MINUTES OF APRIL 26, 2005 WORKSHOP MEETING
of the Town of Rochester PLANNING BOARD
held at the Town Hall, Accord, NY.
Meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM by Chairperson Melvyn Tapper.
PRESENT: Melvyn Tapper
Frank Striano, Sr.
Shane Ricks
Anthony Kawalchuk
Nadine Carney
William DeGraw
Robert Gaydos
David O’Halloran, Alternate
THE CHAZEN COMPANIES: Nancy Vlahos, Senior Planner
Jan Johannessen, Planner
Pledge to the Flag
AMPLE SELF STORAGE, Visual Impact Review
Mr. Tapper informed the Board that pictures were taken by Chazen, of the site of Ample Self Storage located on Route 209 for a visual study and the Board would discuss that at this meeting.
Shane Ricks recused himself from the Board.
The Board reviewed the pictures that were presented by Ms. Vlahos.
Ms. Vlahos stated that they were recommending the applicant prepare a visual impact analysis and selected three view points. The Board agreed upon the three view points.
Ms. Vlahos added that cross section would not be required and the photo simulation would be adequate. The Board agreed to waive the cross section requirement.
Mr. Bivona asked if a traffic study would be required.
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Mr. Vlahos stated that she would review Part II EAF and discuss this with the Board and advise the applicant of the decision.
The Board agreed to discuss the study at the next meeting.
Mr. Ricks returned to the Board
SITE PLAN CHECKLIST
Ms. Vlahos informed the Board that the Site Plan Checklist submitted was the same list previously submitted with the only change being the paragraph at the top regarding waivers.
The Board reviewed each item on the list correcting several items. It was agreed that Chazen Companies would make the Boards requested changes and forward a copy to the Planning Board Office.
ATTACHED IS A COPY OF THE CHECKLIST WITH THE PLANNING BOARDS REQUESTED CHANGES SUBMITTED BY CHAZEN COMPANIES.
Ms. Carney recommended the Planning Board to inform the Town Board of the lack of lighting requirements in the Town Zoning Code.
Motion was made by Mr. Tapper and seconded by Ms. Carney to submit the revised checklist to the Town Board for review and approval. All Members present in favor.
Michael Baden stated that the alternate member should not participate with a full board present.
Mr. Tapper informed Mr. Baden that it was a Workshop Meeting, no applications were being addressed by the Board, and therefore, the alternate member is allowed to participate.
CHAZEN COMPANIES, Planning Board Review
Ms. Vlahos informed the Planning Board Members that when Chazen was initially hired by the Town Board, the Board was no clear on whether or not Chazen should review all applications before the Planning Board. It was decided that Chazen should review all applications for the first 6 months and return for a review process. Chazen Companies recommends the continuation of review of all applications because the Town Code is very sparse and lacking regulations that could leave the Town open for certain situations.
Ultimately, it is the decision and recommendation of the Planning Board.
The Board thanked Ms. Vlahos for addressing the Board.
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Ms. Vlahos added that if the Board decided on thresholds and she is in attendance at a meeting, she would still comment or advise assistants to the Board, if requested, regarding an applicant that does not require Chazen review.
Ms. Carney stated that she would like to have all Subdivision Applications reviewed by Chazen, as Subdivision Regulations are currently being reviewed by a Committee.
Mr. DeGraw informed the Board that he was a member of that Committee and agreed that all Subdivision Applications should be reviewed by Chazen at this time.
Mr. O’Halloran stated that he was also a member of that Committee and that changing Zoning Regulations is a complex matter and it could take a considerable amount of time. He feels that it has no immediate bearing in the Planning Board procedures. The concern with the Planning Board should be that small applications should not be required to endure a lengthy and costly review process.
Ms. Carney stated that currently the Board is addressing a 2 lot subdivision within an existing approved subdivision. Should this application require a review from Chazen? Each application is different in nature.
The Board discussed the review process of lots of 1 to 2 acres, -vs- 15 to 20 acre lots. The Board members discussed necessity of Planner review for complex applications.
Mr. DeGraw recommended the Planning and Zoning Committee review this matter.
He added that all subdivisions located within approved subdivisions should require Planner review.
Ms. Carney stated that the review process should be consistent.
Mr. Kawalchuk stated that he believes the Planner review has become a deterrent to applicants and that was not the intent.
After lengthy discussion the Board Members stated the following suggestions regarding the requirements of Planner review based on the complexity of the application.
Mr. O’Halloran – 5 lots, 5 acre minimum
Mr. Ricks – 5 lots, 4 acre minimum
Mr. DeGraw – stay with every application
Mr. Kawalchuk – 5 lots, 4 acre minimum
Ms. Carney – stay with every application
Mr. Striano – 5 lots, 4 acre minimum
Mr. Tapper – 3 lots
Mr. Gaydos – 4 lots and comply with density control
Ms. Carney – stay with every application
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Mr. Tapper advised the Board to take a vote on recommending Planner review for the following:
Any subdivision over 5 lots or under 4 acres
Ayes – Mr. Striano Nye’s – Mr. Tapper
Mr. Ricks Ms. Carney
Mr. Gaydos Mr. DeGraw
Mr. Kawalchuk
The Board then discussed Planner review for Site Plan Applications.
Mr. Tapper suggested the threshold be set at 4,000 sq. ft. for new construction.
Mr. DeGraw stated that he would prefer the Planner to review all applications.
Mr. O’Halloran felt that it should be based on the complexity of the application.
Ms. Carney stated that the threshold should be 4,000 sq. ft. and any other item that would classify the project as a Type I action under SEQR review.
Mr. Tapper then indicated that 4,000 sq. ft. would be too large and the threshold should fall around 2,000.
The Chairperson advised the Board to take a vote on recommending Planner review for the following:
Any Type I action under SEQR and/or 4,000 sq. ft. for new construction.
Ayes – Mr. Striano Nye’s – Mr. DeGraw
Mr. Ricks Mr. Tapper
Ms. Carney
Mr. Gaydos
Mr. Kawalchuk
The Board voted that a Special Use Permit Application requires site plan review and should have the same threshold as Site Plan Applications.
Ayes – Mr. Striano Nye’s – Mr. DeGraw
Mr. Ricks Mr. Tapper
Mr. Gaydos Ms. Carney
Mr. Kawalchuk
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Mrs. Striano submitted the Board with the minutes of the April 19, 2005 regular meeting.
Motion was made by Ms. Carney and seconded by Mr. Striano to adjourn the meeting.
The ayes were unanimous and at 9:00 PM, Chairperson Tapper adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
Brenda Striano
Code Enforcement Office Secretary