Regular Meeting
Town of Watertown Planning Board
June 1, 2020
Members Present: Tom Boxberger, Co-Chair (via Zoom)
Pam Desormo, Co-Chair
Jim Smith
Terry MacAdam
Randy Vaas
Mrs. Desormo called the regular meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board to order at 3:00 p.m.
Motion 32-20: Motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to accept the minutes from the May 4, 2020 meeting as written and distributed.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC HEARING – SUBDIVISION
Lee Castor & Suzette Castor – 22534/22568 – Ridge Road – Tax Map #83.11-1-23 –
2 Lot Subdivision.
Legal notice was posted in the newspaper and evidence that adjacent property owners were notified was provided.
The public hearing was opened at 3:03 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak. The public hearing was closed at 3:04 p.m.
Lundy Development & Property Management – Jefferson County Industrial Park – Lot #2 – Tax Map #73.20-1-26 – 2 Lot Subdivision.
Legal notice was posted in the newspaper and evidence that adjacent property owners were notified was provided.
The public hearing was opened at 3:04 p.m.
Ed Valentine was present. Mr. Valentine asked that his email dated 5/31/20 (Attachment #1) and email dated 6/1/20 (Attachment #2) by entered into record.
Mr. Valentine stated that he welcomes any development that is proposed and any new business in the Jefferson County Industrial Park.
He believes this is the perfect opportunity to talk about the current parking violations on the Penske Lot #2. Mr. Valentine spoke with the Code Enforcement Officer and submitted numerous pictures. He would like the Town to address the parking issues. He believes that the proposed subdivision of the property (Lot #2) would leave Penske with inadequate parking creating further parking violations.
The public hearing was closed at 3:10 p.m.
Mr. Smith believes that parking issues are a Code Enforcement issue and not something the Planning Board should get involved with.
Mr. Boxberger and Mrs. Desormo stated that Mr. Valentine’s concerns will be addressed during the subdivision process later in the meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING – SITE PLAN
Lundy Development & Property Management – Jefferson County Industrial Park – Lot #2B – Tax Map #73.20-1-26 – Site Plan.
Legal notice was posted in the newspaper.
The public hearing was opened at 3:12 p.m.
Ed Valentine was present. Mr. Valentine requested to review the site plan for the proposed Lot #2B.
Mr. Valentine stated that he welcomes new businesses to the Industrial Park. He is hopeful that the proposed project has the proper setbacks and meets both Town Codes and Park Covenants.
Mr. Valentine stated that due to COVID 19, he feels that it has been difficult for everyone to communicate on what is going on with new projects and that the proposed projects on today’s agenda lack public notification and a chance to have the public comments.
Mr. Valentine was given a copy of the site plan for review and the Board will allow further comments from Mr. Valentine during the Site Plan process.
The public hearing was closed at 3:14 p.m.
Lundy Development & Property Management – Jefferson County Industrial Park – Lot #10 – Tax Map #73.20-1-2.17 – Site Plan.
Legal notice was posted in the newspaper.
The public hearing was opened at 3:15 p.m.
Ed Valentine was present. He requested to review the site plan for the proposed Lot #10. He again stated that he welcomes new businesses to the Industrial Park and is hopeful that the proposed project has the proper setbacks and meets both Town Codes and Park Covenants.
He emphasized again that he wished the public was more involved with a chance to review the proposed projects and believes that due to COVID 19 restrictions that has not happened.
The public hearing was closed at 3:16 p.m.
SIGN PERMIT
Spectrum – Allied Signs – 21290 County Route 202 – Store C – Morgan Route 202 Shops, LLC – Tax Map #82.11-1-41.1 – Sign Permit.
Greg Fishel presented proposed plans for exterior signs for Spectrum at 21290 County Route 202, Store C, Tax Map #82.11-1-41.1. Discussion followed.
Motion 33-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to approve signage for Spectrum, 21290 County Route 202, Store C, Tax Map #82.11-1-41.1 as shown of plans drawn by MC Group, dated 4/14/20, pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 for signage on the front and back of the building. The signage meets Town requirements.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A Zoning Permit is also required.
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Farm Credit East – 25417 NYS Route 12 – Tax Map #91.11-1-43 – Site Plan & Sign Permit
Kathryn Canzonier, Farm Credit East was present and Teresa Derup, Altonview Architects was present via Zoom.
Ms. Canzonier presented proposed plans for an update to an existing sign which will have Dark Sky Compliant lighting. She also presented proposed plans for a remodel of the existing building including new lighting, grading to address drainage problems, landscaping, a patio, and additional parking. Discussion followed.
Motion 34-20: Motion by Mr. MacAdam, seconded by Mr. Smith to waive site plan review for Farm Credit East, 25417 NYS Route 12, Tax Map 91.11-1-43 as there are no structural changes to the building, the proposed exterior work is very minor, the slight increase in parking will have no impact and the drainage issues have been addressed with Jefferson County Soil & Water.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 35-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to approve signage for Farm Credit East, 25417 NYS Route 12, Tax Map #91.11-1-43 as shown on plans prepared by Altonview Architects, P.C., Sheet SK-6.1 – A1.01 & Sheet SK-6.2 – A2.01, both with a final revision date of 5/28/20.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A Zoning Permit is also required.
