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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-22Dryden Planning Board October 22, 2015 Page 1 of 2 Town of Dryden Planning Board October 22, 2015 Members Present: Joe Laquatra (Chair), Tom Hatfield, David Weinstein, Marty Hatch, Marty Moseley, Craig Anderson, and John Kiefer Planning Board Alternate and Conservation Board Liaison: Craig Schutt Town Hall Staff: Ray Burger, Planning Director The meeting was called to order at 7 PM. Review and approval of September 24, 2015 meeting minutes: D. Weinstein moved to approve the minutes with recommended changes, M. Hatch seconded the motion and the minutes were unanimously approved. Freese Road bridge: David Weinstein D. Weinstein presented information regarding the renovation/replacement of the Freese Road bridge. The bridge is slated for repairs or replacement by Tompkins County in 2018-2019. The Varna community wants to maintain the bridge as a single lane. The Bridge is mentioned in the Varna Hamlet plan as a traffic calming feature. It is one of the oldest in Tompkins County and is on the historicbridge.com listing where it scores an 8/10. D. Weinstein brought the information to the Planning Board asking for their support via a resolution to the Town Board asking that they encourage the county to maintain this bridge as a single lane. The bridge ratings are sliding and although the bridge is not yet dangerous, it will need work sometime soon. If it is feasible to repair it and keep it as a historical bridge, the folks of Varna are hoping for that option. T. Hatfield asked for more information before making a decision. He pointed to the Red Mill Road bridge was closed almost 20 years ago even though it was presented as a quick project. He recommended creating a dual list to compare the options - keep the bridge single lane or replace it with a double lane bridge. M. Hatch proposed that the Planning Board invite Jeff Smith, County Highway superintendent to a meeting to gather more information and get questions answered. He recommended generating a list of questions and concerns from citizens and board members. To maximize Mr. Smith’s time, it was suggested that the Town Board and the Conservation Board be invited and expanding the discussion to include other bridges in the Town that the County is considering since the Town is expected to match funds; having more information will benefit the Town with future budgeting. M. Hatch also suggested that the discussion keep the Freese Road bridge as the center of the conversation since it is the project starting the conversation. Multi-family definition: Ray Burger See attached document 2 units or less gets administrative approval 3-4 units will go to SPR at the Planning Board Above 4 units will require a SUP at the Town Board T. Hatfield asked if it is possible to add a table to assist in understanding the number of units per acre. Is a cluster subdivision the same as a subdivision? What happens if an owner wants to subdivide later? Group Homes – present definition puts them within the multi-family category Dryden Planning Board October 22, 2015 Page 2 of 2 Resolution #15 – Multi-family definition M. Moseley offered the following resolution: The Planning Board moves to accept the multi-family definition as presented by R. Burger with the addition of a density chart and the removal of the category of “Group Home”. The motion was seconded by M. Hatch and unanimously approved Tompkins County Energy System Overview: Mary Ann Sumner Please see attached The point of the project is to determine how to meet the goal of an 80% reduction (from 2008) in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The business as usual scenario (using 66% more natural gas) indicates that a 33% reduction in greenhouse gases can be achieved due to improved efficiency standards. Mixed use scenario assumes the industrial sector will continue to use natural gas, but residential decreases could get the percentage up to 80%. Supr. Sumner feels the presentation was wonderful and encouraged the members to check out more information via the links provided. October 29th at the Science Center in Ithaca and presented by TCAD: Energy and Economic Development. Varna meeting: Craig Anderson He attended the public meeting led by Ray Burger. He feels there is a disconnect between the people in Varna and the Varna plan. At the public hearing before the Varna plan was approved, no one spoke up against it. At the Planning Board meeting that followed the passage of the Varna Plan, D. Weinstein did have an issue with the zoning (the density) and that is reflected in the minutes. He was unable, at the time, to convince the other Board members or the Planning Director. Supr. Sumner believes the disconnect is between the Varna plan and zoning. The board members do agree that there is an issue and they need to figure out where to go from here. The Varna Plan is a grand plan that needs to be addressed step by step. M. Hatch recommended that perhaps a tour of Varna and a discussion of what is there and what the residents want. D. Weinstein pointed out the issue is the different zones. No one is saying that they are against the actual plan, they are not in favor of that project in that zone. M. Hatch pointed out some of the other issues in the community – the manufactured housing, is that a vision of what Varna should be, the parking lot opposite the garages, etc. Are they part of the vision or do the folks of Varna simply not want this project on that corner of Forest Home Drive and route 366? There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05PM. Respectfully Submitted, Erin A. Bieber Deputy Town Clerk