When Flexibility & Responsiveness devolves into Lack of organization

Flexibility in solving problems and adapting schedules to meet changing needs are attributes of a healthy organization, especially one that serves the public good. However, there is a line in which that "flexibility" creates too many changes and can lead to communication issues and lack of thorough preparation and planning.

The agenda posted on the town's website for the May 6, 2024 Planning Board agenda listed two topics - 1 an adjourned public hearing and a discussion about a lot line change. When arriving at the meeting, an agenda labeled "updated as of May 3, 2024" was available with 2 adjourned public hearings, 1 topic for discussion (not the lot line change) and a request for an site plan extension. While reviewing the agenda, the chairperson noted that 1 public hearing was going to be rescheduled to May 20th (by the way, the public hearing that wasn't on the agenda posted on the website). Again, flexibility and responsiveness are a good thing -- but planning ahead, providing transparency and enabling public participation are hallmarks of a well run, professional organization.

Public Hearings

With that the first public hearing on the agenda involves the site plan for 1111 Route 376, where an updated site plan for a hypothetical subdivision was to be presented. The attorney representing the applicant was caught short in that the engineering plan showing the proper setback for a garage had not been prepared as she expected. The attorney confirmed that there was documentation on file with both the town and the state, allowing the current driveways, and the the board closed the public hearing and authorized the Town Planner to prepare a resolution approving the site plan (assuming it will be updated to reflect the proper setback) and the easement for a driveway if the property is subdivided in the future.

The second scheduled public hearing concerning a subdivision at the corner of New Hackensack Road and Widmer Road was opened, and then immediately rescheduled to May 20th.

Discussion

The board approved the resolution updating the site plan and special use permit for DC Supports Renovation at 1630 Route 9. There was some discussion about the lighting waiver, but it was confirmed that the lighting waiver had been approved in a previous meeting.

Extension

Chelsea Farm Subdivision. This project had received subdivision approval in February of 2016. The applicant is requesting a 90 day extension (their ninth extension) for the project. The planning board had approved tree clearing in 2022... based on the assurance that the project was going to start that year. Well the trees are down... and the residents in Chelsea are living with a moonscape. The applicant is trying to market the property, and has a nibble from one potential buyer. The "market is difficult" ... which means that the applicant's tolerance for risk and the amount of risk in the market are mismatched..something that is really not the responsiblity or the consideration of the planning board or town. The attorney representing the applicant had clearly reviewed the latest activity in the town, meaning the moritorium (from which they are exempt) and the supervisor's stated objectives of preserving open space. The applicant has scheduled a meeting with the supervisor (the chairperson of the planning board reminded the attorney that 3 votes on the town board are required to pass anything) to understand what the town's desires. The attorney also explained that a prior town supervisor declined to accept the land as a town park. He mentioned that the applicant has invested several hundred thousand into the project (probably tree clearing/surveying etc.) A discussion revealed that only 2 of the 17 lots have access to town water and there are no municipal sewer connections available for any of the lots. Also mentioned was the prohibition of building on much of the land because of wetlands, rock cliffs and other difficult topologies. The Planning Board expressed reluctantance to even grant a 90 day extension, seemingly wanting the applicant to begin the planning process over again, but in the end did vote on allowing the extension. .. as they did about 90 days ago after expressing the same concerns. Look for ground hog day in July/August.