City of Auburn Planning Board
Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 6:30 pm, Memorial City Hall
Present: Christopher DeProspero, Frank Reginelli, John Breanick, Anne McCarthy, Allen Zentner, Sam Giangreco
Absent: Anthony Bartolotta
Staff: Stephen Selvek, Planning and Community Development Program Manager; Andy Fusco, Corporation Counsel; Greg Gilfus, APD
Absent: Brian Hicks, Code Enforcement
Agenda Items: 621-631 N. Seward Ave, 23-27 Seminary St.
The Chair calls the meeting to order. The Pledge of allegiance is recited.
Agenda Item 1: Minutes of August 3, 2010
Motion to accept the August 3, 2010 minutes made by Allen Zentner, seconded by Anne McCarthy. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 2: 621-631 N. Seward Ave - Application for a Major Site Plan Review for the construction of a new band and associated site improvement. Applicant: Seneca Falls Savings Bank
Chair invites the owner or agent to present the project.
Tom Anderson, MA Architects – Concept presented last month. The change made being the entrance has been moved to a more southerly location as it was decided that this would be the safest. A counter-clockwise traffic pattern is needed for the drive-thru lanes. The site meets all required set-backs and buffer zones. The sidewalk remains and will have walkways on site. Parking meets all requirements. Silt fences added for temporary storm water retention. There is an under ground water retention area. Landscaping meets all requirements. Utilities are in place. Storm water retention study sent to City Engineer and appears to be acceptable. Retention occurs under the parking area and run off rates will be decreased post construction.
Chair opens the public hearing for comments. There being none then closes the public hearing and asks the Board for comments.
Frank Reginelli – questions maintenance of west property line
Tom Anderson – the bank will clean up the hedgerow there and maintain it
John Breanick – questions number of employess
Tom Anderson – 3 – 4
John Breanick – questions hours
Tom Anderson – unknown at this time but will not be open Sundays as far as I know.
John Breanick – questions snow removal
Tom Anderson – more than ample space on the undeveloped portion of the site for storage if needed.
Frank Reginelli – questions signs
Tom Anderson – there is a main sign at the street identifying the bank that will be internally illuminated. There will be a letter sign on the building. Signs will not have a changing display.
Staff comments:
Stephen Selvek – Type 2 action under SEQR and does not require further review. Presented last month and had two outstanding concerns, access and storm water plan, these have been satisfactorily addressed. Sign at the front of the property is far enough away from the street to not hinder sight lines. Staff recommends approval as submitted.
John Breanick – questions maneuverability of fire trucks on the site.
Stephen Selvek – single point of access is not uncommon. AFD goes where it needs to go, if they need to be on the site and back out then that’s what they’ll do although they will probably stage on the street.
John Breanick – questions curbing.
Tom Anderson – granite on the site and at the street.
Chair asks for a motion to approve the site plan as presented. Motion by Frank Reginelli, seconded by Christopher DeProspero. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 3: 23-27 Seminary St. - Application for Major Site Plan Review for proposed parking lot and landscaping improvements. Applicant: Washington St. Partners, Inc.
Chair invites the owner or agent to present the project.
Joe Hucko, Washington St. Partners – Property is about 38,000 SF. We plan to adaptively reuse the existing building for retail services and uses. We are complying with City regulations for a 10 foot buffer around the perimeter, islands in the parking lot and replacing light fixtures.
Chair opens the public hearing for comments.
Donald Clark – happy that someone is coming in to do something with the property and improve it. Wishes the developers well.
Chair closes the public hearing and asks the Board for comments.
John Breanick – questions the accesses on the buildings.
Joe Hucko – there are two existing accesses to the building. There is a commitment for the left side of the building and that access will remain. The other side will depend on tenancy.
John Breanick – questions dumpsters and snow storage
Joe Hucko – there is green space between the properties where the dumpsters will be placed. The greenery screens Willard Chapel satisfactorily. Snow will be stored in surplus spaces and removed as needed.
John Breanick – questions lighting.
Joe Hucko – the catalog for the lighting is in your packets. Lighting will be dimmed at night and will not spill over.
Frank Reginelli – questions projected start date.
Joe Hucko – would like to start early next year.
Frank Reginelli – questions desire to locate in Auburn.
Joe Hucko – through other people we have done business with. Has had the idea for about 10 years and the opportunity is now present. We think the project is a net positive for the community. Users being targeted that would provide needed services.
Allen Zentner – questions signs.
Joe Hucko – a marquis sign at the access points and a sign on the building.
Staff comments.
Stephen Selvek – This is an existing site and the intent is to re-use as much as possible while making necessary improvements. The developer has addressed major issues of concern: sidewalks, landscaping, permeable surfaces. Storm water plan is not required as the islands and landscaping will create more permeable surfaces and water run off is obviously decreased. Lighting is dark sky compliant. There are a few questions left but these require tenancy to answer. Signs comply with current zoning. This plan establishes a base line for the expected treatment of the site. Staff recommends approval. This is a repair/rehab to an existing site and falls under Type 2 action for SEQR and no further review is necessary.
Christopher DeProspero – gives props for the plan.
Chair asks for a motion to approve the plan as presented. So moved by Christopher DeProspero, seconded by Allen Zentner. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Clarification of dumpster placement given by Stephen Selvek. Dumpsters will be properly placed and screened.
Other Matter
Frank Reginelli – questions the sidewalk and fence at the used car sales on Orchard Ave
Stephen Selvek – fencing is installed at the rear along the area the tenant is leasing. Sidewalk issue has not been resolved yet. I will look into both issues for clarification.
Frank Reginelli – questions York St. car sales.
Stephen Selvek – this is a Code issue and Brian Hicks will have to look into it.
Officer Gilfus is asked about any safety issues. He finds none at this time.
Frank Reginelli – questions Citizen newspaper vending machines.
Stephen Selvek – will continue to follow up. If it’s an issue we are within our rights to address we will do so.
Sam Giangreco – questions Family Dollar progress.
Stephen Selvek – the company building Family Dollar is also working on the Rite Aid on the west end. As soon as that is finished they will begin on FD.
Frank Reginelli – questions Hilton Hotel progress.
Stephen Selvek – we were expecting plans by now but nothing has been presented yet.
Allen Zentner – questions training being offered.
Stephen Selvek – training is being provided next month by Cayuga County OPED. There will be 2 topics: 1-Ecayuga – GIS based site of statistical data analysis for the County; 2-General Municipal Law 239 sections L, M and N concerning referral of matters to the County OPED. Since Auburn has it’s own Planning staff this is not something we usually do but it would be good to understand the process.
Frank Reginelli – questions the sidewalk issue.
Stephen Selvek – explains the issue and proposed moratorium
Next meeting is October 5, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Motion to adjourn made by Frank Reginelli, seconded by Allen Zentner. Meeting adjourned.
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