Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PBD-1951 PW-MING BCM PMMMNU City of Ithaca# N,Y, Regular Meeting 4 P.Va January 29, 1951 Chairman « Brown Commissioner Heidt, Price, Payne, Osborn Zoning Officer •. Thorne Engineer - Cass Clerk Springer UTX„D, YI MENT PLAN Mr, 071111am Coates of the Yuniclpal Research Bureau of Rochester outlined the -York of that Bureau in cooperation with the Tax.-payers League and city officials in planning finances and development in that city* He exhibited a plan of a proposed alum clearance program to be financed by private capital, ir, Coates offered to return to Ithaca and explain hoer the Bureaus operate and to assist in setting up similar bureaus in Ithaca, and the date of February 19, 1951 was tentatively agreed upon. POPULATIO14 NAP Commissioner Heidt explained the maps prepared y orf Thorne from data provided by the Committee making the recreation study. The maps show population th the various school districts by ages. . Engineer Cass agreed to make prints of the mans. Bg=, The Chairman announced that the 1951 budget requisition was reduced to $1000*00 by the Common Council and thus precluding the proposed survey of the West Hill °section. TRAFFIC ' ir. Thorne reported progress in the study of traffic Chairman Brot•rn stated that it is customary to elect a chairman. at the first meeting of the year and asked for nomin— ations* Commissioner Osborn nominated Mr. Brom, Seconded by Commissioner Price, There being no further nominations, they were declared closed And the secretary cast one ballot for ifir, Brown, ..*ho Tras declared duly elected chairman for the ensuing year. ON 1,10TION the Meeting T•ras adjourned to 7:30 P.M,, Monday February 19, 1951:. Jringer� Secretary r i i s. sjsa s . x � P '=`, t S fat f' PLAIRlI G BOARD PMCZ011TOS City of Ithacay N.Y#- Special Ieeting 7:30 PIM, Februatoy, Mayor - Shaw Chairman — Broom Commissioner — Price, Dickens, Payne, Osborn Zoning Officer Thorne Engineer Case Police Commissioner — Po't-rers Board of Public Works Commissioner — Saperstone Clerk Springer A number of invited guests were also present to hear talks on the subject of capital budgeting as explained by three Rochester authorities, Mr. Robert Aex, Comptroller of the City of Rochester,explained the plans for providing funds for capital improvements, a.nd 141r. Robert Henzies, Secretary of the Citizens Tax League, explained the part that organization has taken in the plan. Mr. Alliam Coates, an officer of the Research Bureau, ex— plained the work of that organization and advised on the manner of _ forming such a group in this city. The Commissioners were interested in the plan but expressed doubt as to the ability of the city to finance it. It was announced that it is expected that a Research Bureau will be established in Elmira and that it 1-rould include several adjoining counties, including Tompkins, and that Ithaca could participate with that group. Mr. Menzies explained that the two privately conducted ageneier have cooperated -t-►ith municipal authorities and have been successful In securing a more equitable equalization rate in the county. Chairman Broim expressed the opinion that this City irould derive benefit through the cooperation of similar groups in Ithaca., After an extended discussion the meeting T•ras adjourned, R I^ F Springer Secretary PLANNING DOM PRWXJWNW City of Ithaca, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4 P.M, March 19, 1951 ER-E "N Chaff rman Brown Commissioner Dickens, Price Zoning Officer .• Thorne Clerk - Springer Due to lack of a quorum, the meeting was adjourned to the call of the chairman* F.H. Springer Secretary PLANNING BOARD PROCErTDINGS City Of Ithaca, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4 P.M. April 2* 1951 Mayon -- Shag Chairman - Brown Commissioner « Heidt, Price, Dickens, O'Connor, Osborn Engineer - Cass ZoningOfficer - Thorne Cle Springer MI Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved* CRE_31ONT Commissioner Heidt explained that the reo- reat on study has been completed and expressed the opinion that the information gathered will be of interest to individuals and u He stated that he has an opportunity to present the informs mation at the South Side Center on April 17th, and he suggested that slides should be prepared for use with the projector. By Commissioner Osborn, Seconded by Commissioner Dickens RESOLVED, that slides be prepared and Commissioner Heidt authorized to show them at the South Side Community Center, Carried.. .t Chairman Brown stated that clue to the rapid deterioration of Cliff Street that in his opinion the cut off from Route 96 should be started at the earliest possible date in order that the necessary fill will have an opportunity to settle before actual construction can be started, and he offered the following for consideration. 