HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-21 TOWN OF GROTON PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of Regular Meeting - Thursday, 21 June 2012 - 7:30 PM
Town Hall Court Room - 101 Conger Boulevard - Groton, NY
Members, Groton Planning Board (*Absent) Others Present
Edward Neuhauser, Chairperson Gary Coats, Town CEO
Monica Carey, Vice Chair Joan Fitch, Recording Secretary
Barbara Clark
Mark Baxendell
*Mary K. Gloster
John Morey
Bret Wyllie
Applicants & Public in Attendance
Debra Slaven, Applicant, James Cronk, Applicant; Town Supervisor Glenn Morey, Town Councilman
Sheldon Clark; Ken Baldwin.
The Regular Meeting of the Town of Groton Planning Board was called
to order by Chairman Edward Neuhauser at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 17 MAY 2012
A motion was made by Member Monica Carey to approve the Minutes of the 17 May 2012
Planning Board meeting, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Mark Baxendell,
with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell Absent: Member Gloster
Member Morey
Member Wyllie
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #31 of 2012.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Debra Slaven, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 406 Champlin Road - TM #28.-1-3.2 - Minor
Subdivision
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who was requesting approval of a minor subdivision of
her land, 1.15± acres from her 5.83± parcel, as annotated on the survey map dated April 14, 2011,
prepared by Brian Klumpp, PLS. CEO Gary Coats explained that the applicant had started this
subdivision before the new Code took effect. At the time of sale, this two-lot subdivision became an
issue with the attorneys (under the new Code), so now "we're just going back and making it right."
With no further questions from the Board, a motion was made by Member Carey that for the
purpose of the State Environmental Quality Review concerning this application, the
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(T)Groton Planning Board Minutes 21 June 2012
Town of Groton Planning Board hereby declares itself as Lead Agency. The motion was seconded
by Member Bret Wyllie, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell Absent: Member Gloster
Member Morey
Member Wyllie
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #32 of 2012.
Chairman Neuhauser read aloud Part II of the Short Environmental Assessment Form. Negative
responses were obtained to all questions in Part II. A motion was then made by Member Barbara
Clark that, based on the information and analysis of the SEQR concerning this application, the
Town of Groton Planning Board has determined that the proposed action will not result in any
significant adverse environmental impact, resulting in a Negative Declaration. The motion was
seconded by Member Wyllie, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell Absent: Member Gloster
Member Morey
Member Wyllie
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #33 of 2012.
With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member John Morey that the Town of Groton
Planning Board waives the Public Hearing and approves the Minor Subdivision, as requested,
with no modifications. The motion was seconded by Member Wyllie, with the vote recorded as
follows:
Ayes: Chairman Neuhauser Nays: None
Member Carey
Member Clark
Member Baxendell Absent: Member Gloster
Member Morey
Member Wyllie
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #34 of 2012.
James Cronk, Applicant/Reputed Owner - 380 Cobb Street - TM #33.-1-3.21 - Multi-Family
Residence
Chairman Neuhauser recognized the applicant who wanted to construct an additional duplex on the
subject parcel; there is already one duplex there. A rough, hand-drawn sketch (Site Plan)
accompanied the application. The second duplex will be identical to the first, and will have a shared
well, with separate septic systems.
Member Carey advised the applicant that the Site Plan, as submitted, is not acceptable as is. The plan
should indicate parking, distances between the houses, location of existing well and septic, etc., all as
required in the Code. Member Carey also asked if there was a buffer area planned between the two
units. Everything needed to be put on one map, showing exactly what was being planned. The
applicant does not plan to reside in either structure. Also, two residential buildings are not permitted
on one lot; the applicant should first apply for a subdivision. Mr. Cronk explained that he "got a good
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(T)Groton Planning Board Minutes 21 June 2012
deal on lumber" so wanted to build the second unit. He also stated that later he wanted to build a
house for himself nearer the road. The applicant had planned to build everything and subdivide it
later, he said.
Chairman Neuhauser asked about the wetlands issue, as a portion of the subject parcel lies in
wetlands. Mr. Cronk stated that, in 2009 when he purchased the property, the NYSDEC completed a
delineation of the wetlands, as shown on a copy of an aerial map which accompanied the letter of
10/6/09 to Mr. Cronk from the NYSDEC, a copy of which was provided to Board members. He
understood he could not build within 100 feet of any line indicated.
Chair Neuhauser reiterated that what the applicant had submitted was not acceptable; a detailed plan
with measurements was required. Also, as stated by Member Carey, the proposed project needed to be
reviewed by Tompkins County Planning. CEO Coats advised the applicant to come back next month
with a three-lot subdivision application first. In the meantime, the applicant should come in and
discuss his plans with CEO Coats. Mr. Cronk stated that he would have his property surveyed. CEO
Coats stated that the applicant needed room for two driveways, even though the driveway indicated
was to be shared.
No Action Taken.
OTHER BUSINESS
• ZBA Member Sought - CEO Coats reported that ZBA Chair Steve Thane has resigned as he is
leaving the area. Member Paul Fouts will assume the chairmanship, but the Board has a
vacancy.
• Hydrofracturing/Gas Wells - Dan Carey had asked his sister, Member Carey, to let everyone
know there are people going on Monday to a meeting regarding hydraulic fracturing to obtain
natural gas.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:15 p.m., a motion was made by Member Clark to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded
by Member Morey, with all members present voting in favor.
,...
E. Fitch, Board Secretary Emailed to Town/Deputy Clerks, CEO Coats,
Chair Neuhauser& Board Members on 7/9/12.
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