HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-14 PB Minutes.pdf APPROVED
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Town of Lansing
Monday, March 24, 2014 7:15 PM PLANNING BOARD
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
(*Denotes present)
* Tom Ellis, Chairman
* Lin Davidson, Vice-Chairman
* Larry Sharpsteen
Richard Prybyl
* Al Fiorille
* Gerald Caward
* Jonathan Kanter, Planning Consultant
* Ray Farkas
* Deborah Trumbull (Alternate)
* Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt, Esq.
Other Staff
Lynn Day, Zoning, Code, Fire Enforcement Officer
Kathy Miller, Town Supervisor, TB Liaison
Charlie Purcell, Deputy Highway Superintendent
David Herrick, P.E.
Public Present
Kathy Yen Matt Montague
Elisabeth Hegarty Tim Buhl
Robert Bukowski Amy Bukowski
Danny Pace Suzanne Hinderliter
Emily Franco Ron Woodard
Nancy Woodard Robb Jetty
Hannes Maddens Diane Dawson
Karen Koeger Barbara Lockwood
Roger Dedrick Ronald Ostman
Other Business
Tom Ellis, Chairperson called the Planning Board Meeting to order at 6:31 PM.
Chairman Ellis enacted Deborah Trumbull the Alternate Member to vote due to a
Member being absent.
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Public Comments/Concerns other than Agenda Items
No questions or concerns.
Lansing Library Minor Subdivision Approval, Applicant: The Town of
Lansing, 29 Auburn Road, Tax Parcel P/O 37.1-2-8
Representatives from the Lansing Community Library appeared before the Board for
any further questions or concerns the Board or Public may have.
Larry Sharpsteen indicated he had no concerns with waiving the Public Hearing on the
SEQR as the Board went over it very carefully. Mr. Sharpsteen’s only concern is the
Public Hearing on the actual transfer should not be waived. This land is held by the
Town and the Library is a Community organ, therefore the Public should be entitled to
a Public Hearing.
Kathy Miller inquired from Legal Counsel if there was a Public Hearing at the Town
Board level. Ms. Moynihan Schmitt indicated yes. A Public Hearing at the Town Board
level was held in 2012. The Town Board Minutes provided to the Planning Board
Member ahead of time have the Public Hearing and discussion in them. In addition, the
Planning Board had substantial discussion with respect to easements and cross
easements at their Meeting of April 15, 2013.
Jonathan Kanter explained that even though the Town Board created a Local Law to
convey the property to the Library, it is the Planning Board’s responsibility for
Subdivision and Site Plan Review specifically looking at setbacks and lot size per the
Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance.
Lin Davidson made a motion to waive the Public Hearing on the SEQR. Larry
Sharpsteen seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call vote:
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Gerald Caward, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Lin Davidson, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Ray Farkas, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Al Fiorille, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Larry Sharpsteen, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Debra Trumbull, Alternate
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Thomas Ellis, Member
APPROVED
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The Planning Board Members requested to set a Public Hearing on the Subdivision and
Site Plan Review for the Lansing Community Library to be held on Monday, April 14,
2014 at 6:45 PM.
Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt stated for the record the EAF was submitted prior to
October 2013 and is on the old form. This is acceptable due to it being submitted over a
year ago.
The Planning Board Members reviewed Part I completed by the Applicant and
reviewed Part II of the Full Environmental Assessment Form completed by Jonathan
Kanter.
For the record, the Library Building is not listed on the Standard National Registry for
historic places.
