HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Minutes 2025-09-16
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
Shirley A. Raffensperger Board Room, Town Hall
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1. Persons to be heard.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary, located
adjacent to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road in the Low-Density
Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a +/- 6,800 square foot aviary for the
rehabilitation of eagles and other large-flighted birds and will include five rehabilitation mews and
larger flight area, along with concrete sidewalk connections to the adjacent hospital, a gravel fire access
drive, stormwater management facilities, outdoor lighting, and other site improvements. The project is a
Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is not subject to environmental
review. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Owner/Applicant; David Kelley-Widmer,
Cornell Facilities Project Coordinator, Agent.
3. SEQR Determination: Wonderland 2-Lot Subdivision - 654 Elmira Road.
4. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed
two-lot subdivision at 654 Elmira Road, located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone. The project
includes subdividing a .12+/- acre parcel from a 4.0+/- acre parcel containing the Rodeway Inn &
Suites. The .12+/- acre parcel will be conveyed to the Town of Ithaca for municipal sewer
improvements in accordance with the 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvements Project. This is an
Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to an environmental
review. Jamna Hospitality, Inc., Owner; Town of Ithaca, Applicant; David O’Shea, Director of
Engineering, Agent.
5. Approval of Minutes.
6. Other Business.
7. Adjournment.
C.J. Randall
Director of Planning
607-273-1747
Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings in person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom videoconference at
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382 or by calling (929) 436-2866 and entering Meeting ID: 836 4376 4382. The public will have an
opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments directly to the Board during Persons to be Heard and/or Public
Hearing.
Written comments can be addressed to the Planning Board (in-person at Town Hall; by mail; or via email at
Planning@townithacany.gov) until noon the day of the meeting. Comments addressed to the Board will be distributed to all Board
members and Applicant(s). Comments received after the posting of the agenda packet (five business days prior to the meeting) are
distributed to the Board on the day of the meeting. Comments are public and become part of the project file.
Applications and associated project materials are available on the Town’s website at https://townithacany.gov/meeting-calendar-
agendas/ under the calendar meeting date.
Page 1 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
September 16, 2025
MINUTES
(Written comments submitted at the meeting or after posting of the official mailout packet and 24
hours after the meeting can be found in the updated packet online and will be filed permanently
with the project folder along with any other comments received after the post meeting deadline.)
Present: Caitlin Cameron, Chair; Bill Arms, Kelda McGurk, Sara Reynolds and Vincent Ferrara
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning; Christine Balestra, Senior Planner; Susan Brock, Attorney for
the Town; Dana Magnuson, Senior Code Officer; David O’Shea, Director of Engineering; Emily
Rodgers, Civil Engineer; Justin McNeal, Civil Engineer.
Ms. Cameron opened the meeting at 6:30p.m.
1. Persons to be heard – None
2. Consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Rehabilitation
Aviary, located adjacent to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road
in the Low-Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a +/- 6,800
square foot aviary for the rehabilitation of eagles and other large-flighted birds and will
include five rehabilitation mews and larger flight area, along with concrete sidewalk
connections to the adjacent hospital, a gravel fire access drive, stormwater management
facilities, outdoor lighting, and other site improvements. The project is a Type II Action
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is not subject to environmental
review. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Owner/Applicant; David Kelley-
Widmer, Cornell Facilities Project Coordinator, Agent.
Presentation and Discussion:
David Kelly-Whitmer went through a presentation. The aviary will be predominantly used for
the rehabilitation of eagles and other flighted birds. There is no facility to rehabilitate the eagles
once they leave the hospital. Information about the building size, lighting and layout, and
illustrations of the proposed façade of the building was presented.
Mr. Ferrara asked about landscaping on the east side of the building. The applicant responded
that the only improvements will be for drainage on that side.
Mr. Arms asked about the noise level of the birds and what other raptor species may be housed
there. The applicant responded that the gift was given for bald and golden eagles and they are a
quiet species and there may be some owls housed there as well.
