Visum Development's plan to build a high-density private student housing complex on 815 S Aurora did not have enough votes to have its Site Plan approved on Tuesday, August 27th by the Ithaca Planning Review Board. Visum, the City of Ithaca, Common Council, other city bodies and other parties associated with the project are all named as defendants alongside the Planning Board in an Article 78 Law Suit which aims to block this project. The plaintiffs are are Brian Grout, Susanne Dennis and James Rogan.
But they still need your help. Your voice NEEDS to be heard before the developers seek approval again at the 24th September Planning Board Meeting (6pm, 108 Green Street). Here are some details:
The plan for 815 S Aurora
1) Destroys the only green hill left on South Hill used for sledding in the winter, picnics in the summer, and deer all year long
2) Will require the removal of thousands of cubic yards (@3700cy) of rock, under a cellphone tower in order to build into the bedrock of the hill which is very risky
3) Will double the impervious surface on the lot increasing water runoff
4) Will increase street parking and traffic in South Hill residential neighborhood especially after a lane reduction on 96b
5) Includes plans for a 4th Floor outdoor roof, that would produce a kind of noise nuisance we have never known in this neighborhood
6) Avoided required yard variances that can only be granted by the Zoning Board.
7) Reduced the cell phone tower Fall Zone which now allows for congregating in and parking around an old cell tower that will be compromised during construction.
Your signature here DEMANDS that the Planning Review Board REJECT this Site Plan and serve the residents of South Hill as well as the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan.
