HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PDB-2018-02-27Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
1
Planning and Development Board
Minutes
February 27, 2018
Board Members
Attending:
Garrick Blalock, Chair; Jack Elliott, Matthew Johnston; McKenzie
Jones; John Schroeder
Board Members Absent: Robert Aaron Lewis
Board Vacancies: One
Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Division of Planning and Economic
Development
Lisa Nicholas, Deputy Director of Planning, Division of Planning
and Economic Development
Anya Harris, Administrative Assistant, Division of Planning and
Economic Development
Applicants Attending: Stewart Park Inclusive Playground
Rick Manning, Friends of Stewart Park
119-123 College Avenue – Modified Site Plan Review
Kathryn Wolf, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects
Phil Proujansky, Project Sponsor
John Novarr, Project Sponsor
Alan Chimacoff, i.kon5 Architects
Dan Cummings, i.kon5 Architects
Proposed U-Haul Self-Storage Project – Sketch Plan
Adam Fischel, Marathon Engineering
Brett Lindsay, U-Haul District 9 Representative
Proposed Duplex at 207-209 First Street – Sketch Plan
David Barken, Project Sponsor
Fred Barken, Project Sponsor
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
2
Chair Blalock called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
1. Agenda Review
No modifications were made to the agenda.
2. Privilege of the Floor
Mary Tomlan, City Historian, speaking as a private citizen, spoke on the significance of the
No. 9 fire station. Tomlan said she is concerned with the disappearance of the historic fabric of
central Collegetown. She said her position comes not only from having spent most of her adult
life living within four or five blocks of the College Avenue/Dryden Road intersection, but from
her appreciation (as an architectural historian) for the stylistic, functional, and cultural character
of the remaining [historic] buildings [there]. She said that (though not speaking in an official
capacity) her six years serving on Common Council and her current work as City Historian have
made her more aware of the meaning of the municipality and of the community as a whole.
Hence, she said that of all of the reasons one might proceed with the designation of 311 College
Avenue, one of the most important is its function and symbolism as the first fire station – and
perhaps even the first municipal building – outside of The Flats, a recognition that East Hill was,
and is, a part of the municipality, which it had been officially since 1888 when Ithaca became a
city and lands east of Eddy Street were annexed.
She noted that an important component of this “wholeness” was the combination of
governmental and private enterprise to provide this fire station – from the City government, the
architects, and neighborhood residents, to the Cornell faculty, administrators and trustees. She
said that she is mindful as a longtime resident of the personal aspects of this designation, and
noted both the historic preservation goals cited in “Plan Ithaca” as well as recommendations that
the City work with private development to incentivize and otherwise encourage the preservation
of historic buildings. She added that the ILPC review and resolution makes it seem clear that 311
College Avenue is a building worthy of designation, and asked that the Planning Board to
recognize that and seek to further both the preservation of the building and economic
development goals.
Susan Holland, executive director of Historic Ithaca, expressed support for landmarking the
No. 9 Fire Station at 311 College Avenue. She also said that there are State and Federal tax
credits available to developers looking to preserve historic properties. (Although she noted that
the State preservation tax credits are currently set to expire in 2019, they are working to get those
extended beyond that date.)
Robert E. Terry, owner of 127 College Avenue, said he has a great distrust of unfolding events
here [Planning Board]. He mentioned a “moratorium” and suggested there had been a push to
return everything south of 311 College Avenue to single family homes. He said there was more
of a thrust towards “historic,” and that he had been to a number of Planning Board meetings [in
years past] where there were arguments about the “shape of dormers” and the “size of windows.”
He said that he thinks that a great disservice has been done to the community.
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
3
There being no further comments, Chair Blalock ended Privilege of the Floor.
3. Site Plan Review
A. Stewart Park Inclusive Playground, Stewart Park, by Rick Manning for the City of
Ithaca. Determination of Environmental Significance. The applicant is proposing to
construct a new accessible playground with a splash pad, separate play structures for pre-
school and school-aged children, an accessible berm with a pathway and overlook, two
play gardens, several freestanding pieces of play equipment, a new structure that will
contain a covered picnic pavilion, two accessible bathrooms and storage/office space, and
accessible paths linking the playground to other areas of the park. The project also includes
installing a permanent structure to cover the carousel, reorganization of the adjacent
parking area to add 35 spaces, new plantings, signage, furnishings and other site
improvements. The project is in Stewart Park and the P-1 Zoning District. This has been
determined to be a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance (“CEQRO”) §176-4 B.(1)(h)[2]and (5) and the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (“SEQRA”) § 617.4 (b)(10) and is subject to environmental review.
