April 25, 2008
May meeting
Th Planning Board has more business than anticipated earlier. Therefore, a regular meeting will be held on Thursday May 22, 2008.
April 08, 2008
Meetings for 2008
For 2008 the Planning Board will hold regular meetings every other month. Meetings will still be on the fourth Thursday at 7 pm in the conference room of the Varick Fire Hall. The next regular meeting will be April 24.
March 19, 2008
Varick Planning Board Draft meeting Minutes from Feb. 28, 2008
Town of Varick Planning Board Meeting Minutes
Date of meeting: February 28, 2008
Meeting called to order: 7:10pm
Attendees: Bob Kayser(Chairman ), Thomas Bjorkman, Phil Knapp, Bill Larzelere, Kevin Swartley , Miles Persing(Code Enforcement Officer)
Absent: Frankie Long
The December meeting minutes were approved as reported T.B. moved to accept, B.L. seconded
The January meeting minutes were approved as reported T.B. moved to accept, K.S. seconded.
¨ No public Comment
¨ Phil Knapp was introduced as a new Planning Board member. His reason for wanting to be a board member is to protect the rural community way of life we have and not allow development that would threaten that. His e-mail- PKKnapp@FLTG.net
¨ Miles Persing was introduced as the new Zoning Code Enforcement Officer- His e-mail- Persing@rochrr.com
¨ Chairman Kayser noted that the “Sessler Project” had been pulled back by the Sessler group for a minimum of 90 days. Our Board will not discuss any action until it has been resubmitted to the Seneca County IDA and referred to us.
IDA-DEC-VPB Meeting Discussion
¨ Bill Larzelere noted that the best things that came out of the joint meeting was opening the lines of communication, identifying a DEC contact for permitting concerns (Lisa Porter) and the willingness of the DEC to prioritize its wetland remapping project of the Depot property to review areas identified by the IDA that should be done to move development projects along. The whole remapping project does not have to be completed before development proceeds in the remapped areas. Also noted was the willingness of the DEC to accept (after review) third party wetland remapping investigation. Board Discussion continued with reservations about the worth of third party investigation on improvement of turnaround time and who would pay for this third party.
¨ Board discussed the perceived effect of wetland remapping on ability of affected farmers to farm their land. Kevin Swartley thinking there may be significant impacts and Thomas Bjorkman thinking the effects would be minimal and be able to be negotiated with DEC.
¨ The discussion on choosing SEQR Lead Agency status was very informative and enlightening.
Zonining Code Enforcement Officer Report
Miles Persing thanked the Board for it’s support of him in his new position and agreed to attend our Planning Board meetings in the future.
¨ Two recent Building Permits have been denied because setbacks do not meet the new code regulations. One project is on the lakefront on Seneca Lake East Lake Road. The second is on Rt. 89 and is also on the lakefront (Cayuga). Miles noted that both residents were easy to work with and willing to work with the system. Both have been scheduled to come up to the Zoning Board of Appeals in its March 17th meeting.
¨ Bob Kayser commented this was a good start and thanked Miles for his diligence. He expressed hope that local contractors in the area who would take up projects would be as willing to cooperate with the new code.
Docks and Moorings Committee Report
Bob Kayser reported that the scope has changed a couple times in reference to whether the committee would try to harmonize the docks and moorings code on both lakes or do one and then the other. Originally it was both lakes, then it was just Cayuga , now it is both lakes. The next meeting will be March 26th and he is looking for a Seneca Lake volunteer to represent the Town of Varick.
Planning Agenda for 2008
¨ Revised Code Issue Clarifications: Thomas Bjorkman reported that the Town Board had decided to take no immediate action on the Code revision “issues” identified that our Board agreed to work on to find acceptable language. They would like to let the new code work “as is” for the time being and see if the identified issues become concerns that really need to be addressed.
¨ Town Broadband access: Finger Lakes Technology offered at some point in the future to be able to supply “Wi Fi” to the area. Kevin Swartley offered to ask for clarification from his contacts in FLT.
¨ Wind Power : Bob and Bill discussed the need for studying a code to protect residents from any big wind development issues without being too restrictive to local implementation by residents. It was noted that we are a rural area that could benefit from “small wind” power production.
¨ Noise ordinance: It was noted that both Fayette and Romulus have noise ordinances and would be in our interest to do similar. To do: next meeting look at these two towns ordinances.
¨ Bob Kayser will ask Bob Hayssen: If there are any planning concerns his Board would like to see us work on in 2008.
Next Meeting:
Bob Kayser noted that our Planning Board meetings had been monthly for the past several years to accomplish big goals. Since these have been met, he would like to go back to every other month meetings unless any special concerns arise. It was agreed that this would be the new schedule.
