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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1973-01-23 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES City of Ithaca Regular Meeting January 23, 1973 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Chm. Doney, Messrs. Austin, Clynes, Schickel, Shaw and Stein. ALSO: Director Meigs, Aldermen Meyer, Saccucci, Slattery, Spano and Wallace; Mrs. J. Can'.�rell, P. Wh1te, and members of the press and radio. ABSENT: Mrs. L. Benson. MINUTES of the last Regular meeting of the Board, December 19, 1972, were approved as published. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: a) 1973 Committee Assignments - Two newly-appointed members to the Board, Messrs.' John Clynes and Gerald Schickel, were welcomed, as well as a new member on the Planning & Development Committee of Council, A. Spano. Chm. Doney announced his committee assignments for the coming year, as follows: Committee Chairman Members Executive & Liaison Doney Shaw, Stein Housing & Redevelopment Austin Benson, Clynes General Plan & Capital Improvements Shat, Schickel, Clynes Codes & Ordinances Stein Austin, Schickel, Benson Community Facilities & Services Schickel Stein, Benson, Doney COI&VIUNICATIONS: None. COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Community Facilities & Services - Due to the absence of Chm. Schickel from the committee meeting, Vice Chm. Stein presented a Committee Report of the January 16 meeting (complete report is in Official Planning Board files) relative to plans and proposals for developing Conway Park and other recreation facilities in the Northside, containing the following recommendations: "that the Beard suggest to Common Council that interim improvements to Conway Park be aimed at increasing its usability and safety by repairing and strengthening the fence, increasing the level of illumination to make evening use more attractive, and possibly adding some shrubbery and benches; and that more substantial development be the subject of discussion between Planning, residents., youth., DPW, the Youth Bureau, and other interests to determine as soon as practicable the need, desire and feasibility of its final development for recreation." Mr. Stein 14OVED, "adoption of the Committee Report by the Board." Alderman Saccucci asked if the city is going to close Madison Street, the feasibility of which was recommended for investigation by Planning and Public Works at a previous meeting. He reported that residents in the Conway Park area are concerned as they feel the closing of this street would create a perpetual problem and the area would be seriously damaged. He said it would jeopardize the business of the Villa Restaurant which has already been handicapped by the rerouting of Rt. 13; that traffic is vital to any business and closing the street would isolate the area. He said that even if he were not the owner of the restaurant,. he would feel the same way. As a progressive alderman he believes in improvements to the city, but when it concerns a neighborhood park he believes con- sideration should be shown to the residents--that when the city spends taxpayer's money, it should be spent for the benefit of the taxpayers and that if it is necessary to hurt the taxpayer, he would advise against doing it. Mr. Stein explained that the Committee Report does not include anything concerning the closing of Madison Street, but it might be considered in a future stage. Chm. Doney assured Mr. Saccucci his comments were appropriate and might be considered at some future date. Kr. Clynes asked if it is the Board's function to prescribe a timetable for the proposed improvements to the park. Mr. Doney explained that the Board hopes for implementa- tion of the plans in the near future, as apposed to 10 years or so. He also explained that expansion of Conway Park could mean either physical expansion or increase of facilities. Both have been mentioned as possibilities. Air. Meigs said it is possible something might ';; be done this .year with some of the money proposed in the Capital Improvements Budget and he presented a sketch of a reworking of the original proposal, which takes into account committee discussions to date. Alderman Wallace mentioned that consideration was given by the Committee of the Planning Board to each group who would be using the park and it is felt that since the Ithaca Housing Authority has provided totlots for the ,younger children, consideration should be given to the 8-18 year group. Mr. Meigs said the point of in- creased lighting was raised but request needs to be made of the Electric & Gas Company for increased illumination; therefore, no recommendation was made concerning the details of improved lighting. Mr. Austin seconded the motion of Mr. Stein. CARRIED Unanimously. OLD BUSINESS: a) Review of the CRP Technical Report - Chm. Doney asked for comments on the Draft Recommendation to Council which was prepared for the review and action of the Board. Mr. Austin said that inasmuch as the Board has not .yet received the complete CRP Report from the consultant and does not know what it