Rick Manning appeared to respond to any questions, but said he had no presentation prepared.
When Chair Blalock asked about next steps, Manning said that they were planning to make
changes based on the comments provided at the Project Review Committee and provide updated
drawings to Deputy Director Nicholas in advance of the March Planning Board meeting.
Adopted Resolution for Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance
On a motion by Johnston, seconded by Jones:
WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and approval by the City of Ithaca
Planning and Development Board for installation of a new playground at Stewart Park by Rick
Manning for the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS: The applicant is proposing to construct a new accessible playground with a splash
pad, separate play structures for pre-school and school-aged children, an accessible berm with a
pathway and overlook, two play gardens, several freestanding pieces of play equipment, a new
structure that will contain a covered picnic pavilion, two accessible bathrooms and storage/office
space, and accessible paths linking the playground to other areas of the park. The project also
includes installing a permanent structure to cover the carousel, reorganization of the adjacent road-
side parking areas to add 35 spaces, new plantings, signage, furnishings and other site
improvements. The project is in Stewart Park and the P-1 Zoning District, and
WHEREAS: The project requires Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board and approval by the
Board of Public Works for improvements on City Property. Dormitory Authority of the State of
New York (DASNY) will authorize the expenditure of approximately $1,000,000 of the proceeds
of the State and Municipal Facilities Program bond issuance for the Proposed Project, and
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
4
WHEREAS: This has been determined to be a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQRO”) §176-4 B.(1)(h)[2]and (5) and the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) § 617.4 (b)(10) and is subject to environmental
review, and
WHEREAS: DASNY, the City of Ithaca Board of Public Works, and the City of Ithaca Common
Council, all involved agencies, have consented to the City of Ithaca Planning and Development
Board’s being Lead Agency for this project, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board, being the local agency which has primary responsibility for
approving and funding or carrying out the action, did, on January 23, 2018 declare itself Lead
Agency in Environmental Review for the proposed project, and
WHEREAS: this Board, acting as Lead Agency in Environmental Review, has on February 27,
2018 reviewed and accepted as adequate: a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Part 1,
submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Planning staff and revised by the Board;
“Existing Conditions Plan (C100)”, “Demolition Plan (C101)”, “Erosion and Sediment Control
Plan 2 sheets (C102)”, “Grading and Drainage Plan (C104, 105 & 106)”, “Utility Plan (C107)”
and “Details (C201 & C102)” dated 11/15/17 and “Layout Plan (C103)” dated 11/15/17 and all
prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., and other application materials, and
WHEREAS: the Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability, and other
interested parties have been given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and any
received comments have been considered, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board determines the proposed
project will result in no significant impact on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for
purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the
provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
In favor: Blalock, Elliott, Johnston, Jones, Schroeder
Against: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Lewis
Vacancies: One
After a brief discussion, the Board was ready to discuss the next agenda item (College
Townhouses), but being slightly ahead of schedule, applicants asked for a moment to allow
Kathryn Wolf time to arrive. Board agreed, and so next considered approval of minutes
(formerly item number 6 on the agenda).
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
5
Approval of Minutes:
On a motion by Schroeder, seconded by Jones, the January 23, 2018 minutes, as edited by
Schroeder, were unanimously approved with no modifications at 6:24 p.m.
Wolf arrived in the interim, and the Board resumed the agenda as written.
B. College Townhouses at 119-125 College Avenue by Trowbridge Wolf Michaels
Landscape Architects. Public Hearing, and Consideration of Preliminary & Final
Modified Site Plan Approval. The applicant proposes to make site layout and design
changes to the project that was originally approved on January 24, 2017. The revised site
layout is for two buildings, both fronting College Ave, with a central plaza, approximately
26 feet in width. The plaza will serve as access for emergency fire vehicles via a mountable
street curb and is envisioned to become an exterior amenity space for the tenants. The
originally approved layout had 3 buildings, two fronting College Ave and one spanning the
rear of the property with a central plaza in the interior of the site. Other proposed changes
include shorter façade lengths and three, rather than 4, street facing entries on each
building. The project has 67 units- the same number of originally proposed that are targeted
to visiting faculty at Cornell. Building design and materials are similar to the original
proposal. The project site consist of 3 tax parcels (to be consolidated) in the CR-4
Collegetown Area Form District (CAFD) and requires Design Review. In accordance with
district regulations, the Planning Board approved a Transportation Demand Management
Plan (TDMP) for the project on 1/24/17. This is a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQRO”), §176-4 B. (1.) (k.), and the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), §617.4 (b.) (11.), for which the Lead
Agency issued a Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance on December 20,
2016. The proposed revisions have been determined to be consistent with the Negative
Declaration.
