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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-03 - PB I i + . q �. , ! '. I ;1f H � . I's�' I s4 � 10 5L MINUTES ULYSSES PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING & MEETING 4/ 3 / 2001 Present: Planning Board Chairman George Kennedy, Planning Board members Richard Geiger, Rose Hilbert and Paula Horrigan, Code Enforcement Officer Alex Rachun, Planning Clerk Karin Lanning . Also Present: William Jackson, Daniel Brown and Roger Sibley for the Franziska Racker Center (Glenwood Handicapped Services, Inc. ) ; Tony Egner, project architect; Robert and Cheryl Andree, Roy and Alma Coats, Brian Grout, Richard Rugg, Carman and Sandra Hill, and Arthur and Sherry Salotti, neighbors of the Franziska Racker Center. Please note that the following is a record of the proceedings of public hearing and Planning Board meeting of April 3, 2001, as was understood by the Planning Clerk for the Town of Ulysses. Individual comments are not quoted, and are not designed to be so. For the purpose of these minutes, comments have been summarized. No references to the comments of individuals either in the audience or on the Planning Board should be taken as direct quotes. The audio-tape recording of these proceedings As on file at the Ulysses Town Hall, where, according to the State Records Retention Law, it will be kept for at least four months after said minutes are approved by the Planning Board. Chairman George Kennedy called the public hearing to order at 7 : 38 pm . The public hearing was for the purpose of hearing public comments regarding the project proposed by the Franziska Racker Center (Glenwood Handicapped Services, Inc. ), which includes the addition of three outdoor lights, and the interior lighting of two currently existing signs on that site. Planning Clerk Karin Lanning read the Notice of Public Hearing and the list of neighbors and media that were sent copies of said notice. Mr. William Jackson presented the lighting project proposed by the Franziska Racker Center. Mr. Jackson noted that he has received many complaints from concerned personnel, and that the three outdoor lights proposed are needed for safety and security reasons. Mr. Jackson described the impact of the lights chosen in regards to lumens, or foot-candles. Mr. Jackson explained that these terms are used interchangeably, and are equal to the power of one regular sized, lit candle, set on the ground . Mr. Jackson reported that the lights will have a radius of 42', and that at 42' the intensity of the proposed lights will equal . 10 lumens. Mr. Jackson noted further that this radius would spread from the light nearest Wilkins Road to approximately the conduit line running electrical power to the signs. As proposed, the lights would be lit from dusk until dawn daily, and would be controlled by time clocks . Mr. Jackson next discussed the lighting of the signs that constituted the second piece of the proposed project. Mr. Jackson noted that the signs are 45" X 68" and 32" X 32", respectively, that they are constructed with a dark, teal colored, vinyl background, and painted white lettering , so as to minimize the amount of light that shines out. The larger sign would be lit by three, 60-watt tube-lamps and the smaller would be lit by three, 40 watt tube-lamps. As proposed , the signs would be lit from dusk until 11 pm daily . Mr. Kennedy opened the hearing up to initial public comments. Mr. Kennedy called Mr. Robert Andree to comment first. III ( `, � � ' S °I I Ili 1 F 1 c 1 .� a--,� ' , 1 d 111 � , r , 4F ► I • fit : 1 , I' : L` I . {{jj , II P 1t I i : ' � . I:' � _ , � � s To of Ulysses 2 \b1 Public Hearing & Planning Board meeting 4/312001 Mr. Robert Andree spoke in opposition to the project. Mr. Andree posed questions regarding zoning to Mr. Rachun, and question regarding the need for the proposed lights to representatives of the Racker Center. Mr. Andree stated that, from what he has observed, the Center already is adequately lit. Mr. Andree also noted that the pre-existing signs are obtrusive. Planning Board members established as a guideline for future comments, that issues should be stated concisely and clearly. Mr. Carman Hill spoke in opposition to the project. Mr. Hill stated that the Franziska Racker Center has not been a good neighbor, and that the signs are ugly and out of place in the neighborhood . Mr. Hill referred to the letter sent to the Ulysses Planning Board by Barbara Adams, noting that his issues were identical to the ones expressed in said letter. Mrs. Sandra Hill spoke in opposition to the project. Mrs. Hill stated that, although the Racker Center is not a commercial enterprise, the currently existing signs are such as would be appropriate only in a commercial area . Mrs. Hill further stated that the Center does not need the signs to indicate its location and that the funds