Planning Board

Office of the Planning Board, Town of Schaghticoke — June 1, 2022.

Public hearings

Simmons Subdivision — Pre-filing Conference (Tax Map #21-1-29.111)

Deputy Town Attorney Kristin Pratt read the Notice of Hearing. Land surveyor Brian Holbritter represented the applicant, Carrol Simmons, who proposes a two-lot subdivision in an RA district on Stillwater Bridge Road near 414 Stillwater Bridge Road. The 60± acre property is owned by Roy Simmons, who would like to subdivide an existing 39,010± square-foot lot, 25′ deep, including his residence, from the remaining 59± acres, with a barn located across Stillwater Bridge Road. Mr. Simmons’ sister, Carrol Simmons, is interested in purchasing the 59± acre parcel. There was no public comment. The hearing closed at 7:09 PM.

Rohloff Subdivision (Tax Map #32-3-29)

Deputy Town Attorney Kristin Pratt read the Notice of Hearing. Land surveyor Brian Holbritter represented the applicant, Brian Rohloff, who proposes a four-lot subdivision on 8.15± acres from a 19± acre parcel in an RA district with access from East Schaghticoke Road. Two of the four proposed lots are flag lots; the northwesterly lot will remain undeveloped, as it contains an existing well that supplies water to the nearby restaurant, requiring a 200′ radial easement that encroaches slightly onto the abutting HC section. The three proposed lots measure 1.21± to 3.97± acres. There was no public comment. The hearing closed at 7:11 PM.

Regular meeting

Convened at 7:11 PM. Members present: Frank Alessandrini (Chairman), Wayne Akin, Dan Clow, Brian Davidson, Elizabeth Hale, and Scott Wiley. Robert Weir was absent.

• May 4, 2022 minutes approved as submitted (Wiley · Davidson — Ayes: Alessandrini, Akin, Clow, Davidson, Hale, Wiley; Nays: none).

Albany Police Department Firing Range (Tax Map #21-2-4.1)

Chairman Alessandrini stated that the 239 County review decision was received, with the Rensselaer County Office of Economic Development and Planning referring the application for “local consideration,” and that the sign-off from the property owner, Warren Fane, was received. Dan Clow suggested a clause be added to the written approval indicating that use of the firing range is restricted exclusively to the Albany Police Department.

• Site plan approval with the condition limiting use of the range to the Albany Police Department (Akin · Hale — Ayes: all six; Nays: none).

Simmons Subdivision — Pre-filing Conference (Tax Map #21-1-29.111)

Brian Holbritter represented the applicant, Carrol Simmons, for the two-lot subdivision near 414 Stillwater Bridge Road in an RA district. The 60± acre property is owned by Roy Simmons, who would subdivide an existing 39,010-square- foot lot including his residence from the remaining 59± acres, which Mr. Simmons’ sister Carrol Simmons is interested in purchasing. The application, survey and short-form EAF were received at the May meeting; Mr. Holbritter stated he would submit the $180 application fee to the Town Clerk.

• Negative declaration under SEQRA (Clow · Wiley — Ayes: all six; Nays: none).
• Preliminary subdivision approval (Wiley · Davidson — Ayes: all six; Nays: none).
• Final subdivision approval (Akin · Hale — Ayes: all six; Nays: none).

Rohloff Subdivision (Tax Map #32-3-29)

Brian Holbritter represented the applicant, Brian Rohloff, for the four-lot subdivision on 8.15± acres. Mr. Holbritter indicated that Stephen Dean, P.E., was engaged to test the soil and complete the SWPPP, and that he would continue to update the Board. The application, survey and short-form EAF were received at the May meeting. The Board agreed to place the application on the next agenda after an update on the SWPPP and soil testing.

Ed Reynolds Signage — Pre-filing Conference

Ed Reynolds, owner of The Reynolds Group at 1541 NYS Route 67, appeared to propose two 20′ × 40′ illuminated electronic black-and-white signs, arranged back-to-back, including the business logo and displaying a variety of images, to replace his current sign 35′ off NYS Route 67 in front of the business. Mr. Reynolds stated the current sign did not market well the items he offers (pellet stoves and awnings). The Board referred to Zoning Law Section V(F)(9)A, (F)(10). Chairman Alessandrini remarked that a moving sign is legally not in accordance with the Zoning Law, and because the Board must follow the law, the proposal for a moving sign would not be granted.

Mr. Reynolds noted that he has a problem with solar farms, which he said convert pristine farmland. A resident added that she opposes solar farms and objects to being forced to pay for an innovation that uses materials that are not recyclable or environmentally friendly. Mr. Reynolds also expressed opposition to the pending Rohloff subdivision off NYS Route 40 and E. Schaghticoke Road, citing a large quantity of rubble used for fill dumped on the westerly side of the proposed subdivided property in an HC district. The Chairman advised Mr. Reynolds to see the Town Board regarding the Zoning Code regulations to which he objects.

A Pleasantdale resident appeared to express concerns about a rumored development of apartment houses on 20± acres located to the north of Hannaford, on the westerly side of 2nd Avenue, saying she did not want to lose treed land. The majority of the land to be developed is in the City of Troy, with a triangular 1-acre lot in Schaghticoke, and the City of Troy is reviewing the application; all the acreage is owned by the same property owner. Brian Davidson stated there is no intention to develop the one-acre Schaghticoke section, which will instead serve for stormwater runoff from the project. Kristin Pratt tried to locate the project site plan online but the images were unclear. The resident was referred to the City of Troy for further information.

Adjourned at 7:56 PM (Davidson · Hale — Ayes: all six; Nays: none). Submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Planning Board Clerk (dated July 16, 2022).