TOWN OF ESOPUS
PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
February 24, 2005

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: John McMichael
    Roxanne Pecora
    Russ Shultis, Chairman
    Chuck Snyder
    Dennis Suraci
    Fred Zimmer

EXCUSED:   Linda Smythe

ALSO PRESENT:  Dan Shuster, Shuster Associates, Planning Board Consultant
  (for portions of   Tim Keefe, Building Inspector
     the meeting)   Wayne Freer, Councilman
    Ernie Germano, Councilman
    Gloria VanVliet, Councilwoman 

At 7:02 pm, Chairman Russ Shultis called the meeting of the Town of Esopus Planning Board to order beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Russ then advised the public of the building’s fire exits, and roll call was taken.

Minutes

Board Member Roxanne Pecora requested that it be noted on page 8 under Scenic Hudson that both comments she made were as per the advice of the Planning Board’s attorney.  His advice was that once the Planning Board has given an approval, it cannot be reopened.

Board Member Fred Zimmer noted that on page 2, second paragraph, 1st word in the fourth line should be proposed well and septic and not processed.

Board Member Dennis Suraci requested that on the last page under checklist, Kristy Nelson’s name be added as preparer along with his.

ROXANNE PECORA THEN MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY DENNIS SURACI, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD APPROVE THE JANUARY 27, 2005 PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS AMENDED.   ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

Vouchers
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROXANNE PECORA AND SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER TO ACCEPT ALL VOUCHERS SUBMITTED AND READ.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH PASSED BY A 6-0 VOTE.
The vouchers submitted and read were as follows:

 Kristy L. Nelson.................(01/22/05 - 02/18/05)..............................................   25.5 Hrs.
 Daily Freeman....................(Downey Public Hearing)......................................  $  13.58
 P. C. Graham......................................................................................................   $221.00
 P. C. Graham.......................(Hudson P.E. Assocs. Escrow)............................   $507.00
 Shuster Associates...........(Komasa Escrow)....................................................   $495.00
 Chazen Engineering...........(Schroeter Escrow)................................................   $270.00
               Chazen Engineering...........(North/Heissenbuttel Escrow Acct.).....................  $202.50
 

PUBLIC HEARING & OLD BUSINESS

DYNO-NOBEL, INC. - (2004-26) - 161 Ulster Avenue @ Hercules Drive, Ulster Park, NY
                         Site Plan Amendment - Magazine Storage
SBL #63.002-2-1

Gene Muscari & James Boglioli were the representatives at this meeting for Dyno-Nobel.  Safety Officer Greg Doyle and Plant Manager Margie Seeger were also present.  The applicant proposes to add on-site portable storage magazines.  At this time, Russ Shultis recused himself from the Board for this application since he is an adjacent property owner.  Roxanne Pecora took over as acting chairman of the Planning Board for this application.  CHUCK SNYDER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD OPEN THE DYNO-NOBEL PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE.  Acting Chair Roxanne Pecora then called for public comments.  None were made.  DENNIS SURACI THEN MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE.