Page 2 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
Ms. Cameron asked about waste management. The applicant explained that the adjacent existing
buildings will be used for waste management. Ms. Cameron also confirmed that no extra parking
is necessary. Ms. Cameron also asked about the timing of the outdoor lighting. The applicant
explained that the lighting will be on all night due to the hospital being open 24 hours. Ms.
Cameron asked if the applicant would consider motion-activated lights, if they were permitted by
code. The applicant is open to that if it is required for code.
Public Hearing
Ms. Cameron opened the public hearing at 6:57pm
Stephen Powell, neighbor, spoke, saying he had provided written comments prior to the meeting.
His concerns were about noise and light pollution coming from the facility. He played a short
audio illustrating the noise from a red tail hawk and expressed concern about that type of noise if
red tail hawks were in the facility.
He stated that there is only an open grazing field between the facility and his home, with no
buffering and he felt the building would not adequately buffer the impact of the noise.
Chris Sinton, neighbor, expressed his frustration with the 5 days’ notice of the building’s final
approval, stating that it was not enough time to learn about the project and he would like to see a
more detailed lighting plan.
Mary Paul Kirkpatrick, neighbor, stated that she also sent written comments prior to the meeting
and her home is closest to the proposed facility. She also referenced a letter she sent to the Board
prior to the meeting. She explained that her tenant works at Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology and she
had asked her about the potential noise from the eagles being housed there.
Her tenant told her that she expected the building to be designed to be as natural as possible for
the birds living in it; open to the air and elements, minimizing artificial lighting, and set up in a
way the birds can’t see each other to minimize stress. She was not concerned about the potential
noise, as raptors are generally very quiet, eagles and ospreys may chatter occasionally but they
would be no louder than the horses that are there now.
Ms. Kirkpatrick said she appreciated the presentation, and she doesn’t mind the noise. If the
birds are making noise, it means the birds are getting better, but she was concerned about the
lighting and wondered if the lights to the west and south of the building are necessary.
Diana Sinton spoke, stating that she also had provided written comments and she also wished
that there had been more time before the meeting to learn more about the project, and that she
had the same concerns as others about noise and lighting.
Sue Eslinger spoke, saying that she agreed with the others that 5 days to review the project was
not enough time.
Ms. Cameron closed the public hearing at 7:16pm
Page 3 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
Determination
The posting and notification requirements for a public hearing were reviewed. The notice is
published as a legal ad in the Town’s official newspaper, the Ithaca Journal, no less than 5 days
prior to the meeting and posted on the Town Clerk’s bulletin board in the lobby of Town Hall. A
courtesy notice is also mailed to all property owners within 500 feet of the proposed project, and
an orange sign is posted onsite for passers-by. The courtesy mailing is not required, but the Town
has historically done this.
The agenda and materials are posted to the Town’s website when mailed to board members,
generally 6 or 7 days prior to the meeting.
Ms. Cameron asked the applicant if the birds would be outside at all. The applicant replied, no,
the birds will only be released off site. Ms. Cameron also asked if animals in the environment
would be a threat to the rehabilitating birds. The applicant did not directly take outside animals
into account, but the design of the building is such that it will exclude other animals from getting
inside. The other raptor center researched by Cornell did not have any issues with wildlife.
Ms. Cameron asked about lighting and confirmed they are dark sky-compliant and also comply
with the Town Outdoor Lighting Law. Ms. Cameron would like the lighting to be on a motion
sensor rather than on all night if it does not conflict with code requirements. Ms. Reynolds
cautioned that with motion sensing light and wildlife, the motion sensing light may be more
bothersome than staff turning on a switch when light is needed.
The requirement for a noise study was discussed. It was determined there are too many variables
for a study to be accurate and the requirement is not necessary.
