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Home My WebLink AboutMN-PDB-1986-11-18 4: Approved 12/16/86, �c�Rp�AATEO�� CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD CODE 607 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD MINUTES November 18, 1986: PRESENT: Chair Blumenthal , T. Cookingham, R. Moran, M. Sampson. Staff: Director Van Cort, Deputy Director Mazzarella, Planner K. Evans. Media and other interested parties. 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Ms . Blumenthal at 7:40 p.m. 2. Privilege of the Floor: Four individuals were present to address the Board regarding zoning appeal #1733 (Avramis') for an interpretation of the Building Commissioner's application of the present building moratorium to continue construction of a partially completed multiple residential development at 205-17 Linden Avenue. They were: Neil Golder and David Galihan of 203 College Ave. , Sylvia Maitz of 130 Linden Ave. and Jean Hsu of 211 Delaware Ave, Mr, Golder spoke for the group to register their disapproval of the proposed construction,. He mentioned the increase in traffic, additional noise, density of student population and congestion in the neighborhood which would be exacerbated by more development. The residents feel that the existing building does not fit into the landscape; it is a large and bulky building blocking out the light. Trees have been removed and addi- tional loss of trees is expected as construction is completed. In addition, the proposal requires the demolition of two family. residences losing the family structures forever in this neighborhood. Parking problems were also mentioned as being a major concern. Mr. Golder said that when the original construction was begun the neighbors were not notified and did not have an opportunity to voice their objections. Director Van Cort explained that when the permit was granted initially no variance was needed the therefore no notification was necessary, Now, however, the permit has lapsed and so the applicant must request a variance to proceed. A letter from Mrs. Anita Gillett, 202 Linden Ave. , was read by Chair Blumenthal in which Mrs. Gillett stated her opposition to the variance request. Ms . Blumenthal then explained to the neighbors the Planning and Development Board's process in reviewing the zoning appeals and in making an advisory recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. In this case (as in the other appeals this month) the Planning and Development Board will pass "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Planning and Development Board Minutes Nov. 18, 1986 (continued) -2- Mr. Avramis ' request to the BZA without recommendation because this appeal (1733) and the other appeals do not directly involve city- wide planning issues. The residents were urged to be present at the BZA meeting on December 1st to express their concerns to the Board of Zoning Appeals regarding this .case. 3. Preliminary Subdivision - Obinsteel/West Hill : Mark Zaharis and Attorney George M, Dentes were present to address the Board regarding this sub- division request. Mr. Zaharis desires to purchase a portion of the land owned by Kassman, Sprinkle, and Freedman on West Hill to build a single family residence; Director Van Cort stated that this request is similar to that heard by the Board in June 1986 from Mr„ Walker; staff sees no problem with Mr. Zaharis' request. However, to ensure that future development of the remaining land is accessible, the City will require a right of way. Mr. Zaharis is receptive to the City's request for a right of way on hi`s property, Cookingham moved, seconded by Sampson, to approve the preliminary subdivision as requested. Vote: 4-0--0. Carried 4. Mr. Cookingham summarized the zoning appeals for this month which were re- viewed by the Codes and Administration Committee prior to this meeting. Reference was made to the Committee's memorandum dated November 13, 1986 in which they stated that the appeals do not involve city-wide planning issues to such extent that any should be put on the agenda for discussion at the November 18 Board meeting. The Committee suggests that the BZA may act at its discretion regarding appeals #1730-1736. 5. Route 96 - Update: Director Van Cort gave a brief update regarding Route 96. The State is continuing environmental and engineering studies which will culminate in a ,project report. The DoT will study 5 or 6 alternatives; these will be brought to the City and at that time the State will make an extensive effort to have the alternatives reviewed by all interested parties. The next step is a design public hearing which may continue for several sessions with many parties giving testimony. A transcription of the testimony.will be prepared and all information gathered will be analyzed by the State, One plan will then be chosen by the State and submitted to the City for a vote. The State and City will have to agree on one alternative which Council will then vote to accept. At that point the State will complete the engineering package and. begin to acquire the necessary properties. The approval of the Federal Highway Administration will also be needed. Mr. Van Cort stated that the funds earmarked for construction come from a trust fund based on taxation of gas sales. Route 96 is one of two "new build" projects in our DoT regions After federal Planning and Development Board -3- Minutes - Nov. 18, 1986_(continued) approval , the project is put out to bid and the project given to the successful bidder. At this point (approximately three years later) another Council vote is needed. Director Van Cort will keep the Board apprised of new developments regarding the Route 96 project. 6. Strategic Housing Objectives and Actions - Mr. Mazzarella gave an update on the Technical Advisory Committee for the strategic housing plan and those subjects the Committee has outlined for the next three months. For each objective one or more proposed actions to implement the objective has been formulated as a method to solving the problems identified. Actions will be adopted to achieve those objectives , "Availability of housing" was presented for discussion; objectives and proposed actions . were discussed by the Board. Paul Mazzarella and. Kathe Evans are draw- ing up a format for grading the objectives to aid in.evaluation. Ms. Evans commented on Cornell 's housing projects and in particular the Jessup Road development was discussed. Mr. Moran mentioned that the problem of more student'`housing is being addressed by Corne 11 President Rhodes; considerable pressure is being put on the University by alumni and parents to increase student housing (and thus become more competitive with the .other Ivy League school.$). Common Council recently passed a resolution encouraging Cornell to develop more student housing.. Mr. Mazzarella distributed a schedule indicating the housing, topics for discussion and the proposed meeting dates for the TAC and the Planning and Development Board. The topics listed will be discussed through the end of February 1987. The recent study completed by staff entitled Supply, Demand and Afford- --ability of Housing was briefly discussed. Ms`. Evans urged the Board to read the report carefully and make their comments known. Certain lots and parcels of Land within the City which have housing potential were identified Work is proceeding on identification of other sites for housing development. Discussion of the strategic housing plan will con- time at the December Planning .Board meeting. 7. 1987 Work Program - The work program has been revised according to suggestions received from the Planning Board. The strategic economic plan was dis- cussed; approval by Council of the funds to proceed with a strategic economic plan in 1987 is uncertain. A Committee meeting will .be held to discuss this topic further. 8. October 1986 Minutes were moved and seconded for approval . Vote; 4-0-0., Carried. 9. Farmers ' Market Resolution - The following resolution was presented to the Board: Planning and Development Board -4- Minutes - Nov. 18, 1986 (continued) WHEREAS, a site design study is required for further evaluation of the feasibility of the water and sewage treatment plant site at Franklin. Street for future use by the Ithaca Farmers ' Market (IFM) , .and WHEREAS, a preliminary application has been made to the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for $15,000 to cover the cost of such a design study, and WHEREAS, the IFM has allocated $1,000 in matching funds toward said study, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning and Development Board recommends that Common Council authorize submission of a final application to the New York State Council on the Arts. Mr. Moran, seconded by Mr. Cookingham, moved to approve the above resolution. Vote: 4-0-0. Motion carried. 10. Adjournment 10:30 p.m. /mc