Special Meeting
Town of Watertown Planning Board
January 24, 2018
Members Present: Tom Boxberger, Co-Chair
Pam Desormo, Co-Chair
Randy Vaas
Members Excused: Terry MacAdam
Jim Smith
Mr. Boxberger called the special meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board to order at 3:05 p.m.
Motion 7-18: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Vaas to waive the reading of the January 2, 2018 minutes until the March 5, 2018 meeting.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
SUBDIVISION/SITE PLAN
Mike Lundy – Agribusiness Park Project – NYS Route 3 – Tax Map #82.00-2-1 – Subdivision/Site Plan
Mike Lundy wanted to talk with the board about the application process for the proposed Agribusiness Park Project on NYS Route 3 – Tax Map #82.00-2-1. He submitted a preliminary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for the proposed meat plant. His plan is to clear and stabilize the property in phases of less than 5 acres at a time and then to maintain the land until a concept plan can be presented to the Board. The plans call for leaving a 20′ natural buffer along the boundary where the church is located. Discussion followed.
Mr. Lundy wanted to know if there are any permits or applications he needs to apply for to begin clearing the land now. He may want to contract out the land to farmers for planting in the spring. Mr. Vaas stated that he would check and get back to Mr. Lundy. In the meantime, he was told he can cut brush if he does not disturb the ground. He could also contact DEC himself for a permit if he plans on digging in the dirt.
Mr. Lundy stated that a study on whether the plans for the meat packing plant are viable should be complete by the end of March or beginning of April by Dakota Global. If all goes well, he would then develop an overall Storm Water Plan for the entire project and make it flexible so it can be modified overtime to fit each building project. Discussion followed.
Mr. Lundy would like to know what information the Board wants from him when the application and plans are submitted for the proposed meat packing plant (noise, odor, traffic issues, etc.) Discussion followed.
Board members would be interested setting up a visit for a few members to a meat packing plant. They would also like to talk with municipalities who have an operating meat packing plant who may answer questions about the impact it has on the community. Mr. Lundy will find out the best place to contact.
Mr. Boxberger stated that the Board is looking into creating a Manufacturing Ag District for the property where the proposed meat packing plant would be and leaving the front area Neighborhood Commercial.
Board members suggested that Mr. Lundy should submit the site plan application for the meat packing plant on the 100 acres before submitting the subdivision application.
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Mr. Lundy will let the board know when he has more information to give them on this proposed project.
Robert Hawthorne – 19629 Woodside Drive – Tax Map #82.20-2-64.1 – 2 Lot Subdivision.
The board reviewed the proposed plans submitted by Mr. Hawthorne, 19629 Woodside Drive, Tax Map #82.20-2-64.1 for a 2 lot subdivision. Discussion followed.
Motion 8-18: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Vaas to schedule a public hearing for Robert Hawthorne, 19629 Woodside Drive, Tax Map #82.20-2-64.1, for a 2 lot subdivision for Monday, March 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 9-18: Motion by Mrs. MacAdam, seconded by Mr. Vaas to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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Susan Burdick
Secretary