TOWN OF ESOPUS
PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 27, 2001

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Marilyn Coffey, Chairperson
    Roxanne Pecora
    Russ Shultis
    Linda Smythe
    Kathy Weitze
    Fred Zimmer
 
EXCUSED:   John McMichael

At 7:00 pm, Chairperson Marilyn Coffey called the meeting of the Town of Esopus Planning Board to order beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Marilyn then advised the public of the building’s fire exits, and roll call was taken.
 

 Vouchers
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROXANNE PECORA AND SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE  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..........(8/18/01 - 9/21/01)...................................................................................      28.5 Hrs.
 Daily Freeman.............(Cooper Public Hearing)........................................................................$     11.64
 Chazen Engineering....(To Be Paid Out of the Heavenly Valley Escrow Acct.)......................$1,566.00
 

Minutes

Fred Zimmer had a correction to the August 23, 2001 minutes.  On page 6, the date for the Planning Board Workshop meeting should have read Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and not Wednesday.  ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 23, 2001 PLANNING BOARD MEETING AS AMENDED.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & OLD BUSINESS

PITTNER - (2001-18) - 337 River Road @ 1-29 Hudson Lane, Ulster Park, NY
              4 Lot Subdivision
              Tax SBL #64.003-4-1

Mr. Dippel, the applicant’s surveyor, was present at this meeting.  The Planning Board reconvened the Public Hearing on this application from last month.  It was noted that the Planning Board did receive a memo dated August 29, 2001, from the Town’s Waterfront Advisory Board which stated that they had no objection to the subdivision provided that the potential drainage problem on Lot #3 from the existence of a culvert outfall on Hudson Lane identified by the Town’s Highway Superintendent be resolved.  Discussion was had regarding Lot #3 and drainage.  Mr. Dippel felt the 25’ right-of-way off the center of the road was intended to give the Town area to accommodate problems like this and noted that the topography generally is sloping downward so he didn’t see why the Town couldn’t construct a drainage ditch or swale.  Mr. Dippel added that it was his understanding that the Superintendent of Highways wanted to somehow traverse the lot and get back into the stream.  He stated this would ultimately take out 2 lots, and his client, Mr. Pittner, was pretty adamant against this.  Fred Zimmer felt there was an obligation on the Highway’s part to take care of its own drainage.  Maps were reviewed.  Kathy Weitze thought the drainage matter could be worked out and did not necessarily think it was Mr. Pittner’s responsibility.  She also noted that Mr. Pittner is the one who ultimately had to sell the lot to the potential customer.  Marilyn Coffey stated that water cannot run across a municipal road onto somebody’s property; it has to be corrected and is the responsibility of the municipality.  Marilyn agreed that this matter would be for Art Cross to work out with Mr. Pittner.  KATHY WEITZE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, TO CLOSE THE PITTNER PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

It was noted that the Pittner’s owe $166.05 towards their escrow account which was established for a previous 5 lot subdivision on River Road & 9W.

ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DECLARE NON-SIGNIFICANCE FOR SEQR AND APPROVE THE SUBDIVISION FOR PITTNER, CASE #2001-18, CONDITIONED UPON THE PITTNER ESCROW ACCT., HELD WITH THE TOWN, BEING BROUGHT UP-TO-DATE AND THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DIRECTS THE DRAINAGE PROBLEM, AS REFERRED TO IN ART CROSS’ LETTER DATED 8/8/01, WHICH DEALS WITH BOTH THE COUNTY ROAD (RIVER ROAD) AND THE TOWN ROAD (HUDSON LANE) TO BOTH THE COUNTY AND ART CROSS TO RESOLVE WITH THE PITTNERS.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

(Note:  The Pittners’ escrow account has been brought up-to-date.)
 

COOPER - (2001-014) - 611 Old Post Road, West Esopus, NY
                Two Lot Subdivision
                Tax SBL #71.002-3-19

Application was withdrawn via a letter from the applicant, Dennis Cooper, dated September 19, 2001.
 

