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APRIL 15th 2026
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SESSION A
MEETING AGENDA
Date: Wednesday April 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 108 E Green Street Council Chambers 3rd Floor
Watch Online: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings
1. Call To Order (5 Min)
1.1. Emergency Evacuation Order
1.2. Agenda Review
2. Public Hearing- Economic & Community Development (60 Min)
2.1. Proposal to Allow Planned Unit Developments (PUD) Citywide
3. Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council (30Min)
4. Finance & Administration (25 Min)
4.1. Communications Updates and Relaunched Website
5. Economic & Community Development (25 Min)
5.1. Proposal to Allow Planned Unit Developments (PUD) Citywide
6. Meeting Wrap-Up
Public Comment
The public can provide short statements during this portion of the meeting. 3 minutes is the maximum time allotted, but the chair reserves the
right to modify the amount of time per individual at the start of the meeting. Only the first hour of the meeting is set aside for Public Comment.
Groups of 3 or More Speakers are Allotted more speaking time.
For Longer Speaking Time- Multiple Speakers on the same topic can speak as a group with one Designated Speaker to represent the Group.
This will give you more time to share your thoughts and concerns during the Public Comment Forum.
3-4 Persons with One Designated Speaker -Allotted 5 Minutes
5-7 or More Persons with One Designated Speaker – Allotted 7 Minutes
Attending The Meeting To Speak In Person? Pre-Registration Not Required. Comment Cards are provided to those who attend in Person.
Once you have filled out your Comment Card, please hand your card to the Clerk. Your name will be called to speak in the order the cards are
received.
Please Note Comment Cards will be accepted up until Public Comment Forum begins or a maximum of 30 speakers, whichever comes first.
Once we have reached a Maximum of 30 Speakers you can submit your comment using the Written Comment Link Below.
Want To Submit A Comment and Not Speak In Person?
To Submit Written Comments - Click Here To Submit Written Comment
*Written comments submitted will be compiled and entered into the record.
Can't Come To The Meeting But Still Want To Speak? Register To Speak Virtually Click Here To Register
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590
Public Information and Technology
Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING A
FROM: Department of Information and Community Engagement
DATE: April 15, 2026
RE: Communications Updates and Relaunched Website
ITEM #: 4.1
Informing Common Council and the public on goals, actions and future plans of the DICE
Communications Division. This includes the newly launched (April 8) website, CivicSend
newsletters, increased use of press releases and more.
ATTACHMENTS:
Briefing-Memo-Elected-Leaders-20260415.pdf
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION & Telephone: 607-274-6570
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Fax: 607-274-6432
Alan Karasin, Director, PIO, City Clerk www.cityofithaca.org
To: Mayor Robert Cantelmo and Common Council
From: Alan Karasin, Director, Department of Information and Community Engagement
Date: April 15, 2026
Purpose:
This memo provides an update on recent work by the DICE (Department of Information
and Community Engagement) Communications Division, including the launch of the City’s
redesigned website and CivicSend, the expansion of City communication channels
referenced in the April 8, 2026 City Manager’s report, the new summary of Common
Council legislative actions, and key areas of focus for upcoming communications planning.
This work supports legislative policy alignment: Public Works and Operations.
Recent Communications Actions:
Website and CivicSend Launch
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the City launched its redesigned public website along with
CivicSend, a new email newsletter and targeted communications platform. Staff were
notified in advance through an internal email outlining what was launching, what would
change, and how questions would be handled during the transition.
The website redesign responds to long-standing feedback from residents and staff
regarding difficulty finding information, unclear organization, and accessibility issues.
Improvements include:
 Easier navigation based on how residents look for information
 Stronger ADA accessibility features
 Clearer layout and organization of services
 Updated look and branding consistent across pages

While the home page layout and navigation changed, all existing content, departmental
pages, and URLs remain intact. This approach limits disruption while improving usability
and access.