Revised maps as well as photos were reviewed.  James Boglioli noted that they did established a contact with the Ulster County Dept. of Emergency Management who is Art Snyder.  Dyno’s emergency contact person will be Tom Gaffney.  Area of disturbance was discussed.  Building Inspector Tim Keefe noted that there are some State, Fire and Building code regulations that Dyno-Nobel would have to adhere to.  He also stated that in his office they do not have a copy of their emergency plan on file, and the Fire Code specifically states that Dyno must prepare a copy for his office annually.  Roxanne Pecora stated that she has checked and the Town has never received an emergency plan from Dyno-Nobel’s site.  Dan Gaffney of Dyno Nobel noted that Supervisor Ray Rice facilitated the update of the emergency response process with the emergency responders in 1996-1997.  Plant Manager Margie Seeger added that in November 2003 they updated their emergency response plan to the existing facility the way it exists today and they were sent out by certified mail.  She will check her mailing list to see who responded to that certified mailing.  An additional emergency response plan will be required for this magazine proposal; this will be a draft that will be updated once implemented.  Dyno-Nobel’s rep will provide the Building Dept. with a copy of their existing emergency plan as well a draft related to the proposal.  A letter of inspection from Town of Esopus Fire Marshal Michael Glotzl dated Feb. 24, 2005 was read into the record.  A copy of the same is on file.  Dennis Suraci and Roxanne Pecora commented for the record that they were very impressed when they visited the site.  Everything was well-marked, labeled and large enough to read and the security check they went through was very impressive.  Dennis added that he agreed with the Fire Marshall that this is regulated by the State and Federal government and it is up to the Town to make sure they keep doing that.  He also suggested that when the government agencies do an inspection, Dyno-Nobel contact the Building Inspector and Fire Marshall to possibly do a coordinated review.  Next, Attorney Theresa Bakner’s letter of Feb. 15, 2005 regarding maintaining Dyno-Nobel’s materials in a confidential manner was read into the record.  A copy of the same is on file.  Roxanne Pecora noted that this letter was forwarded to the Planning Board’s attorney who is currently preparing a response to the same.  She noted that in terms of how the Planning Board is currently handling the records, the maps were not posted and anyone requesting to see the site plan had to file a Freedom of Information request with the Town Clerk.  Acting Chair then noted that the Ulster County Planning Board’s recommendation response was ‘Required Modifications’.  The modification was that the applicants establish a contact for comments with the Ulster County Dept. fo Emergency Management before moving ahead with their project.  A copy of this referral response is on file.  FRED ZIMMER MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY DENNIS SURACI, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD FIND NO SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEQR FOR DYNO-NOBEL, CASE #2004-26, AND THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THEIR APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN AMENDMENT WITH THE CONDITIONS THAT:

· A LETTER BE RECEIVED FROM THE ULSTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONFIRMING THAT A CONTACT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND WHO IT IS, AND
· THE APPROVAL OF ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE DEPT. OF LABOR, DIVISION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH, STATING THAT THE EXPLOSIVES MUST BE STORED IN CERTIFIED MAGAZINES BE RECEIVED.  (This will be required before the issuance of a C.O. from the Building Inspector).

ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE.

At this time in the meeting, Russ Shultis returned as Planning Board Chairman.

DOWNEY - (2004-33) - 115 Schultz Lane/380 New Salem Road, May Park, NY
                Minor 2 Lot Subdivision
                SBL #56.015-2-26

The applicants are proposing to split a 13+ acre residential corner lot into two parcels, one of which will be vacant.  The site will be split into two almost-equal area parcels, each over 6 acres.  The vacant lot, Lot 2 will have frontage on Schultz Lane.  The remainder, Lot 1, with 6.7 acres, will encompass all of the buildings and improvements in the northerly half of the site, along with two remaining frontage strips.  Chris Zell of Brinnier and Larios represented the applicants at this meeting.  RUSS SHULTIS MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY ROXANNE PECORA, TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE DOWNEY APPLICATION, CASE #2004-33.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.  Public input was called for.  No one indicated they wished to address the Board.  DENNIS SURACI MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY ROXANNE PECORA, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

WITH NO BOARD COMMENTS TO BE MADE, ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY DENNIS SURACI, FOR DOWNEY, CASE 2004-33, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DECLARE NON-SIGNIFICANCE FOR SEQR AND GRANT CONDITIONAL FINAL PLAT APPROVAL SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF THE ACCESS ONTO SCHULTZ LANE, ADDITION OF A REVISION DATE, AND SUBMISSION OF AT LEAST TEN (10) PAPER COPIES AND A REPRODUCIBLE MASTER PLAT SIGNED BY THE OWNERS.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF RUSS SHULTIS WHO ABSTAINED.  MOTION CARRIED BY A 5-0-1 VOTE.  Chairman Shultis noted that a copy of the driveway permit from Highway Superintendent Al Larkin is on file.  In addition, Russ explained that he abstained from the vote because he felt this application should have procedure wise, at least, been referred to the ZBA because of the current non-conforming use that was being altered.  He added, however, that he did not have a problem with the overall proposal in front of the Board.

