Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!

Planning board approves 215 College Ave preliminary and final plans, asks for rooftop lighting, noise management details

September 24, 2025 | Ithaca City, Tompkins County, New York


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

Planning board approves 215 College Ave preliminary and final plans, asks for rooftop lighting, noise management details
The Planning and Development Board granted preliminary and final site plan approval for the 215 College Ave redevelopment on Sept. 23, subject to conditions that the applicant submit updated photometrics and a written management plan addressing rooftop amenity access and noise control.
Applicants presented final roof-amenity designs including a pergola dining area, lounge and activity zones, a sedum planting perimeter (green-roof edging), dark-sky-compliant fixtures, and security cameras. Developers said the amenity will be key tenant space and described lighting that includes pendant fixtures under the pergola and continuous railing lights. They also provided a manufacturer statement that terrace materials are PFAS-free.
Board members raised concerns about potential late-night noise from rooftop gatherings and possible amplified music. The board discussed limits on occupancy and hours after which occupancy should be restricted, and asked the applicant to submit a written noise-reduction plan that could address signage, lease language, key-access controls, and occupancy limits after specified hours. Board members also requested updated photometric plans showing light levels beyond the parapet and detailed railing-light specifications and dimming capability so that light spill beyond the rooftop would be reduced to acceptable levels.
The roll-call votes recorded the board’s conditional approvals. Board members required the updated photometric plan and the amenity-management documentation be submitted to staff before issuance of the certificate of occupancy or final sign-off on lighting.
Next steps: Applicant to submit updated photometrics and LED railing specifications and file an amenity-management plan describing signage and enforcement measures for noise, occupancy and access control. Staff will review those materials, and the applicant will return to the board only if additional design changes are proposed.

View the Full Meeting & All Its Details

This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.

Watch full, unedited meeting videos
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
Permanent access to expanding government content
Access Full Meeting

30-day money-back guarantee

Sponsors

Proudly supported by sponsors who keep New York articles free in 2025

Scribe from Workplace AI
Scribe from Workplace AI