The Planning Board meeting was held on
Chairman Hibbs asked for corrections/additions to the
minutes of the
ITEM NO. 1 CONTINUE PUBLIC
HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR SITE
PLAN APPROVAL, PARKING LOT, SUBMITTED BY
CHURCH,
Mr. Hibbs noted the public hearing notice was printed in the Poughkeepsie Journal
on June 8, 2005 and opened the public hearing on the application for Site Plan Approval for a parking lot, located on 8 Mattie Cooper Square, identified on City tax maps as Section 5954, Block 27, Lot 845957.
Dennis Walden outlined changes made to the parking lot plan since the last submission. The drainage system was redesigned utilizing a 16-inch pipe located down the street, lighting contours and fence details were added. Landscaping was shown but must be better identified.
Mr. Russo asked that a drainage analysis be done to show that the existing downstream drainage system can convey additional water into the system. Discussion took place regarding a manhole Mr. Walden believed was buried in the intersection and Mr. Russo advised him that a dye test may need to be done to check the flow. Although they plan to tie directly to the City’s storm drainage system, stormwater must be addressed under MS4 regulations for quality, not quantity. Mr. Russo advised them to determine where the roof leaders feed into. A clearer, larger scale grading plan and construction details for road restoration, catch basins, trench cross sections, etc. must be provided.
Mr. Stolman asked that the photometric contours be better identified. Additionally, sizes of landscape materials and shrub species must be provided.
Connie Robert
Blankley,
Victor Naguiat,
Mr. Hibbs
noted Aida Mandigo,
Church representative, Ralph Middleton, said a woman representing a group of neighbors planned to attend the meeting to express their support for the project. They were supposedly willing to put in landscaping/shrubbery on their own. Reverend Perry reported many issues raised at the last meeting had more to do with personal issues, not the parking lot. They are trying to meet with neighbors to work out unrelated issues.
There were no further comments from the public and Mr. Gunn made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Attaway. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
After some discussion, Mr. Gunn made a motion to grant a negative SEQRA declaration and grant Site Plan Approval for the parking lot subject to fulfilling outstanding consultant comments enumerated above, seconded by Mr. Sheers. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 2 PUBLIC HEARING ON
APPLICATION FOR SUBDIVISION, 2
LOTS, SUBMITTED BY FERDINAND & SUSANNE
Mr. Hibbs read the public hearing notice printed in the Poughkeepsie Journal
on June 8, 2005 and opened the public hearing an application for Subdivision of property (2 residential lots) owned by Ferdinand & Susanne Metz, located on 8 Slocum Road, identified on City Tax Maps as Section 5954, Block 20, Lot 7701855.
Richard Cantor of Cantor, Teahan and Constantino, explained his client revised the subdivision plat based on comments presented at last month’s meeting. The new driveway will be over the existing driveway, via a permanent easement, extending to the new home. Trees were identified and the driveway description was clarified.
Dennis Swindell,
Mr. Stolman explained Bed & Breakfast facilities
are permitted with a Special Use Permit in all residential zoning districts as
long as they have 40,000 sq. ft. of land.
He listed a number of additional uses permitted in residential districts
as outlined in the City’s Schedule of Use Regulations. Special Use Permit applications are reviewed
by the Planning Board and issued by the City Council once they determine the
use is appropriate to the area. Mr.
Hibbs explained the Planning Board is reviewing this subdivision application to
be sure it meets regulations related to zoning, drainage, easements, access,
etc. Mr. Swindell acknowledged the
Mike
Morales,
Fadi
Ghanem,
There were no further comments from the public and Ms. Attaway made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Sheers. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Cantor confirmed that his client is aware of the new specifications for common/shared driveways and has no objection to complying with the contents of the proposed provisions. Mr. Russo explained Health Department approval must be obtained; the maintenance agreement and cross easement documentation must be provided to the City Attorney for approval.
