HomeMy WebLinkAboutB - 02 Planning Board Minutes 09/26/2023Page 1 of 6
TOWN OF CORTLANDVILLE PLANNING BOARD
Minutes of Regular Meeting - Tuesday, 26 September 2023 – 6:30 PM
Town Hall Meeting Room – 3577 Terrace Road – Cortland, NY
Board Members (*absent) Others Present
Christopher Newell, Chairman Bruce Weber, Town Planning/Zoning Officer
Nicholas Renzi Abigail C. Albro, Board Secretary
Laird Updyke John DelVecchio, Town Attorney
Nasrin Parvizi
Ann Hotchkin
Applicants & Public Present
John Casey, Applicant; Joseph Brown, Applicant; Alton Ainslie, Architect & David McNeil, Representing
McNeil Development Co., LLC; Robin Cataldo, Representing Guthrie Medical Center; Doug Clark &
Adam O’Brien, Representing Pall Corporation; John Miskulin, Representing Swarthout Coaches, Inc.;
Jack Eves, from X101 News.
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of the Town of Cortlandville Planning Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
by Chairman Christopher Newell.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 29, 2023
A motion was made by Member Renzi to approve the Town Planning Board Minutes of 29 August 2023,
as submitted. The motion was seconded by Member Parvizi, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Newell Nays: None
Member Hotchkin
Member Parvizi
Member Renzi
Member Updyke
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #42 of 2023.
NEW BUSINESS
STEVEN LEE REESE, APPLICANT /JOHN A. & PATRICIA M. CASEY, REPUTED OWNERS – LOCUST
AVE. – TM# 76.20-01-07.000 – Subdivision – The Application for – Subdivision of Land
Chairman Newell recognized John Casey who was seeking approval for a subdivision of land for the
property referenced above. Mr. Casey explained that the property he owns on Locust Ave. is thirty-five
acres and that he would like to subdivide and sell twenty acres. PZO Weber stated that the Board would
need to grant a waiver for the requirement of there being road frontage or access to road frontage as the
parcel is landlocked, along with the subdivision. Member Updyke asked Mr. Casey if he had plans to
adjoin that fifteen acres of land that he was not selling to either of the two parcels that he owns adjacent
to it. Mr. Casey answered yes, stating that it is a farm.
With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Parvizi to approve the Subdivision of
Land, including a waiver as the parcel is landlocked. The motion was seconded by Member Renzi,
with the vote recorded as follows:
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Page 2 of 6
Ayes: Chair Newell Nays: None
Member Hotchkin
Member Parvizi
Member Renzi
Member Updyke
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #43 of 2023.
CHAMPS BASEBALL – JOE BROWN, APPLICANT/MCNEIL DEVELOPMENT CO., LLC, REPUTED
OWNER – 880 ROUTE 13 – TM #95.16-02-76.000 – Site Plan – The Application for – A Sports
Training Facility
Chairman Newell recognized applicant Joe Brown, representing Champs Baseball who was seeking site
plan approval for a sports training facility. Mr. Brown explained that he would be turning the former R.
Homer Carpet into a sports training facility for baseball and softball, stating it would be a simple change
of use. Mr. Brown stated that there would be no structural changes to the interior of the building, just
adding nets. Mr. Brown asked Mr. McNeil to describe the changes planned for the exterior of the
building. Mr. McNeil stated that the plan for the exterior would be new signage, new lighting, and
restriping the parking lot. Member Renzi and Mr. Brown discussed the name of the business vs. the
name that would be on the sign. Mr. Brown explained that Champs Base, LLC is his business and that
Game Knows is trademarked by him. Mr. Brown explained the meaning of Game Knows and stated that
Game Knows would be on the signage. Chairman Newell asked what the timeline would be for this
project. Mr. Brown stated that pending approvals, they would like to start in November of this year.
Member Parvizi asked about landscaping, parking, and snow storage. Member Hotchkin agreed that she
would like to see landscaping as well. Mr. McNeil stated that the twenty-one parking spaces available
would be sufficient and that snow removal/storage would not be a problem as he owns the seven acres
behind the building.
With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Renzi to approve the Site Plan for a
sports training facility, contingent on adding landscaping. The motion was seconded by Member
Updyke, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Newell Nays: None
Member Hotchkin
Member Parvizi
Member Renzi
Member Updyke
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #44 of 2023.
MCNEIL DEVELOPMENT CO., LLC, APPLICANT/REPUTED OWNER – 4037-4059 ROUTE 281 – TM
#86.09-02-01.000 – Conditional Permit – The Application for – Build-out the Interior and Exterior
of Medical Office Buildings 5 and 6 to Provide Medical Services
Chairman Newell recognized David McNeil, representing McNeil Development Co., LLC who was seeking
conditional permit approval to build-out the interior and exterior of medical office buildings 5 and 6 to
provide medical services. Mr. McNeil explained the scope of the project, stating that there would be two
medical offices providing patient visits for scheduled healthcare, same day sick visits, a walk-in clinic,
imaging, and a lab. Mr. McNeil stated that the medical office buildings would be open seven days a week
operating Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.
