HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB 2024-022 - CU GFR Hockey Declaration of Intent Lead Agency
PB RESOLUTION 2024-022: Lead Agency – Declaration of Intent
Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field Project
Tax Parcel No.’s 62.-2-4, 62.-2-5, 62.-2-6
Game Farm Road
Town of Ithaca Planning Board
November 19, 2024
WHEREAS:
1. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at its meeting on November 19, 2024, considered a Sketch
Plan for the proposed Cornell Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field project on Game Farm
Road, located immediately east of the existing Cornell soccer fields at the Game Farm Road
Athletic Complex (also referenced as the Ellis Hollow Athletic Complex). The proposal
involves constructing new field hockey facilities in two phases, with phase one including the
conversion of the existing natural grass practice field (McGovern Field 3) into a synthetic turf
field along with construction of a new driveway, formalized parking area, pedestrian amenities,
and two small support facilities (a 1,700 +/- square foot restroom/team room building, and a 480
+/- square foot press box). Phase two involves the construction of a clubhouse for the field
hockey team, with locker rooms, meeting rooms, physical therapy rooms, lounge, toilets,
showers, and indoor synthetic turf training space. Phase two is projected to be constructed
within five years of the athletic field installation. The project also includes new lighting,
landscaping, stormwater facilities, and other site improvements. Cornell University,
Owner/Applicant; Kimberly Michaels, TWM, a Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture
Studio, Applicant/Agent;
2. The proposed project, which requires Site Plan approval and Special Permit by the Planning
Board, is a Type I action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR
Part 617, and Chapter 148 of the Town of Ithaca Code regarding Environmental Quality
Review, because the proposal involves an activity, other than the construction of residential
facilities, that involves the physical alteration of 10 acres (6 NYCRR 617.4 (b) (6) (i)), and
parking for 100 vehicles (Town Code 148-5.C (3)); and
3. A Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, has been submitted by the applicant, along with
a report containing a narrative and studies titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field, Site
Plan Review Application Report,” dated October 3, 2024, prepared by Fisher Associates,
drawings titled “Game Farm Road Field Hockey Field, Cornell University,” dated 09-27-2024,
prepared by Sasaki, and other materials;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby proposes to establish itself as Lead Agency to
coordinate the environmental review of the proposed actions, as described above, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby requests the concurrence of all involved agencies
on this proposed Lead Agency designation, said concurrence to be received by the Town of Ithaca
Planning Department by December 19, 2024.
Moved: Bill Arms Seconded: Cindy Kauffman
Vote: Ayes – Bill Arms, Fred Wilcox, Caitlin Cameron, Sara Reynolds, Cindy Kauffman, Kelda
McGurk, and Gary Stewart. Nayes – None.