Our next regular meeting will be April 24th,2008 at 7:00pm in the Varick Firehall.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Bill Larzelere- Secretary
Date of meeting: February 28, 2008
Meeting called to order: 7:10pm
Attendees: Bob Kayser(Chairman ), Thomas Bjorkman, Phil Knapp, Bill Larzelere, Kevin Swartley , Miles Persing(Code Enforcement Officer)
Absent: Frankie Long
The December meeting minutes were approved as reported T.B. moved to accept, B.L. seconded
The January meeting minutes were approved as reported T.B. moved to accept, K.S. seconded.
¨ No public Comment
¨ Phil Knapp was introduced as a new Planning Board member. His reason for wanting to be a board member is to protect the rural community way of life we have and not allow development that would threaten that. His e-mail- PKKnapp@FLTG.net
¨ Miles Persing was introduced as the new Zoning Code Enforcement Officer- His e-mail- Persing@rochrr.com
¨ Chairman Kayser noted that the “Sessler Project” had been pulled back by the Sessler group for a minimum of 90 days. Our Board will not discuss any action until it has been resubmitted to the Seneca County IDA and referred to us.
IDA-DEC-VPB Meeting Discussion
¨ Bill Larzelere noted that the best things that came out of the joint meeting was opening the lines of communication, identifying a DEC contact for permitting concerns (Lisa Porter) and the willingness of the DEC to prioritize its wetland remapping project of the Depot property to review areas identified by the IDA that should be done to move development projects along. The whole remapping project does not have to be completed before development proceeds in the remapped areas. Also noted was the willingness of the DEC to accept (after review) third party wetland remapping investigation. Board Discussion continued with reservations about the worth of third party investigation on improvement of turnaround time and who would pay for this third party.
¨ Board discussed the perceived effect of wetland remapping on ability of affected farmers to farm their land. Kevin Swartley thinking there may be significant impacts and Thomas Bjorkman thinking the effects would be minimal and be able to be negotiated with DEC.
¨ The discussion on choosing SEQR Lead Agency status was very informative and enlightening.
Zonining Code Enforcement Officer Report
Miles Persing thanked the Board for it’s support of him in his new position and agreed to attend our Planning Board meetings in the future.
¨ Two recent Building Permits have been denied because setbacks do not meet the new code regulations. One project is on the lakefront on Seneca Lake East Lake Road. The second is on Rt. 89 and is also on the lakefront (Cayuga). Miles noted that both residents were easy to work with and willing to work with the system. Both have been scheduled to come up to the Zoning Board of Appeals in its March 17th meeting.
¨ Bob Kayser commented this was a good start and thanked Miles for his diligence. He expressed hope that local contractors in the area who would take up projects would be as willing to cooperate with the new code.
Docks and Moorings Committee Report
Bob Kayser reported that the scope has changed a couple times in reference to whether the committee would try to harmonize the docks and moorings code on both lakes or do one and then the other. Originally it was both lakes, then it was just Cayuga , now it is both lakes. The next meeting will be March 26th and he is looking for a Seneca Lake volunteer to represent the Town of Varick.
Planning Agenda for 2008
¨ Revised Code Issue Clarifications: Thomas Bjorkman reported that the Town Board had decided to take no immediate action on the Code revision “issues” identified that our Board agreed to work on to find acceptable language. They would like to let the new code work “as is” for the time being and see if the identified issues become concerns that really need to be addressed.
¨ Town Broadband access: Finger Lakes Technology offered at some point in the future to be able to supply “Wi Fi” to the area. Kevin Swartley offered to ask for clarification from his contacts in FLT.
¨ Wind Power : Bob and Bill discussed the need for studying a code to protect residents from any big wind development issues without being too restrictive to local implementation by residents. It was noted that we are a rural area that could benefit from “small wind” power production.
¨ Noise ordinance: It was noted that both Fayette and Romulus have noise ordinances and would be in our interest to do similar. To do: next meeting look at these two towns ordinances.
¨ Bob Kayser will ask Bob Hayssen: If there are any planning concerns his Board would like to see us work on in 2008.
Next Meeting:
Bob Kayser noted that our Planning Board meetings had been monthly for the past several years to accomplish big goals. Since these have been met, he would like to go back to every other month meetings unless any special concerns arise. It was agreed that this would be the new schedule.
