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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-19 4 d 3 1 Planning Board Minutes March 19, 1997 TOWN OF DANBY PLANNING BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting 7 : 30 P. M. March 19, 1997 PRESENT : Chairperson Kenneth Horst Planning Board Members : Gerald Catlin, William Farrell, Mary Lou Hardesty, Nancy Weitzel ABSENT : Arch Dotson (Excused) Others Present: Susan Beeners - Code Enforcement Officer Carol W. Sczepanski - Secretary Charles Slough - Cornell Cooperative Extension Members of the Public : Peter M. Moore, Donald & Pricilla Barber, Carl & Barbara Mosher, Robert & Faith Chase, Margaret Shepard, Ted Merritt, Rebecca Lubin, Scott Engelhart Chairperson Ken Horst called the meeting to order at 719 P . M . Chairperson Horst reported that the Planning Board is beginning the process of reviewing the Comprehensive Plan. We have invited one of our first visitors is Charles Schlough from Cornell Cooperative Extension to update us on some of the things that are going on in Tompkins County related to agriculture. Charles Schlough addressed the Board and public and said that he has been working for the Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board of Tompkins County. He was hired to help them develop a study of agriculture in Tompkins County and as a first phase of an effort to strengthen agriculture and try to retain farmland. Protecting farmland is a controversial topic and depends upon whose land is to be protected and who is trying to protect it. What they really want to do is strengthen I enterprises and develop new ones . Mr. Schlough gave a brief summary of the Study of the Tompkins County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan that was prepared by the Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board of Tompkins County. Cooperative Extension has copies of the study and it is on file in the libraries and townships throughout Tompkins County. New York State Constitution directs the legislature to preserve farmlands. The Department of Ag & Markets has been funded in part by a matching grant to do a study of agriculture in Tompkins County. In the study the Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board have come up with the decision to pursue three (3 ) directions to strengthen agriculture and retain. farmlands . 1 ) There will be a second phase that will look at education to increase the awareness and knowledge about the economic and other values of agriculture . 1 2) To look at a goal of a set of options for dealing with government policies that will create a supportive climate for agriculture and reduce the barriers for farmers . They want to have support developed from all levels of government, i . e . municipal, State and Federal and wherever it is possible on a local level . 3 ) To pursue options in economic development of agriculture . Here they will be looking to create more diversity or opportunities for diverse agriculture enterprises, either on traditional farms or as new startup or a transition and ways to retain the farming business we have now. i Yo? Lc 3 Planning Board Minutes March 19, 1997 Town. Unfortunately Mr. Engelhart did not inform them of his proposal until thirty minutes before the public hearing. She is sure that the Planning Board is aware that they taking this matter seriously as stated in her letter. Scott Engelhart said that he is searching for other options for a site along NYS 96B or possibly the Old Town Highway Barns . Most of the area along N Y S 96B is residential and residents do not want to sell their land for commercial use. The purchase of other land may be cost prohibitive . He said that he would be willing to look into the availability of the Old Town Highway Barns if there were enough space and land for his proposal . Susan said as she understands the process is that if the highway barn property were to become available, the Town would need to declare it as a surplus property and publicly advertise for bids . Scott Engelhart said that he has not purchased the property on Comfort Road at this time as he is awaiting a decision on his proposal from the Town . Motion to Adjourn Decision on Engelhart Proposal A motion was made by Nancy Weitzel and seconded by William Farrell to table discussion and decision on the proposal of Scott Engelhart for a Retail Sales for Masonry Supplies until the April 16, 1997 meeting of the Planning Board and Mr. Engelhart has had sufficient time to seek an alternative site . A vote on the motion resulted as follows : Carried Unanimously Member of the Public Robert Chase of 106 Comfort Road addressed the Board and said that he lives on the other end of Comfort Road . He is interested in the economics of the Town and the quality of life and the zoning ideas . He said he is glad to see this proposal tabled . Faith Chase read a letter from Joanne Palmer of Comfort Road regarding opposition to the proposed masonry yard . The letter was presented to the Board for the record. Other Business : Susan Beeners reported that she expects to receive some development applications that the Board can discuss with Rebecca Lubin at the Planning Board Working Session on March 26 at 7 : 00 P . M. There may be be three (3) applications coming soon that will require public hearings by the Planning Board . It will be necessary for the Board to act on them within 60 days after they have been submitted to the Town. ADJOURNMENT : On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9 : 35 P . M. eaar-ailliMagAjtj Carol W. Sczep Secretary min-3 - 19 . 97