TOWN OF SARATOGA

PLANNING BOARD

MINUTES - DRAFT

June 23, 2004

7:30 PM

 

 

Chairman Ian Murray called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

Clerk Ruth Drumm called the roll.  Chairman Ian Murray – present, Susan Cummings  – present, Ralph Pascucci – absent, Albert Baker – present, Paul Griffen – present, Laurie Griffen – absent (arrived at 7:35p.m.), Robert Park – present, and Alternate Barney Drumm – present

Also attending: Sign-in sheet on file with the Planning Board Clerk.

 

Approval of Minutes: All board members present had read the minutes of the May 26, 2004 meeting.  A motion was made by Robert Park to amend the minutes of May 26, 2004, to show the vote on the approval of the April 28, 2004 minutes, Case #03-23 Walter Taras, and Case #04-10 Marc DeCastro, to show all board members present and all voting aye, and seconded by Susan Cummings to accept the minutes of May 26, 2004 as amended.  Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Ralph Pascucci – absent, Albert Baker – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert Park - aye, Laurie Griffen – absent (arrived at 7:35 p.m.), Susan Cummings – aye, and Barney Drumm - aye. 

Carried 6 – 0

 

 

Information

 

Chairman Ian Murray opened the floor to Kristi Carrara for information regarding the R.J. Valente Sand Mine Application.  She stated that a group is forming whose goal is to stop the sand mine and to prove a negative impact on the area.  They will be providing the board with the research that is gathered on the following topics: impact on health of neighboring people, effect of the mine on local water sources, the potential for noise pollution, hazardous driving conditions, and the effect on the archaeologically sensitive area.  She also raised the frontage issue as the regulations require 400 feet and there is only 240 feet existing.  She noted that they would expand their research to other topics that may help to prove the case for a negative impact on the area.  Kristi Carrara then requested time at future meetings to present their findings.  Chairman Ian Murray stated that they could present their findings under Old Business at future meetings.  The letter presented to the board will be included in the R.J. Valente file. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applicants:

Information

 

Timothy O’Brien

143 & 147 US Rt. 4

Schuylerville, NY 12871

157.-1-3.1 Rural Residential

 

Applicant is seeking information on subdividing parcel with multiple residences.  Applicant did not appear.

 

Jean Marie Frawley, Site Acquisition/Zoning Specialist

Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants, P.C.

Rural Residential

 

Applicant is seeking information on placement of a cell tower on Hayes Road, Larmon property.  Applicant did not appear.

 

Sketch Plan Review

 

Walter Taras

173 County Rt. 69

Schuylerville, NY 12871

S/B/L # 182-2-15.11 Rural District

 

Applicant is seeking a three phase major subdivision of 175 +/- acres bordered by Casey Road, County Road 69, and Hanehan Road. Jim Vianna, P.L.S., addressed the board representing Walter Taras.  He presented the conceptual subdivision plan to the board. Phase 1 consists of creating a 60 +/- acre parcel for construction of a new residence for Walter Taras, owner, on the north side of County Road 69.  Phase 2 consists of creating a horse farm on 65 +/- acres with a residence, barns, and stables on the east side of the stream that goes through the middle of the property on the south side of County Road 69 and also bordering Hanehan Road.  Phase three is the creation of a 40 +/- lot Conservation Subdivision on 50 +/- acres for single family residences along Casey Road and County Road 69 where a cornfield now exists with the open space included in the Phase 2 horse farm acreage.  Jim Vianna stated that he would do the surveying and the topography.  A landscape architect will be hired to help preserve views and limit the site of the development from the road.  He added that Dave Myers would be the engineer. Walter Taras will do his own site work.  Chairman Ian Murray stated that in Phase 3 hydrology studies with test wells will be needed and a stormwater design.  Chairman Ian Murray and Town Engineer Kenneth Martin suggested that he not file the previous 4-lot subdivision because the best spot for a roadway is through those lots and the four homes could be incorporated into Phase 3 and would be further back from the road.  Jim Vianna agreed to speak to Walter Taras regarding that.  Jim Vianna asked the board if this plan is acceptable as a conservation subdivision according to the Comprehensive Plan and the answer was yes.  They will now proceed with the engineering and further design.  Town

 

 

Engineer Kenneth Martin added that each lot would need an approved well before a Building Permit can be issued.  Applicant will return with a reworked Sketch Plan.

