HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-25 APPROVED
Town of Lansing
Monday, October 25, 2010 7:15 PM PLANNING BOARD
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
)*Denotes present)
* Nancy Loncto * Tom Ellis
* Larry Sharpsteen * Lin Davidson,Chairman
Viola Miller * David Hatfield
Richard Prybyl
* Jeffrey Overstrom,EIT
* Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt,Esq.
* Robert Cree,TB Liaison
Public Present
Kurt Kabelac Katherine Sannerud
Jason Moore Kay Moore
Andy Sciarabba Paul Southard
Dan Veaner Jack Jensen
Mica French Ruth Hopkins
Maureen Cowen Edward La Vigne
Kathy Miller George Breuhaus
General Business
Lin Davidson called the Planning Board Meeting to order at 7:15 PM. Mr.
Davidson inquired if there was anyone from the Public that would like to speak
to the Board with issues other than the Agenda items. There were none.
The Chairman identified the Town Board Liaison, Legal Counsel, The Planning
& Zoning Coordinator, the Clerk and Board Members. Mr. Chairman further
advised the Public that the Town Board Liaison and Legal Counsel do not vote.
The Town Board Liaison only part takes in the discussion when asked, and Legal
Counsel advises accordingly.
Public Hearing on SEAR Review — Lansing Associates
Independent Grocery Store, North Triphammer Road, Tax
Parcel # P/O 30.-1-16.22
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to open the SEQR Public Hearing at 7:20 PM.
Thomas Ellis seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
1
APPROVED
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Larry Sharpsteen-Aye
Lin Davidson-Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
There were no Public comments or concerns.
Comments/Concerns;
Jeffrey Overstrom explained that a SWPPP has been submitted and reviewed by
TG Miller's with comments sent back and addressed. Mr. Overstrom states he
spoke with the preparer, Scott Gibson and David Herrick today and is confident
that all questions and concerns were addressed.
*Nancy Loncto arrived at 7:22 PM.
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:23 PM. David
Hatfield seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield - Aye
Nancy Loncto -Aye
Larry Sharpsteen - Aye
Lin Davidson - Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
Larry Sharpsteen requested that Mr. Overstrom obtain an email from David
Herrick indicating that all his comments have or can be remedied per his
conversation with Scott Gibson.
Legal Counsel recommended that Larry's concern be listed as a condition on the
final approval.
The Planning Board reviewed Part I of the Short Environmental Assessment
Form completed by the Applicant, and completed Part II by the Planning Board
Members. No significant adverse environmental impacts or effects were
identified in Part II by the Planning Board Members.
David Hatfield made a motion to declare a negative declaration. Larry
Sharpsteen seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield - Aye
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APPROVED
Nancy Loncto -Aye
Larry Sharpsteen - Aye
Lin Davidson - Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to adopt the following Resolution;
RESOLUTION No. 10-74
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD
ISSUING NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE
RESPECTING SEQR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF
THE LANSING MARKET SITE PLAN
WHEREAS, Lansing Associates, ("Applicant"), has submitted for consideration and
approval from the Lansing Planning Board of a Site Plan for the proposed Lansing
Market, a 14,000 sq. ft. independent grocery store to be located on a 3.5 +/- acre parcel
located on the Northwest Corner of North Triphammer Road and Town Barn Road,
Lansing, New York and otherwise known as P/O Tax Map # 30.-1-16.22 within the B2
Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, this is an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act which requires environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board has responsibility for approving or
carrying out the action pursuant to State Law governing local environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the requisite General Municipal Law 239 Referrals of Article 12-8 and any
interested and/or involved agency referrals have been duly effected by the by the Town of
Lansing Planning Department, and those agencies have been given the opportunity to
comment and any responses have been duly reviewed and considered by the Lansing
Planning Board; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board duly noticed and opened a public
hearing concerning the environmental review, pursuant to the State Environmental
Quality Review Act ("SEQR"), of the proposed Lansing Market site plan application at
Lansing Town Hall at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York 14882 on October 25, 2010