1. The olty of Ithaca request the' state of New York to survey and co�ale►te their plan for the relocation of Route 96 from the Bu Road to the Inlet, 2, The slate and city purchase the necessary rights of way as soon as possible. 3. The rough gradingbe prepared on this arterial. route as soon as possible a7Q_nJJ t it can settle for the necessary length of time before being surfaced, If this action is taken at once the arterial plan for Route 96 gill be completed at least a year earlier - whenever highway construction materials are again available, This gain of a yearts time may be sufficient to save the existing pavement on Cliff Street to the extent that a new subbase and surface will not be necessary. When heavy suburban and trunk traffic is rerouted, this street would become residential and caa be kept adequately repaired using the present surface, Thus the city would nave a conetidarable amount of money in pavement construction i-rhich Trill eventually be paralleled by a state financed arterial route. 1640;. had more than $400,000 left rr capital reserves for specified im provements for which nearly a $: million has -been expended it postwar yearn without borrowini or any change in the tax rate.Th( city plAn of ,providing for ,the future while wiping out a large bonded debt„ ffW,.: Solnthe Rochester procedure only in that 1 the tax rate has been maintained Ithaca Bude L L L by reducing;capital debt contri- butions in order to meet rising Y Y costs of maintenance and opera- l ianaii tion. l i 11 Rochester's provision for capi- tal expenditures in the future is /� a1li Phaised m the'same ratio as debt retire- e went while the tax rate fluctuates ,•. but only slightly—to meet rs- The City 'of Ithaca's strong Ing or falling costs of operation. financial position was pointed up Great strides have been made in Monday night by a group of Rochester where,the municipal government has had the coopera-, Rochester authorities on munici- pal planning and expenditures tion in many instances of the taxi who came here to talk the iaeagixe and Bureau of Municipal subject of capital budgeting. Research. While these two-pri- Before leaving the visitors were -- --- vately conducted agencies have • on record as saying, "Ithaca is., -in had a voice in the city's capital a good financial condition" and budgeting, they likewise accom- "You are on more of a cash basis plished a master stroke in getting than we are," Members of •the Rochester a more equitable equal- " Planning Board were as.surprised+ ization rate in Monroe County. as their guests from. Rochesterf Operates in Several Cities <when City Clerk Floyd H.Spring-! The tax league operates in Buf- ,er showed the similarity between fila, Syracuse, Poughkeepsie, the much publicized Rochester r Olean and several other cities. Its program and that which has been facilities would be available to a adhered to closely at City Hall for unit of Ithaca or Tompkins Coun- the last 12 years. t'y taxpayers if the latter,organize Robert Aex, Rochester comp- o the oldIthacaTaxpayers As- troller;Robert Menzies, secretary sociation is reactivated. H. Sti1- of-the Citizen's Tax League of well` Brown, chairman of, the Rochester and Monroe County, Planning Board, pointed out mu- and William Coates, another tax niclpal authorities were interested primarily in the capital budgeting league executive,were guests of `the Planning Board at a Hotel phase of the Monday night round-' Ithaca dinner which was attended table discussions but said he also by Mayor Shaw and other would see benefits accruing to the municipal authorities as well a: city through the cooperation of a .representatives of the Chamber of taxpayer group functioning as it -Commerce. does in Rochester. The Ithaca Planning Board, t operating on a $1,000 budget for 1951,. does not have funds for ex- tensive research although it_has conducted traffic counts, recrea- tional surveys and given much' ;attention to zoning, having pre- sented a new ordinance that was adopted last year. The board never has, although it was sug- gested it be done 10 years ago, gone into the subject of capital budgeting. This'matter has been handled exclusively by the Board of Public Works which proposed the various capital reserve funds it has been drawing upon for the recent permanent improvements such as bridges and new streets. FUTURE. PROJECTS Following is a list of posgible projects for consideration, as submitted at the meeting held June 19, 1950, It is suggested that the Commissioners study the list and number the various items in the order of considered importance, which trill aid in determining the next project to be advanced,. 