SUBDIVISION
Lundy Development & Property Management – Jefferson County Industrial Park – Lot #2 – Tax Map #73.20-1-26 – 2 Lot Subdivision.
Mr. Boxberger stated that he reviewed Mr. Valentine’s email this afternoon and after checking around, he believes that Mr. Valentine did the proper thing by contacting the Town of Watertown Code Enforcement Officer with his concerns regarding parking violations on Lot #2 in the Jefferson County Industrial Park.
This is a matter of an existing business being in non-compliance. The Code Enforcement Officer has the right to go on site and inspect the situation.
Mr. Boxberger stated that the Planning Board cannot use non-compliance by Penske as a factor in determining whether or not to issue subdivision approval.
Currently Mr. Lundy owns both the land and building that Penske leases. Mr. Lundy has given Penske a parking easement west of the lease line. Mr. Lundy may continue to allow Penske to park on his property should the subdivision be approved although he is under no obligation to do so.
Mrs. Desormo added that she reviewed the records regarding site plan approval on Lot #2 and site plan approval was granted for a spec building which did not limit any parking due to the fact that it was unknown who the spec building was for. Mrs. Desormo does not believe that it is in violation of the site plan that was approved for the spec building.
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Additionally, the Code Enforcement Officer has been notified and will address the complaint accordingly.
Mr. Lundy presented updated plans for a 2 lot subdivision for Lot #2 in the Jefferson County Industrial Park – Tax Map #73.20-1-26.
Lot descriptions are being finalized and will be submitted along with the names of all adjacent property owners listed on the plans. Discussion followed.
Motion 36-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Vaas to approve a 2 lot subdivision for Lundy Development & Property Management, Lot #2, Tax Map #73.20-1-26 in the Jefferson County Industrial Park, County Route 200. Lot #2A will consist of 1.43 acres. Lot #2B will consist of 3.64 acres as shown on plans prepared by LaFave, White & McGivern, signed by Robert J. Busler, dated 2/24/20, File #2020L-01, Sheet 1 of 1, conditional upon submission of updated plans showing a list of adjacent property owners and satisfactory review of lot descriptions.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
SITE PLAN
Lundy Development & Property Management – County Route 200 – Jefferson County Industrial Park – Lot #2B – Tax Map #73.20-1-26 – Site Plan
Comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 5/28/20 were entered into record (Attachment #3).
Mr. Lundy submitted a revised site plan for Lot #2B in the Jefferson County Industrial Park – Tax Map #73.20-1-26.
Mr. Lundy addressed some of the comments submitted by the Jefferson County Department of Planning.
$ Dark Sky compliant lighting is identified on the updated plans
$ The SWPPP will be updated prior to permits being issued
$ A pedestrian walkway does not exist on any other lot in the park
$ The western boundary is the drainage swale so no landscape buffer has been addresses
Mr. Lundy stated that he has not addressed the Agricultural Data Statement. He wants guidance from the Planning Board on how to do this.
Sara Freda, Community Development Coordinator, Jefferson County Department of Planning was present at the meeting and will provide a standard form to address this issue.
Additionally, Sara Freda spoke briefly regarding FAA Part 77 Surfaces. The Watertown International Airport Manager stated that applicants may be required to complete a FAA Form 7460-1 (Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration) on any project site located within the geographic boundaries of the airport’s FAA Part 77 Surfaces. The form allows the FAA to make a determination regarding any potential impact to the airport’s imaginary surfaces. Paperwork was provided (Attachment #4). Discussion followed.
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$ This matter needs to be the responsibility of the Developer and not the Planning Board
$ The Town/County/FAA need to work together so as not to hold up a proposed project for 45-60 days.
$ The Planning Board may use a condition until better guidance from the Airport Manager & County is established.
Mr. Lundy continued to present site plans for Lot #2B. This lot will be used for a Lunco Warehouse & Fabrication Facility. Discussion followed.
Mr. Valentine was allowed to comment after his review of the site plans. Mr. Valentine asked that Planning Board hold off approval at this time and asked that the public hearing remain open to allow further review of the application and allow the community more time to comment.
Mr. Boxberger state that the public hearing has already been closed.
Motion 37-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Boxberger to grant site plan approval for Lundy Development & Property Management for Lot #2B in the Jefferson County Industrial Park, Tax Map #73.20-1-26 as shown on plans prepared by Harrington & Mosher Architects, P.C., signed by David Mosher, dated 5/12/20, Sheets L-0, L-1, L-2, L-3, PH-1 & SK-2 all with an issued date of 5/12/20 and a final revision date of 5/28/20, conditional that no sign shall be installed without receiving approval, a modified SWPPP will be submitted prior to the issuing of a zoning permit, submission of the Agricultural Data Statement, all adjacent property owners will be cited on the plans, the Developer will be responsible for submission of the FAA Form 7460-1, if necessary, and that the exterior finish of the building will be consistent with the adjoining Penske Building.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A Zoning Permit is also required.
