City of Auburn Planning Board
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 6:30 PM, Memorial City Hall
Present: Allen Zentner, Frank Reginelli, John Breanick, Anne McCarthy
Absent: Sam Giangreco, Anthony Bartolotta
Staff: Stephen Selvek, Sr. Planner; Andy Fusco, Corporation Counsel; Greg Gilfus, APD
Absent: Brian Hicks, Code Enforcement
Agenda Items: 7 Frank Smith St., 87 Orchard St.
The Chair calls the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited and roll is called.
Agenda Item 1: Minutes of February 2, 2010
As there is not a quorum for the minutes they are held until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Agenda Item 2: Application for a Minor Site Plan Review for a building expansion and site improvements to Johnston Precision located at 7 Frank Smith Street. Applicant: Ted Johnston
Chair invites the applicant to speak.
Ted Johnston – Owner of Johnston Precision. Wishes to expand for more manufacturing space as current facility is now not big enough for what is needed and there is room for the expansion. Has been in business of machinery, milling, etc. for 20 years.
Chair asks public for comments. None. Chair closes public hearing.
Stephen Selvek – this is an expansion on the existing property. It will be an 80’ x 40’ expansion to the north. They are seeking parking for 7 vehicles with a gravel drive. Paving is not required but the surface must remain dustless. Planting 3 shade trees on the r-o-w with 4 additional trees at the parking area. Area around gravel is lawn or similar. SEQR is not required. Recommendation is for approval of the site plan as presented noting treatment adjacent to parking area.
Motion to approve by Allen Zentner, seconded by Anne McCarthy. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 3: Application for a Minor Site Plan Review to utilize an existing building and site located at 87 Orchard Street for the purpose of selling pre-owned vehicles. Applicant: Alfred Elardo, Jr.
Chair invites applicant to speak.
Alfred Elardo, Jr., N. Fulton St. – is retired now but used to work with cars and wants something to do to keep busy. Doing more for a hobby than anything. Maybe have 2 to 3 cars on the lot at any one time. Leases the building from Mr. Bouley and is considering purchasing it. In the process of cleaning up the property at this time.
Andy Fusco – questions what’s being done with the building.
Alfred Elardo – cleaning at the moment. Waiting until ownership transfers before doing anything major. Wants the place to look nice.
Deb Calarco, Orchard St. – property borders small portion at the rear. Trying to make Orchard St. a nice place. Doesn’t think a used car lot is needed. Needs a buffer between two different uses. Questions lighting, number of cars and signs. The area is being renovated.
John Breanick – asks if the applicant if he’s spoken with neighbors.
Deb Calarco – no, other neighbors were not notified.
Frank Reginelli – questions the classification
Stephen Selvek – Industrial
Frank Reginelli – how long has the building been vacant? Does the zoning change? If it isn’t used it should be residential.
Alfred Elardo – agrees with neighbor’s concerns but is in the process of making the property look better and other improvements.
Mildre Boyce, Orchard St. – the neighborhood is making a come back. The street is being revitalized. There is no place for a used car lot. There is no buffer from Bombardier. There will be increased traffic in the neighborhood.
Stephen Selvek – this is zoned general industrial. The requested use is permitted. If it had been zoned residential, which it is not, it would have lost its use.
Andy Fusco – the requested use is not illegal. It is the discretion of the Board to make the requested use compatible with the neighborhood.
Anne McCarthy – it would need to look good as a residential entrance.
Stephen Selvek – now is the time to discuss and mitigate issues. What is the Board’s recommendation.
Frank Reginelli – questions the applicant’s relationship with Mr. Bouley and if he will fulfill recommendation.
Alfred Elardo – does not know. This is getting blown out of proportion. Has maintained license to sell cars. Is doing this just to keep busy and dabble in cars.
Frank Reginelli – this type of activity is attracting to undesirable customers leading to vandalism.
Andy Fusco – this has to be treated as a used car lot without matter to how big or small it is.
John Breanick – questions use of the garage.
Alfred Elardo – detailing for cars to be sold only. No body or mechanical work. If this isn’t approved it will just remain vacant and continue to deteriorate. How is that good for the community?
Stephen Selvek – questions signs to be used.
Alfred Elardo – just the required sign
Stephen Selvek – questions lighting.
Alfred Elardo – just what is there now.
Stephen Selvek – there are 2 building mounted lights. Concerning intensity of use the applicant is using this on a limited basis. What happens as it grows? The resolution can place restrictions on growth. We need to set parameters of what is acceptable. The actual valid issue brought up is separation of uses such as a fence or landscaping. I am asking the Board for a clear understanding of what they wish to see that is advantageous to all involved.
Anne McCarthy – questions landscaping, looks scrubby now.
Alfred Elardo – weather has not permitted much outside work. Once the weather is clear it will be cleared up.
Andy Fusco – recommends tabling for one month to figure out what to do to make this work and then come back with a more detailed plan.
Motion to table made by Frank Reginelli, seconded by Allen Zentner. All members vote approval.
Stephen Selvek – two concerns brought up were sidewalks and buffering.
Frank Reginelli – mentions fencing and the street entrance.
John Breanick – we are scheduled to review the code in April. Suggests setting review for the May meeting.
Stephen Selvek – one outstanding issue in the adopted Comprehensive Plan was to do a more thorough Code review. The Board will be involved to make recommendations to Council for changes.
Frank Reginelli – concerning conversions of single-families to multi-families we should require NYSEG to check the legality first before turning on service.
Stephen Selvek – we would have to see what authority, if any, the City has on this. NYSEG is regulated by the Power Service Commission.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Motion for adjournment by Frank Reginelli, seconded by Allen Zentner. All members vote approval. Meeting adjourned.
Recorded by Alicia McKeen
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