HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-25 PB Minutes FinalPage 1 of 4
TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of Regular Meeting Via Zoom - Monday, 25 October 2021 – 6:30 PM
Town Hall Board Room – 3577 Terrace Road – Cortland, NY 13045
Board Members (*absent) Others Present
Christopher Newell, Chairman Bruce Weber, P/Z Officer (Host)
Nicholas Renzi Joan E. Fitch, Board Secretary
Laird Updyke John DelVecchio, Town Attorney
Nasrin Parvizi
Ann Hotchkin
Applicants & Public Present
Larry Regan, James Easton, Rebecca Minan (sp?) for Regan Development, Applicant; Adam Fishel,
Architect Rich Wagner, Adam Long & Justin Marchuska for Cayuga Medical Associates, Applicants.
REGULAR M EETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town of Cortlandville Planning Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
by Chairman Chris Newell.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 27 SEPTEMBER 2021
A motion was made by Member Nick Renzi to approve the Town Planning Board Minutes of 27
September 2021, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Laird Updyke, with the
vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Newell Nays: None
Member Renzi
Member Parvizi
Member Updyke
Member Hotchkin
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #42 of 2021.
OLD BUSINESS
Regan Development, Applicant/CB Cortlandville LLC, Reputed Owner – NYS Route 13 – TM
#95.00-10-11.100 – Sketch Plan Review – Proposed Development
(Reference is made to the Planning Board’s 29 June, 27 July and 31 August 2021 Minutes for
previous information.)
Chairman Newell recognized Jamie Easton who stated he had read the 18 October 2021 letter from
Barton & Loguidice to Chairman Newell, which contained their review of submittals for this project
containing multi-family buildings and a commercial floor plan. Some of their comments, he said,
were minor, some more technical in nature which require more advanced engineering. He stated he
had discussed these comments with Larry Regan as to what would be their next step.
Mr. Easton stated that the proposed project would require an area variance as, at this time, it does
not meet the minimum square footage requirement for commercial space in a mixed use development
in a B-3 District. He said that they try to be careful in doing this because, as an example, having a
fast food business located below apartments because of the food odors. A lot of the B&L comments
were “site plan specific.”
(T) Cortlandville Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes via Zoom 25 October 2021
Page 2 of 4
Mr. Easton commented that they were not sure which way the ZBA would vote. If they deny the
variance, he stated, the project “is dead.” He suggested that, if the variance is granted, then they
would come before this Board, addressing the SEQRA comments. There were a couple of options for
this Board to consider, he said, and they are simply looking for direction.
Chairman Newell then asked Town Attorney John DelVecchio if it was possible to go through the ZBA
for the variance and see what they say before rehashing the SEQRA process. Attorney DelVecchio
believed that the SEQRA process needed to be completed before the ZBA in a situation like this. PZO
Weber agreed. Member Ann Hotchkin felt it was too bad that they could not go before the ZBA first;
that made a lot of sense. Larry Regan commented that they wanted to do everything “by the book.”
They wanted this Board to give them some guidance and work with Rebecca of B&L to come up with a
way to successfully do the SEQRA but maybe not to have to do all of those items.
Attorney DelVecchio advised that the Board needed to be careful doing SEQRA because of
segmentation issues and if it goes to ZBA first for the area variance, a thorough SEQRA needs to be
done. The Planning Board should take a hard look at the B&L letter and ascertain what parts of it
pertain to SEQRA an SEQRA only. Jamie Easton suggested that Rebecca should look at what had
previously been done by their company in the Town of Colonie as a good example of SEQRA review
and how they accomplished something very similar.
Member Renzi commented Rebecca on her very well thought out critique of the submittal. He agreed
with Board Members Parvizi and Hotchkin who thought the applicant should review the B&L letter,
taking care of the odds and ends that are area variance related. Attorney DelVecchio set forth his
fears of doing so. He then suggested that Mr. Easton reach out to B&L and come back to this Board’s
next meeting and present their experience with the Town of Colonie and being prepared to address
any parts of the letter that he feels is appropriate for them to consider re SEQRA. This Board could
then be ready to ultimately determine what portion/portions of the letter it wants to consider in its
SEQRA analysis in a preliminary fashion.
Mr. Easton advised that, typically, they do a SEAF for a zoning variance request; that’s the way to
separate the two site plan issues from the ZBA issue.
Mr. Regan commented “we have taken a step back.” They have an opportunity to consider an
alternate parcel “about a quarter mile south on Route 13, across Route 13 on the other side. It’s
zoned B2. . .” (10-A. site, 654 Route 13). They thought it might be a better site to make a simpler
project to take away all of the conditions that this Board may put on it. The variance would still be
needed. He wanted the Board to know now that they are very seriously thinking about making “the
switch.” They may be coming back and asking “for a switch.” It may be before the next meeting, he
said. Member Renzi suggested that he come back with a proposal for this alternate site.
Member Hotchkin stated she liked the first site as it is closer to other stores and services, bus line,
sidewalks, etc. Mr. Regan appreciated the Board’s comments. Members Renzi and Parvizi agreed.
Mr. Regan felt that they should go back and look at something “that is smaller.” They could cut back
on the commercial and on the second phase of residential and “see if the numbers work.”