and all citizens were given an opportunity to voice any concerns respecting the
environmental review and to be heard thereon; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board, in performing its function in
conducting an environmental review in accordance with Article 8 of the New York State
Environmental Conservation Law — the State Environmental Quality Review Act
("SEQR"), (i) pursued its thorough review of the applicant's completed Short
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APPROVED
Environmental Assessment Form ("EAF") Part I, and any and all other documents
prepared and submitted with respect to this proposed action and its environmental review,
and (ii) thoroughly analyzed the potential relevant areas of environmental concern of the
project to determine if the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the
environment, including the criteria identified in 6 NYCRR Section 617.7(c), and (iii)
reviewed and completed the EAF, Part II on the record and, if necessary, Part III;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
The Town of Lansing Planning Board, based upon (i) its thorough review of the EAF,
Part I, and any and all other documents prepared and submitted with respect to this
proposed action and its environmental review, (ii) its thorough review of the potential
relevant areas of environmental concern of the proposed project to determine if the
proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, including the
criteria identified in 6 NYCRR Section 617.7(c), and (iii) its completion of the EAF, Part
II (and, if applicable, Part III), including the findings noted thereon (which findings are
incorporated herein as if set forth at length), hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance ("NEGATIVE DECLARATION") in accordance with
SEQR for the above referenced proposed action, and determines that an Environmental
Impact Statement will not be required, and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Board Clerk deliver and/or file a copy of this
Resolution with the following persons and agencies:
1. The Town Clerk of the Town of Lansing;
2. The Town Supervisor of the Town of Lansing;
3. All Involved and Interested Agencies;
4. Any person requesting a copy;
and further, that this Resolution be posted and published in accord with law, including
delivery of a copy of this Resolution to the Environmental Notice Bulletin, 625
Broadway, Room 538,Albany,New York 12233-1750 in accord with 6 NYCRR 617.12.
Dated: October 25, 2010
Thomas Ellis seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield - Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen - Aye
Lin Davidson - Aye
4
APPROVED
MOTION CARRIED.
Public Hearing on Application— Lansing Associates
Independent Grocery Store, North Triphammer Road, Tax
Parcel # P/O 30.-1-16.22
Thomas Ellis made a motion to open the Public Hearing at 7:42 PM. Larry
Sharpsteen seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield - Aye
Nancy Loncto -Aye
Larry Sharpsteen-Aye
Lin Davidson- Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
Public Comments/Concerns
Paul Southard: Requested that the Planning Board we aware of the lighting
pollution and attempt to minimize. In addition, the noise produce by large trucks
left idling.
Larry Sharpsteen advised Mr. Southard that the Truck Regulation is under the
jurisdiction of the DEC.
Lin Davidson advised Mr. Southard that a Lighting Plan for this project has been
submitted and the light impact is minimal. There will be full cut off lights which
produce one or less luminaries.
Ruth Hopkins: Thanked Mr. Sciarabba for working with the Lansing
Recreational Pathway Committee. Ms. Hopkins further stated Mr. Sciarabba is
as concerned as the Lansing Recreational Pathway Committee with respect to
safe pedestrian access at this intersection. People from the Community have
already showed an interest in getting across the highway to this proposed
business.
David Hatfield made a motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:43 PM. Thomas
Ellis seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield - Aye
Nancy Loncto -Aye
Larry Sharpsteen- Aye
Lin Davidson- Aye
5
APPROVED
MOTION CARRIED.
Once again, a brief discussion occurred with respect to the Developer showing
an allowance on the plans for an access route to the north onto Town Board
Road. Mr. Sciarabba indicated there is plenty of room there for him to do that.
Larry Sharpsteen recommended that we add the following condition;
1. Something in writing from T.G. Millers acknowledging that their
comments to Mr. Gibson have been addressed satisfactorily.
Nancy Loncto requested another condition being;
2. John Lampman from the Tompkins County Highway Division expand on
his email of October 22, 2010 stating he has reviewed the SWPPP and has
no problems with it.