CivicSend is now the City’s primary tool for newsletters and targeted public updates. It
allows residents, partners, and stakeholders to subscribe by topic, improving consistency
“An Equal Opportunity Employee with a commitment to workforce diversification”
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while reducing the need for broad, untargeted messaging. This approach supports clearer
communication, better targeting, and improved transparency. Current CivicSend
subscription lists include:
 Actions of Common Council
 City Manager Updates
 Employment
 Parks and Recreation
 Planning and Development
 Public Safety
 Roads, Sidewalks and Infrastructure
 Sustainability
 Youth Program
Community members can sign up for one or more lists at:
https://www.cityofithacany.gov/list.aspx
Some questions were expected as staff and residents adjusted to the new site. The
Communications team has served as the central point for responding to questions,
troubleshooting issues, and guiding both staff and the public during the transition. This
helped avoid duplication of effort and ensured consistent responses.
Expanded Communication Channels
As outlined in the April 8, 2026 City Manager’s report, the City has expanded how it
communicates with the public.
These changes include:
 Increased use of newsletters and targeted email lists through CivicSend
 More coordinated media outreach and clearer [internal] expectations for media
response
 Improved internal coordination around messaging and public questions
 Early efforts to strengthen two-way communication between residents and City
leadership
Collectively, this work moves the City away from mostly one-way communication and
toward a more consistent, proactive, and accessible approach.
Legislative Actions Summary
DICE now produces a plain-language summary of Common Council legislative actions
following each regular voting meeting. These summaries:
 Highlight key Council actions in clear, non-technical language
 Provide context for what decisions mean for the community
 Are distributed through City communication channels and shared with media and
partners
 Supplement, but do not replace, formal agendas and meeting minutes
This tool improves transparency and helps residents understand Council decisions without
having to navigate lengthy documents.
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Upcoming Communications Planning
Emergency Communications
A focus of upcoming work is the development of a Citywide Emergency Communications
plan. While departments and public safety agencies have operational procedures, the City
does not currently have a fully defined communications framework for emergencies or
rapidly evolving situations.
This planning effort will focus on:
 Clearly defining communication roles during an emergency
 Establishing approval and information-sharing protocols
 Coordinating among DICE, the City Manager’s Office, the Mayor, Public Safety, and
I.T.
 Identifying communication tools, templates, and distribution methods that can be
used quickly
This work is ongoing and will require collaboration across departments. The goal is clarity
and readiness before an emergency occurs, not during one.
Ongoing Communications Development
Additional planning priorities include:
 Refining a citywide annual communications calendar organized by seasonal and
operational themes (attached to this memo)
 Enhancing two-way communication through the Community Feedback tool
 Supporting departments in sharing updates about projects, programs, and services
 Improving internal communication tools and feedback opportunities for staff via the
Intranet
 Continuing work on consistent branding and messaging across City platforms
These efforts support transparency, trust, and timely access to accurate information.
Conclusion
The launch of the redesigned City website and CivicSend represent a meaningful
improvement in how Ithaca communicates with residents, partners, and visitors. Along with
expanded communication channels, new legislative summaries, and focused planning
efforts, DICE is building a clearer, more consistent, and more resilient communications
approach.
This work will continue in coordination with Common Council, the City Manager, and City
departments.
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Annual Messaging Cycle Template
January – Winter Operations & Holiday Schedules
Themes: Holiday closures, State of the City address, winter parking rules, snow/ice
removal, winter safety, frozen pipes.
Key Actions: Update closure dates, refresh winter parking maps, schedule safety
reminders.
February – Mid-Winter Safety & Recreation
Themes: Storm readiness, hydrant access, indoor recreation, frozen pipe prevention.
Key Actions: Issue mid-winter safety flash, promote GIAC/Cass Park programs.
March – Spring Readiness
Themes: Storm drains, flood awareness, pothole reporting, park prep.
Key Actions: Launch spring readiness campaign, update park reservation info.
April – Earth Month & Seasonal Services
Themes: Sustainability, Earth Day logistics, Arbor Day, yard waste/brush collection,
composting, street cleaning, fire hydrant testing.
Key Actions: Publish Earth Month series, coordinate with DIA for Earth Day.
