Regular Meeting
Town of Watertown Planning Board
September 11, 2023
Members Present: Tom Boxberger, Co-Chair
Pam Desormo, Co-Chair
Terry MacAdam
Jim Smith
Randy Vaas
Members Excused: Jean Waterbury, Alternate
Mr. Boxberger called the rescheduled regular September meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board to order at 3:00 p.m.
Motion 73-23: Motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to accept the minutes of the August 7, 2023 meeting as written and distributed.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC HEARING – SITE PLAN
Cala Morgia – 18590 County Route 65 – Tax Map #90.00-6-25.5 – Dog Kennel – Site Plan.
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper and that adjacent property owners were notified.
The public hearing was opened at 3:02 p.m.
• Christian Roderick – 18511 County Route 65, submitted a letter dated September 9, 2023 in opposition to the approval of site plan for a dog kennel for Cala Morgia at 18590 County Route 65 (Attachment #1).
This letter is signed by adjacent property owners who ask that the Board review the following concerns:
• landscaped buffers between adjacent properties,
$ signage, lighting, noise, and building/structures that keep with the character of the neighborhood,
$ proposed water supply and sewage disposal facility that is safe and adequate, and
$ maintain the character of the neighborhood which is quiet and peaceful.
Mr. Roderick also stated that he wants to make sure that his well will not be contaminated.
$ Amber Richardson, 18538 County Route 65, also signed the letter submitted by Mr. Roderick.
Mrs. Richardson asked that the Board take into consideration noise, increased traffic, odor, and whether a kennel will affect property values in the neighborhood.
Mrs. Richardson was also concerned that her two dogs may run across the road if dogs from the kennel are barking.
$ Andrea Morgia, Cala’s mother, stated that she addressed all the concerns of the neighbor’s with Cala prior to today’s meeting.
$ With regards to barking dogs at night, Cala will have the dogs inside the kennel at night. When you sit outside of Cala’s property at night now, you can hear coy dogs barking.
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$ With regards to property values, Cala has and will follow all town codes regarding the construction of the kennel. It will be a very nice looking building just as her house is. This building will not be an eyesore.
$ Cala will address a landscape buffer between adjacent properties.
• Keira Morgia, Cala’s sister, stated that she owns and operates a pet business out of Clayton, NY. She does in-home pet sitting. She stated that Cala’s plans are not like a regular kennel. Each dog will have its own room. This amenity is not available in this area and is greatly needed. This will be a great benefit to the area. These dogs will be safe and comfortable.
• Ann Morosini, 18562 County Route 65, also signed the letter submitted by Mr. Roderick.
$ Mrs. Morosini stated that she admires everything that Cala is doing; however, she does not believe that it belongs in the neighborhood. The reason she bought the property is because she loves the peace and quiet. She is very concerned with an increase in traffic. She has grandchildren who love to run around the yard. It does not belong in the quite country setting of the neighborhood.
$ Herman Morosini, 18562 County Route 65, also signed the letter submitted by Mr. Roderick. He is concerned with the setback requirements on the plans. He is also concerned with the swale and whether it will run off and contaminate the area and whether windows will be facing his property. He also stated that the coy dog barking is very far off in the distance.
• Michael Hibbard, 18590 County Route 65, Cala’s fiancé, and the owner of the property spoke. He stated that he hears everything that the neighbors are saying and has thought about every concern they have brought up and has addressed each concern during the planning this kennel. He will be adding a tree-line buffer from the front of the property to the back.
Mr. Boxberger stated that he wanted to let the neighbors know the process this proposed project has to go through.
He stated that the Planning Board consulted with the Town’s Attorney regarding this unique situation occurring in a residential zone. Our zoning does allow this and that is a legal interpretation by the Town Attorney that the Planning Board accepts.
This project will require a comprehensive site plan review. This public hearing is the first steps of that review.
Other concerns the Board will address are: buffering, setbacks, appearance, landscape, separation distances, lighting, traffic, etc.
It is the job of the Planning Board to look out for the best interest of the Town to the best extent that they legally can. This is an allowed use, if the plans conform to zoning requirements; they are allowed to build the kennel. The Planning Board can also impose additional requirements to maintain the character of the neighborhood.
• Ron Lee, 18431 County Route 65, also signed letter submitted by Mr. Roderick.
Mr. Lee believes that this will be an eyesore to the neighborhood. He also wants clarification regarding setback requirements.
• Cala Morgia, 18590 County Route 65, address everyone regarding her plans for the proposed dog kennel.
She stated that she personally approached her closest neighbors regarding her plans for this dog kennel on her property. She does not want any problems with her neighbors, she
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likes the neighborhood, has a beautiful home and does not want this to affect the value of her property either.