 
PUBLIC HEARINGS & OLD BUSINESS

NAVARA - (2001-016) - 279 Broadway, 8 River Road, Port Ewen, NY
   Conditional Use Permit w/Site Plan
   Tax SBL #56.076-1-22

Mr. Navara was present at this meeting.  It was noted that the Planning Board was in receipt of a memo dated August 29, 2001 from the Town’s Waterfront Advisory Board stating that they found no negative impact from this project with regard to the LWRP.  In addition, a memo dated September 19, 2001 was received from the Town’s Environmental Advisory Board which had no objections to this project.  Maps were reviewed.  River Road access to the property, drainage, and landscaping were discussed.

ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY RUSS SHULTIS, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DECLARE SEQR NON-SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE NAVARA APPLICATION AND APPROVE THE APPLICATION, CASE #2001-016, PROVIDED THAT THE APPLICANT SETS UP AN ESCROW ACCOUNT TO COVER THE LANDSCAPING BASED ON ESTIMATES THAT THEY RECEIVE FROM THEIR LANDSCAPING COMPANY.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.
 

VICTORIAN ASSOCIATES/RONDOUT HILLS - (2000-030) - Connelly Road, The Hills, Port Ewen, NY
            Site Plan Amendment
            Tax SBL #56.051-8-1 & other lots

By a letter dated September 13, 2001, from Jordan B. DeFlora, Esq., Victorian Associates’ attorney, to the Planning Board, it was requested that this application be adjourned for a period of one month - until the October Planning Board meeting.
 

NEW BUSINESS

SOURA - (2001-020) - 200 Ulster Avenue, Broadway, Port Ewen, NY
              Site Plan
                            Tax SBL #63.002-3-1

Mr. & Mrs. Soura were present at this meeting.  Shuster Associates’ project review dated September 19, 2001, was reviewed.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to the applicants.  It was noted that the applicant had obtained the required use variance and area variance from the ZBA.  The Planning Board advised the applicants that their submission was incomplete, as a to-scale site plan was needed for the entire property, showing all existing and proposed buildings, structures and improvements on the site, along with the addition drawn in accordance with the conditions of the variance.  In addition, existing and proposed parking should be shown, along with access into the site and any proposed outdoor lighting.  It was noted that this application would need to be referred to the Ulster County Planning Board, however, a Public Hearing was optional.
ESOPUS FIRE DISTRICT - (2001-021) - 1142 Broadway; 1-9 Old Post Road, Esopus, NY
                                             Site Plan
                                                           Tax SBL #72.009-2-24.22

Fire Chief Mike Cafaldo, Attorney J. Pisani, and Architect Dennis Suraci were present at this meeting.  Shuster Associates’ project review dated September 19, 2001 was reviewed.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to Mr. Pisani.  The representatives for the applicant were advised that the plan drawings, at this stage, were incomplete with many remaining details to be provided.  It was suggested that additional landscaping be considered for the Old Post Road frontage and the plan be amended to show a first floor elevation in addition to proposed contours.  The plan should also show the location of a well and septic system, and the Board requested the submission of building elevation drawings and a lighting level grid plan.  Dennis Suraci informed the Planning Board that he had met with the DOT, the State, the County, and the DEC.  In addition, they are in the process of meeting with the Health Dept.  Mr. Suraci noted that they have shipped the plan to a lighting company to give them the grid layout, they would be pulling the parking back from the County Road as per the County’s request, and they had an appointment with the DOT on Oct. 3 because they wanted to widen the curb cut to the south.  Dennis noted that the DEC was concerned about the wetlands, but they are not within the wetland boundaries and a letter will be submitted to the Board stating the same.
 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Letteri

Chairperson Coffey informed the Board members that the Letteri’s still have a letter of credit outstanding for landscaping work.  However, there appears to be a problem with the letter of credit format from the Bank.  Mr. Letteri informed the Supervisor that the neighbors in the back now do not want any landscaping done.  It was the Board’s feeling that all conditions of approval should be met.  Fred Zimmer did not know if the Town had the right to take the money on deposit and have a landscaper go on Letteri’s property to do the work.  Chairperson Coffey and Russ Shultis will investigate this matter further.
 

