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Home My WebLink AboutPC Packet 2026-01-15 TOWN OF ITHACA 1Z1 NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING 215 N. Tioga St 14850 607.273.1747 www.town.ithaca.ny.us TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING COMMITTEE THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. Meeting Location: Ithaca Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, Aurora Conference Room (Enter from the rear entrance of Town Hall, adjacent employee parking lot.) Members of the public may also join the meeting virtually via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6750593272. AGENDA 1. Persons to be heard. 2. Committee announcements and concerns. 3. Consider approval of December meeting minutes. 4. Circular Construction and Reuse Resolution proposal presentation by CROWD (Circularity, Reuse, and Zero Waste Development). 5. Green New Deal Action Plan Overview presentation. 6. Review initial Draft 2024 Town of Ithaca Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Government Operations. 7. Staff updates and reports. 8. Discuss next meeting date and upcoming agenda items. A quorum of the Ithaca Town Board may be present, however, no official Board business will be conducted. Town of Ithaca Planning Committee Thursday,December 18, 2025 (3:00 PM Aurora Conference Room and on Zoom) Draft Minutes Committee members present: Rich DePaolo, Chair; Rod Howe &Margaret Johnson. Incoming Town Board Member Diana Sinton joined via Zoom. Board/Staff members: Director of Codes Marty Moseley; Director of Planning C.J. Randall; Senior Civil Engineer Justin McNeal and Town Planner Nick Quilty-Koval. Guests: Tompkins County Housing and Community Development Director David West and Tompkins County Housing and Community Development Planner Shawna Stevenson. Introductions were made around the room. 1. Committee announcements and concerns: None 2. Persons to be heard: None. 3. Review and discussion of 2024 Housing Snapshot prepared by Tompkins County Department of Planning & Sustainability. Ms. Stevenson shared a presentation beginning with the Tompkins County Housing Needs Assessment which began in 2016 and projected housing demand through 2025. Targets established for future snapshot reports included workforce units, senior units, supportive and special needs beds and student beds. The reports have been done periodically to monitor trends and conditions, track progress toward the targets and to provide data to support and inform local housing efforts. The 2024 Housing Snapshot contained the following 5 sections: demographic and workforce trends, housing trends and conditions, tracking housing targets, most recent date and equity indicators. The data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau survey,NYS Dept. and Bureau of Labor Statistics,NYS Association of Realtors, Tompkins County Assessment and GIS departments along with input from municipal staff, community partners and local experts. Highlights of the housing snapshot were shown on a chart with how many units were constructed in each of the target areas compared to the number of units that were identified as a target goal in 2017. The goals have been met in the creation of student beds and one category of permanent supportive housing/special needs beds. Workforce housing was described as affordable for households earning up to 100% of the area median income which is variable per county based on household size. Demographic trends showed population was stable, number of households increased while average household size decreased, significant senior population increase, almost half of the population is <30 and median household income increased. Employment trends showed less people employed along with low unemployment which suggests a shortage of workers in the county. A housing cost burden comparison was shown for 2013-2023, renters being increasingly housing cost burdened and homeowners without a mortgage being the least. Housing tenure by race was shown as part of the equity indicator. Market trends for annual average sale prices of single-family homes and cost of rental units were highest in Tompkins County compared to the six surrounding counties. The 2024 Tompkins County Housing Snapshot identified that the cost of construction is significantly higher since the 2017 Housing Strategy was adopted; there is a large need for more affordable and 1 permanent supportive housing, there is a growing demand from seniors and that subsidy structures are needed for units to be affordable. A new Tompkins County Housing Strategy is anticipated to begin in 2026 with partial funding recently awarded to the County from the Community Development Block Grant program along with the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency. Ms. Stevenson and Mr. West fielded general questions from the committee that mainly centered around ways for municipalities to encourage, facilitate and cooperatively add affordable housing units. They were both thanked for their informative, detailed presentation, and for working cooperatively with town staff. 