After some discussion, Ms. Attaway made a motion to grant a negative SEQRA declaration for the proposed subdivision; grant preliminary subdivision plat approval; waive the public hearing for the final subdivision plat based upon the fact that the preliminary plat and final plat are substantially the same, and grant conditional final subdivision plat approval subject to fulfilling consultant comments enumerated above, seconded by Mr. Gunn. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 3
PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE
PERMIT, DAY CARE FACILITY, SUBMITTED BY
PROPERTY OWNER MARK
DEFABIO,
Mr. Hibbs read the public hearing notice printed in the Poughkeepsie Journal
on June 8, 2005 and opened the public hearing relative to an application for a Special Use Permit for a day care facility, submitted by Mark DeFabio owner of Rose Hill Manor, located on 1064 Wolcott Avenue, identified on City tax maps as Section 5954, Block 34, Lot 641767.
Charles Brown, engineer from Taconic Design, described the proposal to construct an additional two-story building adjacent to the existing day care facility on a 1.75 acre parcel located at 1064 Wolcott Avenue. Drainage is being handled with gravel beds so water is allowed to dissipate into the soil. In addition to existing parking, 15 spaces have been added and the new building meets all setback requirements. Mr. Brown reported most technical issues have been addressed, and the easement for sewer and water services will be formalized. A colored elevation drawing showing colors and proposed signage was presented.
Mr. Russo reported a number of engineering comments still need to be addressed and specific concern was raised with regard to the infiltration system located at the top of an embankment. Mr. Brown explained they are roughly 15 ft. away from where the embankment drops off and the trench has been reduced to a depth of 1.5 ft. Mr. Russo advised him to provide a cross section for review and the location of two trench details shown on Sheet 3 of 4 must be defined. Additionally, plans provided did not include Sheet 4 of 4 and Sheet 3 lacked details on the stormwater management system as noted.
Mr. Stolman requested more information on outdoor lighting, specifically details to show that light will not spill onto neighboring property. Mr. DeFabio explained he is trying to obtain details on the low-intensity lighting fixtures chosen and Mr. Brown stated lighting will not spill over the property line. Mr. Stolman asked that a note indicating the building will be provided with a sprinkler system be added to the plan. A revised sign detail and elevation color details are also needed.
Marty King,
Mr. DeFabio said very few trees will be affected and the tree line behind the school will remain. The school is regulated and inspected by the Health Department and Office of Family Services. Family Services performs three inspections per year, the Health Department performs two inspections per year and the Building Department conducts annual safety inspections. Their alarm system is tied directly to the Fire Department and they prepare for catastrophic situations by practicing evacuation to the nearby fire house. In response to traffic control lights, Mr. DeFabio explained his parking lot is well lit and the state governs traffic control lighting. Mr. Buckley reported he has never witnessed a problem at their intersection and the center lane provides space for safe turns into the site. Mr. DeFabio noted the Police Department monitors speeding and quite often pulls offenders over near his property. He explained children are always supervised and counts are taken each time they exit or enter the fenced outdoor play area. Mr. DeFabio reported they thoroughly screen and conduct background checks on every employee before hire. A copy of the Site Plan and project proposal will be sent to the Traffic Safety Committee for review and comment.
Aashraf
Kandeel, Season’s on the
In response, Mr. DeFabio agreed that a number of people attend their holiday and graduation parties. At one time there was an agreement with the restaurant owner to share parking lots when needed, however at some point that arrangement ended. Mr. DeFabio explained that once he realized the parking agreement had been terminated, he advised clients to discontinue using the restaurant parking lot. Ms. Attaway explained her child attends Rose Hill Manor and confirmed that every invitation is accompanied with a note advising parents not to utilize the restaurant’s parking lot. Mr. DeFabio acknowledged that parking is a problem during peak events and although the Police Department has assisted in the past, sometimes they are too busy. He explained after this construction, such events will be held in smaller groups. Mr. DeFabio explained the Rose Hill facility has many rules and regulations, they run a very stringent operation and he noted that some non-conforming people object to the structure and conformance requirements they uphold.
Sarah
Rafferty,
Mr. Gunn, whose daughter attends Rose Hill Manor, offered Mr. DeFabio his assistance with designing a floor plan that creates a positive learning environment.
There were no further comments from the public and Ms. Attaway made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Sablinski. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Ms. Attaway made a motion to recommend the City Council grant a Special Use Permit for the Rose Hill Manor Day Care Facility, subject to the applicant returning to the Planning Board for final site plan review, seconded by Mr. Sheers. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 4 CONSIDER EXTENSION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT,
SENIOR HOUSING FACILITY, MEADOW RIDGE II,
Peg O’Leary from Hudson Valley Housing Development
Fund Company explained federal financing for their senior housing project was
unexpectedly delayed therefore have not applied for a building permit as
required. She reported the financing
process will be completed within six weeks.