2002 Budget

Chairperson Coffey suggested, and the Board agreed, that it return to the Supervisor the same figures as this year’s budget for the proposed 2002 budget.
 

Chairmanship

Chairperson Coffey informed the Board that she had submitted her resignation as Chairperson of the Planning Board to the Town Board.  She asked if any Board member were interested in having their name submitted to the Town Board as a replacement Chairman.  Both Roxanne Pecora and Russ Shultis showed interest.  A memo will be forwarded to the Town Board with this information.
 

Workshop Meeting

Dates for a Planning Board Workshop meeting were discussed.  Chairperson Coffey will check with Dan Shuster of Shuster Associates and notify the Board members of a confirmed date.

 
Conditional Approvals - Nextel/Abrams

Nextel submitted a report, which was a condition of approval, prepared by Edwards & Kelcey dated August 31, 2001 which certifies that the proposed facility would be in compliance with the emission guidelines adopted by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  A copy of the same was given to the Building Dept.

Abrams submitted maps for signing.  The conditions of approval were reviewed along with the map by the Board.  It was determined that items 1. f., g. & h. of the
approval had not yet been met.  Russ Shultis will contact the applicant to discuss the Board’s findings.
 

ZBA Referrals - None
 

Correspondence

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

Adjournment

WITH NO OTHER BUSINESS PENDING, KATHY WEITZE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY ROXANNE PECORA, TO CLOSE THE MEETING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MEETING ADJOURNED.
 

        Respectfully submitted,
 
 

        Kristy L. Nelson
        Secretary
TOWN OF ESOPUS
PLANNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES
September 27, 2001
 
 
 
 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Marilyn Coffey, Chairperson
    Roxanne Pecora
    Russ Shultis
    Linda Smythe
    Kathy Weitze
    Fred Zimmer
 
EXCUSED:   John McMichael
 
 

At 7:00 pm, Chairperson Marilyn Coffey called the meeting of the Town of Esopus Planning Board to order beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Marilyn then advised the public of the building’s fire exits, and roll call was taken.
 

 Vouchers
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ROXANNE PECORA AND SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE  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..........(8/18/01 - 9/21/01)...................................................................................      28.5 Hrs.
 Daily Freeman.............(Cooper Public Hearing)........................................................................$     11.64
 Chazen Engineering....(To Be Paid Out of the Heavenly Valley Escrow Acct.)......................$1,566.00
 

Minutes

Fred Zimmer had a correction to the August 23, 2001 minutes.  On page 6, the date for the Planning Board Workshop meeting should have read Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and not Wednesday.  ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY FRED ZIMMER, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 23, 2001 PLANNING BOARD MEETING AS AMENDED.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS & OLD BUSINESS

PITTNER - (2001-18) - 337 River Road @ 1-29 Hudson Lane, Ulster Park, NY
              4 Lot Subdivision
              Tax SBL #64.003-4-1

Mr. Dippel, the applicant’s surveyor, was present at this meeting.  The Planning Board reconvened the Public Hearing on this application from last month.  It was noted that the Planning Board did receive a memo dated August 29, 2001, from the Town’s Waterfront Advisory Board which stated that they had no objection to the subdivision provided that the potential drainage problem on Lot #3 from the existence of a culvert outfall on Hudson Lane identified by the Town’s Highway Superintendent be resolved.  Discussion was had regarding Lot #3 and drainage.  Mr. Dippel felt the 25’ right-of-way off the center of the road was intended to give the Town area to accommodate problems like this and noted that the topography generally is sloping downward so he didn’t see why the Town couldn’t construct a drainage ditch or swale.  Mr. Dippel added that it was his understanding that the Superintendent of Highways wanted to somehow traverse the lot and get back into the stream.  He stated this would ultimately take out 2 lots, and his client, Mr. Pittner, was pretty adamant against this.  Fred Zimmer felt there was an obligation on the Highway’s part to take care of its own drainage.  Maps were reviewed.  Kathy Weitze thought the drainage matter could be worked out and did not necessarily think it was Mr. Pittner’s responsibility.  She also noted that Mr. Pittner is the one who ultimately had to sell the lot to the potential customer.  Marilyn Coffey stated that water cannot run across a municipal road onto somebody’s property; it has to be corrected and is the responsibility of the municipality.  Marilyn agreed that this matter would be for Art Cross to work out with Mr. Pittner.  KATHY WEITZE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY LINDA SMYTHE, TO CLOSE THE PITTNER PUBLIC HEARING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