Larry Sharpsteen offered the following Resolution. Lin Davidson seconded the motion
and it was carried by the following roll call vote:
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Gerald Caward, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Lin Davidson, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Ray Farkas, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Al Fiorille, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Larry Sharpsteen, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Debra Trumbull, Alternate
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Thomas Ellis, Member
RESOLUTION PB 14-04
TOWN OF LANSING PLANNING BOARD
RESOLUTION OF STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR)
NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE PROPOSED
LANSING COMMUNITY LIBRARY SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL
WHEREAS, an application was made by the Town of Lansing for subdivision and site
plan approval to subdivide off a lot consisting of approximately 0.421 acres which
includes the existing Lansing Community Library located at 27 Auburn Road. This also
requires site plan approval from the Planning Board to authorize building setbacks (as
per Section 504, Schedule II in the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance). The Town of
Lansing owns the overall parcel totaling approximately 6.7 acres, which also includes
the Town Hall and Community Center Building, and proposes to convey the land to the
Lansing Community Library. The Town-owned parcel is identified as Tax Parcel #
37.1-2-8, and is located in the B-1 Commercial Mixed Use Zone; and
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WHEREAS, the proposed subdivision and site plan are shown on a plat titled, “Survey
Map Showing a Portion of Lands of Town of Lansing to be Conveyed to Lansing
Community Library, Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York,” dated
8/16/2012; and
WHEREAS, the proposed actions are Unlisted Actions for which the Town of Lansing
Planning Board is an involved agency for the purposes of environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lansing Planning Board, in performing its independent and
uncoordinated 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 Environmental
Assessment Form 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;
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.
Dated: March 24, 2014
VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
Gerald Caward, Jr. – Aye
Lin Davidson -Aye
Ray Farkas, - Aye
Al Fiorille – Aye
Larry Sharpsteen – Aye
APPROVED
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Debra Trumbull - Aye
Thomas Ellis - Aye
Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt clarified for Mr. Montague, representative for the Lansing
Community Library that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing and reviews the
Application on the record at which time Site Plan will be discussed.
Jonathan Kanter further stated for the record that at the Planning Board Meeting held
last year there were some questions about the easement language regarding the Septic
System. Since that time, the Town now has the deed and or indenture that clearly spells
out what the easements will be. Lorraine Moynihan Schmitt, Legal Counsel for the
Planning Board has reviewed and approved the language as well.
Larry Sharpsteen stated to the best of his knowledge there is nothing on or in the
building that doesn’t comply with the requirements for our current Site Plan Review
items. Thomas Ellis further stated because it is a Commercial Building in the B1
District, the lot size and setbacks are open to Site Plan Review.
Chairman Ellis advised the Public the next Agenda Item is for an Informal Developer’s
Conference. This is the initial start of the process and any questions/concerns from the
Public should be brief.
Informal Developer’s Conference- Cayuga Farms Multi-Family
Residential Rental Townhomes, Applicant: WB Asset Management,
LLC, North Triphammer Road, Tax Parcel # 37.1-6-3.362
Timothy Buhl, P.E. for WB Asset Management, LLC appeared before the Board with a
new proposal for Townhome Rental. Mr. Buhl provided the following material;
APPROVED
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Mr. Buhl addressed the differences in the earlier site plan versus this one.
Size: The earlier proposal had another 10 acre in size, this one does not.
Unit #s: The earlier version had 138 Units, this proposal has 102 Units.
Type of Units: Condos to “High End” Rental Town Homes with 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms.
The rents will range somewhere from $1,600 to $2,200 monthly.
These will not be sold, they will be owned by the one entity.
An upgrade to the new Stormwater Run Off Law of 2010 will need to be done.
There will be onsite wastewater treatment plants (modules)
The density and green space is pretty much the same.
The design of the Building will be similar to the one presented
The Developer has not made a decision on the exterior material (brick) that will be used.
The project will probably be built in three phases (5-7 yrs).
Mr. Buhl states the town holds a right of way for a paper road near Michaleen’s.
Within the development there will be a private road.
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Thomas Ellis has concerns with drainage coming on the property from the above
homes. Also, he would like to see the setbacks at least 20’, 25’ or 30 ‘from the water
courses traveling this project from the east.
Mr. Buhl has spoken with the Lansing Trail Committee and they have talked about
having the old railroad bed become part of the system.
There will be no exterior or on street parking. There will be a TCAT bus pull off.
Thomas Ellis inquired if a plan to put some sort of berm around the package plants has
been taken into consideration in case of leaks? Mr. Buhl states there are provisions
made in the detailed design of these plants to cover such an occurrence.
Jonathan Kanter stated he has suggested in his Memo regarding this proposal that a
detailed Engineering Report of the Treatment Facility and other things as well.