4. Continued discussion of Prioritized Pedestrian Corridor Needs and Prioritized Bicycle Corridor Needs Map. The committee reviewed a memo and maps provided by C.J. with a brief summary regarding which town active transportation related projects should be submitted for potential funding under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The deadline for applications is March 12, 2026. The two top potential projects are NYS Rt. 96 (Trumansburg Road)pedestrian improvements and/or Maple Ave and Pine Tree Rd. (CR-174) streetscape improvements. There was a feasibility study done for the potential Rt. 96 pedestrian improvements project in 2020. Preliminary correspondence with the NYS DOT representatives indicated support for an east side sidewalk proposal and concurrence from NYS DOT will be required for the application. The cost estimates need updating prior to TAP application. The Maple Ave and Pine Tree Rd. streetscape improvements preliminary scope of work includes streetlights, drainage, transit stop enhancements and walkway to connect the trail.Additional land would need to be acquired from Cornell and the real estate department is researching the potential conveyance. There is an estimated project cost of$141.5 M. NYS DOT is conducting a safety study for the intersection where Pine Tree Rd meets Rt. 79/Slaterville Rd. The committee deliberated over the two potential projects, the costs and other funding sources, probability of award, benefits to the area, time and funds already invested and involved agencies and other important factors.A TAP application for potential funding for the NYS Rt. 96 (Trumansburg Rd.) pedestrian improvements project was most favorable to the committee. There was support to keep the Maple Ave streetscape project advancing with possible initial costs to be expensed from the town's capital improvement line that is added to each year. The moving parts to the Pine Tree Rd may be closer to being in place by the time another round of transportation funding may become available as well as the capital improvements line growing through annual budgeted transfers. 5. Approval of November minutes: Rich moved the minutes for approval with minor grammatical changes, Rod seconded, minutes were approved. 6. Staff updates and reports: C.J. reported that the SEQRA services contract(s) to begin the South Hill TND environmental review that was previously recommended by the committee to the town board for approval may be complete to be considered for approval in January. 2 The Forest Home Improvement Association has a meeting this evening that C.J. plans to attend. The RFQ responses for the updated traffic calming plan are due on January 9, 2026. The 2026 draft COC workplan is being presented at the January meeting. 7. Next meeting date and upcoming agenda items: January 15, 2026. Rich and Margret received a heartfelt thank you and goodbye from the committee as this was the last committee meeting as town board with terms expiring at the end of the year. Rich was thankful for the smooth professional committee operations with great staff involvement and was hopeful that would continue. Diana Sinton and Dave McCune are the new/incoming board members who will be appointed to the planning committee as representatives. The Town of Ithaca Planning Committee meeting concluded at 4:30 p.m. 3 _; i� ,�_�. t,::.�„ f%Z• .1`� ' , •' � R `�,, 7 =• ,•'!�' .lam ••�r•' f :'! i•=';ti' .-� ' t' F � _.r+'1i � 1 � is b� ��" i Z .•?•� •,�.•' iw�,� a.{� s -•� r }t " � �,.� �'Ss. y � c,.,�i`�•• �`� �v'• � _ 4y .a�, / is '�t.� / � ! s� ,�, .� i, :, � _�' ` ws• � 11..�' ''y1.4%��1 �:9a, , `� (• �•• �� y~ ri: l." >r7�f •7/C` •( .r1 :• r, 1 � .. 14 �'y.q• ...�I��' �' �: ./..'.. `t�'� ^C% Jr- ;' •j ./ ,' „� r!• .n•- j b ,ram ,� �� - .; / FFF I.;' W Green New Deal Action Swartwood,Overview OF HiLary PLanner IV Y , 00 Town of Ithaca I • • Agenda Green New Deal (GND) Action Plan Process GND + Comprehensive Plan Overview G N D Action Plan 2025- 2026 Sustainability Planner: What does she do? Resources 01/2026 ®TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK The Action Plan is a living New goals are developed The Planning Committee document that provides a based on the Comprehensive assesses progress annually. path for implementation by Plan, progress reviews and This helps Town staff detailing specific actions and input from internal and prioritize actions for the next deliverables. external partners. two years. The Sustainability Planner Changes are incorporated Updates are provided to the acts as the project / program and reported to the Town Planning Committee manager for the Green New Board. The Action Plan and throughout the year. Deal Action Plan. Tasks are Comp Plan are represented in designated by department. a single document. 