HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1990-01-23 1e
Planning and Development Board
MINUTES
December 20, 1990
PRESENT: S. Adams, R. Berg, S. Blumenthal (Chair), M. Cochran,
J. Schroeder, A. Yale. Staff: Director H. M. Van Cort, J. Meigs,
L. Tsang, P. Weed. Also, members of the public.
1. Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
2. Privilege of the Floor: No requests made.
3. New Business
A. Unique Natural Areas, EMC. David Weinstein, of the Tompkins
Environmental Management Council, told the Board about a survey which
they have just completed. Members of the EMC are in the process of
presenting their findings to all municipalities in Tompkins County.
There are some 184 sites in the county of which 107 are new to the list.
Mr. Weinstein distributed a copy of the list of sites and of the
criteria used in selecting them. sites were selected based on their
special environmental qualities including the existence of rare or
unusual plant and animal species, as well as unusual geological
formations.
The purpose of the listing is to: 1. Alert individual landowners to the
environmental value of their property (at this point the EMC is not
actively promoting legal protection of these areas) . 2. Help developers
avoid these sites. 3. Help the community plan for protection and
conservation of these rare habitats.
Mr. Weinstein discussed the octopus Cliffs, an exampleofa site in the
City. The Board complimented the EMC on its. work and made several
suggestions including the following: 1. The maps should be presented at
a larger scale with greater precision as to the boundaries of the area.
2. The common names of the species should be listed in addition to the
Latin names.
Van Cort agreed to transmit the original copy of the inventory given to-
the City by the EMC to the City Clerk's office. He also will make
copies of portions of the report for the Board of Public Works, the
Conservation Advisory Council and the Planning Department.
B. Pogo Parcel Housing Options. Mon Cochran presented the results of
the many months' work that the Neighborhoods and Housing subcommittee
has done on the Pogo parcel. Cochran explained the process that the
committee had gone through and summarized its recommendations. After a
lengthy discussion, the Board, upon a motion by Cochran, seconded by
Adams, received and approved the recommendations, recommending that the
committee's work be used as a guideline in the disposition of the
Northside parcel. The resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS the Neighborhood and Housing subcommittee has examined the site
in the Northside neighborhood, formerly owned by -Rtecte- Paolangeii,
and now owned by the City of Ithaca, and ��nk
WHEREAS the committee has taken testimony from various members of the
civic association and housing advocacy groups, and
WHEREAS the committee has considered numerous alternatives for
development of the subject parcel,
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - December 20, 1990
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. that the guidelines approved by the
Planning and Development Board as amended on 12/20/90 be accepted
as guidelines for disposition by the City of Ithaca.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these guidelines be transmitted to Common
Council for their use in disposing of the property.
Pogo Parcel Development Guidelines
At its most recent meeting (12/10/90), the Neighborhoods and Housing
subcommittee of the Planning and Development Board reached consensus on
a set of guidelines for the housing to be developed on the parcel in
question, using the criteria that had framed our previous discussions
and data collection efforts. Those guidelines are as follows:
1. Affordability - Permanent affordability for housing of good
quality. The committee has reason to believe this goal is attainable
given local contractor estimates of the cost per square foot to
construct housing of the sort examined in Syracuse ($50-60/sq. ft.), and
the mutual housing concept that is well along in the planning phase in
Ithaca.
2. Density - No more than the approximately 38 units permitted by
current zoning, and compatible with the neighborhood. our
investigations indicate that in fact it will be very difficult to fit
more than 30 units on this relatively small site.
3. Families served - The goal is for a socio-economic mix. With
permanent affordability the intention is to create a stable mini-
community, where families stay for an extended period because they can
afford the housing and have a commitment to participation in the
development.
4. Physical form - compatible with other housing in the neighborhood
in building type (siding, windows, etc.) scale, parking surface
(pavement), grid and streetscape, treescape.
5. Tenancy - As many units as possible subsidized, with the
possibility of a small number at market rate if needed to make the
project financially feasible. The group agreed that mixed tenancy
(owned and rented; subsidized and market rate) would be ideal, but that
this is extremely difficult to achieve with so few units. Given the
shortage of affordable housing (housing cost less than 30% of income for
low/middle income family) in Ithaca, the group opted for subsidizing
most of the units.
6. Private vs. non-profit - Consistent with maximizing long-term
affordability. one feasible model, presented by the Mutual Housing
Commission, would involve non-profit developer and ownership, but
construction by the private sector. We agreed that any other
possibilities meeting the above parameters should be solicited at a
public meeting.
