PLANNING BOARD
TOWN OF ROCHESTER
ULSTER COUNTY
ACCORD, NEW YORK
(845) 626-2434
MINUTES OF April 30th, 2018 Workshop Meeting of the Town of Rochester PLANNING BOARD, held at the Town of Rochester Community Center, Accord, NY.
Chairperson Lindstrom asked everyone to stand for the pledge to the Flag.
The Secretary did roll call attendance.
PRESENT: ABSENT:
Maren Lindstrom, Chairman Brian Buchbinder
Patrick Williams
Rick Jones
Alonzo Grace
Laurence DeWitt
Sam Zurofsky
Also present:
Shaye Davis, Secretary. Zorian Pinsky, Alternate. Mary Lou Christiana, Attorney for the Town.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
There were no announcements or communications.
At 7:01PM Laurence DeWitt and Rick Jones recused themselves from the meeting.
2017-05 SUP Continued Application, Public Hearing
Special Use Permit – Large-Scale Solar System
Town of Rochester (owner) and PV Engineers, PC (applicant)
Proposes a change of use and new construction on a ±67.16-acre parcel
6140 Route 209, SBL 76.1-3-17, AR-3 and AP Overlay zoning districts, Adjacent to Ulster County Ag District #3, NWI Wetlands, partial Prime Farmland on parcel
SEQRA: Type I Action, Neg. Declaration, 7/6/2017
Emilie Flannigan from Borrego Solar Projects was present. Tim Moot from Clark Patterson Lee was also present.
Chair Lindstrom went over her checklist with the Board for the application.
The Board discussed different options for fencing, (ex. slats, wood) grasses, trees and shrubbery, and other concerns brought up at previous meetings. The also discussed the decommissioning plans.
Ms. Flannigan stated that they would be willing to post a bond for the decommissioning.
The Board, applicant and Mr. Moot discussed the above mentioned concerns and came to have no further questions at that time.
2017-054SUP Continued Application, Public Hearing
Special Use Permit- Large-Scale-Solar System
Town of Rochester (Owner) and PV Engineers
Proposes a change of use and new construction on a ±30-acre parcel
Off Airport Rd., SBL 69.3-2-41.1, R-5 zoning district, Adjacent to Ulster County Ag District #3
SEQRA: Type I Action, Neg. Declaration, 7/6/2017
Emilie Flannigan from Borrego Solar Projects was present. Tim Moot from Clark Patterson Lee was also present.
Chair Lindstrom went over her checklist with the Board for the application.
The Board discussed type of fencing, (ex. animal friendly, slats, wood), Department of Transportation approval for new driveway access, trees, screening and shrubbery along with other concerns brought up at previous meetings. The also discussed the decommissioning plans.
Ms. Flannigan stated that they would be willing to post a bond for the decommissioning.
The Board asked if there was a geotech report done for the property yet.
Ms. Flannigan stated that there had not been a report done yet.
The Board asked about the driveway access.
Ms. Flannigan stated that it would be modified at 16 feet wide with no curbing but up to commercial standards.
The Board, applicant and Mr. Moot discussed the above mentioned concerns and came to have no further questions at that time.
At 9:02PM Laurence DeWitt and Rick Jones returned to the meeting.
Local Law #3 – Amendments to Chapter 140 of the TOR Zoning Code
Chair Lindstrom explained to the Board about the amendments.
Supervisor Baden was present at the meeting and gave a background to all the members of the Board.
The Board discussed the amendments and decided to do more research and look into the amendments more before taking any action.
Chair Lindstrom motioned to go over the Amendments to Chapter 140 of the TOR Zoning Code at the next Planning Board Meeting. Mr. Williams seconded the motion.
All in favor. Motion carried.
6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent, 0 abstentions
Comprehensive Plan/Heritage Plan Amendment
Chair Lindstrom gave some background on the Comprehensive Plan/Heritage Plan Amendments that the Town Board was working on.
Mr. Jones had been involved in working with the changes being made and explained to the Board what the plans were and the reasoning behind it.
Chair Lindstrom motioned to allow the Chair to write a letter to the Town Board for the amendments. Mr. Williams seconded the motion.
All in favor. Motion carried.
6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent, 0 abstentions
Chairperson Lindstrom motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:23pm. Mr. Grace seconded the motion.
All in favor. Motion carried.
6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent, 0 abstentions
Respectfully submitted,
Shaye Davis, Secretary
Adopted and accepted, June 8th, 2018