Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PLED-2018-12-12 Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting City of Ithaca Planning & Economic Development Committee Wednesday, December 12, 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: Mayor Svante Myrick (6:18 p.m.), Alderpersons Rob Gearhart and Ducson Nguyen Staff Attending: JoAnn Cornish, Director, Planning and Development Department; Megan Wilson, Senior Planner; Lisa Nicholas, Deputy Director, Planning and Development Department; Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner; and Deborah Grunder, Executive Assistant Others Attending: Michael Thorne, Superintendent of Public Works; and Nick Goldsmith, Sustainability Coordinator 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) Public Comment Gary Thomas, 110 Irving Place, spoke on zoning and street lights. He walks his dog at night and there are not adequate street lights. Ann Sullivan, 109 Irving Place, a representative of the Bell Sherman Civic Association stated that are all welcome in their neighborhood, but they need to follow zoning. Many dwellings are not compliant. She asked the City to put teeth in the penalty process. Certificates of Compliance (COCs) need to be enforced. Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting Todd Bruar, 134 Cecil A. Malone Drive, stated that local labor language must be updated. Most of the jobs that are currently be done in the City is NOT local labor. The County and the City need to do more to hire local labor. He really would like to see more local labor used. David Marsh, 622 W. State Street, represents the local construction labor union. Many of the construction being done currently is being done without local labor. The preferred developer for the Green Street Garage will be identified soon. They need to make a commitment to local labor. Many local labor union members are single parents who cannot travel for jobs. Susan Holland, 212 Center Street, President of Historic Ithaca, spoke on the landmark designation of the Railroad Station. Ithaca is known for their landmarks designation. Housing in designated areas are assessed much higher than other areas. Carol Beeman, 112 Butterfield Falls Road, reiterated the comments of Susan Holland. Kate Smith, 206 Sapsucker Wood Road, reiterated the comments of Susan Holland. Neha Khanna, 228 S. Geneva Street, spoke on the designation of the railroad station. It is a large parcel that will continue to serve the community David Barkam, 319 Cascadilla Street, spoke in favor of infill housing. If it’s done correctly, it will serve the community as a whole. Local labor is utilized. An overlay for the city as a whole is needed. Nancy Brcak, 5214 Jacksonville Road, spoke in favor of the railroad station designation. She also is an advocate of local labor. Alphonse Pieper, 139 Ithaca Road, spoke in favor of the railroad station. There are not many of this type left in this region. Homer has one, but is not a prominent feature in their village as well as Newark Valley Historical Society has one. Theresa Alt, 206 Eddy Street, spoke in favor of infill housing. It will help provide affordable housing in much needed areas of the system. Anne Kilgore, 216 Lake Avenue, spoke on rental dystopia. When an individual buys property, they expect zoning laws to be followed. Nicole Hasson. 510 Linn Street, spoke regarding single primary structure overlay zone. Spoke on the Aurora Street project currently on the table. She asked whether this project could not be decided on despite the lack of a City-wide overlay zone. Ashley Miller, 126 Sears Street, spoke on the historic preservation of the railroad. If there ever was a property more deserving of historic designation, it is the railroad. Everyone took the train. This is the only building left here in Ithaca worthy of keeping. Eugene Endres, 126 Sears Street, spoke in favor of the historic preservation of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad Station. Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting Karen Friedeborn, 877 Bostwick Road, chairs the Northside United Group. Our neighborhood is different than many others. We want to see owners and renters stay in the City. Dan Hoffman, 415 Elm Street, a city resident for over 50 years. There are significant changes to the City. Common Council has the opportunity of support the full landmark designation. It’s a unique site with the closeness to the waterfront. He also spoke on infill housing. The City needs to look at this closely. Sheryl Swink, 321 N. Albany Street, spoke in favor of the designation of the railroad. It is important to maintain and keep these historic sites intact. She also spoke on the infill housing. The City needs to look and evaluate this carefully. John Schroeder, 618 Stewart Avenue, spoke in favor of the designation of the railroad. There was the Erie and the Barge Canals, the Lackawanna, then the Lehigh Valley system, then the bus system. He read into record a newspaper clipping from many years ago. Joe Wilson, 75 Hunt Hall Road, asked for a time table for the infill housing. Response from the Committee: Alderperson Nguyen stated that many people have complained to him regarding street lights. A member of his neighborhood is keeping a spreadsheet of all the telephone poles not in service. Alderperson Lewis thanked the two labor representatives to keep their concerns on our radar and that local labor is definitely on our radar. Alderperson Brock also thanked the labor reps attending to voice their concerns regarding local labor. She further stated that she is very much in favor of the designation. She thanked all for their comments and we will definitely work on these. Alderperson Fleming responded to Ann Sullivan’s concerns about zoning and rental properties. Mayor Myrick stated that the attorney’s office has been brought in on the property compliances regarding Certificates of Compliance (COCs). He also responded to the concerns of the growth of the City. It’s intentional. The growth is to make the downtown more vibrant. He thanked all in the audience for their compassion. Chair Murtagh responded that the infill housing is a contentious topic and will continue to be. Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting 3) Special Order of Business a) Public Hearing – Green Street Rezoning Alderperson Brock moved to open the public hearing; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. Laura Larson, 1151 Taughannock Blvd., spoke in favor of the Green Street Rezoning. Ed Crossmore, 1125 Taughannock Blvd. spoke in favor of the Green Street Rezoning. They own the property in the area. He has run a law firm there for many years Alderperson Brock motioned to close the public hearing; seconded by Alderperson Smith. Carried unanimously. b) Presentation: Flood Study Update Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting Mayor Svante Myrick left the meeting at 8:00 p.m. 4) Announcements & Reports a) Green Building Policy Update Nick Goldsmith updated the group. He will bring this back next month. 5) Action Items (Voting to Send on to Council) a) Annual Lead Agency CEQR Concurrence for Site Plan Projects Moved by Alderperson Smith; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Carried unanimously. 2019 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 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 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, 2017 and 2018, 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 Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting 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, 2019; and, be it further RESOLVED, That for any future project Common Council may withhold or withdraw its consent should it so desire. b) Green Street Rezoning Draft Resolution 12/12/18 Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Amend the Zoning District Boundaries of the B-1a and B-2d Zoning Districts, City of Ithaca Tax Parcels 70.- 7-1, 70.-7-2, and 70.-7-3.- Declaration of Lead Agency WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and 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, the proposed zoning amendment is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposal to amending the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to amend the zoning district boundaries of the B-1a and B-2d Zoning Districts, City of Ithaca tax parcels 70.-7-1, 70.-7-2, and 70.-7-3. Draft Resolution 12/12/18 An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Amend the Zoning District Boundaries of the B-1a and B-2d Zoning Districts, City of Ithaca Tax Parcels 70.- 7-1, 70.-7-2, and 70.-7-3 - Declaration of Environmental Significance Moved by Alderperson Smith; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. 1. WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to amend the zoning district boundaries of the B-1a and B-2d Zoning Districts, tax parcels 70.-7-1, 70.-7-2, and 70.-7-3, and Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting 2. WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated December 7, 2018, and 3. WHEREAS, the proposed action is an “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and 4. WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it 1. RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Full Environmental Assessment Form, dated December 7, 2018, and be it further 2. RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further 3. RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. Draft Resolution 12/12/18 Moved by Alderperson Brock; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. An Ordinance Amending The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Amend the Zoning District Boundaries of the B-1a and B-2d Zoning Districts, City of Ithaca Tax Parcels 70.-7-1, 70.-7-2, and 70.-7-3 The ordinance to be considered shall be as follows: ORDINANCE NO. BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the City of Ithaca Common Council as follows: Section 1. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the designation from B-1a to B-2d for the following tax parcels: 70.-7-1, 70.-7-2, and 70.-7-3. The boundaries are shown on the attached map entitled “Proposed West Green Street Zoning Amendment,” dated November 7, 2018. Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting Section 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law after publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting c) Recommended Historic Designation – Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad Station, 703 West Seneca Street Moved by Alderperson Smith; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. RE: LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE FORMER DELAWARE, LACKAWANNA & WESTERN RAILROAD STATION AT 701 W. SENECA ST. WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) is responsible for recommending to Common Council the designation of structures or resources as individual landmarks and historic districts within the city, and WHEREAS, on November 13, 2018, the ILPC conducted a public hearing for the purpose of considering a proposal to designate the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Station at 