Mr. Arms commented that the lighting photometric sheet indicated the light bleed cutoff is
generous and believes the lighting plan that was submitted to be accurate. Mr. Arms agreed that
noise from eagles would not be an issue.
The board discussed potentially requiring motion sensor lights and determined that they would
be unnecessary. The board will leave it up to the applicant if motion sensors are feasible. The
board also made a change to the draft resolution, to remove the words “Prior to issue of a
building permit,” in the proposed condition of approval related to SWPPP.
PB Resolution 2025-024: Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit
Cornell Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary
Hungerford Hill Road
Tax Parcel 61.-1-7.2 & 61.-1-9
Whereas:
1. This action is consideration of Preliminary & Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for
the proposed Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Rehabilitation
Page 4 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
Aviary, located adjacent to the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road
in the Low Density Residential Zone. The proposal involves the construction of a +/- 6,800
square foot aviary for the rehabilitation of eagles and other large-flighted birds and will
include five rehabilitation mews and larger flight area, along with concrete sidewalk
connections to the adjacent hospital, a gravel fire access drive, stormwater management
facilities, outdoor lighting, and other site improvements. The project is a Type II Action
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is not subject to environmental
review. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Owner/Applicant; David Kelley-
Widmer, Cornell Facilities Project Coordinator, Agent;
2. This is a Type II Action, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Section 617.5(c)(10) of the regulations of the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the
State Environmental Quality Review Act, as the action constitutes “routine activities of
educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square
feet of gross floor area and school closings, but not changes in use related to such closings.”
Thus, approval of the site plan and special permit are not subject to review under SEQR;
3. Project plans, and related information, were duly delivered to the Tompkins County Planning
and Sustainability Department per New York State General Municipal Law §§239- l et seq.,
and such Department responded in a July 25, 2025, letter from Katherine Borgella, Tompkins
County Commissioner of Planning, pursuant to §§239-l, -m, and -n of the New York State
General Municipal Law, determining that the proposed action will have no significant
county-wide or inter-community impact; and
4. The Planning Board, at a public hearing held on September 16, 2025, has reviewed and
accepted as adequate a narrative, a set of drawings titled “Site Development Plans for Cornell
University Swanson Wildlife Aviary, Swanson Drive, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York State,” including sheets C-101, C-102, C-201, C-301, C-302, C-401, C-501, C-
801, C-802, C-901, C-902, L-201, G-000, and A-201, prepared by Bohler Site Civil and
Consulting Engineering and Dwyer Architectural, dated 07-07-2025, and most recently
revised 9-2-2025; a topographic survey map prepared by C.T. Male Associates, dated May 9,
2025; and other application materials; now, therefore be it
Resolved:
1. The Planning Board hereby finds that the Special Permit standards of Article XXIV Section
270-200, Subsections A – H, the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met, specifically that:
A. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the
property’s size, location, and physical site characteristics.
• The properties are collectively over 110 acres in size, and contain Cornell Veterinary
research buildings and related facilities, including buildings, parking lots, sidewalks,
landscaping, and other site improvements typically found in this type of setting. The
proposed project is an extension of the existing wildlife hospital and will be located in
an open area adjacent to the hospital that is large enough to accommodate the new
building and other improvements.
Page 5 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area.
• The proposed addition is compatible with the surrounding properties on which it is
proposed.
C. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes,
vibration, illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted
use in the particular zone.
• There will be temporary vibration, noise, and other potential nuisances associated with
the construction of the aviary building. Impacts will be limited to the period associated
with construction activities. Proposed illumination is minimal and will comply with
Town Code, Chapter 173: Outdoor Lighting.
D. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services,
roadways, schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate
capacity to accommodate the proposed use.
• All infrastructure to accommodate the use is of adequate capacity. There will be no
increased demand for police, fire, or other protective services due to the project.
E. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of
the Town Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan.
F. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic
circulation, and parking and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is
safely designed for emergency vehicles.
