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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-1963 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITRkCA, N. Y. Special Meeting 4s00 p.m. January 7, 1968 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs lisp.Egan, F. Egan., Hall, Hines and Peabody. AISO : Mrs. Rogers., Mr, Chatfield., Mr, Egner., Cornell Sun, Director Niederkorn and Mr. Bonner. MEETING called to order at 4:10 p,m. INTRODUCTION OF WT NWER: Mr. Ceracche introduced Mr. 1h. Egan to the Board. He will fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of term of Mrs. Harrison. CHOIRMAN'S REPORT: Mr. Ceracche reported that in a recent meeting with the Mayor he had outlined the planning board's thought concerning a C.R.P. for the City of Ithaca. He had advised the Mayor that,, inasmuch as the preparation of a C.R.P. application was a lengthy and time-consuming process and inasmuch as the community is already agreed as to the need for renewal in the west end and college town, it m uld be to the city's benefit to defer action on the C.R.P. for the time being and start immediately on the applications for funds to pursue survey and plan- ning activities in two project areas - west end and college town. The Chairman noted that this procedure would hasten the urban renewal process considerably, and also aid relocation efforts. Mr. Ceracche reported to the Board that the Mayor was in favor of this procedure. i1r, Peabody made the following motions RESOLVED., that because of economy and efficiency to be gained, the Planning Board recommends to the Common Council that immediate application be made for funds to pursue survey and planning activities in the west end and college town areas and that any action on a Community Renewal Program be deferred for the present. Seconded by Mr. F, Egan. CARRIED REPORT OF HOUSING-& REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Mr. Peabody reported that he and the Director had formulated a series of statements concerning policy of the community in the preparation of plans for Project I. In addition., the com- mittee had met and discussed the statements and were now presenting them to the Board for their approval and submission to ' Common Council. The suggested policy statements regarding the Center-Ithaca Renewal Project are as follows: 1, Detailed studies for the Center-Ithaca project will be starting from a solid foundation of data., analysis and opinion. This background material should be used to the fullest extent possible recognizing that there is no obligation beyond fundamental premises. 2. Parking and ease of traffic movement are viewed as major problems to be solved in renewal plans for the downtown area. 3. Parking proposals should be part of a completely thought out plan of high quality for the entire Center-Ithaca project. 4. Plans and proposals for Center-Ithaca should be concerned vi th rebuilding to an extent necessary to achieve a pleasing, workable downtown sad limited only by rebuilding opportunity and the city's finsacial capacity. 5. (tile maximum rebuilding is recommended, special attention should be given to preservation of existing buildings which can be economicallyyand architecturally integrated into the new patterns. 6. Because of need, definite consideration should be given to the scheduling of downtown renewal so that relief from the parking problem is among the first things accomplished. 7. Badly needed public buildings should form a prominent part of downtown renewal activities. Plans and proposals for public building sites should reflect the need for early construction. 8. It is the opinion of this Board that the planning and carrying out of the Center-Ithaca project, and others to follow, should be handled in such a way as to result in a pleasing, harmonious and practical whole, Mr. Peabody made the following motion: RESOLVED, that the City Planning Board approves the policy statements as set forth in the Committee Report. Seconded by Mr. Egan, CARRIED. W. Niederkorn reported that the Urban Renewal Committee of the Coon Council is now at work selecting a Renewal Administrator, Of the 6 men previously inter- viewed, 4 were selected for final consideration. But of the 4 selected for final consideration, only 1 was now available. In the interest of assuring a wide choice and good selection advertisements of the position are being re-entered in the planning journals. It is unlikely that a suitable man for the job will be picked before February. MEETING ADJOURNED at 5:15 p.m. Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner 1/763 _ 2 PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA$ N. Y. Regular Meeting 400 p.m. Jaluary 21, 1963 I PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs s. F. Egan, 1hn. Egan, Hall & Peabody. ALSO: Mrs. Rogers, Messrs. Chatfield, Egner, Golder, Director Niederkorn & Bonder MEETING cal]e d to order at 4:10 p.m. MINUTES of Dec. 17, 1962,regular meeting and Jan. 7, 1963,special meeting duly approved. APPOINTMENT OF VI04H&IWAN: With the concurrence of the Board, Chairman Ceracche appointed Frank Egan as Vice-Chairman. APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEESs Mr. Ceracche made the following appointments to standing committees of the Board.- Executive oard:Executive & Liaison Ceracche, Hines, F* Egan Housing & Redevelopment - Angell, Peabody, F. Egan Codes & Ordinances - Hines, W. Egan, Hall General Plan & Capital Improve.- Ceracche, Peabody, W. Egan, Angell Community Facilities & Services - F. Egan, Hall, ,Angell i l Chairmen of the committees are listed first. STAFF REPORTS: Cost - Revenue Stud •- The Director stated that the staff is now preparing a study of M c st of city services as related to the revenue gained from the provision of these services. He noted that this type of study would aid community officials in many decisions to be made. Costs and revenues xUl be compared both as to neighbor- f hoods of the city and as to land uses. Additional Studies - Mr. Niederkorn also informed the Board that the final draft j of bothe recreation and land use studies are now completed. They vi ll be pre- sented to the Board in the near future. Urban Renewal. - The Director noted that several new applications for the position of enew nistrator had been received. These applications will be screened by the Common Council Committee on Urban Renewal. He also stated that the policy statements proposed by the Board at the Jan. ?, special meeting have been forwarded to the Common Council. Realonal Report on Municipal Services - The Director asked if the Board wished to take any action on their re erral to the Regional Board a directive from the Counca to study areas of annexation to the city. Mr. Hall reported briefly on the work of the newly-formed Annexation Committee, of which he is the chairman. Mr. Hall asked f r i that all members of the Board be provided with a copy of the F.F. Hill speech delivered before the Rotary Club, the Greater Ithaca Fact-Finding Committee Report, and Mr. Chatfieldts series of radio editorials on the subject of provision of municipal services. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Coddington Road Area - The Director informed the Board that a public hearing on the Coddington Road annexed area zoning would be held at 4:00 p.m. in the planning offices on February 6, 1968. City Planning Board Annual Report - Work is starting on the preparation of the Zgulal report of the City-Ylanning Board to the Common Council. Included in this report will be the annual review of the Zoning Ordinance and the Housing Code. MEETING ADJOURNED at 5:10 p.m. Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner I I I 1/21/65 .. 2 - y v PLANNING BOARD eAOCEEL CITY OF ITHACA, 11. Y. Regular F: ,:t:in 4:00 T�.r-.. FF-braaiy _&, 1.y63 Pi?FS'r. : Chairman a-racche, . rs. Angell, l;iessrs. Hines, Ira. Egan, and F. Egan. ALSO: Ed Aelchen, Director Niederkorn, r. nonner and 1_r. f-aloma. .W..T T Nr callea to order at 4:00 p.m. '.10UTES of January 21, regular meeting dul. a; proved. CC`r7'Ui'ICAT IONS: Board of Education - The Ithaca School Board Nominating Committee asked for r­cx­ mendations or suggestions from the Planning Board as to possible nominees for the 7thaoa Board of Education. The members present felt the matter should be tabl,:a temporarily. Members will consider the matter and communicate any recommendation;: '►:o the Director for transmittal to the Nominating Committee. P. K. Hough Proposal - ter. 3. K. Hough, a local soils engineer, submitted a cost proposal as requested on the preparation of studies in the Inlet Valley concernirtg the engineering characteristics of the soil. The Board felt that the detailed studies as requested were not necessary at this time. In the event detailed plans are prepared as part of an urban renewal program these studies via ll be made. Cc:mcil Committee on Urban Renewal - The Director read a letter from Alderman hei t.; :Ic.de' requesting that a member of the Planning Board be chosen to act as an ex-officio member of the Common Council Committee on Urban Renewal. Mair. Hine. nmovtyci that Lars. Angell be assigned as an ex-officio member of the Common Council Ccmmittec on, Urban Renewal. Mr. F. Egan seconded the motion. CARRIE. PA'1T-TI1-;E HELY: The Director introduced Honorato Paloma, a student in the Dept. ;;i City and degional Planning at Cornell from the Ph_i.lippi.nes,as a prospective part-time planner. l:.r. F. Egan made the following motion: 'SOLVED. that Honorato G. Paloma be hired, effective Fei . 