PB minutes 5/23/13

Draft Copy PB Minutes 5/23/13

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm. All present except Linda M and Bill S. A motion to approve the 4/25/13 minutes was made by Hersey S, seconded by Tom B and approved.

Todd mentioned being contacted by Marianne (sp) Kawolski about any records we might have concerning NE Freight. She was concerned about their piece in a local paper concerning the type of business they are trying to attract in the area which seemed like advertising to her. However, we do not have any documentation that would be helpful to her.

Todd discussed a meeting he had with Steve Absalom that brought another perspective to the table concerning rezoning of the Depot. He feels that we may be making a decision that may be perceived as  biased toward NE Freight and the railroad. This led Todd to believe we might be wiser to rezone the whole depot area at one time and be sure we stay in the parameter of supporting conservation. The rest of our meeting was basically submitting ideas of what we need to do with this new approach to zoning the area.

Hershey suggested that we open up the depot to hunting through regular permits and let the DEC oversee the fenced areas of the depot. But it is unlikely that they have the funds or staff to undertake such an operation.

Mr. Absalom informed Todd that the entire depot was under a superfund with some areas that could be released from the fund. A section in the NW corner where ammo was exploded may never be released or available for any kind of zoning. Another area in the SE corner is under dispute. It was agreed that Steve’s knowledge of the depot area would be a big help to us in trying to rezone it. We are going to invite him to a PB meeting in the near future.

A map produced by Seneca White Deer showed how the depot might be used for totally conservation uses. Some suggested activity areas included a hotel and conference center, camping facilities, horse trail, etc. If money was no object, something like this might be feasible. Some of the projected ideas could fit into a comprehensive plan of management.

Mr. Abraham also mentioned professional reports have been devised that offer a business master plan for the depot. Todd is going to email these to PB members.

In order to help us revise our strategy we are going to contact Bruce Habberfield again and try to take a rail ride around the depot. We also will contact Dennis Money with Seneca White Deer to talk more about their ideas.

Larry Colton stopped in to ask information about dock zoning on the lake. We confirmed that Varick has zoning jurisdiction over the lake as well as the land. Larry said that some dock contractors were not aware of that. He does have authority to issue stop work orders if an unpermitted dock is being built.

A motion to adjourn was made by Tom and seconded by Dave. Meeting adjourned at 8:35. Our next meeting will be June 27

Respectfully submitted,

Barry Somerville, secretary