HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB 2024-024 SEQR Maplewood Phase II
PB Resolution No. 2024-024: SEQR
Maplewood Phase II Project
Maple Avenue, Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No.’s 63.-2-5,
63.-2-6, 63.-2-7.1, and 63.-2-7.3
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
December 17, 2024
Whereas:
1. This is consideration of a Determination of Environmental Significance for the
Maplewood Phase II Project on Maple Avenue, located between the Maplewood
Graduate Student Apartment complex and the East Lawn Cemetery. The project, which
requires a rezoning from Multiple Residence and High-Density Residential Zones to a
Planned Development Zone (PDZ), involves consolidating four parcels and constructing
six (6) five-story apartment buildings, containing 615 units/800 beds in studio, one
bedroom, and two-bedroom unit configurations. The project will also include integrated
amenity/service spaces, parking areas, trails and pedestrian facilities, open spaces,
stormwater facilities, and other site improvements. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant;
Michele Palmer, Whitham Planning, Design, Landscape Architecture, PLLC, Agent,
2. The proposed project, which requires Site Plan approval and Special Permit by the Town
of Ithaca Planning Board and a rezoning to a Planned Development Zone (PDZ) by the
Town of Ithaca Town Board, is a Type I action pursuant to the State Environmental
Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Parts 617.4 (b)(3) and (b)(5)(iii), respectively, as well as
Town of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Code section 148-5B(2) as the project as
proposed involves a zoning change and the construction of 250 or more residential units
(30 or more per Town Code) that will be connected to existing community or public
water and sewage systems,
3. The Planning Board, at its meeting on August 6, 2024, proposed to establish itself as
Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the project, and on August 7,
2024, notified potential Involved and Interested agencies of its intent to serve as Lead
Agency,
4. The Planning Board, at its meeting on September 17, 2024, established itself as Lead
Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the project, after having received no
objections from other involved agencies,
5. The Planning Board, at its meeting on December 17, 2024, has reviewed application
materials, studies, and a narrative plan set dated 07-19-2024, titled “Maplewood Phase II
Preliminary Site Plan Submission,” submitted by Whitham Planning Design Landscape
Architecture, PLLC; supplemental materials and drawings dated 08-26-2024, submitted
by Whitham Planning Design Landscape Architecture, PLLC; revised materials and
drawings, dated 11-15-24, submitted by Whitham Planning Design Landscape
Architecture, PLLC; additional materials and drawings, dated 12-9-24, submitted by
Whitham Planning Design Landscape Architecture, PLLC; revised draft PDZ rezoning
language labeled for 12-17-24 PB meeting; a completed Full Environmental Assessment
Form (FEAF) Part 1, prepared by the applicant; and a completed FEAF Parts 2 and 3
prepared by Town Planning staff, and
6. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposed project;
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
and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the Maplewood
Phase II development project, based on the information in the FEAF Part 1 and for the reasons
set forth in the FEAF Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will
not be required.
Moved: Liz Bageant Seconded: Cindy Kaufman
Vote: Ayes- Fred Wilcox, Caitilin Cameron, Bill Arms, Gary Stewart, Sara Reynolds, Liz
Bageant, and Cindy Kaufman