than expected but we have a reasonably accurate estimate as to when we,, will receive the material. By the time we get to the Neighborhood Development Program, there may not still be NDP in existence--it may be combined with other programs. Presently, the Federal government io still funding some NDPs and may for some time. f an application gets started, but the Fells cut off NDP funding, it can usually e co erted to some other program later on, one which approaches the same problems a dirent way. There is now such a change under con sideration in Congress, called Community Development Program. Mr. Friedlander then answered questions of the Board: How will decisions be made as we get into the program? Within limited framework of Planning Board, CRP Advisory Committee, city officials, etc. Some initial ideas will be discussed. Once enough material is assembled, it should be presented to the neighborhood at a stage where there can be considerable neighborhood input. What is foreseen timing of such a presentation to Southside or Northside? As soon as surveys are tabulated, we look at them in relation to the areas and prepare tentative de- tailed proposals. It may be a month or 6 weeks. Have any of these neighborhoods been made aware of these plans? Southside has some knowledge through Southside organizations who have indicated they are in the midst of sur veying the neighborhood with slightly different objectives, of finding out how much interest exists in neighborhood development and involvement. There has been a lot of interest in improvement within the neighborhood for some time, and even if they should reject the CRP proposals, it provides them with a way of approaching the problem. We are half-way through the project and people are beginning to be informed of that development so that they may respond; how do you view the whole thing as far as what the CRP will be doing in the community? Essentially, we suggest to the staff, the Planning Board, Advisory Committee, etc. how best to convey ideas to people, get their reactions and input. Within the relatively limited time span, the number of action possibilities are limited, but after the submission of the main report in November, long-range actions it suggests can be further investigated; this is the major thrust of the CRP. There will be some secondary input through the questionnaires. After this is reviewed, a series of meetings with each neighborhood, in turn, will be conducted. Who has the responsibility for setting up and carrying out these meetings? Planning Board and planning staff have to make decisions on time and place, material covered, etc. in each round. Isn't one section of the CRP concerned with citizen participation? It deals with citizen participation after the final report,of which the consultant will help prepare the draft. Citizen participation during the initial CRP preparation will be mainly concerned with setting up a system for continuing input, not primarily with participation in any early action program. . Should the Planning Board have a series of public meetings, give information to the press, etc.? The consultant will make suggestions through memorandums and verbally to the Planning Director as administrator of the program, and to the Planning Board as to how we feel the program should be handled. We have to prepare the basic proposals before we talk. to the people, then take into account their input in developing more detailed programs. Mr. Stein suggested that the consultant begin as soon as is reasonable to present some kind of program to the Board, Common Council, and the community. Mr. Friedlander replied that the surveys should be ready within a couple of weeks, then a proposed program, de- tailing some of the problems and possible corrective actions will be prepared. The con- sultant will be responsible for the background data being done, including study area analysis within 2 months, or by the end of July. Discussions with the groups will run probably to the end of August. The remainder of the time will be spent in review and in getting the final report put together. Mr. Stein suggested that whatever documents are prepared be distributed for review. COMMUNICATIONS: a) Tompkins County Department of Planning - Director Meigs informed the Board that he ., will reply to Commissioner Liguori's letter, thanking him for the invitation to attend the , Tompkins County Planning Board meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, but due to a conflict with a previous commitment (Common Council meetings), he will be unable to attend.' Mr. Liguori indicated his Board would be receptive to having a representative of the City 2 Board to the County Board. Therefore, Chm. Doney said he would make a recommendation to the Mayor. b) Requests of Common Council - 1) Workable Program - Director Meigs reported that the requirements for completion of our Application for Recertification of the Workable Program to HUD's specifi- cations have been complied with and sent to HUD. 2) Rt. 13 Traffic Signs - Director Meigs reported having met with representatives of the N.Y.S. DoT, one of whom