Planners review Finger Lakes Reuse site changes at 214 Elmira Road; circulation and reclaimed curbing highlighted
February 14, 2026 | Ithaca City, Tompkins County, New York
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The Planning & Development Board Project Review Committee reviewed a revised site plan for the Finger Lakes Reuse facility at 214 Elmira Road on Feb. 13. Applicant Andrew (with the project team) described modest layout changes and clarified circulation, stormwater and maintenance access ahead of a public hearing.
Key changes include moving future electric‑vehicle charging to the seven‑bay, south parking area (showing four future charging stations), widening a main aisle from 18 to 22 feet to allow two‑way circulation, and retaining an existing curb cut for drop‑off and roll‑off truck access. The team said it may reuse salvaged granite curb (sourced from Cornell and other local stockpiles) to form tree islands and protect planting areas consistent with the site's reuse mission.
Applicants also presented a plan to add a sidewalk connector from Elmira Road to the building entrance and sketched pedestrian routes across the site. A photometric (lighting) plan will be supplied with the packet for the month‑end planning board meeting.
Board members welcomed the circulation changes and pedestrian connectivity but raised questions about whether planter islands should be curbed to prevent vehicles and plows from damaging plantings (Peggy Tully urged curbing to avoid mud pits). The committee also asked the applicant to show how canopy supports and awning columns will be protected from vehicle impact and to supply planting‑section specifications and soil remediation details for new landscape areas.
Staff confirmed the project will go to a public hearing, design review and a seeker review (as described by staff), and reminded the applicant to follow submission deadlines on the updated 2026 planning board schedule.
The committee asked the applicant to confirm curb‑cut legality with city engineering, provide detailed planting/soil sections and show physical protection for awning supports before the planning board packet is finalized.
Key changes include moving future electric‑vehicle charging to the seven‑bay, south parking area (showing four future charging stations), widening a main aisle from 18 to 22 feet to allow two‑way circulation, and retaining an existing curb cut for drop‑off and roll‑off truck access. The team said it may reuse salvaged granite curb (sourced from Cornell and other local stockpiles) to form tree islands and protect planting areas consistent with the site's reuse mission.
Applicants also presented a plan to add a sidewalk connector from Elmira Road to the building entrance and sketched pedestrian routes across the site. A photometric (lighting) plan will be supplied with the packet for the month‑end planning board meeting.
Board members welcomed the circulation changes and pedestrian connectivity but raised questions about whether planter islands should be curbed to prevent vehicles and plows from damaging plantings (Peggy Tully urged curbing to avoid mud pits). The committee also asked the applicant to show how canopy supports and awning columns will be protected from vehicle impact and to supply planting‑section specifications and soil remediation details for new landscape areas.
Staff confirmed the project will go to a public hearing, design review and a seeker review (as described by staff), and reminded the applicant to follow submission deadlines on the updated 2026 planning board schedule.
The committee asked the applicant to confirm curb‑cut legality with city engineering, provide detailed planting/soil sections and show physical protection for awning supports before the planning board packet is finalized.
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