• There are existing vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle facilities associated with the existing
buildings and uses. There is no additional parking proposed for the project, as there are
no human occupants anticipated. The proposal does include an additional gravel fire
access drive that is safely designed for emergency vehicles to access the aviary.
G. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect
surrounding land uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible.
• The project site is located on terrain that has previously been disturbed for construction
and is not anticipated to impact any natural features. The project is not situated in a
Natural Area or Scenic Viewshed area. The surrounding land uses are Cornell
veterinary research structures and lands. Vegetation removal is limited; and landscaping
is not needed to buffer surrounding land uses.
H. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure
complies with all the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270,
Zoning.
2. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for Preliminary and
Final Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having
determined from the materials presented that such waiver would result in a significant
alteration of neither the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by
Page 6 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
the Town Board; and
3. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval
for the proposed Cornell Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary on Hungerford Hill Road, as
described in the items noted in Whereas #4 above, subject to the following condition:
a. Approval by the Town Engineering Department, of the stormwater pollution prevention
plan (SWPPP) for the project, along with any related pre- or post-treatment stormwater
practices.
Moved: Bill Arms Seconded: Sara Reynolds
Vote: Ayes- Cameron, Arms, McGurk, Reynolds and Ferrara
3. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed two-lot
subdivision at 654 Elmira Road, located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone. The
project includes subdividing a .12+/- acre parcel from a 4.0+/- acre parcel containing the
Rodeway Inn & Suites. The .12+/- acre parcel will be conveyed to the Town of Ithaca for
municipal sewer improvements in accordance with the 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer
Improvements Project. This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality
Review Act and is subject to an environmental review. Jamna Hospitality, Inc., Owner;
Town of Ithaca, Applicant; David O’Shea, Director of Engineering, Agent.
Presentation and Discussion:
Mr. O’Shea described the subdivision as necessary for the Inlet Valley Sewer Improvement
project the Engineering Department is overseeing. The Town would like to acquire the parcel to
improve the site. The Town Board approved the project. All DEC permits have been acquired for
the project.
Mr. Arms asked how this project compares to the one done in Forest Home. Mr. O’Shea replied
they are very similar. The only difference is that this project does not have a concrete pad. Mr.
Arms was concerned about the screening. Mr. O’Shea replied that there will be arborvitae type
trees to screen.
Ms. Cameron had asked staff about a minimum lot size requirement. Ms. Randall replied that the
Town of Ithaca is not required to comply with the Town Code lot dimensional requirements for
town utility projects.
SEQR Determination
PB Resolution 2025-025: SEQR
Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval
Wonderland Two-Lot Subdivision
654 Elmira Road
Tax Parcel 33.-3-6
Page 7 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed
two-lot subdivision at 654 Elmira Road, located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.
The project includes subdividing a +/- 0.12 acre parcel from a +/- 4.04 acre parcel
containing the Rodeway Inn & Suites. The +/- 0.12 acre parcel will be conveyed to the
Town of Ithaca for municipal sewer improvements, in accordance with the 2024 Inlet
Valley Sewer Improvements Project. Jamna Hospitality, Inc., Owner; Town of Ithaca,
Applicant; David O’Shea, Director of Engineering, Agent;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board is acting in an
uncoordinated environmental review with respect to the project;
3. The Planning Board on September 16, 2025, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a
Short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2
and 3 prepared by Planning staff, a report prepared by the Town of Ithaca Engineering
Department, titled “Engineering Report for 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvements
Project,” dated September 3, 2024; a subdivision map titled “Survey map showing parcel
to be conveyed to the Town of Ithaca, Located at 654 Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York,” prepared by Williams & Edsall, Land Surveyors, PC,
dated 8/6/2025; and other application materials;
4. Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed Subdivision Approval; now, therefore be it
Resolved:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law
6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced
action as proposed, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in
the EAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Vincent Ferrara Seconded: Kelda McGurk
Vote: Ayes- Cameron, Arms, McGurk, Reynolds and Ferrara
Public Hearing
Ms. Cameron opened the Public hearing at 7:55pm, there was no one wishing to speak and the
hearing was closed.
