�
TOWN OF SARATOGA
PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES -
DRAFT
February 22,
2006 - 7:30 PM
Vice-chair
Susan Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
Clerk
Catherine Cicero called the roll.�
Chairman Ian Murray � absent, Vice-chair Susan Cummings � present, Ralph
Pascucci � present, Paul Griffen � absent, Robert Park � present, Laurie
Griffen � present, and Patrick Hanehan � present.�
Approval
of Minutes: All board members present had read the minutes of the January 25,
2006 meeting. A motion was made by
Robert Park, seconded by Patrick Hanehan, to accept the minutes of January 25,
2006.� Vice-chair Susan Cummings �
aye, Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, and Robert Park � aye. Laurie
Griffen abstained from the vote because she was not at the last meeting. Carried 4� 0.
Order of Business:
Subdivision/SUP
Michael Giovanone, Applicant
156 Sparrowbush Road
Latham, NY�
12110
S/B/L 193.06-1-2 Lake Commercial
In November 2005, the
Planning Board granted the Applicant a special use permit for a boat storage
facility on Route 9P, south of Lee�s Trailer Park.� The facility consists of 5 buildings, 78 slips, on 8.8
acres.� Mr. Giovanone is seeking
Planning Board approval of his revised site plan.
[This item was considered with the following
application.]
Quaker Springs Fire District 1, Applicant������� ����������� Michael
Giovanone, Owner
Blodgett Rd.�� ����������������������� ����������������������� ����������� 156
Sparrowbush Rd.
Schuylerville, NY�
12866������ ����������������������� ����������� Latham,
NY� 12110
S/B/L 193.06-1-2 Lake Commercial
Returning Applicant is
seeking to subdivide a 90�x141� parcel, consisting of 12,712 square feet, from
the property currently owned by Michael Giovanone in order to build a new
firehouse.� Applicant is also seeking a
special use permit to operate a firestation on this property pursuant to Town
zoning regulations.� Applicant appeared
before the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 23, 2006 and was granted the
necessary variances for the project.�
The two cases were considered together since both concern the same parcel of property.
Jim Miller of Miller Associates, Landscape Architects, explained the site plan to the Board.� He said that the grading and drainage for both facilities remains relatively the same as previously.� Mr. Miller went on to explain the stormwater management plan for the property.
Mr. Miller then explained the landscaping plan, stating that the two buildings will look as similar as possible.� The fire station will have metal siding and the boat storage facility will have clapboard siding, but they will blend together.� There will be a knee-wall, possibly in a dark brown color; the upper portion of the buildings will be a natural color�probably a light brown or tan. There will be glass and windows on the boat facility, similar to a store front.� There will be no windows on the fire station for security reasons.
There followed a discussion with Ralph Pascucci regarding the �visuals� of the buildings.� Ralph Pascucci wanted a sense of the mass of the buildings as seen from Route 9P.� There followed a brief discussion on the intended plantings around the buildings, and between the buildings and Route 9P. There also will be plantings between the facilities and the neighboring property.� An existing ash tree on the property will remain. Mr. Miller referred to a 4� high fence that would separate the fire station driveway from the boat storage parking.� He said that the intent is to break up the mass of the front of the buildings with landscaping.�
The new plans call for 7 parking spaces on concrete �grass� for the fire station.� The proposed free-standing sign has been moved to the south side of the property and there will be additional plantings there.�
Patrick Hanehan asked about parking for the fire station if it were to be used as a polling place.� Mr. Miller responded that Mr. Giovanone would permit parking in the boat storage facility area, if necessary.� Fire Commissioner Stephen Bodnar stated that the Fire District would work with Mr. Giovanone on this matter.� Fire Commissioner Stephen Bodnar added that the State will put up a sign on 9P denoting the existence of the fire station.� The only other sign for the fire station might be across the top of the building itself.
There followed a discussion on the lighting for the facilities.� Vice-chair Susan Cummings raised concerns that the lighting would spill onto neighboring property. Mr. Miller responded that all lighting would be building-mounted wall packs, including one 100-watt light over a pedestrian door, and one small vapor light.� All boat storage lighting is on the front of the building.� There will be motion lights, but they will point downward.� Fire Commissioner Stephen Bodnar added that the only lights that would come on during a call would be within the fire station.
