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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1954 PLANNING BOAZ PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA,N.X. Executive Session 4:00 P.M. January 4, 1954 PRESENT: Chairman - Brown Commissioners - Metzgar, Dickens, Gaurni:er, Osborn, Price and Taber Aldermen - Wilkinson and Connolly M,�yor - Cook Assessor & Bldg. Commr.and Zoning Officer —Thorne Clerk - Blean DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: While in executive session before the Mayor, Aldermen and Mr. Thorne entered the meeting,discussion took place relative to the working out of plans and det^ils for the appointment of Mr. Thorne as Director of Planning and at the same time have him continue as Assessor until July 1, 1954. It was agreed that Mr. Thorne was the choice of members of the Planning Board for the position if details can be worked out satisfactorily. Mr. Thorne entered the meeting at this time and Chairman Brown explained all the details as discussed during the executive session, and pointed out that everything was subject to Council Approval. ler. Thorne accepted. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Osborn WHEREAS, after careful consideration of all aspects of the problems of Planning, �1 it is the unanimous opinion of members of the Planning Board that the services of a full-time Director of Planning is urgently needed to best serve the interest of the citizens of the City of Ithaca, NOW THERE OTS BE IT RESOLVED,- that the Common Council be and hereby is requested to create the position of Director of Planning, at an annual base salary of $6,500.00; and that the position be declared in the exempt group of employees under the Civil Service Rules of the City; and that the term of office be for three years with appointment by the Planning Board. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council be requested to amend the salary schedule accordingly. Motion Carried . By Commissioner Metzgar: seconded by Commissioner Price REcOLVED, that, upon creation of the position of Director of Planning by the Common Council, Henry C. Thorne be appointed Director of Planning for the City of Ithaca for term of three years at an annual base salary of $6,500.00, and that the salary as Director of Planning take effect as of July 1, 1954• Cazried By Commissioner Osborn: seconded by Commissioner Ketzgar WHEREAS, the services of a full-time Director of Planning will not be Lavailable to the Planning Board until July J'L 1954, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby respectfully request the Common Council that an amount up to $3,000.00 of the tentative budget for 1954 be earmarked for extra professional help to expedite and immediately complete the development plan for Iaest Hill. Carried QAC MOTI0117 the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A Blean City Clark 164 Tanners Ask\--, More Funds For Next Year The Planning Board today re- quisitioned the Common Coun- cil for $7,200 next year for the salary of `a. full-time planner, consultation` and drafting fees, and office expenses. The budget request was ac- companied by a lengthy.report emphasizing an immediate need for more planning. Signed' by Chairman H. Stilwell Brown,'the report stated, "There has come a time when future planning for the City of Ithaca is not only in creasmgly important, but actual- ly necessary." Board members approved ask ipg the Council for $4,400,,the planner's salary;,$2,000 for con sultatiori and drafting,and $800 for office supplies. This requisi- tion .is $3,400 more than the council budget for the board this year. The board' has spent only $2,500 of'the $3,2800 allocated. Several` proposed b u d g e t s ranging from $3,800'° to $10,000 were discussed before the board settled on the $7,200' as "an amount actually:needed." It was emphasized that the commission- ers,are not submitting a figure` with a thought'; to subsequent negotiations but are ready Jo justify a need for the specific amount designated. Cited as immediate' planning needs are a population research, master plan, capital budget, -of- ficial map, guidance of private developments and "Greater Ith- , aca." As for the last, the board noted that authority to do some- thing in that direction would de-, pend on the creation of a re- gional planning board. In• discussing the master plan; tie board talked of business dis- #ict planning that would in- Volvo studies of parking, shop p,mg habits; deliveries at the rear of _business establishemnts, ar- trial routes, development of such areas as West Hill-and the TitusFlats, recreational area studies, housing, future Indus . i trial sites and public buildings. The board's.capitalbudget pro posal ties in with the master'' plan in that long-term financing vouid be considered in connec- . ,On with the major undertak Ings. f I,. PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. j Regular beeting 4:00 P.M. January 11, 1954 f f PRESENT: Chairman - Brown CCommissioners - Yletzgar, Price, Dickens, Gaurnier, Osborn and Taber Zoning Officer - Thorne City Engineer - Cass Clerk - Blean MINUTES: Y nutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. BUDGET - 1954: Chairman Brown reported that the Council had approved a tentative budget of $7,800.00 for the Planning Board for the year 1954 with an amount of not to exceed $3,000.00 from the budget being earmarked for the immediate completion of the development plan for the West Hill area. i WEST HILL DMELORENT- PLAN: Discussion ensued regarding the completion of the plan, for the development of the West Hill Area. lir. Thorne reported that he can obtain the full time services of a graduate landscape architect to start work on this plan. He estimated that the complete plan could be finishedrby May 15, 1954 at a cost of $1,500.00. Commissioner Gaurnier insisted that an earlier dead line for the completion of the work be set. Although some of the Commissioners favored i April 15 as a dead line it was finally agreed to accept May lst. as the date. Commissioner Gaurnier asked that provisions be made for the deeding to the City I of all necessary street rights-of-way and repeated several times that the Board of Public 'forks expect that all such rights-of-way be deeded to the City by the respective developers. Mr. Thorne agreed to have a rough sketch of the street plan of the entire area ready for Board consideration at the next regular meeting to be held on February 8, 1954. By Commissioner Osborn: seconded by Commissioner Taber RESOLVED, that Mr. Thorne be authorized to proceedpwith extra help available, with the preparation of a rough sketch of the street plan of the entire area to be ready for consideration at the next regular meeting; and with final plans and sketches for presentation by Play 1, 1954; and that the earmarked funds from the 1954 tentative budget be used for this purpose. Carried CHAIRMAN: Chairman Brown announced that it would be in order to elect a chairman at this time and expressed the hope that since he had been chairman for several years a new one be selected at this time. On the suggestion of Commissioner Gaurnier, Chairman Brown agreed to appoint a committee of three members to act as a nominating committee to present a recommendation for chairman at the next regular meeting of the Board. ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS: Upon request of Chairman Brown, Engineer Cass reported briefly On the status of the State plans for arterial highways, and expressed the opinion that the plans for the tuning fork phase of the work were nearing the final stages, before presentation to the City for acceptance. ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. �: a Geo. A. Blean, City Clerk PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA,N.Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. February 8, 1954 PRESPUT: Chi firman - Brown Commissioners - Metzgar, Price, Dickens, Gaurnier, and Taber Chamber of Commerce Representative - L. P. Smith Director of Planning - Thorne City Engineer - Cass Clerk - Blean Chairman Brown noted with deep regret the death of l-ir. R. C. Osborn, husband of Commissioner Osborn, and extended to Firs. Osborn the sympathy of the entire Board in her bereavement. ROBERT D. BURGESS- - ASSISTANT TO PLANNER: Director Thorne reviewed a letter relative to the hiring of Robert D. Burgess as an assistant in Planning at the rate of $2.00 per hour, pending the establishment of a permanent salary range for this work. He explained that he had presented the matter first to the Council and that it had been referred back to this Board for recommendation. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Price RESOLVED, that the rate of $2.00 per hour for the services of Mr. Burgess be approved to continue at the pleasure of Director Thorne. Carried CHAIR111AN: Chairman Brown announced that he had appointed Commissioners Dickens, Taber and Iyietzgar as a nominating committee to make recommendation in regard to a chairman for the coming year and called upon Commissioner Dickens for his report at this time. In making his report Commissioner Dickens pointed out that the nominating committee as well as the entire Board feel that the present Chairman, Commissioner Brown,should be recognized and given credit for his leadership in gaining official recognition of this Board, for obtaining a satisfactory budget for the year 1954 and for obtaining the full-time services of a Director of Planning. Other members present concurred with Mr. Dickens. He then nominated Commissioner Price to succeed Mr. Brown as chairman for the ensuing year. Commissioner Price accepted the nomination with the understanding that, if the pressure of his job and other outside committments warrant it, he may be forced to relinquish the duties of chairman. By Commissioner Dickens: seconded by Commissioner Gaurnier M33SOLPED, that the recommendation of the nominating committee be accepted; and, there being no further nominations, that Commissioner Price be declared duly elected as Chairman of the Planning Board for the ensuing year. Carried MINUTES: Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. TABER DEVELOPMENT: The Clerk read a letter from Paul Taber, accompanied by three maps showing his development in Westmount Subdivision, requesting conditional approval of this subdivision as soon as possible. Director Thorne recommended such. approval. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Metzgar RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby approves conditionally the Westmount subdivision pians as presented by Mr. Taber. Carried SCHICKEL DEVELOPMENT: Mr. Norbert Schickel submitted plans for a development on Elm Street, adjacent to the west city line, designed to accomodate nine homes in this area, and also requested conditional approval by this Board. Director Thorne recommended such approval. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Taber RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby approves conditionally Mx.Schickel's Elm Street subdivision plans as submitted. Carried WEST HILL DEVELOPMENT PLML Director Thorne exhibited his rough sketch of a street plan for the entire West Hill area showing his proposed lay-out of all major streets. He expected a maximum of 10% grade on any street. He visioned the area furnishing 500 homes with an estimated future population of 3,300 people. After some discussion during which Chairman Price commended Nin. Thorne for his exhibition and presentation of the street plan it was agreed that a public hearing should be held affording all interested persons to view the plan before final approval. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Gaurnier RESOLVED, that a public hearing be held at the next regular meeting of the Planning Board, to be held March %, 1954 in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall at 4:00 P.M. at which time all interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to review the street plan for the entire West Hill area as presented by Director Thorne. j Carried 3 .' ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A- B t Clerk �rt PLANNING BOPIM PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA,N.Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M.. March 8,1954 PRESENT: Chairman - Price Commissioners - Ketzgar, Dickens, Gaurnier, Brown and Osborn Director of Planning - Thorne Engineer - Cass Clerk - Bldan U 'S• Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. WEST HILL DMLOPMT LAN: Chairman Price reported on a meeting of the West Hill C fte Associatiot held March 4, 1954 at which time Director Thorne appeared and piaesented his proposed street plan for the West Hill area. He stated that those present at that time including the majority of the present developers gave their general approval to the plan as presented. He also reported that the matter of acquiring the old Williams property for park purposes was discussed but that while a slight majority seemed to favor this idea there was no formal action taken in the matter, He reported that some sentiment seemed to favor the beautifying of both sides of the gorge extending through the property and that a committee from the Association have the matter understudy. He then suggested that a date be set for a formal hearing on West Hill street plan as prepared by Director Thorne. 