1. History of CitZ and Environment 2, Population Studiep 3, Street Slotgm al Da a 4. Traffic Studies - Flow, 0 & D. and Pa k 5. 42uglng Studies 6, R creation Facil tie 7, E"catl2V&1 Facililies 8. Industries and Public Services vs. Population 9, Z 10. Sites for Public Buildings and Services Head ar 11. Public Finance Studies 12. UTaterfront Facilities 130 ftel TL&_nsiportatlon Studies 14. Arial Trans or ati n Fac 1 15. Relations 1prith Regional Plan 16, Land SubdivIgIon 17. ExistingLand Usen 18. Neighbodhood-DevelgnSgnt 19. hiscellaneous Items: Ethnic., Climatic, T2j2ogrWhIq, t 20.. Improvement Progrem and Capital Bud- et April 29 1951 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS Page 2 During discussion it TtYas pointed out that the change in Route 13 might change the priority of parts of the Arterial HighT,►ay, and Commissioner O' Connor and Engineer Casa were requested to investigate all conditions relative to the project and report to this Board„ HOUSING STUEX Commissioner Price reported on phases of the work in making a housing study. FUM,-PROJUCTS The Chairman suggested that since some of the projects are completed or under way that it might be well to study the list of future projects submItted at the meeting held June 19, 1950 and the Clerk was requested to submit a list -Ith the minutes of this meeting, allowing spaoe for comments by the Commissioners and opportunity to check preferences for topics to study* Such list will accompany these minutes. LMDSCAPING CITY- MAREA Landscaping the area between the fence and: rightof way in front of the City Dump was suggested and Commissioner Osborn and Zoning Officer Thorne were requested to confer vrith Forester Baker in regard to the matter. ON MOTION the I,,:eeting was adjourned. PF, . Spring P g Secretary i i I PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS City of Ithaca, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4 P.M. May 21, 1951 SEN hairman - Brown Commissioner - Heidt, Price, Dickens, OtConnor, Payne, Osborn Engineer - Case Zoning Officer , Thorne Clerk - Springer 'MINUTES Minutes of the preceding meeting 1-rere duly approved, TR , FICYW SION The Chairman announced that the Traffic Com- mission has referred a number of items to this Board for consider- ation and recommendation. EAST,BNEEALO STREEI IEPROAr NT The Chairman stated that the Board of Public Works has ecided to pave and widen East Buffalo Street. He expressed the opinion that this Board should decide if the street is to be used as an arterial route, and that the increased traffic the street will carry will increase accidents, and he asked for an expression of opinion from the Board. Commissioner O'Connor stated that the Board of Public Works expects to order services renewed this year and to pave the street during the 1952 season. After discussion the Commissioners were unanimously agreed that the street should be widened and paved. ROUTE 96 CUT OFF Engineer Cass reported that he has been unable to discuss the matter of starting the cut-off from Route 96 on Cliff Street with State officials, but after a careful inspection of the street, he can see no reason why it cannot be maintained as in the past, without exorbitant costs, He stated that as soon as he can discuss the matter TMrith State officials, he gill make .further report. Lk%D-ACQ ISIZION VALUES The Chairman reported that the Traffic Commission has recommended that this Board study the matter of land values for the extension of Green Street by the city if the state does not extend the street. It was agreed that the state' s decision be avraited. Commissioner O' Connor and Engineer Cass were. excused at this time. riA SS TRRAAIISPORTATYON The Chairman announced that he has appointed Commissioner Heidt to serve on a committee to study the subject of 'Mass Transportation" as recommended by the Traffic Commission. UUNIVERS.,I TRAFFIC The matter of using alternate routes by University personnel was discussed and it was agreed that after the traffic studies are completed it �rould be in order to advise the ,,public on the use of alternate routes, $„I'` CII)RADELIM RIES Mr, Thorne agreed to prepare a question- naire uestionnaire rot use in securing data relative to location of stores using curb delivery and availability of rear door facilities. By Commissioner