is responsible for matters of this sort and who informed him that the signs in question (prohibiting left turns onto Meadow from some of the exits) were put there at the requirement of the State, by the State on State property; they relate to the State highway and there is essentially nothing the city can do about them. Mrs. Jones said that Mr. Ames (the official referred to) indicated agreement to allow the city to install a traffic light a the main entrance to Westons' on Meadow Street. She said the city has put money into the budget to take care of this. 3) Capital Improvements Review Committee Appointments - Director Meigs informed the Board that Common Council have designated their representatives to the Committee; the Board of Public Works, as indicated by Mr. Ewanicki, have recommended to the Mayor their choice of representatives; and Mr. Meigs asked the Planning Board to select two members, to be recommended to the Mayor. Chm. Doney asked for volunteers and Mr. Shaw responded. Mr. Doney indicated that he will select a second representative and transmit the recommendation to the Mayor. Item Not on Agenda - Director Meigs presented an invoice from Raymond, Parish & Pine, Inc. in the amount of $7,296 for services rendered through the middle of April, bringing the amount paid-to-date to $27,296. It was MOVED by Mr. Stein, : seconded by Mr. Schmidt, "the invoice for services rendered by Raymond, Parish & Pine, Inc. be referred to the Board's Executive Committee for review and action," CARRIED. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Community Facilities & Services - Chm. Stein reported the Committee's findings on the following: 1) Carpenter Request for Sale of City Land--a portion approximately 45' x 230' adjacent to Carpenter residence at 441 Floral Ave. on which they propose to con- struct a two-car garage. The Committee -reviewed the request and feels that there is no apparent need to sell the land requested by the Carpenters for the primary reason that they do own land adjacent to their house on the north, which could be used for the construction of a garage. Based on the facts known to the Committee at the time of the meeting, therefore, the Committee recommends that the Planning Board not recommend the sale of the parcel requested by the Carpenters. (See Official Planning Board file for complete report. ) It was MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Burns, "the Board accepts the Committee Report recommendation." Mr. Meigs then informed the Board that as a result of a brief conversation :; with Sally Carpenter, he learned from her the reason they had not considered building on the north side of their house, with access through the living room, was that there are trees and utility poles there which they felt would be both 3 expensive and bothersome to remove, and normally one prefers to have garage access through other than the living room of the house. Also, Mr. Meigs got the impression they are reserving their adjacent property for other development. Therefore, Mr. Meigs stated that he had changed his mind personally, based on these indications, but would recommend the size of the portion to be sold to be changed somewhat to allow easement from the top of the drainage ditch in order to allow for city maintenance. He reported that the city engineer and BPW had indicated they could see no other use for the portion of city land involved. Mr. Stein and Mr. Burns then withdrew their notion and Mr. Stein MOVED, "the request be returned to the Community Facilities and Services Conmittee, in light of additional information which has cone to the Board, for review." Seconded by Mr. Schmidt. CARRIED. 2) Station Restaurant - Request for Sale of City Land--The Committee met to con- sider the proposal of Mr. Ciaschi to purchase land adjacent to his restaurant which is part of the Lehigh Valley Railroad land purchased by the city for the Cass Park development with Federal Recreation Funds. After reviewing the maps of the area and making a site inspection, the Committee made the recommendation that the city retain the major portion of the area concerned (i.e. , north of the Station), but investigate the possibility of reaching a reasonable agreement to lease it to Mr. Ciaschi; and that the 'city proceed to set up for sale through public auction or bid the two narrow strips adjacent to the southern portion of: the Ciaschi property on the east and west. It is further recommended that the normal procedures for sale of city property involving establishment of a reason- able upset price be complied with. (See Official Planning Board file for com- plete report. ) It was MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Schmidt, "the Com- mittee Report recommendation be accepted by the Board." CARRIED. 