Loading...
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 Planning & Development .Board 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 • Planning & Development Board 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. Planning & Development Board 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 Planning & Development Board 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 Planning & Development Board 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