4 By Commissioner Dickens: seconded by Commissioner Metzgar RESOLVED, that the West Hill street plan as prepared by Director of Planning Thorne be approved by the Planning Board subject to a public hearing thereon at a meeting of said Planning Board to be held on Monday, parch 22, 1954 at 4:00 Pai.; and that the City Clerk be authorized to advertise such public hearing. Carried TUN3NG FOEK REPORT: The Chairman called upon Mr. Fred Rogalsky, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Tuning Fork Committee, who presented and reviewed a written report compiled by his committee with the aid of the Superintendent of Public Works, City Engineer and Director Thorne. He noted the loss of approximately $302,500.00 , , in assessed valuation to provide for the necessary rights-of-way with a resulting f 1 lose of approximately $8,772.00 in city and school taxes, but pointed out that the state is expected to assume about $10,000.00 in maintenance costs of streets that will become arterial highways. By Commissioner Osborn: seconded by Commissioner Dickens RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby commends the Chamber of Commerce Tuning Fork Committee for the excellent report rendered and that the committee be urged to use every opportunity available to make the contents of the report known to the general public for the purpose of clarifying all aspects of the matter.' Carried POLLUTION: The Chairman read a resolution from the Tompkins County Federation of ( ` Sportsmen's Clubs regarding an alleged pollution of the wa6ers at the south end of Cayuga Lake adjacent to Stewart Park as it affects fishing, the propagation of other wild life, and water sports, especially swimming, in this area. The resolution urged the Planning Board as well as other official Board to take steps to curtail such pollution and study the question whether such results could be obtained at a fraction of the cost of building an outdoor swimming pool at Stewart Park, The Clerk was directed 6o acknowledge the resolution for possible future refer-. ence. OFF STREET PARMG: Chairmah Price caUed attention to and reviewed a proposal for an off street parking project to be operated by the herchants Division of the i Chamber of Commerce at 117-119 East Green Street. He called upon I•X. Cass who presented and reviewed several plans prepared some time ago relative to making various parcels of property in this vicinity adaptable for off street parking purposes. ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A. Blean, City Clerk PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Special Meeting 4:00 P.M. March 22, 1954 PRESENT: Chairman - Price Commissioners - Brown and Dickens Director of Planning - Thorne Clerk - Blean PUBLIC HEARING - WEST HILL STREET PLAN: Chairman Price opened the public he on the West Hill street plan advertised for this time. Residents of West Hill present included Mr. & Mrs. W. E. Mordoff, Miss Vida A. and Miss Marion E. Dunbar, Mrs. William Wilson, Mrs. John Graves, Norbert Schickel and George Minneah. Mr. & Mrs. Mordoff objected to the location of Campbell Avenue as extended to meet Chestnut Street because it is too close to their house. Mr. Mordoff expressed his willingness to cooperate with the City if details can be worked out to move the location of this street farther from his house and suggested that stakes be set to establish the exact location.. Objection was also registered regarding the removal of elm trees in this neighborhood. Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Graves objected to the name "Campbell Avenue" and both stated their preference for the name "Westfibld Drive". The Dunbars objected to the extension of Warren Place through their property to Elm Street. Chairman Price thanked those present for presenting their views in the matter and advised them that the., Planning Board would undertake a study of the objections presented. Due to a lack of a quorum it was decided to adjourn to reconvene at the call of the Chairman. Geo. A. Blean, City Clerk u. PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Adjourned Meeting, 7:00 P.M. April 7, 1954 PRESENT: Chairman - Price Commissioners - Dickens and Brown Director of Planning - Thorne Clerk - Blean WEST HILL STREET PLAN: Mr. Thorne explained objections raised at the public hearing had been overcome and it was decided to present the revised plan to the Council for approval. Geo. A. Blean, City Clerk -/rZ PLANNING .BOA.RD r ROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:60 p.m. may 10, 1954 PRP S?NTs Chairman - Price Commissioners _ Eetzgar, Dickens, Taber, Brown and Gaurnier Alderman - 'Wilkinson City Engineer - Cass Clerk - Blean MINUTES: Minutes of the preceding meeting -were duly, approved. LAJZA SUBDIVISION: f plot plan for Mr. Lajza's development on Warren Place was reviewed. Notes by hr. Thorne indicated that the preliminary design is workable but that final drawings are not ready for presentation and that intermediate street shown depended on its extension to Hook Place. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Netzgar RESOLVED, that the plot plan as presented be given preliminary approval provided that Hr. Lajza make changes at intersections and turn-around as discussed with Planning Director Thorne. Carried. GEO. hINEA.H SUBDIVISICN: A note from Mr. Thorne indicated that general designs contained in plot plan for Mr. hineah's development on Warren Place are acceptable but that revisions are pending and that final drawings are not ready for pre- sentation. No action taken. WESTY10UNT ASSOCItTES INC. SUBDIVISION: A plot plan for development of property on Hector Street by Westmount Associates Inc. was reviewed. A note from Mr.Thorne indicated that he is awaiting revision of local streets and the entrance from Hector Street is undertermined pending a land transfer. It was agreed that the plan be set aside as notconforming to the city's major street plan and that the architect, Mr. Tallman, be so notified. No formal action taken. PAUL,TABER SUBDIVISION: A plot plan for Paul Taber's development known as Westmount subdivision was reviewed. Chairman Price reported that it meets with all design regulations and that it has previously had preliminary approval by the Planning Board. No further action taken. JOHN V ''R DEVELOMNT: A plot plan for development of eleven lots owned by John Miller, III, in an area bounded by Cornell Street, Valley Road and East State Street was reviewed. A note from AYr. Thorne indicated insufficient drawings, entrance from Valley Road cannot comply with regulations,-reverse curve - no tangent-, starts too close to