City of Auburn Planning Board
Tuesday, April 6, 2004 7:30 PM, MEMORIAL City Hall
Present: Nicki Wright, Sam Giangreco, John Rogalski, Mark DiVietro, John Breanick, Sandra Craner. Absent: Laurie Michelman
Staff: Steve Lynch, OPED Director; Ed La Douce, Codes; Tom Weed, APD; Nancy Hussey, Assistant Corporation Counsel
John Breanick is the acting Chair for tonight’s meeting.
The Chair called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll was called.
Agenda Item 2: Public Hearing for Special Use Permit for an animated sign at Eckerd’s, 153 Grant Ave
Chair – invites the owner or agent to speak.
Jim Williams of Kassis Superior Signs – outlined to Eckerd Corp the details that were discussed at the last meeting addressing concerns of length of message, color, school crossing, etc. They have spoken with three other national companies. There are 2 options for color, red & amber although the amber is not as bright or legible. Traveling from the east personal observation shows that the traffic lights seem to have far enough distance from the proposed LED that they would not be confused with 5 – 7 seconds to look at sign while traveling and 30-35 seconds while stopped at traffic signal. Traveling from the west there is about 12 seconds to look at sign while driving and the same amount of time at the light. There is 30 – 50 feet between traffic light & LED location. Red color would be more advantageous in clarity. Display can be programmed to not show any messages during school crossings or to display a caution. The lettering size can be made so as not to show more than 2
lines, would be simple to read without major distraction. Also willing to put any events on LED. Any stipulations would run out of the Florida relay where the message is sequenced. Suggests that at school crossing time the sign would be blank or show caution/warning. Message would be up for 20 seconds at a time so only one message would be readable to drivers in either direction.
Chair – closes this portion of the public hearing and asks the Board for comments.
Mark DiVietro – asks if there are any Eckerd’s that don’t have the LED signs
Jim Williams – Eckerd has just started using LED signs. Kassis has done signs for Kinney’s including the 2 in Auburn and in other NY areas. Cost of LED’s is decreasing but still significant with a current price around 30,000 dollars. It will probably not be done at every store. Just giving some guidelines for safety, Eckerd wants to be an asset not a liability.
Chair – asks for staff comments
Steve Lynch – the recommendations of the Design Review Committee were discussed at the last meeting. This is a busy intersection. APD recommends denial due to safety issues and staff supports this view. The Board has been supplied with both negative and positive SEQR declarations for review.
Chair – asks Tom Weed if he has any additional comments (none)
Mark DiVietro – agrees with Steve. It’s tough to make an exception but this is a very busy intersection.
Chair – asks for any other comments. Asks Steve if Eckerd installs a regular sign instead of the LED do they need to reapply.
Steve Lynch – if the sign is only illuminated and not animated and complies with the ordinance they apply to Codes.
Chair asks for a motion on SEQR. Mark DiVietro makes a motion to declare a positive declaration for SEQR, seconded by Sandra Craner. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Chair asks for a motion to approve the special permit. Motion made by Mark DiVietro, seconded by Sam Giangreco. All members vote denial. Motion denied.
Chair – agenda item 3 has been pulled.
Agenda Item 1: Minutes of February 10, 2003
Chair – asks for a motion to approve the minutes of March 9, 2004. Motion made by John Rogalski, seconded by Sam Giangreco. All members vote approval with Nicki Wright abstaining. Motion carried.
Other Matters
John Breanick asks for any updates.
Steve Lynch – gives update on connector rd. Funding has been approved. The issue of a railroad crossing alternation at York and North Street will require an Administrative Law Hearing. Once that is done and approved, the final designs will be completed and the project will be ready to go out to bid.
John Breanick – asks how this (alternate for route near North Street) will affect John Wejko’s plans.
Steve Lynch – it remains to be seen. May also affect Blair Construction.
John Breanick – asks if Wejko has been apprised.
Steve Lynch – he has been made aware of what the situation is and what alternative routes the NYSDOT is requesting the City investigate and how that may impact his development plans. Mr. Wejko has been informed both verbally and in writing.
Chair – next meeting is May 4, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Asks for motion to adjourn. Motion made by Mark DiVietro,
seconded by Sandra Craner. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
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