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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-2018-11-14 Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Committee Wednesday, November 14, 2018 – 6:00 p.m. Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street Minutes Committee Members Attending: Joseph (Seph) Murtagh, Chair; Cynthia Brock, Donna Fleming, Stephen Smith, and Laura Lewis Committee Members Absent: None Other Elected Officials Attending: Alderperson McGonigal Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Planning and Development Department; Megan Wilson, Senior Planner; Alex Phillips, Planner; Lisa Nicholas, Deputy Director, Planning and Development Department; Jennifer Kusznir, Senior Planner; and Deborah Grunder, Executive Assistant Others Attending: Tim Logue, Director, Engineering; and Tom Parsons, Chief, Ithaca Fire Department; C.J. Randell, Chainworks Development; Jennifer Dotson, Bike/Walk Tompkins; Vicki Armstrong, Bike/Walk Tompkins; Sarah Barden, Mobility, Accessibility, and Transportation Commission Chair Seph Murtagh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 1) Call to Order/Agenda Review No changes were made to the agenda. 2) Special Order of Business No special order of business to report. Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting 3) Public Comment Teresa Halpert, 209 S. Geneva Street, commented on the Green Street rezoning. She pointed out that the wording in the memo is not accurate. She lives in this area and is not in favor of the rezoning. She is not in favor of allowing bars, restaurants, etc. Davie Halpert, 209 S. Geneva Street, reiterated the comments made by Teresa Halpert. Theresa Alt, 206 Eddy Street, stated she just came from the IDA meeting. To her surprise the CIITAP was brought up, but the committee went into executive session so she hopes that Laura Lewis can fill the group about the meeting. Emily Petrina, 146 W. State Street, a Planning Board member. She is in favor of the Green Street rezoning proposal. Fay Gougakis, 171 E. State Street, commented on the construction dust from the Harold Square project. Why is the air quality not being monitored? The Green Street project will only add to this dust. The City should be concerned about the air quality in the City. Light pollution is also a concern of hers. She is totally against the Limebikes. The company should not be allowed to inhabit the City. Why isn’t anyone monitoring where these bikes are being left? Alderperson Lewis appreciates all the public comment. She further commented on the IDA meeting as she is the liaison. To address Ms. Alt, the executive session was not to discuss CIITAP. The executive session covered the old library demolition and the asbestos abatement. It is the IDA that makes the decision regarding the CIITAP, not the City. Chair Murtagh stated the demolition of the library has been delayed per the Mayor’s request. The building is deemed unsafe to occupy to safely abide by the asbestos removal as proposed in the project. Alderperson Brock thanked all the commented. She appreciates people attending and sharing their concerns and suggestions. 4) Announcements & Reports There were no announcements or reports to make. 5) Action Items (Voting to Send on to Council) a) Comprehensive Plan Phase II and DIA Strategic Plan Alderperson Lewis stated that in a previous meeting that the Washington Park- Northside-Fall Creek areas all different and should not be reviewed together. Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting Planner Megan Wilson stated that the study area map can certainly be changed. It wasn’t changed before this meeting because the focus is currently on the downtown area. Alderperson Brock stated she was very pleased with the “white pages” approach. Chair Murtagh stated that inclusionary housing should be included to the “white pages” as well as vacant buildings in order to get them back into functional use. Alderperson Lewis stated we need to look at the tenant properties that are on the border of being condemned and the landlords who have let them deteriorate. Alderperson Smith asked for clarification on the downtown study. Alderperson Fleming asked what the process will be. Will all the “white papers” in each study area be looked at before moving forward? Director Cornish stated there are definitely recommendations that rise to the top that will be reviewed and implemented. Alderperson Smith requested a list of all of the issues be provided all in one document. Director Cornish stated the purpose of the white papers was to identify the issues that seem to be of issues for all areas. Selection of Next Plans for Phase II of the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan Moved by Alderperson Smith; seconded by Alderperson Lewis as amended. Carried Unanimously. WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan outlines a vision for the city’s future and serves as a guide for future decision-making, policies, and funding, and WHEREAS, the City decided to pursue a two-phased approach to its new Comprehensive Plan, where Phase I entailed the preparation of an “umbrella” plan, Plan Ithaca, that sets forth broad goals and principles to guide future policies throughout the city and where Phase II includes the preparation of specific neighborhood and