Rebecca commented that it needed to be determined how they wanted to proceed, SEAF or FEAF. Mr.
Easton then laid out what needed to be done by whom, starting with his design and ending with
B&L’s review of new submittals. Mr. Regan commented on what they may do: “one building w/6000
SF of children’s day care on ground floor, and then see how much commercial is required to do with
one phase with a smaller commercial development up front and call it a day.”
No Action Taken.
(T) Cortlandville Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes via Zoom 25 October 2021
Page 3 of 4
Ramco Development & Holdings, LLC, Applicant/First National Bank of Dryden, Reputed Owner –
1113 Tompkins Street (NYS Route 13) – TM #96.05-01-19.000 – Conditional Permit & Aquifer
Protection District Special Permit for Proposed Cayuga Medical Facility
(Reference is made to the 31 August and 27 September 2021 Minutes of this Board for previous
information.)
Chairman Newell recognized Adam Fishel, PE of Marathon Engineering, representing Cayuga Medical
Associates (CMA) and Marchuska Brothers Construction who were back before the Board requesting
both a Conditional Permit and an Aquifer Protection District Permit to construct a 21,000± SF medical
facility on this 3.24±-acre parcel. They would also like to have an addition to this building in the future.
The new facility would be operate by CMA and is intended to provide primary care, specialty care, and
out-patient lab services. They would like to start construction this year and occupy the building in
September of 2022.
Mr. Fishel stated that changes had been made to the Site Plan since the September meeting; they also
had received the County Planning comments and a response from the NYSDOT. Renderings were
displayed on the computer screen showing the proposed landscaping. The DOT, he said has given
conceptual approval of the driveways and this is now reflected in the plans; six minor comments were
made which they will take care of. Regarding the County comments pertaining to sidewalks, he noted
that since there are no sidewalks on either side of the property, they would just be building “sidewalks to
nowhere.” Mr. Marushka added that it would also be a maintenance issue. Member Hotchkin thought
the Board should think of the sidewalk recommendation as a start of something positive—the
establishment of sidewalks all along Route 13.
Member Renzi provided the applicant with comments on their drawings. The comments, dated 21
October 2021, prepared by Member Renzi, have been placed on file for the record.
Public transportation access was discussed. The Board felt this was important to include a place for a
bus to accommodate passengers. Member Parvizi commented that the right-of-way should remain clear
without any obstacles; Mr. Fishel suggested perhaps a sidewalk easement.
Architecture of the building was mentioned. At the conclusion of this brief discussion, a motion was
made by Member Renzi that the architectural style of the proposed building is to be compatible
with the Design Guidelines in the Code. The motion was seconded by Member Updyke, with the
vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Newell Nays: None
Member Renzi
Member Parvizi
Member Updyke
Member Hotchkin
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #42-1 of 2021.
A motion was then made by Member Updyke to approve the Conditional Permit for the proposed
Cayuga Medical Associates’ medical facility, subject to a Negative Declaration under SEQRA by
the Town Board, and incorporating Items 1 thru 5 and 7 of the Cortland County Planning Board’s
Resolution No. 21-38 of 20 October 2021. The motion was seconded by Member Renzi, with the
vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Newell Nays: None
Member Renzi
Member Parvizi
Member Updyke
Member Hotchkin
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #43 of 2021.
(T) Cortlandville Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes via Zoom 25 October 2021
Page 4 of 4
A motion was then made by Member Renzi that the Cortlandville Town Planning Board
recommends to the Town Board that they issue an Aquifer Protection District Permit and act as
Lead agency under SEQRA. The motion was seconded by Member Hotchkin, with the vote
recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Newell Nays: None
Member Renzi
Member Parvizi
Member Updyke
Member Hotchkin
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #44 of 2021.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
OTHER DISCUSSION
• Member Renzi thought the Town Code should be updated regarding sidewalks. Chairman Newell
agreed, saying that Town Supervisor Tom Williams should be consulted, and the Comprehensive
Plan reviewed. Member Parvizi added that the Comprehensive Plan does not comment, except
generically, about sidewalks. Member Hotchkin thought perhaps a committee should be formed
to examine this. Member Parvizi stated that sidewalks should be a separate regulation by the
Town.
• Member Renzi brought up the groundwater sampling at Walmart since 2007 which had been
adhered to twice a year and a copy of the report(s) provided to the Town up until about 2016.
This will be followed up on.
• Member Renzi reminded everyone of the former Conditional Permit Log which was generated as a
follow-up to those permits granted. This process got dropped some time ago by the Enforcement
Office. When asked by Chairman Newell how this can be remedied, PZO Weber advised that the
Town supervisor should designate someone to do so.
• Water problem on Mr. Smith’s property discussed (Riley Road Solar Project). It was concluded
that the flooding problem was contributed to by the solar project.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:30 p.m., a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Member Hotchkin, seconded by Member
Parvizi, with all members present voting in the affirmative.
Joan E. Fitch, Board Secretary Draft e-mailed to Town Clerk & AR, AA, JD,
PB Members, TJ, BW, KM & DC on 11/27/21. Rev. 11/30.
Approved 11/30/21.