7. Amount of City subsidy - This will require discussion and
negotiation with the city. considerable subsidy will be necessary to
produce affordability. The value of the land itself and Community
Development grants already in hand should certainly be included in the
discussion.
— Planning & Development Board
Minutes - December 20, 1990
Page 3
The Board directed that the amended guidelines be transmitted to Council
by the Director. The Board directed that a public meeting on the
guidelines be scheduled for the next Planning and Development Board
meeting, and that the public meeting be advertised with a small display
ad in the Ithaca Journal. Secondly, the Board directed that the
neighborhood association be sent a copy of the guidelines and given
notice of the public hearing concerning the guidelines.
C. 1991 work Program. Van Cort explained that the distributed work
program is a rough, first draft. Berg asked that the Elmira Road
sidewalks be included in the work program. The Board felt that it might
be appropriate at some future time to hold a joint meeting with the
Planning and Development Committee to approve the work program. This
meeting would be held after there was rough agreement on a future draft.
D. Six Mile Creek Protection Plan, Town of Ithaca. Blumenthal reported
on action by the P&D Committee of common Council in support of the six
Mile Creek valley plan issued by the Town of Ithaca Conservation
Advisory council. The Board directed that a letter be transmitted to
the Town Board supporting the plan.
4. A. Revisions to Chapter 39, SDPR Ordinance. Peter Weed explained the
list of proposed changes to the SDPR ordinance which had been previously
distributed to the Board. The Board was in general agreement with the
proposed changes. There was consensus that the applicability section
should be clarified. Also, there was consensus that the fees section
should not be modified to lower the fees on larger projects. Several
members of the Board commented that the changes in the ordinance should
not tend to make the SDPR process more burdensome on the Planning and
Development Board.
There was also agreement that the thresholds for applicability on City
projects should be lowered. That is, that smaller City projects should
be covered by SDPR. There was a brief discussion as to whether design
guidelines could be established to be used as a guide in performing site
development plan review. An example of such guidelines is the proposed
urban design study for downtown. Peter Weed felt that the results of
the urban design study might be applicable to more than just the central
business district.
The Board unanimously thanked Peter Weed for his excellent service to
the City and to the Board. His contribution to the establishment of a
well thought out and smoothly operating site plan review process is an
invaluable contribution to the improvement of the built environment in
the City of Ithaca.
B. West Hill Master Plan Environmental Review. Helen Johnson and
Kathleen Sprague of the West Hill Civic Association appeared before the
Board to discuss the West Hill master plan and the required
environmental review. Ms. Johnson explained that the civic association
executive committee had met with Alderperson Barbara Blanchard to
discuss the possibility of the civic association doing the environmental
review for the West Hill Master Plan. They would request that the
Department provide technical assistance if necessary. Ms.. Blanchard is
to contact the Department to get the results of a scoping session which
was held last year on the plan. The review would then be presented to
the Planning and Development Board for action. Van Cort was directed to
determine from Planning Board Minutes whether the Board had been given
lead agency status for the preparation of the environmental review.
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - December 20, 1990
Page 4
The civic association will meet in January to formally decide whether
they wish to go ahead with this undertaking. The Board thanked the
civic association and looks forward to hearing from them.
C. Zoning Ordinance Amending Subdivision A-2 of Section 30-37 of
Chapter 30, Parking Space Size. Upon a motion by Cochran, seconded by
Berg, the Board's recommendation that the common council adopt the
proposed amendment to the ordinance. Passed Unanimously.
D. Elmira Road Sidewalks. After a brief discussion Berg, seconded by
Cochran, moved the following resolution.
WHEREAS there are many people who walk along the southerly portion of
Elmira Road, south of its intersection with Meadow Street, and
WHEREAS there are no sidewalks along that portion of the road, and
WHEREAS this constitutes a danger to the pedestrians forced to walk
either on the pavement or directly next to it along a dirt path,
and
WHEREAS this condition presents extreme danger and difficulty to
handicapped persons and persons wheeling strollers,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Board urges the Board
of Public Works to move as expeditiously as possible to construct
sidewalks on both sides of this important city arterial.
Passed Unanimously.
This resolution, as passed, is to be transmitted to the Board of Public
Works and the common council.
E. Route 13 Widening/Bridge Repair. Schroeder reported the action by
common council on the proposed Route 13 widening south of the City. The
Planning and Development committee is preparing a letter of
clarification to the Town Department of Transportation regarding the
City's position on the bridges, the abutments, and the left turn
movement into Buttermilk Falls state Park.