11, 1963, as a part-tune Senior Draftsman at grade 20 of the compensation plan of the City of Ithaca. ':iot'.on seconded by hrs. Angell. CARRIED. &ST WD DEVELOP14ENT i'LAN: Er. Niederkorn .eported that the Greater Ithaca Regic -10 Planning Board had stated its willingness to !,,he City Planning Board in the ;reparation of a development plan for the. Inlet 7:11ey. He stated that preliminary surveys had begun in the area. There was a general discusai on among the. ;:embers of thF! problems ar-Lu", difti oto? Lies which must be overcome. Me W rector noted. Wiato several policy decisions .-yc,uld have to or: made initially t:,) provide a concep-tc�11 frametrork within ­rhich t}tt dan coiad be, prt-pared.. A series of mevtiiw..s will. L)r hE ld by the Gonaral flan 'jo.-,I4ttee in. tim 1':'+r1^.7.du- :ill(4 dc-r i u,:) 3 I-A-gn, for the. ,,Llet 11811ey. J STAFF REPORTS: Urban Renewal - The Director reported that Council had authorized the Committee on Urban Renewal to negotiate with a group of planners and architects from the College of Architecture at Cornell. He also stated that interviews are still being conducted in an effort to select a Renewal Administrator. Mr. Niederkorn noted that an economic consultant had not yet been selected. Mr. Hines wondered if the planning consultant shouldntt be given the opportunity to select the economic consultant inasmuch as the two will be working closely together. Mr. Hines made the following motion: RESOLVED, that the Planning Board goes on record requesting the Urban Renewal Com- mittee to ask the newly-formed planning consultant group for recommendations as to a suitable economic consultant and submit name of acceptable firm or firms for Common Council approval at the March meeting of Common Council. Seconded by Mr. Wim. Egan. CARRIED. Public Hearing - The Director reported that a public hearing on the re-zoning of the newly-annexed Coddington Rd. Area was held on Begruary 6, 1963. No public attendance was reported. MEETING adjourned at 6:00 p.m. Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner i 218/68 _ 2 .. IL l®� PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITIACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. March 18, 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Mr. Wh. Egan and Mr. Hines. ALSOs Mrs, Rogers, Mayor Ryan, Messrs. DeYoung, Chatfield, Golder, Hull, Melchen, Paloma, Niederkorn and Bonner. MEETING called to order at 4:10 p.m. MINUTES of February 18, meeting duly approved. CORRESPONDENCE: Chairman Ceracche read a letter from the West End Businessmen's Association outlining 4 recommendations of that organization for eventual development of the West End: Maintenance of the present east-west arterials (Green & Seneca); renewal of 4-block area surrounding State & Meadow for commercial use; use of the area between Fulton and the new flood control channel, north to Court St. for business, industrial and public recreation; and use of remaining land north of Court St. and west of the inlet for residential and public land use. Mr. Ceracche thanked the organization for the interest they had expressed and assured that consideration will be given to these proposals. GENERAL PLAN REPORT (Id LAND USE: Mr. Bonner distributed copies of a preliminary general plan report on the existing land use in the City of Ithaca,# to members of the Board. This report is another in a series of reports which will ultimately form the basis for a general plan for the City of Ithaca. He noted that the analysis pointed out two unique characteristics of the land use structure of the 'city ---- the land is developed relatively more intensively than in other cities of comparable size and type, and there is a greater than i average amount of land devoted to public and semi-public use. COMMITTEE REPORTS: i The General Plan Committee - presented its proposals for the long-range development of the Inlet Valley. Mr. Niederkorn initiated the presentation with a short dis- cussion on the relationship of the Inlet Valley to the City proper, and a few com- ments on the Inlet Valley's history of development. Reports on building conditions,, existing land use and traffic and soil conditions followed. At the conclusion of the reports on the existing nature of the area, Mrs. Angell presented a series of statements of the committee dealing with the character of the area, the assumptions made, and the development policies formulated as a guide to proposals. Mr. 1m. Egan then presented the proposals of the committee. (See Appendix A as part of these minutes for detailed report covering assumptions, development policies and proposals.) Discussion of the proposals followed the presentation. Mr. Melchen suggested use of an official map to insure rights-of-way in the future. Mr. Golder wondered about the soil conditions present in the new alignment of Route 13 from Fulton St. diagonally to Elmira Road. Mr. Hines felt the State Board of Public Works should be notified of the Board's proposal to relocate Rcute 13. Mr. Hull felt that traffic across the inlet could be accommodated better with a bridge at Senceca Ot. rather than at Court St. Mrs. Angell made the following resolution: RESOLVED, that the Inlet Valley Development Plan as presented be accepted as the basis for continuing discussion, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a public meeting be held before presentation of the proposals to the Common Council, Seconded by Mr. Hines. CARRIED. MEETING adjourned. at 6:00 p,m. Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner i i i i 3/18/63 .. 2 a Ff�I.IY72�J�RY INLEU VALLEY DEWI,,OFW.Mr PLAN OUTLINE 18 Mar%�h 1.985 This preliminary plan .for the Tral.et Valley is cons,•idered by the p: ar- ning board ad a point of departure It represents land use and ciroulati.m proposals for an area in flux — an area consisting of flat, )ow, largely undevelaped land. The In7.et Valley has traditionally become the service :ore of our city, Development there has occurred in a aQattereci; haphazard mannero All of the major east--west traffic converges on a three block area and then is farther focused to a aingl,er point at the foot. of West Hill,, In the built up areas the Land is out intc small inofiYcient and odd shaped parcols by the oouvargencRe of many ritreete and further confuaicn and cow gestion is addod by the railroad, Maay for;°-es are now at work in the Met Valley but it -s still :far from clear ba many are fIctian, how many fact The effect theea forges swill have on the haraotar of the area is a major point of speculation., TLis plan suggests guidoli.nes for consideration= 1-, CHARACTER OF DBTEWPWM 1, Service, industrial and recreation core; 2, Low density type devel.cpwrit 5, Consolidation of ,similar uses. 4, Housing limited to fringes, 114 A�gsum OHS Z$ nen be found to move, railroad �wl.tohing yard (south of Clinton Street, 2, Proposed fx.cod ciontrol zharnel will. protect, the Inlet V'aUe-, from all but extreme floods, 3, :`raffle between employment, zentere can East and South Hilla and rasi.dential areas gest of the Tu-'et will increase jubatantiall.,y, 4� ArterLal traffic will more than double in the naz€. :LO to 1.5 yearn, 5., The city and university v0_31 seriopi�ily attempt to attract light industry to the Ithaca area M. LEVE.WPG n;T POLICIES L, A_rtexdal highways should promotes €;.nd allow efficitmt and fast vehicular movement and not provide access to evez.7 iIAividual parcel of adjacent lase 2. The city street system shod+.ld promote and allow ease of move- ment through the Inlet Valley for those people who do not wish to stop there. 5„ New streets and highwa�a should be located so as to penmito maxizmm use of potential 0.y davel.opabl.e lam. 4o :`.usLU, irregular blocks ehc uld be consolidated into largor, more usable areas. 5. Land uses of similar t1pes should be grouped. u, Commercial development of the service and neighborhood shop- ping type should be encourf ged rather th&n attempting to replace the csity0a c tral business district. 7. The flat land along the lake froat should be preserved as wn opt public, accessible area. 8o mousing corcenntrations for lora and middle income residents ahvuld be located on the fringes rather than in the ctnter of this service ® industrial recreation core© 9. Tha flood control channel t could be used as cdevelopswmat faaturo wib2rever possible and -L°me tourist and boating potential of the .et Valley exploited to the full.sst. 10. Urban renewal should be used as an effective means of providing new land, convalidating ez9.sti.ng uses and land fragments, and rehabilitating or rebii'ldi.rg detertorati ng areas. IV. PROPOSALS L, RdLoo ation of Routo 98 )rreel. flood vhanael am-d. caaanect to Or-, an St. - Seneca St, >Fw item. 2. Ocme(A Tau mock Bl W t:) Route 98 north of flood control a�nE31 - o ss bridge over c zamiel. 5. Move railroad witching y is to aa area south of Clinton St. ficin;; present yards av4ailable for All and level . ent as light irAustrial area, 4. Connefit Taughannock Blvd. ail Rous 98 aouth of fool control A�w.n. nsd. to Improve acoe=3s.b 1JI;ty wid open up rsal. oAd Land. 5: Consolidate smell parcels vest of Inlet between Butfalo and Nauta 96 &W develop entire area as a Buildltw Supp2ynand Coastruatiou, storage and rebolisiaa center. 6. Rodrml.op area between Seaaca - Green - Corn Fulton as a retail shopping site with ample off-street parking. 7, Redevelop area between Court - Seneca - Meadow - Fulton as a high density moderate income housing site. 8. Concentrate automotive sales and service area along South Meadow St. and Elmira Road. 9. B%LUd city, streets tbrough the open land south of Clinton and west of Meadow making entire area accessible for light industrial development. 10. Improve the intersection at the foot of Nest Bill and realign new bridge to connect with Buffalo. 11. Extend rest Court Street across the Inlet for a direct connection with Route 96. 12. Use the present inlet and the proposed flood control channel for commercial recreation purposes by encouraging boating development and Cornell athletic e'v'ents. 13. Continue open public character of airport area. Use site for new Junior High School and relocated fairgrounds. 