May – Parks, Waterfront & Summer Prep, Construction season
Themes: Park openings, water safety, Memorial Day closures, summer program
registration, Construction season plan.
Key Actions: Update park hours, publish water safety reminders, overview of construction
projects.
June – Pride, Juneteenth & Heat Safety
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Themes: Event logistics, inclusion messaging, youth programs, cooling locations, Farmers
Market reminders.
Key Actions: Coordinate event logistics messaging, schedule heat safety reminders.
July – Independence Day & Peak Summer
Themes: Fireworks logistics, parks etiquette, waterfront safety, heat safety.
Key Actions: Publish July 4th logistics flash, run summer recreation reminders.
August – Move-In & Back-to-School
Themes: Student move-in operations, solid waste guidance, neighborhood relations,
school safety.
Key Actions: Prepare move-in disposal guidance, coordinate with Cornell/IC.
September – Apple Fest, Budget Season, Boards/Committees recruitment
Themes: Event logistics, emergency preparedness, fall recreation, early leaf reminders,
city budget presentation to final approval, volunteer opportunities.
Key Actions: Launch preparedness campaign, coordinate Apple Fest logistics, announce
budget meeting schedule and public hearings, volunteer openings on boards/committees.
October – Halloween & Fall Services, Preparedness Month
Themes: Halloween safety, leaf collection, fire safety.
Key Actions: Publish leaf collection schedule, issue Halloween safety flash.
November – Winter Parking & Holiday Closures
Themes: Winter parking rules, winter prep, Veterans Day/Thanksgiving closures, tree
trimming.
Key Actions: Launch winter parking campaign, publish holiday schedules.
December – Holiday Events & Winter Readiness
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Themes: Downtown holiday logistics, Winter Light Festival, severe weather readiness,
shelter info, year-end reminders, holiday closings
Key Actions: Coordinate with DIA, schedule storm readiness reminders, publish year-end
service updates.
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590
Planning & Economic Development
Christine Ibert,
MEMORANDUM
TO: COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING A
FROM: Megan Wilson
DATE: April 15, 2026
RE: Proposal to Allow Planned Unit Developments (PUD) Citywide
ITEM #: 5.1
Proposal to eliminate the Planned Unit Development Overlay District and allow Planned Unit
Developments throughout the city
ATTACHMENTS:
PUD ORD 2026-.pdf
PUD_Amendment_2026_Circulation_Packet__1__Megan_Wilson.pdf
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An Ordinance Amending Ithaca City Code Chapter § 325-12, “Planned unit developments
(PUD)”
WHEREAS, creation of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a legislative rezoning process at
the sole discretion of Council and results in a unique zoning district with defined area and use
requirements, and
WHEREAS, since PUDs require long-term community benefits, allowing PUDs in all areas of the
City can enable high-quality, community-enhancing projects to be built through the City’s
neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, Common Council desires to allow Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) throughout
the City of Ithaca to provide an opportunity for more progressive zoning while a lengthier
comprehensive rewrite is underway, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca desires to amend Chapter 325 of the Ithaca
City Code in order to allow Planned Unit Developments throughout the City of Ithaca; now,
therefore
ORDINANCE 20__-__
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Legislative findings, intent, and purpose.
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) allow for more creative use of land than is permitted under
current zoning, provided that a project has long-term community benefits and is compatible with
the City’s comprehensive plan. Currently, PUDs are restricted to the City’s Planned Unit
Development Overlay District (PUDOD). The proposed amendment would allow PUDs
throughout the entire City, enabling high-quality, community-enhancing projects to be built in all
neighborhoods.
Section 2. Amendments to Chapter § 325-12 of the Ithaca City Code
The following portions of Chapter § 325-12 of the Ithaca City Code are hereby amended as
follows: 1
§325-12. Planned unit developments (PUD).
A. Declaration of legislative authority. This Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ordinance
is being enacted pursuant to the authority established in the New York State General City
Law § 81-f.