OLD BUSINESS

STERNGASS - (2004-04) - 21 Carney Road, Union Center, Ulster Park, NY
                     Average Density Development - Reconfigure 4 lots into 29 lots
       SBL #63.003-7-10, 11, 23.3 & 23.4

Applicant Rubin Sterngass and his Engineer, Robert Hagopian, were present at this meeting.  The applicant is requesting approval for a cluster style subdivision to be developed on over 30 acres on a site near Union Center.  A preliminary 27 lot design sketch was presented last January, on a site that consisted of three separate but abutting parcels.  This revised plan shows the site to encompass 4 existing lots, with a modified layout that is to create 26 building lots, one utility lot (wastewater treatment) and two open space/stormwater management lots.  On-site wells are proposed.  Shuster Associates project review was reviewed.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to Mr. Hagopian.  Dan Shuster, the Planning Board’s consultant, commented that in general a cluster development can be an attractive development form to preserve a substantial amount of open space, and reduce the amount of streets and infrastructure.  He was not sure this plan really accomplishes those objectives.  Dan felt that without a good map of existing conditions and site features it was really impossible to know where the most sensitive lands are in terms of slope, wetland soils, etc.  He noted that there really was no open space set aside in this proposal other than the land that is being allocated to the sewage disposal systems, and the street layout is no shorter and possibly longer than if this was a conventional subdivision.  Chuck Snyder asked if the lots were proposed for single ownership.  Robert Hagopian said yes.  Chuck then asked how the septic common area would be maintained.  Mr. Hagopian stated that a transportation corporation would be established, similar to a homeowner’s association.  Chuck Snyder stated that he agreed with Dan Shuster’s assessment; he did not feel this looked like a cluster development.  Chuck added that he could not see anybody every using the loop road except for Lot #6.  Robert Hagopian stated the loop road was mostly provided for emergency vehicles and safety issues.  Dennis Suraci asked if test holes for the sanitary had been done yet.  Mr. Hagopian’s reply was not at this point.  John McMichael had doubts about the septic as proposed since it was on very steep land with poor soil.  John also did not feel the proposal really complied with the density formula for a cluster development.   John stated that he would like to see all the wooded area shown as common land.  He also had a concern about the lot sizes.  Fred Zimmer questioned the road distance.  Robert Hagopian noted that they did provide an emergency access easement that would be prepared with a stable base and then seeded over.  Dan Shuster reiterated that one of the things the Planning Board should be looking for is a good existing conditions map showing the site constraints, where the wetlands area, where the steep slopes are, where the major trees are, stone walls, and any other physical features so the Board can see what the rationale for the cluster is.  It was also suggested that the applicant consider reconfiguring the road system and discuss the same with the Highway Superintendent since the applicant is proposing to deed the same over to the Town.  The Highway Superintendent’s comments should be put in writing.  Russ Shultis echoed what Shuster Associates stated in their review.  He felt what was in front of the Board tonight did not meet the requirements of a cluster development.  It was his opinion that what was being presented was a number of residential lots that have big backyards, and it does not offer any of the open space that the zoning code intended it to be.  Russ also noted that, according to the map, Lot 28 is to be dedicated to the Town of Esopus, and he did not think the Town Board would accept that.  A drainage district would probably have to be created also.  Robert Hagopian questioned what the Town was looking for regarding the open space.  Dan Shuster stated that there has to be a rationale for the open space; where it connects to open space on adjacent land, the nature of the land, is it steep, does it have good views, is it wooded; rather than just an arbitrary dimension.  Russ Shultis suggested that the applicant look at the property to the south, the Boyle subdivision, which had a rather large lot that borders this property and, as far as an open space concept, perhaps the applicant could look at having a part of this property be contiguous with that to remain wooded.  This was Russ’ interpretation of preserving open space. Chairman Shultis advised the applicant’s engineer that when this proposal comes back before the Board they will need their engineer to review the same so an escrow account would have to be established.  It was noted that recreation fees would also pertain to this application.

STEFANIS - (2003-26) - 451 Broadway, Port Ewen, NY
   Site Plan - Auto Sales
   SBL #64.001-1-5

No representation.
 