14. Provide neer aligament for Route 15 when Meadow St. become inefficient an a traffic carrier. This would be a 20 year proposal and would be a controlled access route along Fulton St* and then south through the industrial area to Elmira Road,. Yarm opportutty to make industrial land accessible and at the same time promote efficient traffic movement. 15. Move west arm of levee to protect additional industrial land. 16. Develop a city incinerator site on high ground behind flood control levee Part of flood plain could be used for ashes fill area. 17. Urban renewal should be used to consollicate land, vacate streets, move utilities and make maximum use of all the capi- tal expenditures made in conjunction with Route 96, railroad relocation, flood control and new streets and bridges. PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. i I Regular Meeting 8:00 p6m. April 15, 1968 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs. F. Egan, Wm.Egan, Hall and Hines. i f ALSO: City Engineer Melchen, Director Niederkorn and Asst. Planner Bonner, This meeting was televised as part of Ithaca College TV (WICB) Department's continuing series on Local Government in Action. The meeting was held in the Ithaca College TV studios. WEETING called to order at 8:05 p„m. MINUTES of March 18 meeting duly approved. i ANNUAL REPORT - REVIE7W OF ZONING ORDINANCE: Chairman Ceracche reminded the Board that the Common Council has directed the City Planning Board to make an annual review of the Zoning Ordinance to assure that the ordinance remains up to date. He stated that the Codes and Ordinances Committee had considered several amendments to the ordinance and asked the chairman of the Committee, Mr. Hines, for a report. Mr. Hines presented a number of amend- ments which the Codes and Ordinance Committee recommended for approval by the Board. These suggested amendments were concerned with improving definitions used in the ordinance, clarifying sections related to non-conforming uses, to nuisance control, and to the administrative provisions of the ordinance, and introducing some flexi- bility into the R-1 District Regulations. Dr. Hall noted that there were two points in the series of amendments which were questionable. His first question dealt with the phrase, "glare, noise, odor or vibration," contained in Section 9. He stated that the phrase was not specific enough to permit effective enforcement and could apply to many things. He next questioned the amendment to Section 7 dealing vd.th multiple-family planned developments in single-family districts. He stated that the Planning Board could not approve plans for these multiple-family developments as the Board was not legally empowered to do so. Mr. Niederkorn stated that the Board now had power of review and approval on subdivisions and that this would only be a logical extension of that power. Mr. Hines felt that these matters could be checked by the City Attorney after submission to the Council. Mr. Wa, Egan moved that inasmuch as several questions remain about the amend- ments, the Board table the amendments for action at the next regular meeting. Seconded by Dr. Hall. CARRIED. INLET VALLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAN; A detailed presentation of the General Plan Com- mitteets recommendations for development of the Inlet Valley was presented by committee members, Mrs. Jean Angell and 'Nm. Egan and staff members. After some discussion the following motion was made by Mrs. Angells RESOLVED, that- fte City of Ithaca Planning Board has reviewed the Inlet Valley Development Plan as presented and approves the Plan as a guide to future Planning Board action, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a written report on the Plan shall be prepared and submitted to the Common Council for their review and adoption as an official guide to future community action in the Inlet Valley., Motion seconded by Dr. Hall. CARRIED unanimously. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: The Director noted that he had to use his car occasionally in line with his work, and asked authorisation from the Board to be reimbursed for this use at the rate of $.07 per mile. Mr. Fa ,lgan moved that the City Planning Board authorize the Director to use his car in line with Planning Board duties, and to reimburse Mr. Niederkorn for such use at $,09 per mile. Seconded by Mrs. Angell. CARRIED. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:30 pm. Ernest Bonner Asst. Planner 4As/6s — 2 — PUNNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Yy Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. May 20, 19S3 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs, F. Egan, Wh, Egan, Fall, Hincs. ALSO: Mrs, Rogers, Messrs. Clarey, Egner, Golder, Melchen and Bonner. MEETING called to order at 4t20 p.m. MINUTES of last regular meeting of the Board(April 15, 19651 were duly approved. CHAIRMAN'S :REPORT: Mr. Ceracche reported that Mayor Ryan would be requesting an appropriation of Federal funds in Rashington, D. C., Ta the 13th of Jvw with which to proceed on the construction of the Elood control project. Mr. Hines offered the following resolution, seconded by Mr. F. Egan % SAS, the Inlet Valley in the City of Ithaca has been periodically flooded in the past with great loss to property owners and residents, and, 1jWRUS, a flood control channel in the area would largely prevent such flood- ing in the future, while encouraging development of hitherto unusable land in flood- prone sections of the area, and TA9REASs the expeditious completion of this project will allow the systematic progress of other important projects in the same area in conformaice with the general plan for Inlet Valley development, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the City Planning Board of the City of Ithaca recognizes the need and value of a flood control channel in the Inlet Valley, ani BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Planning Board of the C?.ty of Ithaca urges the appropriation of Federal funds so that construction of this flood control channel can begin at the earliest possible date, and be in accords-,ce with the pro- visions of the general plan for Inlet Valley development. CARRIED unanimously. STAFF REPORTS.- Zoning EPORTS:Zonin Ordinance Review - The Asst-Planner reported that poor attendance at the originally sc e e meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals had forced postponement of the meeting until May 27. 1.963, at 4:00 p.m. He noted that the Board of Appeals was especially interested in rs-zoning certain sections of the City where appeals for variance from the ord Wane have been most numerous. Inlet Lalla Devaopmnt Plan - Mr, Bonner reported that the text of the written repo to Common Council on the Inlet Valley Development Plan would be mailed to Board members soon. He asked that they read the report and communicate any comments or criticisms to the staff at the next regular meeting of the Board. It was the general feeling of the Board that 200 copies be printed of the report for distribu- tion to city officials and agencies as well as to community civic groups and interested citizens. J Annual Report to Common Council - Mr. Wk. Egan moved that the text of the Annual Report tote Common Counci be approved and that the staff be authorized to prepare the report and submit it to the Common Council. Seconded by Mr. Angell. CARRIED. Summer Emp_loVent - Dr. Hall offered the following resolution, seconded by Mrs. Angell t RESOLVED, that the Planning Director be authorized to employ two additional Assistant Planners as temporary summer employees for a period of 15 weeks (55 hours / week or a total of 525 hours) and that the rate of compensation for this temporary surur►er student help be $2.66 per hour. (Honorato Paloma, Connie Tan, Ray W- eive berger) Motion CARRIED. Urban Renewal - The Asst. Planner reported to the Board that both the plaraiing con- s ant -an-TMhe economic consultant are proceeding with work on the Center-'Cth: ca project, contracts having been signed on May 14. He also reported that Its. Ri,7. zard Daley, newly-appointed Renewal. Administrator for the City of Ithaca, has arrival :gin Ithaca and is now on the job. Considerable discussion centered on the stat-as of the West End and Collegetown projects. Dr. Hall felt there was a need -ow a pro:e,ss where commtmity ideas and opinion would be incorporated into Planning Eoaid proposal~ Mrs. Angel felt consultants should report their progress periodically to the Planning Board. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Mr. Hines suggested that the Planning Board request the Common Council to re-zone a portion of the Fairgrounds from its present B-1 to I-1 - such re-zoning to continue an existing zone to Meadow Street and provide a district in which a proposed shopping center could be constructed. In the ensuing discussion members of the Board felt it would be better to re- zone the area to B-4 rather than I-1. In case the shopping center was not completed, the vacant area would not then be zoned industrial. Mr. Golder suggested the developer apply for a variance. The Asst. Planner felt the decision of the Board to request re-zoning must be based on a sound appraisal of the effects of such re-zoning on the surrounding area. To allow time for reasonable study of the proposal and its effect or. Planning Board policy and proposals, a special meeting of the Board was called for May 27 at 4:00 p.m. At this time the Board of Zoning Appeals will be meeting jointly with the Planning Board to discuss other amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. MEETING ADJOURNED 6:15 p.m. Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner 5/20/63 - 2 J PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Special Meeting 4:00 p.m. May 27, 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs, Angell, Messrs. F. Egan, 17m. Egan. Dr. Hall. ALSO: Mrs, Rogers, Messrs. Conley, Geherin, Golder, Melchen, Daley, Hart, Paloma, Niederkorn, Mayor Ryan, Bonner. MEETING called to order at 4:20 p.m. Mr. Ceracahe stated that this special meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Board had been called to consider a request from Mr. Hines for re-zoning the present fairgrounds property and to consider various amendments to the zoning ordinance. FAIRGROUNDS RE-ZONING: The Chairman noted that at the last regular meeting of the i Board a request for re-zoning the fairgrounds from B-1 to � B-4 was introduced by Mr. Hines. Mr. Conley, Chairman of the Board of Zoning Appea]s said he had hoped Mr. Hines would be present at this meeting to furnish necessa!-y details of the request. He felt the proposed shopping center would have a great effect on the west end and the downtown and thought the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals should study the proposal carefully before recommending any action. i Mr. Niederkorn remarked that the Board should seriously consider the impact of the scheme upon the downtown and surrounding property owners. He also felt th? City should have some expression of intent on the part of the developers before re- zoning the area as the Board has no formal request nor official plans upon whiph to base a decision. Little has been shown to indicate that the developers will actuatzz do what they propose. i Mr. Ceracche stated that the Planning Board could allow consideration of the proposal if Eastern Shopping Centers would present evidence of their intention to build and submit a request for re-zoning to the Common Council. Mrs. Angell felt the matter should be referred through normal channels as these procedures were established for good reason and should be followed. Mr. Golder noted that granting a variance to the developer would permit the city to protect itself in case the project did not materialize. Dr. Hall agreed and staked the area could be re-zoned at a later time. Mr. Wh. Egan made the following resolution: RESOLVED, that the Planning Board is not adverse to the re-zoning of the B-1 portion of the present fairgrounds area, if such re-zoning is in the best interest of the city, provided that Eastern Shopping Centers, Inc. presents a request for re-zoning to the Common Council with satisfactory evidence of intent to undertake the proposed College Plaza commercial development, and that this request is referred to the Plan- ning Board for review of the effects of such re-zoning and development. Seconded by Mrs. Angell. CARRIED ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW: The chairman reported that the Zoning Board of Appeals„had been asked to attend this meeting to present their vieirs on necessary revisions to the Zoning Ordinance. These suggestions would then be considered by the Codes and Ordinances Comnittee of the Planning Board as part of the Board's annual review of the Zoning Ordinance as required by Common Council, Mr. Conley, Chairman of the Zoning Board of !Appeals, stated that applications for v=,ianos from the zoning ordinance had led them to conclude that there are sever*l areas in the City which should be re-zoned.- lo e-zoned:l• The triangular area bounded. by Cascadilla Creek, Hancock St. and the Lehigh Valley R. R, should be re-soned commercial. 29 The 500 and 400 block of N. Aurora, N. Tioga and N. Cayuga ate. from Buffalo St. to Cascadilla Creek should be re-zoned-to allow doctor's office; to locate in that area. S. T3* present Bel zoning on South and North Meadow Sts« should be changed to B-2 to allow further casnercial. devel.opment. i 4. The present 4d.ng Ordinance- calls .for commercial between Seneca and Green Sta. and residential on opposite sides of the street. Some problems could came up frith residential so'near commserci.al. i Mr, Niederkom stated that it is hard to justify the zoning of additional .land f into ca® rci.al.uses. At present 215 acres of developable City land is zoned com- nercial. Only 154 acres are being used for commercial purposes - much of this out- al” adsting cemmerd.al. zones, Dr. Hall felt the nature of a medical service made doctors+ offices unique. They should be located-near the..population they serve. Present zoning interpretation has forced many doctors to leave the central area for outer sites. Some considera- tim should be given to a.sc me to allow the location of medical and dental offices iu A-4 districts. J&.. Cooley also noted that there eaaee2 to-be- acting def3nitions of demdty-lu the ordinance. Mr. Golder noted that the coverage allowed by the ordi- _ nanoe if extended to the bsight.limitation allowed would permit a much greater den- )dty tbaxL the..stated number of square feet per dwelling.unit, Mr. Niederkorn replied that the provision-which governed-.density was that stating the area required fox` each dmoJing-.watt. The a+nx ge requirements are only stated to cover the size of the building in relation to the size of the lot. Mr. Golder thea stated that there •raa no-distinction in the density requirements between different size dwelling units., Mw Director •felt•Uls nerited.emsidsration by the Board but was an adweme4y daft- question to solve. Mr: Ceraeehe thanked the Basad of Appeala-for attending the meeting.and irs"eing their ideas. Ernest R. Bonner -Asst. Planner O Q PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITFACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. June 17, 1963 PRESENT: Chm, Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs. F. Egan, W., Egan, Peabody, Hall &Hines. ALSO: Mayor Ryan, Mrs. Rogers, Messrs. Golder, Daley, Niederkorn, Bonner, Tremae, Clarey, and others. MEETING Called to order at 4:10 p.m. MINUTES of Regular Meeting, May 20, and Special Meeting, Ifty 27, duly approved. COMMUNICATIONS: CaEaal Improvements Review Committee - The chairman reported that Dr. Hall and himself been appointed by Lee Mayor to serve on the Capital Improvements Review Committee for the coming year. I Zoning Review Referral - Mr. Ceracche read a communication from the City Clerk stat- ing that the Comm6nouncil had asked the Planning Board to review a proposal to re- zone the present Fairground property from its present B-1 category to B-4 to permit the construction of a regional shopping center at that location. The chairman thought it would be appropriate to refer the matter to the Codes and Ordinance Com- mittee for study and report at a special meeting prior to the Common Council meeting in July. Mr. Niederkorn advised the Board that he had asked the economic consultants for the Center-Ithaca project to prepare a study of the implications of the proposed shopping center on the Downtown urban renewal project. He expected the report to be in the hands of the Board shortly. Mr. 11, Egan noted that the developers were anxious to get started on the project and wished to avoid aAy delay. Dr. Hall stated that that he was hesitant to accept an "expert" opinion on this matter and had come to the meeting to act on the proposal. Mr. Niederkorn advised against a hasty deci- sion without an attempt to study the implications of the re-zoning. He reminded the Board that two of its major programs -- downtown urban renewal and the Inlet Valley development plan -- would be affected by the proposed shopping plaza and felt that the nature and extent of this influence should be fully understood before any recomoendation regarding a zone district change was made. Mr. Treman, representing Eastern Shopping Centers gave a brief outline of the proposed development; stating that the company contemplated an immediate investment of 61.5 million and future investments to as high as ; 3.75 millions. Mr. F. Egan made the following resolution seconded by Dr. Hall: RESOLVED, that the City Planning Board recommends that the Common Council take the necessary steps to re-zone the G.L.F. property now used as a Fairgrounds from B-1 to B-4. Mr, T51m. Egan stated that the State St, merchants he had conferred with were not in disagreement with the proposal. lair. Ceracche felt that discouragement of this enterprise within the city would only encourage their location outside the city limits. Mr. I m. Egan noted that the proposed development would have an effect on the downtown but that such effect would be difficult, if not impossible to establish. W. Peabody stated that the Director's position calling for study and evalua- tion was justifiable. He expressed his feeling that those private interests which "back the city into a corner„ in their efforts to secure consideration of various proposals were doing a disservice to the public interest. Mr. Melchen remarked that the relocation of Rt. 13 to Fulton St. as proposed in the Board's Inlet Valley Development Plan would become necessary immediately after completion of the proposed new shopping center. Mr. Melchen also questioned whether the increase in the tax base from this new shipping center might not encourage downtown merchants to ask for reductions in their assessments, possibly resulting in a net decrease to the city tax base. Motion CARRIED, Mr. Peabody and Mrs. Angell abstained stating that insuffi- cient evidence had been presented on which to base a logical decision. Board of Public Wirks Referral - The Chairman read a letter from the City Clerk stating that the Board of Public ?Torks had referred to the Planning Board a proposal to purchase the Clinton House property for use as a parking garage. The following motion was made by Mr. F. Egan, sec Dnded by Mr. 144m. Egan: � RESOLVED, that the proposal be referred to the