She explained that although she would love to do this at another property, she cannot afford to. She is a young mom who needs to get her children on and off the bus, she has children who take naps, and simply cannot afford day care.
The plans she is proposing has addressed all the neighbors concerns, it will be very nice building. She wants to work with all her neighbors. She has over 25 letters of recommendation regarding her character.
• Residents asked to see the proposed plans. Mr. Boxberger stated that they are available at the Town Clerks office during regular business hours. The Board will also be reviewing the plans later in the agenda tonight for those neighbors who wish to stay and listen.
At this time, Mr. Boxberger adjourned the public hearing until Monday, October 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. At which time the public hearing will be reconvened. There will be no need to address any comments discussed tonight. All comments from tonight, including the letter submitted by Mr. Roderick, are on the record.
PUBLIC HEARING – SITE PLAN
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – Lot 4D – 4,000 Square Foot Medical Building – Site Plan.
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper.
The public hearing was opened at 3:34 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak. The public hearing was closed at 3:35 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING – SPECIAL USE/SITE PLAN
Tower/Compound Owner: Crown Atlantic LLC (dba – Crown Castel) – 17668 Old Rices Road – Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2 – Cell Tower Antennas (Cornell & Scorzelli, LLC) – Special Use/Site Plan
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper.
The public hearing was opened at 3:35 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak. The public hearing was closed at 3:36 p.m.
SIGN PERMIT
JS Styling – 18890 US Route 11 – Tax Map #91.09-1-8.1 – Sign Permit.
Luis Sosa submitted proposed plans for signage for his business at 18890 US Route 11, Tax Map #91.09-1-8.1. The monument sign will be one 8′ x 4′ and is currently up. Mr. Sosa also has one 3′ x 9′ sign currently on the building. Discussion followed.
The monument style sign needs to have a decorative base and the placement needs to be cited on the plans meeting all setback requirements. Mr. Sosa will come back to the October 2, 2023 meeting with updated plans for the decorative base on the monument sign and placement after he checks with the New York State Department of Transportation regarding setback requirements.
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The Board also asked if the owner of the building will be removing the Watertown Auto Sales on the canopy of the building. Mr. Sosa stated he would check with the owner.
It is the consensus of the Board that the JS Styling sign on the building meets zoning requirements.
Next Step Floral Design – 19177 US Route 11 – Tax Map #91.05-1-5 – Sign Permit
Kate Millard presented sign plans for Next Step Floral Design, 19177 US Route 11, Tax Map #91.05-1-5.
She plans to take the previously approved sign off the building and making a two sided monument sign for out front so it is more visible to the public. Discussion followed.
Motion 74-23: Motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to grant sign approval to Next Step Floral Design, 19177 US Route 11, Tax Map #91.05-1-5 as shown on 3 pages of plans dated 9/11/23.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A zoning permit will be needed.
SPECIAL USE & SITE PLAN
AT & T – Cell Tower Upgrades on Water Tower – 22869 County Route 67 – Tax Map #91.05-1-55.1 – Special Use Permit & Site Plan
Brenda Blask-Lewis, on behalf of AT & T discussed the plans to upgrades to the cell towers on the Water Tower located at 22869 County Route 67, Tax Map #91.05-1-55.1. The is upgrade is a simple modification to the existing equipment involving replacing the old antennas with new ones, adding radios, and reinforcing the existing mounts. The public hearing held on August 7, 2023 but no one from AT & T was present. Discussion followed.
Motion 75-23: Motion by Mr. Vaas, seconded by Mr. Smith to grant site plan/special use for AT & T for upgrades which will consist of replacing the existing antennas, reinforcing the existing mounts and adding 6 radios to the water tower located at 22869 County Route 67, Tax Map #91.05-1-55.1
Ayes – 4
Abstention – 1
Motion Carried.
Verizon – Tower/Compound Owner: Crown Atlantic LLC (dba – Crown Castle) – 17668 Old Rices Road – Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2 – Cell Tower Antennas (Cornell & Scorzelli, LLC) – Special Use/Site Plan.
The comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 8/30/23 on this proposed project were entered into record (Attachment #2).
A representative from Crown Castle, representing Verizon, reviewed the updated plans for the installation of 9 antennas, 6 radio units on an existing tower and construct a 4′ x 11′ concrete equipment pad at 17668 Old Rices Road, Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2. Discussion followed.
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Motion 76-23: Motion by Mr. Vaas, seconded by Mr. Smith to approve site plan and special use for Verizon – Tower/Compound Owner: Crown Atlantic, LLC (dba – Crown Castle) – Cell Tower Antennas (Cornell & Scorzelli, LLC) to install 9 antennas and 6 radio units on top of an existing tower and construct a 4′ x 11′ concrete equipment pad on the ground at 17668 Old Rice Road, Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2 as shown on plans prepared by Costich Engineering, dated 7/17/23, Project #20232387652, Location Code: 726434.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
SUBDIVISION
Tracy Edger – 24922 NYS Route 12 – Tax Map #91.07-1-20.1 – 2 Lot Subdivision.