Chimacoff of icon.5 Architects reviewed changes to the site plan since receiving suggestions
from the Project Review Committee.
Jones asked about the pedestrian safety/ traffic deterrents in the fire access lane, and after some
discussion, applicants said that the chamfered curb should be sufficient to deter vehicles, but if
not, additional measures (signage, etc.) would be taken.
Schroeder noted an inconsistency in one of the drawings, and applicants noted that “Color #3” on
one of the drawings should read “Color #2” (there being no “Color #3” indicated anywhere else
in the site plan). Dan Cummings of ikon.5 shared material samples with the Board members.
Jones asked about bike racks. When applicants indicated the rear of the interior courtyard, Jones
suggested adding some towards the front to deter visitors from locking to signs or street trees.
After additional discussion, applicants asked if inside the courtyard would be acceptable. Jones
said yes or around either side, but towards the front. Chimacoff said they would include one.
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
6
Public Hearing
On a motion by Jones, seconded by Johnston, and approved unanimously, Chair Blalock opened
the Public Hearing.
Karla Terry, an owner of 127 College Avenue (property to the north of the project) spoke about
the disputed boundary between 125 and 127 College Avenue. She said the proposed project
causes them concern. She said that the applicants sent a new boundary agreement but would not
send a copy of their site plan. She said she was unable to reach their attorney by either phone or
email. She also said that the City is okay with the plan because it conforms with the requirements
for lot coverage and green space, etc. She also said, however, that the City requires that any the
site plan application list all the property lines, and that one can’t have a property line with two
boundaries, which is what’s listed currently. She further said that the survey the applicants have
listed doesn’t match what’s on the deed.
There being no further comments, on a motion by Elliott, seconded by Jones, and approved
unanimously, Chair Blalock closed the Public Hearing.
Chair Blalock asked the applicants to respond the issues raised during the public hearing.
Proujansky referred to the materials they had submitted to the Planning Board, which included a
letter from K. Wolf indicating that the project will meet all the zoning requirements in terms of
setbacks – either way the property line is interpreted. He also shared some written
communication between their lawyer and the neighbor, and said he could provide records of yet
additional written communications and compilations of phone logs as well. He said that while
there is ambiguity in the property line, [their] property line as conveyed is clearly defined and
has been reviewed by title attorneys and is title insured. He said that the neighbors’ property line
definition at their conveyance date differs from theirs, which results in a “small pie cut” from
which their proposed building is set back. He said that though he thinks their title attorneys are
correct in their interpretation, but said that the building is set back from the line so that if it
turned out that they are incorrect, it would not impact the site plan process.
Planning Director Cornish asked to clarify, “So even if your neighbor was correct, the site plan
you have sent to us still would meet all the requirements set by zoning?”
Proujansky answered, “That is correct,” and said they made a special effort to remove the
building from the disputed area.
Cornish noted that the Board could move forward with the approval process and the applicants
and their neighbors could continue to negotiate whatever will happen with that line.