B. Purpose and intent.
(1) This legislation is intended to institute procedures and requirements for the
1 Strikethrough indicates removals. Underlining indicates additions. Ellipses (…) indicate the omitted text remains
unaltered.
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establishment and mapping of PUDs, which may be placed in any location approved
by the Common Council within the City of Ithaca., as long as it is located within the
Planned Unit Development Overlay District (PUDOD), the boundaries of which can
be seen on the map entitled “Proposed Boundary for the Planned Unit Development
Overlay District (PUDOD) – October 2021."2 The PUD is a tool intended to
encourage mixed-use or unique single use projects that require more creative and
imaginative design of land development than is possible under standard zoning
district regulations. A PUD allows for flexibility in planning and design, while
ensuring efficient investment in public improvements, environmental sensitivity, and
protection of community character. A PUD should be used only when long-term
community benefits will be achieved through high quality development, including,
but not limited to, reduced traffic demands, greater quality and quantity of public
and/or private open space, community recreational amenities, needed housing types
and/or mix, innovative designs, and protection and/or preservation of natural
resources.
(2) Section 325-12 is intended to relate to both residential and nonresidential
development, as well as mixed forms of development. There may be uses, now or in
the future, which are not expressly permitted by the other terms of this chapter but
which uses would not contravene the long-range Comprehensive Plan objectives if
they adhere to certain predetermined performance and design conditions. The PUD
is intended to be used to enable these developments to occur even though they may
not be specifically authorized by the City zoning district regulations.
(3) The PUD is intended to be used in any area located within the PUDOD. Should a
proposed project offer community-wide benefits, the Common Council may
establish a PUD in order to permit uses not explicitly allowed by the underlying
zoning.
(4) Areas may be zoned as a PUD by the Common Council. The enactment and
establishment of such a zone shall be a legislative act. No owner of land or other
person having an interest in land shall be entitled as a matter of right to the enactment
or establishment of any such zone.
C. Establishment and location.
(1) The intent of a PUD is to create self-contained, architecturally consistent, and
compatible buildings, many times with diverse but related uses. The creation of a
PUD must entail sufficient review to assure the uses within the zone will have
negligible or no significant adverse effects upon properties surrounding the zone. In
reaching its decision on whether to rezone to a PUD, the Common Council shall
consider the general criteria set forth in this chapter, the most current Comprehensive
Plan for the City, and this statement of purpose.
(2) No PUD shall be established pursuant to Subsection G(13) of this section unless it is
located within the boundaries of the PUDOD, the boundaries of which can be seen
on the attached map, "Boundary for the Planned Unit Development Overlay District
2 Editor’s Note: Said map is on file in the City Clerk’s office.
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(PUDOD) - April 2018."
D. Permitted principal and accessory uses.
(1) In a PUD, buildings and land may be used for any lawful purpose permitted in the
zone where it is located, plus any other uses which the Common Council may
authorize.
(2) All development restrictions, including, but not limited to, yard size, height
restriction, building coverage, and lot size, shall be as set forth in the legislation
rezoning the area to a PUD established by the Common Council. In addition, the
Common Council may impose any conditions or limitations that are determined to
be necessary or desirable to ensure that the development conforms with the City
Comprehensive Plan, including limiting the permitted uses, location and size of
buildings and structures, providing for open space and recreational areas, requiring
acoustical or visual screening, construction sequencing, and requiring bonds or other
assurances of completion of any infrastructure to be built as part of the development.
E. Site plan approval. No structure shall be erected or placed within a PUD, no building
permit shall be issued for a building or structure within a PUD, and no existing building,
structure, or use in a PUD shall be changed, unless the proposed building and/or use is in
accordance with a site plan approved pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 276 of the City
of Ithaca Code.
F. Criteria. The Common Council will consider an application for any PUD on the following
criteria, among others:
(1) Does the project further the health and welfare of the community?
(2) Is the project in accordance with the City Comprehensive Plan?
(3) Does the project create at least one long-term significant community benefit?