Elmwood Avenue, no dimensions or topography shown. No action taken. & E�RIAL PLAN - MUTE 13 BY-PASS: An alternate for arterial route 13 as it goes through the city was reviewed. Engineer Cass pointed out that the alternate must be considered as a by-pass as distinguished from an arterial plan offered by the State. He explained that the State plan offers to take traffic through the city rather than bypass it around the city. Commissioner Gaurnier pointed out that the alternate or by-pass route has been opposed from a State level because it has a grade crossing in it but stated that he would be glad to place it before State officials again at a meeting in Syracuse on May 21, 1954 which he hopes to attend with other city officials for a discussion of the entire arterial plan as it affects Ithaca. It was agreed that he do so. TMWAJZ PRO RTY: Alderman Alkinson inquired if the Planning Board had arq definite recommendation for the use of the Williams property if it were to be acquired by the City. He explained that the Common Council had-expressed an interest in acquiring the property from the County for a nominal sum and as a result he anticipated that the Board of Supervisors were going to offer the property to the City for the sum of $16,500.00. He suggested that a more lenient offer might be forthcoming if the land was designated for a public use such as a Playground. Commissioner Brawn stated that members of the West Hill Civic Association had expressed a desire that the areas adjacent on both sides to the creek running through this property be beautified and that the balance be made available for home building sites. An offer of $16,500. was considered excessive and it was suggested that the Board. of Supervisors be requested to consider selling to the City a small area on both sides of the creek for development and beautification. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: Upon inquiry from Commissioner Brown noted that final details will have to be worked out before Mr. Thorne can be relieved of his duties as Assessor and begin full time duties as Director of Planning. ON MOTIOR the meeting was adjourned. �. Geo. A. BLean, ...� Cit_v__=U33c a PLANNING BOJ RD PROCEEDDIGS Page 2 July 12, 1954 By Commissioner Osborn: seconded by Commissioner Gaurnier RESOLVED, that the present arrangement, with Mr. Thorne supervising as Director of Planning, be continued until such time as the services of a Bill time planner can be secured. Carried. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Metzgar RESOLVED, that the Chairman be authorized to appoint a committee to investigate and ascertain if the services of a full time planner can be secured, either to work under the supervision of lair. Thorne or take complete charge by himself, and report back to this Board at the earliest possible opp,;rtunity. Carried. Chairman Price announced that he would appoint such a committee at an early date. On motion the meeting was adjourned. ve&� Geo A Blean, City Clerk.,- -- COFIBINED YMETING - CM*EN COUNCIL, BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS PLANNING BOARD AND CITY SUPERVISORS Adjourned special meeting 8:30 p.m. J , 1954 . ddition to the City officials listed, several citizens an$aidents of . {se Creek, Bryant Tract and other sections of the city were $ent. » ok announced that the purpose of thi3 meeting was to discuss and ac �xembers of all the official city Boards with the various phases of the Tunin > ' '-Fork and the Route 13 by-pass. He advised that it was not in arq sense a public hearing on these matters. He assured interested persons who were present .:that such a public hearing would be held at some future time at which all would 'have a' chance to presaft their views. He then asked the Clerk to read letters which he had received regarding these problems. `"Letters,*Sre read from residents ,of the Bryant Tract area, the Fall Creek area, and the Citi-Federation of Women's Clubs. All endorsed the Thorne Plan and urged its submission for approval. :Mayor Cook then called on Superintendent Laverty who reviewed the history of the State's arterial pian for the City of Ithaca from 1946 to date. Mayor Cook advised that the latest estimate of the cost of the Tuning Fork was;;y$96O,000.00 pne-half of which must be borne by the City. Considerable support of the Thorne alternate plan for Route 13 by-pass was registered while it was pointed out by others that the Federal government will not participate in it because of a railroad crossing and that therefore the State will not approve it. By Alderman Wilkinson: seconded by Alderman Scott ;:RESOLVED, that the Thorne plan be presented by the Common Council to the State Department of Public Works for consideration and official action regarding its acceptance and inclusion in the arterial plans for the City of Ithaca. Carried Supervisor Hall recommended that the CounWe stand in the matter be made known to Assemblyman Ashberry and Congressman Taber. Mayor Cook then announced his appointment of a committee consisting of one member each from the OMaal bodies gathered at this meeting. The Committee was comprise{c} 0 ;#-,he fo. . James Conley, Supervisor; Don Price, Planning Board; Robes;Wilkinson,,Ecidmnon Council; L. J. Gaurnier, Board of Public,Works. He recoaanended that the Committee study the cost and other phases of the arterial plan as they develop and report °their findings to the Council. ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A, Blean, City Clerk FLMI ING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF TTHACA,N.Y. Regular Meeting 4: 00 p.m. June 14, 1954 PFi�;SENT: Mayor - Cook Chairman - Price Commissioners - Metzgar, Brown, Osborn, Gaurnier Chamber of Commerce Representative - L. P. Smith Engineer - Cass Clerk - Blean IMMS:U S: Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. D CTOR OF PLANNING: Chairman Price read a letter from H. C. Thorne explaining that it will be impossible for him to relinquish his duties as Assessor and devote full time to Director of Planning as of July 1, 1954. Eayor .Cook called attention to the importance of retaining the services of an experienced Assessor while the reappraisal of real property in the City is being made and, since he has been unable to find a qualified assessor to succeed Air. Thorne, recommended that he be continued in that capacity for at least six months. Individually and collectively members of the Planning Board expressed great dissapointment that the services of a full time planner vril.l not be available as contemplated on July 1, 1954, but were all agreed that hr. Thorne should continue to serve as Assessor during the period of revaluation at least. Commissioner Brown recommended hiring of a full.