Patrick Hanehan asked whether a traffic light would be necessary for the fire station to facilitate the fire trucks entering Route 9P.� It was determined that a traffic light would not be necessary.� Mr. Miller added that a �gap� study had been done as part of the traffic study submitted with the boat storage application, which showed that a light was not necessary at that location.
Vice-chair Susan Cummings
asked the Board if there were any further questions.� There were none.�
Robert Park read the short
Environmental Assessment Form, which was completed by the Board.� Laurie Griffen made a motion, seconded by
Robert Park, to accept the documents as presented, declare the SEQR review
complete, and make a negative declaration regarding the subdivision of the
Quaker Springs Fire District 1 property from that of Michael Giovanone.� Vice-chair Susan Cummings � aye, Patrick Hanehan �
aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0.
Ralph
Pascucci made a motion, seconded by Patrick Hanehan to grant the application of
the Quaker Springs Fire District 1 for a subdivision. Vice-chair Susan Cummings
� aye, Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie
Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0. GRANTED
Ralph
Pascucci made a motion, seconded by Patrick Hanehan to grant the Special Use
Permit for Quaker Springs Fire District 1. Vice-chair Susan Cummings � aye,
Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie Griffen �
aye. Carried 5� 0. GRANTED
Ralph
Pascucci made a motion, seconded by Laurie Griffen, for site-plan approval of
the Quaker Springs Fire District 1 fire station, contingent upon Town Engineer
Kenneth Martin�s review.� Vice-chair
Susan Cummings � aye, Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park �
aye, Laurie Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0.
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
Ralph
Pascucci made a motion, seconded by Robert Park to accept the modifications to
the boat storage facility for its Special Use Permit, contingent upon Town
Engineer Kenneth Martin�s review.� Mr.
Miller noted that Town Engineer Kenneth Martin was still waiting for NYDEC
approval.� Vice-chair Susan Cummings
stated that all Board approvals would be conditioned on final review by Town
Engineer Kenneth Martin. Vice-chair Susan Cummings � aye, Patrick Hanehan �
aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0. GRANTED WITH
CONDITIONS
Approvals
Ronalee Myers
43 Chestnut St.
Schuylerville, NY�
12871
S/B/L 157.62-1-1 & 20.2 Village Extension
Returning Applicant is
seeking Planning Board approval to construct a second residence on her property
pursuant to Town zoning regulations.�
Mrs. Myers stated that she would like to add an additional house in the
back portion of the property, away from neighboring homes.� She plans to use the existing driveway for
both houses.
Mrs. Myers stated that she
researched the ownership of the �paper� Cedar Street, and a nearby alley, both
contained in the Town map.� However,
after looking at her deed and that of her neighbor, both of which refer to
Cedar Street as existing since the late 1800�s, she was unable to determine the
ownership.
Vice-chair Susan Cummings
noted that Town Attorney William Reynolds and Zoning Officer Robert Hathaway
have discussed this matter and that they feel Town zoning requirements are met
for a second house to be situated on the property. She added that, if ownership
of Cedar is ever resolved, it would be a good idea for the driveway to go in
from there.� Mrs. Myers pointed out a
second place for a driveway on her map.
Ralph Pascucci stated that he
would like a surveyor to verify the information contained on the tax map.� He wants to see something more definite than
the tax map and does not want to set a precedent by relying on it.� He said that he did not intend Mrs. Myers to
go to a great deal of expense, but requested that she return to the Planning Board
with something.
Ralph Pascucci also stated
that the house must be situated so it can be legally subdivided, if necessary,
in the future.� He would like a site
plan showing the building envelope with setbacks.� He then cited the zoning regulation that allows more than one
house on the property without subdividing, which confirms that the house must
be situated so that it can be legally subdivided in the future, if necessary.
There followed a discussion
on the availability of a hook-up to the Village sewer line.
Mrs. Myers said the new house
would be on sewer, but she does not plan to build in the near future.
