Planning Board Puzzles
Planning usually implies some kind of reasonable roadmap that outlines a course of action -- which can be communicated clearly and with some transparency.
So, the Agenda Files for the July 20 Planning Board Meeting include files for two proposed, large subdivisions in the Town.
1) Acadia Place - 56 homes on 89.5 acres located between Cedar Hill Road and Old Hopewell Road.
2) Conservation Corners - 39 homes on 139 Acres between Cedar Hill Road and Smithtown Road.
However, the July 20th Agenda did not have either project on it... or an explanation of why the files were listed on the website.
In addition the Planning Board has 7 members -- 3 of whom were absent for this meeting. Why does this matter? Because, if there is a situation, where a Majority + 1 vote is required (as it did for the first item on the agenda) -- a vote can't be taken. So, if the planning board, had say planned ahead, perhaps the applicant wouldn't have had to drive several hours to find out that a decision couldn't be made. Yea for Planning!
So, what was on the agenda ?
7 Brew Coffee -- this project has been in front of the planning board for several meetings, a proposal to replace the Sonic Restaurant hulk in front of the Hannaford Plaza with a drive through Coffee shop with a large social media presence. Some engineering refinements etc. were discussed and Dutchess County Planning had an objection (not clear what it is) -- thus requiring the majority plus one vote (that everyone on the planning board seemed willing to provide.. thus no discussion about the County's concern). However, since the majority plus one wasn't available -- the vote will require waiting until the AUGUST Planning board meeting (because time isn't money) and another visit from the project planner requiring a long car drive. However, as a consolation prize, the Director of Strategic Planning asked the board if they would be ok if her department issued a demolition permit.
Obercreek Subdivision - there was a 19.71 acre lot straddling Wheeler Hill Road - which the owner desired to split into two parcels - one 5.49 acres and the other 14.22 acres.. one of each side of Wheeler Hill Road. These parcels are in a Conservation Easement and the application made no statements about any other changes
Obercreek Lot Line Re-alignment - a request to move a lot line between two Obercreek Properties.
These changes were incorporated into 1 resolution and were approved by the board.
Hudson Valley Volkswagen Amended Site Plan - this application is for the construction of 3,401sf building addition for service and 520 sf for showroom space. This requires using some land which is reclaimed wetland, but the applicant is proposing an engineering solution which enables the flow of water. A long discussion about ways to prevent cars being parked on the green space, the engineer representing the applicant will add to the plan and include enhanced landscaping. There was some discussion about how to encourage car carrier's to stay off of Route 9 when unloading vehincles and whether there would be enough turning space for them to turn into the facility if a car was attempting to leave the facility and turn north on Route 9. Also a discussion about marking a "loading zone" which would prevent cars from being parked there.
Also - turns out our friends in the ZBA jumped the gun and voted on approving a required variance out of turn... so HVVW needs to go BACK tot he Zoning Board to get the vote. (Please remember that the Planning Board and ZBA only meet once a month in July and August) -- So getting any final approvals will take some time, as the application works its way through the meeting cycle.