-time planner who would be made more responsible to the Planning Board than Mr. .Thorne can be under the present circumstances. He advocated the hiring of someone recently graduated from" a planning school at an estimated annual salary of $4,400.00 to work for the present under the supervision of Mr. Thorne and that lair. Thorne be paid from the Planning Board's budget for his supervision. Commissioner Gaurnier called attention to the pending problems of annexation and stressed the importance of having a full-time planner in the event of annexation of the Village of Cayuga Heights or any part of the Town of Ithaca to prevent undesirable planning In any annexed areas. He objected to hiring an unexperienced person and warned that if annexation comes about and experienced one will be needed immediately who will be subordinate to no one except the Planning Board On recommendation of Commissioner Gaurnier, Chairman Price was direoted to make a study of the matter and present a composite plan for consideration at the next meeting. ART��TIAL ROUTES: Commissioner Gaurnier reported that on a recent visit to the Syracuse office of the State Department of Public Works he had been advised that hr. Thorne's alternate proposal for arterial route -,13 as it affects the City will definitely not be approved by the State. Since the Federal Government will not provide any funds for such an undertaking,, the State will not approve it. He pointed out that traffic counts indicate that 83% of all traffic coming over this route has a local destination and that the cost of the alternate to provide for the 15% through traffic is considered unjustifiable. He further reported that plans for the Tuning Fork and other phases of the arterial routes for Ithaca are progressing and that cost estimates to the City All be made available soon so that if the City approves, work may be started about April 1, 1955• He predicted that if Ithaca turns down the arterial proposal at this time that it will be a long time before any other arterial planning is done for Ithaca. CITY UAQ&LIBRARY Commissioner Brown proposed that the Library Building be completely modernized asaCity Hall and -that the old City Hall be rennovated for the use of the Library. He estimated the cost at $500,000.00. Some discussion ensued but no action was taken. Oil LOTICK the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A. Blean, j City Clerk I LMAW k � a PLLNNING BOARD PROCMDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. July 1.2, 1954. PRESENT: Chairman - Price Commissioners - Netzgar, Osborn, Dickens, Taber, Brown and Gaurnier Chamb. of Comm. Representative - L P Smith Director of Planning - Thome City Engineer - Cass City Clerk - Blean 1 U : Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. ROUTE 13 SASS: A delegation headed by Mr Murray VanMarter, representing the Fall Creek Civic Ass'n., and one headed by N,r Wm. Black, representing Bryant Park Civic Ass'n., were present to be heard regarding the State's proposal for taking route 13 bypass through the city. Mr Murray voiced his group's opposition to the State's proposal and their backing of rSr Thorn's proposal or any other com parable alternate. The Bryant Park group voiced their approval of any version of the Thorne plan which will provide an alternate agreeable to both groups concerned. Chairman Price called upon Mt. Thorne who reviewed his proposal in detail. He ex- plained that it provides for the elimination of the very serious traffic hazard adjacent to Stewart Park entrance, taking heavy traffic off the city streets, saving large trees on N Cayuga Street from being removed, and reducing the number of street crossings over the route, none of which have been eliminated in the State's proposal. Comm. Gaurnier predicted that any route 13 bypass will }got be built within the next five years at least and advised that the city should first decide on the Tuning Fork phase of the aerteri.al plan and, if approved and constructed, give it a two or three year trial which may eliminate the need for any bypass at all. He suggested that the tuning fork question be decided by referendum. ASr Thorne called attention to the fact that delay in approving an alternate bypass route leaves the war open for building construction which may interfere with road building in the future or prove very costly when it comes to securing rights-of-way hr John Burns from Bryant Tract suggested that the Board go on record in regard to lair Thorn's proposal. Mr Thorne stated that it provides for the best land use in his opinion on a long range planning basis and suggested that it be approved and made a part of the official planning map. Much discussion ensued regarding the tuning fork and its problems. Traffic counts taken over the past three years, trends and known movements of traffic in certain blocks on State Street, peak trafi.c hours and their variations from year to year were noted by rir Cass. After all present had been given an opportunity to express their views on both matters Chairman Price thanked them for being present and advised that the matter would be given further study by the Planning Board. AEg=IQ STREETS: Chairman Price reported that the Traffic Commission had request ed the Planning Board to designate aerterial streets 'in the city. Mr Thorne agreed to have a report on this matter ready for the next meeting. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: Chairman Price reviewed the Planning Board's current budget and expenses to date and then presented a proposal for the balance of this year as follows: Director of Planning - part-time services at the rate of $1,000.00 per year .. .. .. . .........$ 500.00 City planner - at the rate of $4500. pr yr. ...... 2,250.00 Draftsman - at the rate of $50.00 per week ..... 19300:00 Miscellaneous - supplies,equipment, extra help ..... 900.00 $4,9502 ,0 If the above plan were adopted we would need the services of a young man to fill the position of City Planner, who would be an understudy to the present Director of Planning, H. C. Thorne. In doing so it would be necessary to have a salary range set up of probably from $4,500. to $6,500. with annual increments of $200. to apply This man should be a college graduate, preferably in architecture, and an effort should be made to secure one who has majored in City Planning. One alternative of this proposal would be to continue as we have been doing with tl possible recommendation that we endeavor to secure additional help and thus be able to accomplish more. The situation could then be reviewed in November prior to pre- pgring the budget for 1955• With the possibility that lir Thorne would not be available as full time Director of Planning until Jan. 1, 1956 or later, still another alternatfxve would be to go back to the original plan and engage a full time Director of Planning as soon as possibl- ,, p;r. Thorne assured members of the Board that, ,with sufficient help to do detailed work, he could continue as Director of Pla=dng in addition to his duties as Assessor and Building Comm. j WA PLANNING BOARD PROCEED110S CITY OF ITHACA.N.Y. Special Meeting 4:00 P.M. August 2, 1954 PRESENT: Chairman - Price C4 miissioners' - Taber, Gaurnier, Hrown, and Osborn Chamber of Commerce Representative - L. P. Smith City Engineer - Cass Clerk Blean M:. Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. Chairman Price explained that this special meeting had been called for the purpose of taking action on the so called Thorne Plan submitted as an alternate for taking the proposed route #13 by-pass traffic through the city. He read a letter prepared by Planning Director Thorne covering approval of the plan and urging the Council to approve and include it in the official map of the city. The matter was reviewed and discussed in detail. Commissioner Brown repeatedly suggested approval provided route #13 by-pass is constructed stating that he felt it would be needed otherwise. Other discussion ensued regarding the recommendation that it be placed oL the official map of the city at this time, and it was finally agreed that this part of the recommendation be deleted. Commissioner Gaurnier objected to t u use of land for an indefinite period and further objected to action tying �? �' P j i on this matter at this time when he felt that action of the tuning fork issue should be taken first. He therefore stated that he wished to abstain from voting at this time. By Commissioner Brown: 'seconded by Commissioner Taber RESOLVED, that the alternate plan entitled "Alternate Plan for Route 13 by--pass through Ithaca, City Planning Board, 1953-54, be and the same hereby is approved; and that the Planning Board urges its approval by the Common Council of the City j of Ithaca. Ayes - 4 : Taber, Brown, Price and Osborn Nays - 0 Not voting - 1 : Gaurnier Motion Carried TRAFFIC SURVEY: Commissioner Brown called attention to an origin and destination survey of traffic made in 1946 regarding Route 13 traffic which at that time revealed that 85% of the traffic was for local destination and only 15% through traffic. He suggested that the Planning Board make a request to have this information brought up to date by having another such survey made. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Gaurnier RESOLVED, that the Mayor be requested to make an appeal to the State Highway Department to conduct another origin and destination survey at this timeg particularly as it affects traffic on the proposed relocation of Route 13. Carried ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned at the call of the chairman. CLQ, Geo. A. Blean, City C3,erk i i Yf✓'. sPLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS ~`T ., ' ' •;;° . CITY OF ITHACA N.Y. ;,M f` Special b;eeting 4:00 P.M. August 319 l Present: Chairmani - Price Commissioners - Dickens, Taber, Gaurn er, and Brown Chamber of Commerce Representative - L. P. Smith City Engineer - Cass Director of Planning - Thorne Deputy City Clerk - Sinsabaugh MINUTES: Minutes of the preceeding meeting were duly approved. Chairman Price explained that this meeting had been called to further discuss the subject of ars"alternate plan for route f13 by-pass"as to becoming a part of the official City map. He then called upon Planning Director Thorne who stated his views and beliefs in regard to this route, citing problems that could arise. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Taber RESOLVED, that the "Alternate Plan for Route 7#13, by-pass" as approved by the Planning Board on August 2, 1954 be made a part of the official map of the City of Ithaca, and that the Planning Board urges its approval by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca. Ayes: 4 - Taber, Brown, Dickens and Price Nays: 0 Not voting: 1 - Gaurnier Motion Carried Engineer Cass on questioning gave the progress to date on the West Hill,,develop- ments of Paul Taber and the Lajza-Ninesh development adjoining Warren Place,. The report showed definite progress in those areas. ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. .47-. ! Howard J. iinsabaugh Deputy City Clerk PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA,N.Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 P.M. September 13, 1954 Psr�se�a c Chairman - Price Commissioners - Brown, Metzger, Dickens, Gaurnier and Osborn Director of Planning - Thorne Clerk .- Blean MDT?UTES: Minutes of the last regular meeting and the special meeting held August 51, 1,054 were duly approved. SCHICKEL Dr.,WLOPMENT - ELMCREST CIRCLE: Mr. Schickel presented a request for an extension of time on the preliminary approval of ,a. plat plan for his new develop- ment on Elmerest Circle. He then submitted his final Plat for this subdivision and requested final Board approval. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Osborn RESOLVED, that final approval as requested by Nm. Schickel be given to his plat for Elmerest development, contingent upon his compliance with Board of Public Wurks regulations and contingent upon actual completion of the various detail require- ments under the subdivision Regulations of the City of Ithaca; and subject to a public hearing thereon, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be authorized and directed to adver- tise a public hearing on this matter to be held Tuesday, September 21, 1954, at . . 3:00 p.m. E.D.S.T. , as required by Section 32 of the General City Law. t Carried SPENO ESTATE DEVELOPMENT - HUDSON STREET: Plat plans and a request for approval'' were presented by Fred Rogalsky, on behalf of the Speno Estate, covera.ng an area on Hudson Street adjacent on the south to the Frank Speno Estate property and divided into five lots. It was noted that all utility services are available in this area. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Osborn RESOLVED, that final approval as requested be given contingent upon actual completion of the various detail requirements under the Subdivision Regulations of the City of Ithaca; and subject to a public hearing to be held thereon, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk be and hereby is authorized and directed to advertise a public hearing on this matter to be held Tuesday September 21, 1954 at 3:00 p.m. E.D.S.T. , as required by Section 32 of the General City Law. Carried JOHN MIIJ.ER DEVELOPFIENT: A plat plan for John Miller's development in the area bounded by Cornell Street, Valley Road and the Sawdon property on E. State Street was reviewed. 