Planning Board Minutes - April 11, 2005

Those present at the April 11, 2005 Planning Board meeting were:

Planning Board Members: Steve Watts – Chairman
Don Roberts – Vice Chairman
Rich Berkowitz
Cindy Patenaude
Marcel Nadeau
Tom Ruchlicki
John Higgins
Alternate
Planning Board Members: Daphne Jordan
Dan McDermid

Planner: Jeff Williams

Town Attorney: Bob Chauvin

Town Board Liaisons: Mindy Wormuth
Walt Polak

CHA Representative: Mike Bianchino


Mr. Watts opened the April 11, 2005 Planning Board Meeting at 7:01 pm. Mr. Watts asked the Board if they have reviewed the March 28, 2005 Planning Board Minutes. Mr. Roberts made a motion to approve the March 28, 2005 Planning Board Minutes. Mr. Higgins seconded. Motion carried.

Public Hearings:
05.136 PH Noradki Subdivision, 30 Ushers Road – Minor Subdivision
Mr. Watts opened the Public Hearing at 7:02 pm. Mr. Watts asked if anyone would like to have the Public Notice read. No one responded. Mr. Andrew Schauffert of Santo Associates proposes a minor subdivision for an existing 8.036-acre parcel located on Ushers Road. Mr. Schauffert stated that the Delaware & Hudson Railroad bisects the property. Mr. Schauffert stated the Noradki’s would convey 0.910-acres to the Pipino’s to combine with their existing 0.468-acre parcel. Mr. Schauffert stated this proposal would create a 60,000 SF lot that will conform to the minimum lot size in the Light Industrial/Commercial zone. Mr. Schauffert stated there was an issue at a previous Planning Board Meeting in regards to a mobile home on the property. Mr. Schauffert stated that the mobile home has been removed from the property. Mr. Watts asked if anyone from the Public wished to speak. No one responded. Mr. Watts closed the Public Hearing at 7:04 pm. Mr. Watts asked if there was an issue regarding residential use. Mr. Nadeau stated that this application was for a subdivision and no use is being proposed at this time. Mr. Schauffert stated there is no reference on the map regarding a residential use.
Mr. Nadeau made a motion to approve the Noradki Minor Subdivision. Mr. Berkowitz seconded. Motion carried.

05.143 PH Peth Subdivision, 2 Route 146 – Minor Subdivision
Mr. Watts opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 pm. Mr. Watts asked if anyone would like to have the Public Notice read. No one responded. Mr. Peth stated he owns a 15.89-acre parcel with two existing residential units. Mr. Peth stated that they propose to subdivide the 15.89-acre parcel to create a 1.64-acre parcel and a 14.25-acre parcel. Mr. Peth stated that both parcels would have access to Route 146. Mr. Peth stated they are looking for two separate deeds for the homes and the land that they own at the present time. Mr. Peth stated that there would be no changes to the land or the homes. Mr. Watts asked if anyone from the Public wished to speak. No one responded. Mr. Watts closed the Public Hearing at 7:07 pm. Mr. Chauvin stated that he researched the issue of Windy Acres Road that accesses the property and whether or not it is a Town Road. Mr. Chauvin stated that the Town does not own Windy Acres Road. Mr. Chauvin stated that the road was not built to meet the Town’s specifications and is not appropriate for future subdivisions of the parcel. Mr. Chauvin stated that if Windy Acres Road is to be an access to a subdivision it must be approved to Town standards or the applicant can have a shared access agreement with the new lot and the old lot with the frontage that is not accessible as they have in the past. Mr. Chauvin stated the Town has never taken title to Windy Acres Road. Mr. Chauvin stated that the Town plows Windy Acres Road but the Town does not maintain the road. Mr. Chauvin stated that there was some confusion that relates to the eminent domain when the State expanded the intersection of Routes 4 & 32 at that point of intersection of Route 146. Mr. Peth stated that in 1947 his grandfather applied to the State of New York. Mr. Peth stated that the State sent an investigator to the property. Mr. Peth stated the State put guardrails up, took care of the road and plowed the road and at later date when they had it surveyed it showed on the blueprints that the Town did own the road. Mr. Peth stated he would look further into this matter further. Mr. Peth stated that since 1946-1947 the Town has maintained the road. Mr. Chauvin asked Mr. Peth if he could supply deeds that indicate that the Town owns Windy Acres Road, as they are not of record. Mr. Chauvin stated that he would review the deeds and report to Board upon his review. Mr. Chauvin stated he has researched the ownership of Windy Acres Road since the last Board meeting and the deeds are not of record. Mr. Chauvin stated that Mr. Peth should look for the record of the deeds in the Saratoga County Clerks Offices and not in Albany. Mr. Chauvin stated that the records in Albany might relate to a taking or an eminent domain proceeding. Mr. Peth stated that approximately 6 years ago Mr. Russell (previous Highway Superintendent of the Town of Halfmoon) asked for proof that the Town owned Windy Acres Road. Mr. Peth stated that he provided Mr. Russell with the proof of ownership of the road and it was never returned to him.
Mr. Peth stated he asked Mr. Russell to return it and Mr. Russell told him he would return it as soon as he can. Mr. Peth stated that ‘’soon as he can’’ never happened. Mr. Chauvin stated that he would ask the Town’s Highway Superintendent to research their records to see if the records exist.
This item was tabled for further research over the “reputed Town road” issue.


