draft
Town of Red Hook Planning Board
Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2005
CALL TO ORDER/ DETERMINATION OF QUORUM
The meeting was opened at 7:36 p.m. and a quorum determined present for the
conduct of business. Town Attorney Al Trezza had recommended that the Board
adopt a resolution electing one of its members to serve as Acting Chair for
the evening. Sam Phelan made a motion proposing that Christine Kane should
serve in that capacity. Paul Telesca seconded the motion, and all members
present voted in favor.
Members present — John Hardeman, Mary Lou Muirhead, Sam Phelan, Paul Telesca,
David Wright, and Acting Chair Christine Kane. Planning Consultant Ted Fink,
Town Board liaison Jim Ross and Town Board member Jean Bordewich were also
present.
BUSINESS SESSION
The Acting Chair said that she would be out of town for the April 4, 2005
meeting and that Sam Phelan would chair that meeting.
The Acting Chair confirmed the meeting agenda with the exception of the
presentation of two applications by Red Hook Terminal, which had asked to be
rescheduled to a later date.
The minutes of the March 7, 2005 meeting had been sent to the Board members
and reviewed. The Chair read a list of corrections submitted by Planning
Consultant Michele Greig in an e-mail dated March 21, 2005. They were as
follows:
p. 2, paragraph 6. “Planning Consultant Michele Greig said that the Board was
only allowed to waive the subdivision regulations if not doing so would
endanger the health and welfare of the community ” to be changed to “Planning
Consultant Michele Greig said that the Board was only allowed to waive the
subdivision regulations if doing so would not endanger the health and welfare
of the community.”
p. 3, paragraph 6. “…storm water discharge plan…” to be changed to “..storm
water pollution prevention plan...”
p. 4, paragraph 7. “…only one Special Permit form…” to be changed to “…only
one Special Permit application form…”
p. 5, paragraph 4. “…had the power to waive the subdivision regulations..” to
be changed to “…had the power to waive the zoning regulations…”
p. 5, paragraph 8. “….and density figures should be submitted…” to be changed
to “ …and a density calculation should be submitted…”
p. 6, paragraph 1. “…working on a zoning package…” to be changed to “…working
on an incentive zoning package….”
p. 6, paragraph 8. “ …much more candlepower…” to be changed to “…much more
foot-candles…”
p. 6, paragraph 9. “She added that the Board should require a letter of no
concern be obtained from the Village Planning Board…” to be changed to “She
added that the Board should ensure that the application does not require
Village Planning Board review and should require a letter of no concern be
obtained from the Village Zoning Enforcement Officer and from the Village
Planning Board….”
p. 7, second paragraph from bottom. “….Special Use Permit must be amended
because acreage was mentioned.” To be changed to “… Special Use Permit must be
amended because the acreage of the parcel would be affected by the proposed
subdivision.”
p. 8, paragraph 1. “…a new site would have to be determined. Ms. Greig said
that since the community residence was a permitted use in I District, the
applicant would not be required to apply for Site Plan Approval.” To be
changed to “a new site would have to be determined. The applicant stated that
the residence would house only 8 people. Ms. Greig said that the proposal
would then be for a community residence, and since a community residence was a
permitted use in the I District, the applicant would not be required to apply
for Site Plan Approval for the proposed residence.”
p. 9, paragraph 3. “Ms. Greig said that the parcel was located within the
Scenic Corridor and that it contained both prime soils and soils of Statewide
Importance. As a result, both a Coastal Assessment form and an Agricultural
Data Statement were necessary. Because of its location near the Hudson River,
the project also came under the purview of the Local Waterfront Revitalization
Plan.” To be changed to “Ms. Greig said that the parcel was located within the
Scenic Corridor Overlay District and that it contained both prime soils and
soils of Statewide Importance. As a result, it was subject to the Important
Farmlands Law and an Agricultural Data Statement was necessary. Because of its
location near the Hudson River, the project also came under the purview of the
Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and a Coastal Assessment Form.”