Tracy Edger presented proposed plans for a 2 lot subdivision at 24922 NYS Route 12, Tax Map #91.07-1-20.1. Discussion followed.
Motion 77-23: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to schedule a public hearing for Tracy Edger for a 2 lot subdivision at 24922 NYS Route 12, Tax Map #91.07-1-20.1 on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., conditional upon submission of an updated plat, application & SEQR.
Ayes – 4
Abstention – 1
Motion Carried.
SITE PLAN
Cala Morgia – 18590 County Route 65 – Tax Map #90.00-6-25.5 – Construction of a 16,000 Square Foot Building for a Dog Kennel – Site Plan.
The comments from Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 8/30/23 on this proposed project were entered into record (Attachment #3).
Mr. Boxberger stated that after consulting with the Town’s Attorney, it was determined that the dog kennel is an allowable use in a residential zone and full site plan review is required.
Ms. Morgia submitted a binder regarding this proposed project. It contains all required forms, proposed plans, etc. that she has prepared.
Mr. Boxberger stated that during the public hearing, there were some very valid concerns brought up that the Board needs to address.
Ms. Morgia needs to submit updated plans and cite the following on the updated plans:
$ exact location of the swale,
$ exact location of wells,
$ all proposed lighting must be dark sky compliant and cited on the plans,
$ landscaping along road frontage and neighboring property lines (refer to codes as there are strict buffer requirements). Details of specific vegetation needs to be cited on the plans,
$ exact dimensions of fenced in area for dogs,
$ exact dimension of proposed building and placement with a color rendering,
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$ proof from the Jefferson County Highway Department that a second highway cut is allowed,
$ location of septic system and location of neighbors well,
$ details of parking area for the proposed building and whether it will be gravel or blacktop,
$ add all adjacent property owners to the plans.
Ms. Morgia also needs to complete the 3-page Short Form SEQR Part I. When completing this form, please click on EAF Mapper so everything is noted for Mr. Vaas.
Plans for dog waste also needs to be submitted.
Mr. MacAdam asked Ms. Morgia if she would consider installing some type of spray foam to help sound proof the building to address neighbors concerns regarding barking dogs.
Mrs. Desormo asked whether Ms. Morgia would consider moving the location of the proposed building back or closer to the house to increase the set back requirements and use the existing driveway.
Mr. Boxberger stated that the public hearing will remain open until the October 3, 2023 to allow Board members time to make sure that concerns have been addressed and allow any other input to be submitted.
Mr. Boxberger will check with DOT to see if there is any evidence that traffic will have an impact.
Ms. Morgia may also want to consider, as a courtesy to her neighbor, not having the second driveway cut directly across from her neighbor’s driveway.
Mr. Boxberger stated that if Ms. Morgia meets all zoning requirements, the Board may still impose additional conditions if they wish.
Avichal Corp – 19784 Cady Road – Tax Map #90.181-28 – Update to Site Plan.
No one was present.
Avigan Hatchery – 20769 County Route 200 – Tax Map #73.20-1-2.9 – Construction of a 20′ x 30′ Addition – Site Plan.
A representative from MBL Engineering, submitted updated plans for the construction of a 20′ x 30′ addition for an employee/office break room at 20769 County Route 200, Tax Map #73.20-1-2.9. Discussion followed.
Motion 78-23: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Smith that the 600 square foot addition to Avigan Hatchery, 20769 County Route 200, Tax Map #73.20-1-2.9 represents such an insignificant percentage of the existing square footage of the building, does not interfere with any activities around, and will match the existing structure, that site plan review process is waived.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Approval from JCIDA may still be required.
A zoning permit will be required.
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SUBDIVISION & SITE PLAN
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – 22567 Summit Drive – Lot 4D – Tax Map #91.05-1-70 – 4,000 Square Foot Medical Arts Building – Site Plan
Jared Dickinson and Mike Lundy reviewed the plans for a 4,000 square foot medical arts building on Lot 4D located at 22567 Summit Drive, Tax Map #91.05-1-70. Discussion followed.
$ The exact location of vegetation needs to be cited on the plans.
Mr. Lundy asked if the Planning Board has revised the regulations in the approval process to extend approval the time from 6 months to 12 months. There is a chance that this proposed project may not start within the 6 month period.
Mr. Boxberger stated that has not happened yet, however, anytime during the 6 months, Mr. Lundy can approach the Board to ask for an extension.