 

 

Preliminary Subdivision

 

# 04-12 Mark & Terri Collins

             152 Ruckytucks Rd.

 Stillwater, NY 12170
S/B/L # 182-2-15.11 Rural District

 

Applicant is seeking a two-lot subdivision.  They will be separating a 2 +/- acre lot with the existing house and garage from the present 9.6 acres for future sale.  Owner will retain the 7.6-acre parcel.  Jim Vianna P.L.S. addressed the board representing Mark and Terri Collins. Jim Vianna presented the sketch plan to the board pointing out that the roadway into the 7.6 acres will be on the corner where the site distance is best.  Jim Vianna asked if a perc test is needed or could the map be stamped with an agricultural statement instead?  After further discussion by the board, it was decided that the Agricultural Statement could be placed on the map requiring the applicant to return to the Planning Board prior to any further sales or exchanges of the property. Town Engineer Kenneth Martin offered to fax Jim Vianna the required wording.  Jim Vianna stated that he would do the complete survey of the property and have it for the next meeting. Returning

 

 Special Use Permit

 

Barney Drumm

193 Casey Rd.

Schuylerville, NY 12871

S/B/L# 182.-1-28 Rural District

 

Applicant is seeking a Special Use Permit for a sawmill on his 10-acre parcel at 193 Casey Road. Barney Drumm addressed the board.  Chairman Ian Murray read the County’s determination on the saw mill application.  The County approved with comment regarding the noise impact on a residential neighborhood. The county suggested that soundproofing materials be used and that the building be an enclosed structure if possible.  Barney Drumm responded that he could turn and face the building west towards the woods instead of east to help alleviate the effects of the noise generated.    Barney Drumm noted that there is a 120-ft. hedge buffer between the nearest neighbor’s property line and that the property is wooded.  He noted the hours of operation would be six days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  He will be doing custom sawing and retail sales.  He provided proof of neighbor notification and stated that no opposition was found.  Chairman Ian Murray suggested that a renewable permit be issued so that it could be reviewed in a year in case there are complaints.   

 

Proof of notice having been furnished a Public Hearing was held.  No one came forward for or against the sawmill.

 

Paul Griffen introduced a motion to grant the Special Use Permit conditioned on repositioning the barn and review at renewal in one year. Albert Baker seconded this. Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Ralph Pascucci – absent, Albert Baker – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert Park - aye, Laurie Griffen – aye, Susan Cummings – aye, and Barney Drumm - abstained. 

Carried 6 – 0   GRANTED as a 1 year renewable permit.

 

 

Old Business: Chairman Ian Murray advised that there has been an oversight regarding the frontage requirements for a mining operation. The required frontage is 400 feet and the R.J. Valente property on Route 29 does not have the required frontage.  After further board discussion, Robert Park made a motion to deny the Special Use Permit for the R.J. Valente Gravel Inc. mining operation due to the lack of the required frontage.  Laurie Griffen seconded this. Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Ralph Pascucci – absent, Albert Baker – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Robert Park - aye, Laurie Griffen – aye, Susan Cummings – aye, and Barney Drumm - aye. 

Carried 7 – 0   DENIED

 

New Business: None

 

The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.

 

A motion to adjourn was made at 9:06 p.m. by Susan Cummings and seconded by Barney Drumm. Chairman Ian Murray – aye, Susan Cummings  – aye, Ralph Pascucci – absent, Albert Baker – aye, Paul Griffen – aye, Laurie Griffen – aye, Robert Park – aye, and Barney Drumm - aye.  7 – 0  Carried

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Ruth L. Drumm

Clerk

 

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