Construction documents are complete so they are prepared to move forward
as soon as funding is approved. Ms.
O’Leary explained the proposal continues to be 52 units of senior housing; each
member of the household must be age 62 and older. The only change since the original approval
in April of 2004 is that renters will be required to pay Central Hudson for
electric lighting and cooking, otherwise
Mr. Sheers made a motion to set a public hearing for the month of July, seconded by Ms. Attaway. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 5 CONTINUE REVIEW OF
APPLICATION FOR SUBDIVISION, 2
LOTS, SUBMITTED BY THOMAS NINNIE,
Dennis Walden explained his client received an excavation
permit to remove rock from the site; one house has been constructed and he now wants
to subdivide the parcel into two separate lots.
The property is located in the R1-10 zoning district; Lot #1 is 13,065
sq. ft. and
Mr. Russo asked that erosion control methods be
updated and site distance information be added to the plan. The turn-around provided for
Mr. Stolman informed the applicant that each lot should be provided with a 30 ft. back yard. He explained this application was previously before the board and after being informally withdrawn before completing the subdivision, the owner secured a building permit for one house. If the original subdivision had been completed, larger back yards would have been required for each parcel. Mr. Walden explained the owner has been removing rock over the years in order to create space for larger yards. Grading around each house, first floor and lowest sewerable elevations must be provided.
Ms. Attaway made a motion to set a public hearing for the month of July, seconded by Mr. Gunn. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 6 CONTINUE REVIEW OF
APPLICATION FOR SUBDIVISION &
SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR MULTI-UNIT HOUSING, SUBMITTED BY EAST
MAIN MILLS/CHURCHILL MILLS, LLC,
Mr. Hibbs recused himself from this item as he has done business with the applicant; Mr. Sheers chaired the meeting.
Ted Liebman, of Liebman Melting Architects & Planners, introduced colleagues Alan Melting and Shawn Flynn. Mr. Liebman explained an updated summary for the EAF was submitted for review and comment. Mr. Stolman advised them that in addition to submitted schematic drawings, a comprehensive Site Plan with detailed information must be submitted before detailed review can begin. Mr. Liebman reported they are in the process of putting together elevations to better scale the buildings. He said parking facilities provide 9 ft. x 18 ft. parking spaces with 24 ft. aisles typical of parking garages. Mr. Stolman advised him that the City’s zoning code requires 10 ft. x 20 ft. parking spaces and a layout with wheel stops must be provided. Mr. Liebman thought 9 ft. x 18 ft. parking spaces would be adequate for this type of indoor facility. Mr. Stolman explained the Planning Board cannot vary from what is required in the zoning code however application could be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals to adjust those requirements. He asked if the plan would meet the specific parking requirement of one space per unit plus one-quarter space per bedroom. Shawn Flynn clarified that there are a total of 245 off-street parking spaces and believed 220 are required. The apartments in the complex are lofts that vary in size – small units are 800 sq. ft. and larger units are upwards to 2,000 sq. ft. The number of required parking spaces was based on bedroom values for each loft, i.e. a small loft equals a one-bedroom apartment, a medium loft equals a two-bedroom apartment, and a large loft equals a three-bedroom apartment. Mr. Stolman advised the applicant to thoroughly review the City’s zoning code to determine information needed for a complete Site Plan submission.
ITEM NO. 7 REVIEW APPLICATION
FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT,
ACCESSORY APARTMENT,
GUNN
Mr. Hibbs returned to chair the remainder of the meeting. Mr. Gunn recused himself from this item as it is his application.
