March 29 - Conversations with Jon Kanter & Jim Webber, Town of Ithaca

I met with Jon (Director, Planning Dept) and Jim (Director, Public Works) at the Tow of ithaca offices to present an overview of the Level Green Farm long-term vision, and gather information about specific steps for moving forward. Specifically:

* Re-zoning: 1519 currently zoned low-density residential, with portion of land designated as Conversation District; in order to provide a long-term home for Level Green as a nonprofit, and secure tax-free status for the land, zoning must be changed - but no current zoning designation readily fits envisioned future use.
RECOMMENDATION: present a polished proposal (powerpoint, drawings of projected land us, steps in the process, possible resources, partnerships) to the Town Board, who can then perhaps create an appropriate zoning category

* Sewer Issue: When I bought the land in 2000, all real estate paperwork indicated that 1519 was on City Sewer; it isn't. The closest City linkage on our side of the highway is three houses down. A Dept of Health representative came to the land in 2008, when raw sewage appeared in the back yard, and couldn't fine evidence of a conventional septic system. This winter drainage from an upstairs shower and toilet came up in the basement sink and toilet, and outside the back of the house - suggesting a very serious blockage or breakage in whatever system exists.
According to Karel Westerling, Ithaca-area sewer specialist, options now include 1) linking with the City sewer system by tunneling under Rt 79, which would involve pump problems from the positioning of the house on the hillside downslope, a very costly option; and 2) creating an entirely new septic system, less costly in the short run but would need to be augmented as Hostel and Lodge appear on the scene in future years.
In order to pursue option #2, Karel needs documentation from the Town that #1 is unfeasible, either because of installation complications or because of dramatically higher cost. The person he should talk with about this is WAYNE SINCERBAUGH, Dept of Health.

* Trailhead and parking project: Jon pointed out that with the recent decision to keep the Upper Reservoir for drinking water, the City may be less enthusiastic about encouraging the public to discover the south-end trails that the Gully Bridge would create easy access to. Before pursuing this further, contact the City's Planning Department Director, to pick up where conversations with former Director Thys Van Court and former City Forester Andy Hillman left off.