that would be spent for the project would be wasteful in lieu of the current U .S. energy situation and the unending needs of the people the Center serves. Mr. Roy Coats spoke in opposition to the project. Noting a positive overall opinion of the Center, Mr. Coats identified the following issues: the Center has changed the character of the neighborhood, and the currently existing signs are gaudy. Mr. Coats stated that, in his opinion, lights should fit in with neighborhood character and should be on only when meetings are taking place, the security. problem is out of proportion with the project to address it, and the currently existing signs should be removed . Mr. Coats also stated that he would claim the issues raised in Barbara Adam's letter to the Planning Board as his own . Mrs. Alma Coats spoke in opposition to the project. Mrs. Coats noted that the Center had not discussed the project with its neighbors. Mrs. Coats' stated that the signs are very aesthetically displeasing, and noted that the glare from currently existing lights already reaches her dining room . Mrs. Cheryl Andree spoke in opposition to the project. Mrs. Andree noted that the Franziska Racker Center is not aesthetically pleasing and stated that she agreed fully with issues already raised . Mr. Richard Rugg spoke in opposition to the project. Noting that deciduous trees allow light to be visible throughout a significant portion of the year, Mr. Rugg stated that he is bothered by the current light from the Center and that the additional light would be very bothersome. Noting that Wilkins Road is a low- traffic area, Mr. Rugg stated that the safety issue was out of proportion with the project to address it. Mr. Brian Grout spoke in opposition to the project. Mr. Grout asked that the Planning Board require the Franziska Racker Center to indicate all pre-existing lights on a Site Plan . Mr. Grout stated that, in his opinion, the Franziska Racker Center had not demonstrated adequate need for the new lights. Mrs. Sherry Salotti spoke in opposition to the project. Mrs. Salotti noted that the quiet, privacy, and low traffic that characterize the neighborhood are the primary reasons her family chose to live on Wilkins Road . Mrs. Salotti stated that she does not want the neighborhood to become garish in appearance. Al j tp I ` �� li Tilt 1 ! � j �t 1 + ` I �4 fi ei , I ' I t i j 1}tfl Fh �l 11 II �, I 1 ; {L . @s I1II. i. t Sj _ , I. _, � i ;. [I t rw� l , h_" I 1 ” 15c Town of Ulysses 3 Public Hearing & Planning Board meeting 4/3/2001 Mr. Kennedy asked if there were any other first-round comments. None were heard . Mrs. Lanning read the previously referenced letter from Ms. Barbara Adams for the Planning Board and the public . The letter is in the Site Plan Review file for the project. Mr. Kennedy opened the floor for further comments. Mr. Brian Grout pointed out that many of the neighbors of the Franziska Racker Center on Wilkins Road had assembled and spoken in opposition to the proposed project. Mr. Kennedy asked if any representatives from the Franziska Racker Center wished to respond to the comments of the public . No desire to do so was expressed . Mr. Kennedy asked if the Center would consider changing the timing of when the lights will be on . Mr. Dan Brown stated that they would be willing to negotiate on this point for both the signs and the lights. A number from the assembled public stated that the timing of the signs was not the issue, but that the issue was the presence of the signs. Mrs. Alma Coats asked what the purpose of lighting the signs would be. Mr. William Jackson explained that the purpose for lighting the signs would be to indicate the turn for individuals coming to the Center. Mr. Dan Brown asked if the representatives of the Center could leave the public meeting to discuss the project briefly. Mr. Kennedy approved , the Franziska Racker Center representatives left the room . Mr. Arthur Salotti noted that the turn onto Wilkins Road from NYS Route 96 is not well marked , and stated that if someone found this turn, the Franziska Racker Center would very clearly stand out on Wilkins Road . Mr. Kennedy asked that Mr. Salotti repeat his statement after the representatives from the Center return, and warned the assembled that comments made while the representatives were out of the room would either not be heard by them or would have to be repeated . Mrs . Cheryl Andree asked if a landscape plan had been produced . The Planning Board reported that no landscape plan had been produced, and stated that the reason was financial . Mr. Richard Rugg asked how the Center could afford the lighting project if it could not afford a landscape plan . Mr. Brian Grout asked Mr. Rachun about the legality of the Center allowing other groups to meet in its facilities, and of putting up signs for the groups . Mr. Rachun noted that use of buildings for special meetings