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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
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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
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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.•�-
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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