01/2026 TOWN OF NEW , ,Green New Deal Action Plan Process Cq Green New Dead Comprehensive Plan O • Incorporate sustainability and climate protection into Long- Achieve an equitable transition to carbon- term planning [EC-1] =; neutrality town-wide by2030 Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and infrastructure [EC-2] 0000 ;�- Meet electricity needs of Town government �.. � Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions operations with 100% regionally sourced related to treatment and distribution [EC-3] renewable electricity by 2025 Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions in 0000, ' transportation [EC-4] Reduce emissions from the Town fleet o %qo vehicles by 50% from 2010 levels by 2025 --� Encourage and facilitate production and use of renewable --- ��r energy [EC-5] Reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to waste generation and purchasing [EC-6] ••• • Build a resilient community by preparing for adapting to impacts of climate change [EC-7] 01/2026 .'n TOWN OF ITHACA NEW YORK Department GND-1 EC-1-B Complete government operations greenhouse gas inventory in 2025. High Sustainability Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory completed and approved by Town Board in 2025. Explore incorporating internal(TOI)cost of carbon into project Sustainability,Finance, Planning, Create an analysis of possible ways to incorporate cost of planning GND-1 EC 1 A selection and planning e. through CIP and/or budget process). Medium Engineering, Public Works into project selection and resent to management Institutionalization of p g( g•• g g p ) g g> p j p g Sustainability GND-3 EC-1-A Develop a plan on how to best incorporate equity principles into High Sustainability,Planning Provide a draft analysis and scope of work to Town Supervisor and decision-making processes Director of Planning Use Town newsletter and website to encourage/enable Town Revise website to be more accessible. Update website quarterly. GND-3 EC-1-A residents,employees,and other stakeholders to help create a vibrant Medium Sustainability Provide sustainability updates to the Town newsletter. and healthy community. GND-1 EC-2-B Implement and amend the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement(Chapter High Sustainability,Codes&Zoning Amended code approved by Town Board and NYS 135 of Town Law) GND-3 EC-2-C Manage the IECS Implementation Assistance Program Medium Sustainability,Codes&Zoning Number of projects that utilize the free assistance program GND-1 EC-2-B Participate in the NYSERDA Stretch to Zero(STZ)pilot program High Sustainability,Codes&Zoning Participation in each quarterly meeting and receive$200k in grant funds BuildingGND 1 EC 2-D Continue planning and implementation towards goal of net-zero High Sustainability,Engineering, Town Hall weatherization study completed in 2025 and successfully Infrastructure government facilities(Town Hall and Public Works). Planning, Finance applyfor grants GND-3 EC-2-A Stay informed of CROWD and related policies(local and state level) Medium Sustainability Update Town Supervisor and other interested parties on for deconstruction/construction waste recycling deconstruction policies and develop a potential scope of work GND-1 EC-2-D Explore grant and funding opportunities to support Green New Deal Medium Sustainability,Finance Updated list of potential grant,rebate,and incentive programs initiatives GND 2 EC 4 B Investigate implementation of EV charging stations town-wide High Sustainability,Public Works Collaborate with internal departments to determine feasibility of EVcharging stations throughout the Town Transportation GND-2 EC-4-B Analyze and monitor Town fleet with the annual Green Fleet Inventory High Sustainability,Public Works Complete Inventory and present analysis to Town Public Works Committee annually(summer) GND-2 EC-4-B Review and revise the Town's Green Fleet Policy in 2025 High Sustainability,Public Works,Town Revised policy approved by Town Board by December 2025 Supervisor Continue partnership with City of Ithaca and Local Power to advance GND-3 EC-S-D the creation of a Community Choice Aggregation(CCA)program High Sustainability Launch CCA program when local administrators are approved by NYS. Renewable Energy (Chapter 144 of Town Law) Production GND-3 EC-5-B High Sustainability Final DER Plan approved by Town Board. In partnership with the City of Ithaca and Local Power develop a Distributed Energy Resource(DER)Plan Waste Generation& GND-3 EC-6-D Review and,if needed,revise the Green Procurement policy. High Sustainability,Human Resources Revised policy approved by Town Board by December 2025 Purchasing Stay informed of NYS CLCPA implementation and related NYS Continually update Town Supervisor and other interested parties on Adaption GND 3 EC 7 B policies. Medium Sustainability NYS climate and energy policy. Use this to inform Town policy. 01/2026 5 Resources � • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • II Sustainability Homepage 7777, 7 2020 Green New Deal Resolution • • • • • � • • • • 2014 Comprehensive Plan ( • • Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (Chapter 144 Town Code) 7i Community Choice Aggregation (Chanter 135 Town Code) �TOWN OF ITHACA - NEW YORK Thankyou .' 0 A '7 ny q . 