DRAFT
Town of Essex Planning Board
MINUTES
Regular Meeting February 20, 2014
Essex Town Hall
Call to Order
Chair Van Hoven called the Regular Meeting of the Planning Board to order at 7:00PM and led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Attendance
Present: Chairman James Van Hoven, Mark Walker, Janellen Fortune, Thomas Stransky, H. Nicholas Muller III, Derrick Wrisley, Catherine DeWolff, Secretary
Absent: Olive Alexander, David Hislop, Nancy Dougal
Also present: Anita Shapiro, Gert Thorn, David Sayre and Lauren Murphy, the Town Codes Officer
Approval of minutes of February 6, 2014.
On a motion to accept the minutes of February 6, 2014 by Mr. Muller and seconded by Mr. Wrisley, the motion passes by unanimous vote of Aye-6 No-0
Old Business
None
New Business
Tax Map #0.73-5-8.000 – Pataki – 312 School Street, Essex, NY 12936 – Site Plan Review /Special Use Permit to restore existing enclosed front porch to original, Victorian era, open porch, remove wooden deck on south side and face same with stone. Office will have outside entrance only.
David Sayre appeared as representative of the applicant and presented the project to the Board. The Chair advised that since this action was in the Historic District, he contacted SHPO who said that our local board will have jurisdiction. That is not to say that we can’t rely on them for advice. Mr. Muller commented on the new forms being used as superior, however, there was no signatory line available for a representative on it. There was a discussion of the forms. A signatory line for the representatives will be added. Mr. Stransky asked about a bathroom in the office. Mr. Sayre advised that the office will be for occasional use with no bathroom. Ms. Murphy advised that spaces are as they are now and there will be no real change. Mr. Stransky asked about what happens when the property is sold and if it then stays the two units. Ms. Murphy responded that if they sell and want something else, they would have to come to us.
On a motion to declare the Pataki applications complete by Mr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Stransky, the Pataki applications are declared complete by a unanimous vote of the Board, Aye- – 6 No – 0
On a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on the Pataki applications for Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., by Mr. Muller and seconded by Mr. Wrisley, the motion carries with unanimous vote of the Board Aye – 6 No – 0
The Chairman described the SEQRA process to the Board and that will need to pay attention to that at the next meeting.
Tax Map #49.7-4-5.000 – Thorn – Wildacre Way, adjacent to 87 Wildacre Way, Essex, NY 12936 – Minor Subdivision: A four acre lot divided into two 2 acre lots just north of the Crater Club.
The Applicant, Gert Thorn, presented his project to the Board. He explained that he has applied for a curb cut to access the lots. His hope is to preserve the scenic meadow as an open space. There is no APA involvement. There will be an easement to preserve the view angle. The property is not in the Crater Club. There was a discussion of the application.
On a motion to declare the application complete by Mr. Muller, seconded by Mr. Wrisley, the motion to declare the application complete carries by unanimous vote: Aye – 6 No – 0
On a motion to schedule a Public Hearing on March 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., by Mr. Muller, seconded by Mr. Stransky, the motion carries by unanimous vote: Aye – 6 No-0
Chair’s Report
Chair Van Hoven gave the Board an update of the By-laws that he and Mr. Muller had been working on. They will be reviewed at our April meeting. A copy was sent to Attorney William Kissell for his review. He further stated that he would like a resolution from the Town Board regarding our 4 hours of training requirement. The Chairman advised that he has already taken some of his training online.
Report of the Zoning Officer
The Chairman complimented Ms. Murphy on a very comprehensive and well done report.
Public Comment
Anita Shapiro spoke to the Board about the street light outside of her house which is bright and obnoxious and wondered if the Board could do anything about it. Some of the lights were orange and some bright white. She suggested some kind of conformity particularly in the Historic District.
Chairman Van Hoven said he would be glad to write a letter to NYSEG suggesting such kind of conformity.
Adjourn
With nothing further to come before the Town of Essex Planning Board, a motion to adjourn is made by Mr. Muller, seconded by Mr. Wrisley. The meeting is adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Catherine DeWolff, Secretary