G. Application process. An applicant proposing a development that does not conform with
the existing zoning requirements may apply for a PUD to be placed on his/her property,
or on such other property as designated by the applicant and for which the applicant has
submitted sufficient authorization executed by the owner(s) of said property in support of
the application. The application process is as follows:
(1) Staff/applicant pre-application meeting. An applicant seeking alternate zoning for
his/her property must first contact the Department of Planning, Building, and
Development for a pre-application meeting. Staff will explain the requirements, the
application process, the timeline, and the fees associated with a PUD request.
(2) Application submission. The applicant must submit a completed PUD application
along with the required fee. The application must include a conceptual development
plan and an explanation of the request for alternate zoning. The conceptual plan must
include the proposed sizes of yards, maximum heights and stories of all proposed
buildings, maximum lot coverage, adjacent uses and adjacent zoning.
(3) Common CouncilPlanning and Economic Development Committee. The Planning
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and Economic Development Committee of the Common Council will consider the
application for completion and will schedule a public information session. The
developer will be expected to be present at this meeting.
(4) Circulation. The Planning and Economic Development CommitteeCommon Council
will also authorize and direct staff to circulate the proposal for review and comment
from City boards/committees, the Tompkins County Planning Department, and any
neighboring property owners within 500 feet of the proposed project. Comments and
concerns will be forwarded to the applicant and to the Common Council for their
consideration.
(5) Public information session. Within 30 days of receiving a completed application, the
City will schedule a public information session, at which the developer will be
responsible for presenting information about the project and answering questions
from the public. The City will advertise the public information session with a press
release to the local media at least 15 days, but no more than 20 days, prior to the
meeting. The applicant is responsible for posting the property at least five days prior
to the public information session, with the date, time, and location of the meeting.
(6) Committee recommendation. Once the comments have been received, the Planning
and Economic Development CommitteeCommon Council will hold a legally noticed
public hearing at a regularly scheduled committee meeting. The City will publish a
legal notice of the hearing 15 days prior to the hearing. The Committee will consider
all comments that have been received, as well as all comments made at the public
hearing and will make a recommendation to the Common Council. The
recommendation may include additional requirements or limitations to either
mitigate undesirable impacts or to ensure the development conforms to the goals of
the City's Comprehensive Plan.
(7) Conditional approval. The Common Council will consider the request and may pass
a resolution granting a conditional approval, subject to further site plan review
approval and instructing staff to take the project through the environmental review
process. Not withstanding any conflicting provisions of the City Code, an applicant
whose application has received approval in concept from the Common Council
(approval in concept) shall be permitted, for the purpose of commencing site plan
review, to proceed with a building permit application, despite any zoning-based
deficiencies in the application, so long as all such deficiencies may be cured by final
Council approval of the PUD.
(8) Site plan review application. Applicant submits a site plan review application. The
Planning Board commences the environmental review process in compliance with
the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the City Environmental
Quality Review Ordinance (CEQRO) and conducts the normal site plan review
process. To the extent that the Planning Board declares its intent to be the lead agency
for the environmental review of the project and the PUD, the Planning Board notifies
all other involved agencies including the Common Council.
(9) (Reserved)
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(10) Common Council involvement. As a part of the environmental review process for
the project and the PUD, the Planning Board will update the Common Council after
each Planning Board meeting where the project is considered and will request
ongoing written comments from the Common Council.
(11) (Reserved)
(12) Common Council consideration of the PUD. When and if the Planning and
Development Board has completed its environmental review of the project to the
extent required under SEQRA and CEQRO and has issued a contingent site plan
approval or in the case of a multiphase project has issued a preliminary contingent site
plan approval of multiple phases along with a final contingent site plan approval of
at least one phase, the project will return to the Common Council for final
consideration of the adoption of the PUD, which at Council's discretion may be
authorized for one or all phases of a multiphase project. Final Council approval, if
any, shall be granted via ordinance.
H. Additional requirements. In any rezoning to a PUD, the Common Council may impose
such conditions or limitations that the Council, in its legislative discretion, may determine
to be necessary or desirable to ensure that the development conforms with the City
Comprehensive Plan, including limiting the permitted uses, location and size of buildings
and structures, providing for open space and recreational areas, and requiring bonds or
other assurances of completion of any infrastructure to be built as part of the development.