Sam Phelan made a motion to accept the corrected minutes. The motion was
seconded by Mary Lou Muirhead, and all members present were in favor.
The Acting Chair said that TGS Associates had requested the Board to allow
GreenPlan’s review of the Hardscrabble Commons project be forwarded to TGS
agent Art Brod in advance of the April 4, 2005 meeting at which the project is
scheduled to appear. The Board generally agreed to allow this review to be
forwarded and to make it a policy that any applicant may request and receive a
consultant’s review, if it is available, in advance of the meeting at which
that applicant is scheduled to appear before the Board. The Board added that
if the applicant makes adjustments to his project in response to that review,
he does so at his own risk, since the Board may not agree with the
consultant’s advice. The Board determined to incorporate a disclaimer to that
effect in a statement of this policy.
The Acting Chair said that the Devereux Foundation had submitted an
application for an amendment to its special permit, as required in a
resolution adopted by the Board at its meeting on March 7, 2005. Devereux now
requested that the Board set a public hearing date. The Board determined,
however, that since the application and supporting documents had just been
submitted that day, March 21, 2005, and had not yet been reviewed for
completeness, a vote on acceptance of the application and possible setting of
a public hearing date would be deferred until the April 4, 2005 meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Dale & Joseph Salvia – Fraleigh Lane – Subdivision Plat
Bob Zimmerman, P.E., was present for the public hearing continued from March
7, 2005 and in support of an application for Subdivision Plat approval to
authorize the creation of a 3.0-acre existing house parcel and a 3.014-acre
residential building lot from a 6.014-acre parcel (Lot 9) in the RD3 District.
Before discussion of this matter began, Mary Lou Muirhead recused herself from
both discussion and any subsequent vote.
Mr. Zimmerman presented a revised map and explained that he had reconfigured
the proposed lots so that the size of the proposed flag lot would comply with
Town regulations. He said he had also located on that map both existing and
proposed houses, wells and septic systems.
Sam Phelan said that in the light of the legal opinion submitted to the Board
on March 21, 2005 by Jennifer Porter, attorney with Keane & Beane, the
reconfiguration of the lots was not relevant.
The Acting Chair said that the Planning Board had the power to waive the
subdivision regulations regarding cul-de-sac roads but was not obligated to
waive them.
Planning Consultant Ted Fink said that the Town regulations were consistent
with recommendations made by the Institute of Traffic Safety Engineers, which
advised no more than twenty (20) lots on a cul-de-sac road.
Todd Abrahams, 235 Fraleigh Lane, asked the Board to locate exactly where the
Fraleigh Lane cul-de-sac began. The Board generally agreed that the cul-de-sac
began where Echo Valley Road intersected Fraleigh Lane. Mr. Abrahams asked
whether the vacant land at the southeast corner of that intersection would be
included in the cul-de-sac subdivision and therefore could not be subdivided.
The Board generally agreed that the vacant land was included.
Town Attorney Al Trezza asked which section of the Town regulations determined
the twelve (12) lot limit. Mr. Fink said that the pertinent paragraph was
contained in Section 120-18 of the Town Code.
Sam Phelan asked if there were any mitigating factors in this matter or any
factors which constituted hardship for the applicant.
Mr. Zimmerman said that because of the high rate of taxation in Red Hook,
people may find it necessary to sell a portion of their land in order to keep
their homes.
John Hardeman said that no matter how many houses are built on a cul-de-sac
road, there would be a hardship if a tree came down near the entrance to that
road.
Sam Phelan said that this matter should constitute a precedent and that if
subdivision was allowed on this cul-de-sac, it should be allowed on other
cul-de-sacs in the Town.
Jennifer Fier, 56 E. Market Street, said that traffic engineers were typically
involved in the number of lots allowed on a cul-de-sac because of their
concern with the number of cars entering and exiting a highway.