VAN VELSON - (2004-29) - 113 Esopus Avenue & 314 Union Center Road, Ulster Park, NY                 Minor 4 Lot Subdivision (from 2 Lots)
                                                 SBL #63.004-7-36.1 & 38
 
This proposal is for 4 lots.  The layout will create a lot for each of the three existing single family dwellings and a vacant parcel.  The site currently consists of two tax map lots totaling 10.70+ acres.  Mike Vetere represented the applicants at this meeting.  Mike submitted a copy of the driveway permit application dated 2/24/05 for Lot 4 off of Esopus Avenue.  A copy of the same is on file.  Maps were reviewed.  Chuck Snyder questioned whether Lot #4’s garage is to become a residence.  Mike Vetere stated it could be, but at this point it is not a residence.  Chuck asked if that was the intent.  Mr. Vetere said yes.  Dennis Suraci assumed the distance from the garage and property line met the requirement of the side yard, 20’, and suggested Mike Vetere delineate the same.  John McMichael noted that the applicant would need a waiver (to Section 123-21.D.(5)) for the flag lot pole length on Lot 3.  It was noted that this waiver request needs to be in writing.  Chairman Shultis noted that the applicant is still awaiting a reply from the County concerning the access onto Union Center Road.  Russ then asked Mike Vetere what the labeling ‘proposed drive’ refers to as shown on New Lot #2 down near the intersection of the easement and Union Center Rd.  Mike stated that was a noted that he forgot to take off.  He will correct the same.  Russ Shultis then asked about the intersection of the flag pole with New Lot #3 and where it is squared off.  Mike Vetere stated that those lines are for the benefit of Lot 2; Lot 2 has the right to use the easement up to that point, but it is a part of Lot 3.  Next, Russ asked what the labeling ‘Map 2296’ meant.  Mike Vetere noted that was his map number.  At this time, Chairman Shultis refreshed the Planning Board’s memory concerning the Capri and the concern about Catherine St.  He proposed that the following note be added to the map:

 New lot 2 shall have the use of the fifty (50) foot right-of-way as shown on the
 above described map.
 
 Lands of Donald Bybee, Liber 3591, Page 273, and Robert Paul Villielm and
 Bernadine M. Villielm, Liber 2980, Page 370, will have access over the existing
 right-of-way with all rights and conditions stated in their respective deeds and
 the fifty (50) foot right-of-way shown by metes and bounds on the above
 described map will in no way interfere with or affect any previously conveyed
 rights.  Said fifty (50) foot right-of-way will define the minimum dimensions of
 the access to which the Bybee and Villielm parcels are entitled.

Discussion was had.  Mike Vetere will check into this wording of this note to include just the right-of-ways that exist since there was some question if Bybee has a right to the easement.  Dennis Suraci suggested Mike Vetere document the site lines on Union Center Road so the Board has some sense of it.  Mike Vetere asked if the silt fence would be a requirement.  The Planning Board noted that this has been a requirement in the past and suggested Mr. Vetere show the details for the silt fence as well as label the same on the downhill side of Lot 3 on the map.  Mike then asked if the Board would be requesting septic approval for Lot 3.  Discussion was had.  The applicant was told that if the Board does not require this, the applicant should understand that this is part of the building process.  Fred Zimmer stated he would be comfortable with just having a note put on the map saying that Health Dept. approval is required.  RUSS SHULTIS MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY ROXANNE PECORA, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD SCHEDULE THIS APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2005, AT 7:10 PM WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET BY THE DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH MEETING (THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2005):

· THE BOARD RECEIVE A COPY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OR DENIAL FROM THE ULSTER COUNTY HIGHWAY AND BRIDGES DEPT.,
· THE WORDING CONCERNING THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BE ADDRESSED,
· THE APPLICANT SUBMITS, IN WRITING, A WAIVER REQUEST FOR A FLAG LOT LENGTH, CODE 123-21D.(5).
· THE APPLICANT AMENDS THE MAP TO INCLUDE THE WORDING NOTED IN 107-29.13. PERTAINING TO THE ULSTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPT. APPROVAL FOR ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS.
· THE MAP IS AMENDED TO SHOW THE SILT FENCE FOR NEW LOT #3.

ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

NEW BUSINESS

SOMERSET DEVELOPMENT, LLC - (2005-03) - 597 Broadway, 122, 128 River Road, 35 Black Farm Court, Port
                    Ewen, NY 130 Carney Road; 1626-28 Route 213, Rifton, NY
                  PUD Re-Design
                  SBL #56.020-23-25; 64.001-1-8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 24 & 25;           64.001-2-1, 2 & 13.2

The applicant is proposing substantial changes to a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) that was designated in 1993 at Esopus Lakes.  Attorney Tony Veneziano, Robert Boris of Somerset Development, Ralph Zucker of Somerset Development, Stuart Messinger of Chazen Engineering and Joe Ariel of Venezinao’s firm were all present at this meeting.