11r. J. D. Gallagher appeared on behalf of the developer and indicated willingness to await Board approval pending further developments in regard to negotiating for purchase of the Sawdon property. No action was taken. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: Chairman Price made a progress report in respect to the matter of obtaining the services of a full time Planner and expressed the hope that a final report would be ready for the next meeting of the Board. NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCEr7heChairman called attention to the National Planning Conference to be held in Phila.uelphia, Pa. on September 26 to 30, 1954, and explain- ed that Director Thorne has been authorized by the Council to attend. He suggested that at least one Planning Board member should be authorized to attend also. By Commissioner Osborn: seconded by Commissioner Dickens RESOLVED, that the Council be requested to authorize Chairman Price or a member of the Planning Board to attend this conference at city expense. Carried EXTP,A HELP: Director Thorne called attention to the continuing change of personnel who are working on planning work in his office and urged Board members to be on the alert for replacements. In this connection he reported on a sub standard housing survey just completed by Yxs. Richards. He indicated that the next project would be a survey of recreational facilities. ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. 1 Geo. A. Blean, City Clerk r1- PLANNING BOARD - PUBLIC HEARING Sed Jmber 2l 1 4 :00 .m `e 95 3p Present; Comni.ssiones - Pi".ce and Gaurnier Aldermen - -Komaromi and Visnyei Director of Planning - Thorne Clerk - Blean SP---1-N0 ESTATE EIAPMT - HUDSONSTHEET: The Clerk read an advertisement of a public hearing to be held at this time to consider final plans for the development of an area on Hudson Street owned by the Speno Estate. Mr. Lloyd Slater, President of the South Hill Civic Association, Aldermen Komaromi and Visnyei and other residents of f the South Hill area appeared and urged the Planning Board to delay approval of the plans pending provision being made for a right-of-way across the Speno property for the extension of Grandview Avenue through to Hudson Street. Mr. Harold LaBonte, representing the Speno Estate, appeared and explained that a right-of-way for this purpose had at one time been offered to the city but when time came to dispose of the present lots he had been advised that the city was no longer interested. He offered to sell lot -4,43 to the City or South Hill Civic Association for $2,000.00 or reserve 25 feet of tbLa lot for a right-of-wap. It was explained that the main objeci..ion to extending this street was presented by residents of the Aurora Heights housing development. In turn the owners thereof objected and therefore the only way a right-of-way across this property could be obtained would be by condemnation proceedings and this would involve the Federal Government because of a FHA mortgage on the property. Area residents pointed out that many of the families *? originally objected have .00 moved away and that with changing conditions caused by tha New South Hill School being built and other factors involved may remove former objections. It was urged that action be delayed pending another meeting of the South IN-= Civic Association scheduled for early in October. Commissioner Price explained that no formal action could be taken at this time in any event and that it would come up for final action at the next regular meeting of the Planning Board on October 11,, 1954. In the meantime Mr. Slater was advised to consult with the City Attorney and residents of the Aurora Heights development in an effort to remove their objections. Engineer Cass was asked to investirsate whet1XW the 25 foot right-of-way offered by fir. LaBonte will offer any soluti--.. 1. far as the Speno Estate is concerned. Eli ,CIRCLE: No one appeared before the Board to be heard regarding Ym. Schickel's development on Elm Street known as "Elmcrest Circle." PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA,N.Y. Regular meeting 4:00 p.m. October 11, 1954 Present: Chairman - Price Commissioners - Metzgar, Dickens, Taber, Gaurnier, Osborn, Brown MUTES: Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. SEM ESTATE, DEV E &EMENT: Chairman Price reviewed the public hearing held on September 21, 1954_regarding the Speno development and reported that since then the Board of Public Works had approved the purchase of lot #1 from the Speno Estate to pave the way for the extension of Grandview Avenue if found to be feasible in the future. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Dickens WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works have approved the purchase of lot �1, being the southeasterly lot of the Speno Estate on Hudson Street, to provide a right-of-way for the future extension of Grandview Avenue from Aurora to Hudson Street, and WHEREAS, the Common Council has appropriated the sum of $2,000.00 for the purchase of said lot, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby finally approves the plan as submitted for the remaining four lots of the Speno Estate on Hudson Street. Carried GRANDVIEW AVENUE EM21ON: After discussing the proposed extension of Grandview Avenue it was agreed that the Planning Board should take action in this respect. By Commissioner Osborn: seconded by Commissioner Metzgar RESOLVED, that the Planning Board .approve in principle the conception that there should be a connecting link between Aurora and Hudson Streets somewhere in the vicinity of Grandview Avenue. Carried ANUMU& STREETS: Director Thorne presented a map showing streets to be desig- nated as arterial streets in the city together with his report of this matter. His report pointed out that there was some difference of opinion as to the meaning of arterial streets and felt that the request as presented from the Traffic Commission Mas a li tle va in this res ct. t s me dis us 41-1- the tt r was referred �- e to ��recto�horne for ;re��ew w �. �Bwis, �ic Consu�an�. PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS Page 2 October 11, 1954 PLAh''NINGCQNFERIIdC s Chairman Frice reported on his attendance at the National Planning Conference held in Philadelphia, Pa. September 23-30. PLQNU4G DIRECTM: Chairman Price read a report indicating that several qualified and experienced planners would be available for appointment as Planning Director on or