Robert McKeon, 163 Crestwood Road, cited deed restriction #8 which said in
part, “No building except a single one family dwelling house……and a private
garage ….shall be built upon each lot…”
Mr. Zimmerman cited deed restriction #1 which said in part, “Said premises
shall not be divided or subdivided without the written approval of Frank S.
Abrahams…..until January 1, 1992.”
Town Attorney Al Trezza reminded the Board that it was not empowered to
enforce deed restrictions.
Since there was no further public comment, the Acting Chair closed the public
hearing.
With input from the Board, the Acting Chair then completed part 2 of the EAF.
She said that the significance would be determined by considering the matter’s
lack of consistency with Town regulations, a concern for traffic safety, and
the letter of concern submitted by the Town Fire Chief. The Board generally
agreed that these were important issues but not significant as defined under
SEQR.
Sam Phelan made a motion that the application be denied based on the Keane &
Beane opinion of March 21, 2005 and a previous opinion of January 31, 2005,
the Fire Chief’s letter to the Board and the application’s inconsistency with
Town regulations. David Wright seconded the motion. The motion was carried by
a vote of four to one with one abstention. A copy of this resolution is
attached to, and made part of, these minutes.
REGULAR SESSION (OLD BUSINESS)
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union – NYS Route 9 and Metzger Road –
pre-submission Site Plan
Bill Spearman, President of the Credit Union; Ray Jurkowski, P.E. with Morris
Associates; and Dave Gibson, architect with P.W. Campbell were present with a
revised conceptual site plan of a 3,397 sq. ft. banking facility on a
1.604-acre parcel in the B1 District.
Before discussion of this matter began, David Wright recused himself from both
discussion and any subsequent vote.
Mr. Jurkowski said that the applicants had revised their plan by incorporating
a right-turn-only driveway connecting the facility to NYS Route 9, as had been
suggested by the Planning Board.
Mr. Jurkowski said that the applicants had found a second Planning Board
suggestion, to put the parking lot at the rear of the building instead of in
the front, would likely result in traffic congestion, however. The applicants
proposed keeping the parking lot at the front of the building but surrounding
it with a 30” high stone wall built on a low berm. This landscaping would
effectively shield the parked cars from view while allowing the building to be
seen from Route 9. Mr. Jurkowski added that many other buildings along Route 9
currently had parking lots in the front, adjacent to Route 9. He said that the
applicants had tried turning the building 90 degrees, as had been suggested by
the Planning Board, but that the difficulty of separating the drive-up window
traffic from the cars in the parking lot had made this idea prohibitive.
Finally, he said that the applicants were open to adding two more circulation
roads to the site, giving access to the rear of the parcel and also to the
proposed Hardscrabble Commons.
Planning Consultant Ted Fink said that the building would require a number of
area variances and so should be considered an unlisted action under SEQR. He
recommended a coordinated review with the NYS Department of Transportation and
other involved agencies.
Mr. Fink added that the Board consider other development in the area and that
a cumulative impact analysis should be undertaken. He said the implications of
the combined storm water drainage and traffic produced by both the Credit
Union and Hardscrabble Commons should be studied. He recommended that the
applicants could together arrange for a traffic impact study, although the
Credit Union would have to submit an EAF before that study could be scheduled.
The Board and the applicants generally agreed that although the Board should
look at certain aspects of both proposed projects in tandem, provisions could
be made to allow the Credit Union to progress toward completion at a faster
rate than Hardscrabble Commons, which was scheduled to be built in phases.
There was a general discussion about a proposed road directly across Route 9
from Old Farm Road which might serve as an entrance to the facility and might
allow the closing of the current entrance off Route 9. It was found, however,
that Old Farm Road was approximately 150 feet to the south of the Credit Union
site. Mr. Jurkowski said the Credit Union would have one access off Route 9
and another access/egress off Metzger Road.