Old Business:
04.142 OB Cardin Acres PDD, Plant Road – Major Subdivision/PDD
Mr. Berkowitz and Mr. Nadeau recused themselves from this item and Mrs. Jordan and Mr. McDermid replaced them. Mr. Gil VanGuilder of Gilbert VanGuilder Land Surveyor PLLC stated they were before the Board to bring them up-to-date with some of the changes that have been made to the plan since the last time they were before the Board. Mr. VanGuilder stated that they have appeared before the Town Board, the Town Board approved the PDD and the Town Board directed them back to the Planning Board for final detailed plans for the site plan subdivision review. Mr. VanGuilder stated that they are now proposing 36 lots instead of 37 lots. Mr. VanGuilder stated that one lot has been removed for a storm water area. Mr. VanGuilder stated that by suggestion of the Board’s committee members, a “new” storm water management area would be located away from Plant Road. Mr. VanGuilder stated that there would be some small miner basins that will take care of some local roads. Mr. VanGuilder stated another change occurred, as they were going through the Town Board, when CHA did a water pressure test to the area. Mr. VanGuilder stated that CHA suggested remediation for the water pressure problems that occurred during full fire flow. Mr. VanGuilder stated that CHA did some modeling of the hydraulics of the system during full fire flow and the suggested remediation was to connect the ends of the two cul-de-sacs to the Marina Woods water line that runs from Route 236 to Route 9. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the water main had been extended up Plant Road beyond Cardin Acres up to Orchard Park and there was no looping that occurred. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the looping that is going to occur with this design is that it would be looped with the Landings and looped internally in the new development. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the detailed engineering plans have been submitted to CHA for their review. Mr. VanGuilder stated he wanted to bring the Board up-to-date on the changes that have been made and look forward to responding to the Board’s comments. Mr. Higgins, who was one of the committee members, stated that he wanted to thank the applicant for looking at the storm water area off of Plant Road.
This item was tabled and referred to CHA for review.