Committee on Municipal Services and Facilities for review of site suitability and report thereon. CARRIED. CODES AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEE REPORT: Mr. Hines presented a report to the Board of the revisions to the Zoning Ordinance sug- gested by the committee. The revisions cover changes in definitions, administrative provisions and district regulations. Mr. Hines made the following woti.on, seconded by Mr. Peabody: RESO?1VED, that the Planning Board recowaenft the changes in the Zoning Ordinance as ou t-L ned in the Annual Report on coni C Oro`.7.a pace Revision, and requests early consideration of these revisions j:y the Common Council, Mr. Hines noted that two of the pro-%tsions originally presented at the April meeting of the Board had been deleted. The control of noise, odor and vibration had been removed from the suggested revizion as it was felt existing nuisance laws would offer all protection needed, The provision permitting apartment houses in an R-1 District was deleted because of conflicting points of view on its legality. Mr. Hines stated he would bring this proposed revision before the Common Council to obtain a legal opinion from the City Attorney. Motion CARRIED. INLET VALLEY DEVELOPHENT PLAN: The review of the draft of the report was deferred to a later meeting of the Board. STAFF REPORT - HOUSING SURVEY: Mr. Niederkorn reported that the Housing Survey of the City of Ithaca by the state had been recei* and briefly reviewed the findings of the report. Mr. F. Egan made the following motion, seconded by Mr. Peabody: RESOLVED, that the report, "Survey of Low-Rent and Middle-Income Housing Need and Demand, Ithaca, New York," be referred to the Housing and Redevelopment Committee for study and report thereon. CARRIED. MEETING adjourned 5:35 p.m. 1.6 6/17/63 Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. July 153 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs.F, Egan, Wm. Egan, Peabody and Hall. ALSO: Mrs. Rogers, Messrs. Chatfield, Clarey, Daley, Melchen, Egner, Niederkorn, Weisenberger and Bonner. MEETING called to order at 4:20 p.m. MINUTES of last regular meeting - June 17,- duly approved. COMMUNICATIONS: i Board of Public Works Action on Swimming Pool - Mr. Ceracche noted that the Board of Public Works had en reque by the V.F.W. and the Mayor to study the possibi- lity of constructing a public outdoor swimming pool in Stewart Park. Mr. Wm. Egan made the following motion, seconded by Mr. F. Egan: i RESOLVED, that the request of the V.F.W. and Mayor Ryan, referred frau the Board of Public Works, for a public outdoor swimming pool in Stewart Park be refer- red to the Com mdty Facilities and Services Committee for study and report thereon. CARRIED. Joint Parking Committee - The Chairman also reported that the Board of Public Works 0 accepted propos—'Ca. from a group of dovamtown merchants for a joint study of the off-street parking problem in the downtown business district. The B.P.W. had asked for representation on this joint committee from the Planning Board. Mrs. Angell made the following resolution, seconded by Mr. F. Egan: i RESOLVED, that the Community Facilities and Services Committee be designated as the official representative of the City Planning Board in joint studies of the down- town business district parking situation with the Board of Public works and the Chamber of Commerce. CARRIED. Bonner Resignition - Asst. Planner Bonner submitted his resignation from the staff Mective August 51s 1963. He will accept a position with the University of Colorado at Boulder. COX.1UNITY FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT: Mr. F. Egan reported that the Community Facilities and Services Committee had studied the site suitability of the present Clinton House for a parking structure as directed by the Board. While the provision of adequate parking facilities in the downtown area has been a long-standing and continuous concern of the Board, and even though the present situation is possibly more urgent than others; the Committee feels it would be unwise to commit the City to a parking site prior to the formulation of an overall plan for parking within the downtown area. The Committee must still recom- mend to the Board that a decision on the purchase of the Clinton House be held in abayance until the expected preliminary report on the downtown by the planning con- sultants is presented sometime this Fall. Upon request, Mr. Melchen gave a synopsis of his report to the Board of Public Works on the specific proposal of the Clinton House representative. Mr. F. Egan made the following motion, seconded by Mr. Peabody: RESOLVED, that the Board approves the report of the Community Facilities and Services Committee advising no committent by the city to the Clinton House site for parking until an overall plan for parking in the downtown has been prepared and accepted by the city. CARRIED. WEST END URBAN RENEWAL - POLICY: The Director read from the Jan 7, 1963 minutes of the Board an approved resolution calling for "immediate application... for funds to pursue survey and planning activities in the west end and college town areas..." The Board reaffirmed their resolution of that date, noting that these two areas are a vera important part of the total renewal effort needed in the City of Ithaca. They also understood that one or both of these projects could be accomplished coincidentally with the downtown project. Mr. Niederkorn then asked the Board for specific direction and assistance in the preparation of the application, reporting that many questions must be answered before renewal planning can proceed. Mr. Ceracche asked that the General Plan Com- mittee work with the staff in the formation of basic policy statements to govern the preparation of an application for survey and planning funds in the west end urban renewal area. The Director also stated that Mr. Daley, Renewal Administrator of the City of Ithaca, would be present at all Board meetings to keep the members posted on the progress of the consultants. Mr. Daley then noted that the Common Council had agreec on a series of policy statements which would guide the consultants in the preparatia of the plan. He also reviewed the work of the planners to date. ZONING AbMMT - GOLDER MEMORANDUM: The Director outlined a proposal of the Build Commissioner regarding a clarification of the density requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. He noted it was unfortunate that Mr. Golder had another commitment and could not be present to explain the proposal. Mr. Ceraeche explained that the Planning Board, in essence, is being asked to review the ordinance to determine two things: 1. Would it be advisable to increase the density permitted under the ordinance and 2. Is the ordinance clear at present or is there a need for an elaboration of the density controls to assure no future mis-interpretations? Mr. Peabody made the following resolution, seconded by Mr. F. Egan: RESOLVED, that the memorandum and the questions pertinent to the memorandum be referred to the Codes and Ordinances Committee for study said report. CARRIED. MEETING adjourned 5:50 p.m. Ernest R. Bonner 7/15/63 - 2 - Asst. Planner V PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 pom. August 19, 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs. F. Egan, Wm. Egan, Peabody & Hall. ALSO: Miss Tan,Mrs. Rogers, Messrs. Melchen, Golder, Daley, Clarey, Niederkorn & Bonner. MEETING called to order at 4:10 p.m, MINUTES of last regular meeting, July 15, 1963, duly approved. GENERAL PLAN REPORT:- MUNICIPAL FACILITIES & SERVICES: Asst. Planner Bonner present ed the latest in a series of reports which will fora the basis for a general plan for the community. This report dealt with Municipal Facilities and Services, and included a survey of water and sewer facili- ties, refuse and garbage disposal and public buildings. Mr. Niederkorn reported that three reports in the series remain to be published - population, recreation and ecoacmic base. HOUSING & REDEVM, 0PMENT COMMITTEE REPORT: Mrs. Angell reported that the Committee had met and discussed the West End urban renewal project. In order to expedite the planning of the project the Committee had formulated several policy directives to the planning staff concerning the scope of the project, the kind of renewal to be pursued and the steps which the planning staff should take in the preparation of an application for funds with which to prepare a plan for the area. The policy statements are as follows: 1, The Committee feels that a Title I project should be undertaken rather than a G.N.R.P. This would save the extra step and the time involved in preparing a G.N.R.P. and then submitting an application for a Title I project. 2. The study of the West-End renewal area should be financed by a Federal advance rather than locally. The Center-Ithaca planning study is costing X159,000. A similar type study for the West End might cost between 100-125 thousand dollars. The city cannot afford to finance such a study and there is no Federal advantage in financing it locally. 3. The study, should be made by consultants rather than increasing the Planning Board staff by the four to sax people that would be necessary. The permanent staff should assist wherever possible and the renewal administrator should coordinate the efforts. 