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Home My WebLink AboutPB Packet 8.4.26 East Hill Plaza Landscaping To: Planning Board Members From: Nick Quilty-Koval, Planner Date: July 28, 2026 RE: East Hill Plaza Landscaping Modifications to Site Plan Please find attached materials related to the request to modify one condition from the Planning Board’s October 5, 1995, Preliminary and Final resolution for the East Hill Plaza parking lot and landscaping improvements, located on Pine Tree Road in the Community Commercial Zone. The applicant requests a modification of condition “b” from the adopted resolution, which states: b. All landscaping elements to be maintained in a good and workmanlike manner and any of such element that may die be replaced promptly with like kind vegetation. This project involves removing existing overgrown plant materials and topsoil from two existing storefront planter beds and replacing them with new topsoil and low-profile ornamental plantings. The project is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (6 NYCRR Part 617) and thus approval of the modifications to site plans is not subject to review under SEQR. The project is scheduled for the August 4, 2026, Planning Board meeting for modification of Planning Board condition. Property characteristics and history: The existing 9.5+/- acre parcel on Pine Tree Road is currently maintained as a commercial shopping center with parking facilities and landscaping beds emplaced around the development. On October 5, 1995, the Planning Board approved parking lot and landscaping improvements, modifying a previously approved site plan for the East Hill Plaza with new curbed, landscaped islands in the parking lot area and adjacent to storefronts. This approval contained three conditions, including the condition noted above requiring landscaping elements to be maintained and replaced with “like kind vegetation.” The proposed landscaping refresh includes elements not previously approved by the Planning Board, thus approval for modifications of the site plans is required. This requirement is noted in Town Code §270- 191B(8), which requires violations of expressed conditions imposed by the Planning Board to seek site plan modification. Please call me at (607) 273-1747 ext. 127 or email me at nquiltykoval@townithacany.gov if you have any questions. Att. Maria Maynard, Ashley Management Corporation Pg. 1 PROPOSED RESOLUTION: Modification of Planning Board Condition East Hill Plaza Landscaping Modifications 0 Pine Tree Road Tax Parcel No. 62.-2-1.121 Town of Ithaca Planning Board August 4, 2026 WHEREAS: 1. This action is consideration of Modification of Planning Board Condition at East Hill Plaza (as required by Town Code § 270-191B(8)), which is in a Community Commercial Zone. This project includes removing existing overgrown plant materials and topsoil from two existing storefront planter beds and replacing them with new topsoil and low-profile ornamental plantings. Maria Maynard, Applicant; Cornell University, Owner; and 2. This is a Type II Action, as stated in 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(1) of the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, because the Action constitutes “maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility” and the modification to site plans is not subject to review under SEQR; and 3. Per the Inter-governmental Agreement between the Town of Ithaca and the Tompkin County Planning and Sustainability Department, dated August 3, 2004, this action is 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, at the August 4, 2026, Planning Board meeting, reviewed and accepted as adequate a project narrative and a site plan entitled “East Hill Plaza Shopping Center,” prepared by Bellisario Companies, dated May 7, 2026, 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 Site Plan Approval, as shown on the Preliminary and Final Site Plan Checklists, having determined from the materials presented that such waiver will result in a significant alteration of neither the purpose of site plan control nor the policies enunciated or implied by the Town Board, and 2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board removes the following condition 2(b) from their East Hill Plaza Modification of Site Plan Resolution dated October 5, 1999: All landscaping elements to be maintained in a good and workmanlike manner and any of such element that may die be replaced promptly with like kind vegetation. 3. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Modification of Site Plan Approval for the proposed East Hill Plaza Landscaping Renovation, located on 0 Pine Tree Road, as described in the materials listed in Whereas 4 above. PROJECT NARRATIVE: LANDSCAPE RENOVATION (PLANTERS) Location: East Hill Plaza Shopping Center, Pine Tree Road, Ithaca, NY Submitted To: Town of Ithaca Property Representative: Ashley Management Corp. The purpose of this project is to revitalize the main pedestrian thoroughfare at East Hill Plaza by completely renovating the East and West storefront planters. • Addressing Current Deficiencies: The existing plantings in these areas are several years old, overgrown, and have become structurally "scraggly." In multiple locations, the overgrown foliage has reached a height where it is actively blocking storefront windows, reducing retail visibility, and impeding natural light. • Enhancing Safety & Aesthetics: Over time, the soil structure has depleted, and the uncoordinated growth has detracted from the plaza's overall aesthetic. This proposed landscape renovation will replace the outdated plants with a modern, highly organized, and visually bright plant arrangement. • Community & Business Impact: The new design is specifically selected to maintain low-to mid profile heights to ensure store signage and windows remain fully visible, while introducing a vibrant, welcoming, and clean environment for shoppers, business owners, and community members. The landscape renovation will be executed professionally by Bellisario Companies, adhering strictly to the engineered planting schedule and layout plans. The work will proceed through the following phases: Phase I: Site Preparation & Demolition • Safety & Traffic Control: Bellisario will establish pedestrian management protocols and work zone traffic controls to ensure safe public passage during construction. Excavation: All existing, overgrown plantings and depleted topsoil will be entirely excavated. Approximately 8 inches of old soil will be removed and legally disposed of offsite at an approved facility. Phase II: Soil Conditioning & Preparation • Soil Amendment: To provide a nutrient-rich foundation for the new plant palette, 4 inches of a premium blend of topsoil and organic compost mix will be installed and graded. Plant Preparation: Before planting, the root systems of all new container specimens will be professionally scored to encourage robust lateral root growth and quick integration into the fresh planter soil bed. Phase III: Planting, Mulching, and Finish Work • Arrangement Execution: New, low-profile, and bright ornamental plantings will be installed in precise accordance with the approved East and West Planter layout designs. • Moisture Retention & Finish: A 2-inch layer of premium hardwood mulch will be applied across both planter beds to suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and retain moisture. • Initial Care: A comprehensive post-installation watering will be performed to settle the soil and give the new arrangements the best possible start. RECIPIENT: Ashley Management 95 Brown Road Ithaca, New York 14850 Quote #1729 Sent on May 07, 2026 Total $6,810.00 East Hill Plaza Shopping Plaza **Bellisario's Scope of Work:** - All mobilization and demobilization activities are included. - Work zone traffic control and pedestrian management are included. - Existing plantings and topsoil will be removed, with approximately 8 inches of soil being excavated and disposed of offsite at a designated Bellisario location. - Installation of 4 inches of a premium blend topsoil and compost mix, consisting of a 50/50 ratio. - The roots of the container plants will be scored to promote new growth into the planter soil. - All plants will be installed in accordance with the provided plan and plant schedule. - Premium hardwood mulch will be applied at a depth of 2 inches. - Post-installation watering will be conducted. Product/Service Description Qty.Unit Price Total Landscape Renovation 1 $6,810.00 $6,810.00 Total $6,810.00 This quote is valid for a period of 15 days. After this timeframe, the values may be subject to change. Bellisario Companies 41 Oak Brook Drive | Ithaca, New York 14850 (607)279-7647 | Nick@bellisarioexc.com | www.bellisarioexc.com + 2 —POD —.. EXISTING t.ANDSCIPED ISLAND AND SIGN Wami MIERA1TARAS 10 TTcONFCTOsUTHTOON2.TCWEOUCADONARE RT LAW.ALl.(XWTWHEREOWAREVALUF AND CVPES DWREER SNO MAP OR COR’CSII.WRESSION GEM.OFPROFESSORM.DA SIONATIATE AFREFRO 1D N.Y.S.UCENSE P SIGNATURE / PROFESSXIAL •‘0 A LCORNELLUNIVERSITY(R.O.) CORNELL UNIVERSITY62—2—13.2 62—2—137 -j_y ---,----.--—-.- - TN T.C.MILL] ENONEERS AND $ 201 NORTH ALOR P.O.TT RTMCA-NEW 1 EAST HILL PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER CORNELL UNlVERSY (R.O.) 62—2—1.121 LOCO HOLDINGS.INC.(ROj I I LOCO HOLDINGS,INC.(R.O.) 62—2—13.4 \KiiüN (öj L_ ‘ 62—2—1.123 . \ 62—2—13.6 ‘\\—--.———-—-#—— __________________ \\\—— \I .— --:-- ::EEi:1 I \\\ P&C FOOD MARKETS \\\\\/-. \\\\\I8—JM \\-\!\i-pcc-c 1PcC ._)‘18TOTL-PM \\\.\ i\\.—2 -P00 NOTES‘\‘—_POD .-UNLESS NOTED OThERWISE.AREAS WIThIN ALL CURBED ISLANDS ARE TO‘I *•BE I.AWN AND ALL AREAS WIThIN PLANTERS ARE TO BE PLANTiNG BEDS._,(‘..‘—FiNISH GRADE AT CENTERlINE OF CURBED ISLANDS TO BE 12 AWE15-PI—•\\\\7-t EXItNO DOSTWG TOP OF AOJNXNT CURB. \‘‘i ‘it PI.APmNGB€D.APPI.Y‘.‘TOP SOLAND BARK ‘‘\\\c€1\.++ DOG-.L.\\ PLaKmIGs -r ‘iIi -.5_TOR “.\j-\\\U 2-POD‘\.V -—3 —MP ‘I çZN 7 L — I j CORNEL1JIVERSITY (.0.)I—-..——--.—I —2—1.22 .I CORNELLUNIVERSITY (R.O.)/.I62-2-1.13 /‘\L i/ (.0.) PLANTiNGS TO REMAIN POD >- H Cl LU > z -J LUz 0 C-) -J -J F bJ J2PN CORNELL UNIVERSITY (R.O.) 62—2—13.7 fr-){‘)c—t—--+---*-i .. PLANT SCHEDULE / orr.SflA SOTAIRCAI.NAME COUMON NAME SIZE NP IAALUS PRALSSTRE RWG CRA8APPI.E T—3/4 &925PCCPYRUSCAU.ERYWAN CAWATRS.EER CIWATICI.PEAR 2 BMW11PRPINUSNIORTSpj,BMW5P00P)CEA OAAAJCA ODGATA W.HUE SPRUCE 5 BMWBDRQUERCUSRUBRA.lB JH .IUNIPERUS AAORIZONTAUS PWU0SA AAORRA jjE 15 .3 CAN31PRPINUSAáUGHOAaJOOPINEBRA3HOWHINURNUUGRASSNANIMCRARWCRRYWU$N ‘LIREIRP&*I5ANELANcNISSCANAODASASSNIOWLOWSEWAREERY 8 BMW (3 OR CUJ) I,Zz:: fi:L / 1 II - .11 PURDY (R.0.) I 62—2—13.1 -:::F 14// TOWN OF IThAC:.) —R 62—2—13.3 II i//2 -QR /C.rc(R) /,1// 2O /DATA GRAPhIC SCALE —j 0 40 60 PROJECT LANDSC IMPROVEh PROJE SHEET TITI LAN DSC P1M DATE: 9/9/99 1=4O DRAWN AT:SI-A FLS CHECKESI DAN__/