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to 5 p.m. There would be twenty-five staff members with sixteen to twenty patients per hour during the
week and twenty per day on the weekends.
Chairman Newell asked if this project was tied in with Cayuga Medical Center or Guthrie or were these
independent physicians. Mr. McNeil stated that he was not at liberty to say. Member Renzi stated that
he knew the project was going to be part of the Guthrie system and that he spoke with someone
affiliated with Guthrie. Member Renzi also provided a list of comments/questions for the Board and
applicants to review.
Member Renzi’s List:
COMMENTS ON MCNEIL DEVELOPMENT MEDICAL BUILDING APP LICATION
1. Define all exterior modifications on all buildings in the project.
2. Will the redevelopment of this property be done at one time or staggered over several years?
3. Provide a detailed landscaping plan.
4. Provide a detailed plan showing curbing and curb cuts.
5. Provide a lighting plan.
6. Provide a drawing showing exterior details such as curbing, sidewalks and handling of roof rain
water.
7. Provide signage details with dimensions and messages.
8. Show areas of snow storage.
9. Provide elevation drawings for all buildings showing surface treatment details.
10. Show traffic arrow details on site plan drawing.
11. Provide a letter from the Cortlandville Fire Department as to the maneuverability of fire trucks
in the complex.
12. If all buildings are operational will there be at least two directory signs?
13. At the completion of the project will all buildings be operational for medical services for a single
company?
14. Refer to the handout titled Considerations for Nonresidential Development and
Redevelopment Projects.
These comments are those of Nick Renzi Planning Board member and in no way do they
represent the entire Planning Board.
Nick Renzi
September 26, 2023
The Board, Mr. McNeil, and Alton Ainslie (Architect) reviewed Member Renzi’s list.
Member Hotchkin asked about the bus shelter that used to be in front of the property, stating that it
was never used because it was too close to the building and that during the Route 281 construction it
was put in one of the pole barns on the pro perty. Member Hotchkin recommended that the applicant
give the bus shelter back to the County or place the bus shelter closer to the proposed medical buildings
so it can be used. Mr. McNeil explained that they had created a path to the bus shelter on the proposed
plans but agreed that it might be easier to move the bus shelter to the entrance of the building if the
bus would be willing to drive up to it. There was some discussion about the bus shelter being utilized by
people that would not be going to the medical office building. It was decided that the applicant would
call the County regarding the bus shelter and what to do with it.
There was much discussion between the Board, Mr. McNeil, PZO Weber, and Attorney DelVecchio,
including Member Renzi’s list; whether or not to send the application to the County; whether or not the
applicant had provided enough information to send the application to the County; the prosed project
being less than 500 ft. from a NYS Route requiring GML’s; when the applicant planned on being fully
operational; the estimated cost for the exterior of the proposed project; whether or not an Aquifer
Protection Permit was required; the facade of the proposed exterior; and the gravel vs. pavement parking
lot. In conclusion the Board decided that there was enough information provided by the applicant to
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forward the application to the County and asked the applicant to provide as much of the requested
information on Member Renzi’s list as possible.
Member Hotchkin asked PZO Weber if the Board should ask the applicant to complete the Short EAF as
an unlisted action. The Board, PZO Weber and Attorney DelVecchio decided it would be a good idea to
have the applicant complete the Short EAF to save time.
With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Renzi to send the application for build-
out the interior and exterior of medical office buildings 5 and 6 to provide medical services to
the Cortland County Planning Department for their review and ask the Applicant to address
Member Renzi’s list of requested information. The motion was seconded by Member Parvizi, with
the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Newell Nays: None
Member Hotchkin
Member Parvizi
Member Renzi
Member Updyke
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #45 of 2023.
PALL CORPORATION, APPLICANT/REPUTED OWNER – 3643 ROUTE 281 – TM #95.12-01-07.000 –
Aquifer & Conditional- The Application for – The Construction of a 22,200 Sq. Ft. Building
Expansion
Chairman Newell recognized Doug Clark & Adam O’Brien, representing Pall Corporation who was
seeking approval for the construction of a 22,200 sq. ft. building expansion. Mr. Clark stated that the
proposed project was presented to the Board last month and asked the Board if they had any questions.
Member Renzi had multiple questions including how often the overhead door on the east side of the
proposed building would be used; how often the pedestrian cross walk from the parking to the stairs
would be used; if the handicap parking near the stairs could be moved closer to the entrance; whether
or not there was enough parking for shift change; what the plan for landscaping would be; regarding
roof water, would the down spouts be in the ground or would it be surface discharge; and is the
generator a new item.
Mr. Clark & Mr. O’Brien discussed the overhead door on the east side of the building stating that it was
for equipment only, not trucks and that it would be used once every five years. Mr. Clark stat ed that the
stairs were for emergency egress only and that they would move the handicap parking spots away from
the stairs. Mr. O’Brien stated that the parking spots available would be adequate for employees during
shift change. Mr. Clark stated that there would be a small amount of landscaping including mulch, that
the roof water would runoff with surface discharge, and that the generator would be a new addition.