The Treatment Plant will be privately owned and maintained.
Jonathan Kanter states this could raise some questions in terms of the Town’s access
and responsibilities if something should go wrong, such as bankruptcy. An easement
or language should be put in place.
Public Concerns/Comments
Q: How would this project impact the Bolton Point water supply?
A: Kathy Miller, Town Supervisor gave a brief update on the status of the Town
installing a new pump station on Warren Road and a water tank on Bone Plain Road.
Once completed, this will increase the water pressure in that area.
Q: Could the Sewer Treatment Plant construction affect the surrounding land owner’s
wells?
A: There is always that chance of something happening.
Q: Are any units slated to be more affordable?
A: Not at this time
Q: Will there be a Traffic Study?
A: There was one completed in December 0f 2013 by GTS Consulting of Syracuse, NY.
Q: Will there be a traffic light at the Hillcrest Rd area?
APPROVED
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A: Unknown at this time.
Q: Are there two ways of egress? The person has concerns with two curb cuts for this
area.
A: Yes.
Q: Have the Sewage Plants that are proposed for this project been approved anywhere
in Tompkins County with any other developments? Also the Board should be finding
out the history of the package plants, what their failure rate is, are they well maintained,
is there a benefit district within the parcel that people will pay for?
A: Larry Sharpsteen stated the Planning Board has been through this before with other
developments. They are completely familiar with the failure rate of different designs of
Package Plants. Everything is approved first by the State, DEC and Tompkins County
Health Department.
A Resident is concerned with the increase of traffic and speed in the area of the
proposal.
A Resident states this has always been a family neighborhood and now you want to put
in a transient type community coming in and out of there all the time. If the Developer
was going to build this 150’ from your house, what would you do?
Lin Davidson stated this is a permitted use for the R2 District according to the Town of
Lansing’s Land Use Ordinance.
Q: Are there any chance of having a lane for turn off into the property?
A: Speak with the County or State.
Jonathan Kanter expressed to the Public that the Planning Board will be coordinating
this review with the Tompkins County Planning, Tompkins County DPW and the State
Department Of Transportation. At that time the Public can voice their concerns. Traffic
lights, pull off lanes, stop signs etc are based on technical standards or traffic warrants
based on technical studies. If the County feels it’s necessary, they will proceed with
them.
Q: How will the increase in students in this Community project affect the School Bus
System?
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A: Thomas Ellis, Chairman states the Planning Board will get a weigh in from the
School District and at the Site Plan level. Mr. Ellis has requested from Mr. Buhl to
provide the Planning Board with a projection of numbers.
Q: If everything works out at the Planning Stage, what is Cayuga Farm’s target date to
break ground?
A: Tim Buhl, states he hopes to be through the process by the end of summer and ready
to break ground in the fall of 2014.
Q: Will the Fire Department review the proposed plans?
A: Yes, and they have been involved on this particular parcel and will continue to be
involved.
Approval/Denial of March 10, 2014, 2014 Meeting Minutes.
Thomas Ellis states on page 6, 6th paragraph DOC should read: DOT
Debra Trumbull states on page 6, paragraph 4, phased should read: phase
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to approve as amended. Debra Trumbull seconded
the motion and it was carried by the following roll call vote:
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Gerald Caward, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Lin Davidson, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Ray Farkas, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Al Fiorille, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Larry Sharpsteen, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Debra Trumbull, Alternate
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Thomas Ellis, Member
Thank you to Consultant, Jonathan Kanter
On behalf of the entire Planning Board, Al Fiorille thanked Jonathan Kanter for the
short time he has been with the Town Planning Board and the outstanding job he has
done.
Larry Sharpsteen made a motion to adjourn the Meeting at 7:50 PM. Lin Davidson
seconded the motion and it was carried by the following roll call vote:
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Gerald Caward, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Lin Davidson, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Ray Farkas, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Al Fiorille, Member
APPROVED
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Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Larry Sharpsteen, Member
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Debra Trumbull, Alternate
Vote of Planning Board . . . (Aye) Thomas Ellis, Member