Mr. Fink said that the Greenway Guide suggested locating parking lots to the
front and back of a facility. Asked how Greenway related to Red Hook
regulations, Mr. Fink said that currently Greenway acted as a guide to
creating village-style rather than suburban- style streetscapes. The Acting
Chair added that Red Hook was a Greenway Community and that the Town should
use the guidelines whenever possible.
Mr. Fink then referred to a plan suggested by John Clarke, Senior Planner with
the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development. This design
brought the building forward toward Route 9, separated the building from the
street with a sidewalk, and located the parking lot behind the building. Mr.
Seaman said that, by bringing the drive-up lanes close to the parking lot,
this plan, like those previously suggested, would create traffic congestion
and possible risk to pedestrians who had parked their cars and were trying to
enter the building. He added that the Credit Union Board had rejected this
type of layout.
The Acting Chair said that the Credit Union should be visually linked to the
proposed buildings to the south. She added that the Route 9 entrance would
likely be the main cause of traffic problems and that these problems could be
alleviated by entrances off Metzger Road and from within Hardscrabble Commons.
Sam Phelan requested that the applicants further explore designs incorporating
an entrance from Route 9, pulling the building closer to Route 9 and locating
the parking lot to the rear, adding sidewalks to direct people from the
parking lot around the drive up lanes and to the building, and locating the
exit driveway onto Metzger Road.
Brian Williams & Mark Angelier – Yantz and Oriole Mills Roads – Subdivision
Plat
Richard Hanback, L.S. and Brian Williams appeared before the Board in a
continuation from November 1, 2004 of the presentation of an application for
Subdivision Plat Approval (Sketch Plan and Preliminary Subdivision Plat) to
authorize creation of three (3) residential building lots ranging from 3.28
acres to 12.29 acres from a 28.44-acre parcel in the RD3 and Certified
Agricultural Districts.
Mr. Hanback explained the project to the Board and said that the applicants
were eager to hear comments from the Town Engineer and the Agricultural
Advisory Committee, to which the application had been referred.
Mr. Fink said that since the parcel was located in the Certified Agricultural
District and contained soils of statewide importance, it came under the
purview of the Important Farmlands Law. Therefore, he said, the Planning Board
must mandate clustering and a farmland protection plan must be submitted. He
added that the Planning Board was not empowered to waive these requirements.
The Acting Chair then read the referral response from the Agricultural
Advisory Committee, which stated that the Committee considered the application
to be incomplete. The Committee added that it was looking for density
calculations and a conceptual plan for a full build-out, not only for the
Williams/Angelier parcel but also for the parcel owned by Mr. Williams and
located across Oriole Mills Road. The Committee considered both parcels to be
part of one farm.
Mr. Hanback said that first, the parcel would not successfully accommodate
clustering without a central septic system and a municipal water supply.
Second, attempting to cluster would require substantial disturbance to the
land, something he had been trying to minimize. Third, he said that the parcel
across the road was owned by Mr. Williams but not by Mr. Angelier and so
should not be included in the farmland protection plan.
In response to questions about the nature of the farmland protection plan, Mr.
Fink said that SEQR required the applicants and the Planning Board to look at
both potential development and potential conservation. Therefore, he said that
the “full build-out” required for the plan could be purely conceptual and
should be based on the number of homes the parcel could support given the
restraints of zoning, soils, wetlands and other mitigating factors.
The Board generally agreed that Mr. Hanback must submit a density calculation
and conceptual full build-out for the Williams/ Angelier parcel. He could, if
the applicants wished, include the Williams parcel across the road but
inclusion was not required. As part of the plan, he should sketch in potential
building envelopes. Mr. Hanback acknowledged that he must obtain Health
Department approval on the approximately 3-acre lot.
Mary Lou Muirhead made a motion to adopt a resolution establishing the
Planning Board as the SEQR Lead Agency. John Hardeman seconded the motion, and
all members voted in favor.
