[ShareTompkins] Fwd: [sustainable_tompkins-l] LAST CHANCE for the old TC Library to be a mixed-use sustainable repurposed development with condominiums!

[Shira Evergreen]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Anna Kelles <annakelles at gmail.com>
> Subject: [sustainable_tompkins-l] LAST CHANCE for the old TC Library to be a mixed-use sustainable repurposed development with condominiums!
> Date: June 15, 2015 1:58:49 AM EDT
> To: Sustainability in Tompkins County <sustainable_tompkins-l at list.cornell.edu>
> Reply-To: "Sustainability in Tompkins County" <sustainable_tompkins-l at list.cornell.edu>
> 
> Dear STers,
> 
> I have been working on the library project as a concerned citizen for over a year and a half.  It is down to the wire and the final vote for the fat of the old Tompkins County Library will be Tuesday evening at 5:30pm at the Old Court house (120 E. Court St).  
> 
> There are two proposals being considered for the site of the old TC Library site (there are actually three but only 2 are strong contenders at this point). One option, the Franklin proposal, would repurpose the existing building (removing everything but the massive steal frame and foundation) and create a truly mixed-use building with a healthy cafe, holistic healthcare cooperative, and 22 market rate condominiums.  It will have some underground parking (that already exists in the current building) plus plenty of parking on the lot.  They have proposed to build an additional new building for Lifelong Senior Activity Center as well.  This team is the only team that listened to the public after the first round of proposal reviews and changed their design from apartments to condominiums based on a strong demand for homeowner options. This proposal is the only one that will preserve all the greenscape that exists on the lot and extend it.  They have also committed to create a building that would produce 70% less greenhouse gas emissions than an equivalent building meeting standard national building codes.  This proposal was designed by people with extensive smart urban development expertise and have designed a building to support a vibrant engaged downtown neighborhood.  
> 
> Despite a HUGE public preference for the Franklin proposal the special committee reviewing proposals recommended the Travis Hyde proposal that is a massive dormitory-style modern 63-unit rental property to be rented exclusively to seniors.  The only nod they made to mixed-use was a partnership and agreement to give a floor of one wing to Lifelong.  This does not create any significant engagement with the public.  The design requires that all the trees on the current lot be cut down with a full demo of the existing building and foundation. The structure is designed to be build all the way to the sidewalk with no engaging setback.  At the center of the lot is the 30-car parking lot that will be right across from Dewitt Park!  The two wings of the building will wrap around the square parking lot.  Because the design illegally runs over an easement owned by 6 other properties the design will need to be cut if it is chosen.  The Ithaca Landmark Preservation Commission will most likely cut it down further before it is approved.  So in effect, the density that the legislature is looking for they may not get and they will be left with a modern dormitory building that does not fit with the character of the historic neighborhood, does not have homeowner options, does not have trees or greenscape on half of the block across from the Park, and causes over 2,000 tons of waste to be dumped into the landfill from demoing the current library. There is a reason over 800 people have spoken in favor of the Franklin project as well as many members of the Planning and Economic Development committee of the city common council, who have already written direct letters to the legislature.  
> 
> For a bit more background you can read my op ed in the Ithaca Voice.
> 
> We have 2 days left to encourage the legislature to do what is logical and smart for the city.  Here are some things that you can do to help:
> 
> - Come to the legislative committee meeting this Tuesday at 5:30pm at the Old Court house (120 E. Court St).  Here is a link to a facebook event page with details and post updates.  Please join and share if you are on facebook!
> 
> - Sign and share this new petition
> 
> - Write to and/or call the county legislators.  Here is an email address that will go to Catherine Covert the County Clerk who will forward it to all of the legislators: ccovert at tompkins-co.org.  If you would like to call them here is a link with their contact information. 
> 
> We need all hands on deck for the next 48 hours.  Please please please consider taking some or all of these actions to save our downtown historic neighborhood and encourage the legislature to choose the Franklin proposal - an adaptive reuse project that creates homeowner options, provides a building to scale that fits with the character of the neighborhood and represents the most sustainable option for the environment!
> 
> I have pasted some talking points below.  Please use them as you like and in any manner that is helpful to help save the Dewitt Park Neighborhood!
> 
> I'll see you on Tuesday night!
> Anna
> 
> 
> Talking Points for Franklin Properties Old Library Site Redevelopment
> 
> The city needs homeowner options:
> Currently within the city, there is significantly more demand than supply of both homeowner options and rentals. Developers profit less from building condominiums versus rentals, and the construction of homeowner options in the city is becoming far less common
> The Franklin team is highly capable, ready and willing to build condominiums specifically requested by the public with a design appropriate to the neighborhood 
> Many undeveloped and underdeveloped sites remain within the city limits that are highly appropriate for large rental developments, but the Old Library property is not the appropriate site  
> 
> The Franklin proposal has the greatest environmental benefits.  It will:
> Preserve the existing foundation and frame, preventing over 2,000 tons of waste (equivalent to 600 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions) from entering our landfills
> Minimize disruption to the neighborhood and reduce noise pollution
> Take less time (up to a year) to complete then the other projects; final construction will produce 70% less GHG emissions than a building of comparable size and use that is built to current building code 
> Maximize the preservation of the current greenspace on the property
> Provide key amenities and services within the walkable core of the city and adjacent neighborhoods, reducing dependence on automobiles
> 
> The Franklin proposal is the most appropriate “fit” with the historic neighborhood:
> The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) identified the Franklin Proposal as the clear preference to maintain the physical and cultural integrity of the neighborhood
> The neighborhood is largely residential - adding a 22-unit dwelling is reasonable in this historic district; adding 63-units via a large modern dormitory-style structure with minimal greenspace and a large central parking lot across from Dewitt Park is inappropriate and could have an irreversible negative impact
> 
> The Franklin proposal has the greatest support from the community:
> 800 + community members have signed a petition in support of the Franklin Properties proposal
> Over 30 concerned citizens attended a June 9th meeting of the Tompkins County legislative committee, almost exclusively in support of the Franklin’s adaptive reuse mixed-use proposal
> 
> The Franklin proposal provides the greatest economic benefit to the community:
> Estimates show the Franklin project generating the greatest property taxes despite the smaller number of dwelling units because it will be approved and constructed sooner and the tax abatement won’t apply after all the condos are sold
> Franklin has committed to exceeding a living wage standard for all construction workers, building maintenance and medical staff and to hire a diverse local workforce

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