Unofficial summary. This is a community summary of the town's official minutes, provided so the record is searchable and readable. It condenses the meeting and may omit detail. The official signed PDF is the complete record of authority.
Office of the Planning Board, Town of Schaghticoke — June 2, 2021. The Board met via Zoom videoconference. Deputy Town Attorney Kristin Pratt provided Zoom guidance, noted the meeting was recorded (to be posted and later transcribed) and minutes were taken, and encouraged verbal public comment.
Public hearings
Morizio Duplex Special Use Permit (Tax Map #20-1-3.211)
Opened at 7:33 PM. Chairman Alessandrini read the Notice of Hearing. Land surveyor Brian Holbritter represented Martin Morizio, who purchased a 1.48± acre lot at 700 Knickerbocker Road where a two-family home was located. Mr. Morizio would like to construct a two-family duplex (each unit 2 bedrooms, front access to one and rear access to the other, appearing as a single-family residence). There is an existing well and adequate parking. No public comment. Closed at 7:40 PM.
Warren Fane Turner Road Lot B Subdivision (Tax Map 61.-1-14.12)
Chairman Alessandrini read the Notice of Hearing. Land surveyor Mark Danskin represented Warren Fane regarding a 56.35± acre parcel on the north side of Turner Road and westerly side of NYS Route 40. The proposal subdivides 12± acres, leaving a 44± acre residual parcel. RCHD approval was received. No public comment. Closed at 7:45 PM.
Regular meeting
Members present: Chairman Frank Alessandrini, Wayne Akin, Dan Clow, Brian Davidson, Elizabeth Hale, Scott Wiley, and Robert Weir. Deputy Town Attorney Kristin Pratt was present.
- May 5, 2021 minutes approved as submitted (Akin · Wiley — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none).
Morizio Duplex Special Use Permit (Tax Map #20-1-3.211)
Brian Holbritter presented the application. The dilapidated two-family home was razed. Mr. Morizio would like to construct a two-family duplex appearing as a one-family residence; there is an existing well and a septic system (adequate for two units) in progress, with sufficient parking. Application, EAF, and survey maps were received; the Rensselaer County Office of Economic Development and Planning left the decision to local consideration. The $100 application fee was not yet received and may be paid at the Town Clerk’s office.
- Negative declaration under SEQRA (Akin · Clow — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none).
- Final approval of a Special Use Permit to construct a two-family duplex on Knickerbocker Road (Wiley · Davidson — Ayes: all seven; Nays: none).
Warren Fane Turner Road Lot B Subdivision (Tax Map 61.-1-14.12)
Mark Danskin represented Warren Fane for the 56.35± acre parcel; the proposal subdivides 12± acres leaving 44 acres. National Grid power lines run through the property south of a small old cemetery. The Board agreed the 20-ft road width was sufficient to allow trucks to pass, but a turn-around is needed at the upper end of the drive for fire apparatus, which the Building Inspector will ensure meets regulations. Application, EAF, Agricultural Data Statement, and RCHD were received; the $180 fee will be accepted by the Town Clerk.
- Negative declaration under SEQRA (Akin · Weir — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none).
- Preliminary subdivision granted (Clow · Akin — Ayes: all seven; Nays: none).
- Final subdivision approval granted (Clow · Wiley — Ayes: all seven; Nays: none).
Brock Gravel Mine Pre-filing Conference
PJ Hognestand represented the applicants, the Brocks, proposing a gravel mine on 7–10± acres on the Brock Farm at the end of Doty Road. The hill to the east would be leveled to access the mine and gravel, and the mine would be shielded from public view. Access is planned from East Schaghticoke Road (off NYS Route 40) and Doty Road, with perhaps 10–15 trips per day, a 5-year life, and hours 7 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday. Mr. Hognestand consulted with the Highway Supervisor and DEC, neither expressing concerns, and said DEC found no archeological significance; the property owner needs the mine to continue keeping farm animals. Chairman Alessandrini was most concerned about access, and noted the Planning Board operates within a limited framework on mines since DEC holds majority discretion over mining permits and conditions.
Other
Chairman Alessandrini notified the Board that the Town Board approved Mr. Godfrey’s request to rezone two contiguous lots (one ¼-acre, one nearly ½-acre) in an R district on NYS Route 40 north of the old Melrose railroad bridge, from Residential to Highway Commercial, to allow use of the property for his business.
Adjourned at 8:19 PM (Akin · Clow — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Weir, Wiley; Nays: none). Submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Planning Board Clerk (dated July 10, 2021).
Spot an error or omission? Tell us and we'll fix it.