04.221 OB Double Vision, 1917 Route 9 – Change of Tenant
Mr. Matt Spagnola proposes a change of tenant application for the Odyssey (formerly the Bunk House) located at 1917 Route 9. Mr. Spagnola stated that a condition of an approval was to remove a neon sign and a rolling sign. Mr. Spagnola stated that both have been removed. Mr. Spagnola stated that he has faxed correspondence to Mr. Williams for some proposed changes to the site. Mr. Spagnola stated the proposed changes are to blacktop the parking lot, replace the siding on the outside of the buildings with new siding and to have the property landscaped. Mr. Watts asked Mr. Spagnola if he has filed for a liquor license. Mr. Spagnola stated he has filed for a liquor license and it has been approved. Mr. Watts asked Mr. Spagnola if a copy of the liquor license approval had been sent to the Town. Mr. Spagnola stated he would fax a copy of the liquor license approval to the Town. Mr. Spagnola stated that his attorney has notified the Town Board that they were filing for a liquor license. Mr. Nadeau asked if the business would have the same use. Mr. Spagnola stated yes. Mr. Higgins asked if there would be any interior modifications. Mr. Spagnola stated there would be miner changes such as new carpeting with no structural changes. Mr. Higgins asked if the seating capacity would increase because parking is based on the number of seats. Mr. Spagnola stated there would be no change in the seating number. Mr. Watts read the attached description on proposed use item number 7. “Proposed use: The applicant intends to use the property in the same manner as currently used. The current use is as a nightclub and for adult entertainment. The applicant will continue to sell beer, wine and liquor and selected food items including but not limited to hot dogs, nachos, snacks, pizza, etc. The applicant will not change the services that are currently being provided at the subject location. The services include a nightclub and adult entertainment services as are currently offered at the location and as allowed under the Halfmoon code.” Mr. Watts stated that this is a pre-existing, non-conforming use and this is the reason why the business is permitted to operate in this location. Mr. Watts stated to the applicant that the Board would anticipate that the business is operated properly in accordance with the State Liquor Laws and any other laws and ordinances. Mr. Spagnola stated he agreed with Mr. Watts’ statement. Mrs. Patenaude asked if there was sufficient parking at the proposed location. Mr. Spagnola stated yes. Mr. Watts stated that one of issues the Board has is that there is not a site plan for that location in the Town’s file. Mr. Spagnola stated that he would ask the current landlord if he had a site plan. Mr. Watts asked Mr. Spagnola if he could submit a site plan with the proposed changes submitted. Mr. Spagnola said he could submit a site plan with the proposed changes. Mr. Watts asked if the applicant would be submitting a sign application. Mr. Spagnola stated they were in the process of filling out the sign application.
Mr. Nadeau made a motion to approve the Change of Tenant application contingent upon submittal of a site plan with the proposed changes. Mr. Roberts seconded. Motion carried.

04.223 OB Vosburgh Road Commercial PDD, Vosburgh Road – Minor
Subdivision PDD & GEIS
Mr. Jason Dell of Lansing Engineering proposes the Vosburgh Road Commercial PDD. Mr. Dell stated this application is for Lot #2 of the 3-lot subdivision. Mr. Dell stated that the Town Board previously approved the Vosburgh Road PDD subdivision. Mr. Dell stated that Lot #1 of the subdivision is the 58.68-acre lot located to the north of the parcel that will be donated to the Town of Halfmoon. Mr. Dell stated that Lot #3 is the 2.6-acre lot located to the south of Vosburgh Road and Lot #1 is the 1.1-acre lot portion of the subdivision for a commercial site plan. Mr. Dell stated there was a question whether they could move the parking away from the neighbor’s property line located along the north. Mr. Dell stated they would relocate the parking in two areas to further buffer the property line. Mr. Dell stated that the storm water management area would be located along Route 146. Mr. Dell stated the sewer would be connected by gravity to the sewer main along Route 146 and the water service would be tied into the main locator along Route 146. Mr. Dell stated he was before the Board to further the project and to schedule a Public Hearing for the subdivision. Mr. Nadeau asked what type of buffering would be used between the two parcels. Mr. Dell stated they would propose a landscaping plan to buffer the area. Mr. Higgins asked if the sewer along Route 146 was a force main or gravity. Mr. Tanski stated the sewer was gravity at Vosburgh Road. Mr. Higgins asked if it was gravity at the point where they will tie-in. Mr. Tanski stated yes. Mr. Higgins asked how the lot to the north was zoned. Mr. Watts stated that it was zoned AR (Agricultural/Residential). Mr. Higgins asked if the lot would require a 50 FT. buffer or a 100 FT. buffer. Mr. Chauvin stated that it depends on whether an opaque fence is used or landscape screening and whether the PDD legislation allows more flexibility in the buffering requirements. Mr. Chauvin stated he would review the legislation to see what the exact buffering requirements would be. Mr. Nadeau asked if the future landscaping would be proposed at the Public Hearing so the public would be aware of what landscaping would be used. The applicant stated yes. Mr. Polak stated that the zoning committee is looking at the Route 146 corridor, with regards to the existing smaller lots, to be used as residential lots while blending the larger parcels for commercial uses.
Mrs. Patenaude made a motion to set a Public Hearing for the April 25, 2005 Planning Board Meeting. Mr. Roberts seconded. Motion carried.