Our next regular meeting will be April 24th,2008 at 7:00pm in the Varick Firehall.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Bill Larzelere- Secretary
March 04, 2008
Draft Minutes to Special Feb 25th Meeting VPB-IDA-DEC
Town of Varick Planning Board/NYS DEC/ Seneca County IDA Meeting Minutes
Date of meeting: February 25, 2008
Meeting called to order: 7:05pm
Location: Heroes Conference room, Seneca County office building
Attendees:
Varick Planning Board: Bob Kayser (VPBchairman), Thomas Bjorkman , Phil Knapp, Bill Larzelere, Kevin Swartley
NYS DEC Region 8 office: Paul D’Amato, Peter Lent, Randy Nemecek, Lisa Porter
Seneca County IDA: Steven Dennis, Patricia Jones
o Guests at meeting: Four members of the public
A sign up sheet was passed around that identified the participants by name, who they represented and contact information. This included the members of the public.
VPB Chairman Bob Kayser called the meeting to order at 7:05pm thanking all for attending. He described the meeting as a “get acquainted and informational” meeting to discuss, history, common interests, concerns, and roles of parties in going forward in future development of the former Seneca Army Depot. Bob noted that no specific projects would be discussed in this meeting.
DEC’s Region 8 Director Paul D’Amato began discussion with an overview of Wetland Remapping in the State, Key points follow:
¨ Wetland mapping is a normal responsibility of his office and noted there are no hidden agendas in the remapping of former SAD.
¨ More priority placed on remapping States wetlands with added staff since Elliot Spitzer administration took over.
¨ Actual redrawing of maps has not begun, but aerial inspection and GIS maps have been used to identify possible increases to the SAD and surrounding areas wetlands. The process would continue with actual “boots on the ground” inspections of the identified areas when spring weather broke.
¨ Inspections and analysis could conclude that the wetlands may be controlled by the Federal government in which case the regulating body will be the Army Corps of Engineers.
¨ DEC criteria for a “wetland” is based on area of more than 12.4 acres, vegetation types and location of streams, ponds, lakes, whereas the Federal criteria can be less than 12.4 acres and based more on the presence and location of “hydric” soils.
¨ Lisa Porter of the DEC Region 8 office will be the DEC contact person for SAD Wetland remapping and permitting for any Depot development initiatives.
Discussion continued with questions to the DEC about the SEQR process and specifically regarding how the DEC sees themselves as the Lead Agency. Key Points follow:
¨ Lead Agency would normally be a permitting authority and be the best suited for the SEQR investigation.
¨ Part 617 section 5 of DEC Document 6NYCRR State Environmental Quality Review defines the process of determining which involved agency will be Lead Agency if there is a dispute among the involved agencies.
¨ The DEC Commissioner will resolve the dispute and use the following criteria as defined in the code sited above.
o “ (a) whether the anticipated impacts of the action being considered are primarily of statewide, regional, or local significance(i.e., if such impacts are of primarily local significance, all other considerations being equal, the local agency involved will be lead agency.”
o “(b) which agency has the broadest governmental powers for investigation of the impact(s) of the proposed action; and”
o “(c) which agency has the greatest capability for providing the most thorough environmental assessment of the proposed action.”
¨ Paul D’Amato stated that the SAD does exhibit unique issues and potentials for bad things to happen to the environment if not managed properly.
Chairman Kayser turned the discussion to the Seneca County IDA role in SAD development, asking IDA Executive Director Steven Dennis to comment.
Following are key points:
¨ The IDA took over responsibility of the SAD by default when no other local or government organizations would when the Army announced the base closure in 1995.
¨ The IDA is a voluntary Board in Seneca County that works hard to make the best choices for development of new businesses in all of Seneca County.
¨ In 1996, the IDA designated 7500 acres in the approximate middle of the Depot as the Conservation/Recreation area. It was thought and discussed that the DEC would take over responsibility of this area but declined to do it.
¨ In 2003 negotiations and agreements were made between the Army and IDA with the Army agreeing to:
o supply security for the Depot until 2012
o maintain the fence until 2012
o manage the wildlife according to the Army’s Wildlife management Plan until 2012
o manage the annual deer hunt until 2012.
¨ Because of delays in the environmental cleanup of the Depot, the above agreements are now pushed to 2015. (The Army still has control of about 800 acres that is under remediation.)
¨ Paul D’Amato (DEC)asked Steve if they could get a copy of the Army’s Wildlife Plan and Steve said yes and would be done.
Steve then handed off to Patricia Jones who has overseen the Depot turnover form an early point in the process. Patricia made the following points:
¨ She started with history of several studies that have been done over the years including the Jeff Donohue Report in 2005 and the Erin Crotty report in 2006. These reports were an attempt to define the best uses for the depot land and facilities and resulted in mapping several areas which would best support the defined uses.
¨ She noted that there was significant opportunity for public input in developing these studies.