Determination
PB Resolution 2025-026 Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval
Page 8 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
Wonderland Two-Lot Subdivision
654 Elmira Road
Tax Parcel 33.-3-6
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed
two-lot subdivision at 654 Elmira Road, located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.
The project includes subdividing a +/- 0.12 acre parcel from a +/- 4.04 acre parcel
containing the Rodeway Inn & Suites. The +/- 0.12 acre parcel will be conveyed to the
Town of Ithaca for municipal sewer improvements, in accordance with the 2024 Inlet
Valley Sewer Improvements Project. Jamna Hospitality, Inc., Owner; Town of Ithaca,
Applicant; David O’Shea, Director of Engineering, Agent;
2. This is an Unlisted Action for which the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, in an
uncoordinated environmental review with respect to the project, has on September 16,
2025, made a negative determination of environmental significance, after having
reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form Part 1,
submitted by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by the Town Planning staff;
3. Per the Inter-governmental Agreement between the Town of Ithaca and the Tompkins
County Planning and Sustainability Department, dated August 3, 2004, residential
subdivisions of fewer than 5 lots, all of which comply with Tompkins County Sanitary
Code requirements, and do not involve new local roads or streets directly accessing a
State or county road, are of local, rather than inter-community or county-wide concern,
and are therefore not subject to referral to the Tompkins County Planning and
Sustainability Department under New York State General Municipal Law, Article 12-B,
§§239-l, -m, and -n; and
4. The Planning Board on September 16, 2025, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a
report prepared by the Town of Ithaca Engineering Department, titled “Engineering
Report for 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvements Project,” dated September 3, 2024; a
subdivision map titled “Survey map showing parcel to be conveyed to the Town of
Ithaca, Located at 654 Elmira Road, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York,”
prepared by Williams & Edsall, Land Surveyors, PC, dated 8/6/2025; and other
application materials; now, therefore be it
Resolved:
1. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby waives certain requirements for
Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final
Subdivision Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver
will result in a significant alteration of neither the purpose of subdivision control nor the
policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board; and
Page 9 of 9
PB 2025-09-16 (Filed 9/17)
2. That the Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for
the proposed subdivision at 654 Elmira Road, as shown on the report and survey map
noted in Whereas #4 above, subject to the following condition:
a. Submission for signing by the Chairperson of the Planning Board of an original and
three dark lined prints of the approved final subdivision plat, including the original
signature and seal of the registered land surveyor, prior to filing with the Tompkins
County Clerk Office; and submission of a copy of the receipt of filing to the Town of
Ithaca Planning Department.
Moved: Vincent Ferrara Seconded: Sara Reynolds
Vote: Ayes- Cameron, Arms, McGurk, Reynolds and Ferrara
4. Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the June 17, 2025 minutes was made by Ms. Reynolds, seconded by Mr.
Ferrara; unanimous.
Discussion regarding whether or not minutes can be approved by the chair rather than by the full
board at the next meeting. The Board decided to keep minute approval(s) by the full Board.
5. Other Business
Motion to cancel the October 7, 2025 meeting made by Mr. Ferrara, seconded by Mr. Arms;
unanimous.
6. Adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned upon a motion and a second at 8:06 pm.
Submitted by
Monica Moll
Deputy Town Clerk
TOWN OF ITHACA
NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
215 N.Tioga St 14850
607.273.1747
www.townithacany.us
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY MAIL AND POSTING &PUBLICATION
STATE OF NEW YORK )SS.:
COUNTY OF TOMPKINS )
I,Abby Homer,Administrative Assistant for the Town of Ithaca being duly sworn,depose and say,that
deponent is not a party to the actions,is over 21 years of age with a professional address of 215 North Tioga
Street,Ithaca,New York.
