Planning Board

Office of the Planning Board, Town of Schaghticoke — December 2, 2020. The Board met via Zoom videoconference in accordance with Governor’s Executive Order 202.1, as updated. Deputy Town Attorney Kristin Pratt explained the Zoom procedure (recorded, later transcribed; minutes taken).

Public hearing

There were no public hearings.

Regular meeting

Convened 7:30 PM. Members present: Chairman Frank Alessandrini, Wayne Akin, Dan Clow, Brian Davidson, Elizabeth Hale, Robert Weir, and Scott Wiley. Deputy Town Attorney Kristin Pratt was present with applicant representatives and members of the public via Zoom.

• November 4, 2020 minutes approved as submitted (Akin · Wiley — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none; Abstention: Hale).

Koberger Lot Line Adjustment (Tax Map #31.-2-12.10 and 31.-2-12.18)

Land surveyor Mark Danskin represented applicant Paul Koberger of 199 Hansen Road, Lot #20. The proposal waives 1.29± acres of adjacent property (Lot #19, owned by Hertha Kasenko at 209 Hansen Road, in an RA district), 260 feet from the south side of Hansen Road along an existing fence line, to Mr. Koberger’s 4-acre parcel to create a 5.29± acre parcel; Mrs. Kasenko’s remaining acreage would be 5.02± acres. Both properties have existing homes. The application, short-form EAF, and fee were submitted. This is a Type II action requiring no SEQRA review.

• Subdivision waiver approved (Wiley · Clow — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none).

Gifford Subdivision (Tax Map #12-2-43)

Land surveyor Brian Holbritter proposed subdividing 5.23± acres from a 49± acre parcel on the westerly side of Bell Road near the Bell/Geary/Kardas Roads intersection. Applicant and owner Howard Gifford would convey the newly created 43.96± acre parcel to a potential buyer and retain the 5.23± acre parcel for agriculture, with no intent to develop it. To avoid designing a septic system, Mr. Holbritter suggested a note used by the Town of Pittstown (“Lots not to be developed at this time may not be developed until sewerage systems are approved by the permitting authority”). Attorney Pratt reviewed the Town Subdivision Law and advised that, because the proposed lot exceeds 5 acres, a septic design is not required. The application and survey were received; a public hearing will be scheduled for January.

Northline Drive Solar Farm (Tax Map #41.-1-27.21)

ReJean DeVaux (civil engineer, Borrego Solar Systems) and Board engineer Jason Dell (Lansing Engineering) discussed the 4 MW project on 17± acres of a 37.18± acre parcel owned by Julie Todd, off Northline Drive. Revisions, comments, and Lansing’s SEQRA review had been emailed the same day, leaving some members little time to review, though the chairman had reviewed the material with Mr. Dell. Mr. Dell noted SWPPP comments from Mr. DeVaux had not yet been received. Mr. DeVaux presented cross-sections, topography with the panels (via Google Earth), and a profile view from a neighboring Matala Drive residence showing sight lines at 165 feet (front driveway) and 367 feet; the panels stop at the crest of the hill so, with existing topography and trees, only about 3 inches of panel would be visible from that home. Evergreens (growing 3–5 feet/year) will be planted as a visual buffer where visibility is problematic.

A concerned citizen submitted a photo of conduction poles bordering a solar facility in Clifton Park. Mr. DeVaux said the Northline project would have a maximum of six poles along the access road perpendicular to Route 40, the first 35 feet from the road and each 35 feet apart, with a metal utility box on the second or third pole; National Grid dictates the pole count and NYS Utility Commission requires each project to have its own interconnection. Two poles would be visible heading north on Route 40 and three from the other side. Dan Clow asked about a “pit style” interconnection; Mr. DeVaux said a concrete style was considered but rejected by National Grid in favor of poles.

The chairman asked about visual studies from a neighboring property; Mr. DeVaux said additional plantings are planned and expects minimal panel visibility, with no impact after about 5 years given evergreen growth and the 640–650-foot distance. The chairman asked that markers be placed at six critical visual points in the field and requested a marked site visit before the January meeting; Mr. DeVaux will seek the landowner’s permission and coordinate with the surveyors. Elizabeth Hale asked about visual impact on Northline Drive residences; Mr. DeVaux said the nearest home is 200 feet from the panels with a heavy buffer planned, and the house next door is 270 feet away. Mr. DeVaux will prepare response letter #2 and complete the SWPPP by next month. The Board will consider SEQRA next month; the chairman will check whether the Fire Marshal has visited the site.

Verbeck Community Solar Expansion (Tax Map #41.-1-96)

The chairman stated further information on the Verbeck community solar expansion was not ready to present.

Septic-design note for large lots

Brian Holbritter had raised whether a septic design should be required for subdividing lots of 5 acres or smaller when the owner does not intend to develop, again suggesting the Town of Pittstown note. Attorney Pratt said she would research the topic and the origin of the subdivision law (county, state, or DOH) and whether such a note is permissible.

River Edge seasonal cabin inquiry

The chairman was contacted by the River Edge developer, who would like to place a 300 sq. ft. cabin/guest house with water and power in the development for seasonal use; it was unclear whether for personal use or rental, or whether a septic system was intended. Because the Town does not allow houses under 600 sq. ft. or tiny houses, the Board was undecided whether it would be a camp, accessory apartment, or something else under the Zoning Code. The chairman will research building codes on seasonal occupancy; a ZBA variance may be needed.

Pleasantdale lot-line inquiry

A property owner contacted the chairman about a potential lot-line adjustment. She owns a 20′ × 50′ lot in the Hamlet District of Pleasantdale; the adjacent unkempt lot belongs to neighbors willing to sell, but she does not wish to pay for a survey. The Board discussed waiving a pre-determined parcel without a survey. Attorney Pratt was concerned whether the county would accept a transfer without a survey plat; the chairman thought deed consolidation would be required and noted on the tax map, and would contact the county mapping section.

Adjourned 8:54 PM (Akin · Wiley — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none). Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Planning Board Clerk (dated January 16, 2021).