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
7
Adopted Resolution for Preliminary and Modified Site Plan Approval:
On a motion by Schroeder, seconded by Johnston:
WHEREAS: an application has been submitted for review and modified site plan approval by the
City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board for townhouses by Kathryn Wolf, Trowbridge
Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, LLP, for 119-125 CA Associates, LLC, and
WHEREAS: The project was previously approved on January 24, 2017. The applicant is now
proposing modifications to the site layout and building design. The originally approved layout
had 3 buildings, two fronting College Ave. and one spanning the rear of the property with a central
plaza in the interior of the site. The revised site layout is for two buildings, both fronting College
Ave., with a central plaza, approximately 26 feet in width. The plaza will serve as temporary
access for emergency fire vehicles via a mountable street curb but after emergency fire vehicle
access is available from a rebuilt College Avenue- will become an exterior amenity space for the
tenants. Other proposed changes include shorter façade lengths and three, rather than 4, street
facing entries on each building. The project has 67 units - the same number of originally proposed
- that are targeted to visiting faculty at Cornell. Building design and materials are similar to the
previously approved proposal. The project site consists of 3 tax parcels (to be consolidated) in the
CR-4 Collegetown Area Form District (CAFD) and has received Design Review, and
WHEREAS: this is a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance (“CEQRO”), §176-4 B. (1.) (k.), and the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(“SEQRA”), §617.4 (b.) (11.), for which the Planning Board acting as Lead Agency issued a
Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance on December 20, 2016. The proposed
revisions have been determined to be consistent with that Negative Declaration, and
WHEREAS: legal notice was published and property posted, and adjacent property owners
notified in accordance with Chapter 290-9 C. (1), (2), & (3) of the City of Ithaca Code, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board held the required Public Hearing on February
27, 2018, and
WHEREAS: in accordance with district regulations, the Planning Board approved a
Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP) for the project on 1/24/17, and
WHEREAS: Tompkins County Planning Department and other interested parties have been given
the opportunity to comment on the proposed project and any received comments have been
considered, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board has on February 27, 2018 reviewed and accepted as adequate the
following drawings: “Pre-Demolition Site Conditions (C101)”, “ Site Surface Demolition Plan
(C102)”, “Utility Demolition Plan (C103)”, “Site Utility Plan (C104)”, “Erosion and Sediment
Control Plan (C105)” “Foundation Drainage Plan (C106)”, and “Details (C201& C202)” and “Site
Utility Profiles (C301 & C302)” dated 12/20/17 and “Work Zone Traffic Control Plan (C401)”
dated 6/23/17 and prepared by T.G. Miller P.C., and “Site Plan (A1.01)”, “Architectural Site
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
8
Details (A1.02)” and “Street Elevation (A4.01)” dated 12/20/17, and “Labeled West and East
Elevations Buildings 1 and 2 (A4.02)”, “Labeled North and South Elevations Buildings 1 and 2
(A4.03)” “Grading Plan (L1.00)”, “Planting Plan and Schedule (L1.01)”, “Future Planting Pla n
and Schedule (L1.02), “Lighting Plan & Schedule (L2.01)” and “Lighting Cut Sheets (L2.01a)”,
all dated 01/18/2018, and “Site Details (L5.00) dated 10/14/16, and the following drawings all
date stamped 2/27/18: “Materials”, “Initial, Temporary Site Plan”, “Final, Permanent Site Plan”,
College Avenue Elevation; Temporary”, “ College Avenue Elevation; Permanent”, “Site
Sections”, “Building 1 Section”, Building 2 Section”, an unlabeled drawing showing a rendering
of the project from College Ave, and “Fire Access Plan” all prepared by ikon.5 architects, and
other application materials,
WHEREAS: at the time of the approval on January 24, 2017, the project was in conformance with
zoning requirements for the CR-4 CAFD, and
WHEREAS: in 2017 the CAFDs were amended to require recessed entries to be set back 5’ from
the front façade of the building, and
WHEREAS: the Director has determined that the front entries of the project should be considered
under the code of the day (e.g. the code in place at the time of the original approval) because 1)
the applicant was required to make modifications to the project in order to meet aerial access
requirements that were unknown at the time of the original approval, and 2) the applicant is not
proposing any modifications to the dimensions of the entries as approved on January 24, 2017, and
WHEREAS: the Board understands that there is a dispute between the applicant and the adjacent
property owner regarding the precise location of the northern property line and that legal action
may be pursued to resolve the issue, and
WHEREAS: the Board further understands that the proposed project has been reviewed and found
to be zoning compliant relative to the location of the northern property line in either the position
claimed by the applicant or the adjacent property owner and therefore has no bearing on the
approval of the site plan for the project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board does hereby grant
preliminary and final Modified Site Plan Approval to the project subject to the following
conditions:
i. Written approval from the Fire Department the project meets all life safety needs, and
ii. Any work in the City Right of Way will require a Street Permit, and
iii. Transformer, if needed, will be located such that it is not visible from the public right of
way, and
iv. Bike racks to be added closer to College Avenue must all racks be installed before a
certificate of occupancy is granted, and
v. Noise-producing construction shall be limited to the hours of 7:30 am and 7:30 pm,
Monday through Friday (or Saturday 9:00 am to 7:30 pm with advance notification to and
approval by the Director of Planning and Development), and
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
9
vi. A staging plan must being approved by the Building Division and Engineering before
issuance of a building permit, and
vii. Submission to the Planning Board of a revised “Materials” sheet correcting the block
labeled “Color #2” to instead read “Color #2 and Color #3”, and
viii. The applicant must return to the Board for final approval of the streetscape design,
central courtyard redesign and entry portal proposal at such time in the future that they
intend to and are able to pursue them.