I. Expiration. A developer who receives PUD approval will have 24 months to begin
construction of their project. If construction on the property has not been developed in
accordance with the approved plan after 24 months, the PUD will automatically be
revoked, unless otherwise stated by the Common Council, and the property will return to
the previously approved zoning restrictions. In the case of extenuating circumstances, the
developer may apply to the Common Council for an extension of PUD approval. If the
site plan changes significantly, said significance as determined by the Director of
Planning and Development, it may require reconsideration by the Common Council. The
Director of Planning and Development may determine that the changes are minor and do
not require reapproval.
Section 3. Severability Clause
Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Ordinance. If any section,
subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of
notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green St. — Third Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Lisa Nicholas, AICP, Director
Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6565
E-Mail: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org
To: Robert Cantelmo, Mayor Dominick Recckio, Acting City Manager
Common Council Victor Kessler, City Attorney
Adam Potter, Superintendent of Public Works Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk
Rob Fell DeWalt, Director of Code Enforcement
Alan Karasin, Director of Department of Information & Community Engagement
City of Ithaca Department of Planning and Development
Katie Borgella, Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning and Sustainability
Sustainability & Climate Justice Commission
Planning & Development Board
From: Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning & Development and Maura Baldiga, Senior Planner
Date: March 18, 2026
Re: Proposal to Allow Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) Citywide
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this memo is to provide information about a proposal to allow Planned Unit
Developments (PUDs) citywide. PUDs allow for more creative use of land than is permitted under
current zoning, provided that a project has long-term community benefits and is compatible with the
City’s comprehensive plan. Currently, PUDs are restricted to the City’s Planned Unit Development
Overlay District (PUDOD). The proposed amendment would allow PUDs throughout the entire City,
creating the opportunity for more progressive zoning while a lengthier comprehensive rewrite is
underway. The City’s website has additional information on PUDs and the application process.
Staff presented an overview of the process and existing PUDs in February 2025 to Common Council:
Planned Unit Development Common Council Presentation. The presentation’s slides provide additional
detail.
PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS
The Common Council adopted PUD legislation in 2014, which limited PUDs to industrially-zoned
properties, a zoning district the City’s code no longer includes. In 2017, the City expanded the PUDOD
to include areas in the City where additional development was anticipated, specifically the Collegetown
and waterfront districts. The PUDOD was expanded again in 2021 to include properties at the base of
West Hill. A map of the current PUDOD boundaries is attached and available online.
Currently the City has three PUDs: Founder’s Way (former Immaculate Conception site), Cayuga Park,
and SouthWorks. Information about these projects, including zoning and community benefits, can be
found in the presentation referenced above.
The creation of a PUD is a legislative rezoning process at the sole discretion of Council and results in a
unique zoning district with defined area and use requirements. Once adopted, a PUD becomes its own
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zone in the City’s Code and includes allowed uses, dimensional and bulk standards, and any other
restrictions.
Like all zoning changes, Council decisions regarding a PUD are guided by community input,
conformance with the comprehensive plan, compatibility with adjacent development, environmental
concerns, and many other factors to ensure that the benefit of the new zoning proposal is balanced with
other community needs and potential impacts.
§325-12.F. of the City Code outlines the following additional considerations specific to PUDs: (1) if the
project furthers the health and welfare of the community, (2) if the project is in accordance with the
City Comprehensive Plan, and (3) if the project creates at least one long-term significant community
benefit.
Protection of the health and welfare of the community may include providing housing options,
connections to transportation, or open space and recreational activities. Conformance with the City’s
Comprehensive Plan means the project should be consistent with, among other things, the future land
use map. For example, a project in a traditional residential area should be of similar size, scale and
intensity of use as the surrounding land use. Finally, long-term community benefits may include public
or private open space, community recreational amenities, needed housing types and/or mix, innovative
designs, and protection and/or preservation of natural resources or other benefits deemed appropriate
by Common Council.