Andrew Sciarabba indicated he previously advised Roger Hopkins of the
Lansing Recreational Pathway Committee that he would gladly set aside a 10' of
land for a pathway. Since that conversation, Mr. Sciarabba has pushed the
location of his project back. Due to the unknowns at this point, this is a good
faith situation at this time.
The Board agreed to insert the following;
3. The Developer has agreed to set aside a 10' of land for pedestrian access.
It is the Developer's intention to continue to work with the Lansing
Recreational Pathway Committee to establish an appropriate pathway for
the site.
Nancy Loncto made a motion to accept the following Resolution;
RESOLUTION No. 10-77
RESOLUTION OF THE LANSING PLANNING BOARD
APPROVING LANSING MARKET
SITE PLAN
WHEREAS, Lansing Associates, ("Applicant"), has submitted, for consideration and
approval from the Lansing Planning Board, a Site Plan for the proposed Lansing Market,
a 14,000 sq. ft. independent grocery store to be located on a 3.5 +/- acre parcel located
on the Northwest Corner of North Triphammer Road and Town Barn Road, Lansing,
New York and otherwise known as P/O Tax Map # 30.-1-16.22 within the B2 Zoning
District; and
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APPROVED
WHEREAS, this action is classified as an Unlisted Action,pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part
617 et seq. of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, which requires environmental
review of the impacts of the project; and
WHEREAS, the Interested and Involved Agencies were duly notified of the project, and
invited to comment thereon; and the requisite General Municipal Law 239 Referral(s) of
GML Article 12-B were duly effected by Town of Lansing Planning Department and any
comments received from the Tompkins County Planning Department and any
Involved/Interested Agencies were duly reviewed and considered by the Planning Board;
and
WHEREAS, at the Lansing Planning Board Meetings, held on September 27, 2010 and
October, 25, 2010 at the Lansing Town Hall, the Planning Board reviewed the overall
Lansing Market Site Plan; and
WHEREAS, at the September 27, 2010 Planning Board Meeting, the Planning Board
requested the following prior to final site plan approval:
1. Lighting Plan;
2. Fire Department Review;
3. Comment from Tompkins Highway Division;
4. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP); and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has provided, and the Planning Board has reviewed,
comments form the Fire Department; Tompkins Highway Department; the Applicant's
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP) and comments from the Town Engineer,
7
APPROVED
T.G. Miller, P.C. respecting the Applicant's proposed SWPPP, and the responding
comments of the Applicant's Engineer, Scott D. Gibson, regarding the SWPPP; and a
proposed Lighting Plan was submitted to the Planning Board on October 25, 2010, and
reviewed by the Planning Board on that date; and
WHEREAS, on October 25, 2010, the Planning Board, acting on a uncoordinated
environmental review, reviewed and accepted, as adequate, a short form Environmental
Assessment Form (`EAF") Part I, submitted by the Applicant; and the Lansing Planning
Board completed Part II on the record (and, if applicable, Part III of the LEAF); and
WHEREAS,by motion adopted October 25, 2010, the Town of Lansing Planning Board
determined that,pursuant to the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review
Act, the proposed site plan will result in no significant impact on the environment and
issued a Negative Declaration of environmental significance for purposes of Article 8 of
the Environmental Conservation Law; and
WHEREAS, on September 27, 2010 and October 25, 2010, the Planning Board duly
considered and carefully reviewed the Applicant's site plan in compliance with the
requirements of the Town's Laws relative to site plan review and respecting the proposed
project in conjunction with the unique needs of the Town, due to topography, drainage,
soil types and distributions and other natural and man made features upon and
surrounding the area of the proposed Site Plan; and the Planning Board duly considered
the design objectives of the Applicant and the quality and distinctiveness of the project
proposal, in conjunction with the standards of review set forth at Section 701.4 et seq. of
the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance, including, but not limited to, storm-water
drainage plan, erosion controls, parking, water and sewer facilities, driveways, site
