HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-04 PB Final Minutes
Planning Board Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3
June 4, 2024
Planning Board
Zoom Hybrid Meeting
Meeting Minutes
June 4, 2024
Approved: July 2, 2024
Board Members Present: Vice Chair Linda Liddle, Mo Klein, Bart Gragg, Karl Klankowski
Quorum Present
Board Members Absent: Rebecca Schneider
Applicants Present: Jack Litzenberger, Sean Kennedy
Town Staff Present: Niels Tygesen, Mollie Duell
Member of the Public Present on Zoom: Brian Grout
Proceedings
Vice Chair Linda Liddle called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at Town Hall.
Motion: Klein motioned to appoint Klankowski as a voting member for the duration of the meeting;
Gragg seconded.
Vote: Liddle, aye; Gragg, aye; Klein, aye; Klankowski, aye.
Motion Carried.
Approval of Agenda
A few items were added to the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. Liddle stated that Michael Boggs
has requested permanent topics of discussion to be added to the agenda, including regular discussions
regarding training and potential amendments to the zoning code.
Crystal Buck will also present information about the farmland protection grant program.
Motion: Klein motioned to approve the amended agenda; Gragg seconded.
Vote: Liddle, aye; Gragg, aye; Klein, aye; Klankowski, aye.
Motion Carried.
Approval of Past Minutes
Motion: Klein motioned to approve the May 21 minutes as amended; Klankowski seconded.
Vote: Klankowski, aye; Liddle, aye; Gragg, aye; Klein, aye.
Motion Carried.
Privilege of the Floor
Brian Grout of 3041 Wilkins Rd asked for an update about the proposed Dollar General on Route 96.
Liddle explained that the Planning Board is waiting for modifications to the site plan and nothing has
been approved.
Grout asked if the public hearing is still open; Liddle responded yes, please submit comments in writing.
Grout stated that he submitted a written comment several months ago. Liddle noted that public
comments have been helpful in determining what information needs to be asked from the applicants.
Motion: Klein motioned to close privilege of the floor; Klankowski seconded.
Vote: Klankowski, aye; Liddle, aye; Gragg, aye; Klein, aye.
Motion Carried.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
June 4, 2024
New Business Items
SPR2405-01: Kennedy New Detached Dwelling Unit Sketch Plan Review
1457 Taughannock Blvd, Parcel Number 17.-1-22
The applicant, Jack Litzenberger, on behalf of the owners, Sean and Jeanine Kennedy, proposes to
construct a new dwelling unit approximately 2,000 – 2,500sf and a new detached garage approximately
1,000sf, with associated grading of approximately 345 cubic yards, removal of some existing vegetation,
and extension of the gravel drive to connect to lake access. An existing carport and wood shed would be
demolished, and the existing dwelling unit, approximately 1,126sf, would be converted to an accessory
dwelling unit. Per the Code of the Town of Ulysses (CTU) 212-43.A and 212- 44.A.2, Single-family
residences and their accessory buildings, along with an accessory dwelling unit, are permitted in the LS
zone, but require site plan review when within a slope overlay area, pursuant to the provisions listed
under CTU 212-19. Per CTU 212-48.D.3, excavation, grading or filling of more than 10 cubic yards is also
subject to site plan approval when within a slope overlay in the LS zone. Per CTU 212-124.B, the setback
from the lake is 75’, as currently proposed, the minimum setback proposed for the dwelling unit is 50’.
Sean Kennedy stated that the existing dwelling was built in the late 1800s and it is small. They have
decided to keep the history of the cottage and thought building a new dwelling could allow them to
build something smaller. They would also like to have a garage for storage.
Tygesen confirmed a variance would be needed if the proposed setback from the lake is 50’. Kennedy
responded that it is probably possible to change the location but would have to check. No reason is
known to be a conflict in making this change.
Gragg asked about the well; Litzenberger stated that the well location is not final and can be moved.
Klein asked some questions about responses on the EAF that may be missing information. Information
about the lake needs to be added. Other concerns included stormwater discharge.
Gragg noted that stormwater will be a big matter of discussion.
Discussion ensued over the exact size of the parcel.
Klein expressed that owners should be aware that there are strict limitations on tree removal in the
lakeshore zone. Litzenberger stated that there may be some trees in the way of construction. Kennedy
added that there is a very large number of hemlock and ash that are dying and at risk of falling onto the
house. Klankowski noted that the code allows risky trees to be removed without approval; the
restrictions only apply to healthy trees.
Klein stated that a survey including elevation will be required.
Gragg noted that the roof and deck will be included in examining sources of stormwater runoff, along
with any other impervious surfaces such as paved driveways. Kennedy stated that it is a shared driveway
with neighbors, they add gravel every year and have considered paving. Klein explained that paving in
the lakeshore is difficult as it greatly increases runoff. When trees are removed, something will probably
need to be planted to hold the slope together. Liddle suggested planning around the trees and water
runoff.
Discussion ensued over what would be acceptable when improving the driveway. Klein noted a driveway
cannot be extended down to the lake. Other residents have been able to meet their needs by
maintaining a grass pathway.
The Board discussed further information that they would like to see added to the site plan.
Farmland Protection Grant
Crystal Buck spoke about the history of the program and what opportunities are available for farmers
currently. Applications will be due August 1, then reviewed and ranked by the Farmland Protection