05.109 OB Brazell Subdivision, 100 Fellows Road – Minor Subdivision
Mr. Gil VanGuilder of Gilbert VanGuilder Land Surveyor PLLC stated he was before the Board on January 24, 2005 for the Brazell Minor Subdivision. Mr. VanGuilder stated there were a few items that Mrs. Murphy needed some additional information on. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the information Mrs. Murphy requested was submitted to her. Mr. VanGuilder stated that one area of concern was the driveway that runs across the front of a lot that Mr. Brazell had just recently conveyed to another party. Mr. VanGuilder stated that a modified deed was filed for the property changing the easement that is shown on the new subdivision map. Mr. VanGuilder stated another issue of concern by Mrs. Murphy was about a misunderstanding about the use of an existing well. Mr. VanGuilder stated that Mr. Brazell had granted Mr. Fusco an easement to use the well. Mr. VanGuilder stated the well would not be used in common with other properties. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the well would be used exclusively of Mr. Fusco. Mr. VanGuilder stated at the Public Hearing Mr. Fellows had raised the issue that Mr. Fusco had utilized his property to transport a modular home onto his property and there were ruts in the field that Mr. Fellows wanted a commitment that these ruts would be repaired and not continue to use his property for access to their property. Mr. VanGuilder stated that Mr. Fusco did submit a letter stating that he would discontinue using Mr. Fellows property and he would repair the ruts in the field. Mr. Watts stated for the record that Mr. Fusco’s letter indicated that he has been using Mr. Fellows property to access his property and that certain damage to the driveway and surrounding property of Mr. Fellows has occurred due to this use. Mr. Watts further stated Mr. Fusco further acknowledged that the applicant was fully responsible to repair any such damage and he will discontinue such use immediately. Mr. Watts stated that this letter is in the Brazell Minor Subdivision file. Mr. VanGuilder stated that Mrs. Murphy called him and stated that she had reviewed all the concerns and she was okay with what was submitted. Mr. Higgins asked Mr. VanGuilder where the septic would be located for the new lot. Mr. VanGuilder stated that he would be contacting Mr. Harold Berger for research on the septic’s location. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the septic was designed to be located back behind the house and he would verify that with Mr. Berger. Mr. Ruchlicki asked if there was reasonable soil in that area. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the applicant had to bring in some select material. Mr. Chauvin asked for clarification from Mr. VanGuilder regarding the well on lot #2 that would be used by the neighbor. Mr. Chauvin stated there was a note stating that an easement would be granted by a deed not record. Mr. Chauvin asked if Mrs. Murphy had reviewed this note. Mr. VanGuilder stated that it was in the original deed from Brazell to Fusco and was in the process of being recorded and Mr. VanGuilder stated they did not have the recording information at that point but believes they will have it now. Mr. Chauvin asked if Mrs. Murphy was aware that the well would be used exclusively for the neighbor and that she approved it. Mr. VanGuilder stated yes. Mr. VanGuilder stated they did a modified deed two weeks ago. Mr. VanGuilder stated that the only modification was they added an addendum but with the other easement the language remained the same. Mr. Chauvin asked if Mrs. Murphy reviewed the modifications to the addendum. Mr. VanGuilder stated yes.
Mr. Roberts made a motion to approve the Brazell Minor Subdivision. Mr. Ruchlicki seconded. Motion carried.