¨ The areas were not to be individually fenced but would try to be developed with businesses “collocating” .
¨ Each business would have to agree to uphold and use the Wildlife Management Plan.
¨ The IDA has funds set aside and will contract to have a Wildlife Management Plan done. A proposed plan to be done by Cornell University was too expensive.
¨ The goal is to have the plan done in 2008. Pat asked DEC if they could help in any way and they said they definitely could and supplied the DEC contact.
Question from audience about who owned what property on the Depot.
Pat Jones replied:
¨ IDA ~8000acres , Army~800 acres(includes Airport), Airport will be turned over soon to IDA Prison, Coastguard, SC Prison, Waterdistict ~2000 acres. Hillside property is on a 10 year lease which will more than likely be transferred to Hillside when the lease expires.
Question was asked of Steve(IDA) of the process they follow when a company submits a business plan including the SEQR process. Steve Answered:
¨ The IDA is HIGHLY regulated in performing permitting and SEQR process. There is MUCH oversight from the State. The basic process usually is as follows:
o Application accepted and approved from a client. (This is a process)
o IDA will usually take Lead Agency Role for SEQR because historically, no one else wants it.
o Sends out notification of intent to take Lead Agency to “involved agencies”
o Agencies have 30 days to respond and ask if they can be(if they want to)
o These 30 days are also when Involved Agencies can voice comments or raise concerns about the proposed project.
o IDA will usually grant Lead Agency to a requesting Involved Agency
Steve Dennis asked DEC how the Wetland Remapping will be done and when it would start as this new requirement is holding up development plans for a number of projects.
Paul D’Amato replied that it will be handled internally from their office and will be done as quickly as possible. Spring weather is needed to start the “boots on the ground” process of investigation.
Paul offered to prioritize the mapping process based on which properties were most important to the IDA to have done. He reiterated that development cannot start until the mapping of the wetland for the proposed land is complete.
Steve Dennis asked if the IDA could have Wetland mapping done by a third party and submit to DEC for approval. D’Amato said yes and this would be helpful, but would like to know who would be doing the work.
A question was asked, of DEC, about how the Wetland remapping would affect farming in the area. A couple farms have been notified that they have land (some of which is being actively farmed) that will possibly be declared wetland. Perception is that this land could not be farmed or additional drainage installed and would reduce their income as well as property value.
Paul D’Amato(DEC) replied that the particular farm in question would be notified that they would be “grandfathered” and that if land is being actively farmed it would also be grandfathered. They would not necessarily allow additional “wetlands” to be drained to permit more land being put into farming. It is a question that they are sensitive to and will work with particular situations as they arise.
Bob Kayser then asked Thomas Bjorkman to discuss the Town of Varick’s role in Depot development and any concerns. Thomas has been the VPD Chairman for several years and has been the driving force in the 2005 joint Fayette/Varick Comprehensive Plan and the 2007 revision to the Varick Zoning code accepted by the Varick Town Board on December 27, 2007.
Bjorkman’s key points follow:
¨ The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning code revisions were difficult tasks and received much public input. Both the Plan and the Code reflect the public wishes.
¨ A residents Survey was done as part of the Comprehensive Plan and some of the public sentiments were as follows:
o 63% favored outdoor recreation and tourism, and tourism support business
o 40% supported Agriculture support business in the Town of Varick.
o 30% supported some form of Industrial development for tax base improvement
¨ The intent of the Green Energy zone on the Depot property is for :
o low environmental impact and protection of the wildlife and habitat
o development of renewable energy sources of solar, wind and biomass as well as development of new natural gas exploration.
o these energies would be in support of any development that would require power
¨ He then went to the Zoning Code land use chart and cited many of the public service uses that would be supported on the Depot property as well as campus style business developments, citing the new FingerLakes Technology Data Storage business as a great example of what Varick would like to see developed
¨ Thomas noted that the IDA and Varick code have very similar delineation of property and similar use goals
The meeting seemed to be winding down and Bob Kayser commented on the value of communication meetings such as this one and wanting to keep the lines open. He also thanked everyone including the public for participating.
Paul D’Amato thanked everyone again and asked to be personally informed when viable Depot projects are brought forth so they can plan to quickly get their mapping done.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm
Minutes Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Larzelere VPB Secretary
Date of meeting: February 25, 2008
Meeting called to order: 7:05pm
Location: Heroes Conference room, Seneca County office building
Attendees:
Varick Planning Board: Bob Kayser (VPBchairman), Thomas Bjorkman , Phil Knapp, Bill Larzelere, Kevin Swartley
NYS DEC Region 8 office: Paul D’Amato, Peter Lent, Randy Nemecek, Lisa Porter
Seneca County IDA: Steven Dennis, Patricia Jones
o Guests at meeting: Four members of the public
A sign up sheet was passed around that identified the participants by name, who they represented and contact information. This included the members of the public.