01/2026 TOWN OF ITHACA 7 NEW YORH SUSAN CHRIS T OPHERSON CENTER FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING Dear Municipal Leaders and Planning Staff, I'm reaching out on behalf of the Susan Christopherson Center for Community Planning (SCCCP) and the CROWD (Circularity, Reuse, and Zero Waste Development) partner network to invite your municipality to consider adopting a nonbinding resolution in support of circular construction and the reuse of building materials. The Christopherson Center, as a founding CROWD partner, is working with municipalities across Tompkins and Cortland Counties to pass nonbinding resolutions that affirm a commitment to reuse, deconstruction, and material recovery. This simple but strategic step can help position your municipality for future grant opportunities, economic development, and climate resilience — while supporting local businesses and reducing landfill-bound construction and demolition debris. This local momentum aligns with statewide progress: Assemblymember Anna Kelles has introduced multiple bills that support circular construction practices, including proposals for material reuse standards (A3029), embodied carbon reduction (A8456), and deconstruction policy development (A8637). These bills reflect growing state-level interest in supporting communities that take steps toward sustainable development. Communities across New York—such as the City of Auburn, Town of Dryden and Tompkins County—have already adopted nonbinding resolutions, leading the charge toward circular economy goals. Taking this step signals your municipality's commitment to exploring best practices,with no immediate regulatory or financial obligations required. CROWD members are available to support your efforts by providing: • Sample resolution language • Case studies from peer municipalities • Technical assistance and connections to reuse and deconstruction resources To assist you,we've attached a brief information packet that includes background on CROWD, an overview of the circular construction economy, and sample resolution language. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide further support, and we would be thrilled to add your municipality to this growing network of local leaders. Thank you for your time and leadership. Sincerely, Elizabeth Conley Program Associate ec945@comell.edu crOwd.org A pro cf d Me Center fd Tromlormollve Actlo Tiogd St.,Ithaca,NY 14850 Deconstruction and Reuse in Central NY Adopt a Resolution I ►' = I „t Re VgE power ;- 1 CROWD Can Help CROWD (Circularity, Reuse&Zero Waste Development) is a statewide collaborative network supporting New York municipalities unlock the economic potential of circular construction and reduce waste. Each year, over 18 million tons of construction and demolition debris (CDD) are generated in New York State—making up the largest share of the state's waste stream. Most of this material is discarded, despite being reusable and economically valuable. By shifting from traditional demolition to deconstruction and material reuse, municipalities can significantly reduce landfill costs,support local reuse markets, and grow green jobs.A recent statewide analysis shows that converting just 25 percent of eligible residential demolitions to deconstruction would divert 250,000 tons of building material, generate over$1 billion in economic activity, and create 4,600jobs in recovery, resale, and processing. By adopting a non-binding resolution in support of circular construction and reuse, your municipality can take a low-cost, high-impact step toward boosting the local economy, becoming more competitive for grant funding tied to infrastructure and waste reduction, and meeting the state sustainability goals. crOwd.org CRCJWD info@crOwd.org Circularity, Reuse,and Zero Waste Development CROWD Founding Partners �■ �■ Re USE °"�°�r �ISTORI. .C ITN'ACA Construction just daces Lab SUSAN CHRISTOPHERSON Lab /M�Nate . Benefits of Circular Construction Economic Impact Environmental Community Values • Boosts local economy, Benefits . Promotes a circular keeping valuable economy that recognizes Reduces waste destined Y 9 materials in circulation for landfills societal benefits of reuse • Creates jobs and • Reduces carbon • Values creativity in upgrades workforce skills emissions improving design and • Lowers cost of • Retains embodied energy manufacturing processes maintaining landfills of buildings • Celebrates history by • Develops the • Promotes public health salvaging architectural deconstruction services and safety elements industry . no Building Reuse to Waste Hierarchy 3 ' Building Maintenance,Preservation,and Refurbishment eo, Adaptive Reuse Extension Of Life Overbuilding/Building Expansion Whole Building Relocation Deconstruction,Salvage +Material Reuse Local • - Municipalities • • County, Demolition+ City of • and the Townof •' Recycling have alreadyadopted nonbinding End of Life resolutions in supportof cleconstruction Dem Lan • reuse. -.