Verizon proposes upgrades and Obercreek Farm Brewery proposing a move

The July 17 TOW Planning Board meeting began with an adjourned public hearing - which had begun in June of 2022 - regarding the subdivision proposed on Stonykill Road (6.21 acres to 2 lots) - This has been postponed so often, everyone involved seems to have lost the plot, but at the meeting the public hearing was closed and the board agreed that a resolution should be prepared by the planner approving the request with conditions that DEC and BOH provide their approvals.

The Board then opened three different public hearings for Verizon proposals -all adjourned to September 6. The TOW Planning Board has yet to engage a subject matter expert to help the board (and the residents) understand the implications/impacts/alternatives (if any) to these proposals. It is unclear what is holding up the hiring of such an individual, because it would have certainly helped the board and the public to have a better understanding of the engineering requirements vs. the public's concerns.

1) Diddell Road - a 124 foot monopole. Verizon spokesperson commented that they are waiting for the FAA to determine if a light will be required on top of the pole. Apparently AT&T had looked at the site in the past as a potential site for their service, but it was clarified that AT&T not involved in this proposal, though the ability to rent space to other carriers may happen in the future. Neighbors to the proposed property expressed their concerns about bright lights afffecting their property/quality of life/property values. Also of concern was the lack of notification to property owners of neighboring properties, the impact to flights at the county airport. Several alternative sites were mentioned, including Central Hudson right of ways where the visual impact to neighbors in already disturbed.

2) Kent Road and Baldwin Drive- 50 foot wooden utility pole with 1 antenna and wireless equipment and 3) Spook HIll Road - 50 foot wooden utility pole with 1 antenna and wireless equipment. In both instances, the public questioned adding large utility poles on very busy roads, on Spook Hill -- on a curve where there have been several accidents already. Also, the proposed location on Spook Hill would be directly in front of an historic property that is being refurbished and a large utility pole would certainly affect the aesthetics of the area. Residents proposed alternative locations, on town easements - especially around the Spook Hill Park -- that would be further back from the road. There is concern that utility trucks working in the area would also create unsafe conditions.

The board then moved to vote to approve the Amended Site Plan for the Chelsea Ridge Wastewater Treatment Plant, with the condition that DEC approves the plan. After all the discussions in previous meetings, the Town Attorney then decided that "someone" had concerns about odors from the plant in the pond. The engineer, very patiently explained AGAIN, that the wastewater treatment plant DOES NOT flow into the pond at Chelsea Ridge and there have been no odors noted (is the town attorney confusing this discussion with the Tri-Muni discussion -- where there are well documented odor problems?). Nevertheless, the Engineer representing the applicant agreed to provide the test results to the town that go to the DEC on a regular basis. (The insight to be gleaned from this information by the town is not clear).

Obercreek Farm Brewery at 81 New Hamburg Road initial site plan was discussed - the plan is to move the brewery operations from Marlorville Road to the Dairy Barn and Milking Barn on the Obercreek Property near the CSA Farm Store. The owner explained wanting to maintain the historic nature of the barns and keeping the parking/lighting with as much rural character as possible while providing safety/emergency capabilities. The brewery/tasting room will be open Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday afternoons/early evenings. The Board/Professionals asked about refuse enclosures/delivery truck turnarounds/a more detailed landscape plan and parking -- as well as an unintelligible notation from the county planner that will have to be researched. The applicant will further develop the plan and make a submission in the future.

Also discussed was the proposed use of 1070-1072 Route 9 for The Flow Kingdom Ministries/Church and Assembly. After discussion with the engineer representing the applicant, the decision that since the use would not change the currently approved use/external building - that the use is permitted under the current approvals for the building.

Services are held only on Sundays and the current parking would be sufficient.