Ralph Pascucci suggested that
Town Attorney William Reynolds should look at the deed. There followed a
discussion on whether Mrs. Myers property was combined on one deed, or on two
separate deeds.� Vice-chair Susan
Cummings noted that, if Mrs. Myers was receiving two tax bills instead of one,
she might discover that her deed had not been filed properly with the County.� The Board recommended that Mrs. Myers
contact the County to obtain a copy of her deed, and to determine whether the
deed was filed properly.
Mrs. Myers stated that she
would investigate the matter further before returning to the Board.� Laurie Griffen requested that Mrs. Myers
include the dimensions of the property and where she expects the second house
to be situated.
RETURNING
Subdivisions (cont.)
Saratoga Builders, LLC����������������������� ����������� Peter & Sue Grassi, Owners
8 Campion Lane��������������� ����������� ����������� 394
Burgoyne Rd.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866� ����������� Saratoga Springs,
NY 12866
S/B/L 168.-2- 24 & 25 Rural District
Dan Barber and Mike Brooks
appeared before the Board on behalf of the Applicant regarding a conventional
subdivision of 38 +/- acres consisting of 12 building lots on a new road off of
Burgoyne Road.
Mike Brooks reported that he
had received a letter from NYDOH stating its approval of the project.
Robert Park raised the
concern of one of the neighbors of the project, Mrs. Jenson, whose property
would be bounded on 3 sides by roadway.�
He asked whether it would be feasible to mitigate the situation with
vegetation.�
There followed a discussion
of where and what plantings might be possible, how much of the roadway would be
visible due to the existing woods, and whether it would affect the Town�s
right-of-way.� It was determined that
the developers would speak with Mrs. Jenson regarding the best way to mitigate
the road views.
There followed a discussion
on the definition of �5 acre disturbance of wetlands.� Dan Barber stated that
the developers would stabilize the terrain as they built, and that Tommell
& Associates would be monitoring the situation as development
progressed.� He added that the
development �would be a long, slow process.��
To date, there are no potential homeowners.
Prior to beginning any
construction work on the infrastructure, the developer must have an Irrevocable
Letter of Credit on file with the Town.
Vice-chair Susan Cummings
noted that the Planning Board reviewed the long Environmental Assessment Form
at a special Planning Board Workshop held on February 15, 2006.� All Planning Board members attended the
workshop.� Robert Park noted that, at
the workshop meeting, some corrections to the EAF had been made. Vice-chair
Susan Cummings asked for a motion to determine that the SEQR review was
complete and to make a negative declaration.�
Laurie Griffen made a motion, seconded by Ralph Pascucci, to accept the
documents as presented, declare the SEQR review complete, and make a negative
declaration.� Vice-chair Susan Cummings �
aye, Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie
Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0.�
Robert
Park made a motion, seconded by Ralph Pascucci, to approve the subdivision as
presented and modified. However, the approval would be conditioned on final
review by Town Engineer Kenneth Martin.�
Vice-chair Susan Cummings stated that all comments from the workshop
would be forwarded to Town Engineer Kenneth Martin for review.� Vice-chair Susan Cummings � aye, Patrick
Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0.� GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
Saratoga Farms, LLC, Applicant
Saratoga Trails
Suite 200-2875/South Ocean Blvd.
Palm Beach, FL�
33480
S/B/L 156-3-32 Rural Residential
Returning Applicant proposes
a 7 lot subdivision on 96.49+/- acres at 125 Burgoyne Rd. �The average lot is proposed to be 14 acres,
with a deed restricted horse trail system.