A PUD proposal is brought forward by a developer for a specific project, and Council can approve,
deny or amend the proposal. The application process is outlined in §325-12.G. and includes opportunity
for public information and comment, Site Plan Approval, environmental review and any conditions or
limitations Council deems appropriate. Common Council can choose to approve or deny any PUD
proposal.
Allowing PUDs citywide could create the opportunity for increased housing production by removing
potential barriers, while also ensuring that Common Council retains control over the types of projects
that are approved. Since PUDs require long-term community benefits, allowing PUDs in all areas of the
City can enable high-quality, community-enhancing projects to be built through the City’s
neighborhoods.
COMMENTS AND PUBLIC HEARING
The full proposed ordinance and a Short Environmental Assessment Form are attached for your review.
The Common Council will hold a public hearing on this proposal at its meeting on Wednesday, April
15, 2026 at 6 pm in the Common Council Chambers. Final consideration of the proposal will be held
at the May 6, 2026 Common Council meeting. Your comments are respectfully requested by Tuesday
April 14, 2026 but will still be considered through May 5, 2026. Please send all comments, or any
questions, to mbaldiga@cityofithaca.org.
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Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part 1 - Project Information
Instructions for Completing
Part 1 – Project Information. The applicant or project sponsor is responsible for the completion of Part 1. Responses become part of the
application for approval or funding, are subject to public review, and may be subject to further verification. Complete Part 1 based on
information currently available. If additional research or investigation would be needed to fully respond to any item, please answer as
thoroughly as possible based on current information.
Complete all items in Part 1. You may also provide any additional information which you believe will be needed by or useful to the
lead agency; attach additional pages as necessary to supplement any item.
Part 1 – Project and Sponsor Information
Name of Action or Project:
Project Location (describe, and attach a location map):
Brief Description of Proposed Action:
Name of Applicant or Sponsor:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
Address:
City/PO: State: Zip Code:
1. Does the proposed action only involve the legislative adoption of a plan, local law, ordinance,
NO YES
administrative rule, or regulation?
If Yes, attach a narrative description of the intent of the proposed action and the environmental resources that
may be affected in the municipality and proceed to Part 2. If no, continue to question 2.
2. Does the proposed action require a permit, approval or funding from any other government Agency? NO YES
If Yes, list agency(s) name and permit or approval:
3. a. Total acreage of the site of the proposed action? __________ acres
b.Total acreage to be physically disturbed? __________ acres
c.Total acreage (project site and any contiguous properties) owned
or controlled by the applicant or project sponsor? __________ acres
4. Check all land uses that occur on, are adjoining or near the proposed action:
□
Urban Rural (non-agriculture) Industrial Commercial Residential (suburban)
□
Forest Agriculture Aquatic Other(Specify):
Parkland
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5. Is the proposed action, NO YES N/A
a. A permitted use under the zoning regulations?
b. Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan?
NO YES
6. Is the proposed action consistent with the predominant character of the existing built or natural landscape?
7. Is the site of the proposed action located in, or does it adjoin, a state listed Critical Environmental Area?
NO YES
If Yes, identify: ________________________________________________________________________________
NO YES
8. a. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels?
b. Are public transportation services available at or near the site of the proposed action?
c. Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near the site of the proposed
action?
9. Does the proposed action meet or exceed the state energy code requirements? NO YES
If the proposed action will exceed requirements, describe design features and technologies:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Will the proposed action connect to an existing public/private water supply? NO YES
If No, describe method for providing potable water: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Will the proposed action connect to existing wastewater utilities? NO YES
If No, describe method for providing wastewater treatment: ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
12. a. Does the project site contain, or is it substantially contiguous to, a building, archaeological site, or district NO YES
which is listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, or that has been determined by the
Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the
State Register of Historic Places?
b.Is the project site, or any portion of it, located in or adjacent to an area designated as sensitive for
archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory?