VPB Chairman Bob Kayser called the meeting to order at 7:05pm thanking all for attending. He described the meeting as a “get acquainted and informational” meeting to discuss, history, common interests, concerns, and roles of parties in going forward in future development of the former Seneca Army Depot. Bob noted that no specific projects would be discussed in this meeting.
DEC’s Region 8 Director Paul D’Amato began discussion with an overview of Wetland Remapping in the State, Key points follow:
¨ Wetland mapping is a normal responsibility of his office and noted there are no hidden agendas in the remapping of former SAD.
¨ More priority placed on remapping States wetlands with added staff since Elliot Spitzer administration took over.
¨ Actual redrawing of maps has not begun, but aerial inspection and GIS maps have been used to identify possible increases to the SAD and surrounding areas wetlands. The process would continue with actual “boots on the ground” inspections of the identified areas when spring weather broke.
¨ Inspections and analysis could conclude that the wetlands may be controlled by the Federal government in which case the regulating body will be the Army Corps of Engineers.
¨ DEC criteria for a “wetland” is based on area of more than 12.4 acres, vegetation types and location of streams, ponds, lakes, whereas the Federal criteria can be less than 12.4 acres and based more on the presence and location of “hydric” soils.
¨ Lisa Porter of the DEC Region 8 office will be the DEC contact person for SAD Wetland remapping and permitting for any Depot development initiatives.
Discussion continued with questions to the DEC about the SEQR process and specifically regarding how the DEC sees themselves as the Lead Agency. Key Points follow:
¨ Lead Agency would normally be a permitting authority and be the best suited for the SEQR investigation.
¨ Part 617 section 5 of DEC Document 6NYCRR State Environmental Quality Review defines the process of determining which involved agency will be Lead Agency if there is a dispute among the involved agencies.
¨ The DEC Commissioner will resolve the dispute and use the following criteria as defined in the code sited above.
o “ (a) whether the anticipated impacts of the action being considered are primarily of statewide, regional, or local significance(i.e., if such impacts are of primarily local significance, all other considerations being equal, the local agency involved will be lead agency.”
o “(b) which agency has the broadest governmental powers for investigation of the impact(s) of the proposed action; and”
o “(c) which agency has the greatest capability for providing the most thorough environmental assessment of the proposed action.”
¨ Paul D’Amato stated that the SAD does exhibit unique issues and potentials for bad things to happen to the environment if not managed properly.
Chairman Kayser turned the discussion to the Seneca County IDA role in SAD development, asking IDA Executive Director Steven Dennis to comment.
Following are key points:
¨ The IDA took over responsibility of the SAD by default when no other local or government organizations would when the Army announced the base closure in 1995.
¨ The IDA is a voluntary Board in Seneca County that works hard to make the best choices for development of new businesses in all of Seneca County.
¨ In 1996, the IDA designated 7500 acres in the approximate middle of the Depot as the Conservation/Recreation area. It was thought and discussed that the DEC would take over responsibility of this area but declined to do it.
¨ In 2003 negotiations and agreements were made between the Army and IDA with the Army agreeing to:
o supply security for the Depot until 2012
o maintain the fence until 2012
o manage the wildlife according to the Army’s Wildlife management Plan until 2012
o manage the annual deer hunt until 2012.
¨ Because of delays in the environmental cleanup of the Depot, the above agreements are now pushed to 2015. (The Army still has control of about 800 acres that is under remediation.)
¨ Paul D’Amato (DEC)asked Steve if they could get a copy of the Army’s Wildlife Plan and Steve said yes and would be done.
Steve then handed off to Patricia Jones who has overseen the Depot turnover form an early point in the process. Patricia made the following points:
¨ She started with history of several studies that have been done over the years including the Jeff Donohue Report in 2005 and the Erin Crotty report in 2006. These reports were an attempt to define the best uses for the depot land and facilities and resulted in mapping several areas which would best support the defined uses.
¨ She noted that there was significant opportunity for public input in developing these studies.
¨ The areas were not to be individually fenced but would try to be developed with businesses “collocating” .
¨ Each business would have to agree to uphold and use the Wildlife Management Plan.
¨ The IDA has funds set aside and will contract to have a Wildlife Management Plan done. A proposed plan to be done by Cornell University was too expensive.
¨ The goal is to have the plan done in 2008. Pat asked DEC if they could help in any way and they said they definitely could and supplied the DEC contact.
Question from audience about who owned what property on the Depot.
