TOWN OF ESSEX PLANNING BOARD

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Planning Board

April 21, 2011

7:00 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING

Chairman Van Hoven opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m.

Planning Board members present: Jim Van Hoven, Nick Muller, Don Hollingsworth, David Hislop, Derrick Wrisley and Mark Walker. Absent: Michelle Cassidy.

Introduction of new Planning Board Secretary, Catherine DeWolff.

Also present: Donna Lou Sonnett, Wayne Gryk, Carolyn Ware, Courtney Hughes and Bryant LaFerriere.

The Eddy Foundation Minor Subdivision Tax Map 48.1-1-24. Minor subdivision proposal to subdivide an approximately 100 acre parcel on Brookfield Road. One 10 acre parcel to include the present structures; a 90 acre parcel will remain undeveloped.

Carolyn Ware appeared as the representative for the Eddy Foundation and advised the Board that the 10 acre parcel has already been sold, with a proposed closing in June.

Hearing was held with no significant public comment. Nick Muller motioned to close the Public Hearing, Don Hollingsworth seconded, all in favor yes, motion carried.

REGULAR MEETING

Call to Order: Chairman Van Hoven called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.

Quorum present: Roll call waived as the same as above.

Acceptance of Minutes of March 17, 2011: Nick Muller moved to accept the minutes, as presented by Mr. Van Hoven. David Hislop seconded, all in favor, yes. Motioned carried.

New Business:

Draft Permit for Minor Subdivision Eddy Foundation. Applicant has received approval from the APA and the application is deemed complete. Chairman read the SEQRA: all negative declaration. Mr. Hollingsworth moved to declare a negative declaration for the SEQRA. Mr. Hislop seconded, all in favor, declaration approved. Mr. Muller motioned to adopt the permit as amended to read œapplicant has obtained APA approval and eliminating condition 1, and providing that the other conditions set forth be renumbered accordingly with an addition of No.4, which reads, œExecute within 3 months of issuance of permit or June 6. Motion seconded by the Chairman, unanimous vote yes, motion carries.

Special Use Permit: Tax Map 40.73-3-2. Proposal of Herbert and Karen Dalton to convert the building formerly occupied by Renew to use as a fitness and wellness center. Courtney Hughes, one of the three partners involved is present to represent the Daltons. Mr. Muller asked if application is complete and the Chairman answered in the affirmative. Mr. Hislop queried Ms. Hughes regarding the signage and Ms. Hughes said it would be the same size as the old Renew sign above the doorway outside. Mr. Hollingsworth asked if the premises will be open to the public. Ms. Hughes advised that was not part of the permit at this time. Mr. Muller moved to deem the application complete, seconded by Mr. Wrisley, all vote yes, motion carries. Mr. Muller moved to schedule a Public Hearing at the next regular meeting of the Planning Board on May 19, 2011. Mr. Walker seconded. Vote is all yes, motion carries.

Site Plan Review: Tax Map 40.73-4-11. Proposal of Jason Flinn to construct decks at the rear of the old Anderson residence to include a door to the upper deck and an additional window at the lower deck. Bryant Laferriere is the contractor representing Jason Flynn. Mr. Laferriere was advised that a SEQRA is still needed as part of the application process as the Planning Board is at the current time still requiring this on all projects. The Chairman advised that regarding property owner notifications, all residents of the hamlet will be advised of the project through a mass mailing. Mr. Muller moved to deem the application complete contingent upon the completed SEQRA within 10 business days. Mr. Hislop seconded, all yes, motions carries. Mr. Muller then moved for a Public Hearing on May 19, 2011, the next regular session of the Planning Board. Mr. Hollingsworth seconded, all in favor yes. Motion carries.

Site Plan Review: Tax Map 40.73-6-4.100. Proposal of Donna Sonnett to install a pre-constructed 8×10 ft. garden shed at the rear of property. Ms. Sonnett notified the Board that she will not have the shed pre-constructed as originally planned, but will have it built, thus saving her a substantial amount of money. The Chairman advised her that this will not impact or change her application. Mr. Muller questioned the set back and the Chairman advised it is a non-issue. Motion to declare the application complete by Mr. Muller, Mr. Hislop seconds, vote is all yes, motion carries. Mr. Hislop moves for a Public Hearing on May 19, 2011, Mr. Hollingsworth seconds, all yes, motion carries.

Site Plan Review: Tax Map 40.65-3-7.000. Proposal of Wayne Gryk to add an awning to the front of the building, add two windows to the north facade, add a shed roof over the entrance to the residence, replace slider and window on east facade, add door to south facade. Mr. Gryk advised that he may need more time to complete these improvements and the Chairman advised that a date of September 2012 will be written into the permit. Motion by Mr. Hislop to declare the application complete, seconded by Mr. Van Hoven. Vote is all yes, the motion carries. Mr. Hollingsworth made a motion to conduct a Public Hearing on May 19, 2011, Mr. Muller seconds, all in favor, motion carries.

Report of the Zoning Officer: The report was read and is attached to these minutes. Comment by Mr. Hollingsworth that the report contained more information than the Board needed. The Chairman advised this was because the report is the same as for the Town Board, who is requiring a more detailed account.

Report of the Chairman: Chairman Van Hoven gave an update on the Zoning Law Revision Committee. He advised that he would like to change the September meeting to the fourth Thursday (22nd), but they will hold off on this until August. Regarding the Zoning Law Revision Committee, the revisions are virtually completed. He advised that the Committee will meet on April 26, 2011, to go over it. If, ok, it will be distributed to the Planning Board and Town Board for review. The intent is for the Planning Board to approve the revisions in May or June and then go to the Town Board for Public Hearings. The goal is to get the revised law approved by September. The Chairman said the SEQRA law states that we don’t have to do a SEQR for 90% of what we do. Mr. Hislop asked then why do we have to do it now? Mr. Hollingsworth advised that it was done in the past so that the board was protected from challenges were there was a question as to the necessity of the SEQRA. The Chairman advised that this may change in the future, but for now we will leave the same.

Mr. Muller made a motion for a Resolution thanking Dr. Colleen Van Hoven for taking the minutes at the February meeting. Mr. Hollingsworth seconded, vote is all yes, the motion passes. Be it hereby resolved that the Planning Board gratefully recognizes Dr. Van Hoven for her help at the February meeting.

Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting of the Planning Board Committee was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Catherine DeWolff,

Planning Board Secretary