Planning board issues SEQR negative declaration for 325 College Ave redevelopment

The Planning and Development Board of the City of Ithaca on Feb. 25 adopted a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) negative declaration for the 325 College Avenue redevelopment project, concluding the board’s environmental review under SEQR and allowing the project to proceed to final design and permitting.

The motion for a negative declaration was moved by Andy Roman and seconded by Jenny Sutcliffe; the board approved the SEQR determination by roll call. Board members and applicant representatives discussed façade revisions, trash and recycling routing, rooftop screening materials, and bicycle storage during the presentation and asked for a few final details before final site plan approvals.

Why it matters: A SEQR negative declaration means the planning board found no potential for significant adverse environmental impacts from the project as proposed, removing one procedural barrier to construction and permitting. The project team presented updated façade materials, screening details for roof equipment, and a streetscape plan that widens the sidewalk and eliminates a previously proposed sunken well.

Key project details discussed - Façade and streetscape: The applicant showed revised façade panels, a widened sidewalk along College Avenue and shadow‑box window trim; the team added planting zones and granite block seating similar to other local streetscape projects. Board members praised the revised streetscape for widening pedestrian space and asked for additional detail on a wall on the corner of Dryden/College that the applicant proposed to clad or plant. - Trash and curb cut plan: The team indicated they had coordinated with a hauler (Casella) and proposed a curb cut and trash routing across the street to a location where a truck can service both sides; engineering requested a detailed loading/trash plan showing dumpster dimensions and service staging because front‑loading equipment could block the street during pickup. - Rooftop screening and prefabrication: The applicant described black corrugated metal screening on an HSS frame for rooftop equipment and noted the building will use prefabricated panelized structural wall systems to reduce on‑site erection time and street disruptions. - Bicycle parking: The project provides required outdoor racks and indoor bicycle storage; the applicant reported limited outdoor rack use in comparable buildings and said indoor secure parking provision meets code and anticipated demand.

Vote and next steps - Motion: Approve SEQR negative declaration for 325 College Ave redevelopment. - Mover: Andy Roman; Second: Jenny Sutcliffe. - Vote: Andy Roman — yes; Basil Kori — yes; Max Pfeffer — yes; Emily Petrina (chair) — yes. Outcome: SEQR negative declaration adopted.

The board asked the applicant to provide detailed engineering comments about trash/recycling pickup and final rooftop screening elevations; staff said engineering sign‑off would be required for final site plan conditions. The applicant said it will return with additional details at the next review.