New Business:
05.112 NB Hometown Lanes Inc., 994 Hudson River Road – Addition to Site
Plan
Mr. Steve Smith proposes to construct a 12 FT. x 20 FT. addition on the existing bowling alley for an arcade for the children of the bowlers. Mr. Nadeau asked if the applicant held banquets in the bowling alley. Mr. Smith stated he did not do any banquets. Mr. Watts asked if there was a bar and restaurant in the bowling alley. Mr. Smith stated yes. Mr. Watts asked the applicant if he had a site plan as there was a question regarding parking. Mr. Smith stated he had 18 bowling lanes with 4 people on each lane and there is plenty of parking. Mr. Nadeau stated that Hometown Lanes is adjacent to his business and he has never seen any parking issues and there was plenty of parking on the side of the building. Mr. Smith stated he plans on making the parking lot the full length of north side of the building that would add about 20 FT. by 50 FT. Mr. Smith stated the he is getting an estimate on the repair of potholes in the parking lot this week. Mr. Roberts asked if he would be striping the parking area. Mr. Smith stated as soon as all construction is complete the parking area would be striped. Mr. Higgins asked if the restaurant and bar was utilized. Mr. Smith stated the customer uses the snack bar and bar. Mr. Higgins asked if there was seating available. Mr. Smith stated there was no seating at the snack bar. Mr. Smith stated there were approximately 25 seats in the bar area. Mr. Smith stated that the bowling leagues run from September through April with very limited use in May and June. Mr. Smith stated the business is closed in July and in August they are opened.
Mr. Berkowitz made a motion to approve the Hometown Lanes Inc. Addtiion to Site Plan contingent upon Saratoga County Planning Board approval. Mrs. Patenaude seconded. Motion carried.

05.146 NB D & R Village, 430 Route 146 – Sign
Kevin O’Donnell is proposing a sign application for D & R Village. Mr. O’Donnell stated that D & R Village has an existing sign and they would like to replace it with a new sign. Mr. O’Donnell stated the current sign is a painted sign and is floodlit from the ground. Mr. O’Donnell stated they are proposing a more modern internally lit double-sided sign. Mr. Roberts asked the applicant the size of the current D & R Village sign. Mr. O’Donnell stated the sign was 6 FT. x 8 FT. Mr. Berkowitz questioned the reason for the interchangeable sign at the bottom of the new proposed sign. Mr. O’Donnell stated the interchangeable sign would be used for messages. Mr. Higgins asked if the interchangeable portion of the sign would have neon. Mr. O’Donnell stated the interchangeable sign would not have neon. Mr. O’Donnell stated the interchangeable sign would have 8 to 10 inch black letters on a white background. Mr. Higgins asked the applicant why they have proposed a 12 FT. high sign. Mr. O’Donnell stated that the sign did not necessarily need to be 12 FT. high. Mr. Roberts stated to the Board that he checked two other mobile home parks on Route 9 and those signs have an average total height of 7 FT. and feels that 12 FT. is excessive. Mr. O’Donnell stated he could put the sign at 10 FT. Mr. O’Donnell stated that there are plantings around the sign and he would like the sign to be above the bushes. Mr. O’Donnell stated he would like to put plantings around the sign to improve its appearance and doesn’t want the growth of those plantings to cover up the sign. Mr. Roberts stated that the proposed sign should be consistent with other signs in the area and feels that 7 FT. should be the maximum height. Mr. Berkowitz stated he did not feel the need for the interchangeable sign at the bottom. Mr. O’Donnell stated that D & R Village does have sales at that location and they would use the sign for messages such as Merry Christmas as the hair salon does across the street. Mr. Chauvin stated for the record the sign cannot be used for an advertising sign for other business, other operations, other properties or other United Mobile Home Parks. Mr. O’Donnell stated they would not use their sign for those purposes. Mr. Polak
This item was tabled to research prior approval use for the D & R Village Mobile Home Park site.

