HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1989-08-08 y
f VMRTIES
Planning and Development Board
August 8., 1989
PRESENT: S. Blumenthal (Chair), T. .Cookingham, J. Daley, S.
:Killeen, A. Yale. Staff: Deputy Director P. Mazzarella, J.' Meigs,
P Weed. Also, Applicants, Other Interested Parties, Press..
1. Meeting was .called to order at 7:40 p.m. :Ms. Blumenthal amended the
meeting agenda to include consideration of final •:approval of the
site .development {plan 'for the `Maple Avenue Apartments.
2. Privilege of the Floor. No requests made.
3. ProposedSubdivision. Pvirotto. There was extensive discussion .
about the restrictions on the proposed 2,0-f, oot wide conservation
easement which would affect three of eight lots in the `subdivision.
The land included in the easement would be maintained by the
property. .owner and would not be altered from.its ..current (natural) "
state. In addition, building or fencing would not be allowed within
• the. boundaries.of the easement, and public access would not be
permitted. The Board expressed its concerns regarding the
objectives of such an easement; and there was discussion about the
relationship of this subdivision to a proposed park. It was
determined there re considerable ecological benefits in this
-con ervation easement.
Ntr. Pivirotto urged the `Board to recognize the concessions he has
made in reducing the number of lots .in his original proposal. Ms.
Blumenthal commented that the Board should have been more involved
in discussions between Mr. Pivrotto and his neighbors concerning
open space. The Board again expressed its desire to obtain public
access on the easement, .but Mr. Pivirotto claimed that the parcels
would not be marketable to potential developers under that
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Minutes 8/8/89 O
Page -2
condition Because of the Board's commitment to :assure that :open
space would be preserved in this subdivision; a 10-foot 'setback
requirement for accessory buildings was discussed.
Daley MOVED that preliminary subdivision approval 'be granted with a
20-foot .conservation :easement :as proposed to be maintained xi. its
state. Conditions for the approval are a 1:0 foot setback
from the edge of the conservation zone for .all buildings and
accessory structures, and all development rights on the burdened
land should be extinguished. In addition, documentation is to :be
reviewed by staff (and city attorney) for final approval, and
Taylor Place survey issue is to be resolved. The motion was •
seconded by Killeen and PASSED 5-0.
4. Site Development Plan Review--Maple Avenue Apartments/143 Maple
AvennelLAwer:. Mr. Weed reported that all conditions as : tated ri
the preliminary approval have been -met, and the Citync�ineer has
requested that staff visit the site in .a year's time To. .cietermine
possible drainage improvements, if necessary. Then Cookingham
MOVED, seconded by Daley, to grant final site development plan
approval; and the motion PASSED 5-0.
5. Sciencenter Presentation. Representatives of the Tompkins County
Community Sciencenter came before the Board to express their
interest in redeveloping the former sewage treatment site. This •
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Minutes - 8/8/89
Page 3
site was especially desirable to them because of its visibility from
Meadow Street, available park space and Cascadilla Creek which they
could preserve and use as an active (educational) feature, without
causing ecological harm. They expect to begin construction by
Spring, 1991 and are agreeable to sharing the site.
In view of Council's resolution asking the Mayor to appoint an :ad
hoc committee to study this site, the Board agreed that it should
consider what position it should take in determining a suitable
use.
6. Board of Zonis Appeals Procedures--Discussion. The Planning
Board's policy has been to review all variances that come before
the BZA, and make recommendations on those which have a city-wide
planning impact. There has been criticism from the BZA about this
policy in making recommendations or comments without hearing
directly from the applicant. The Board is concerned that :people may
be deprived of due process and considered the following options:
1. Request Common Council to change the charter, 2. Planning Dept.
staff attend BZA meetings, 3. Invite Building Dept. staff to attend
subcommittee meetings, 4. Prepare detailed comments on cases the
Board considers significant. It was agreed that staff consult with
City Attorney and the Building Commissioner on the Board's function
with regard to the BZA.
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Minutes - 8/8/89
Page 4
7. Grossman's Site Improvements. It was reported that Grossman's has
installed an extra gate and driveway apron on Third Street which was
not part of their approved site improvement plan. Although the City
Engineer has determined that it could be approved retroactively, the
Board agreed to ask the city site planner to review the plans and
offer advice.
8. Site Plan Review Procedures. Peter Weed's memo of August 2, 1989
regarding SDPR Procedures and Enforcement was reviewed. The Board
requested that the procedural sequence checklist of the ordinance,
which was developed for internal use, be modified and adopted for
use by applicants for site development plan review.
9. Procedures for Conducting Public Hearings--Discussion. Current
administration of public hearings has led to some frustration
because the hearings have been held before there is a formal
presentation of the project to the Board. After considering several
alternatives it was agreed that a brief presentation by staff and
the developer should be heard before holding the public hearing.
10. R-2c Zoning. Mr. Mazzarella briefed the Board about the proposed
zoning district regulations which aim to encourage the development
of affordable housing. Daley MOVED, seconded by Cookingham, to
endorse this ordinance as described in the Auyust 3, 1989 memorandum
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Minutes - 8/8/89
;Page 5
and encourage the .Charter and Ordinance. Committee. to move this
forward, and the motion PASSED 5-0.
11. Director's 'Report �Mr N�azzarella reported that the doritcvn.
parking study is :near completion, and the Board will receive a
report when it is available.
12 Chairman's Re-port. Committee appointments have been made. Ms.
Blumenthal mentioned the 'County Planning and Economic Development
Committee and their current activities, and invited the Board's
participation in helping to shape the future direction of County
Planning. Board members expressed enthusiasm .and want to encourage
neighborhood and civic association involvement.
.13. Liaison Reports
`Board of Public Works .(Daley) . Review ofcapital projects, in
;part
cular; synchronization of traffic lights, Following discussion
emphasizing protection of neighborhoods and safety, Cookingham
MOVED, seconded by Killeen, to support a capital project to
synchronize traffic lights. The motion PASSED ',.5 O..
Planning and Development Ca mittee (Killeen) . Visit by Mr. Simberg
of DoT regarding Route 96 on August 10. Letter to John Burness,
requesting Cornell to resume discussions with City. Bailing station
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Minutes - 8/8/89
Page 6
environmental statement expected by end of month; special Common
Council meeting on August 14 to override mayor's veto. Site plan
review update of County mental health building.
EPJ-PDBOARD/August8.min