Loading...
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.