05.147 NB Cruver Subdivision, 72 Cary Road – Minor Subdivision
Mr. Dave Flanders, of David A. Flanders Associates, proposes a 1-lot subdivision of a portion of lands of Cruver located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Tabor Road and Cary Road. Mr. Flanders stated that the Cruver’s own approximately 6.4-acres of land at the intersection of Tabor and Cary Roads. Mr. Flanders stated that the Cruver’s presently reside in the existing home on the property. Mr. Flanders stated there is an existing wood barn that will also remain on the parcel. Mr. Flanders stated that a shed would be removed from the parcel.
Mr. Flanders stated the purpose of the subdivision is to create a 1-acre lot for the Cruver’s to build a new house and they hope to sell the balance of the property. Mr. Flanders stated that there is a pole barn on the proposed 1-acre parcel that will be removed. Mr. Bianchino stated he would research two scenarios in the Tabor Road realignment with regards to Rolling Hills, the access at Tabor Road from Liebich Lane and what impact it may have to Cary Road.
Mr. Nadeau made a motion to set a Public Hearing for the April 25, 2005 Planning Board Meeting. Mr. Roberts seconded. Motion carried.

05.148 NB NYSEG Raylinsky Lane Regulator Site – Special Use Permit
Mr. James Grant, representative for NYSEG, proposes a Special Use Permit to put a ground mounted regulator station on Raylinsky Lane. Mr. Grant stated the reason for this proposal is due to the tremendous growth in the Halfmoon area and it has put a tremendous strain on their electrical system. Mr. Grant stated that up until this point they have maintained the electric supply and the next step is to install additional regulators to boost voltage in response to the growth around the area. Mr. Grant stated that the Raylinsky Lane location was selected, as it would have the least amount of impact, as it is located near one of NYSEG’s existing transmission lines. Mr. Grant stated that the location is as far away from residential areas as they can get. Mr. Berkowitz asked the applicant what the regulators looked like. Mr. Grant stated the regulators were rectangular shaped and they are approximately 10 FT. tall. Mr. Higgins asked if the regulators would be behind chain-linked fencing. Mr. Grant stated they are required by electric codes to have the regulators in a chain-linked fence area. Mr. Grant stated they are working with the adjacent landowners to put an ornamental fence up as well surrounding the chain-linked fence. Mr. Higgins asked the height of the chain-linked fence and if there would be barbed wire on top of the fence. Mr. Grant stated the fence would be 8 FT. high with barbed wire on top of the fence. Mr. Berkowitz asked how visible the regulator site was to the adjacent homeowners. Mr. Grant stated they chose this particular site because there is an existing natural buffer. Mr. Grant stated that they have agreed with Mr. Fusco and adjacent property owners to put additional screening around the regulator. Mr. Grant stated there would be substantial screening for that site. Mr. Roberts asked if the regulars made a lot of noise. Mr. Grant stated the regulators had a little humming sound and they have done a noise studies and the noise was about 40 decibels at the edge of site. Mr. Grant stated he believes the adjacent property owners would not hear the humming sound. Mr. Grant stated that with the additional buffer screening would help in eliminating any sound. Mr. Tanski stated they have worked very closely with NYSEG and also with adjacent property owner, Mr. Fusco, and Mr. Tanski has agreed to landscape the outside of the site and NYSEG has agreed to install an ornamental solid vinyl fence on the outside of the chain-linked fence. Mr. Tanski stated that Mr. Fusco, Mr. Russell and he were the only adjacent landowners to the site and they had no problem with NYSEG’s regulator proposal. Mr. Tanski stated that Mr. Russell has granted an easement to NYSEG.
Mr. Roberts made a motion to set a Public Hearing for the April 25, 2005 Planning Board Meeting. Mr. Berkowitz seconded. Motion carried.