Heidt, Seconded by Commissioner Pride RESOLVED, that the services of the 2 draftsmen temporarily arployed in the Assessor' s Office be utilized in making the survey of delivery facilities, Carried. It was announced that the traffic count will be resumed as the schools are closed and help available. Commissioners Osborn and Heldt were appointed to serve with Mr. Thorne 'in preparations for the count. UPORTIN2 OE MIEDIgGSOE MET NGS Chairman Brown commented on t _O outstanding Job of reporting the proceedings of Planning Commission meetings by the press and radio and he expressed his thanks for this coverageo 4 May 219 1951 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS Page 2 He particularly commended Buck Clarey of the Ithaca Journal for objective reporting and its importance in good government and re- quested that these remarks be recorded. By Commissioner Osborn, Seconded by Commissioner Price RESOLVED, that the Chairman's remarks be approved and recorded In the minutes of this meeting. Unanimously carried. Y STA =ION OF OFFICIAL, P 'NING BOARDS The Chairman was authorized to investigate the suggestion that this Board affiliate with the N.Y. State Federation of Official Planning Boards, ON MOTION the Meeting was adjourned. • Lc.•�- i F. Springe Secretary I . " 1—, 3 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDI11GS City of Ithaca, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4 P. i% September 25, 1951 Present Chairman - BroTm Commissioner - Heidt, Dickens, Payne Engineer - Cass Zoning Officer - Thorne j Clerk - Springer 1.IUTE5 i`_inutes of the preceding meeting T,ere read and w proved. TRAFFIC COUNT Kr. Thorne reported that due to lacy of help it was impossible to mate the traffic count as planned., and it T•ras agreed that an appeal should be made to the various Civic Associations, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls to provide help for the ►ork. 0` STORE - CURB DELISrRIES Z:r. Thorne reported. that the survey of rear-door delivery facilities is progressin7. N. Y. STATE FEDERATIOP' OF PLANFITIG AND ZOYII-TG -30ARDS The Chairman reported that a bill in the amount of 769. 20 has been filed by 'F. T. Stevens, Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals, -ho attended a meeting of the above named group as authorized by the Common Council on September 5, 1951. By Commissioner Heidt, Seconded by Commissioner Payne. RrIOLVED, that the bill be approved and submitted to the Counci for approval and payment. Carried REPORT OF MEETING T.Ir. Stevens was present and gave a comprehensive report of the meeting. BUDGET - 1952 The Chairman reported that the budget for 1952 should be prepared at this time since it must be in the hands of the Clerk by November 1. Attention Trac called to the importance of making, the proposed ,.erial survey of the Fest Hill Section as soon as possible end it ??as agreed that the sum of "1500.00 should be included for this T.Tol '_� Mr. Thorne expressed the opinion that lack of such a survey has cost the city more than its cost, as contemplated developments have been held up. After further discussion it ,as moved By Commissioner Heidt, `)econded by Commissioner Pane RESOLVED, that a budget requisition in the sum of 3500.00 be ap-Proved and filed T-Tith the Council. Carried V. H. ICFICYEL DEVELOPI-7ENT - 'BEST HILL 1Rr. Schickel presented a topographical map and tentative plans for a housing development on his property in Elm greet and request consideration and advice of the Board. Since the T•ridth of a proposed street does not comply frith present re[ulations it T►as agreed to study the regulations and advise Mfr. Schi ck el. FATJOITAL PLAN"TIJT CO1TF1,:P"'TTCE It Tnras reported that a "Ta.tional Pla.nnin Conference is to be held in Pittsburg October 14th to 17th Thorne stated that he expects to attend the conference and he expressed the opinion that at least one member of the Planning Board should attend. After discussion it T•ras moved, By Commissioner Heidt, Seconded by Commissioner Payne RESOLVED, That the Council be requested to authorize Chairman BroTrn to attend the meeting. Carried OF MOTION the meeting T•ras adjourned to 4 P.Y. , Monday, October 29 1951r H. F/inger Secretary PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDIFGS City of Ithaca, F.Y. Regular Meeting 4 P, M. October 29, 1951 E Present Chairman - BroTm Commissioner - Heict, O'Connor, Osborn Zoning Officer - Thorne Engineer - Cass Clerk - Springer J'L= Yinutes of the preceding meeting TTere duly approved. ,WEST HILL - SUB DIVISION Yr. John Lagza presented a preliminary plan of a proposed sub-division on