LERAY PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES
February 15, 2007
Other Attendees: John Hartzel –JCIDA, Rob Sands-GYMO, Kathy Cook, Tabitha Davis, Thomas Kennedy.
3. Reading and Approval of Minutes: The minutes for February 1, 2007 were received, and there were no modifications. Mr. Hobbs made a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Cameron seconded the motion, which carried with a vote of 6-0.
Eagle Ridge Townhouses:
Final Site Plan Review to construct Phases 1 and 2 of an overall 648 unit townhouse project located along NYS Rt. 342.
Mr. Hobbs asked if the Town Engineer, Mr. Kris Dimmick was satisfied with the revised plans. Chairman Tontarski responded that he was. He also stated as a reminder that the Planning Board is only looking at approving Phases 1 and 2 of the project. Mrs. Jenack updated the Planning Board on which agencies had signed off on the project. The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are now satisfied with the project changes to eliminate impacts to the Indiana bat. The only outstanding issue is a permit from the ACOE for the wetland impacts and mitigation. Mr. Jordan needs to submit a wetland mitigation plan to the ACOE for their review for the off-site wetland that is being proposed. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has approved their access roads.
Chairman Tontarski provided an update on the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approvals. According to discussions with the Town Engineer, the agencies have been given at least eighty days to review the plans and their issues are very minor in regards to the design of the sewer and water systems. Mrs. Jenack has copies of letters from the City of Watertown and Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) stating that the City has adequate capacity to accept sewer flows from DANC and that the Authority’s systems have adequate water and sewer capacity for the project.
Mr. Putney made a motion as Lead Agency to conduct the environmental review for the Type 1 Action and Mr. Vebber seconded. This motion passed 6-0. Based on the information and analysis, it was determined that the proposed action would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. A motion to declare a negative declaration was made by Mr. Biondolillo and seconded by Mr. Hobbs. This motion passed 6-0. A motion to deem the application complete was made by Mr. Cameron and seconded by Mr. Putney. This motion passed 6-0.
Mr. Putney made a motion to review the Final Site Plan and Mr. Vebber seconded. This motion passed 6-0. Mr. Cameron made a motion to approve Phases 1 and Phase 2 of the Final Site Plan and any common area portions necessary for the operation of Phase 1 and Phase 2. This motion was seconded by Mr. Vebber and passed 6-0. Chairman Tontarski concluded the project would begin in the Spring and Phase 1 would be completed before Phase 2 was started. Mrs. Jenack will send Mr. Jordan an approval letter.
Tabitha Davis – Preliminary Subdivision Review:
Two (2) lot subdivision, tax parcel # 55.00-1-68.1 located on Farrell Road.
The Planning Board members reviewed the Preliminary Subdivision Plan. Mr. Cameron made a motion as Lead Agency to conduct the environmental review for the Unlised Action and Mr. Biondolillo seconded. This motion passed 6-0. Based on the information and analysis, it was determined that the proposed action would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. A motion to declare a negative declaration was made by Mr. Cameron and seconded by Mr. Vebber. This motion passed 6-0. A motion to deem the application complete was made by Mr. Putney and seconded by Mr. Cameron. This motion passed 6-0. Mr. Cameron then made a motion to set a public hearing for March 1st at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Hobbs seconded and the motion passed 6-0.
LeRay Crossing – Project Updates
Mr. Thomas Kennedy provided an update on the project. He stated that they were making progress on a number of issues. There are two surveyed wetlands on the project site according to a report prepared by EDR. However, they will not be impacting the wetland near West Creek. Their project will affect a 3.35 acre wetland in the NYSDOT drainage easement. This wetland falls under the ACOE jurisdiction and will require a permit and most likely off-site mitigation.
They hired TES to do a report on threatened and endangered species. Specifically, they reviewed habitat on-site for the piping plover, bald eagle, and the Indiana bat. FWS agreed that the site did not contain habitat for the bald eagle or piping plover, however they would like to see the site plan for the project in regards to possible bat roosting sites. Once the weather permits, TES will look for broken trees on-site and submit site photos as well as the site plan for review.
They hired Tracker to do a Phase 1 Archeological Study of the project site. It indicated that there may be a ruin site, so a Phase 2 Archeological Study must now be completed. Mr. Kennedy said that he had spoken with the Town Engineer, Mr. Kris Dimmick and he thought it would be a good idea if they petitioned the town for both a drainage and lighting district. Mr. Kennedy said that the owners of KFC have just agreed to the districts so they are beginning to draft petitions.
Mr. Kennedy then turned the discussion over to his engineer, Mr. Rob Sands with GYMO. He states that he had submitted sewer and water plans to the Town Engineer and that Mr. Dimmick was okay with sending the plans to DOH. However, Mr. Dimmick asked them to tie into the towns forced sewer main. Mr. Sands also mentioned that they had spoken with both Loren Gosselin and Lorraine Tuturro with NYSDOT. The existing access drive will most likely be a right in and right out only. The design of the other access road takes into consideration the widening of US Route 11.
Mr. Kennedy mentioned that some of the businesses may include an auto parts store, drug store, hotel and medical office building. Chairman Tontarski asked how the project will proceed and Mr. Kennedy said that he expected to begin in June 2007. If there was sufficient demand for the existing project site, he may consider acquiring the adjacent property.
Spectra –Final Site Plan Approval:
The Planning Board reviewed the revised Site Plan and noted that all concerns had been satisfactorily addressed. Chairman Tontarski stated that all permits have been attained and the Town Engineer is satisfied. Mr. Biondolillo made a motion to approve the Site Plan without conditions and Mr. Putney seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
Mr. Michael Leggero-Preliminary Site Plan Review for a used auto sales facility located along the south side of Route 11, tax parcel # 65.17-1-6.
There was discussion that at the last meeting, Final Approval was issued with the condition that the owner had to hookup the building to municipal water and be willing to allow an internal access road. Chairman Tontarski explained that Mrs. Jenack and him had investigated the internal access road and determined that the road would be entirely on town land. Now the issue is that the owner does not want to hookup due to the cost. It was reiterated that hookup to municipal water is a condition of Site Plan approval and that the used auto sales business will not be allowed to exist without approval.
Chairman Tontarski asked Mr. Russell to explain the process for merchants that are coming into a strip mall. Mr. Russell is requiring them to get a Zoning Permit so that he knows who each tenant is. Mr. Hobbs asked what is done when a tenant moves out and a new one moves in? Mr. Russell replied that they will need to get a Zoning Permit to move in. He will hold back the Sign Permit if they do not apply for a Zoning permit. Mr. Tontarski stated that the Planning Board would only need to use Site Plan Renewal for those uses that are discontinued for over one year or more.
There being no other business, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Biondolillo and seconded by Mr.Vebber. The motion passed with a vote 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.