HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-15 Danby Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
December 15, 2010
Present:
Board Members:Ann Klingensmith, Robert Roe,Naomi Strichartz, Steve Selin, Olivia Vent
Excused:
Ted Melchen, Ray VandeBogart
Others Present:
PB Secretary Pamela Goddard
Code Enforcement Sue Beeners
Public Joel Gagnon, Ben Altman
The meeting of the Planning Board was called to order at 7:05pm
Steve Selin called the meeting to order and appointed Robert Roe to chair the meeting.
The Planning Board expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Olivia Vent.Vent stated that she will miss
the camaraderie,but felt that"new blood"might be welcome after her 14 years on the Board.The Board es-
pecially commended Vent on bringing the ideas of Robert Morasche to the Planning Board.
RESOLUTION NO.36 OF 2010—APPRECIATION OF OLMA VENT
WHEREAS,Olivia Vent has served with distinction, and
WHEREAS, she has engaged with residents in a conciliatory manner, and
WHEREAS,Vent has brought visionary ideas, serving in a useful and engaged manner;
NOW,THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board thanks Olivia Vent for her ex-
tended service to the Danby Planning Board.
Moved by Strichartz, Second by Selin. The motion passed.
In Favor: Klingensmith, Roe, Strichartz, Selin
Abstained: Vent
Sketch Plan Review:
The PB reviewed a sketch plan for converting a preexisting outbuilding into a second detached
dwelling at 81 Townline Road, Tax Parcel 1.-1-1.2. This is substantially different from a prior request
at the same location. The proposed conversion would not change the footprint of buildings on this
property. Beeners stated that no SEQR review is needed because this is expansion of a residence on
an approved lot and there is no real soil disturbance. The property is adjacent to Land Trust property.
RESOLUTION NO.37 OF 2010—SET PUBLIC HEARING
RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board sets a public hearing regarding a Request for Special Per-
mit for a second detached dwelling proposed to be constructed in a preexisting outbuilding at 81 Townline Road,
Tax Parcel 1.-1-1.2, Benay Rubenstein applicant,to be held at 7pm on January 19, 2011.
Moved by Strichartz, Second by Klingensmith. The motion passed.
In Favor: Klingensmith, Roe, Strichartz, Vent, Selin
RESOLUTION NO.38 OF 2010—APPROVE MINUTES
RESOLVED,that the Town of Danby Planning Board approves the minutes of November 17,2010.
Moved by Strichartz, Second by Selin. The motion passed by acclamation.
Miscellaneous Reports:
PLANBOARD_MINUTES_20101215.pages•Monday,January 3,2011 Page 1 of 2
Ann Klingensmith informed the PB that she will be attending a field ornithology course during
the spring, and so will miss 2011 April and May meetings.
There was a short discussion regarding recent SEQR training and other upcoming training oppor-
tunities for the Planning Board. The discussion included better ways for the Planning Board and Code
Enforcement Officer to interact in drafting a SEQR review and filling out the short and long forms.
Beeners,Altman, and Klingensmith reported on a recent CEA(Critical Environmental Area)
committee workshop regarding mapping technology.A GIS expert helped the committee focus on
seven potential areas for Critical Environmental designation. CEAs impact SEQR review. CEA is a
designation created by the State, locally defined by a community committee. Official CEA designa-
tion must go to public hearing. Most of the seven potential Danby CEAs are currently Unique Natural
Areas. The Michigan Hollow Swamp is a prime consideration, as an exceedingly unique natural area
as the most species-rich wet woodland in New York State. The committee is seeking additional his-
torical information for these seven locations.
Beeners and Gagnon reported on the establishment of the Conservation Advisory Council and
some of their preliminary tasks.An open space inventory will be high on this list. It is hoped that the
CAC and CEA will work closely together.
There was a general discussion about whether properties in the Hamlet areas, individually or as a
group,would qualify for inclusion in a state or national register of historic landmarks.Vent suggested
that Historic Ithaca might be interested in working with Danby on this project.
Hamlet Planning:
Selin presented information from the County Planning Department. There was a discussion of
workshop on future focus areas for development, attended by Selin and Vent earlier in 2010. Issues of
municipal water and sewage systems and housing density hold Danby back from being a locale of
interest. Information about other hamlets in the County was presented for comparison.
There was a discussion of high density/mixed use zoning for the East side of NYS Rt.96B. Con-
cerns about setback ordinances,mortgage opportunities, and environmental concerns were discussed.
It was proposed to redefine and rezone the area as"Hamlet Density"or"Cottage Density"at a higher
level than the standard high density in Danby zoning. It was further proposed to use some PB funds to
hire a consultant help draft new zoning.
The discussion included possible alternative water and sewage systems and whether alternatives
would be acceptable to the County Health Department. Roe will contact the County Health Depart-
ment to invite a presenter to answer questions from the Planning Board. Questions include Health
Department response to engineered sewage systems that might overcome environmental constraints.
What is allowed,what are the constraints, and why are those constraints in place.
In addition, Selin will contact the County Planning Department for more information about what
it can offer Danby in relation to the housing development plan. There may be a"tool box"of sample
legislation, etc. for development areas. Joel Gagnon offered to reschedule a presentation on the West
Danby stream buffer project from the County Highway Department.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the Meeting was made at 8:55pm.
Pamela S Goddard,Planning Board Secretary
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