lighting, on site and off-site impacts, landscaping and/or fencing, buffering and/or
screening, roads and walkways, height limitations and compliance with other agency
regulations and/or state, county and local laws and ordinances; and the Planning Board
has also considered the requirements of the Town's Land Use Ordinance and
8
APPROVED
Comprehensive Plan, and has determined compliance therewith in conjunction with said
Site Plan Application and Review; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board duly noticed and opened a public
hearing concerning the Site plan review of the proposed Lansing Market site plan
application at Lansing Town Hall at 29 Auburn Road, Lansing, New York 14882 on
October 25, 2010 and all citizens were given an opportunity to voice any concerns
respecting the proposed site plan and to be heard thereon; and
WHEREAS, upon due consideration and deliberation by the Town of Lansing Planning
Board, now therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the Town of Lansing Planning Board grant Final Site Plan Approval
to the Applicant for the Lansing Market, a proposed 14,000 sq. ft. independent grocery
store site to be located on a 3.5 +/- acre parcel located on the Northwest Corner of North
Triphammer Road and Town Barn Road, Lansing, New York and otherwise known as
P/O Tax Map # 30.-1-16.22 within the B2 Zoning District subject the following
conditions:
1. The Town Engineer, Dave Herrick/ TG Miller P.C., shall review the
SWPPP correspondence of the Applicant's Engineer, Scott D. Gibson, to Jeff Overstrom,
Town Planning and Engineering Coordinator, dated October 22, 2010, and Mr. Herrick
shall provide a responsive memorandum affirming that the original SWPPP
concerns/deficiencies noted by Town Engineer, David Herrick, in his initial review of the
SWPPP, have been addressed and/or remedied to the Town Engineer's satisfaction;
2. The County Highway Department shall provide a memo to the Planning
Department file confirming that it has reviewed the Applicant's SWPPP and has no
comment thereon;
3. The Applicant shall set aside a 10 foot strip of land for pedestrian access
and shall continue to work with the Lansing Recreational Pathway Committee to provide
appropriate pathways upon the site.
October 25, 2010
Larry Sharpsteen seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield- Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen - Aye
Lin Davidson- Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
9
APPROVED
Approval /Denial Minutes of: October 6, 2010 & October 12, 2010
October 6, 2010
Thomas Ellis requested on page 5, under Ben Gustafson, second sentence should
read;
• The Notice of Intent and the conditions of the PDA specifically mentions
the shoulder.
Page 6, under Ben Gustafson should read;
• Ben Gustafson stated they contacted TCAT and were told they do not
want a shoulder, easement, and a bus stop of any kind.
Page 12, under Thomas Ellis is should read;
• Thomas Ellis suggested the Chairman welcome, introduce and inform the
Public of the capacity and roles played by various individuals at the
Planning Board table.
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to approve as amended. Nancy Loncto
seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen- Aye
Lin Davidson- Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
October 12, 2010
Thomas Ellis made a motion to accept the Minutes of October 12, 2010 as
presented. Nancy Loncto seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen- Abstained
Lin Davidson- Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
Request for Waiver to obtain Building Permit prior to Road
Construction- Farm Pond Circle, Collins Road, Tax Parcel # 38.-1-4.122
10
APPROVED
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt, Legal Counsel for the Planning Board read the following
excerpt from the Lansing Town Board Draft Minutes from the Meeting held on
Wednesday, October 20, 2010;
• Building Permits before New Roads are Built:
Mr. Pinney stated that Jack Jensen, owner and developer of the Farm
Pond Circle Development has asked for a building permit for a house at
least 1,000 feet off the public road. The road in the subdivision has not
been built yet. Mr. French and Mr. Overstrom did not agree with allowing
this as it would go against the Town's rules and regulations. They did not
feel an exception should be made. Mr. French stated that this same
problem came up a few years ago with a developer in Whispering Pines
and it caused a lot of trouble. The Board at that time agreed it would never
happen again.
After a long discussion it was the consensus of the Board to have Mr.