Aryeh Siegal, representing John Gunn, described his
client’s proposal to renovate an existing carriage house at
Mr. Siegal respectfully requested the Board consider making a positive recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Board members reviewed the lot layout, history of the property and discussed the request. Since the accessory building (and home) was built in 1883 as part of an estate and has been continually used as a guest house for the larger home, Councilmember Attaway made a motion to forward a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals in support of the requested variances, seconded by Mr. Sablinski. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Attaway made a motion to set a public hearing for the month of July, subject to the applicant receiving the necessary side yard setback variance, seconded by Mr. Sheers. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 8
CONTINUE REVIEW FOR FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR
SPECIAL USE PERMIT,
PICCONE
Owner Jamie Piccone explained after meeting with Tim Dexter, a new layout was created to better accommodate parking needs. With regard to site lighting, Mr. Stolman said the plan must clearly indicate that there will be no more than a half-foot candle at the property line. Mr. Russo asked that the sheet for storm drainage be listed as “Sheet 4 of 4” and that print be made larger to make it easier to read. Construction details as they relate to storm drainage, i.e. trench details, catch basin installation, etc., must be added to the plan. Mr. Russo advised Mr. Siegal to coordinate his plan with the engineering plan. Lastly, information regarding the adequacy of existing storm water system capacity must be provided.
After some discussion, Ms. Attaway made a motion to issue a negative SEQRA declaration and grant Site Plan Approval subject to the applicant fulfilling outstanding consultant comments enumerated above, seconded by Mr. Gunn. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 9 REVIEW APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT,
ARTIST LIVE/WORK SPACE, 5 NORTH WALNUT STREET, SUBMITTED BY DENISE SMITH
Aryeh Siegal, representing Denise Smith, described
his client’s proposal to convert the existing single family house into an
artist live/work space. Two parking
spaces are required – one space is provided on the property and one space is
reserved in the adjacent parking lot via an easement dated
Mr. Stolman asked for a table showing both proposed and required information as outlined in Section 223.24.3 as inserted on the Site Plan. He asked that the Site Plan show the sign location and memorialize the building façade, including colors. Ms. Smith indicated she would be creating/selling decorative items and objects in adherence with the Artist Live/Work law. Mr. Stolman asked that a narrative indicating the types of items that will be created and sold on site.
Mr. Sheers made a motion to set a public hearing for the month of July, seconded by Ms. Attaway. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 10 REVIEW APPLICATION
FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL,
RESTAURANT FACILITY,
TERMINAL ASSOCIATES
Aryeh Siegal presented his client’s proposal for a restaurant “Restaurant O” at
Mr. Stolman
provided a brief history of the property owned by Beacon Terminal
Associates. The Planning Board approved
a subdivision last year and Parcel A, which had been attached to
Ms. Attaway made a motion to set a public hearing for the month of July subject to the applicant receiving the necessary variances, seconded by Mr. Sheers. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
ITEM NO. 11 CONTINUE REVIEW ON
APPLICATION FOR SUBDIVISION, 2
LOTS, SUBMITTED BY
Eugene Ninnie, Civil Technologies, presented the plat
for a two lot subdivision of property on
Mr. Stolman advised the applicant that sight distance requirements are off by approximately 25 ft. He felt the fence, hedges and on-street parking may be a factor in obstructing sight distance. They could petition the Traffic Safety Commission to consider prohibiting parking along that portion of the street to help the situation. Mr. Stolman explained the project cannot be approved without achieving the appropriate sight distance. Mr. Stolman advised Mr. Ninnie to consult with one of the traffic engineers in his office.
Miscellaneous
Business
1. City Council
request to review and comment on proposed Local Law amending
Chapter 223 - Zoning, and Chapter 195 – Subdivision of
Land with respect to Private Roads, Driveways and Common Driveways
Board members reviewed proposed private road, driveway and common driveway legislation currently under consideration by the City Council. After a lengthy review and discussion with City Planner David Stolman, City Engineer John Russo and Tim Dexter, members unanimously agreed that the intent and content of the law made good planning sense. Ms. Attaway made a motion to recommend City Council proceed with enacting the proposed legislation, seconded by Mr. Sheers. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
2. Certificate
of Appropriateness –
Members reviewed colors and materials for a retractable
awning at
3. Single Family
Home Architectural Review:
Members reviewed elevation drawings and colors for a new
single family dwelling on
4. Single Family
Home Architectural Review:
Members reviewed elevation drawings and colors for a new
single family dwelling on
5. Single Family
Home Architectural Review:
Members reviewed elevation drawings and colors for a new
single family dwelling at
6. Single Family
Home Architectural Review:
Members reviewed elevation drawings and colors for a new
single family dwelling at
There was
no further business and Ms. Attaway made a motion to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Mr. Gunn. All voted in
favor. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at