is an area of very little legal precedence, but that most public buildings host special assemblies. Town of Ulysses 4 \5C\ Public Hearing & Planning Board meeting 4/3/2001 Mr. Brian Grout asked about the legality of allowing a church group to meet at the Franziska Racker Center. Mr. Rachun stated that the use of the Center as a church was a problem of building code. Mrs. Sandra Hill stated that employees of the Franziska Racker Center who have trespassed on her property in order to smoke have impinged her security. The representatives of the Franziska Racker Center returned . Mr. Kennedy asked Mr. Arthur Salotti to repeat his comment, which was made shortly after the representatives left the room . . Mr. Arthur Salotti re-stated his point, that individuals looking for the Center would have a harder time finding Wilkins Road than they would finding the Center along Wilkins Road . Mr. Richard Rugg noted that it would make more sense to place signs indicating the turn for the Franziska Racker Center at the corners of NYS Route 96 and Wilkins Road and of DuBoise Road and Wilkins Road . Mr. Kennedy asked the representatives of the Franziska Racker Center to report on the conclusion of their meeting . Mr. William Jackson reported that the signs could be activated by. a photo-cell ( motion sensor), which would be set so that the signs would not be lit at all after 8 pm . Mrs. Cheryl Andree noted that the neighbors had pointed out they do not want . the signs or the lights at all, and stated that the offer to change the times the signs and lights would be lit did not answer their requests. Mr. William Jackson noted that changing the times for lighting the signs and. the lights was what they had come up with . Mr. Jackson reported that the lights could be activated, also by a photo-cell, and would not be lit at all after 10 pm . Mr. Rachun asked if the other lights at the Center wound be put on a photo-cell . Mr. William Jackson reported that only the three new lights would be put on a photo-cell . Mr. Jackson noted that some of the currently existent lights at the Center were there when the site housed the Glenwood School, and that upon the establishment of the Franziska Racker Center at the site , the bulbs in these lights had been replaced with lower-wattage bulbs. Mr. Robert Andree asked what wattage of bulbs would light be used to light the new parking lot lights. Mr. William Jackson reported the lights would be lit with 150 watt bulbs. I r Mr. Carman Hill stated that the desire of the neighbors would be to have the signs removed . Mr. Hill stated that it might be possible for the neighbors to find a more suitable sign design, and it also might be possible for them to raise some money to pay for the new sign or signs. Mr. Roy Coats stated that he could deal with additional parking lot lights, if and only if they were only on when needed, rather than all night, every night. ri , � 11 hiH1 , � II , ,1 1t , Town of Ulysses 5 1 La Public Hearing & Planning Board meeting 4/3/2001 Mr. Kennedy asked the representatives of the Franziska Racker Center about addressing the number of nights the lights would be on . The representatives of the Center reported they had not discussed this matter yet. Mr. Kennedy asked if a house-side shield would , or could, be added to block light from spreading towards the neighbors' houses . Mr. William Jackson stated that a house-side shield was not planned because this device would prevent the radius of light spread on one side, thus defeating the goal of the project. Ms. Horrigan asked if the possibility of using lower-watt bulbs had been explored, and noted that a bulb emanating . 5 footcandles of light power at the base of the light-pole could feasibly suffice to address the safety issue. Mr. William Jackson reported that the watts per bulb had already been lowered from what he would have recommended and that, in his opinion, lowering the wattage would not meet the need to adequately light the Center's main parking lot. Mr. Roy Coats stated that the desire on the part of the neighbors in attendance to have the existing signs not only not lit, but removed altogether had been clearly stated . Mr. Coats noted that he, and some of the other neighbors had expressed willingness to find a more aesthetically pleasing sign design , and to donate some money towards the purchase of such a sign . Mr. Coats stated that he could tolerate additional parking lot lights on a very minimal basis, as needed , and not all night. Mr. Brian Grout stated that the presence of the additional lights could encourage the use of the Center' s site for auxiliary purposes. Mr. Kennedy asked the representatives of the Franziska Racker Center to separate from the group for the purpose of discussing the offer made on the part of several of the neighbors to find a sign design to replace the currently existing signs. The representatives