Jensen go to the Planning Board as they could grant a waiver if they felt it
was necessary. Mr. Overstrom will attend the Planning Board meeting on
Monday, October 25th and he will keep the Board updated on the status of
this matter.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt states she has researched the two alternate waiver
provisions for the Planning Board to take into consideration and they are;
ARTICLE 9: VARIANCES AND MODIFICATIONS:
Sec. 900. Purpose & General Requirements: The purpose of this Article is
to set forth those conditions and circumstances under which the requirements of
this Local Law may be modified or waived by the Planning Board (or, where
applicable, the Town Board). Where the Planning Board finds that, due to the
special circumstances of a particular case, a waiver of certain requirements or
procedures is justified, a waiver may be granted. In all cases, no waiver shall be
granted unless the Planning Board finds and records in its minutes that: (1) granting
the waiver would be keeping with the intent and spirit of this Local Law, and is in
the best interests of the community; (2) there is no adverse effect upon the character,
appearance, or welfare of any neighborhood or the environment; (3)there are special
circumstances involved in the particular case; (4) denying the waiver would result in
undue hardship, provided that such hardship has not been self-imposed; and (5) the
waiver is the minimum necessary degree of variation from the requirements of this
Local Law.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt further stated Mr. Overstrom indicated he has concerns
regarding the SWPPP and the impact of the neighborhood with respect to mud
and dirt recently on the road. The Planning Board may grant a waiver, however
they must make findings and go through each of the prongs of Section 900 of
The Subdivision Local Law.
11
APPROVED
The other alternative route is Town Law 280-a. as follows;
§280-a. Permits for buildings not on improved mapped streets
I. No permit for the erection of any building shall be issued unless
a street or highway giving access to such proposed structure has been
duly placed on the official map or plan, or if there be no official map
or plan, unless such street or highway is (a) an existing state, county
or town highway, or (b) a street shown upon a plat approved by the
planning board as provided in sections two hundred seventy-six and
two hundred seventy-seven of this article, as in effect at the time such
plat was approved, or (c) a street on a plat duly filed and recorded in
the office of the county clerk or register prior to the appointment of
such planning board and the grant to such board of the power to ap-
prove plats.
2. Before such permit shall be issued such street or highway shall
have been suitably improved to the satisfaction of the town board or
planning board, if empowered by the town board in accordance with
standards and specifications approved by the town board, as adequate
in respect to the public health, safety and general welfare for the
special circumstances of the particular street or highway. Alternatively,
12
APPROVED
and in the discretion of such board, a performance bond sufficient to
cover the full cost of such improvement as estimated by such board
shall be furnished to the town by the owner. Such performance bond
shall be issued by a bonding or surety company approved by the town
board or by the owner with security acceptable to the town board, and
shall also be approved by such town board as to form, sufficiency and
manner of execution. The term, manner of modification and method of
enforcement of such bond shall be determined by the appropriate
board in substantial conformity with section two hundred seventy-
seven of this article.
3. The applicant for such a permit may appeal from the decision
of the administrative officer having charge of the issue of permits to
the board of appeals or other similar board, in any town which has
established a board having the power to make variances or exceptions
in zoning regulations for: (a) an exception if the circumstances of the
case do not require the structure to be related to existing or proposed
streets or highways, and/or (b) an area variance pursuant to section
two hundred sixty-seven-b of this chapter, and the same provisions are
hereby applied to such appeals and to such board as are provided in
cases of appeals on zoning regulations. The board may in passing on
such appeal make any reasonable exception and issue the permit sub-
ject to conditions that will protect any future street or highway layout.
Any such decision shall be subject to review by certiorari order issued
out of a special term of the supreme court in the same manner and
pursuant to the same provisions as in appeals from the decisions of
such board upon zoning regulations. (Eft.7fb9s.ch+58.L199-•
4. The town board may, by resolution, establish an open develop-
ment area or areas within the town, wherein permits may be issued for
the erection of structures to which access is given by right of way or
easement, upon such conditions and subject to such limitations as may
be prescribed by general or special rule of the planning board, if one
exists, or of the town board if a planning board does not exist. If a
planning board exists in such town, the town board, before
establishing any such open development area or areas, shall refer the
matter to such planning board for its advice and shall allow such plan-
ning board a reasonable time to report.