Lundy Development & Property Management – County Route 200 – Lot #10 – Jefferson County Industrial Park – Tax Map #73.20-1-2.17 – Site Plan.
Comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 5/28/20 were entered into record (Attachment #5).
Mr. Lundy submitted updated plans for Lot #10, Tax Map #73.20-1-2.17 in the Jefferson County Industrial Park including a revised building elevation plan.
Mr. Lundy addressed comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning
$ Lighting is Dark Sky Complaint
$ An updated SWPPP will be submitted and include Lot #11.
$ A shared driveway will be used for Lot #10 & Lot #11
$ Parking is shown on the plans
$ A pedestrian walkway does not exist on any other lot in the Park
Mr. Lundy’s plan show the 50′ setback required by Town Zoning. Many buildings in the Park have 50′ front setbacks. The covenant restrictions with JCIDA require a 75′ front
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setback. These restrictions are outdated and need to be addressed. Mr. Lundy will default to the JCIDA as to what they want and make modifications if they require the 75′ setbacks. Discussion followed.
Motion 38-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to grant site plan approval for Lundy Development & Property Management for Lot #10 in the Jefferson County Industrial Park, Tax Map #73.20-1-2.17 for a new distribution center as shown on plans prepared by Harrington & Mosher Architects, P.C., signed by David Mosher, with an issue date of 5/12/20 and the latest revision date of 5/28/20, Project #L20-11, Sheet L-1, L-2, L-3, PH-1 & SK-1, conditional upon extending the front setback of 50′ required by the Town to 75′ if required by the JCIDA and submitting revised plans to the Town, the SWPPP shall be submitted prior to the issuance of the zoning permit, the Developer will be responsible for submission of the FAA Form 7460-1, if necessary, exterior finishes shall be consistent with nearby properties, parking to comply with ADA requirements shall be provided, all adjacent property owners to be listed on the plans, and the submission of the correct site plan fee.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A Zoning permit is also required.
Washington Summit – 22708 Summit Drive – Lot #7 in Washington Summit – Site Plan
Mr. Lundy submitted updated plans for Lot #7 at 22708 Summit Drive in Washington Summit. Mr. Lundy will be moving the existing AAA Building located at 19472 US Route 11 and re-assembling the building on Lot #7 in Washington Summit. Discussion followed.
$ The location and design of the pedestal sign needs to be cited.
$ An inlay of the entire lot needs to be submitted.
A demolition permit is required along with the zoning permit.
Motion 39-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Vaas to grant site plan approval for Lot #7, 22708 Summit Drive, Washington Summit as shown on plans prepared by Harrington & Mosher Architects, P.C., Signed by David Mosher, dated 4/27/20 with the latest revision date of 6/1/20, Job #2020-06, Sheet S-1, PH-1, SK-2, conditional upon the neighboring property owners being listed on the map, an inlay map showing the entire lot, and the exterior finish being consistent with properties within Washington Summit.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
TI AG Park, LLC – 19970 NYS Route 3 – Tax Map #82.00-1-1 – Lot #8 – construction of a 19,520 square foot Warehouse & Processing Facility – Site Plan.
Comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 5/28/20 were entered into record (Attachment #6).
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Mr. Lundy had this project referred to the Jefferson County Department of Planning although it does not require their review.
Mr. Lundy submitted updated plans for the construction of a 19,520 square foot Warehouse & Processing Facility at 19970 NYS Route 3, Tax Map #82.00-1-1 – Lot #8. The plans include an updated lighting plan and a listing of adjacent property owners.
Mr. Lundy submitted a Master Plan that shows the multiple phases in the TI Ag Park and a separate site plan for Lot #8 for approval.
The plans include an extension of the Town Road with a hammerhead as discussed at the last meeting. A modification of the subdivision plans will be submitted to incorporate the hammerhead if site plan is approved. Discussion followed.
Motion 40-20: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mrs. Desormo to schedule a public hearing for TI Ag Park, LLC site plan for the construction of a 19,520 square foot Warehouse & Processing Facility at 19970 NYS Route 3, Tax Map #82.00-1-1, Lot #8 for Monday, July 6, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
An additional application fee is required due to the square footage of the building.
SUBDIVISION
Lee & Suzette Castor – 25534/25568 Ridge Road – Tax Map #83.11-1-23 – 2 Lot Subdivision.
The Board reviewed the proposed plans for a 2 lot subdivision for Lee & Suzette Castor, 22534/22568 Ridge Road, Tax Map #83.11-1-23.
The plans meet setback requirements. Discussion followed.
Motion 41-20: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to grant a 2 lot subdivision for Lee & Suzette Castor, 22534/22568 Ridge Road, Tax Map #83.11-1-23 as shown on plans prepared by William Dorr, dated 5/9/20, File #20-7, with a survey date of 4/29/20.
Ayes – 4
Abstention – 1 (Tom Boxberger)
Motion Carried
Motion 42-20: Motion by Mr. MacAdam, seconded by Mrs. Desormo to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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Susan Burdick
Secretary