Pat Jones replied:
¨ IDA ~8000acres , Army~800 acres(includes Airport), Airport will be turned over soon to IDA Prison, Coastguard, SC Prison, Waterdistict ~2000 acres. Hillside property is on a 10 year lease which will more than likely be transferred to Hillside when the lease expires.
Question was asked of Steve(IDA) of the process they follow when a company submits a business plan including the SEQR process. Steve Answered:
¨ The IDA is HIGHLY regulated in performing permitting and SEQR process. There is MUCH oversight from the State. The basic process usually is as follows:
o Application accepted and approved from a client. (This is a process)
o IDA will usually take Lead Agency Role for SEQR because historically, no one else wants it.
o Sends out notification of intent to take Lead Agency to “involved agencies”
o Agencies have 30 days to respond and ask if they can be(if they want to)
o These 30 days are also when Involved Agencies can voice comments or raise concerns about the proposed project.
o IDA will usually grant Lead Agency to a requesting Involved Agency
Steve Dennis asked DEC how the Wetland Remapping will be done and when it would start as this new requirement is holding up development plans for a number of projects.
Paul D’Amato replied that it will be handled internally from their office and will be done as quickly as possible. Spring weather is needed to start the “boots on the ground” process of investigation.
Paul offered to prioritize the mapping process based on which properties were most important to the IDA to have done. He reiterated that development cannot start until the mapping of the wetland for the proposed land is complete.
Steve Dennis asked if the IDA could have Wetland mapping done by a third party and submit to DEC for approval. D’Amato said yes and this would be helpful, but would like to know who would be doing the work.
A question was asked, of DEC, about how the Wetland remapping would affect farming in the area. A couple farms have been notified that they have land (some of which is being actively farmed) that will possibly be declared wetland. Perception is that this land could not be farmed or additional drainage installed and would reduce their income as well as property value.
Paul D’Amato(DEC) replied that the particular farm in question would be notified that they would be “grandfathered” and that if land is being actively farmed it would also be grandfathered. They would not necessarily allow additional “wetlands” to be drained to permit more land being put into farming. It is a question that they are sensitive to and will work with particular situations as they arise.
Bob Kayser then asked Thomas Bjorkman to discuss the Town of Varick’s role in Depot development and any concerns. Thomas has been the VPD Chairman for several years and has been the driving force in the 2005 joint Fayette/Varick Comprehensive Plan and the 2007 revision to the Varick Zoning code accepted by the Varick Town Board on December 27, 2007.
Bjorkman’s key points follow:
¨ The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning code revisions were difficult tasks and received much public input. Both the Plan and the Code reflect the public wishes.
¨ A residents Survey was done as part of the Comprehensive Plan and some of the public sentiments were as follows:
o 63% favored outdoor recreation and tourism, and tourism support business
o 40% supported Agriculture support business in the Town of Varick.
o 30% supported some form of Industrial development for tax base improvement
¨ The intent of the Green Energy zone on the Depot property is for :
o low environmental impact and protection of the wildlife and habitat
o development of renewable energy sources of solar, wind and biomass as well as development of new natural gas exploration.
o these energies would be in support of any development that would require power
¨ He then went to the Zoning Code land use chart and cited many of the public service uses that would be supported on the Depot property as well as campus style business developments, citing the new FingerLakes Technology Data Storage business as a great example of what Varick would like to see developed
¨ Thomas noted that the IDA and Varick code have very similar delineation of property and similar use goals
The meeting seemed to be winding down and Bob Kayser commented on the value of communication meetings such as this one and wanting to keep the lines open. He also thanked everyone including the public for participating.
Paul D’Amato thanked everyone again and asked to be personally informed when viable Depot projects are brought forth so they can plan to quickly get their mapping done.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm
Minutes Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Larzelere VPB Secretary
February 22, 2008
Special Meeting Feb. 25
Monday February 25, 2007
7:00 pm
Heroes Conference Room
Seneca County Office Building
Agenda
1. Go around the table to explain each organizations' general goals for the part of the Depot property within the Town of Varick.
2. Go around the table to explain each organizations' regulatory jurisdiction in the part of the Depot property within the Town of Varick.
Under Open Meetings Law, this does constitute a meeting of the Varick Planning Board because a quorum will be present and discussing public business. However, it will not take any official action because this is an informational meeting to let the parties get to know one another and their concerns. There will be no opportunity for public comment.
Expected attendees:
Varick Planning Board: Bob Kayser (chair), Thomas Bjorkman, Phil Knapp, Bill Larzelere, Frankie Long, Kevin Swartley
Seneca County IDA: Steve Dennis (ED), Pat Jones
NYS DEC: Paul D'Amato (R8 Director), Peter Lent (R8 Permits), Randy Nemecek (R8 Nat Res Supv)
7:00 pm
Heroes Conference Room
Seneca County Office Building
Agenda
1. Go around the table to explain each organizations' general goals for the part of the Depot property within the Town of Varick.