In Favor: Blalock, Elliott, Johnston, Jones, Schroeder
Against: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Lewis
Vacancies: One
C. Proposed U-Haul Self-Storage Project – Sketch Plan
Adam Fischel from Marathon Engineering and the U-Haul District 9 Representative Brett
Lindsay presented their sketch plan for a new U-Haul building to include a retail location and a
self-storage facility. The proposal would combine two lots, the current U-Haul Location and the
former Salvation Army location next door. The new building would be five stories tall with
about 12,000 square feet of space. It would include a retail space, an interior bay for hitch
installation, a “U-box” storage warehouse, and climate controlled self-storage lockers. The new
building would be situated along the front of the lot, close to Route 13, with vehicle access via
two curb cuts, one on each side of the building. The rear of the lot would have a parking area for
U-Haul rental trucks and sufficient room in the lot for a tractor trailer to turn around.
Board members asked some questions and made some suggestions for changes to the proposed
design, including street-facing entrances on the building, and including street trees and additional
trees and plantings along the creek in the planting plan.
D. Proposed Duplex and Parking – 207-209 First Street
David and Fred Barken, co-owners of Barken Family Realty LLC, and sponsors of the proposed
project presented a sketch plan detailing plans for constructing a duplex in the rear of the two
houses at 207-209 First Street. They purchased the properties in 2017 and have done extensive
renovations on the two houses. David Barken lives in one of the apartments at 207 First Street.
He said his business model is to provide “safe, affordable, non-student housing.”
Their proposal is to combine the two lots and build a two story, side-by-side duplex in the back
yard. They are leaning towards making them two-bedroom units. A variance might be necessary
due to the setback requirements. The Board and applicants discussed the project, with Board
members making some suggestions particularly that the applicants ought to meet with the
neighbors and the neighborhood association to gauge their receptiveness to the project. They also
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
10
had suggestions regarding the design of the building and how to adjust the orientation to make it
feel more like a pocket neighborhood.
4. Old/New Business
A. Planning Board Report Regarding the Proposed Local Historic Landmark
Designation of 311 College Avenue- The Number Nine Fire Station
The Board reviewed the resolution regarding designating the No. Nine Fire Station a local
historic landmark and made some modifications before adopting. Beyond simply referring the
matter to Common Council, they made a recommendation in favor of the designation.
Schroeder moved, Jones seconded, and the Board unanimously approved the addition of an
amendment regarding the open space in the front of the building.
Adopted Resolution for Proposed Local Designation, 311 College Avenue- No. 9 Fire Station
Moved by Schroeder, seconded by Elliott and unanimously approved:
RESOLVED: that the Planning Board shall file the attached report with respect to the issues
stipulated in the Municipal Code regarding the proposed Local Designation of 311 College
Avenue (No. 9 Fire Station)
At its regular monthly meeting on February 13, 2018, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission by unanimous vote recommended designation of the No. 9 Fire Station at 311 College
Avenue as a local landmark. A map showing the location of the building and a summary of its
historic and architectural significance are attached to this report.
As set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, “Landmarks Preservation”,
“The Planning Board shall file a report with the Council with respect to the relation of
such designation to the comprehensive plan, the zoning laws, projected public
improvements, and any plans for the renewal of the site or area involved.”
The following report has been prepared to address these considerations.
1. Relation to the Comprehensive Plan
The 2009 Collegetown Urban Plan & Conceptual Design Guidelines (Collegetown Plan)
contains the following recommendations pertaining to historic resources:
5.M. Historically significant resources within the entire Collegetown Planning
Area which merit designation as local historic landmarks, but which currently
have no such protection, should be identified by the Ithaca Landmarks
Preservation Commission and designated by Common Council. Ideally, this
process would take place concurrently with consideration and adoption of the
proposed form-based Collegetown zoning amendments.