Motion 79-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Boxberger to grant site plan approval for Washington Summit Associates, LLC, Lot 4D, 22567 Summit Drive, Tax Map #91.05-1-70 for a 4,000 square foot medical arts building as shown on plans prepared by Mosher Architects, P.C., Sheet #SK-S2, Job # 2309, dated 3/27/23, with a revision date of 7/10/23, and a color rendering, Drawing # CEV-1, dated 8/7/23, Job #055-23-012, drawn by Lawman Design Build, conditional upon receipt of the landscaping plan. This approval does not include any signage.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A zoning permit will also be needed.
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – 22567 Summit Drive – Lot 9B – Part of Tax Map #91.05-1-17.251 – Amendment to Previously Approved Site Plan.
Mr. Lundy approached the Board regarding an amendment to the site plan that was originally approved on 8/7/23.
The medical group that Mr. Lundy has been working with has decided to increase the size of the building. The original approval was for a 6,000 square foot building. The amended plans call for a 8,300 square foot building. Discussion followed.
Motion 80-23: Motion by Mr. Vaas, seconded by Mr. Smith to amend the original site plan approval in Motion 69-23 from 8/7/23 for Washington Summit Associates, LLC, 22567 Summit Drive, Part of Tax Map #91.05-1-17.251 – Lot 9B, and grant site plan approval for a 8,300 square foot building as shown on plans prepared by Design Build Innovations, Drawing C101 with a final revision date of 9/11/23, conditional upon submission of a new elevation drawing, a color rendering, updated plans that do not contain proposed signage, and that the developer approaches the Town’s Highway Superintendent regarding installation of directional signage on Summit Drive and Summit View Boulevard for Town’s approval of said directional signage.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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CWT Hatchery- 20835 Alexander Drive – Tax Map #82.00-2-1.5 – Lot #8 – Amendment to Site Plan.
Mr. Lundy approached the Board regarding an amendment to a previously approved site plan from 9/7/2021 for CWT Hatchery at 20835 Alexander Drive.
A new consultant has recently been hired due to the unexpected death of the original consultant. After discussion with the new consultant, construction has been halted as the design plan needs to be updated due to new technology.
Part A of the new plans involves building a 20′ x 75′ addition. This new addition will address separation of waste.
Part B of the new plans involve building a 60′ x 80” fenced in enclosure for a 35′ x 55′ equipment pad for a generator which will address the increase in energy consumption. Discussion followed.
Motion 81-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to waive site plan review and amend site plan approval from 9/7/2021 for CWT Hatchery, 20835 Alexander Drive, Tax Map #82.00-2-1.5 to include a 20′ x 75′ addition which is 26′ high on the east side of the building and add a 60′ x 100′ fenced in enclosure on the west side of the building for a generator as shown on plans prepared by Lawman Design Build, Drawing #C-106, Job #055-22-002 dated 8/31/23, and plans prepared by MBL Engineering, PLLC, Sheet #C-101, Project #21-307 with a final revision date of 9/11/23
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Washington Summit Associates, Inc. – 22708 Summit Drive – Tax Map #91.05-1-72 – Amendment to Site Plan for Relocation of AAA on Lot #7.
Mr. Lundy approach the Board regarding an amendment to the previously approved site plan from 6/6/2022 for Washington Summit Associated, LLC, 22708 Summit Drive – AAA Relocation on Lot #7.
The original plans were for a 40′ x 100′ building. The new plans are for a 50′ x 100′ building. Discussion followed.
Motion 82-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to waive site plan review and amend the original site plan from 6/6/22 for Washington Summit Associates, Inc., 22708 Summit Drive, Tax Map #91.05-1-72, Lot #7 and change the size of the building from 40′ x 100′ to 50′ x 100′, elevation and color to remain the same as shown on plans prepared by MBL Architects, P.C., Sheet #S-1 with a latest revision date of 9/11/2023, conditional upon receipt of a color rendering.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A zoning permit will be needed.
Mrs. Desormo told Mr. Lundy that he needs to submit water and sewer permits and locations for all the buildings in Washington Summit.
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SIGN PERMIT
Wally Mitsubishi – 18822 US Route 11 – Tax Map #91.09-1-6.2 – Sign Permit.
Mrs. Desormo review proposed signage for Wally Mitsubishi, 18822 US Route 11, Tax Map #91.09-1-6.2 which was submitted via email. Discussion followed.
Motion 83-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to grant sign approval for Wally’s Mitsubishi, 18822 US Route 11, Tax Map #91.09-1-6.2 as shown on 4 pages of plans dated 8/16/23 and 5 pages of plans prepared by AGI, dated 9/11/23. This will be for a free standing sign out front and all signage on the building.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
A zoning permit will be needed.
Motion 84-23: Motion by Mr. MacAdam, seconded Mr. Smith to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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Susan Burdick
Court Clerk