his property on 'jest Hill. The plan as presented Trould require the extension of Haller Blvd. which is partially T•rithin the City and partially in the Tol-rn of Ithaca., Due to the dontour of the property, Engineer Cass expressed the opinion that it t-rill be necessary' to maize sertrer installations on the lo-rer part of the tract, and l,.r. Lagza agreed to check th i'r. Cass and revise plans if necessary. AERIAL SURVEY Chairman Bron reported that he talked 11th representatives of firms 7-*ho make aerial purveys and that they recommended a. survey of the i4hole city rather than just the Test Hill section, as the estimated cost of a complete survey Tnrould be approximately 9`5000.00 and of the Ilest Hill section alone the cost 1rould `be about three quarters 3/4 of that amount. It was agreed to correspond T-rith companies making such surveys to ascertain yrhat maps and photographs trill be made available. PLAtt'?I G COAs �E „C Chairman Brown presented a bill in the amount of Q78.38,, Covering expenses incurred during attendance at the National Planning Conference in Pittsburgh-October 14 to 17,1951. By Commissioner Heidt, Seconded by Commissioner OtConnor RESOLVED, that the bill be approled and recommended to the Council for approval and payment. Carried STR E JU �B''� i CHA S R. ,. PROP Engineer Cass reported that I,irs. Charles Drake living at ,shat is noir knoT=m as 1205 Giles St. has requested a more suitable street address. He stated that the Drakes or-m several lots, one of which they occupy on T•rhat was originally intended to be a portion of Giles Street, However Trhen Giles Street t-ras developed the easterly end was relocated leaving the Drake property on an undeveloped street and t-rith only drivetray access to East State Street. Considering the present street numbering on both E. State and Tlood.creert Ave. it is not practical to try to give the Drake lots numbers on either of these streets and he recommended naming the undeveloped portion of this street Giles Place and to assign a suitable number to each of the lots., By Commisnioner Osborn, Seconded by Commissioner Heidt, REgOLVED, that the recommendation be approved and referred to the Board of Public tlorks for action. Carried ON NOTION the L�eeting Trras adjourned. r Springer Secretary. �a PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS City of Ithaca,N.Y. Regular Meeting 4 P. MT February 11, 1952 Present Chairman — Brown Commissioner Dickens, OtConnor, Payne, Price, Taber Zoning Officer — Thorne Engineer — Casa Clerk — Springer XINUT&S 1116inutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved, 33G TIOPS _ C01XISSI Al HEIDT Chairman BroTrn announced- that due to ill health, Wm, Heidt has declined to accept re—appointment to the Board, and he read the following letter sent Mr. Heidt; February 7,1952 Mr. Gilliam Heidt 327 S. Albany Street Ithaca, New York. Dear Bill: I feel that the Planning Board has lost a Very valuable member T'+hen you did not accept reap. pointment to the Board, Had I knoT-m that you T-r-ere making this decision I would have tried to persuade yod to reconsider. I do realize hoT-tever that your health comes first and fully understand your action. I personally greatly appreciate the con. structive T-rork which you accomplished during your tenure on the Board and I know that 9.11 of us are going to miss your progressive planning and practi— cal thinking on the many problems confronting us as a Planning Board, life all hope that your health krill so improve that the City of Ithaca. can again receive the benefit of your services, because this city needs the right kind of thinking that you have supplied to our Board for the last three years. Best regards. Sincerely yours, H. Sti11T•tell Brown Chairman Ithaca Planning Board B_Wx TTABER APED NTI, The Chairman T-lelcomed Mr, B. If. Taber s the neT.r member o Board,, "RLAL SURVEY The matter of a survey of the '}rest Hill Area was again discussed, Engineer Cans expressed the opinion that the Ci;;y should have a neer aerial survey of the entire City including r)pography maps,sine present aerial maps do not cover the bntire C.L Y and many are nova obsolete. He stated that is is especially desireable to have topography maps of the Uest Hill Area as three property oTtners have expressed intention of developing property in the area, f It was suggested that funds appropriated to the Board for the survey in the amount of $1500.00 might be used toT•rard a survey of the entire City and Commissioner O'Connor eras requested to soperatc ?,rith Mr. Cass and fir. Thorne in 'working out plans for such a survey. 146