City of Auburn Planning Board
Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 6:30 pm, Memorial City Hall
Present: Anthony Bartolotta, Frank Reginelli, John Breanick, Anne McCarthy, Sam Giangreco
Absent: Allen Zentner, Christopher DeProspero
Staff: Stephen Selvek, Planning and Community Development Program Manager; Andy Fusco, Corporation Counsel; Greg Gilfus, APD
Absent: Brian Hicks, Code Enforcement
Agenda Items: 131 Grant Avenue
The Chair calls the meeting to order. The Pledge of allegiance is recited.
Agenda Item 1: Minutes of April 6, 2010 and June 1, 2010
As there is not a quorum for the minutes of April 6, 2010 and the minutes of June 1, 2010 are not available these items are held until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Agenda Item 2: 131 Grant Ave. Application for a Major Site Plan Review for the construction of a new 8,000 SF Family Dollar Store and site improvements. Applicant: Rocklyn Supply Co.
Chair invites the applicant to speak.
Patrick Donagan, Rocklyn Supply Co. – item was presented last month. Requests for changes have been implemented.
Chair invites the public to speak. There being none Chair closes the public hearing and asks the Board for comments.
John Breanick – questions if the lights comply with the dark sky initiative.
Stephen Selvek – the light proposal is in the packets. Lights have been placed to minimize light spill and the number has been decreased. The design is not choice but it is adequate.
John Breanick – questions virtue of LED’s
Stephen Selvek – metal haylights are actually more efficient and more cost effective.
Chair asks Staff for comments.
Stephen Selvek – in regards to the site plan some changes have been made and there is more information than the last meeting. There is additional landscaping and vegetation. Full access to the site has been granted causing no problems with DOT. We are working with the applicant to confirm that all City requirements are met. This is an unlisted action under SEQR and the short form EAF is included. (Reviews) Staff recommends a negative declaration on SEQR and approval of the site plan as presented. Any changes via DOT requirements will require review before the Board.
John Breanick – questions closest fire hydrant.
Stephen Selvek – Near the dry cleaner APD has been consulted on this during design review and has no problem with it. A sprinkler system is not required.
Anthony Bartolotta – questions the pylon sign.
Stephen Selvek – elevations are included in the packet. 70 SF for the pylon and 144 SF attached to the building. Both are allowed.
Motion for a negative declaration on SEQR made by John Breanick, seconded by Anne McCarthy. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Motion for approval of the site plan as presented made by Anne McCarthy, seconded by John Breanick. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Other Matters
John Breanick – questions number of street lights not working
Stephen Selvek – City has submitted and been awarded a grant to convert to metal hay bulbs. Some may be replaced with LED as a Pilot. Those currently out will be replaced with new bulbs
Sam Giangreco – contact Christopher DeProspero and Allen Zentner regarding continuing on the Board as they have been absent so often. Regarding the previous matter of the Aflac building, work is now being done and it looks very nice.
Frank Reginelli – questions the car sales on York St. if the business is in compliance with the site plan due to the placement of the cars there.
Stephen Selvek – That is for Code Enforcement to follow up on. Also to APD for proximity to road and being in right-of-way.
Frank Reginelli – questions rentals
Stephen Selvek – will follow up for legalities. Lessee has permission and the ability without the owner being present. Pros and cons to making policy. Board reserves the right to have the owner present if the applicant cannot answer questions.
Frank Reginelli – questions future projects.
Stephen Selvek – a site plan will be forthcoming for the new hotel on State St.
Frank Reginelli – questions the proposed parking lot across the street.
Stephen Selvek – proposed to be used as public parking and for hotel use.
John Breanick – questions policy regarding public hearings
Stephen Selvek – with regards to this Board, public hearings are required only for subdivisions and special permit, not for site plan review. There is a distinction between a hearing and a to be heard. Input from the public is important and they have more avenues than the public hearings. Putting restraints on public hearings helps eliminate those who only constantly repeat what’s already been said. This Board has not done anything to stifle input and Staff is always available to answer questions.
Next meeting is August 3, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Meeting adjourned.
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