Town of Hartwick Planning Board
February 5, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance: Greg Horth, Tony Schlesier, Alex Thomas, Zondra Hart and Neal McManus.
Absent: Vin Rozella, Paul Ingalls, Amy Ford.
The Planning Board Members discussed the absence of a quorum of members. It was decided to proceed with the meeting giving applicants a chance to discuss their applications, but with understanding that a decision would have to be made at next month's meeting.
Enforcement Officer's Report:
Huntington Billboard: Don Huntington spoke with regards to being asked to take down the billboard. Huntington stated that it will cause hardship to take down the sign and loose the revenue. He stated that years ago the PB asked that the billboard be taken down and Huntington asked the TB for a reversal of the decision. It was granted. He does not believe the billboard is an inconvenience or a bad looking sign. G. Horth asked what kind of hardship. Huntington replied a loss of $3,000. annually. Huntington stated the tenant will not participate if the billboard is downsized to a 4' x 8' size. As previously asked by the Town, Huntington has endeavored to find a business within Hartwick to be the tenant, but none are interested. PB Members discussed the sign law with N. McManus and when the change occurred in 1996. The provision states seven years for all signs to become compliant with the sign law. In 2003, Huntington was given a three year variance. He stated he understands that it is oversized and nonconforming and will return next month for the PB to make a decision.
Real Property Changes:
Green/Barrett simple split: Lynn E. Green and Judith Green have submitted an application to simple split parcel Tax Map#129.00-1-31.06 and also parcel Tax Map#145.00-1-6.02 in approximately 4 acres +/_ from the two parcels, to be traded to the Barrett's. William and Kathryn Barrett have submitted an application to simple split parcel Tax Map#145.00-1-4.00 of approximately 4 acres +/- to be traded to the Green's.
Green asked that the PB send a letter stating their decision.
Sign Application:
Cooperstown Family Chiropractic: Drs. Jill & Matthew Craig have submitted an application for a free standing sign in front of their business on Rte 28. Jill Craig asked for clarification of wattage of lights. A. Thomas asked if there is room for another partner. Craig answered yes, but no more than three. A. Thomas recommends approval of application. G. Horth sees no problem. T. Schlesier said he also sees no problem. G. Horth asked that the Craigs provide a picture of the sign when complete. The question of whether site plan review should be considered. The Craigs stated they will be changing some of the partition walls and adding handicapped accessible bathroom and ramp. G. Horth asked if the current driveway is sufficient. The Craigs stated the parking lot will be large enough for 8 to 10 cars. A. Thomas suggested that the PB review a site plan. G. Horth stated that the plan should include plantings. A. Thomas explained the site plan review process. The Craigs were given an application to fill out and will be placed on the march agenda.
Development Projects:
Niedzialkowski Cabins: John McManus, engineer for the project, presented the PB with a preliminary sketch plan for the cabins and pond. They would like to build this pond adjacent to the creek, and John Niedzialkowski has been proactive contacting Soil and Water. There is a problem because the river is a Class C stream, group I. They will need U.S. Army Corp. approval and this is a long process. McManus also reported that Phase I A & B have an archeology hit. There is also a concern for the habitat of the bog turtle. G. Horth asked if they will need DEC approval. McManus answered yes with both SPEDES and storm water permits. John Niedzialkowski stated that it is their house that has the view of this project and they took great pains to blend and conceal the cabins. He wants to increase the number of patrons. G. Horth asked about the construction of the cabins. John Niedzialkowski answered stick built with brown wood siding and green roofs. Carol Niedzialkowski added that everything will be done with an eye to improving the property. A. Thomas inquired about the archeology hit. McManus answered probably the historical radius attached to an abandoned foundation. There are federal wet lands. Carol would like the pond to invite more local habitat. T. Schlesier asked when they expect to complete. John answered they plan to build some this year and complete the rest in 2009. The project will be placed on the March agenda as they plan to submit an application.
Brockman Rental Units: A letter was sent from the PB stating the Brockman check had not cleared and a new check must be submitted before any additional site plan review process will continue.
Short term rentals: G. Horth reported the Town Board at their last meeting requested the PB review short term rentals and the process by which they would review short term rentals. Discussion of definition, established vs. new, built specifically for this use vs. renovating existing dwelling. Members also discussed what is currently reviewed in neighboring townships and the logistics of administering the process.
Amy Ford arrived at 8:30 p.m. A quorum of members is now in attendance.
A. Thomas made a motion that a three year waiver/continuance dated June 17, 2006 be granted for the Huntington billboard. A. Ford seconded. Vote - all ayes. A letter will be sent to Don Huntington advising him the waiver/continuance will expire June 2008.
A. Ford made a motion to approve the simple splits of parcels 129.00-1-31.06 and 145.00-1-6.02, the split portion of both, in total to be of approximately 4 acres +/-, and to accept the payment of $50. T. Schlesier seconded. Vote - all ayes.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