5. Zoning Appeals Report. Van Cort explained the history of the requested
variance by Ironics at 742 Cascadilla Street for property owned by
Vincent Giordano. There are several area variances which would be taken
care of by this variance.
The City has proposed to sell to Giordano a narrow strip of land which
would allow him to build a minor addition to one of his buildings for an
expansion by Ironics. As a part of this arrangement, Ironics would
option one of the parcels in the Carpenter Business Park for
construction of a future home for Ironics.
Van Cort explained the importance of this variance for job retention.
It was noted that Jon Meigs felt that there were many legal and
technical issues which remain to be resolved before a building permit
could be obtained.
Susan Blumenthal moved, and Yale seconded, the following resolution.
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - December 20, 1990
Page 5
WHEREAS Appeal No. 2014 would allow expansion of Ironics, Inc. in their
present location at 742 Cascadilla street, and
WHEREAS such expansion would retain 75 jobs in the City of Ithaca with
10 additional jobs to be added in the near future, and
WHEREAS such job retention is of considerable importance to the City
given its recent losses in manufacturing to surrounding suburban
industrial areas, and
WHEREAS the deficiencies are pre-existing and considerable practical
difficulties prevent their correction by other means,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Planning and Development
recommends that the Board of Zoning Appeals grant variance no.
2014.
Passed Unanimously.
6. A. No Committee Reports.
B. No Director's Report.
C. Chair report. Blumenthal asked for an alternative date for the
Board's January meeting suggesting that January 24 might be appropriate.
The meeting date is being changed because of the meetings of the
Downtown Vision Task Force. The Board approved January 24 for its
January meeting.
Department of Environmental conservation (DEC) Land Acquisition Advisory
Committee. Blumenthal reported that she had discussed with Alderperson
Barbara Blanchard the State-appointed DEC committee of which Ms.
Blanchard has been made a member. This special ad-hoc committee has
been appointed to make recommendations to the State on future land
acquisition by the DEC. The committee is known as the Regional Advisory
Committee (RAC) . The committee was established under the state
legislature which dealt with the now-defeated Environmental Bond Act.
The committee is to establish policies and priorities, as well as naming
individual sites for acquisition.
7. Approval of Minutes. Minutes of September 25 - Schroeder, seconded by
Cochran, moved approval. Passed unanimously.
Minutes of October 23 - amendments were offered:
Page 2, Item 4 a) - Revise paragraph to read as follows. After
discussion, modifications suggested for the final draft included:
Change #3) to read "Decommission Lake Avenue. from Adams Street to Route
13 and create linear park. If it will not harm existing retail
operations on block 3, decommission Lake Avenue from Hancock Street to
Adams street, and decommission Adams Street east of new proposed street
on block 2." Take out first sentence of #5) . #8) "Analyze the need
for" in place of "Commission." Yale asked to add #14) "Incorporate
bicycle planning as plans develop."
Page 3, Item 4 b) - Revise first sentence to read "Peter Weed clarified
questions regarding the proposed minimum parking space size reduction."
Page 3, Item 6 d) - Revise first sentence to read "Schroeder reported on
a New York State reconstruction project on Route 13 which will cost an
estimated $6-9 million and involves [road widening and] rebuilding [two]
bridges."
Cochran, seconded by Yale, moved approval as amended. carried.
Meeting was adjourned 11:15 p.m.
MINUTES
Planning and Development Board
January 23, 1990
PRESENT: S. Blumenthal (Chair) , M. Cochran, T. Cookingham,
S. Adams, J. Schroeder, A. Yale. Staff: Director H. M. Van Cort,
Deputy Director P. Mazzarella, J. Meigs, P. Weed. Also, City
Attorney Guttman, Applicants, Other Interested Parties, Media.
1. Meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
2. Privilege of the Floor: Dan Hoffman, chair of Planning and
Development Committee addressed the Board concerning his wish to
have the Committee and the Board meet and perhaps work cooperatively
on mutually selected issues.
3. Final Subdivision Approval and Public Hearings:
A. 113-115 Morris Avenue/Darpino & Mazzanoble. Cookingham,
seconded by Schroeder, moved to open a public hearing. No one
appeared to speak, and on motion by Cookingham, seconded by Yale,
the hearing was closed. It was noted that the Board had given
preliminary approval for this project in November. Subdivision
involves a 7-foot wide strip. Cookingham, seconded by Yale, moved
to give final subdivision approval with the condition that the small
piece of land be consolidated with the receiving parcel. The motion
passed unanimously.
