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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-2017-11-08 Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Committee Wednesday, November 8, 2017 – 6:00 p.m. Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street Minutes Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Cynthia Brock, Rob Gearhart, Michael Decatur, and Stephen Smith Committee Members Absent: None Other Elected Officials Attending: None Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Planning and Development Department; Lisa Nicholas, Senior Planner; Megan Wilson, Senior Planner; Nels Bohn, Director of Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency; and Deborah Grunder, Executive Assistant Others Attending: Dan Cogan, Chief of Staff Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1) Call to Order/Agenda Review Due to lack of cards, the public comment was held prior to the presentation. 2) Special Order of Business a) Presentation on Playgrounds – Rusty Keeler Rusty Keeler, lives in Ithaca, and works with children’s playgrounds. He is currently working on a project looking at the City as a whole. He and his partner have been moving around the City for input. We need free-range kids. Kids don’t play enough outside. He is aware of people’s fear of what it happening in the world, but allowing them to play outdoors will help teach them the skills they need to succeed in life. He suggests making some of the changes on sidewalks. Giving the kids things to do as they walk to the library, etc. He’s worked with Jeanne Grace, the City Forester, on the use of different types of tree stumps, etc. as playground materials. There are also some streets in Ithaca that have minimal traffic. He suggests making these streets street parks. Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting A ‘Lunch and Learn’ meeting will be held on November 30, 2017 at the Ithaca Youth Bureau as well as on December 1, 2017 in Hall. Alderperson Gearhart asked if he works with schools. The answer is yes. Alderperson Brock is very interested in this project. JoAnn Cornish stated she will be sending out a Save-the-Date for the upcoming events. b) Parks and Recreation Master Plan Pros Consulting provided the proposed Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The presentation will be available on line within a week. 3) Public Comment and Response from Committee Members Theresa Alt, 206 Eddy Street, asked questions regarding the Restore NY Grant. She further commented on the proposed inclusion of the CIITAP in the Waterfront. Steve Wimans, 34 Lewis Street, professor at Cornell. He disagrees with the construction of the gate to the Ezra Tunnel. It could remain safe if the current laws are enforced. Fay Gougakis, Commons, she feels high jacked by developers. She is surrounded by construction. She is against the decision made regarding the Chacona Block. No one from the City has come to their building to inform and discuss the recurring construction. She is not happy with City government. 4) Updates, Announcements, Reports No updates or announcements were given. 5) Action Items (Voting to send onto Council) (a) 2018 Annual Common Council Concurrence that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board be Lead Agency in Environmental Review for Site Plan Review Projects for which the Common Council is an Involved Agency Resolution Moved by Alderperson Gearhart; seconded by Alderperson. Carried unanimously. WHEREAS: 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter 176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review, require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, State Law also specifies that when an agency proposes to directly undertake, fund or approve a Type I or Unlisted Action undergoing coordinated review with other involved agencies, it must notify them that a lead agency must be agreed upon within 30 calendar days of the date that the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) or draft EIS was transmitted to them, and WHEREAS, Projects submitted to the Planning Board for Site Plan Review and Approval, at times involve approvals or funding from Common Council, making Council an involved agency in environmental review, and WHEREAS, in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Law and the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, involved agencies are provided with project information and environmental forms for their review, as well as all environmental determinations, and WHEREAS, Common Council did consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for site plan review projects for which Common Council has been identified as an Involved Agency for the years of 2015, 2016 and 2017, and WHEREAS, in order to avoid delays in establishing a Lead Agency and to make the environmental review process more efficient, it is desirous to continue the agreement in which the Planning Board will assume Lead Agency status for such projects; therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council does hereby consent to the Planning & Development Board acting as Lead Agency in environmental review for site plan review projects for which Common Council has been identified as an Involved Agency through December 31, 2018; and, be it further RESOLVED, That for any future project Common Council may withhold or withdraw its consent should it so desire. Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting b) Restore NY Grant Funding Application Authorize Restore NY5 Funding Application Moved by Alderperson Gearhart; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Carried unanimously Whereas, the 2016-17 New York State budget appropriated new funding for the Restore New York’s Communities Initiative (“Restore NY5”) to revitalize urban areas and stabilize neighborhoods and authorized the Empire State Development Corporation (“ESDC”) to implement the program, and Whereas, the goals of the Restore NY program are to (1) revitalize urban centers, (2) induce commercial investment, and (3) improve the local housing stock, and Whereas, Restore NY5 funding is available only for projects involving the demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned or surplus properties, and Whereas, municipalities with populations under 40,000 are eligible to submit one project, which may contain multiple related properties, not to exceed a request for $1,000,000 in funding, and Whereas, in response to a public call for proposals by the IURA, the following four projects were submitted: 1. Ithaca Housing - Redevelopment of the Green Street Garage, 120 E. Green Street; 2. Reach on State Street, 310 W. MLK Jr./State Street; 3. Home Dairy/Yellow Deli Building, E. MLK Jr./State Street; 4. 100s West, 121-123 W. State Street and 108-114 W. Green Street, and Whereas, the IURA Economic Development Committee evaluated proposals to maximize community benefit and competiveness for funding and recommended advancing the following two projects for final consideration: • 100s West • Reach on State Street (subject to securing site control), and Whereas, the sponsor for the Reach on State Street project was unable to secure site control of 310 W. State Street though the site was acquired by another buyer who seeks RestoreNY financial assistance to rehabilitate the historic structure on the property, and; Whereas, the 100s West project is an approximately $2.5 million project by Urban Core, LLC to rehabilitate 3 adjacent buildings located at 121 W. MLK, Jr/State St., 123 W. MLK Jr./State Street and 108-114 W. Green Street, to create four below-market housing units and renovate 25,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting Whereas, the 310 W. State/MLK Jr. project will rehabilitate a locally-designated historic landmark property in dilapidated condition for residential use, and Whereas, Restore NY5 application must include a municipal resolution in support of the application, proof that a public hearing was held on proposed application, and a site control affidavit for projects located on non-municipally owned property, and Whereas, the property owner have agreed to provide the full 10% required local match contribution, so no City match funds are required; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby endorses a Restore NY5 application for the 100s West for up to $1,000,000 in grant funding that includes the following projects: 100s West, Urban Core, LLC 310 W. State Street, David Halpert and Teresa Halpert Deschanes, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby finds the proposed project is consistent with the City comprehensive plan and Urban Renewal Plan; that the proposed financing is appropriate for the specific project; that the project facilitates effective and efficient use of the existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources; and the project develops and enhances infrastructure and/or facilities in a manner that will attract, create, and sustain employment opportunities where applicable, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, upon advice from the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to take all actions necessary to submit a Restore NY5 application in accordance with this resolution, including, but not limited to, certification of the application, and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to modify the proposal to address any unforeseen feasibility issues that arise that would impact competitiveness of the application, and RESOLVED, that, if awarded, the Mayor, upon advise from the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with ESDC, and any other documents necessary to receive the Restore NY grant, as well as agreements with individual property owners to implement the project, and be it further RESOLVED, the IURA is hereby authorized to administer and implement the City’s Restore NY5 grant award. Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting Name of Applicant: David Halpert and Teresa Halpert Deschanes Project/Building Name: 310 W. State St., Ithaca, NY Property Address (identify each separate property): 310 W. State St., Ithaca, NY Briefly Describe Project: (must include rehabilitation and/or reconstruction) 310 W. State is a landmark-protected house designed by architect AB Wood in 1880. Although used for offices after 1966, there was little change to the inside. Vacant and rundown, it survives in the form of an eight-bedroom single-family home. As in 1880, the W. State St. Neighborhood remains a mix of residences and commercial buildings, not far from the Commons. As such, this house is a good candidate for our niche of downtown cooperatives, serving young professionals who want to live in an affordable “semi-intentional community” setting. The house needs work, and because of a deteriorated slate/asbestos roof, the cost of roofing is over $100,000. This expense would sink most