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. Some private individuals’ personal details have been left out. The official signed PDF is the complete record of authority.
Office of the Planning Board, Town of Schaghticoke — November 5, 2025.
Public hearing — Frann 697 subdivision & Special Use Permit (Tax Map #14.-1-28)
Chairman Frank Alessandrini, an interested party in this item, recused himself and left the room; Kasey Casas acted as chairperson for the Frann 697 application only.
At 7:00 p.m., Jake Keasbey, land surveyor, presented an application for a three-lot subdivision and a Special Use Permit for a two-family dwelling in an RA (Residential-Agricultural) district at 697 Master Street. The 8.74± acre parcel would be divided into three lots — Lot #1 (1.10± acres), Lot #2 (0.75± acres, with an existing residence), and a mainly wooded Lot #3 (6.89± acres). There was no public comment. The hearing was closed at 7:02 p.m.
Regular meeting — 7:00 PM
Members present: Frank Alessandrini, Kasey Casas, Dan Clow, Elizabeth Hale, Peter Klotz, and Vince Ragone. Absent: Chris Reynolds. Austin Scarborough, Attorney, was present.
Approval of prior minutes
A quorum of those who attended was not present, so the October 1, 2025 minutes will be reviewed at the December meeting.
Frann 697 subdivision & Special Use Permit (Tax Map #14.-1-28)
Jake Keasbey presented the application, and a survey was exhibited (Lot #1 is where construction of a duplex is being considered). The application, survey, Agricultural Data Statement, and Owner Authorization for Planning Board action were received. At its May 1, 2025 meeting the ZBA granted the applicant two area variances for the proposal and issued a negative declaration under an un-coordinated SEQR review; the Planning Board’s own un-coordinated SEQRA review found no issues. The 239-m review was submitted to Rensselaer County, which responded granting “local consideration” to the Board. A $340 application fee was received.
Vince Ragone moved to grant preliminary and final approval for the three-lot subdivision and a Special Use Permit for construction of a duplex on Lot #1; Elizabeth Hale seconded. Ayes: Casas, Clow, Hale, Klotz, Ragone · Nays: None. (Chairman Alessandrini recused.)
Starlight Development — pre-filing conference (Tax Map #70.56-1-6)
Keith Vandenburgh, owner of Starlight Development, LLC, proposed a one-lot, 0.10-acre subdivision in a Hamlet District on Hudson Avenue in Pleasantdale. The property at the end of Hudson Avenue is currently part of Starlight Development, but the Town maintains the asphalt street and provides public water and sewer to the existing four or five dwellings (built perhaps 70 years ago) within the 0.10-acre area. The Town is interested in gaining ownership of the parcel, and Mr. Vandenburgh is willing to convey the “cul-de-sac” to the Town at no cost. MJ Engineering was engaged to survey and map the property, and Town Supervisor Tim Salisbury and Town Attorney David Brennan have discussed the proposal.
Dan Clow moved to issue a negative declaration under SEQR; Elizabeth Hale seconded. Ayes: Alessandrini, Clow, Hale, Casas, Klotz, Ragone · Nays: None. A public hearing is planned for the December meeting, and the subdivision application fee will be waived.
Other business — code enforcement
- Dusenberry Winery tasting room. Chairman Alessandrini reported that Dusenberry Winery is interested in creating a tasting room in an already-constructed pole barn on a 14± acre parcel in a Hamlet District off Fogarty Road, where its vineyard grows the grapes for its wine. The property was originally a farm, but agriculture in a Hamlet District does not meet the Zoning Code. Attorney Scarborough will research whether the operation is best considered agricultural or retail and present options at the December meeting. (At its December 3, 2025 meeting the Board determined the winery is a continuing agricultural operation in compliance with the Code, so no Special Use Permit was warranted.)
- Urban Fitness (7 Howland Avenue, Hemstreet Park). The Chairman reported that the Hamlet District fitness center had begun a tree-removal business and was making firewood on the site; the ZBA interpreted the cutting of wood as a “manufacturing” process, which is not permitted in a Hamlet District.
- Constable Tree and Genesis Vault (NYS Route 40). Both businesses are still lacking compliance.
- Route 40 property — lighting and structures. The Board discussed a resident’s Route 40 property where excessive lighting and structures do not meet the Zoning Code. (The private owner’s name is omitted.)
- Valley Sealing (8 Meadowview Drive). Elizabeth Hale noted a collection of vehicles and equipment at the business, pointing out that the approved site plan did not include the storage of large vehicles and equipment on the property.
Adjournment
Kasey Casas moved to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.; Peter Klotz seconded. Ayes: Alessandrini, Casas, Clow, Hale, Klotz, Ragone · Nays: None.
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, Planning Board.
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