REGULAR SESSION (NEW BUSINESS)
Eric & Aviva Kafka – 5246 Route 9G – Subdivision Plat
Eric Kafka appeared before the Board with an application to authorize creation
of three (3) residential building lots ranging from approximately 3.20 acres
to approximately 3.25 acres and one (1) 3.10-acre existing house parcel from a
12.72-acre parcel in the RD3 District.
Mr. Kafka explained his proposed subdivision to the Board, saying that he knew
his parcel was in the Scenic Overlay District and that the proposed lots would
allow for the required double setbacks.
Mr. Fink said that the parcel was also within the National Historic Landmarks
District, which made the project a Type 1 action under SEQR, requiring a full
EAF and a coordinated review. He said that the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation should be one of the agencies contacted,
additionally because the parcel was within sight of the Red Church.
Mr. Fink continued by saying that because the parcel was located on a
designated scenic road, the Board should prefer the clustering of any future
houses and must ensure that the development be in harmony with local and
county comprehensive plans. In addition, the parcel lay within the NYS Coastal
Management District, which triggered other requirements. Finally, the section
of Stony Creek at the rear of the property was upstream from the Village of
Tivoli water supply, which also must be considered in any discussion of the
application.
The Board generally agreed that the applicant must submit a topographic map of
the parcel, a full EAF and a soils analysis. The Board also agreed that a site
visit should be scheduled after these documents are received.
7 Pines, LLC – Norton Road – Subdivision Plat.
Tom LeGrand, Tom Mannix and Marshall Potamkin appeared before the Board with a
conceptual subdivision plan to create six (6) residential building lots
ranging from 5+ acres to 40+ acres from a total 126.7-acre parcel on both
sides of Norton Road in the RD3 District.
Mr. LeGrand said that a plan for subdividing this parcel into twelve (12) lots
had come before the Board in the fall of 2004 but had been withdrawn. He said
that the large wetlands on the west side of the parcel had been flagged and
that the applicants were now asking for only three (3) lots on each side of
Norton Road, for a total of six (6) lots.
Mr. Mannix said that building envelopes would be located appropriately, based
on the wetlands at the western side of the parcel and the steep slopes at the
eastern end. He also said that, in order to facilitate approval by the Board
of Health, he would like this project to be considered as two minor
subdivisions, not one major subdivision. He said that request was reasonable
since Norton Road divided the parcel into two lots. Town Board member Jean
Bordewich said that this concept had been discussed and that the parcel must
be considered as one entity.
The Board generally agreed that the proposed subdivision must be considered a
six-lot major subdivision. The Board also said that the applicants’ next step
was to submit an application, an EAF and any other required documents.
OTHER BUSINESS
David Wright said he had been contacted by Jeff Golden of the Common Fire
Foundation, who said that the NYS DEC would reject his application for a
permit if the Board did not issue a negative SEQR declaration by March 24,
2005. The DEC would not be able to reconsider the application for 30 days,
which would cause economic hardship for the Foundation.
Mr. Fink said that the Board could not issue a negative declaration without
knowing the impact of the proposed road on the nearby federal wetland. He said
Mr. Golden could request that the DEC delay its review of the application
until the additional information is obtained.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon being advised by the Chair that there was no further business to come
before the Board, Sam Phelan made a motion to adjourn. Paul Telesca seconded
the motion, and all members present were in favor. The Chair adjourned the
meeting at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Paula Schoonmaker
Assistant Clerk to the Planning Board
Attachments
Letter from Keane & Beane regarding the Salvia proposed subdivision
Resolution denying Salvia application for Subdivision Plat Approval
KEANE & BEANE, P.C.
445 HAMILTON AVENUE, 15TH FLOOR
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601
(914) 946-4777
FACSIMILE (914) 946-6868
www.kblaw.com
MEMORANDUM
Attorney-Client Privileged Communication
Not Subject to FOIL
TO: Town of Red Hook Planning Board
FROM: Jennifer M. Porter, Esq.