13. a. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action, or lands adjoining the proposed action, contain NO YES
wetlands or other waterbodies regulated by a federal, state or local agency?
b.Would the proposed action physically alter, or encroach into, any existing wetland or waterbody?
If Yes, identify the wetland or waterbody and extent of alterations in square feet or acres: _____________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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[PAGE 20]
14. Identify the typical habitat types that occur on, or are likely to be found on the project site. Check all that apply:
□ □
Shoreline Forest Agricultural/grasslands Early mid-successional
□
Wetland Urban Suburban
15. Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal, or associated habitats, listed by the State or NO YES
Federal government as threatened or endangered?
16. Is the project site located in the 100-year flood plan? NO YES
NO YES
17. Will the proposed action create storm water discharge, either from point or non-point sources?
If Yes,
a. Will storm water discharges flow to adjacent properties?
b. Will storm water discharges be directed to established conveyance systems (runoff and storm drains)?
If Yes, briefly describe:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
18. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that would result in the impoundment of water NO YES
or other liquids (e.g., retention pond, waste lagoon, dam)?
If Yes, explain the purpose and size of the impoundment:______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
1_9 . Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid waste NO YES
management facility?
If Yes, describe: _______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
20.Has the site of the proposed action or an adjoining property been the subject of remediation (ongoing or NO YES
comp l e t e d ) for hazardous waste?
If Yes, describe: _______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
I CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF
MY KNOWLEDGE
Applicant/sponsor/name: ____________________________________________________ _D_a_te_:_ __________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________________Title:__________________________________
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[PAGE 21]
Agency Use Only [If applicable]
Project:
Date:
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part 2 - Impact Assessment
Part 2 is to be completed by the Lead Agency.
Answer all of the following questions in Part 2 using the information contained in Part 1 and other materials submitted by
the project sponsor or otherwise available to the reviewer. When answering the questions the reviewer should be guided by
the concept “Have my responses been reasonable considering the scale and context of the proposed action?”
No, or Moderate
small to large
impact impact
may may
occur occur
1. Will the proposed action create a material conflict with an adopted land use plan or zoning
regulations?
2. Will the proposed action result in a change in the use or intensity of use of land?
3. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of the existing community?
4. Will the proposed action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that caused the
establishment of a Critical Environmental Area (CEA)?
5. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change in the existing level of traffic or
affect existing infrastructure for mass transit, biking or walkway?
6. Will the proposed action cause an increase in the use of energy and it fails to incorporate
reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities?
7. Will the proposed action impact existing:
a.public / private water supplies?
b.public / private wastewater treatment utilities?
8. Will the proposed action impair the character or quality of important historic, archaeological,
architectural or aesthetic resources?
9. Will the proposed action result in an adverse change to natural resources (e.g., wetlands,
waterbodies, groundwater, air quality, flora and fauna)?
10. Will the proposed action result in an increase in the potential for erosion, flooding or drainage
problems?
11. Will the proposed action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health?
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SEAF 2019
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[PAGE 22]
Agency Use Only [If applicable]
Project:
Date:
Short Environmental Assessment Form
Part 3 Determination of Significance
For every question in Part 2 that was answered “moderate to large impact may occur”, or if there is a need to explain why a
particular element of the proposed action may or will not result in a significant adverse environmental impact, please
complete Part 3. Part 3 should, in sufficient detail, identify the impact, including any measures or design elements that
have been included by the project sponsor to avoid or reduce impacts. Part 3 should also explain how the lead agency
determined that the impact may or will not be significant. Each potential impact should be assessed considering its setting,
probability of occurring, duration, irreversibility, geographic scope and magnitude. Also consider the potential for short-
term, long-term and cumulative impacts.
Check this box if you have determined, based on the information and analysis above, and any supporting documentation,
that the proposed action may result in one or more potentially large or significant adverse impacts and an
environmental impact statement is required.
Check this box if you have determined, based on the information and analysis above, and any supporting documentation,
that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts.
_________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Name of Lead Agency Date
_________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Print or Type Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency Title of Responsible Officer
_________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency Signature of Preparer (if different from Responsible Officer)
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