Campus Planning: December 16, 2009 Minutes

CAMPUS PLANNING COMMITTEE
December 16, 2009
2:30 — 4:00PM
Room 121 Weill Hall
Meeting Minutes

Attendees

Mina Amundsen, Steve Beyers, Tom Cole, David Cutter, Gilbert Delgado, Jessie Dimick, Steve Erber, John Gutenberger, Tanya Husick, Don Rakow, Stephan Schmidt (Co-Chair), Gabrielle Voeller, Randy Wayne, Bill Wendt.

Stephan Schmidt opened the meeting followed by introductions of those present.

Cornell/Community Transportation Initiatives - Presenters Bill Wendt and Tanya Husick Bill Wendt began his presentation with a broad overview of the campus. Cornell contains approximately 100 acres of asphalt, 15 acres are roadways and 85 acres are parking. Currently there are over 31 Cornell/Community Transportation initiatives. Many of the projects are supported by President Skorton’s community commitment to share the financial responsibility for Housing/Transportation, he made a 10 year commitment of $10M.

These community initiatives include the following critical principles:

• Benefit to Cornell
• Adjacency
• Improve wellness and life safety
• Sustainability
• Leverage funds

Most current projects are in the 100–200K range, and the municipalities are usually the lead on the project.

Bill Wendt and Tanya Husick presented three main areas. The Transportation Demand Management Program (TDMP), Bike and Pedestrian Safety, and Other Infrastructure Improvements. They are outlined below.

Transportation Demand Management Program:

• TCAT Community VanPool
• Ithaca Carshare, Inc.
• Community Park and Ride System

Bike and Pedestrian Safety:

• Columbia Street pedestrian bridge
• Pine Tree Road improvements
• Bluegrass Lane Improvements (Sapsucker Woods to Campus)

Other Infrastructure Improvements:

• Game Farm Road reconstruction
• Forest Home upstream bridge
• Forest Home traffic calming

Discussion

Forest Home Bridges: There was quite a humorous discussion regarding the courtesy of the one-way bridges in Forest Home. How many cars does one allow before they pursue taking their turn to use the bridge? Numbers ranged from 2 to 4. It also was apparent that this is one of those things you learn over time as a newcomer to the area.

Funding: Tom Cole asked, In sharing the financial responsibility with the municipalities for these projects, how much control or input does Cornell get in when the money gets expended? Bill Wendt indicated it is all based on the project schedules, which are established with Cornell at the table. In addition, Cornell has a seat/voice at the Ithaca Community Transportation Council but is not a voting member.

Miscellaneous: Don Rakow mentioned the condition of the tunnel at the Plantations site, he has been informed by Gary Kochinsky, structural engineer in Project Design and Construction (PDC), that it is corroding and is in need of repair/replacement.

Hydraulics Lab Demolition — Presenters Gilbert Delgado and Steve Beyers

Gilbert Delgado gave a brief history of the Former Hydraulics Lab. It has been part of Cornell since 1898. Gilbert outlined its significance in the following manner:

1. It is one of Cornell’s most photographed vignettes
2. Historic hydraulic research was conducted there
3. It’s the largest hydraulics laboratory in the Nation

A chronological history:

• 1898 Weir and piping constructed
• 1902 Stone housing built
• 1914 Turbine improvements
• 1960 Facility expanded
• 1970 Facility condemned
• 1988 Richard Meier Visitor Center Project
• 2008 Fall Creek Gorge Management Plan
• 2009 Partial collapse
• 2009 City directs Cornell to demolish lab by 2/2010

Gilbert also discussed the National Historical Preservation Act and how best we should follow it to document the Hydraulics Lab. He also suggested the possibility of making it a student project.

In addition to the City of Ithaca’s order to demolish, the need is also due to: Ruins with a gaping hole to the gorge and rusty pipe with ladder creates a liability, Environmental contaminants must be removed and properly disposed, and the scarred remains of the building are an aesthetic liability.

Steve Beyers outlined the project as follows:

The expected cost for the work is $1.2M, this includes:

• Pre-demolition
• Finalize permitting (NYSDEC, USACE, NYSDOL, City)
• Complete geotechnical investigation (rock stability)
• Finalize bid package

Demolition:

• Prepare site/mobilize/temp close footbridge
• Demolish and remove all elements to grade
• Recover debris from bottom of gorge
• Stabilize and secure area for future development

Full site restoration and improvements are not included in this dollar amount.

Cornell did appeal to the City of Ithaca’s order to demolish by February 2, 2010; they have requested an additional 90 days. If granted they will follow the following project schedule:

• Finalize planning and design — January 2010
• Bidding and contracting — February 2010
• Demolition and restoration (approx 8 weeks) — March — April 2010

Future opportunities for this area as part of the Fall Creek Gorge Management Plan; restoration of the Gorge Overlook and interpretive signage for both cultural and natural history.

Discussion

Site Restoration: Don Rakow stated that it is critical funds be identified for site restoration of the Gorge Overlook after this project is complete.

Gorge Ownership: John Gutenberger asked about the New York State ownership of the floor of the gorge. Don Rakow added that in 1994 when Fall Creek Gorge was designated a scenic waterway that the State owns the floor of the gorge. Steve Beyers felt that would be covered in the permitting process.

Schedule: Tom Cole asked how realistic is the possibility of getting the 90 day extension requested? Steve Beyers was confident that the city would have no problems granting the extension.

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

Presentation and Meeting Minutes will be posted on the University Assembly CPC website.

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