RE: Salvia Subdivision
DATE: March 21, 2005
My office has been asked by the Town of Red Hook Planning Board to provide a
follow-up memorandum regarding whether there is a rational basis in the record
to support the Planning Board’s denial of the Salvia subdivision application.
Based upon my review of the information sent to me by the Planning Board
including a letter from Fire Chief Arvine Coon, Jr., a letter from a
neighboring resident, Robert McKeon, Planning Board Meeting Minutes dated
March 7, 2005 and a copy of the deed restrictions for the subject property, I
believe there is sufficient documentation in the record to support the
Planning Board’s denial of the application.
As I indicated in my previous memorandum dated January 31, 2005, the Planning
Board has the power to modify the subdivision regulations; however, the
Planning Board is not required to do so. In fact, if there is evidence in the
record which warrants against modification, such evidence shall be relied upon
as the basis for the Planning Board’s refusal to modify the applicable
subdivision regulations. In this case, the Planning Board has documentary and
testimonial evidence which warrants against the grant of the instant
application.
Section 120-18.B(4)(a) of the Red Hook subdivision requirements provides that:
(a) cul-de-sac streets shall not be created to provide access to residential
lots except in situations where, in the view of the Planning Board, a through
street cannot reasonably be provided due to the physical characteristics of
the subdivision parcel and adjoining properties. Where a cul-de-sac street is
authorized, either as a permanent dead-end street or as a temporary dead-end
street pending completion of a through-road network, not more than twelve (12)
single-family residential lots may gain access from either the initial
development or extension of such cul-de-sac street.
The Planning Board should note that above-referenced limitation on the number
of cul-de-sacs is a reasonable zoning restriction and that the basis for this
zoning regulation is to reduce safety-related impacts, i.e., more lots on a
cul-de-sac = less accessible area for emergency vehicle access. The Planning
Board can rely upon the letter from the Fire Chief to assert that the proposed
application within an existing cul-de-sac will result in health/safety/general
welfare impacts to the community i.e., safety issue – increased problems
getting fire equipment in and out in an emergency situation. The Planning
Board can also assert that granting the instant application will create
negative precedent.
I do not believe based upon the information presented that the applicant has
adequately demonstrated that “undue hardship” or “extraordinary circumstances”
exist which necessitate a modification of applicable subdivision requirements.
See §120-27, Town of Red Hook Code. Moreover, limiting development along
cul-de-sacs which have been built to the maximum number of lots permitted
would be in keeping with the Town’s Master Plan. Therefore, denial of the
above-referenced application is justified. See id.
Please be advised that the Planning Board must set forth in the record the
information it has relied upon as the basis for its decision. The Planning
Board should discuss the criteria for granting a modification of the
subdivision requirements and set forth its reasons as to why the applicant has
not satisfied the applicable criteria. The Planning Board should also cite
letters in the record and testimony given during the public hearing which
assisted in forming the basis for its determination.
cc: Joel H. Sachs, Esq.
Town of Red Hook Planning Board
Resolution Denying Approval in the Matter of the Joseph and Dale Salvia Minor
2-Lot Subdivision at 224 Fraleigh Lane in the RD3 District.