Member Renzi asked about the new product that would be manufactured and if they would be using
chlorinated town water or well water. Mr. O’Brien stated that they would be using well water. Member
Parvizi asked about what appeared to be a double door main entrance and the handicap parking. Mr.
Clark explained that the double doors would not be an entrance, stating that it would be for equipment
to get in and out of the room. Member Renzi asked what the walls would be made of and what the color
scheme would be. Mr. O’Brien answered, explaining that the walls would be prefabricated metal and
that the color scheme was not final yet but that they were considering switching the whole campus to
white tones. Member Hotchkin asked if this would create more jobs. Mr. Clark stated that it would .
Member Renzi asked what the cost of the project would be. Mr. O’Brien stated that it would be
somewhere between $35-$40 million.
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Member Parvizi, the Board, and Mr. Clark reviewed a few questions Member Parvizi had regarding the
Short EAF.
With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Renzi to send the application for the
construction of a 22,200 sq. ft. building expansion to the Cortland County Planning Department
for their review. The motion was seconded by Member Updyke, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Newell Nays: None
Member Hotchkin
Member Parvizi
Member Renzi
Member Updyke
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #46 of 2023.
SWARTHOUT COACHES INC., APPLICANT/RACEWAY HOLDINGS INC., REPUTED OWNER – 3747
ROUTE 11 – TM #97.02-01-06.000 – Conditional Permit – The Application for – An Outpost
Terminal that will House 3-5 Commercial Coaches
Chairman Newell recognized John Miskulin, representing Swarthout Coaches, Inc. who was seeking
conditional permit approval for an outpost terminal that will house 3-5 commercial coaches. Mr.
Miskulin explained that his business, Swarthout Coaches Inc., provides group transportation for
schools (mostly colleges) and sports teams. Mr. Miskulin stated that his business took a huge hit due to
Covid and the lack of staff (drivers). Mr. Miskulin explained that he is looking for a location outside of
Ithaca which would allow him to recruit more drivers and provide additional services. Mr. Miskulin
stated that the proposed location is perfect because it is close to Interstate 81.
Mr. Miskulin described his plan for the proposed project stating that there would be 3-5 coaches parked
on site; there would be fencing around the coaches for security; no repairs to the coaches would be
completed on site; no cleaning of the coaches would be completed on site; no passengers would be
boarding the coaches on site; only drivers would park on site (a personal vehicle while out with the
coach); a couple of signs; and possibly at some point in the future a small office trailer. Mr. Miskulin
stated that it would be mainly used for parking and that he planned to leave as little of a footprint as
possible.
Member Renzi asked about restrooms for the drivers. Mr. Miskulin stated that there are no restrooms
on site and that the driver would have to use the restrooms across the road at the truck stop. Member
Hotchkin mentioned colleges cutting back on hiring coaches because it has become so expensive. Mr.
Miskulin responded by saying costs have increased dramatically because of insurances and that his fees
are based on costs. Member Renzi and Mr. Miskulin discussed how the drivers operate during long-
distance trips.
With no further discussion, a motion was made by Member Parvizi to approve the Conditional
Permit for an out-post terminal that will house 3-5 commercial coaches. The motion was
seconded by Member Renzi, with the vote recorded as follows:
Ayes: Chair Newell Nays: None
Member Hotchkin
Member Parvizi
Member Renzi
Member Updyke
Motion carried.
This becomes Action #47 of 2023.
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Page 6 of 6
Other Discussion
• Chairman Newell stated that the last Tuesday of October, which is when the Planning Board
meeting is typically scheduled for would fall on Halloween. After some discussion Chairman
Newell, the Board, and PZO Weber decided to schedule next month’s Planning Board meeting for
Tuesday October 24th.
• Member Hotchkin had a question for PZO Weber regarding Aquifer Protection Permits. Member
Hotchkin asked if a proposed project is going to cost over $150,000 and an Aquifer Protection
Permit is required, what elements of the proposed projects interior design does not count
towards the $150,000. PZO Weber stated that he does not count furniture, painting, and
equipment.
• Chairman Newell and Member Renzi asked Attorney DelVecchio if he had anything new to report
regarding the Economy Paving lawsuit. Attorney DelVecchio stated he would discuss it with the
Board in executive session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At the request of Town Attorney DelVecchio, at 7:57 p.m., a motion was made by Member Updyke to
recess the meeting to an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. The motion was
seconded by Chairman Newell, with all Board members present voting in favor.
At 8:02 p.m., a motion was made by Chairman Newell to adjourn the Executive Session and
reconvene the regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Renzi, with all Board
members present voting in favor.
No Action Taken.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:02 p.m., a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Chairman Newell, seconded by Member
Renzi, with all members present voting in the affirmative.
Abigail C. Albro, Board Secretary E-mailed to Town Clerk, AR, Bd. Members, JD
County Planning, BW and KM & DC on 10/20/2023.