projects on the site. However, the ability to rebuild a new, ILPC-approved carriage house on the same property makes the project viable. “Woody’s Place” will be two cooperatives that share a patio and large fenced yard. Solar panels on the new carriage house will reduce utility costs for both properties. However, for the purpose of this grant and also for the purpose of the Historic Preservation Tax Credits, we have separated the project into two parts: (1) construction of the carriage house and fencing/landscaping; (2) rehabilitation of the main house. Total Project Cost: Purchase and rehab of main house: $576,000 Restore NY5 Funding Request: $100,000 plus $18,000 for asbestos abatement in the roof. Estimated Equity Investment: Purchased with cash of $141,000; we have another $50,000-70,000 to put into the rehab; We hope to access $126,000 in Historic Tax Credit money. This leaves approx. $100-150 thousand to be financed with a mortgage at the end of the project. Describe Site Control: Signed purchase offer, closing on December 1st. Existing Building(s) Size (sq. ft. by property): 3347 square feet on first and second floors. (Basement and attic will not be part of the habitable space). % of Existing Building(s) Vacant (by property): 100% Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting Attach any additional optional information such as photos, site maps, floor plans and renderings c) Electric Box Mural Proposal Resolution to Select Artwork for E. State/MLK Street and Stewart Avenue Electrical Box Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Gearhart. Passed unanimously. WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among other duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of public art in the City’s public spaces, and WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase their work, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several locations for future murals and street art, including municipal electrical boxes throughout the city, by resolution on May 19, 2010, and WHEREAS, in 2012 the PAC launched a project to beautify 21 municipal electrical boxes through the creation of mini-murals, and subsequent rounds of the project were completed in 2014 and 2017, and WHEREAS, local artist Todd Ayoung has submitted his proposal for an electrical box mural, titled “Art After Freedom is a Constant Struggle,” and WHEREAS, after reviewing available locations and speaking with the artist, the PAC selected the electrical box at the intersection of E. State/MLK Street and Stewart Avenue as the proposed location for this mural, and WHEREAS, the PAC held public comment on the proposal at its meeting on October 26, 2017 and, while a quorum was not present, those members in attendance supported the installation of Todd Ayoung’s proposal “Art After Freedom is a Constant Struggle” on the electrical box at the intersection of E. State/MLK Street and Stewart Avenue; now, therefore, be it Intended Reuse (by property): Sq. Ft. Residential: 3347 Sq. Ft. Retail: Sq. Ft. Other Commercial: Sq. Ft. Other (specify): Housing Units: (by property) # of housing units: one unit, for an 8-member cooperative. Tenure (rent or for sale): # below market rental units: Date of Anticipated Construction Start: (assume 3/18 award): April 1, 2018 Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council selects the proposal “Art After Freedom is a Constant Struggle” by Todd Ayoung to be installed on the electrical box at the intersection of E. State/MLK Street and Stewart Avenue and to be added to the City’s public art collection; and be it further RESOLVED, that the selected artist may proceed with the installation of his mural upon the execution of an agreement with the City (as reviewed by the City Attorney). d) Rotating Mural at Water and Sewer Resolution to Select Artwork for a Rotating Mural Installation On Water & Sewer Workshop Moved by Alderperson Gearhart; seconded by Alderperson Decatur. Carried unanimously. WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among other duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of public art in the City’s public spaces, and WHEREAS, Plan Ithaca, the City’s comprehensive plan, identifies public art as an important cultural resource that contributes to quality of life and economic vitality and calls for the City’s continued support of public art, and WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to showcase their work, and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several locations for future murals and street art, including the Department of Public Works facilities on First Street, by resolution on May 19, 2010, and WHEREAS, local artist Jay Potter has submitted a proposal for a rotating mural installation on the rear façade of a workshop at the Water & Sewer facilities on First Street, and WHEREAS, Mr. Potter has submitted a design for the first installation that features the Spanish word “junta” and the “Painted Lady” butterfly, and the installation will change occasionally after this original design is painted, and WHEREAS, Mr. Potter will collaborate with other artists on future designs and will provide ongoing maintenance for the installation, and WHEREAS, each mural design will be appropriate for all ages, colorful, and of high quality and will not be religious or political in nature, and WHEREAS, the artist will donate his time and materials, and the mural installation will be budget-neutral to the