thematic plans, and WHEREAS, the Phase II plans provide an opportunity to take a proactive look at specific areas throughout the city, particularly those with significant potential for change, and to implement policies and capital improvements to help implement a shared vision, and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan was adopted as the first Phase II plan in June 2018, and work on the Waterfront and Southside area plans is nearing completion, and Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, staff is beginning to prepare for the next plans to be completed as part of Phase II, with work intended to begin in the first quarter of 2019, and would like to identify Common Council’s priorities for the upcoming planning initiatives; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council selects the Downtown-West State Street Corridor-West End area plan (study area #4 as shown on the map titled “Comprehensive Plan Phase II Study Areas,” dated August 28, 2018) and the Housing Strategy White Papers as the next plans to be completed as part of Phase II of the Comprehensive Plan. b) Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund (NIIF) – West Lewis Street Neighbors TO: Planning & Economic Development Committee FROM: Alexander Phillips, Planner DATE: November 7, 2018 RE: NIIF: West Lewis Street Block Party Attached is an application for the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund (NIIF) from Victoria Armstrong, on behalf of West Lewis Street Neighbors, for the group’s West Lewis Street ‘Get to Know You’ Block Party. The event was held on October 27th, 2018 and brought area residents together for food, drink and seasonal activities. This event was held to welcome the new residents who recently moved into the neighborhood and intended to promote a sense of community within the neighborhood. In past years, the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund has supported celebrations in many city neighborhoods that focus attention on neighborhood empowerment and solidarity. Expenditures related to this event include food for the block party, which meets criteria for reimbursement. West Lewis Street Neighbors members donated their time for event planning, promotion of the celebration, set up, food preparation, and clean up. By putting together this event on behalf of the neighborhood, the residents are furth ering the aims of the fund to support initiatives that strengthen city neighborhoods. RESOLUTION: Request for Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Funds for the West Lewis Street Neighbors Block Party, October 2018 Moved by Alderperson Lewis; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried Unanimously. WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council established the Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund in 1995 to provide financial assistance to city residents seeking to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, and WHEREAS, the fund is intended to support residents' interest in community improvement and to encourage, not replace volunteerism, and WHEREAS, the funds are intended to be used for projects or events that provide a general neighborhood benefit and not for the limited benefit of individuals or a select few residents, and WHEREAS, activities specified by the Common Council as eligible for the funding include but are not limited to neighborhood clean-ups, plantings in public places, and neighborhood events like block parties or meetings, and Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting WHEREAS, neighborhood groups are required to submit a completed application specifying other project donations, estimated volunteer hours, estimated costs to be covered by the fund and signatures of residents in the immediate neighborhood, and WHEREAS, to streamline the process the Common Council has delegated authority to approve applications to the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and WHEREAS, each neighborhood group is eligible to receive u p to $300 per year as a reimbursement award payable on the submission of original receipts or invoices for approved activities, and WHEREAS, the City cannot reimburse residents for sales tax expenses, and WHEREAS, on behalf of the West Lewis Street Neighbors, Victoria Armstrong has submitted an application for $79 in reimbursement funds to off -set expenses from the West Lewis Street Neighbors Block Party, and WHEREAS, notice of the celebration was circulated throughout the neighborhood via card invitations, and email, and the event provided an opportunity for socializing with diverse groups of residents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee approves the funding request from Victoria Armstrong in the amount of $79 for reimbursement upon presentation of original invoices and/or receipts. Alderperson Brock asked about the number of signatures needed for the application since this one only had six signatures. The number of signatures is based on the amount requested. Under $100, only five signatures are needed; up to $300, more signatures are required. 