It was noted that the Pittner’s owe $166.05 towards their escrow account which was established for a previous 5 lot subdivision on River Road & 9W.

ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY KATHY WEITZE, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DECLARE NON-SIGNIFICANCE FOR SEQR AND APPROVE THE SUBDIVISION FOR PITTNER, CASE #2001-18, CONDITIONED UPON THE PITTNER ESCROW ACCT., HELD WITH THE TOWN, BEING BROUGHT UP-TO-DATE AND THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DIRECTS THE DRAINAGE PROBLEM, AS REFERRED TO IN ART CROSS’ LETTER DATED 8/8/01, WHICH DEALS WITH BOTH THE COUNTY ROAD (RIVER ROAD) AND THE TOWN ROAD (HUDSON LANE) TO BOTH THE COUNTY AND ART CROSS TO RESOLVE WITH THE PITTNERS.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.

(Note:  The Pittners’ escrow account has been brought up-to-date.)
 

COOPER - (2001-014) - 611 Old Post Road, West Esopus, NY
                Two Lot Subdivision
                Tax SBL #71.002-3-19

Application was withdrawn via a letter from the applicant, Dennis Cooper, dated September 19, 2001.
 

 
PUBLIC HEARINGS & OLD BUSINESS

NAVARA - (2001-016) - 279 Broadway, 8 River Road, Port Ewen, NY
   Conditional Use Permit w/Site Plan
   Tax SBL #56.076-1-22

Mr. Navara was present at this meeting.  It was noted that the Planning Board was in receipt of a memo dated August 29, 2001 from the Town’s Waterfront Advisory Board stating that they found no negative impact from this project with regard to the LWRP.  In addition, a memo dated September 19, 2001 was received from the Town’s Environmental Advisory Board which had no objections to this project.  Maps were reviewed.  River Road access to the property, drainage, and landscaping were discussed.

ROXANNE PECORA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY RUSS SHULTIS, THAT THE PLANNING BOARD DECLARE SEQR NON-SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE NAVARA APPLICATION AND APPROVE THE APPLICATION, CASE #2001-016, PROVIDED THAT THE APPLICANT SETS UP AN ESCROW ACCOUNT TO COVER THE LANDSCAPING BASED ON ESTIMATES THAT THEY RECEIVE FROM THEIR LANDSCAPING COMPANY.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED BY A 6-0 VOTE.
 

VICTORIAN ASSOCIATES/RONDOUT HILLS - (2000-030) - Connelly Road, The Hills, Port Ewen, NY
            Site Plan Amendment
            Tax SBL #56.051-8-1 & other lots

By a letter dated September 13, 2001, from Jordan B. DeFlora, Esq., Victorian Associates’ attorney, to the Planning Board, it was requested that this application be adjourned for a period of one month - until the October Planning Board meeting.
 