5. For the purposes of this section the word "access" shall mean
that the plot on which such structure is proposed to be erected directly
abuts on such street or highway and has sufficient frontage thereon to
allow the ingress and egress of fire trucks, ambulances, police cars
and other emergency vehicles, and, a frontage of fifteen feet shall
presumptively be sufficient for that purpose.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt states there are two prongs to this Statue. The first prong
has been met by the Applicant because the street is shown on a Subdivision Plat,
and approved by the Planning Board. There is also another way to meet that
prong and that by being placed on an Official Town Map, which that does not
apply here. The second prong #2 above can be applied by the Planning Board as
well as the provision in #2 alternatively, requesting a performance bond.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt states there was some substantial discussion at the Town
Board Meeting with respect to the sub base on the road being sufficient to allow
for emergency access. The Planning Board can add that as a condition along
with the Bond if they grant a waiver.
13
APPROVED
Jeff Overstrom states he was advised by Jack French that the initial construction
of the sub base was not inspected. In addition,bank run gravel was put in. Mr.
French is not satisfied with the current construction that has taken place and is
recommending that the gravel be removed, the sub base be inspection and the
roadway re constructed in accordance with the Town Highway specifications.
As for the environmental issues, the Stormwater practices have been without
weekly inspections by a professional Engineer. As Stormwater Management
Officer for the Town, this project could be considered out of compliance and in
violation.
Larry Sharpsteen inquired from Mr. Overstrom if there is any come back on the
Town as being Lead Agency if a private complaint is lodged against the project
resulting in the State shutting down the job and fines implied.
Mr. Overstrom indicated yes, and they can also hold him responsible as well.
Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt indicated there was some concern at the Town Board
level as to adding personal injury liability.
Larry Sharpsteen stated given the information the Board received tonight, in his
opinion he would not go against the advice of personal staff.
Jack Jensen states with respect to the inspections, he is confused. Mr. Jensen
stated a month ago he sat in Mr. Overstrom's office with Jack French present and
told them both he was starting the road. Mr. Jensen thought that was notification
to Mr. French. At that same time, Mr. Jensen told them that David Herrick was
recommending an Engineer for a SWPPP. Mr. Jensen will take responsibility for
not calling on a daily basis for inspections, however, Mr. French&Mr.
Overstrom were fully aware that the road construction had begun. Mr. Jensen
further states he applied for a Building Permit and was denied until the road is
completed and dedicated to the Town. Mr. Jensen was not asking for a Certificate
of Occupancy, only a Building Permit. As for additional insurance, any
construction worker that is on the property is covered under Mr. Jensen's
Builder's Risk Policy.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt indicated a lot of the case Law Notes under Section 280-a
Provisions, are concerns with Fire &Rescue access. Children are known to
occasionally play in Spec Homes and that is one of the concerns the Town Board
has. Ms. Moynihan further stated the Planning Board can grant a 280-a waiver
conditioned upon the issuance of a Performance Bond, along with the additional
insurance protection for the Town, and a provision that the sub base is brought
up to the Town's Specifications.
14
APPROVED
Thomas Ellis stated it would not be in the best interest to issue a Building Permit
if the road will have to be dug up. Mr. Ellis read aloud several steps in the
Schedule I of the Specifications for Town Highways. Under numerous sections it
indicates that the Highway Superintendent must verify before moving forward.
Mr. Ellis feels by permitting Mr. Jensen to move forward with the road that does
not meet the Town Specifications and give a Building Permit would set a bad
precedence.
Nancy Loncto inquired as to how long it would take to improve the road. Mr.
Jensen states it is physically impossible for his to dedicate the road to the Town
this fall due to the plant shutting down. Their intent was to put in the base, the
Stormwater practices and have the house ready to go in the spring.
Lin Davidson clarified for the record that not only does Mr. Jensen have
construction workers out on the project now, he is adding an additional large
number of volunteers on a road that is not up to Specifications.
Larry Sharpsteen reiterated to the Members that Legal Counsel has given two
alternative methods that the Developer can take to apply for a waiver.
