Planning Board

Office of the Planning Board, Town of Schaghticoke — January 8, 2025.

The town’s PDF of these minutes is headed “January 8, 2024.” That year is a typo: the meeting approved the December 4, 2024 minutes, welcomed Peter Klotz after Bob Weir’s December resignation, and the town files it as the January 2025 meeting. January 8, 2025 was also the Wednesday the Board met, New Year’s Day having fallen on the usual first Wednesday.

Public hearings

There were none.

Regular meeting — 7:02 PM

Members present: Frank Alessandrini, Kasey Casas, Dan Clow, Elizabeth Hale, Vince Ragone, and Chris Reynolds, joined by new member Peter Klotz. David Brennan, Town Attorney, was present. Chairman Alessandrini acknowledged Bob Weir, who resigned from the Board at the December meeting, for his many years of service, and welcomed Peter Klotz as a new member.

Approval of prior minutes

The December 4, 2024 minutes were approved. Motion: Casas · Second: Clow · Ayes: Alessandrini, Casas, Clow, Hale, Ragone, Reynolds · Nays: None · Abstention: Klotz.

Genesis Vault — Special Use Permit & site-plan review (Tax Map #41.-1-61)

David Baker, applicant and owner of the business, did not appear.

Acker one-lot subdivision — SEQR (Tax Map #57.-2-10.316)

Brian Holbritter, land surveyor, presented a 3.5± acre subdivision from a 20.06± acre parcel with 230 feet of road frontage in an R district at 95 Skyline Drive, owned by James Acker Jr., with Dominick Paul as applicant. Mr. Acker’s daughter would like to build a residence on the new lot, reached by a 30-foot driveway, with a connecting 50-foot driveway to Mr. Acker’s residence and 16.56± residual acres to the east. Federal wetlands lie 150 feet from the proposed septic system, whose design was submitted to Rensselaer County Health Department. The Board reviewed the short-form EAF and found no issues, and a $180 check was received. Vince Ragone moved to issue a negative declaration under SEQR; Chris Reynolds seconded. Ayes: all · Nays: None.

Masonic Lodge sign permit (Tax Map #22.-3-15)

Ian Murray presented a proposal for an LED sign at the Victor Masonic Lodge #680 (Victor Charities), in a Highway Commercial district at 1535 Route 67, submitting the sign-permit application, an Agricultural Data Statement, short-form EAF, building-permit application, and an image of the existing letter-board sign. The Chairman advised him to review the Zoning Code’s electronic-sign rules on light intensity and message timing; a public hearing will be scheduled for February.

Septic-design requirement — discussion

The Board consulted surveyor Brian Holbritter about the Town’s code requiring septic engineering designs for proposed subdivided lots under five acres. Mr. Holbritter noted that many towns where he works require only a percolation test; that licensed engineers are costly; that an owner may not intend to build immediately; and that a septic design is required to issue a building permit. Attorney Brennan will research the provision.

Dumas subdivision — pre-filing conference

Nicholas Dumas appeared to propose subdividing 3.05± acres with 350 feet of road frontage from a 106± acre parcel owned by his father, Steven Dumas, in an RA district on River Road, where Nicholas plans to build a house. Nine copies of the application, Agricultural Data Statement, short-form EAF, survey map, and Owner Authorization must be submitted before the 15th of the month to make the next agenda.

Code enforcement — escalation process

Chairman Alessandrini and Code Enforcement Officer Scott Frisino discussed non-compliance by applicants who have ignored the stipulations written into their approved Special Use Permits. Officer Frisino reported speaking with several non-compliant business owners — Constable Tree, Genesis Burial Vault, Remodel Now, and Clement Small Engine — and noted that the marina in Pleasantdale is non-compliant on boat storage, that Liberty Ridge is not compliant with zoning regulations, that the Herrington Solar facility has not posted required “No Parking” signs, and that he is handling complaints about the Neeson Lane timber harvest.

Frisino asked for a plan to remedy non-compliance. The Chairman noted the Planning Board’s only tool under the Zoning Law is revocation of the permitted use. Attorney Brennan outlined the escalation path: an informal discussion and verbal warning from the Code Enforcement Officer; then, if needed, a written order of remedy by certified mail requiring compliance by a set date; then an appearance ticket before the local court; and, if all else is exhausted, referral to State Supreme Court. The Board requested monthly code-enforcement updates on its agenda, and Attorney Brennan agreed to guide Officer Frisino through the process.

Clement Small Engine Repair. Owner Art Clement was present. He is operating in a Hamlet District at 30 Milky Way without a current Special Use Permit; a permit granted November 6, 2019 limited operation at that location to two years and has expired. Mr. Clement said he had not been contacted by the Building Department, and agreed to meet with Officer Frisino to work out a plan; Frisino will provide him a copy of the decision.

Adjournment

Chris Reynolds moved to adjourn at 8:12 p.m.; Vince Ragone seconded. Ayes: all · Nays: None.

Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, Planning Board.