B. First and Franklin Streets/Paolangeli. A letter to Mr.
Paolangeli dated January 22, 1990 outlining the Codes and
Administration Committee recommendations for conditions for final
subdivision approval was distributed for the Board's consideration.
Yale, seconded by Schroeder, moved to open a public hearing. No one
appeared to speak, and on motion by Cookingham, seconded by Cochran,
the hearing was closed.
A new subdivision plat with revised date of January 22 was presented
for consideration. Chair Blumenthal stated that the Board's
remaining concerns were responsibility for utilities, disposition of
open space, and survey ambiguity. It was reported that water and
sewer utility lines are to be paid by the owner/subdivider. A 22-
foot strip of green space along the Lake Avenue edge of the block
was proposed to be offered to the City; if Council does not wish to
accept the offer, it may be proposed as a conservation easement or
restrictive covenant. The Board requested a copy of the deed
description of the property and certification from the surveyor, in
regard to the discrepancies between the property survey and City
records. The Board exercised its option to require installation of
suitable street trees within the street rights-of-way and/or the
Lake Avenue green space. Cookingham objected to what he saw as of
adding another condition on the subdivision late in negotiations;
however, Mr. Paolangeli expressed willingness to comply. There was
discussion about when and where trees should be planted and whether
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - January 23, 1990
Page 2
the green space should be along the creek rather than bisected by
private driveways. Mr. Paolangeli informed the Board that he had
added a notation on the plat regarding the floodplain for the
information of potential purchasers. There was discussion about
the location of sidewalks especially along Lake, and it was agreed
that this issue was flexible; City Attorney Guttman recommended that
the final plat contain reference to sidewalk locations and
construction, for the information of potential buyers. Nelson Roth,
Attorney for Mr. Paolangeli, stated that the installation of water
and sewer lines in Lake Avenue would be coordinated with, and
approved by, the City Engineer.
Mr. Paolangeli was asked whether an extension was needed to file the
final subdivision plat and Nelson Roth didn't believe it to be
necessary. There was discussion about delaying final approval until
next month's meeting in order for a thorough staff review of the new
plat. Mr. Paolangeli was not amenable to this, saying that he
believed it would be legal to take the vote and make certification
of approval (by signing the final plat) dependent on satisfactory
review of all required documentation by the certifying official;
City Attorney Guttman concurred with this, emphasizing that the
approval must be certified before the plat can be filed. Mr. Roth
added that the new plat was a reflection of changes requested by
the City. Cochran, seconded by Cookingham,then moved Final
Subdivision Approval With Conditions as follows: Utility work be
bonded or completed before any conveyance or building permits are
issued; conveyance of open space; provision of curbs and gutters by
City at its option; bonding for street trees; location of sidewalks
to conform to city specifications, with note to that effect on the
plat; and approval by city staff. The motion passed 5-0-1
(Schroeder abstaining) .
4. Subdivisions
A. 202-04 Sunrise Road/Cafferillo. Minor lot line adjustment for
mutual convenience. CAC recommended Negative Declaration.
Cookingham, seconded by Cochran, moved Negative Declaration of
Environmental Significance; motion passed unanimously. Then Yale,
seconded by Cochran, moved preliminary subdivision approval, and the
motion passed unanimously.
B. 210 W. Spencer Street/Johnson. Minor lot line adjustment to
give adequate sideyard setback to permit use of clapboard on an
addition for which a building permit has been issued; without the
added clearance, masonry would have to be used. CAC recommended
Negative Declaration. Schroeder, seconded by Cochran, moved
Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance, and the motion
passed unanimously. A neighbor, John Oakley of S. Cayuga St. ,
raised concern about parking requirements. Cochran, seconded by
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - January 23, 1990
Page 3
Cookingham, moved preliminary subdivision approval, and the motion
passed unanimously.
5. Site Development Plan Review and Public Hearing
A. 116 N.- Meadow Street. The Board reviewed plans and a public
hearing was opened by Cookingham, seconded by Yale. No one appeared
to speak, and on motion by Yale, seconded by Cookingham, the hearing
was closed. After environmental review which centered around the
project's effect on street trees, Yale, seconded by Schroeder, moved
Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance, and the motion
passed unanimously. Discussion focused on finish materials and
colors for the building; the Board were in agreement that the
material used on the west and south should be dark so as to avoid
presenting strong contrast or glare to nearby residential
properties. Schroeder questioned the reality of the requirement for
so much parking, with its substantial physical and visual impacts on
development. Director Van Cort commented that the project deserves
credit for not having all its parking in a surface lot, and some
Board members commented that it was clear that the designers clearly
want the project to have an appropriately urban character, and that
it appears to have promise of being an attractive development.