3) S. Ti- oaa St. Closing/DPW Traffic Studer--Mr. Stein reported that the Committee still has the matter under advisement and therefore had no recommendation at this meeting. OLD BUSINESS: a) Wilcox Press Bill - Director Meigs presented a letter from Wm. Riley, Sales Manager of Wilcox Press, Inc. , dated 4/12/72 in which he submitted, for consideration and payment,: a breakdown of costs accrued in the printing of the General Plan Booklet and General Plan Summary based on examination of all available records, time cards, galley proofs, Xerox page proofs and silver prints of the Booklet and Summary. The adjusted bill is in the amount of $5,960.70 ($5,1+1+5.19 - General Plan Booklet, $515 - General Plan Summary). The original bill submitted in November 1971 was in the amount of $7,785.49. The bid on the job was in the amount of $4,050.55. Mr. Shaw MOVED, "the Board approves payment of the adjusted bill for printing of the General Plan and Summary in the amount of $5,960.70." Seconded by Mr. Austin. VOTE: Ayes - 5; opposed by Mr. Stein. CARRIED. b) Jr. Planners' Positions - Director Meigs informed the Board that one Jr. Planner (Mrs. Rosalind Williams) has been hired and in reviewing applications to fill the remaining vacancy, there are a couple interested in working part-time. One of these is recommended by Director Meigs and the Executive Committee as having exceptional qualifications and experience. They feel that he can accomplish in the 25 hours per week which he wishes to . work, as much as a beginning Jr. Planner on a 35-hour-per-week basis. He is asking for $4.25 per hour which is above the minimum rate for the classification, in order to reach his minimum requirements. Also, the Committee requested that a determination be made as to 4 whether or not a part-time employee is entitled to receive benefits. Mr. Stein MOVED, "the Board recommends, through the appropriate channels, the appoint- ment of a Jr. Planner on a 25-hour per week basis at the rate of $4.25 per hour." Seconded by Mr. Shaw. CARRIED. Mr. Meigs also informed the Board that it will be possible to hire another junior plan- ner on a half-time basis to complete the planning staff. MISCELLANEOUS: a) Zoning Cases: 1) BZA Appeal 976_ - Rem Gest by Rhomac Aviation., Inc. for a Variance for a 1 1/2' x 16-1121 illuminates: wall a at 210 _Ce ter St. . in_ an R-3 district. It is the feeling of the Board that a 5 sq.-ft. unlighted sign would be adequate to advertise the business. Mr. Schmidt MOVED, "the Board RECOMMENDS this appeal be denied." Seconded by Mr. Ewanicki. CARRIED. 2) BZA Appeal 978 - Rerjuest by Bruno Mazza for a Variance toep rmit the erection of a new Pay Less Gasoline Station at 508-510 N. Meadow_ St. , in a B-1 district; an an Exception toep rmit the erection of signs in excess of 25 sq_ ft• and an off cc and control building within_ 13'7'` of the rear property line - Mr. Stein MOVED, "the request be referred to the Codes & Ordinances Committee for review of details of the proposal and report back to the Board at its May 22 meeting." Seconded by Mr. Ewanicki. CARRIED. 3) KA An•) al 979 - Request by Ralph Perry for a Variance so that premises at 613-' 615 W.ydreen St. in an R-3 district may be utilized for a variety of uses - It` was MOVED by Mr. Ewanicki, seconded by Mr. Burns, "the request be referred to the Codes & Ordinances Committee for review and report back at its May 22 meeting." CARRIED. 4) BZA Appeal 980 - Request b Harold Fries and Roy Rizzo for a Special Permit to erect 7 wall suns and 1 illuminated r ound sign (48 sq. ft ) which total 208 sq.. ft. at 217-219 Elmira Rd. , in a B-4 district - It was the feeling of the Board that the building itself, combined with the allowable 50 sq. ft. of sign,` should be adequate advertisement to motorists. It was MOVED by Mr. Schmidt, seconded by Mr. Shaw, "the Board RECOMMENDS denial of the request." CARRIED. b) Items Not on Agenda, - 1) genda -1) Request by Thomas Parker for preliminary approval of subdivision located on land in the 100 block of Crescent Place. Mr. Parker wishes to divide the property into 3 lots, build 3 one-family houses for sale. The entrance to Crescent Placg is off Hudson Street. It was MOVED by Mr. Ewanicki, seconded by Mr. Schmidt, "the Board grants conditional approval of the subdivision." CARRIED. 2) Director Meigs read, for the information of the Board, a letter from the N.Y. State Electric & Gas Corp. dated 4/24/72, which is a copy of a letter to M. J. Leary, Chm. of Buildings & Properties, in which they state that the temporary regulator located at the foot of West Hill in the intersection of Elm and Hector Streets must be replaced by a permanent facility before the 1972-73 heating season to insure uninterrupted service to their customers on West Hill. They 5 are requesting that nutually agreeable arrangements be made for their purchase of the former Water Pump Building to house the gas distribution equipment necessary to maintain adequate service. The company will appear at the May Planning Board meeting to explain their need and request Planning Board approval of sale of this city property, 3) Director Meigs informed the Board that according to Common Council Minutes, the Sign Ordinance is to be discussed at the next meeting of Council on May 3, 1972. Then the ordinance will be referred to the Planning Board for its review. MEETING ADJOURNED 10:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Jonathan C. Meigs Planning Director 5.1.72 6