That on the 9"day of September 2025,deponent served the within Notice upon the property owners within
500 ft.of the properties and projects identified below for public hearings to be held on Tuesday,September 16,
2025,starting at 6:30 P.M.at Town Hall,215 N.Tioga Street in the board room.
Consideration of Preliminary &Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University
College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary,located adjacent to the Janet L.Swanson Wildlife
Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road in the Low-Density Residential Zone.The proposal involves the construction of a
+/-6,800 square foot aviary for the rehabilitation of eagles and other large-flighted birds and will include five
rehabilitation mews and larger flight area,along with concrete sidewalk connections to the adjacent hospital,a gravel
fire access drive,stormwater management facilities,outdoor lighting,and other site improvements.The project is a
Type IJ Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is not subject to environmental review.Cornell
University College of Veterinary Medicine,Owner/Applicant;David Kelley-Widmer,Cornell Facilities Project
Coordinator,Agent.
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed two-lot subdivision at 654 Elmira Road,
located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.The project includes subdividing a .12+/-acre parcel from a 4.0+/-acre
parcel containing the Rodeway Inn &Suites.The .12+/-acre parcel will be conveyed to the Town of Ithaca for
municipal sewer improvements in accordance with the 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvements Project.This is an
Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to an environmental review.Jamna
Hospitality,Inc.,Owner;Town of Ithaca,Applicant;David O’Shea,Director of Engineering,Agent.
By depositing same enclosed in a postpaid addressed wrapper,in a post office under the exclusive care
and custody of the United States Post Office Department within the State of New York,and that the attached
notice has been duly posted on the sign board of the Town Clerk of the Town of Ithaca on September 9,2025,
and the notice has been duly published in the official newspaper,Ithaca Journal on September 10,2025.
Abby Homef/Administrative Assistant
~"MONICA MOLL
Rad .NOTARY PUBLIC,STATE OF NEW YORKSwomtobeforemeonSVPhembarIl,2025.
Registration No.01MO0031400
Qualified in Tompkins County
Joa.-Commission Expires November 25,2028{Vas Notary Public
ithaca journal
Public Notices
Originally published at ithacajournal.com on 09/10/2025
TOWN OF ITHACA
PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on Tuesday,September 16,2025,starting at
6:30 P.M.on the following matters:
Consideration of Preliminary &Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary,
located adjacent to the Janet L.Swanson Wildlife Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road in the
Low-Density Residential Zone.The proposal involves the construction of a +/-6,800
square foot aviary for the rehabilitation of eagles and other large-flighted birds and will
include five rehabilitation mews and larger flight area,along with concrete sidewalk
connections to the adjacent hospital,a gravel fire access drive,stormwater management
facilities,outdoor lighting,and other site improvements.The project is a Type Il Action
under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is not subject to environmental
review.Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine,Owner/Applicant;David Kelley-
Widmer,Cornell Facilities Project Coordinator,Agent.
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed two-lot
subdivision at 654 Elmira Road,located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.The
project includes subdividing a .12+/-acre parcel from a 4.0+/-acre parcel containing the
Rodeway Inn &Suites.The .12+/-acre parcel will be conveyed to the Town of Ithaca for
municipal sewer improvements in accordance with the 2024 inlet Valley Sewer
improvements Project.This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality
Review Act and is subject to an environmental review.Jamna Hospitality,Inc.,Owner;
Town of Ithaca,Applicant;David O’Shea,Director of Engineering,Agent.
Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings in person at Town Hall or virtually
via Zoom videoconference at https://usO6web.zoom.us/j/83643764382 or by calling (929)
436-2866 and entering Meeting 1D:836 4376 4382.The public will have an opportunity to
see and hear the meeting live and provide comments directly to the Board during Persons
to be Heard and/or Public Hearing.