701 E. Seneca St. as a local landmark, and WHEREAS, the designation of a local landmark is a Type II action under the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and as such requires no further environmental review, and WHEREAS, the ILPC found that the proposal meets criteria 1, 3, and 4 defining a “Local Landmark,” under Section 228-3B of the Municipal Code and on November 13, 2018, voted to recommend the designation of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Station at 701 W. Seneca St., and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, the Planning and Development Board filed a report with the Council with respect to the relation of such designation to the comprehensive plan, the zoning law, projected public improvements and any plans for the renewal of the site or area involved, and WHEREAS, the Planning Board's report was adopted by resolution at the meeting held on November 27, 2018, has been reviewed by the Common Council, and WHEREAS, Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code states that the Council shall within ninety days of said recommendation of designation, approve, disapprove or refer back to the ILPC for modification of same, and RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee [concurs/does not concur] with the findings presented in the Planning and Development Board report, and finds that the proposed designation [is/is not] compatible with and [will/will not] conflict with the comprehensive plan, existing zoning, projected public improvements or any plans for renewal of the site and area involved, and be it further Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting RESOLVED, that Planning and Economic Development Committee [concurs/does not concur] with the findings of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission and finds the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Station at 701 W. Seneca St. [meets/does not meet] criteria for local designation, as set forth in the Municipal Code, as follows: 1. it possesses special character or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation; or 3. Embodying the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style 4. is the work of a designer whose work has significantly influenced and age; or RESOLVED, that the Planning and Development Committee recommends to Common Council approval of the designation of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western tax parcel #73.-5-2.1 as a local landmark. OR Railroad Station at 701 W. Seneca St. and the adjacent areas that are identified as RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Development Committee disapproves the designation of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Station at 701 W. Seneca St and the adjacent areas identified as tax parcel #73 . - 5 - 2.1 . RESOLVED, that the Planning and Economic Deve lopment Committee forwards the modified recommendation to designate the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Station at 701 W. Seneca St and the adjacent areas that are identified as tax parcel #73 . - 5 - 2.1 to Common Council with a to disapprove the designation. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting 6) Action Items (Request to Circulate) a) Creation of Citywide Overlay Zone for Primary Structures Director JoAnn Cornish stated she understands the community’s concern. We still have a certain amount of green space on each lot. We want to keep the cha racter of the neighborhood. We need to take a step back and look at the design guidelines. We need to really look at it carefully. Director Cornish is committed to acting on this quickly. Alderperson Lewis stated she is very conflicted about this. A perfect example is 210 Hancock which is a very good development. We need to try to preserve our housing stock but not forget about the renters. Alderperson Brock stated there should be a good mix of homeowners and rental properties. Alderperson Smith stated we don’t necessarily need to focus strictly on housing stock. Chair Murtagh stated that the difference between any new homes built in the city compared to areas just outside of the City is there are many more regulati ons in the City than in Lansing for instance. Alderperson Fleming stated that when we think of the renters, we’re just worried out student renters. Many single family homes have been turned into rental property that are rented to students and often over occupied and lack certificate of compliances. Alderperson Brock asked what we can do to enforce compliance. Director Cornish has talked with both Gino Leonardi and Mike Niechwiadowicz on how to approach this. The attorney’s office will also be involved because fines need to be enforced. Chair Murtagh asked what people want to do. Alderperson Fleming motioned to circulate; seconded by Alderperson Brock. Failed 2-3. Cornish stated that this may not be ready for circulation. More discussion is needed. Alderperson Brock provided an update on the last meeting of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission. A proposal came forward to create a memorial bench park at the Ithaca Falls. Also brought forward were dedicated soccer fields with lighting, parking, pellets, etc.; the Southwest and golf course areas; and a deer management program. Approved at the January 9, 2019 PEDC Meeting 7) Review and Approval of Minutes a) November 2018 Moved by Alderperson Smith, seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. 8) Adjournment Moved by Alderperson Smith; seconded by Alderperson Fleming. Carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.