March 21, 2005
Motion made by Sam Phelan
Seconded by David Wright
Whereas, the Town of Red Hook Planning Board received an application for a
proposed two lot subdivision by Dale and Joseph Salvia for a ± 6 acre parcel
of land located in the RD 3 Zoning District at Fraleigh Lane, Town of Red
Hook, Dutchess County, New York; and
Whereas, Fraleigh Lane is a cul-de-sac (dead-end) road approximately 1¼ miles
long as measured from Echo Valley Road to its terminus; and
Whereas, there are currently a total of 23 dwellings and 3 additional vacant
properties on the Fraleigh Lane cul-de-sac; and
Whereas, the Town of Red Hook Subdivision Regulations § 120-18B(4)(a)
stipulate that “where a cul-de-sac street is authorized, either as a permanent
dead-end street or as a temporary dead-end street pending completion of a
through-road network, not more than twelve (12) single-family residential lots
may gain access from either the initial development or extension of such
cul-de-sac street;” and
Whereas, the Town of Red Hook Subdivision Regulations § 120-27 authorize the
Planning Board to modify the specific requirements of the Subdivision
Regulations when compliance with the regulations would cause “unusual hardship
or extraordinary difficulties . . . provided that the public interest is
protected” and “where, due to the unique circumstances of a particular tract,
strict application of this chapter would inhibit achievement of the town’s
Master Plan objectives, provided that public health, safety and welfare are
protected;” and
Whereas, the Planning Board forwarded the application to the Town of Red Hook
Fire Chief Arvine Coon, Jr. for his comments regarding whether granting the
subject application would adversely impact the public health, safety and
welfare; and
Whereas, the Fire Chief Arvine Coon Jr. expressed concern regarding the public
health, safety and welfare if the subject application were approved since the
Town’s Subdivision Regulations permit only twelve (12) units on a cul-de-sac
and the Fraleigh Lane cul-de-sac currently has twice this amount, there are
other parcels on Fraleigh Lane that could possibly be subdivided in the
future, an approval may set a precedence for other cul-de-sacs in the Town,
and a cul-de-sac that exceeds the requirements of the Subdivision Regulations
poses a problem for emergency vehicles accessing the road; and
Whereas, limiting the number of dwellings on a cul-de-sac is a matter of
public health, safety and welfare because cul-de-sacs provide the only means
of access to the residents living on the street, and if the street should
become blocked because of an accident, fallen tree or utility line,
construction activity, or disabled truck, the residents living on the other
side of the incident cannot be accessed by emergency services; and
Whereas, the Planning Board sought legal advice from its attorney Keane &
Beane, P.C. which advised that there is sufficient documentation in the record
to support the Planning Board’s denial of the application since the Planning
Board has testimonial evidence from the Red Hook Fire Chief that warrants
against granting the application, the limitation on the number of units on a
cul-de-sac is a reasonable zoning restriction to reduce safety-related
impacts, granting the application would create negative precedent, limiting
development along cul-de-sacs which have been built to the maximum number of
lots permitted would be in keeping with the Town’s Master Plan, and the
applicant has not adequately demonstrated that “undue hardship” or
“extraordinary difficulties” exist which necessitate a modification of the
applicable subdivision requirements; and
Whereas, the Planning Board held a public hearing on the application on March
7, 2005, which hearing was adjourned to March 21, 2005, and heard comments
from residents on Fraleigh Lane who expressed concern that granting the
subject application would set a negative precedent that would permit other
landowners on Fraleigh Lane to subdivide their lands which would compromise
emergency services on Fraleigh Lane; and
Whereas, the Planning Board conducted a SEQR review of the application and
complied with all applicable New York State and local laws and regulations
regarding the review of a subdivision application.
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Town of Red Hook Planning Board hereby
denies the application for subdivision on the grounds that modifying the
requirements of § 120-18B(4)(a) of the Subdivision Regulations would not
protect the public health, safety and welfare, would set a negative precedent
for future subdivision of lands on Fraleigh Lane and for other cul-de-sacs in
the Town, would not be consistent with the Town’s Master Plan, and that the
applicant has not adequately demonstrated that “undue hardship” or
“extraordinary difficulties” exist which necessitate a modification of the
applicable subdivision requirements.
Roll Call Vote:
Member John Hardeman no
Member Mary Lou Muirhead abstain
Member Sam Phelan yes
Member Paul Telesca yes
Member David Wright yes
Acting Chair Christine Kane yes
Resolution declared: APPROVED
Resolution Certified, Filed with the Town Clerk and Mailed to the Applicant
_______________________________________ ______________
Paula Schoonmaker, Assistant Clerk to the Board Date