05.150 NB Pal’s After School & Summer Camp, 282 Grooms Road – Change of
Tenant/Use
Ms. Marge Russell, owner of Pal’s After School & Summer Camp, proposes to move her business to the Grooms Road property. Ms. Russell stated that she currently has 120 children at the Halfmoon-Executive Park location. Ms. Russell stated that school buses discharge children off at 2:30 pm. Ms. Russell stated she plans to apply for a license at the State of New York for 220 children. Ms. Russell stated the pick-up times for the children are anywhere from between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Ms. Russell stated there are approximately 30 children who arrive in the morning and are later transported by school bus to afternoon kindergarten. Ms. Russell stated that these 30 children arrive at Pal’s between 7:00 am and 9:00 am. Mr. Berkowitz asked the applicant if she would also be keeping the current location at Halfmoon-Executive Park. Ms. Russell stated she will be moving out of that location but it will still be run as a day care center. Ms. Russell stated they owned #13 and #15 Halfmoon-Executive Park and they are looking to expand their infant/toddler program at that location. Mr. Roberts asked how many school buses they anticipated. Ms. Russell stated there are between 6 and 8 school buses. Ms. Russell stated that the school district has arranged that all the children be transported in one bus for each of their elementary school locations. Mr. Roberts asked if the buses all arrive at the same time. Ms. Russell stated that the elementary school dismissals are at different times so they would not be arriving at the same time. Ms. Russell stated there may 2 to 3 buses at the location at the same time. Mr. Nadeau asked if this would be the only business operating at the proposed site. Ms. Russell stated Pal’s would be the only business at the proposed site.
Ms. Russell stated that she planned on purchasing the building at 282 Grooms Road upon her change of tenant/use application approval from the Planning Board. Mr. Nadeau questioned if there was room for the school buses to turn around at the proposed Grooms Road site. Ms. Russell stated that she drove a 66-passenger school bus through the drop off location and there is more than enough room for the bus. Ms. Russell stated because the buses arrive at different times, she didn’t feel it would be a problem. Mr. Berkowitz asked if there were cars parked in the parking lot at the drive she drove the bus. Ms. Russell stated there were a few cars parked in the lower parking area. Mr. Roberts and Mrs. Patenaude asked for a traffic study for this location on Grooms Road due to the nature of the proposed business and how much traffic would be generated at certain times of the day. Mr. Watts asked the applicant if she knew if the current owner/owners of the building had a stamped site plan. Ms. Russell stated that they did and she had copies of the site plan. Mr. Watts stated that the parking lot would require some re-striping and configuration to make sure that school buses could turn around. Mr. Nadeau stated that this area was zoned Professional Office/Residential and the object of this zoning was to keep the traffic on Grooms Road to a minimum. Mr. Nadeau stated that this was the same type of application that was previously before the Board and the Board found that there was a traffic issue. Mr. Watts questioned why the area was rezoned from Residential to Professional Office/Residential if the Town wanted to keep the traffic to a minimum on Grooms Road. Mr. Bianchino stated Grooms Road is a major collector road and the reason this area of Grooms Road was zoned PO/R was to allow the residents an alternative use to the property due to the increase traffic and whether or not it impeded on the residents to sell their homes. Mr. Chauvin stated the minutes of the Zoning Committee and the adoption of the Zoning changes it will state exactly what Mr. Bianchino stated. Mr. Chauvin stated this issue should be researched, particularly the traffic and site circulation, to see if it is consistent with what the Board intended for the uses at the proposed site. Mr. Chauvin stated he wanted the applicant to be aware that there are issues and as this proposed project moves forward these issues may be raised again. Mr. Chauvin stated the applicant should notify their engineering firm to be in touch with Jeff Williams in the Planning Department to find out what the minutes reflect with regard to this discussion. Mr. Watts asked how many parking spaces were approved at the site. Ms. Russell stated she believed it was 74 or 75.
This item was tabled and referred to CHA, the Saratoga County Planning Board and the Planning Board asked for additional information regarding traffic.


Mrs. Patenaude made a motion to adjourn the April 11, 2005 Planning Board Meeting at 8:20 pm. Mr. Roberts seconded. Motion carried.


Respectfully submitted,

Milly Pascuzzi
Planning Board Secretary