Written comments can be addressed to the Planning Board (in-person at Town Hall;by
mail;or via email at Planning@townithacany
-gov)via email until noon the day of the meeting.Comments addressed to the Board will
be distributed to all Board members and Applicant(s).Comments received after the
posting of the agenda packet (five business days prior to the meeting)are distributed to
the Board on the day of the meeting.Comments are public and become part of the project
file.
C.J.Randall,Director of Planning
9/10/25 #11649575
>TOWNOF ITHACA
~NEW YORK
Notice of Planning Board Action Near You
You are receiving this notice because you own or live on a property within 500’feet of the proposed action.
This is an effort to inform you and give you an opportunity to learn more and comment if you would like.
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday,September 16,2025,starting at 6:30 P.M.on the
following matter:
Consideration of Preliminary &Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell University
College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Rehabilitation Aviary,located adjacent to the Janet L.Swanson Wildlife
Hospital on Hungerford Hill Road in the Low-Density Residential Zone.The proposal involves the construction
of a +/-6,800 square foot aviary for the rehabilitation of eagles and other large-flighted birds and will include five
rehabilitation mews and larger flight area,along with concrete sidewalk connections to the adjacent hospital,a
gravel fire access drive,stormwater management facilities,outdoor lighting,and other site improvements.The
project is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is not subject to environmental
review.Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine,Owner/Applicant;David Kelley-Widmer,Cornell
Facilities Project Coordinator,Agent.
Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings in person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom
videoconference at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382 or by calling (929)436-2866 and entering Meeting
ID:836 4376 4382.The public will have an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments
directly to the Board during Persons to be Heard and/or Public Hearing.
Written comments can be addressed to the Planning Board (in-person at Town Hall;by mail;or via email at
Planning@townithacany.gov)via email until noon the day of the meeting.Comments addressed to the Board
will be distributed to all Board members and Applicant(s).Comments received after the posting of the agenda
packet (five business days prior to the meeting)are distributed to the Board on the day of the meeting.
Comments are public and become part of the project file.
C.J.Randall,Director of Planning
Accessing Meeting Materials Online:Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project
materials are accessible electronically on the Town’s website at https://www.townithacany.gov/meeting-
calendar-agendas/under the calendar meeting date.
See full agenda included on reverse side.
TOWN OF ITHACA
-NEW YORK
Notice of Planning Board Action Near You
You are receiving this notice because you own or live on a property within 500’feet of the proposed action.
This is an effort to inform you and give you an opportunity to learn more and comment if you would like.
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday,September 16,2025,starting at 6:30 P.M.on the
following matter:
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Subdivision Approval for the proposed two-lot subdivision at 654 Elmira
Road,located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.The project includes subdividing a .12+/-acre parcel from
a 4.0+/-acre parcel containing the Rodeway Inn &Suites.The .12+/-acre parcel will be conveyed to the Town of
Ithaca for municipal sewer improvements in accordance with the 2024 Inlet Valley Sewer Improvements Project.
This is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is subject to an environmental
review.Jamna Hospitality,Inc.,Owner;Town of Ithaca,Applicant;David O’Shea,Director of Engineering,
Agent.
Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings in person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom
videoconference at https://usO6web.zoom.us/j/83643764382 or by calling (929)436-2866 and entering Meeting
ID:836 4376 4382.The public will have an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments
directly to the Board during Persons to be Heard and/or Public Hearing.
Written comments can be addressed to the Planning Board (in-person at Town Hall;by mail;or via email at
Planning@townithacany.gov)via email until noon the day of the meeting.Comments addressed to the Board
will be distributed to all Board members and Applicant(s).Comments received after the posting of the agenda
packet (five business days prior to the meeting)are distributed to the Board on the day of the meeting.
Comments are public and become part of the project file.
C.J.Randall,Director of Planning
Accessing Meeting Materials Online:Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project
materials are accessible electronically on the Town’s website at https://www.townithacany.gov/meeting-
calendar-agendas/under the calendar meeting date.
See full agenda included on reverse side.