2. Go around the table to explain each organizations' regulatory jurisdiction in the part of the Depot property within the Town of Varick.
Under Open Meetings Law, this does constitute a meeting of the Varick Planning Board because a quorum will be present and discussing public business. However, it will not take any official action because this is an informational meeting to let the parties get to know one another and their concerns. There will be no opportunity for public comment.
Expected attendees:
Varick Planning Board: Bob Kayser (chair), Thomas Bjorkman, Phil Knapp, Bill Larzelere, Frankie Long, Kevin Swartley
Seneca County IDA: Steve Dennis (ED), Pat Jones
NYS DEC: Paul D'Amato (R8 Director), Peter Lent (R8 Permits), Randy Nemecek (R8 Nat Res Supv)
January 29, 2008
Draft Minutes to January 24, 2008 Meeting
Town of Varick Planning Board Meeting Minutes
Date of meeting: January 24, 2008
Meeting called to order: 7:00pm
Attendees: Thomas Bjorkman (Chairman ),Bob Kayser, Bill Larzelere, Frankie Long, Larry Peterson, Kevin Swartley
Absent: None ( Annie Bachman is now on Zoning Board of Appeals)
The December meeting minutes were not available for approval so approval was tabled until the next meeting.
DEC SEQR lead agency
- Chairman Bjorkman read a letter he had received from the DEC stating its’ intent to take the Lead Agency role in the SEQR review for the proposed Sessler Development project for the Depot.
- Restated was the fact that Sessler had put the application “on hold” for 90 days and that no action would be taken regarding SEQR until the complete and revised project was resubmitted.
- Kevin Swartley stated that a meeting with the DEC, Seneca County, and our Board would be wise and suggested either inviting them to our next meeting or calling a special meeting to talk about the SEQR process as related to the Sessler Project. After Board discussion, it was decided to invite them to a special meeting on February 21st in the county building. Thomas Bjorkman will make the contacts and try to arrange.
Zoning Code Revision Changes - Chairman Bjorkman passed out copies of the new Zoning Code Revision and noted that sections and some language had been lined out after discussion with our Town Board. This language was the parts of the code that the Town Board had questions about and objected to at the time it was presented to them for adoption. The Planning Board had agreed to revisit this language and clarify or change.
- Chairman Bjorkman’s suggestion was that we develop and define the “intent” of the language recognizing that it was included to reflect the results of the Comprehensive Plan public surveys. Then we would work with the Town Board to develop wording that addressed the concerns.
- Section 309.2 “A” Unregistered Vehicles: discussion of the intent was about the need to control the unsightly accumulation of unregistered vehicles and/or junk cars on properties. Our existing code has a Junk Car ordinance.
- Section 501.2 – Non-conforming uses in Lakeshore Zone- discussion of the intent was to make sure an acceptable operation of a grandfathered business was not turned into and unacceptable operation when the business changed ownership. This could happen by increasing the footprint of the business “sprawl”, unacceptable increase in traffic based on the road conditions and/or residential character, etc. Renovation and improvement of the non-conforming business would be encouraged.
- Section 309.2 “B”- Unused Farm Equipment- discussion of intent was to control equipment “junkyards” rather than a few pieces of unused equipment in a persons hedgerow.
- Section 309.4 “D” and 309.5 “E” Parking of tractor trailor trucks in Lakeshore and Hamlet Zones- discussion of intent was to provide for a quiet neighborhood without restricting a persons ability to make a living. It was noted that the existing language does not exclude them, but allows for a Special Permitting process for them to park in these zones. The permit and process needs to be defined and a time limit for the permit included in the definition. Part of the process may include acceptance by the neighbors.
Section 310.3 One bay firehouse in Lakeshore Zone.- Discussion of the intent was for safety of public when operation of the trucks on a road that was not designed for large trucks traveling at higher speeds. It was recognized that a firehouse nearby is an asset to an area. If a firehouse needs to be built, all siting options should be investigated considering all the publics safety.
Plans for 2008
Chairman Bjorkman presented a few ideas for discussion for 2008
· Noise Ordinance
· Discussion with IDA about businesses that would enhance the community and developing a closer working relationship.
· Encourage Broadband Internet access in the Town
· Bob Kayser- Wind Generator ordinance that would address safety concerns without being overly restrictive.
Planning Board Reorganization
- Chairman Bjorkman noted changes to the makeup of the Board.
