Regular Meeting
Town of Watertown Planning Board
October 9, 2014
Members Present: Tom Boxberger, Co-Chair
Jim Smith, Co-Chair
Pam Desormo
Terry MacAdam
Randy Vaas
Mr. Smith called the rescheduled regular meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board to order at 7:00 p.m.
Motion 76-14: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mrs. Desormo to schedule a special meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board with the Tug Hill Commission for Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 77-14: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Smith to reschedule the regular November meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board for Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 78-14: Motion by Mr. Vaas, seconded by Mr. Smith to accept the minutes of the September 9, 2014 meeting as written and distributed.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 79-14: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Smith to accept the minutes of the Special October 1, 2014 meeting as corrected.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A special meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. A public hearing will be held for KDM Alliance, Inc. and the board will review the site plan for this proposed project.
SUBDIVISION
Nina Harff – 26151 County Route 160 – Tax Map #91.08-1-2.1 – Preliminary Discussion – 4 Lot Subdivision.
Patsy Storino, on behalf of Nina Harff, presented preliminary plans for a 4 lot subdivision at 26151 County Route 160, Tax Map #91.08-1-2.1. Discussion followed.
The board sees no problems with these proposed plans as all lots meet zoning requirements. Mr. Storino will come back in November with a completed application and updated plans.
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John Bellinger – 20255 NYS Route 3 – Tax Map #82.11-1-33.1 – 3 Lot Subdivision.
Mr. Boxberger stated that Mr. Bellinger approached the Town Board regarding a zone change request as directed by the planning board at their September meeting. The Town Board does not want to pursue a zone change. They feel that Mr. Bellinger should approach the Town of Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals for an Area Variance.
Mr. Bellinger discussed 2 sets of preliminary plans for a 3 lot subdivision at 20255 NYS Route 3 – Tax Map #82.11-1-33.1. Mr. Bellinger stated that he feels this is the direction the Town Board suggested that he should pursue. Discussion followed.
Mr. Bellinger needs to decide which option he wishes to pursue and approach the Town of Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals for an Area Variance with justifications for his plans.
The Planning Board cannot take any action on these proposed plans as they do not meet zoning regulations.
It is the consensus of the Town of Watertown Planning Board that Mr. Bellinger should approach the Town of Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals and that the ZBA should consult with the Joel Bartlett during this process as he has some positive views regarding opportunities for this property.
Mr. Bellinger will complete an application for an Area Variance and appear at the November meeting of the ZBA on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
KDM Alliance, Inc. (Purcell Construction) – US Route 11 – 3 Lot Subdivision.
Pat Scordo, GYMO updated board members who were unable to attend the special meeting held Wednesday, October 1, 2014 for site plan review that they have obtained conceptual approval from the NYS Department of Transportation for a proposed right-in/right-out driveway on US Route 11 and that an additional special meeting and public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. for site plan review for a 5,000 square foot office building on US Route 11, Tax Map #91.05-1-2.1. Discussion followed.
The board reviewed the plans and stated that there were discussions at the special October 1, 2014 meeting that they would not approve access from parcel to parcel through parking lots. A separate drive to allow access must be cited on the map.
An updated site plan and topography plans will be submitted by the special meeting.
Pat Scordo, GYMO & Rick Gefell, Purcell Construction, presented updated plans for a 3 lot subdivision on US Route 11. Discussion followed.
Updated subdivision plans will also be submitted for review at the special meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2014.
SITE PLAN
Morgan Development – County Route 202 – Tax Map #82.11-1-35.221 – Review of New Housing Development.
Comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 8/28/14 (Attachment #1) were entered into record.
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Mark Costich, Costich Engineering and Kevin and Todd Morgan were present.
Mr. Costich reviewed the proposed plans for the 357 unit apartment complex on County Route 202 – Tax Map #82.11-35.221. The proposed project will be built in two phases. Discussion followed.
The board would like to see sidewalks and an increase in random landscaping on County Route 202.
The board also asked what stage the transition of property to the Town for the connector road is at. Mr. Morgan stated that only preliminary discussions have taken place. A proposed drawing of the connector road was reviewed. Mr. Costich stated that plans were revised to accommodate for the connector road but the it is proposed in the 2nd phase of the construction. This drawing will be forwarded to Mr. Bartlett and the Jefferson County Department of Planning. Mr. Morgan stated that the town will be responsible for the construction of the road.
Mickey Lehman, P.E., Town Engineer and Executive Vice President of Bernier Carr & Associates was present. Mr. Lehman reviewed at letter dated 10/9/14 he compiled with comments on this proposed project (Attachment #2). Mr. Lehman stated that it is important to look at the design for the road immediately as it could impact the layout of the storm water facility. Discussion followed.
Mr. Vaas stated that he has not completed his SEQRA Determination as he is still waiting for additional information that was requested in August. He asked that the information be submitted to him as soon as possible.
The Planning Board stated they will not take any action on this proposed project until the proposed connector road to Salmon Run Mall on land between Walmart and the southern edge of the proposed development has been reached with the town. Mr. Morgan stated that he will immediately contact Mr. Bartlett to finalize this issue.
The board stated that they would agree to schedule a public hearing for site plan review with the understanding that approval will not be granted unless an agreement with the Town Board has been reached regarding the connector road and Mr. Vaas has made his SEQRA Determination.
Motion 80-14: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Smith to schedule a special meeting and public hearing for Morgan Development for site plan review for Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 81-14: Motion by Mr. MacAdam, seconded by Mr. Boxberger to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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Susan Burdick
Secretary