Mr. Veneziano stated that they are before the Planning Board to get a favorable report from them back to the Town Board on their request to amend a prior rezoning for a PUD.  It was noted that the previous PUD was approved for 350 residential unit, 100,000 sq. ft. of retail and office space, a nine hole golf course, a pitch and put, a country club and inn with 100 rooms.  Tony Veneziano added that they would like to, in a sense, use the information from the prior approval as a basis and expand upon it by giving the Board a few reports on issues that they think require real focus in analyzing delta between the prior plan and this plan.  He felt the issues would be the visual impacts from the Hudson, traffic impacts, fiscal impacts, and school impacts.  Mr. Veneziano stated that they are in the process of preparing these reports and will have them ready for the Board within the next 2-4 weeks.  He noted that they have met with the Army Corp., the DEC, and Scenic Hudson.  As for SEQR, Tony Veneziano stated that they would not be going through this process before the Planning Board makes its recommendation to the Town Board.

Dan Shuster of Shuster Associates, the Planning Board’s consultant, noted that the Planning Board’s next step would be a recommendation to the Town Board on whether or not it believes the amendments to the PUD plan are appropriate.  He felt part of this recommendation would be to point in the direction of if and to what extend SEQR needs to be revisited.  Dan added that the first question for the Board would be how do the impacts of this revised plan relate to the impacts that were considered originally.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to give the Planning Board some information regarding this to help it make its recommendation to the Town Board.

Next, Robert Boris of Somerset Development familiarized the Planning Board with the project and the site.   He explained how one of the foremost planners around the world today developed the concept for the development of new communities that really looks back at the history of all communities and takes the best of all those town planning concepts.  Robert Boris stated that the new plan mostly concentrates on two areas of the property that

already have areas of disturbance.  One is the high plateau where the children’s camp was where there are existing streets, power lines, and gas lines going through it.  The other area they have chose is the small location by Marc’s Transmission where Ulster Ave. meets 9W and this is where the town center would be built.  He added that the entrance would now be going along an existing paved roadway which they already have rights to along with an emergency egress which goes down to River Road.  They plan to keep the greathouses that were approved in the original concept with a 30 room inn.  The village center will have some live/work units; commerical and retail with about 50 units of residential above it.  They have set up a series of parks to act as catch basins for stormwater runoff, pre-treatment areas before it actually gets to the wetlands.  The town center plans are for some two story buildings with apts. over some shops; ice cream stores, grocery stores and perhaps a drug store.  Cars would be in alley courts in the back of the houses; the housing will not be autocentric.  It is not focused on automobiles, you don’t see two/thee car garages, you see porches, walkable streets, treelined streets.

Then, Stuart Messinger of Chazen Engineering talked about the site in general, about the prior plan, about some of the differences and similarities between the two plans, and a little bit about impact comparison.  He noted that they will not be using the very small 1/4 acre parcel on the Hudson River.  This plan’s total acreage is 345 acres, a little different than the prior plan which was 360 since it incorporated two parcels on which there were development easements.  Stuart noted that the change in wetland regulations really affect how this site gets used.  Their plan is to extend the existing sewer district and tap into the water district which is available to the site.  Stuart Messinger added that the current plan, although it has a higher residential density, results in less site disturbance.  This plan calls for the development of up to 520 housing units.  Roxanne Pecora asked if they had looked at the access going in back and coming out by the old Capri which the County Planning Board was recommending the applicant do.  Stuart Messinger noted that they did not own that property.  Fred Zimmer asked if the applicant owned the emergency access.  Mr. Messinger stated he would have to double check on that.  Stuart Messinger stated that, in general, a development such as this has a lower school generation; there are fewer school children on average than a traditional suburban style development.  Roxanne Pecora suggested the applicant get the school superintendent on board as quickly as possible.  It is the applicant’s plan to build this project out over many years (5), and they will provide the Planning Board with a phasing plan.

Next, Fred Zucker spoke on the heart and sole of what was being proposed and reiterated much of what had been said previously.