4. The proposed reuse should be in the same general pattern as the proposals listed in the Inlet Valley Development Plan, and the boundary of the project should be such that the major recommendations for initial action listed in the Inlet Valley Development Plan can be accomplished. S. Mork should begin as quickly as possible on the Survey and Planning applica- tion and the Building Department should be requested to furnish as quickly as possible a preliminary but thorough evaluation of the structural condition of buildings in the Inlet area, 6. The residents and merchants in the area should be brought into the program at the earliest possible stage and a meeting with the west-end businessmen should be requested in September. Mr. Ceracche suggested that the Committee meet with interested west-end groups at the September meeting of the Vest-End Businessmen. Mrs. Angell made the following resolution, seconded by 1W. Wm. Egans RESOLVED, that the City Planning Board accepts the policy statements as recom- mended by their Housing and Redevelopment Committee and directs that the necessary steps be taken to implement these recommendations. CARRIED unanimously. CENTER ITHACA RENEWAL PROJECT: Mr, Daley, Renewal Administrator for the City, reported on the progress of downtown planning. He stated that the Urban Renewal Committee of the Common Council has received two recommendations from the consultants since his last report. The planners recommen- ded that the city consider a parking ramp on the present site of the Green St. park- ing lot. This recommendation was referred to the Board of Publiq Warks for a study of costs and feasibility. The consultants also recommended an experiment on a two-month basis of a pro- posed tuning fork arrangement which would allow Grpn St.traffic to move to Seneca St. but keep State St. open. This recommendation was also referred to the Board of Public Works. STAFF REPORTS: Center-Ithaca Contract - The Director reported that the City Controller wants to negotiate a contract with the planning staff for performance of work in conjunction with the downtown project. Mr. Niederkorn stated that he would be called upon at various stages in the planning process for review and evaluation. The time he spends in this manner should be a contract with the Federal government and the consideration paid to the city. Mr. Peabody made the following resolution, seconded by Mr. F. Egan& I RESOLVED, that the Planning Director be authorized to negotiate with the City Controller in the preparation of a contract to cover planning staff services to the Center-Ithaca Renewal Project. CARRIED. Honorato Paloma Resignation - Mr. Niederkorn reported that Mr. Paloma, a part-time planner in the o ice, would be returning to the Phillipines in September. He stated that Mr. Paloma had done a notable job during his stay. Budget - The Director noted that the time for preparation of budget requests was at These requests must be completed and forwarded to the City Controller by the middle of October. Mr. Niederkorn asked the Board for consideration of a salary increase in the Assistant Planner position. He stated that the present salary was too low to attract competent personnel, especially since planners are in demand and the supply is low. Any salary increase or change in grade must be a part of the annual budget request. 8/19/63 - 2 Mc. F, Egan made the following resolution, seconded by Mr. Peabody: IMSOLVID, that the Director be authorized to request from Council the fumda with which to hire an Asst. Planner at the maximum of Grade 26, (86,487) until Dec. 31, 1963; and then at the minimum of Grade SO (;6$487). CARRIED unanimously. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Mr. Golder asked if anything was being done about his request for a change in the density requirements of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Ceracche explained that the Codes and Ordinance Committee was now discussing Whether the overall, density of the city should be increased or the wording of the ordinance should be changed to discourage future misinterpretations. Mr. Golder asked that he be informed of any committee meetings on this matter. MEETING adjourned, 5:30 p.m. I i Ernest R. Bonner Asst. Planner { f I I I I i I 8/19/63 - 5 fes' PLANNING ROA'ID PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. September 16, 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, F. Egan, Peabody, Hall, Wz,, Egan, ALSO: Miss Tan, Messrs. Baldwin, Stallman, Golder, Weisenberger, Niederkorn. MEETING called to order at 4:15 p.m. MINUTES of last regular meeting, August 19, 1963, duly approved with a notation that the Board's expression of appreciation for the work done by Ernest Bonner during his term as Assistant Planner be and hereby is included in the official records of this Board. Mr. Bonner's resignation fromthe staff was accepted reluctantly but with best wishes by the Board and director. ADDENDUM TO MUNICIPAL FACILITIES & SERVICES REPORT: Planning Director Niederkorn presented the Board with a brief explanation of this addendum which dealt with the workings and capacity of the treatment plant in the city's sewer system. This addendum is to be included as part of the General Plan report on Municipal Facilities and Services presented at the August meeting. MEETYNG "1ITH WKST END BUSINESSMEN: Mrs. Angell reported on a meeting held on Sept. 10 to solicit information and cooperation from those businessmen inthe west end who had ideas or plans for their own particular future. She said the purpose of this introductory meeting was to inform this group of the Board's desire to work out an urban renewal program which would incorporate and enhance wherever possible the personal objectives of any individual or group in the west end who had such objectives. By so doing much of the personal axe grind- ing could take place during the formative stages of planning rather than after the plan had been completed. Mrs. Angell and Mr. Peabody felt that the initial meeting had been successful and expressed the hope that others would follow. TENTATIVE BUDGET: The proposed budget for Board operations was presented by the director and is included with these minutes. It represents an increase of 2.9% over the 1963 budget and incorporates an upgrading of the Assistant Planner's position and the creation of a Junior Planner's position for part time and summer help. Mr. Peabody moved that the budget be approved as presented. Seconded by F. Egan, CARRIED. ZONING ORDINANCE REVIM: The director reported that considerable effort had been spent on working out a new approach to the multi-family housing aspects of the zoning ordinance. The basic question to be answered by the Board is whether or not it wishes to recommend that more intensive development of land in residential districts be encouraged. If the answer is yes, then to what extent should the present regulations be decreased; if no, then what wording changes are necessary to make the present intent of the ordinance perfectly clear. General discussion followed and the investignticn is to continue. Chairman Ceracehe hoped that a recommendation could be m-c., at tLe *Dct,-or Council meeting but said this will depend on the speed at which the Board can arrive at its own conclusions. Mr. Ceracche appointed William Zgan to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Hines as chairman of the Codes and Ordinances committee. Ceracche will sit as the third member of this committee until the end of the year. STAFF REP0RTS3 Tan and Weisenberger Resignations - Mr. Niederkorn told the Board that Miss Tan and Mr. 17,leisenberger would be leaving the staff soon. He expressed appreciation for the work they have done during the summer. 4a Yarnell Ap ointment - It was moved, seconded and CARRIED that Joy Yarnell be hired as part-time Senior Draftsman at the rate of p2.11 per hour. New York State Planning Institute.- Mr. Niederkorn was authorized to attend the 3nnual Planning Institute of t e N. Y. State Federation of Official Planning Organizations as the Board1s representative. MEETING ADJOURNED at 6;00 p.m. T ' i Thomas Niederkorn Planning Director 9/16/65 - 2 - . .v PLANNING BOARD PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. October 21, 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Peabody, Hall, Murphy, Wm. Egan and F. Egan ALSO: Golder, Melchen, Daley, Flaumerfelt, Flirt, Niederkorn, citizens interes- ted in the zoning density question. MEETING called to order at 4:12 p.m. MUTES of last regular meeting, Sept. 16, 1963, were duly approved. C0 ,11UNICATIONS: Chairman Ceracche reported that the Board had received a request to appear on Ithaca College T.V. for one of its regular meetings in the Spring of 1964. The Board agreed to this proposal and authorized the plan- ning director to make necessary arrangements. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDINGS Chairman Ceracche reminded Board members that Common Counci. had referred the question of a suitable site for a Public Safety Building to them for recommendation, biro NL ederkorn said that considerable study had Leen given to the W. State St. par",ki .g lot and 3 or 4 additional adjacent properties as the site for a Public Safety Bai!ding. He explained that the lot is sufficiently large to be used by both Fire, Police and City Court and still have space for a municipal metered lot. Dr. Hall felt that it might be possible to locate the City Han near the Safety Building and. therefore the city should acquire ample property in this area. Mr. Niederkorn said that he would present this site to representatives of the Fire and Police Departments and that if any controversy arose he would ask the Chair- man to call a special meeting so that a recommendation could be presented at the November Council meeting. The Board agreed to this procedure. The site recommendation and present estimates of cost are included with these minutes. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS REVIEW COMMITTEE: A brief explanation was given of the progrea, made by the Capital Improvements Review Com- mittee on the Capital Program for 1964-68. The planning director explained the process used and difficulties involved in trya.ng to match expenditures with expected revenues and establishing a balanced program of capital expenditures. He commended Murray Van Marter, chairman of the review committee, and committee members (Hall and Ceracche from the Planning Board) for the effort put in on this difficult assignment. CODES AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEE REPORT - ZONING: A detailed presentation was made of the Committee deliberations on a method to provide higher density in R-2 districts while still keeping the open resi--• dential character of the surrounding development. A possible solution is attached as Appendix B. I V Considerable discussion by Board memb .rs and interested citizens followed the presentation. The Board felt that similar regulations should be considered for the R-5 zones also. Mr. King felt the proposed amendment would not be restrictive enough to protect existing development from out-•of town entrepreneurs who wanted a quick turnover of capital. Mr. Tsapis felt that the proposed amendment provided no relief for the prospective developer of apartments and that it mould not be economical to build under these regulations. He suggested that each case be reviewed on its own merits and the decision to approve or reject be left to the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Niederkorn felt that this would be unwise proced— ure of dotibtful legality. After more discussion Mr. Peabody moved that the Board's proposal be referred to the Common Council for consideration. Seconded by Wm. Egan. ' CARaIED. URBAN RENEWAL: Itr. Daley introduced the planning and economic consultants for the Center—Ithaca renewal project. He said it was the consultants desire to present a report of progress and get Board reaction to plan proposals. Mr. Boudin represented the economic consultants and Messrs. Kelly, Stein and Parks the planning consultants. Mr. Boudin explained in some detail the findings regarding population, retail trade, competing markets and possible future expansion or change of the downtown physical structure. During this presentation, as the hour was late, a number of Board members left the meeting. It was decided not to continue with the planning consultant's report. MEETING aijourned at 600 p.m. Thomas Niederkern Planning Director i 10/21/63 — 2 i i i �� c (,r (` t V . V i Report to Common Council°o Pub-.i c Safety Caved ttee Sr17E RECODSM MATION: PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING. November 4, 1956 In October the matter of finding a site for the proposed Public Safety Building was referred to the Planning Board by the Common Council. Such a facility is to contain the Fire and Police Headquarters, the City Court Rom and Traffic Violations Bureau, This report contains the Planning Board s recommendation regarding this site, SITE CONSIDERATIONS: There were seven basic criteria by which the site for a Public Safety Building was Judgeds 1, Accessibility to the high value land in the central business district. A site on the periphery of the cenral business district can provide ready access to any point in this high value area, As traffic congestion downtown increases a peripheral site would reduce the possibility of fire rigs being tied up by automobile traffic. Police and court facilities can also operate effectively frm a peripheral site if it is within esaLy walking distance .from downtown. 2, Accessibility to all areas of the city, This pertains especially to fire protection, The site must Be located so that all areas of the city can be reached, with a minimum of turning movements required. South Hill in an especially difficult area to service with large Pigs because direct access is provided only by South Aurora Street. 3. Traffic congestion and ctontrol, Efficient response by fire apparatus in not possible if there is too uduch delay in getting from the station. Traffic on the street in front of the station'is the major cause of this delay and the new site should be located so that easy egress and positive traffic control, can be realized, A one iW street provides this control better than a heavily used two-way street, 4, Size and coat of site. It stands to reason that asap* new facility of this magnitiZe and UN expectancy should be located on a site large enough to provide elbow-roam and expansion space. The cost of providing a site of this size de:li.nes as the distance from high value areas decreases. Also, high value land is usually more logically suited to the type of develop- ment which serves more people directly or produces high tax returns. S. Effect on surroundings,, The site for a Public Safety Building should be ooa so as to a reasonably compatible with the surrounding neighbor- hood. Site planning and architectural design will have much bearing on this, but the initial selection of a building location should also take it into account. The new building and all the activity connected with it could ansc act as an ecoraaud-- stimulus to the surrounding commercial, properties, Y � � �:.. I fF- 1,30 v , T ittt !.A 'j4 fx '> ..f xt4`F•: 2'a ..;4ha+ki- � •`t&.' .�' ':.�1" �"+RIA Irl`r� 'Ott '�8. . Y�^Ra .i.` �'• hes Fit+`''.. e:+ a, T .Tt Y r:•.t *tk' €1?'`,a'sA�s.".- f".k'•'�;l�h��[•., s W1 T P 3 w 1YP�� :�,sg-s "s+ ,.1i: .rl .' + t' k>!e.Y4a. -,a•..'L*# 3 ,=,,'y Y` .. , u:' ' sa-. i,dyd•r f'Y:«` - •'�¢>i ° e--:.� i ' t f .* � R ,i @•,t & ,'y. ...~$ '" `t �.:'. -a. ,.r ".:t•,.. _ ^.d.,• >h^�A4. a: r Vi.[ 5 rT � k big, 4 a Ora: w to%of 4h)'A lu, ;z res' �. ._ :=,...A# S3:.. 31—t 't.�L&A ,:. >. tow- l - V 6. Parking, The aite should provide space for employee parking and cons .der- aMe everting p9rking for the volunteers mho man the fire equipment, .A location next to or near a public parking lot would have many advantages. 7. Communications�hoo_k�!Na. Both police and fire operations have complicated comma r a�o`ne aysteme o If possible a new site should be located so that the underground cables required by this systen are near-at-hand for easy hodk-up. SI`Z'E RECMUICDATIROAS Using the seven oriteria listed above it was soon, discovered that no site completely eatisiied all of them. It was poasibl.e,, however, to find one site which is satisfactory in most respects. This is the area of the present West State ate, parking'lct (zee reap). The site includes as much of the parking lot as needed and several adjacent properties,, one on State St, (if and three on Green St, The properties on Albany Street would not be distnr°bed, Thi.a site is approximately 46;500 agzft in area and is more than adequate for the Public Safety Building and required rou"oor Npace. It is strongly reccaended than; as much of the site as possible, facing State 5t„ , continue to be used for public metered ;parking. One side of the site is loccated on a one-way arterial street, Pyre Headquarters, facing this street; would be provided with positive and effec- tive traffic-light control similar to that used presently at tontral statiou. Location of an apparatus room across from the "T” intersection provided by Payette in also viewed as aro advantage in that it in reales :maneuverability,, Access to the central business district and East HL3-1 is good. Access to the business district = Elmira Road is good. Access to the West would require use of Minton, State, or Seneca Streets. Access to South Hill is not goods, requiring use of intoe Street or State Sheet and the South Aurora Street bridge. Access to the North would have to cross the central business district., Property values are conei.derablgy lower in this area and use of the Ci.ty�s own property would effect a major econcuy. Use of this lot also means minimal removal of taxable p:•operty. Connectioi�z with the police and firs communloati(ms syeteas are possible at the corner of Green and Cayuga and State and Cayuga Construction of the new building could procead without hindering the operation of the present plant, This site has been presented to officials and representatives of both the Police and Fire Departments, There was no upecific opposition and considerable enthusiasm about the possibilities offered by the site was expressed. If a move from the present location is considered necessary by Council the site recc=ended in this report would be supported as being most acceptable. Exact details of space allocation and building location would have to be worked out, by the architects and the Police and Fire Departments. lux _.�`-`•&� :�' ria'# '+�'�. � 3zv $ � ., �i ..- ,,�. as�#t�.:a--3 :K�' x� � � - +!a• Iw a .+r� +�;#-,.n we•f^ ;.c:{ °''., .pf ,kr...t ±�r" �.xYx V t ,, s10 04 T 77 .. ': i alvei x'Lai 6„x ,"fit a h ' �` t �`#+• `�' ;-a ,; . - �;� (!ice�,... :.�.i: �� ,:�5 s too* -.-t- . �5�."