recommends, there is confusion as to what the Board is acting upon. In the past there has been recommended action for the Southside area, then, in the Draft Recommendation to. Council, the order of priorities is changed, but without recommendations of the completed CRP Report. He said he didn't under- stand how the Board could vote on spending funds when they are in the dark as to where the' funds are going. Mr. Meigs explained that part of the problem is that the listing of projects makes it appear that the first item is first priority, which was not intended. He said that the. Southside area is paramount for action; in the December 8, 1972 memo from the consultant the State Street mall was discussed, and in two recent meetings, December 28, 1972 and January 18, 1973, the Collegetown area was discussed as one not receiving the attention it warrants and it was agreed this area would be treated as an area for more intensive study; not for direct action in the near future. Mr. Shaw said the Draft Recommendation was written as a result of the meeting of the , Board and Planning & Development Committee of Council--that since federal funds have dried 2 up, very quickly (this month) Common Council is going to have to make decisions about using funds which are available (revenue sharing funds) and it might not be wise to wait until the final CRP Report is received to make recommendations regarding the implementation and funding of actions and programs for community improvement. Also, Mr. Shaw requested the item, "Collegetown Planning," be changed to "East Hill Planning," for clarification. Mr. Austin said if the memo is not indicative of priorities , he is in favor of it. It was agreed that the resolution should be amended and that the order of priorities should be readjusted so that the recommendation reads as follows: DRAFT RECORIMENDATION by the Planning Board of the City of Ithaca regarding the implementation and funding of actions and programs for community improvement recommended by the Community Reneiral Program. Recognizing that the Community Renewal Program being prepared for the City of Ithaca has identified certain projects and areas of the city which warrant immediitte actions to improve them for the benefit of the citizens and economy of the city, and to reduce the effects and likelihood of continuing deterioration and uncontrolled development; Recognizing that the recently-imposed moratorium on federal funding of the categorica} programs on which the success of actions recommended under the CRP depends, will tend to have negative effects on the attainment of desirable community improvement objectives; and: Recognizing that general revenue-sharing funds are being returned to the city by the federal government with the intent that such funds be applied, as the city sees most fitting and desirable, to projects and expenditures for the benefit of city residents, The Ithaca City Planning Board, at its Regular meeting of January 23, 1973, on motion by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Shaw, RECOMMENDS to the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Ithaca that a portion of its revenue-sharing funds be designated immediately to the high-priority action projects identified by the Community Renewal Program, expected to be finalized and recommended by the Board on or about March 1, 1973. The Planning Board further RECOMI.,1ENDS that action be undertaken at once by the Board and Staff in conjunction with Common Council, to identify, program and fund other projects for priority areas enumerated by the CRP as finalized. HIGH PRIORITY ACTION PROJECTS: Southside Neighborhood Improvement - Development of a program for rehabilitation and renewal in a stable and well-defined low- and moderate-income neighborhood which is ex- periencing physical deterioration of residences and community facilities and services, and which has expressed a desire for assistance with a neighborhood-oriented improvement program. This project could foreseeably require a Project Coordinator, operating semi- independently under the Planning Board and/or Director of Development, responsible for the planning and preparation, and later supervision, of a comprehensive program coordinated with and approved by the neighborhood and city; seed money for initial rehabilitation and improvement activity; and an administrative budget for needed services and materials for program development and supervision of implementation. 