After discussion Yale, seconded by Cookingham, moved preliminary
site development plan approval, considered final after fulfilling
conditions, including replacement of street tree and use of darker
color on west and south facades, and review of building signage and
site lighting at time of final review by staff, and the motion
passed unanimously. For a detailed summary of conditions, see
memorandum to Peter Novelli dated January 24, 1990 (Planning
Department file) .
6. Site Development Plan Reviews
A. 358- Floral Avenue/Townhouse Apartments. The CAC recommended a
Negative Declaration. Blumenthal, seconded by Yale, moved Negative
Declaration of Environmental Significance, and the motion passed
unanimously. In committee review, it was determined that the
present scheme must go for a variance because the proportion of
front yard used for parking exceeds 250. The Board agreed to send a
strong letter of endorsement (to be drafted by the Director) to the
BZA, and Mr. Cochran agreed to attend the hearing and answer
questions. In discussion, Mr. LoPinto expressed concern that, while
he understands and accepts in concept the conditions of site plan
approval recommended by Peter Weed, the detail and specificity they
contain would, if adopted verbatim by the Board, unnecessarily and
undesirably limit the developer's freedom in matters that concern
taste and style only. Schroeder asked why the new plan didn't show
vegetative screening for the parking, and other members questioned
the lack of windows in the end walls of the two structures. After
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - January 23, 1990
Page 4
discussion, Cookingham, seconded by Yale, moved preliminary
approval, considered final with conditions (see memo of January 24,
1990 to Polygon Associates, Planning Department files) . The motion
passed unanimously.
B. Ithaca Industrial Park/Third Street at Route 13/IURA. Peter
Weed explained that this city project had just passed the threshold
of project cost that triggers advisory review; Common Council had
already done environmental review. Council and IURA have also held
. several public hearings on it. He stated that many questions and
details remain to be worked out. Due to the prominence of the
site, and the fact that it will be developed more or less piecemeal
when tenants are identified, he feels strongly that design
standards should be established. Director Van Cort stated that he
would like Mr. Weed to do that. After brief discussion, Cochran,
seconded by Schroeder, moved that the proposed site development
plan is found to be generally acceptable, and that the design and
technical recommendations shall be submitted to the responsible city
agency for its use (see Planning Department files, memorandum of
January 25, 1990) , and the motion passed unanimously.
C. Stewart Avenue-Edgemoor Lane Neighborhood Parking Lot/Cornell.
Mr. Weed explained that it is not clear whether the modifications to
the layout are of an extent to require further review, 'but that he
has severe misgivings about it in its present form. Following brief
discussion Schroeder, seconded by Adams, moved that the Board's
concerns be addressed (see letter of January 25, 1990, Planning
Department files, for details) and that Cornell be told that the
plan as submitted is unacceptable and must be resubmitted for
further review. The motion passed unanimously.
7. A. CertifiedLocal Government Subgrant Applications
1. City-wide historical narrative overview and reconnaissance
survey. Resolution:
WHEREAS, The City of Ithaca has received Certified Local Government
status from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation, and
WHEREAS, ten percent (10%) of funds allocated to New York State for
preservation activities are made available exclusively to Certified
Local Governments on a competitive basis, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation has recommended that the city undertake a
city-wide reconnaissance survey prior to making further
applications for individual neighborhood surveys, and
WHEREAS, the city-wide reconnaissance survey will enable the city,
in consultation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation, to develop specific recommendations and
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - January 23, 1990
Page 5
priorities for resource protection and enhancement in all areas of
the city, and
WHEREAS, the city's match can be drawn from funds allocated to the
Department of Planning and Development, and
WHEREAS, at the January 23, 1990 meeting the Planning and
Development Board unanimously endorsed this application
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Planning and
Development endorses the application for a Certified Local
Government Subgrant FY190 to undertake a reconnaissance level
survey of the City of Ithaca.