NEW BUSINESS

SOURA - (2001-020) - 200 Ulster Avenue, Broadway, Port Ewen, NY
              Site Plan
                            Tax SBL #63.002-3-1

Mr. & Mrs. Soura were present at this meeting.  Shuster Associates’ project review dated September 19, 2001, was reviewed.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to the applicants.  It was noted that the applicant had obtained the required use variance and area variance from the ZBA.  The Planning Board advised the applicants that their submission was incomplete, as a to-scale site plan was needed for the entire property, showing all existing and proposed buildings, structures and improvements on the site, along with the addition drawn in accordance with the conditions of the variance.  In addition, existing and proposed parking should be shown, along with access into the site and any proposed outdoor lighting.  It was noted that this application would need to be referred to the Ulster County Planning Board, however, a Public Hearing was optional.
ESOPUS FIRE DISTRICT - (2001-021) - 1142 Broadway; 1-9 Old Post Road, Esopus, NY
                                             Site Plan
                                                           Tax SBL #72.009-2-24.22

Fire Chief Mike Cafaldo, Attorney J. Pisani, and Architect Dennis Suraci were present at this meeting.  Shuster Associates’ project review dated September 19, 2001 was reviewed.  A copy of the same is on file and a copy was given to Mr. Pisani.  The representatives for the applicant were advised that the plan drawings, at this stage, were incomplete with many remaining details to be provided.  It was suggested that additional landscaping be considered for the Old Post Road frontage and the plan be amended to show a first floor elevation in addition to proposed contours.  The plan should also show the location of a well and septic system, and the Board requested the submission of building elevation drawings and a lighting level grid plan.  Dennis Suraci informed the Planning Board that he had met with the DOT, the State, the County, and the DEC.  In addition, they are in the process of meeting with the Health Dept.  Mr. Suraci noted that they have shipped the plan to a lighting company to give them the grid layout, they would be pulling the parking back from the County Road as per the County’s request, and they had an appointment with the DOT on Oct. 3 because they wanted to widen the curb cut to the south.  Dennis noted that the DEC was concerned about the wetlands, but they are not within the wetland boundaries and a letter will be submitted to the Board stating the same.
 

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Letteri

Chairperson Coffey informed the Board members that the Letteri’s still have a letter of credit outstanding for landscaping work.  However, there appears to be a problem with the letter of credit format from the Bank.  Mr. Letteri informed the Supervisor that the neighbors in the back now do not want any landscaping done.  It was the Board’s feeling that all conditions of approval should be met.  Fred Zimmer did not know if the Town had the right to take the money on deposit and have a landscaper go on Letteri’s property to do the work.  Chairperson Coffey and Russ Shultis will investigate this matter further.
 

2002 Budget

Chairperson Coffey suggested, and the Board agreed, that it return to the Supervisor the same figures as this year’s budget for the proposed 2002 budget.
 

Chairmanship

Chairperson Coffey informed the Board that she had submitted her resignation as Chairperson of the Planning Board to the Town Board.  She asked if any Board member were interested in having their name submitted to the Town Board as a replacement Chairman.  Both Roxanne Pecora and Russ Shultis showed interest.  A memo will be forwarded to the Town Board with this information.
 

Workshop Meeting

Dates for a Planning Board Workshop meeting were discussed.  Chairperson Coffey will check with Dan Shuster of Shuster Associates and notify the Board members of a confirmed date.

 
Conditional Approvals - Nextel/Abrams

Nextel submitted a report, which was a condition of approval, prepared by Edwards & Kelcey dated August 31, 2001 which certifies that the proposed facility would be in compliance with the emission guidelines adopted by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996.  A copy of the same was given to the Building Dept.

Abrams submitted maps for signing.  The conditions of approval were reviewed along with the map by the Board.  It was determined that items 1. f., g. & h. of the
approval had not yet been met.  Russ Shultis will contact the applicant to discuss the Board’s findings.
 

ZBA Referrals - None
 

Correspondence

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

Adjournment

WITH NO OTHER BUSINESS PENDING, KATHY WEITZE MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY ROXANNE PECORA, TO CLOSE THE MEETING.  ALL MEMBERS PRESENT WERE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.  MEETING ADJOURNED.
 

        Respectfully submitted,
 
 

        Kristy L. Nelson
        Secretary