Annie Bachman will now be on the Zoning Board of Appeals
Larry Peterson will leave the Board as his term expired and does not wish to continue.
Kevin Swartley submitted his name to be reinstated for another term
Thomas Bjorkman wishes to “pass the gavel” of Chairman but remain on the board.
Two new positions will be open for appointment replacing Larry and Annie.
- Chairman Bjorkman moved to thank Larry Peterson for many years of service and a job well done- Bob Kayser seconded- Motion passed unanimously with gratitude from all.
- Chairman Bjorkman moved to appoint Bob Kayser the new Chairman. Frankie Long seconded- Discussion followed including possibly waiting for the new Board members to be appointed. Vote- passed unanimously - The gavel was passed to Bob for the rest of the meeting and beyond.
Next Meeting:
Thomas will try to arrange a February 21st meeting with the DEC, Seneca County, and our Planning Board concerning the SEQR Lead Agency role for the Sessler proposal.
Our next regular meeting will be February 28th at 7:00pm in the Varick Firehall.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Bill Larzelere- Secretary
January 06, 2008
Date of meeting: December 27, 2007
Meeting called to order: 7:00pm
Attendees: Bob Kayser (acting chairman), Annie Bachman, Bill Larzelere, Frankie Long, Larry Peterson, Kevin Swartley
Absent: Thomas Bjorkman (Chairman)
o Guests at meeting: Four members of the public
Acting Chairman Bob Kayser called the meeting to order at 7:00pm describing the meeting as a “special” meeting to discuss 1 agenda item. The Town of Varick Planning Boards possible acceptance of Lead Agency status in the SEQR process for the proposed “Sessler Depot Development Project”. He stated there would be no discussion of the merits or lack thereof for the project itself.
Motion to close meeting from Larry Peterson,
Seconded Frankie Long
Motion passed and meeting was closed at 7:40pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Bill Larzelere- Secretary
Meeting called to order: 7:00pm
Attendees: Bob Kayser (acting chairman), Annie Bachman, Bill Larzelere, Frankie Long, Larry Peterson, Kevin Swartley
Absent: Thomas Bjorkman (Chairman)
o Guests at meeting: Four members of the public
Acting Chairman Bob Kayser called the meeting to order at 7:00pm describing the meeting as a “special” meeting to discuss 1 agenda item. The Town of Varick Planning Boards possible acceptance of Lead Agency status in the SEQR process for the proposed “Sessler Depot Development Project”. He stated there would be no discussion of the merits or lack thereof for the project itself.
- Seneca County has deemed the project requires a type 1 SEQR evaluation.
- Because of the project submittal date, January 10th 2008, is the final date for a Lead Agency to be declared for the SEQR process.
- The two “involved” agencies have been identified as the Seneca County IDA and the Town of Varick Planning Board. The Planning Board is “involved” because of the recently passed Zoning Code amendments that require a Special Use Permit for the Conservation and Green Energy Zone on the former Seneca Army Depot that Sessler Co. proposes to use for their project.
- Bob Kayser said that if our Board is the Lead Agency, we will be able to hire experts to clarify any issues or perform studies required to be able to properly evaluate the project. The costs for the experts would be borne by the project applicant. There are limits to these costs which will be determined.
- Carol Richardson (guest) stated that she was at the County Supervisors Committee meeting chaired by Dave Kaiser and they did not act on Sessler’s request for a 90 day extension of the project evaluation phase to allow time for public input at several proposed meetings to resolve many publicized objections to the project.
- Bob Kayser said that our Planning Board SEQR evaluation would begin when the final project was presented to us with any changes after any proposed extension period.
- Kevin Swartley stated that our Board members should not actively participate in any of the public meetings because of a conflict of interest and the need for us to be objective in the SEQR evaluation. All agreed.
- Bill Larzelere stated that in his opinion, the public input meetings and extension period was a good idea and would probably make the Boards SEQR evaluation job easier because the plan would come to the Board in a more complete and widely accepted form.
- Annie Bachman informed the Board that she will be leaving the board because of time constraints with business and family. She may continue community service on the Zoning Board of Appeals. She stated her Planning experience will be an asset to this job and she will be able to schedule the fewer meetings. All agreed she will be missed and thanked her for her service.
- Frankie Long made a motion that the Town of Varick Planning Board accept the Lead Agency role in the SEQR evaluation for the upcoming Sessler Depot Development Project. Bill Larzelere seconded the motion. Motion passed with 5 in the affirmative and 1 abstention.
Motion to close meeting from Larry Peterson,
Seconded Frankie Long
Motion passed and meeting was closed at 7:40pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted,
Bill Larzelere- Secretary
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)