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Planning board issues negative declaration for Grinspoon Hillel lighting and moves project forward

5842614 · September 24, 2025
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Summary

The board issued a SEQR negative declaration for the Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell site plan and accepted a dark-sky-compliant lighting plan; no substantive conditions remained for the current seeker determination.

The Planning and Development Board issued a negative declaration under SEQR and accepted the exterior lighting selections for the Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell project at 722 University Ave on Sept. 23. Project representatives presented a dark-sky-compliant lighting plan that includes relocated existing pole fixtures, bollards for pedestrian paths, pull-top area fixtures for parking, and architectural wall lighting and under-canopy illumination for the plaza. The design team said fixture finishes and exact metal colors will be coordinated later with the architect so all exterior metalwork reads as a cohesive palette. Board members praised the attention to the eastern pedestrian walkway and the overall fixture selection. With no outstanding concerns from staff or members, the board voted on a negative declaration and cleared the project for the next review step (preliminary site plan approval to come at a subsequent meeting). No design changes beyond the presented lighting details were required at this stage; project team confirmed they will continue to coordinate finish samples with staff and return for the next formal site-plan review.