discussed this matter briefly and reported back that they would need to discuss this matter with the Advisory Board . Mr. Kennedy suggested adjourning the public hearing in order for the Franziska Racker Center to amend its proposal . Mr. Roger Sibley stated that the Franziska Racker Center would especially like to look into the proposal in regards to the signs . Ms. Hilbert suggested that the representatives of the Franziska Racker Center take time to meet with the site's neighbors in order to develop a project plan that would suit all parties. Ms. Horrigan suggested that neighbors and representatives of the Center remain after the public hearing to hear from the Planning Board about the matter. Ms. Hilbert moved to adjourn the public hearing to be continued at a future time . b\ Town of Ulysses 6 Public Hearing & Planning Board meeting 4/3/2001 Mr. Geiger suggested amending the motion, saying "adjourn", instead of "close" and adding the clause "to be recommenced at a later time" . Mr. Rachun asked if the Planning Board would like to set a date for the recommencement of the public hearing, and it was determined that this would not be possible. Ms. Horrigan seconded the motion . Mr. Geiger aye Ms. Hilbert aye Ms. Horrigan aye Mr. Kennedy aye The public hearing was adjourned at 8 : 10 pm . It was determined that representatives of the Franziska Racker Center will contact Mr. Alex Rachun in two-weeks time, and that, at such time, a date to recommence the public hearing will be set. Mr. Kennedy called the Planning Board meeting to order at 8 : 12 pm . Mr. Kennedy noted that the approval of minutes would be postponed until the next regular Planning Board meeting, scheduled for April 11th . Noting that the primary matter of business for the current Planning Board meeting was the discussion of the project proposed by the Franziska Racker. Center with the public and representatives of the Center. So noting, Mr. Kennedy opened the floor for discussion . Ms. Horrigan stated that her primary concern with the project is the lack of a landscape plan. Ms. Horrigan stated that the impact, which both the lights and the general look of the site have on neighbors could be mitigated by landscaping . Ms. Horrigan also urged the Franziska Racker Center to review the possibility of reducing the wattage of the bulbs to be planed in the proposed lights. Ms. Horrigan noted that, if the Center had brought the signs before Site Plan Review before erecting them, the issues raised by the neighbors probably would have been addressed, and concluded by urging the neighbors and representatives of the Center to work together. Mr. Geiger requested a schematic, showing the impact of the currently existing lights in conjunction with the proposed lights. Mr. Geiger also noted that he had seen where the need for lit signs, and indeed for the current signs at all, was questionable. Ms. Hilbert noted that it was regrettable that the Center had selected and erected the signs without meeting with its neighbors, and stated that, in her opinion, the signs do not need to be lit. Ms. Hilbert asked the representatives to consider how much of an issue building security is, and to consider having the lights on only as needed to keep employees of the Center safe. Ms. Hilbert also urged the development of a landscape plan . Mr. Tony Egner asked to make a comment. Mr. Egner noted that he had been asked by the Franziska Racker Center to develop a plan in light the main parking lot at the Center. Mr. Egner stated that he had not been asked to develop a landscape plan, and that the currently existing lights and signs were not his doing . Mr. Kennedy expressed concern about the timing of the lighting, and the existing signs. 1 li , t S . i 1 }¢' I I fly d� i I. � � 4 1,1 .• I. Ill . , ,L . , ! J , 4 . 1 ,.. , hr lf1j . "1� ' I �t1 ,J.� . .. .,L,__ .. Town of Ulysses 7 t Public Hearing & Planning Board meeting 4/3/2001 Mr. Rachun asked that the Franziska Racker Center note the fact that renting out space for meetings is a building code issue . Mr. Rachun noted that, while groups may meet at the Center, the Center cannot headquarter other institutions without meeting Code for such other types of institutions. Ms. Horrigan moved, seconded by Ms . Hilbert to adjourn the meeting . Mr. Geiger aye Ms. Hilbert aye Ms. Horrigan aye Mr. Kennedy aye The meeting adjourned at 9 : 34 pm . *These minutes are respectfully submitted as an official summary of the proceedings of the Public Hearing and Ulysses Planning Board meeting of April 3, 2001 , as observed and understood by the Ulysses Planning Clerk. As a rule, comments made by individuals are not entered as quotes, but have been summarized for the purpose of concisely reflecting the business and discussion that took place . Karin T. Lanning Planning Clerk KTL: kI . .'F _.i nf . F..x. .g " n^ .♦. ..' •q , l p .y.:: , ._. .e_. l J. . . . . .a .