6) Action Items (Request to Circulate) a) Green Street Rezoning – Discussion and Request to Circulate Alderperson Smith moved; Alderperson Fleming seconded. Carried unanimously. There were questions from the committee as to what is and what is not allowed in the new rezoning. After the questions were and answered, the committee voted to circulate for further review. TO: Planning & Economic Development Committee FROM: Megan Wilson, Senior Planner DATE: November 7, 2018 RE: Proposal to Rezone a Portion of the 100-Block of West Green Street In recent months, staff has been approached by property owners of parcels in the 100 - block of West Green Street with an interest in opening small retail businesses in their existing buildings. The properties are located on the south side of the street in a small Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting area of the B-1a zoning district, which allows primarily residential uses with a few office and commercial uses by special permit. Retail businesses are not permitted. After looking at the surrounding area and the various zoning regulations, it seems appropriate to rezone these three parcels (115, 119, and 123 W. Green Street; circled in red on the attached map) to allow retail uses. These properties are adjacent to a CBD-100 district and are across the street from a CBD-85 district. The area has a strong commercial character, and the retail environment continues to be enhanced with the addition of Press Bay Court on the opposite side of the street. These properties could certainly be considered part of the Downtown, but it is also important to note that they are part of the Henry St. John Historic District and are located near residential uses. With this in mind, staff recommends that 115, 119, and 123 West Green Street be rezoned to B-2d. The new zoning designation would allow any of the currently allowed uses noted above as well as office and retail. The maximum allowable building height would remain 40’, and any exterior alterations or additions must be reviewed by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. The proposed rezoning is consistent with Plan Ithaca and the draft Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan. Staff will attend the November 14 th Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting to answer any questions and seek approval to draft and circulate an ordinance to implement this rezoning proposal. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please feel free to contact me at mwilson@cityofithaca.org or 274-6560. 7) Discussion a) Chainworks Design Guidelines To: Planning and Economic Development Committee From: Lisa Nicholas, Deputy Director of Planning & Development Date: November 8, 2018 RE: Chain Works District Planned Unit Development (PUD) – Draft Design Guidelines Please find attached the draft design guidelines for the proposed Chainworks District PUD. At the November 14th meeting we ask that you review the draft Design Guidelines in preparation for circulation of both the draft Code and the Design Guidelines in December 2018. Earlier versions of this document and the draft Code were previously circulated in December of 2017. Since that time, the Planning Committee has reviewed comments received and worked with the applicant to make significant changes and clarifications to the PUD code. The attached draft Design Guidelines incorporates edits recommended by the Planning Board from the 2017 circulation. Please take particular note of a short list of highlighted items for discussion at the end of the document. Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting On September 3, 2014 Common Council granted conditional approval to Unchained Properties LLC for the development of a PUD at the site of the Morse Chain/Emerson Power Facility. This authorized the applicant to initiate the development approval process, which entails site plan and environmental review, and to draft zoning for the PUD. The attached schedule illustrates the milestones that have been completed and an estimates a schedule for those that are yet to be completed. The proposed Chainworks District will remediate and redevelop the existing 95 acre former industrial site, which spans the Ithaca City and Town lines, to create a mix and density of uses greater than that allowed as of right within the property’s current zoning. These uses include up to 915 residential units, offices, commercial, retail, restaurants/cafes, warehousing/distribution, small business incubator and flex spaces and manufacturing in both existing and new buildings. The project also includes 24 acres of permanent open space and a connection to the future Gateway Trail. Please contact me if you have questions of would like additional information. lnicholas@cityofithaca.org 607-274-6557. Attachments: Chain Works District Planned Unit Development SCHEDULE A: DESIGN GUIDELINES- Draft There was a brief review and discussion of the Draft Design Guidelines provided in the meeting packet. Alderperson Fleming asked whether there are any topics that should be looked at more closely. Alderperson Brock stated it would be helpful to have the chart regarding signage be updated to reflect what has already been agreed upon. Alderperson Smith moved to circulate as amended. Seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Passed unanimously. b) Bike/Walk Tompkins Tim Logue, Jennifer Dotson, Vicki Armstrong. Sarah Barden (transportation commission) were all in attendance to discuss this topic. Chair Murtagh stated the reason he asked this group to attend. Jennifer Dotson from Bike/Walk Tompkins explained what their organization does. Alderperson Lewis asked about the funding they received. Dotson responded that the Park Foundation has been the base. They applied for a much larger amount from NYSERDA. At that time, the bike share program was developed. There were a number of other funding sources. Alderperson McGonigal asked whether they work with the Youth Bureau bike rentals. Vicki Armstrong stated they work very closely with the Youth Bureau on their community events – the senior day, youth day, etc. Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting Chair Murtagh stated that LimeBike seems to be evolving at a rapid pace. How does the City respond to other similar companies who approach us? The ultimate question is whether the City wants to allow scooters. Hector, a member of MATCom Tompkins, stated that the first step is to ask yourself is what the City wants of their transportation program. Alderperson Smith thinks we need to be very careful when we think about the environmental impact on a city. Will these scooters really take the place of driving a car or a bike? Center for __???____ includes car share, bike share program, bike/walk Tompkins. It was pointed out that Cornell University does not have an MOU with Lime/Bike. Jennifer Dotson stated she feels they are at a disadvantage. Alderperson McGonigal stated that many people are not driving a scooter in the street. Will they be allowed to drive them on sidewalks? Tim Logue stated that they will probably be allowed to ride them on the sidewalks. Alderperson Lewis stated she is very supportive of the use of the Lime/Bikes, however she does have concerns of the scooters be driven on sidewalks. She asked what research is there to show the number of accidents with scooters/pedestrians or scooters/vehicles. Vicki Armstrong is a strong advocate for healthy living and riding a bicycle. Bicycle crashes do happen on Route 13 as well as in calmer areas of the city. If were concerned about the severity of crashes, it would be great if the scooter has a space that wasn’t encountering anything else, same with pedestrians, etc. How will we build those spaces? Tim Logue stated that the Department of Public Works does not have a real strong feeling on the use of the scooters. If Council would like to see them, the DPW will phase that in; however if not, they will be fine with that too because they have many other things to spend their time on. Chair Murtagh stated that we need more feedback from other departments such as the police department. Alderperson Fleming stated that scooters are not a new thing. Director Cornish stated with the transportation management plan and deteriorating garages, she is very excited that the scooters may come to the City. It was decided that the Mobility, Accessibility, and Transportation Commission (MATCOM) will discuss this further and bring it back to this committee. The MATcom Chair stated they will be willing to work on this. She would like an email from Chair Murtagh as to what they will research. Vicki Armstrong stated the City is in control of what company of scooters, Limebikes, etc. will be able to do, etc. c) Southwest Homeless Community City Fire Chief Tom Parsons presented a detailed presentation as to the overwhelming homeless situation in Ithaca. This problem is too huge for the City to take on by itself, too huge for the County to take on, it requires a group effort by all. Approved at the December 12, 2018 PEDC Meeting His wish is 20 acres designated for transitional housing. Alderperson Brock appreciates the time and thought Parsons has put into this issue. She questioned whether there were any hostels in the area to house people during the cold temperatures. Alderperson Lewis also thanked Parsons for his presentation. We need to pay attention to temporary housing that is safe and comfortable for the homeless. Alderperson McGonigal thanked Chief Parsons. He thinks that the dumpster idea suggested in the presentation is a great idea. It is also common that people would prefer to live in the ‘jungle’ because they can do what they want and not be judged or bothered. The Second Wind housing has been extremely helpful in building and finding housing for the homeless community. Parsons stated that this problem is not what a city of our size typically can take on. Cities such as Rochester, Buffalo, etc. are larger and more able to help. Parsons and Cornish both stated they did not know how Council would react. It is definitely an emotional topic, but it comes down to the dollars and cents. There is a huge cost. Chair Murtagh stated how impressed he is with the outreach that is already being done. Parsons stated his involvement in this stems from the harm and potential hazards going into this unmanaged area first responders may face. The person with the least amount to lose is the most affected with such a loss. Vicki Armstrong also stated that LimeBike has had a lot of success entering into the homeless encampment. 8) Review and Approval of Minutes a) October 2018 Moved by Alderperson Smith, seconded by Alderperson Lewis. Carried unanimously. 9) Adjournment Moved by Alderperson Smith; seconded by Alderperson Lewis. Carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.