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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB 2025-02 CU GFR field hockey-Establish Lead AgencyPB 2025-02 (filed 2025-1-8) PB Resolution 2025-02: SEQR – Establish Lead Agency 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 January 7, 2025 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 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. At its meeting on November 19, 2024, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board proposed to establish itself as the Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above-referenced proposal. Potential Involved and Interested agencies were notified of its intent to serve as Lead Agency on November 20, 2024; 4. The Planning Board, on November 19, 2024, accepted a Full Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, 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, having received no objections from other Involved Agencies, establishes itself as Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above- described proposal. Moved: Sara Reynolds Seconded: Liz Bageant Vote: Ayes: Sara Reynolds, Liz Bageant, Bill Arms, Kelda McGurk, Caitlin Cameron