HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-19 TOWN OF GROTON PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of Regular Meeting - Thursday, 19 August 2010 - 7:30 PM
Town Hall — 101 Conger Boulevard — Groton, NY
Members, Groton Planning Board (*Absent) Others Present
Edward Neuhauser, Chairperson Joan Fitch, Recording Secretary
Monica Carey Gary Coats, Town Code Officer
*Barbara Clark Glenn Morey, Town Supervisor
Mark Baxendell
*Mary K. Gloster
Janice Haines
Vacancy
Applicants & Public in Attendance
Donna Schlesier, Applicant; Mitchell Metzgar, Applicant; Rick Gamel, Town Board Member.
The Regular Meeting of the Town of Groton Planning Board was called to order
at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Ed Neuhauser.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — 17 JUNE 2010
A motion was made by Member Monica Carey to approve the Minutes of the 17 June 2010
Planning Board meeting, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Mark Baxendell,
with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Baxendell
Member Carey Absent: Member Clark
Member Haines Member Gloster
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #27 of 2010.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Donna Schlesier, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 112 Chipman's Corners Road - TM #16.-1-32.31 -
Preliminary Site Plan Review for Proposed Seasonal Nursery
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who explained that she was seeking approval to
establish a small nursery (Freedom Farms Nursery) for plants, trees, produce, etc., and eventually
have a greenhouse. Parking would be diagonally, as shown on the sketch accompanying the
application. CEO Gary Coats clarified that this operation falls into the category of retail sales because
it's more than 90 days. Ms. Schlesier stated she would like to have some fall sales this year, with full
operation next year; hours of operation have not yet been set, but is considering 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
seven days per week, starting this fall with weekends only. She added that this would not be a "self-
service" business.
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(T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Regular Meeting 19 August 2010
A motion was made by Member Baxendell to set a Public Hearing for the proposed seasonal
nursery on 16 September 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Carey, with
the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Baxendell
Member Carey Absent: Member Clark
Member Haines Member Gloster
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #28 of 2010.
A motion was then made by Member Carey to accept the Preliminary Site Plan for the proposed
seasonal nursery, as requested, with hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days per
week. The motion was seconded by Member Baxendell, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Baxendell
Member Carey Absent: Member Clark
Member Haines Member Gloster
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #29 of 2010.
Mitchell S. Metzgar, Applicant/Reputed Owner- 470 Locke Road - TM #16.-1-4.813 - Proposed
Short-Term Housing Rental
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who explained that he had purchased this 23-acre
property improved with a three-bedroom two-bath residence (700 ft. off the road) which he has since
refurbished to provide transient, short-term rental housing (Peg Mill Retreat), to be located as shown
on a portion of the tax map accompanying his application. He planned to rent it to those needing
"family type" housing for short-term use, e.g., corporate officials, Cornell University/Ithaca College
persons visiting area for scheduled events, etc. No bed and breakfast. Member Carey stated she had
looked at the property online and it was very nice, real private, and secluded, with lots of parking.
The applicant also stated that the house was completely furnished, including kitchenware and linens.
CEO Coats stated this type of use would be the same as a Holiday Inn according to Code. He further
stated that a sign which complies with the Code was already in place.
A motion was made by Member Carey to set a Public Hearing for the proposed Peg Mill Retreat
(short-term transient housing rental) on 16 September 2010 immediately following the
Schlesier Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Member Baxendell, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Baxendell
Member Carey Absent: Member Clark
Member Haines Member Gloster
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #30 of 2010.
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(T)Groton Planning Board Minutes of Regular Meeting 19 August 2010
A motion was then made by Member Baxendell to accept the Preliminary Site Plan for the
proposed Peg Mill Retreat (short-term transient housing rental), as requested, with no
conditions. The motion was seconded by Member Carey, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Baxendell
Member Carey Absent: Member Clark
Member Haines Member Gloster
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #31 of 2010.
OTHER MATTERS
Chairman Neuhauser asked if there was any other business to be brought before the Board.
Responses were as follows:
• CEO Gary Coats reported that there will be a boundary line change coming up next month for
the Mott property.
• CEO Coats reported that the signs on Route 222 (John Beck property) have been an ongoing
problem for a long time; they are in clear violation of the Zoning Code. No more than two signs
are allowed with a total square footage of 50 SF. Owner has been served by Sheriff's
Department. Judge gave violator 45 days to file motions, etc.
• Supervisor Morey reported that Theresa Donlick had resigned from the Planning Board. Town
will ask for applications which Planning Board will review and make their recommendation to
the Town Board.
• CEO Coats reported that Mr. Eckard is planning a concert in September; no resolution as yet
for mass gatherings regulations/requirements. Deadline of 30 August established.
• It was noted by CEO Coats that the Town of Virgil adjoins the Town of Groton "over by Lime
Hollow Road."
ADJOURNMENT
At 8 p.m., a motion was made by Member Janice Haines to adjourn the meeting. The motion was
seconded by Member Carey, with all members present voting in favor.
Joan E. Fitch, Board Secretary Emailed to Town/Deputy Clerks, CEO Coats, Chair Neuhauser&
Board Members Baxendell, Gloster, Carey, Donlick&Clark on 9/15/10.
Originals hand delivered on 9/16.
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