Mr. Jensen clearly indicated he could not come up with the Performance Bond.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt reviewed the remaining options.
1. Under Town Law 280-a, the Board could issue a waiver if, the Board finds
the street or highway has been suitably improved in accordance with
standards and specifications.
Sections 900 of the Subdivision Law, The purpose of this Article is to set forth those
conditions and circumstances under which the requirements of this Local Law
may be modified or waived by the Planning Board (or, where applicable, the
Town Board). Where the Planning Board finds that, due to the special
circumstances of a particular case, a waiver of certain requirements or procedures is
justified, a waiver may be granted. In all cases,no waiver shall be granted unless the
Planning Board finds and records in its minutes that: (1) granting the waiver would
be keeping with the intent and spirit of this Local Law, and is in the best interests of
the community; (2) there is no adverse effect upon the character, appearance, or
welfare of any neighborhood or the environment; (3)there are special circumstances
involved in the particular case; (4) denying the waiver would result in undue
hardship, provided that such hardship has not been self-imposed; and (5) the waiver
is the minimum necessary degree of variation from the requirements of this Local
Law.
Nancy Loncto states she could not respond to the request unless the Developer
could build a case.
15
APPROVED
Larry Sharpsteen suggested the Highway Superintendent and the Developer
agree in writing on some method of temporarily certifying the first section of the
road. Mr. Sharpsteen further indicated if the Town's professional staff is
satisfied that the road is good enough for temporary use and with the
understanding that no Certificate of Occupancy will be issued, the project may
be able to move forward.
Mr. Jensen requested that the Planning Board give him at least two weeks to
work out the road issue and then consider permitting him to obtain a Building
Permit. The worse case scenario would be that he ends up with an extremely
wide and long driveway.
Lin Davidson stated it sounded like a self created hardship. Other Members
agreed.
Ms. Moynihan Schmitt summarized what the Board is requesting from the
Developer if he wishes to pursue the waiver request under Section 900 of the
Subdivision Rules and Regulations ;
1. The Board is requesting the Developer put his request for a waiver in
writing and that each prong is addressed in Section 900.
2. Professional Staff's approval
3. The Town Listed as an additional insured
Nancy Loncto requested that the Planning Department provide Counsel with
any material related to this issue at least three full business days prior to the
Planning Board Meeting to allow for Counsel to review. It will NOT be
considered if this does not happen.
Thomas Ellis made a motion to adjourn and go into Executive Session at 8:45 PM
to discuss a particular staff position and budget issue. Nancy Loncto seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen-Aye
Lin Davidson-Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to terminate the Executive Session at 9:08 PM.
Nancy Loncto seconded.
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APPROVED
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen-Aye
Lin Davidson-Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
Larry Sharpsteen offered the following Resolution;
RESOLUTION NO. 10-81
Motion to resolve to create a memo from the Planning Board to the Town Board
stating that it is the considered opinion of the Planning Board that cutting the
position of Rachel Jacobsen, Code/Planning/ZBA Clerk to half time, currently
under consideration by the Town Board in conjunction with the Town Board
budgeting discussions, would have the following negative impacts:
• Negatively impact the efficiency of the Planning Department
and the Planning Board;
• Negatively impact the Town's positive intercourse with
developers, current client/applicants, and future
client/applicants;
• Negatively impact the record keeping functions of both the
Planning Department and the Planning Board, including
current exemplary minute-taking by the Clerk;
• Negatively impact the administrative functions of the
Planning Department.
The Board would welcome a meeting with the Town Supervisor, Planning Board
Chair, Town Board Liaison to the Planning Board, and/or the Budget Committee
to discuss these issues.
Nancy Loncto seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Nancy Loncto -Aye
Lin Davidson-Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
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APPROVED
David Hatfield made a motion to adjourn the Meeting. Larry Sharpsteen
seconded.
VOTE AS FOLLOWS
Thomas Ellis - Aye
David Hatfield-Aye
Nancy Loncto - Aye
Larry Sharpsteen- Aye
Lin Davidson- Aye
MOTION CARRIED.
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