Chair: Kristine Shaw Andrew Goodell James Hamilton - Vice Chair Eva Hoffmann Anthony Ingraham Jon Meigs - Associate Vladimir Micic Nirav Patel Susan Perri Ellie Stewart  Southwest Glens and Creeks Proposed Conservation Zone
The Town of Ithaca is currently proposing to re-zone a portion of the land between Mecklenburg Road (NYS Route 79) and Bostwick Road from Agricultural, Low Density Residential, and Medium Density Residential Zones to a new Conservation Zone. The land in question is considered environmentally sensitive and includes natural and scenic resources considered to be of significance to the community as indicated in the Town’s Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (1997) and Comprehensive Plan (1993). This area contains steep slopes, erodible soils, numerous watercourses and deep gorges, unique rare plant species, portions designated as Unique Natural Areas by the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council, and a Critical Environmental Area designated around a portion of the Coy Glen Stream. The Town seeks to minimize environmental impacts to this area from future development by reducing residential densities and encouraging sensitive land use. The Conservation Zone provides a mechanism to achieve this goal by minimizing development to one house per seven acres, and providing additional protective measures and guidelines as outlined in Chapter 270, Article V. of the Town of Ithaca Code (https://www.ecode360.com/8661513). The Town of Ithaca Conservation Board held an informational meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 7pm at the Ithaca Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, to obtain feedback from residents on the Conservation Zone proposal. The meeting included a brief introduction and background regarding the proposal and then an open discussion for residents to ask questions and offer comments and suggestions. Various maps of the area were displayed and staff and Board members were available to discuss the proposal and obtain feedback. A report containing more detailed information concerning the re-zoning proposal was available at the meeting, and can also be found here. You are welcome to submit written comments at any point. There will be another formal public hearing at a later TBA. A map showing the area affected by the proposed Conservation Zone, with additional information concerning Conservation Zone’s on the reverse side, can be found here. Please contact Director of Planning, Susan Ritter or Environmental Planner, Michael Smith at 607-273-1747, if you have any questions, comments, or wish to arrange an individual meeting. Meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the Aurora Conference Room of Town Hall, 215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY. The Aurora Conference Room is located at the back entrance of Town Hall and is handicap accessible. Meeting Agendas http://www.facebook.com/IthacaConservationBoard Conservation Board Documents Conservation Board 2013 Work Goals Conservation Board Activities/Accomplishments 2012 Conservation Board Brochure Conservation Board Comments regarding Gas Drilling Timber Harvesting in Conservation Zones The Town of Ithaca Conservation Board is a member of the New York State Association of Conservation Commissions. For more information regarding the Conservation Board, please contact Michael Smith, EnvironmentalPlanner at 607-273-1747 | The Conservation Board is a group of Town of Ithaca residents
who volunteer their time and energy towards the preservation and protection of
the Town's natural and scenic resources. The Board is composed of a diverse group, including retired, working, business, and professional people. The Board acts in an advisory capacity to the other Town Boards on environmental matters. The Conservation Board consists of four committees: - Environmental Review Committee - Communications Committee - Conservation Zoning Committee  |
Conservation Board |