3 Estimated Cost - Project Coordinator $ 12,500 - Rehabilitation and improvement fund (could include loans, subsidized interest, some grants, and possibly necessary community capital projects not included in Capital Budget) 100,000 - Administrative Budget (materials, secretarial help, possible part-time Neighborhood Liaison personnel to assist coordinator in planning, surveying and community self-help projects) 12,500 (Total $125,000) Legacy of Parks - The improvement of neighborhood recreation facilities such as Conway, Auburn, South Hill and MiacDaniels Parks, and to develop other possibilities in the city's densely-settled neighborhoods. HIGH PRIORITY PLANNING PROJECTS: State Street Miall - Topographical Engineering Study necessary to complete Design Stage I $ 10,000 - Design Stage IT 12,500 (Total $ 22,500) East_ Hill Planning - Staff and material expenses not included in the 1973 Budget request by the Planning Board, for comprehensive planning and design of the NDP and Code Enforce- ment project areas identified by the CRP as deteriorating and undergoing substantial change. - Jr. Planner o;- consultant with substantial experience in project planning $ , 9,000 - Detailed physical, social, economic survey of area 1,500 - Supplies and materials 500 (Total Ty-11,000) Mr. Austin MOVED, "the revised recommendation be approved by the Board.tP Seconded by Mr. Stein. CARRIED unanimously. b) Proposed Zoning Map - Alderman Meyer presented a detailed map, as requested by Chm. Doney at the December 19, 1972 Regular meeting of the Board, showing boundaries where possible, and a list of the zoning changes proposed by the Charter & Ordinances Committee` of Council. She explained that the map has been reviewed at many information meetings, co=c,.ttea discussions, Planning Board meetings, etc. , and asked for action by the Board either approving or disapproving the proposed zoning changes; if approval were given she wanted specifics concerning certain items. Mrs. Meyer explained that in creating the map, the Council committee is attempting to balance land use--residential with business--that in Ithaca heavy land use is directed towards business which forces residential areas to locate outside of the city. She asked if we as a city want to maintain residential areas within the confines of the city, or if we want to allow the city to become ultimately business, with residences outside; and what would this do to the tax base. 4 Mr. Austin said that in the long run it will balance off--that business will not go where it can't survive. Mrs. Cantrell of the Southside Improvement Organization said that the rehabilitation recommended under the CRP is at cross purposes with the suggestion of rezoning certain streets for business. i Mr. Stein said the Zoning Ordinance can be used to guide growth, and suggested that perhaps the Board could approve the map as presented, and add to it from consideration of specific points. Mr. Stein's suggestion was acceptable to the Board which then made the following recommendations: Sharwill Garden Area - Mr. Austin MOVED, "the Board recommends that the block on Meadow Street in which Sharwill Gardens is located be zoned B-2 as far back as the center of the block." Seconded by Mr. Shaw. CARRIED unanimously. North side of Seneca Street - Mr. Austin MOVED, "the Board recommends that the north side of Seneca Street from Cayuga Street to Meadow Street, as far back as the center of the block, be zoned B-2." Seconded by Mr. Clynes. Vote: Ayes - 2 (Austin, Clynes) Nays - 3 (Shaw, Stein, Schickel) Motion DEFEATED. Mr. Schickel MOVED, "the Board recommends that the north side of Seneca Street from Geneva Street to Albany Street, including the gas station beyond Albany Street on the west side and as far back as the existing property lines north from Seneca Street, be rezoned from R-3 to B-4." Seconded by Mr. Clynes. Vote: Ayes - 3 (Schickel, Clynes, Shaw) Nays - 1 (Stein) Abstained - 1 (Austin) Chm. Doney indicated that were it possible for him to vote, he would vote "no." CARRIED. Marine Area - Mr. Clynes suggested that marine uses be included in another zone rather than creating a specific marine zone. Mrs. Meyer said the people on the island would not be affected by a marine zone. Mr. Clynes said the people on the island do not want a marine zone; possibly some or all of the existing types of uses should be written into the list of permitted uses (col. 2, Sec. 7 of the Zoning Ordinance). Mr. Clynes MOVED, "Planning Board recommends that marine zoning be added in the existing I-1 zoned area west of Taughannock Blvd. , north of Buffalo Street." Seconded by Mr. Austin. Vote: Ayes - 3 (Austin, Clynes, Schickel) Nays - 1 (Shaw) Abstained - 1 (Stein) CARRIED. East side of Cliff Street north of Vinegar Hill - The proposed map calls for this area to be zoned R-3 across the street from an R-1 area. Mrs. Meyer explained this is due to the property being difficult to develop because of its slope. Mr. Austin said the loth on the east side of the road are no more difficult to develop than those on the west side4 5 Mr. Austin MOVED, "Planning Board recommends the area on the east side of Cliff Street, north from Vinegar Hill, be designated R-1." Seconded by Mr. Clynes. Vote: Ayes - 2 (Stein, Austin). Nays - 3 (Clynes, Shaw, Schickel) Motion DEFEATED. Parks - Mr. Schivkel MOVED, "Planning Board recommends all park areas, including schools, be designated public." Seconded by Mr. Shaw. Unanimously CARRIED. CYO property - The 9 acres of CYO property are currently zoned public, though privateer ly owned. Mr—Doney noted that previous boards had twice rejected rezoning the property, ; and recommended this item be reviewed further by Council as the Board was not ready to make further recommendation concerning it. Dickens property - This 2-acre property west of the old railroad loop, which is privately owned, is now in an I-1 district. The proposed zoning is '"P' in anticipation of Rt. 96 relocation. No action was taken by the Board. Area including Grossman's, Cornell University property, City property - This property is currently zoned public. No action was taken by the Board, but Mrs. Meyer agreed the Grossman's property should be zoned industrial. Stewart Avenue - Both sides of the street are now zoned business, but the Council committee's recommendation shows the east side as R-3. No action was taken by the Board, though there were opinions for and against the proposal. Mr. Austin suggested Mrs. Meyer contact the Ithaca Board of Realtors and explain the proposed zoning to them. NEW BUSINESS: a) Bridge over Inlet - Mr. Austin said he believes the Planning Board should recommend to Common Council the consideration of some type of action regarding another bridge across the Inlet, that the city should not wait until a major catastrophe occurs to consider it. '... The entire county would benefit from another access. He suggested Third Street, off Rt. 13, as one possibility because there would be only one channel to span at that point. He said' he had discussed the problem with some of the N.Y. State Dept. of Transportation repre11 - sentatives who indicated that with the relocation of Rt. 13 pending, conceivably they will get around to it sometime in the future. Mr. Austin believes it is a major item and should be considered by the city and taxpayers now. Need for another connection has been presented to the Tompkins County Planning Board, which has created a committee to review the situation, and he feels the city should work toward a resolution of the problem at the same time, thereby providing additional support to get another bridge. He wondered, if there is not State support for a bridge, if it would be practical for the city to build it, Mrs. Meyer said that what Mr. Austin is suggesting might upset the State's plans for:. the corridor and this should be considered a problem the city may run into. Mr. Austin said the State has nothing in the planning stage. Mr. Wallace said that according to Mr. Shub, N.Y.S.D.o.T. representative, one of the top priorities of the State is the relo-- cation of Routes 96 and 13, even though it might be six years away, and this would be in conflict. Mr. Clynes agreed with Mr. Austin that the city should put pressure on the State for another bridge. 6 Mr. Austin MOVED, "the General Plan & Capital Improvements Committee of the Board follow up on the suggestions made in reference to another bridge across the Inlet." Seconded by Mr. Stein. Unanimously CARRIED. MISCELLANEOUS: a) Zoning - 1) BZA Case 994 - Request by Philip M. White, Jr. for Exception to Sec. , Col. 7 of the Zoning Ordinance at 110 S Albany `Street, in a B-2 district. This appeal is for an exception to lot size for the purpose of converting a three-apartment .plus s.ix-rood;, property into one containing five apartments only. Mr. Shaw observed that the property is., currently existing as a non-conforming use and therefore may be a poor basis on which to proceed. Mr. Austin pointed out there is no hardship involved as the appellant has not ,yet purchased the property. Mr. Clynes MOVED, "the Board RECO144ENDS the Exception be granted, providing legal ownership requirements are met (i.e. , insure that the appellant is the present owner's representative)." Seconded by Mr. Stein. Vote: Ayes - 3 (Clynes, Stein, Schickel) Nays - 2 (Shaw, Austin) CARRIED. b) Item not on Agenda - CRP Invoice- Mr. Meigs presented an invoice from Raymond, Parish and Pine, consultant, for professional services rendered per contract dated July 9, 1971, Ithaca Community Renewal Program, Second Stage: Program Preparation Phase, for period ending November 24, 1972, in the amount of $4545.50, which brings the total up to 5/6 of the entire contract. Mr. Austin MOVED, "Planning Board recommends the invoice from Raymond, Parish & Pine in the amount of $4545.50 for services to November 24, 1972, be paid." Seconded by Mr. Stein. Vote: Ayes - 3 (Austin, Stein, Shaw) Abstained - 2 (Clynes, Schickel) CARRIED. c) Item not on Agenda - Parking - Mr. Meigs informed the Board that the rales, as requested by the Mayor, applying for the issuance of City Hall parking permits excluded the members of the Planning Board so they may no longer park their automobiles in the "Reserved City Hall Official Business" area. The rules were formulated after a resolution which the Planning Board passed at its December 19, 1972 meeting requesting a solution to employee parkin: problems was forwarded to the Common Council and the Board of Public Works. It was the concensus of the Board that both the employee-parking situation and the cancellation of the Board members' permits for parking while attending official meetings, without further question, should be brought to the attention of the Board of Public Works for further consideration. MEETING ADJOURNED 10:35 P.M. Rempectfully submitted, 4ona,han C. 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