TABLED AT THE REQUEST OF
APPLICANT
Saratoga Farms, Inc., Applicant������� �����������������������
173 Co. Rd. 69
Schuylerville, NY�
12871������ ����������������������� �����������
S/B/L 182.-2-15.11 Rural
Returning Applicant proposes
to begin Phase II of a planned development: a 36 unit subdivision of single
family homes on 121.82+/- acres. Vice-chair Susan Cummings read a letter, dated
February 17, 2006, from Town Attorney William Reynolds to Mr. Taras stating
that a stop work order had been issued on the property.� The letter is contained in the Minute Book
and has been made a part of the permanent file of this application. TABLED
Sketch-Plans
James and Ruth McMahon, Applicants
1434 Rte 9P
Saratoga Springs, NY�
12866
193.06-1-1.1
Lake Commercial
Applicants propose to
subdivide a 2+/- acre parcel into 2 equal lots, each approximately 43,505+/-
square feet in size. Dan Wheeler spoke to the Board on behalf of the
Applicants, stating that the property is located 200� south of the bridge in
the Lake Commercial district.� He
intends to connect to the sewer system and said that he has a letter from the
County permitting the hook-up.� The
property was described as a woodlot, and is assumed to be within the flood
plain.
Vice-chair Susan Cummings
requested that a wetlands map be provided.
Ralph Pascucci stated that
the application should be referred to the County for review.� Mr. Wheeler said that he would obtain more
information before coming back to the Board.�
Robert Park noted that NYDOT would have to be contacted for the road
cut.
Ralph Pascucci added that the
application is asking the Board for subdivision approval only; not for property
use.� RETURNING
Michele Rifenberg, Applicant
216 Hayes Rd
Schuylerville, NY�
12866
169-1-25 Rural
Applicant proposes to
subdivide a 6.5+/- parcel into one 3.5+/- acre lot and one 3+/- acre lot.� The Applicant plans to build a residence for
herself on the 3.5+/- acre lot in the near future.� Applicant was unable to appear. TABLED
Karen & Tom Tyler, Applicant������� ����������� Edward
Bodnar, Owner������������
27 Main Ave. ����������������������� ����������� ����������� 132
Russell Rd.
Rensselaer, NY�
12144������ ����������� ����������� Schuylerville,
NY 12866
S/B/L 195-1-32.1 Rural
Applicant is seeking to
subdivide a 2+/-acre lot, with 200� of road frontage, from a 75.7+/-acre
parcel. Stephen Bodnar addressed the Board on behalf of the Applicants,
explaining that the property is located on a Town maintained dead-end
lane.� There is a trailer on the
property, which will be removed.�
Robert Park pointed out that
Town zoning regulations would allow a second house to be located on property
without subdividing because there is sufficient property to make a legal
subdivision in future, if necessary. Mr. Bodnar explained that the land had to
be subdivided in order for the Applicants to obtain a mortgage.
Vice-chair Susan Cummings
directed the Applicants to fill out an application with the Agricultural Data
Statement, and list of neighbors, complete the SEQR short form, and provide a
survey of the property. RETURNING
Old Business:�
Review of a Special Use Permit for a law office, granted with conditions
on September 29, 2004 (Case # 04-19).
Stephen Mastaitis
1412 Rte 9P
Saratoga Springs, NY� 12866
S/B/L 193.6-1-55 Lake Commercial
Town Zoning
Officer Robert Hathaway filed a report with the Board stating that he had
spoken to Mr. Mastaitis who promised to finish all requirements �by spring.�
Vice-chair Susan
Cummings noted that Mr. Mastaitis had completed a number of items the Board had
specified as conditions for his SUP, including putting up a fence along part of
the old driveway and putting down some new asphalt.
After a brief discussion,
Laurie Griffen made a motion, seconded by Vice-chair Susan Cummings, that Mr.
Mastaitis would be sent a letter by the Planning Clerk informing him that he
would have until May 1, 2006 to complete the conditions required by the Board
when the initial SUP was granted.�
Vice-chair Susan Cummings � aye, Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci
�aye, Robert Park � aye, Laurie Griffen � aye. Carried 5� 0.
New Business:
Planning Clerk Catherine Cicero reminded the Board members that there would be
another day-long planning seminar in the Town of Easton on March 22, 2006.
The next meeting
will be March 22, 2006.�
A motion to adjourn was made at 9:17 p.m. by Laurie
Griffen and seconded by Ralph Pascucci. Vice-chair Susan Cummings � aye,
Patrick Hanehan � aye, Ralph Pascucci �aye, Robert Park � aye. Carried 5� 0.�
Respectfully
submitted,
Catherine
E. Cicero
Planning Clerk