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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1993-11-23 r%RAFT Aj - Board of Planning and Development MINUTES November 23, 1993 PRESENT: S. Adams, A. Clavel, D. Kay (Chair) , P. Mackesey, D. Rusoff, J. Schroeder. Staff: H. Sieverding, H. M. Van Cort, E. Jacobs. Also, Mr. Jagat Sharma, Mr. Dirk Galbraith, and a member of the public. 1 . Meeting was called to order at 7 :35 p.m. 2 . Privilege of the Floor. Mr. Dirk Galbraith came before the Board on behalf of David Mooney, applicant, regarding zoning appeal 2208. He said that if the Board intends to make a recommendation to the BZA, he believes that the site is completely inappropriate for residential use, and should be zoned for commercial use. 3 . Final Site Plan Review A. 301-309 S. Meadow St./Retail Plaza/Lower The following resolution was submitted &t-a-€-f for the Boards consideration: WHEREAS, a one-story retail development with a total of 7, 219 s . f. of built and paved area, seven parking spaces included, is proposed at 301-309 S. Meadow Street, and WHEREAS, Preliminary Site Plan Approval for this development proposal has been granted by the Board of Planning and Development at its October 26, 1993 meeting, and WHEREAS, a revised site plan (dated 11-15-93) has been submitted for review by the Codes and Administration Committee at its November 16, 1993 meeting, and WHEREAS, the Committee found that the revised plan has met the conditions of Preliminary Approval, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Final Site Development Plan be approved with the following conditions: 1'. A deed restriction shall be prepared and filed insuring that a fence will always be maintained along the east property line as long as the adjoining site is used for residential purposes . 2 . The planting area north of the building shall be curbed with granite or concrete, instead of the proposed railroad ties. 3 . A 10-foot wide continuous strip of grass, instead of gravel, shall be installed at the edge of pavement along back property line. Moved by Rusoff, seconded by Schroeder, passed unanimously. 4 . New Business A. `1994 Department Work Program There are a number of ongoing projects which will require a considerable amount staff time in 1994. One of these was the Wal- Mart site development plan review including environmental review. The Board felt that this should not be on the Department' s work program, and that as little staff time as possible be spent on this project . Another large project is the Americans with Disabilities Act self-evaluation, and development of a transition plan to bring the City into compliance with ADA. There was some question as to whether the Planning Dept . should be conducting - this activity.. There was discussion concerning a comprehensive plan for the City. It was agreed that after the GIS base map is complete, work could begin on outlining data. The Board would then decide whether there is 'sufficient information to develop a proposal for a new comprehensive plan. It was agreed that it might be helpful to look at the 1993 work program to see the progress that has already been made on some of these ongoing projects . The following were viewed as high priority items by the Board: Continuation of efforts towards implementation of the Inlet Island land use committee report recommendations . Completion of Southwest Park study and adoption by Board and Common Council. Completion and implementation of recommendations for zoning amendments, if any, of the Meadow Street land use study. Completion of GIS base map development. Completion of environmental review and adoption of the Downtown Design Plan as part of the Master Plan. Route 96/Octopus - continue coordination with NYS Dept. of Transportation toward construction of improvements . City of Ithaca Bicycle Plan - continue work on master plan for bikes in the City odd/even parking regulations - implementation of recommendations . Economic Development Zone - apply to the State for creation of a zone in the City. Carpenter Park leasing, .Cherry Street expansion, and City Hall Annex disposition. Moved by Schroeder, seconded by Rusoff, carried unanimously. B. Planning Board structure under state law City Attorney Guttman explained that the state legislature passed certain laws which affects the composition and functions of the Planning Board. He suggested that the Board may want to adopt a local law to supersede the new state laws, which it has the authority to do. The following issues were discussed. 1 . The Planning Board shall consist of 7 members . 2 . Members of the Planning Board shall be appointed by the Mayor, with consent of Common Council. 3 . The Chairperson of the Planning Board shall be appointed by the Mayor. If the Mayor does not appoint a chairperson, the Board may elect its own. 4 . Not more than one person who is a member of Common Council shall be eligible for membership on the Planning Board. 5. Term of office shall be three years, except for the Common Council liaison, who shall have a two-year term. 6 . Vacancies in office shall be filled by appointment by the Mayor for the unexpired term, with consent of Common Council . 7 . Members of the Planning Board may be removed by the Mayor, after public hearing for cause. Planning Board members may also be removed for non-compliance with minimum standards relating to meeting attendance and training. 5. Zoning Appeals Report . The attached report concerning Appeals 2207-09 was unanimously passed. 6. Minutes of October 26 were amended and approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned. 111 IRA �c�gp�RATE0,0� CITY OF ITHACA 1 Oe EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 DEPARTMENT OF CODE:607 PLANNING&DEVELOPMENT TELEPHONE:274-6550 H.MATTHYS VAN CORT,DIRECTOR FAX NO.:272-7348 TO Board of Zoning Appeals FROM Board of Planning and Development l / U RE Appeals 2207-2209 DATE November 23 , 1993 Review of subject appeals by this Board has determined that #2207, Area Variance to existing setback deficiency to permit conversion of former Fire Station #5 to a theater, does not involve matters of long-range or city-wide planning; the appeal is returned for action with no comment. The Planning Board, however, supports the proposed reuse of this building as a theater, particularly in the context of other arts-related developments in the immediate area. Appeal 2208, Use Variance to permit development of insurance office at 709-713 Hancock, in an R-2b zone, may affect long-range planning for the Meadow Street corridor. This area will be substantially affected by the proposed Route 96 Improvement project within the next few years, and is currently the subject of an extensive land use study which will, in particular, address the issues raised by encroachments of commercial use into adjoining, established residential neighborhoods . This Board has previously urged the BZA to deny a similar appeal without prejudice, in order to allow the completion of the corridor study. Further, Use Variances of this type, because they run with the land, essentially rezone the property for a completely different class of land use than that for which it intended. Such action should properly be undertaken by Common Council . Appeal 2209, Area Variance to permit conversions to former Hi- Speed Checkweigher premises for mixed commercial uses, does not involve matters of long-range or city-wide planning, except that it appears to require the initiation of Site Development Plan Review before the BZA acts or the work presently underway proceeds further. cc : Appellants epj -Appeals .Nov 10 Printed on Recycled Paper "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"