•- • sets an important precedent for aligning local economic and sustainability goals statewidepolicy Credit:Wyeth Augustine-Marceil and the Just Places Lab/CROWD FROM VISION TO ACTION - WHAT YOUR MUNICIPALITY CAN DO According to the NYS Solid Waste Management Plan and the CROWD white paper, municipalities play a critical role in advancing zero waste development. Here are actions your municipality can take to support deconstruction and reuse: Recommended Municipal Actions: • Pass a nonbinding resolution supporting deconstruction, salvage, and circular construction. • Enact demolition delays to allow time for architectural salvage. • Track and report CDD data to quantify salvageable material. • Require or incentivize deconstruction for certain types of buildings. • Partner with local reuse organizations to promote building material recovery. Why This Matters: • Over 90 percent of building materials can be reused or recycled through deconstruction. i Just 25%adoption of • 1S,000-20,000 residential demolitions occur in NYS annually — deconstruction statewide could with most materials discarded. generate$1 billion in • Deconstruction creates up to 30 jobs per 1,000 tons of material, economic activity and compared to 0.6 for landfilling. 4,600 jobs. • NYS local governments spent over $917 million managing waste in 2017 — deconstruction can reduce these costs. The Opportunity for Municipalities: • Replace demolition with deconstruction to meet state sustainability goals. • Unlock access to grant programs and infrastructure and waste funding. • Support just transitions by building green jobs and reuse infrastructure. CROWD Offers Municipalities: • Sample resolution language • Policy briefs and infographics • Case studies and precedent research • Local technical assistance and support Need more information or assistance? Contact us at info@crOwd.org or visit www.crOwd.org to schedule a call and access additional resources. Draft Deconstruction Resolution RESOLUTION # (2025) SUPPORTING THE DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN [MUNICIPALITY] WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] recognizes the benefits of deconstruction, and is among a handful of other municipalities nationwide supporting these measures; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] recognizes the value of reuse and preservation of its cultural heritage by prolonging the lifespan of current building stock, its architectural features, and building material as much as possible; and WHEREAS, globally, buildings account for 39 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions and more than SO percent of resource extraction; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] supports a circular economy approach to construction and deconstruction in the built environment; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] supports the reduction of landfill waste through careful deconstruction of buildings that have run their full course of use; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] desires as much material as possible to be reused in the community; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] desires as much material as possible to be recycled that cannot be easily reused; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] recognizes that the process of deconstruction, and not mechanical demolition, will reduce the release of hazardous toxins into the environment; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] desires to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the extraction and transportation of raw materials that make up our built environment; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL], in supporting initiatives to preserve, protect, deconstruct, and reuse rather than demolish, desires to provide opportunities for deconstruction and reuse businesses; and WHEREAS, the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] considers this resolution to be in alignment with the circular economy objectives of [COUNTY] Solid Waste Management Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the [MUNICIPAL COUNCIL] hereby approves the adoption of a policy supporting the deconstruction and reuse of the built environment in the [MUNICIPALITY]. Visit the Town of Ithaca's Parks, Trails Preserves, and Sceni View Sit Town Parks ® ' The Town of Ithaca maintains a system of twelve neighborhood parks, Information one community park, and several yet to on Town of be developed park sites. Ithaca Parks, Trails, Preserves, Town Multi-Use Trails and y The Town owns and maintains Recreation: approximately seven miles of off-road : ■ "I -e ■ ❑. .�r - . multi use trails for walking, running, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and commuter alternatives. •� K P:W - Town Preserves Five preserves in the Town of Ithaca Al include a mix of habitat types that support a wide range of plants and animals. Many preserves include walking paths and places to sit and enjoy nature. Information on Town of Scenic Views Ithaca To preserve Ithaca's spectacular vistas scenic enjoyed by Ithaca's residents and visitors, Aviews: the Scenic Resources Committee of the Q■ �-rlr.0 Conservation Board works to assure that I• _ �_-�building development won't mar, and JE'LN might even enhance, our landscape. 1A e"I u rol - • us protect th - - wonderful resources" conservation% joining the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board ! _- . - �vm+tlz Please contact