•�z, -� �,� �,._. r �� _. ,y+� '"fit: Y-4 s� .:'.4t` .p�' S iY = vI �_� 'v VOW— • R[s r - --" lyb *x*wo,i`*ak` ��`;x�;°: K w A4 #At -1 i j l / V URBAN RET AL CQNSTDEILMONS: After discussion with the Urban Renewal Administrator it was apparent *,bat there would be 1i.ttle, if any, advantage in attempting to extend Project I boundaries to include this site, The Administrator estimates that it woul cost the city about $15,000 to extend the boundaries This includes $2,,500 for preparation of the applicatim and the city's 1/8 share of survey and planning goats,, The differential in site costs would amount to Jast over $12,000 it is estimated, This assumes, of course,, that the area would qualify for renewal treatment and that the Urban Renewal Administraton would approve changing the boundaries of the €l,N�R.P, as well. as Project I,, The proposed safety building site, if it can be qualified might well be ireAuded in a second project and any noncash credits that might a,�(;rus would be applicable if the second project were initiated within three years from the time site acquisition for the Safety Building ccumenced. ,It is recaennmended that no boundary changes be made to include thin vite in the Project I renewal area. PROQRAN53 The program of space requirements set forth by the Safety _'ui.lding Committee is as follows: %at. floor 2nd. floor basement total Fire 6204 5877 1000 13081 Police 4854 1273 495 6622 11058 ,fig! M sq ft outside requirements: Police 5000 sqo ft. Fire 5000 sq, M, TM in addition the City Court will require approximately 1500 sq.ft. and the traffic bureau approximately 200 aq.,ft. Contingencies are already built into the program but an additional 10% is added for halls,, stairways, walls, etc.g tiiiaking the total building area 23,,600 sq,ft. It is recornrended that the following rough budget be considered as a reasonable overall goal for construction costs for the Public Safety Building: Building (23,600sq.ft, at `W.00) $ 401,000 Fees at 8% 328000 Land 50,000 Fixed Equipment at 15% 60,000 Movable Equipment at 5% 20,000 Land Improvement at 10% 40L000 TOTAL $ 608000 I PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING - RECOMMENDED SITE, STAT i7l- STs V 4 L UPAT t ON WAY ti s b 1",-1 V, - also,w ilia R'j0aP,4,-,XKA- M0850 v w APPENDIX B 1'11`1r, PLAMM APARTIPINT DEVELORIDIr FOR R 4 DISTRICT& of t'�ALe provision is to per' .ta zciv Intenai,.ra d V Ct apartzaartt pvxp(�xea w to se". forth req'kAmment�* for '-.4t4 so tha� it vill nr-t. he astr)-mwala] tc the PAkjr&oIw3r ' f m�nt Develqypyiezt- is a dwel-ling or gr up --.f ca one k Planned Aparta. .13 J, Oian fovx sepRz-atc d-sel-ling xaiit-s, oi ­7 Plaw. �34 Aariiiezt De�trel�ipmsnt ahsll b, infi sAted by S.V,4. Aal "Pa m� t V-'- 56ction, 3" �I Plar-'r?6A Apartment leve ,e rzaer.i, 11 Amtted to tou-hn htd.&W� 0' be Anything lagier tman this ir, A-r. cx.,epthion which mms-'% b3 approved o�,' P.r)pea.I-a a-f'*--1.;r, publ-Ic hearing. T -_0 to -,.)lan of a Plamad Apartmeat h tyfalopment. 3hall be rawtoned by the Trotfie., EntLear so twit undu, vugeation and hrd azaous P'l L*-- praveubed,, The Board of Appeals aball take the T rafr.- vlc J. It ei Into consideration before granting a specia" permit, F) n c, parkiw- ares aha:a, be located v)-ouc.- tban A-0 feex, fr m, any pviperty line, pexldn ai-aajs c-,ontairAng more thati the a-pace aeobnaEry for five -are wall be screened from viiew by a hedge or other " of dense landjoaping eabt four feet high,, Dfrking areae or Ca en shall, 4e wo-rfaced. and drairsed in accordian-'-e ,"JLtG 'art 11 o Siniozi 9:H of thij Ordinance, area vxourid- a Plawied Apartment Develawent shall be landscaped i the surrounding environs,,, ,iLs to �Iarnonjze Y4-itA ,,.� . ,,,E.,.�„„�„�.�..... _.� . ,_.a..,.� . �... p,_. ,�- -, 1 ur; r zaZ% ooris 000 is ­Oga 4;,-b2 ()C)o'-�09 ozTj� �4c-j o Tdmuw -7Lk-*-j"i 7 PT � To BEY! m"sT 4"j, bf7f Z to '.;Amc) COO' 17 btw F_ 6e, wo„ bo M,In roap a 'OT "W"; vs �u-"Invmuoc` �� �� ` I 4 PUNNING EW0 PROCEEDINGS CITY OF I17,1ACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 4:00 p.m. November 18, 1963 PRESENT: Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Messrs. Wm. Egan, F, Egan, Peabody, Hall and Murphy. ALSO: krs. Rogers, and Mr. Niederkorn. MEETING called to order at 4:05 p.m. MINUTES of the last regular meeting, October 21, 1963, were duly approved. CAPITAL IMPR017MIENTS PROGIW; Chairman Ceracche stated that the initial report of the Capital Improvements Review Committee was present- ed to Council in November. A copy of this report was distributed to Board members. Tr. Hall, member of the review committee, stressed the difficulty of making decisions to defer capital items. He said that it was almost always a matter of money and that only the most important items could be left in the budget and recommended to Council. Mr. Niederkorn said that reserve funds for parking and bridge repair and re- placement were included in the committee recommendations. These are considered extremely important in terms of immediate and long range capital expenditure planning WOOD STREET PARK: Mr. Ceracche reported that Mayor Ryan had been imformed by the Board of Education that there was private interest in purchasing the Bd of Education's property at the corner of Wood and Meadow Streets. The Bd. of Education felt that the City might be interested in maintaining this area as a park. i This same matter was discussed by the Planning Board in August 1961, and the recommendation made then was to purchase this land and possibly to sell or subdivide a portion of it for residential development. In discussing the question anew the need for having a playground in this area was reemphasized and the following action was taken: RESOLVED that the Planning Board recommend that the Common Council negotiate with the Board of Education, seeking to acquire the Wood Street property for con- tinued use as a playfield and that future use of a portion of this parcel for azy other purpose will depend on future development of the surrounding area. Motion made by Dr. Hall, seconded and CARRIED. CHANGE OF MEETING TIM: After discussion the following motion was made by Mr.W,Vgan Moved that the regular meeting time of the City Planning Board be set for 7030 p.m, on the third Monday of each month, beginning with December 16th meeting, for a trial period. Unanimously CARRIED. i a ZONING: Mr. Niederkorn reported that t �,e Board's recommended amendments to the Zoning Ordinance were now being reviewed by the Council's Charter and Ordinance Committee. LIBRARY: Mr. 1m. Egan opened "iscassion of the Library site location. He said that he regretted the turn of events which delayed decision at the November Council meeting. He expressed a preference for the Temple Theater area and felt the Board of Education probably did not really want those properties for permanent play space. He also said that the Board of Education should have made its requirements known much earlier and that now, because of these new events, the decision will be delayed even longer. Dr. Hall felt that there was emotional pressure to force the City to select the tuning fork site. Mr. Murphy said that four sites had been originally selected several months ago but that the Council had not been given the opportunity to vote on any of them. More discussion followed but no official action was taken. MEETING adjourned at 5:25 p.m. 011 Thomas Ni ederkorn Planning Director I 11/18/63 — 2 w � V w PLANNING BOARD PROCMINGS CITY OF ITHACA, N. Y. Regular Meeting 700 p.m. i7eeember 16, 1963 PRESENTS Chairman Ceracche, Mrs. Angell, Wm. Egan, F. Egan, E. Hall and J. Murphy. ALSOs Mrs. Rogers, T. Niederkorn and Mrs. Paul.Buck. MEETING called to order at 7x40 p.m. MINUTES of the last regular meeting, November 183 1963 were approved. ZONINGS Chairman Ceracche and Director Niederkorn explained the existing zoning regulation affedting yard size and pointed out that there was nothing regulating the yards of a corner lot and ambiguities concerning the size of side yards. A sketch showing present and suggested regulations regarding yard size is attached hereto. The following motion was made by Hall and seconded by Wm. Egan: "Resolved that the Planning Board recommend to Council that corner lots shall be considered to have two front yards, one facing each street, and two side yards, but no rear yard. "It is also recommended that Section 7 of the Ithaca Zoning Ordinance be amen- ded so that Column 14 is deleted and Column 13 be changed to read "EACH side yard..V rather than "ONE side yard..." CARRIED SUBi:;IVISION REVITNt Chairman Ceracche informed the Board that the Codes and ordi- nances Committee had reviewed a proposed subdivision of a portion of the Lehigh Valley property on Fulton Street between Buffalo and Court j Streets. The Committee report reviewed the Inlet Valley Development Plan proposals which indicate an arterial highway along Fulton St. and a westward extension of Court Street. It was felt that control of aocess to Fulton St. was essential if these proposals were to be protected. The Committee report recommended that the subdivision be approved with the stipulation that one point of access on Fulton St. would be acceptable and that any plans for site development be submitted to the Planning Board for review. "Resolved that the Board approve the Codes and Ordinances Committee report on the subdivision of Lehigh Valley property." CARRIED RELOCATION: Mr. Niederkorn reviewed for the Board recommendations which had been made previously regarding the provision of relocation assistance to those who are displaced by various city, state and federal construction projects. Although this recommendation had been made before, it was moved that the Mayor should again be advised to establish a committee to provide such relocation assis- tance when it was requested by Ithaca citizens. CARRIED WEST HILL PLAYGROUND. Mrs. Paul Buck presented:-a request on behalf of the West Hill Civic Association for a small playground for the children on West Hill. She said that there was no playground space on West Hill at present aside from the school property and that there were large numbers of children who needed a place to play. sirs. Buck requested that the Board take any action necessary to expedite acquisition of two parcels situated north of Hook Place and west of an extension of Taylor Place. It was suggested that the "lest Hill Civic Association submit its petition to the Common Council so that the matter can be officially referred to the Planning Board for appropriate recommendation. 111SCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Mr. Ceracehe and Mr. Niederkorn noted that this was the final meeting of the year and that several Board members' terms would expire on December 31st. Appreciation was expressed for the work which had been done during 1963. MEETING adjourned at 9:50 p.m. 4 Thomas Niederkorn Planning Director I I I i 12/16/63 — 2 — 1 i ,r - . "� ,, Y �� /�� -