City, and Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, the PAC held public comment on the proposal at its meeting on October 26, 2017 and, while a quorum was not present, those members in attendance supported the approval of a rotating installation by Jay Potter for a period of 5 years, with the option to renew, and encouraged the involvement of a diverse group of artists in future designs; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council selects Jay Potter to install and maintain a rotating mural installation on the rear façade of a Water & Sewer Workshop on First Street for a period of 5 years, with the option to renew with approval by Common Council; and be it further RESOLVED, that the selected artist may proceed with the installation of his mural upon the execution of an agreement with the City (as reviewed by the City Attorney). e) Proposed Resolution to Authorize Cornell MOU for Construction of Gate to “Ezra’s Tunnel” at Ithaca Falls Park Proposed Resolution to Authorize Cornell MOU to secure “Ezra’s Tunnel” at Ithaca Falls Park Alderperson Brock does not support this proposal. She stated that she is who she is now because she had access to the ocean, to cliffs to climb, etc. She thinks by gating this tunnel we could be setting a trend. Alderpersons Decatur and Gearhart are in favor of this proposal. Chair Murtagh supports this proposal. These areas are very dangerous. If we can help deter people from these areas, we should do so. Where will the people go if this tunnel is closed off? This is a very popular area because although dangerous, it’s close to campus. If they have to go somewhere else, it may deter the dangerous activity because it’s not as convenient. Decatur stated he appreciates the efforts to help keep people safe, but to gate off all the beautiful gorge areas, might not be the answer either. People should know that these gorges are dangerous. Chair Murtagh responded that the Ithaca Community knows the dangers of these gorges, but visitors, or new students do not. We need to help protect them. Chair Murtagh further stated that there are many other areas that people have access to without the great danger. Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting Alderperson Gearhart moved; seconded by Alderperson Decatur. Passed 3-1 (Brock) Whereas, the Cornell University administration has expressed concern that the open Western access to “Ezra’s Tunnel” at Ithaca Falls Park (hereafter “Western Access”) and the part of the Fall Creek Gorge beyond pose a well-documented hazard to public health and safety, including emergency responders; and Whereas, Cornell University (“Cornell”) has offered to construct a safety barrier consisting of two fences, one with a secure gate, to secure the Western Access (“Safety Barrier”) and grant it to the City of Ithaca; Whereas, the City of Ithaca is willing to take ownership of the proposed Safety Barrier to the Western Access on certain terms and conditions; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Mayor, subject to the advice of the City Attorney and Director of Public Works, is authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) concerning the proposed Safety Barrier with Cornell containing, among others, terms approximating the following: 1. The plans and specifications for the Safety Barrier shall be prepared at the sole cost of Cornell, for subsequent review by the City, including the Superintendent of Public Works and Fire Chief. 2. The Safety Barrier have keyed access for emergency and maintenance personnel. 3. Cornell shall construct the Safety Barrier at its sole cost and expense. 4. Cornell and its contractors shall provide proof of insurance naming the City of Ithaca as additional insured in form and amount reasonably approved by the City Attorney. Cornell shall hold the City of Ithaca harmless from liability connected with the Safety Barrier during construction and until the Safety Barrier site is turned over to the City of Ithaca. Thereafter the City shall hold Cornell harmless from liability connected with the Safety Barrier. 5. The City of Ithaca shall take sole ownership of the Safety Barrier after the Safety Barrier is accepted by the City. 6) Action Items (Voting to Circulate) a) Parks and Recreation Master Plan Alderperson Gearhart moved to circulate; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Carried unanimously. b) Recommendation from Waterfront Working Group to: Approved at the December 13, 2017 PEDC Meeting 1) Allow for Planned Unit Development Citywide JoAnn Cornish stated that the department will compile the areas that this might take place and bring it back next month. (2) Expand Boundaries of the Community Investment Incentive Tax Abatement Program (CIITAP) Alderperson Brock asked for clarification of what reasonably affordable is. Alderperson Gearhart has similar questions. This will be brought back next month with the answers. 7) Discussion a) Design Guidelines for Collegetown and Downtown It was decided that since both plans are not completely done and the goal is to approve them at the same time, this will come back next month. Council will probably not act on this until February. 8) Review and Approval of Minutes a) September and October 2017 - these minutes were not approved. They will be brought back to the December meeting. 9) Adjournment Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Gearhart. Passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.