before January 1, 1955• He reported that he had met several of these men at the Planning Conference in Philadelphia and discussed the matter with them and that all of them seemed quite interested in the job here. He further reported that the salary range within which any of these men, with one exception, could be engaged seems to lie between $5,500. and $6,000. with the assurance that he would be spending several years in Ithaca during which he would have the opportunity to obtain annual increments of $200. or $300. Director Thorne again informed the Board that he felt there was greater need for additional help to .assist in obtaining data needed in planning than for the services of a full-time director at this time. At this point in the discussion he left the meeting. Although there was some feeling that action be delayed at this time until Mayor Cook has been consulted regarding the possibility that Mr. Thorne can be relieved of his duties of Assessor and be available on January 1, 1955 as a full-time Director of Planning, yet it was generally agreed that the Board take a definite stand at this time in the matter. It was also generally agreed that if Mr. Thorne is avail- able on January 19 1955 he would make the best candidate for planning director. By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Metzgar RESOLVED, that the Planning Board approve the hiring of a full-time Director of Planning, effective January 1, 1955• Ayes: 6 Nays: 0 Not Voting: 1 - Taber Motion Carried By Commissioner Brown: seconded by Commissioner Metzgar RESOLVED, that the position of Director of Planning be offered to kir. Thorne, effective January 1, 1955; and if Mr. Thorne declines, then the Chairman be authorized to seek others who may be available for the position. Carried It was agreed that Chairman Price and Commissioner Taber be delegated as a Committee to confer with Mayor Cook in this matter. BUDGET - 1955: A budget requisition for the coming year of 1955 was discussed. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Brown RESOLVED, that a tentative budget request in the amount of $8,500.00 for the year 1955 be approved; and that it be forwarded to the Common Council for consideration. Carried ON MOTION the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A. Blean City Clerk PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA.N.Y. Regular t:eeting 4 p.m. December 13, 1954 PRESENT: : Chairman - Price Commissioners - hetzgar, Osborn, Dickens, Gaurnier, Brown and Taber Engineer -Cass .Clerk - Blean NINUTES: Minutes of the preceding meeting were duly approved. SCHOOL BOITZD NONIATPTING COI iITT-,-E: The Clerk read a letter from Wm. L. Gragg requesting that two members be designated to attend a meeting of the Committee on School Elections to be held January 31, 1955 for the purpose of providing a nominating committee to select candidates for the clay school board election. Chairman Price designated Commissioners Osborn and Fetzgar. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: The Clerk read a letter from a 11ir. Aiurlin R. Hodgell and one from Richard W. McGinnis expressing interest in the job of Director of Planning. Commissioner Taber reported on consultations with Mayor Cook and Mr. Thorne relative to the position of full time Director of Planning. He reported that payor Cook is in accord with the Planning Board's desire to have a full time Director by January 1, 1955 but that he has not yet found a qualified person to appoint as Lssessor. He reported that Mr. Thorne has expressed his desire to be Director of Planning dependent upon the Mayor's decision. Commissioner Gaurnier expressed his belief that this matter has already been delayed too long and that if annexation of the village of Cayuga Heights is approved that a full time Director will become more essential than ever. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Osborn RESOLV:. , that the Planning Board respectfully request the Mayor to relieve Yx. Thorne of his duties as kssessor in order that he may serve as full time Director of Planning., effective January 1, 1955; with the understanding that Mr. Thorne will be available as a consultant to a new Assessor on a temporary basis, AAD BE IT 1URTHER RESOLVED, that the annual a&lary of $6,500. for the position of Director of Planning be and hereby is approved. Carried It was agreed that Commissioners Price and Taber should contact the Mayor as soon as possible and present the Board's views and request in this, matter. ON MOTIOF the meeting was adjourned. Geo. A. B''_ean, City Clerk 178 , I PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. Special Meeting 4:00 p.m. December 29, 1954 PRESEiv'T: Fayor - Cook Chairman - Price Commissioners - Brown, Metzgar, Gaurnier, Osborn Alderman - Wilkinson Clerk - Blean Ii DIRECTOR OF PLANNING: Chairrwn Price announced that he had called this special f meeting to further consider the matter of hiring a full-time Director of Planning since Mr. Thorne will not be available on January 1, 1955 as expected. He presented a letter in this respect from Mr. Thorne, dated December 24, 1954, which was read by the Clerk. In his letter Mr. Thorne emphasized that it is his duty to remain as Assessor and requested a leave of absence for 1955 as Director of Planning. Mr. Price reported on his telephone conversation with Mr. Richard McGinnis of Columbus, Ohio, regarding this position. He reported that Mr. McGinnis, who is a Cornell graduate and who is familiar with Ithaca and knows Mr. Thorne since he worked for him part-time during his student days at Cornell, is interested in returning to Ithaca in planning work if an offer assuring him some permanency and future can be extended him. Mayor Cook stated that Mr. Thorne will be definitely needed as Assessor for another six months or possibly longer and therefore hesitates to ask the Planning Board to further delay action in securing a full-time Director of Planning. He expressed his approval of hiring someone to work as a planning aide under super- vision of Mr. Thorne at present. After further `discussion it was generally agreed to invite Mr. McGinnis to i come to Ithaca for an interview relative to his accepting a position as a planning aide under the supervision of Er. Thorne. By Commissioner Gaurnier: seconded by Commissioner Osborn j RESOLVED, that an invitation be extended to Mr. McGinnis to come to Ithaca, at city expense, for an interview with members of the Planning Board, the Finance Committee of the Common Council and the Mayor; and that such an interview be arranged as soon as possible. Carried i ON NOTION the meeting was adjourned. j GP- Geo. A. Blean, City Clerk I i i { l i IS