2. Downtown intensive-level historic architectural survey.
Resolution:
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has received Certified Local Government
status from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation, and
WHEREAS, ten percent (10%) of funds allocated to New York State for
preservation activities are made available exclusively to Certified
Local Governments on a competitive basis, and
WHEREAS, at the April 25, 1989 meeting, the Board of Planning and
Development identified the need for a survey of the city's
downtown, and
WHEREAS, The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation has recently encouraged the city to undertake
a survey of downtown, and
WHEREAS, the city's match can be drawn from funds allocated to the
Department of Planning and Development, and
WHEREAS, at the January 23, 1990 meeting the Planning and
Development Board unanimously endorsed this application,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Planning and
Development endorses the application for a Certified Local
Government Subgrant FY'90 to undertake an intensive level survey of
downtown.
After brief discussion, approval of both resolutions was moved by
Adams, seconded by Cochran, and passed unanimously.
B. Revision to zoning ordinance re: home occupation - deferred
C. Adoption of approval time line for action on subdivisions,
variances and site development plan reviews. Blumenthal, seconded
by Cochran, moved approval of proposed time line, (see file) and the
motion passed unanimously.
8. Planning and Development Department Work Program. It was suggested
that the Board and Planning and Development Committee hold a joint
meeting early next month. This will give new members of both bodies
the opportunity to participate in finalizing the program, as staff
had intended.
Planning & Development Board
Minutes - January 23, 1990
Page 6
9. Zoning Appeals Report. Cookingham, seconded by Cochran, moved
approval of memorandum regarding Appeal 1948. Passed unanimously.
10. Reports
a) Committees of the Board.
Neighborhoods and Housing:
Cochran reported that affordable housing expert Robert Peters
will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Human Services Coalition
annual meeting, and encouraged Board members to attend. Mr. Peters
will also be available for informal discussion.
Economic Development and Transportation Committee Report:
Mr. Yale asked the Board to adopt the following resolution to
be referred to the Board of Public Works and Planning and
Development Committees
RESOLVED: The Board of Planning and Development recommends that
bicycle planning concerns be accommodated in plans for Hudson Street
improvements. The Hudson Street corridor is the logical bicycle
route up and down South Hill and transportation, recreation and
safety considerations indicated the desirability of establishing
such a route. Moved by Yale, seconded by Schroeder, passed
unanimously.
b) Director: Van Cort reported on proposed planting work at the
entrance to Stewart Park and asked if the Board would like an
advisory look at the plans. The Board directed staff to send a memo
requesting that the proposed work be submitted for an advisory
review by the Board of Planning and Development.
C) Chair: Blumenthal announced Committee assignments. Yale noted
that the revised structure does not include Human and Cultural
Resources, which encompass many important social and quality of life
issues Blumenthal responded that such matters could be taken care
of by the Land Use and Facilities Committee. There was extensive
discussion regarding the roles of the Planning Board and the
Planning Committee.
Committee Chair Hoffman's list of projects/work items was
briefly discussed. Cookingham reminded the Board that there are
areas of mandated responsibility for the Board, and other areas
where it has no authority; Blumenthal stated that it was partly
this, with such other considerations as efficiency, avoidance of
duplication„ and scheduling, that led to this attempt to help the
city's planning activity function better. Schroeder and Adams urged
Planning & Development Board
— Minutes January 23, 1990
Page 7
that the Board undertake to focus on a specific topic area, namely
downtown revitalization, in a comprehensive way, and commit itself
to defining viable solutions to critical problems. Cookingham,
referring to other such efforts, warned of the effects of real,
unforeseen requirements, as well as 'crisis' response to popular or
political pressures, on a work program. He urged that the program
contain unassigned time to accommodate such unavoidable
eventualities, and asked that the Deputy Director try to prepare an
excerpt of the Department work program, showing only required tasks
and remaining staff time, as an aid to the deliberation of the Board
and Committee. The Northside Civic Association's request for City
assistance in the preparation of a Community Development application
to purchase the Pogo parcel was addressed. Van Cort advised that CD
money was not a viable funding source for this and asked direction
from the Board; it was agreed to have staff draft a letter to
Council asking if they would like the Planning Department to
research possible funding sources for that undertaking. Liaison
appointments: Conservation Advisory Council-Berg, Hydropower
Commission-Schroeder, Vice Chair-Yale. It was agreed to have a
meeting on February 15 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss general topics,
especially for the benefit of new members.
11. Cookingham, seconded by Cochran, moved approval of December 19, 1989
minutes, and the motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m.
' EPJ-PDBOARD/23Jan90.min