Tony Veneziano noted that it was now their job is to get some reports to the Board, and they would probably be back on the Planning Board agenda for April.  Tony also requested to establish a formal relationship with the funding for the Planning Board’s consultants.  Dan Shuster noted there was a model agreement that  was used the last time around.  It was noted that the prior escrow account still existed under Hudson Port Ewen Associates.  Dan suggested Mr. Veneziano have property owner Ken Silver assign him the original agreement and then pony up whatever the amount necessary was when it gets below the balance figure.  Tony Veneziano’s office will contact Supervisor Ray Rice regarding the escrow account.

Fred Zimmer stated that from what he sees, this proposal is creating its own village/hamlet within the Town and in doing so, they have written their own zoning.  Dan Shuster agreed.  He added that, in essence, they prepare a plan based on the standards they have established for all the dimensionally characteristics and the building types, and, then have to convince both the Planning Board and the Town Board that the development in accordance with this overall plan, even though it is to different standards, is superior than if it was developed on a lot by lot basis in accords with the zoning law.  Dan stated that the new zone created is the plan; the site plan is the zoning law for that site.  Access was discussed somewhat.
 
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Presubmission - Birchez Associates

Steve Aaron and Architect Robert Kurzon represented Birchez Associates at this pre-submission conference. They explained that they would like to propose an 80 unit senior project on the Yesse/Kelly property on 9W immediately north of the Capri motel which is currently zoned GC. The project would consist of 20 2-bedroom units and 60 1-bedroom units for low income seniors with incomes ranging from 30% medium to 60% medium ($12,000-mid $20,000).  It was noted that this project was being submitted for funding this coming week through the New York State Housing Trust Fund for a 1% low income loan and low income housing tax credits.  The applicant’s reps felt the market in Esopus is very large for this type of housing and noted they presented the same to the Town Board along with a floating senior overlay district.  A zoning change by the Town Board would be required for such a project.  Mr. Aaron stated that they have provided the Planning Board with letters of support that they have gotten from local agencies, the public, and politicians, and he noted that the Town Board has authorized the Supervisor by resolution to give Birchez Associates a letter of support.  At this time, Steve Aaron explained a little bit more about the actual project and the program itself.  Maps were reviewed.  The overall feeling of the Planning Board was that the project was good and needed, however, this proposed location was somewhat isolated for senior housing and there were concerns with only having one long ingress/egress.  Dennis Suraci suggested looking into putting in a loop road.  It was also suggested that the applicant check with Central Hudson regarding the easement that goes through to Hildebrandt Lane.  Mr. Aaron & Mr. Kurzon were advised to check with the State DOT regarding the access as well as the Port Ewen Water & Sewer Superintendent.  It was also requested that the applicant provide the Planning Board with a list of existing senior developments with contact names and phone numbers.

Presubmission - Library

At this time, Roxanne Pecora and Fred Zimmer recused themselves from the Planning Board.  Roscoe Pecora and Garrett Hamlin of the Thomas Group gave a courtesy presentation of the plans for the new proposed library.  Shuster Associates, the Planning Board’s consultant, examined the site plan as per the request of the Esopus Library Board representative and provided them with a copy of their findings and recommendations.  A copy of the same is on file.  The Town of Esopus Library is supported by a taxation district and, therefore, has been deemed to be an educational facility, operated by a quasi-governmental entity, and the entity is exempt from site plan review and approval by the Town Planning Board.

ZBA Referrals - Reviewed by Planning Board at 2/16/05 Workshop Meeting.

Correspondence

A list of monthly correspondence received by the Planning Board was given to each Board member.

Miscellaneous Information

Chairman Shultis noted that Town Board passed a resolution on Feb. 17 that established the recreation fee for subdivisions to be $1,000 per dwelling unit.

In addition, the Town Board passed a resolution on Feb. 17 accepting the fifty foot strip of property along Carney Road donated by the developers, Todd and Nancy Schroeter, for future road improvements.

Engineer

Dennis Suraci will schedule a workshop meeting for the Planning Board to interview a number of engineers to replace Chazen Engineering, the Board’s current engineer.  Dates to be considered are March 8, 9 or 10th.

Adjournment

WITH NO OTHER BUSINESS PENDING, RUSS SHULTIS MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY DENNIS SURACI, TO CLOSE THE MEETING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MEETING ADJOURNED.

        Respectfully submitted,

        Kristy L. Nelson
        Secretary