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
11
5.N. Collegetown’s cultural, architectural and natural history should be
highlighted and interpreted for both residents and visitors through such elements
as markers, signs or decorative sidewalk panels, in accordance with a
thematically and aesthetically coordinated program.
6.A. As a resource to be used when applying the new design standards, exemplary
existing Collegetown buildings, both new and historic, should be identified which
can serve as sources of inspiration for designers. Suitable newer buildings might
include 401, 407 and 409 College Avenue, and suitable older buildings might
include not only those structures selected for historic designation (see item 5.M.
above), but other non-designated older structures displaying attractive
proportions or physical design elements that could spark ideas suitable for
inclusion in projects under design.
As part of the process of creating the Collegetown Plan, a Collegetown survey was
completed, titled “Collegetown Historic Resources Worthy of Detailed Research: Icons of
Collegetown, Individual Buildings, Architectural Ensembles and Landscape Features,” by
Mary Tomlan and John Schroeder, dated June 14, 2009. This study identified structures
worthy of further research. The No. 9 Fire Station was identified as an individual building
potentially worthy of designation.
Local designation is consistent with the Collegetown Plan and the 2009 Collegetown
historic resources survey.
2. Relation to Zoning Laws
The property is located in the Mixed Use-2 (MU-2) zoning district, the purpose and intent
of which are as follows:
The Mixed Use districts accommodate retail, office, service, hotel, and
residential uses, and in most cases, multiple uses will be combined within the
same building. The purpose is to create a dynamic urban environment in which
uses reinforce each other and promote an attractive, walkable neighborhood.
Located in central Collegetown, the Mixed Use districts allow the highest density
within the Collegetown Area Form Districts. Redevelopment is anticipated and
encouraged (with the exception of designated local landmarks), and the intent is
to concentrate the majority of additional development within these districts.
Local designation will not affect building uses permitted under the Zoning Ordinance.
Building height in the district is limited to a maximum of 6 stories and 80’ and a minimum
of 4 stories and 45’. The existing building has three stories with a two story portion in the
rear and a one story portion in the front. Local designation may allow the future addition
of stories. Any proposed exterior alterations or additions would be subject to the area
requirements in the MU-2 Zoning district and would require ILPC review to assess the
visual and historic compatibility.
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
12
3. Relation to Projected Public Improvements
Streetscape improvements are planned for the length of College Avenue, including the 300
block, where this property is located. Improvements, which are currently in the planning
process, will likely take place in 2020 and include realignment of the curb line and
improvements to pedestrian and bike amenities. Historic designation would not affect this
proposed work.
4. Relation to Plans for Renewal of the Site or the Area
There are no plans in the City’s Community Development Block Grant program or by the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency for renewal of this site or the nearby area. Local landmark
designation requires that any private proposal for material change of the exterior of the
building or site undergo review and approval by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission before work commences, and be it further
RESOLVED: that the No. 9 Fire Station’s front open space, where generations of Ithacans
and Cornellians have enjoyed outdoor dining, is a valued urban resource that plays a key
role in adding vitality, enhancing community and providing human scale within central
Collegetown, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED: that for all the reasons stated in the attached Historic Resource Inventory
Form and ILPC resolution, plus the reasons stated immediately above, the City of Ithaca
Planning and Development Board supports the proposed local designation of the No. 9 Fire
Station.
B. Chainworks District FGEIS – Update
Deputy Director Nicholas reviewed the timeline for the environmental review process, saying
that if all goes well, the Planning Board should be done with its review by mid-May. The
possibility of holding a special meeting of the Board, as well as a joint meeting with the Town
was discussed. Nicholas said the Board should receive draft documents within a few weeks.
5. Reports
A. Planning Board Chair
Chair Blalock asked about reappointments, and Director Cornish said the Mayor is moving ahead
with reappointments and appointing some new members.
B. Director of Planning & Development
Cornish directed the Board to review the Planning Department’s annual report.
C. Board of Public Works Liaison – no report, position vacant.
Approved by the Planning and Development Board March 27, 2018
13
6. Adjournment:
On a motion by Jones, seconded by Elliott, the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.