City of Auburn Planning Board
Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 6:30 pm, Memorial City Hall
Present: Frank Reginelli, Anthony Bartolotta , Anne McCarthy, Sam Giangreco
Absent: Crystal Cosentino, Christopher DeProspero
Staff: Stephen Selvek, Planning and Community Development Program Manager; Andy Fusco, Corporation Counsel; Greg Gilfus, APD; Brian Hicks, Code Enforcement
Agenda Items: 201 North St., 174 York St.
The Chair calls the meeting to order. The Pledge of allegiance is recited.
Agenda Item 1: Minutes of January 4, 2011, February 1, 2011 and March 21, 2011
Stephen Selvek – clarifies a point in the March minutes concerning a comment by the AmeriCu applicant when indicating there would be no free standing signs, only signs on the building. In actuality the tenant could put a free standing sign in if desired as long as it complied with Code and a permit was obtained.
Chair asks for a motion to accept all minutes. So moved by Anthony Bartolotta, seconded by Anne McCarthy. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 2: 201 North Street . Application for Major Site Plan Review for the rehabilitation of an existing structure, to create seven residential apartments, and associated site improvements. Applicant: North Brook Farms, Inc.
Chair invites applicant or agent to speak.
Grant Kyle – preliminary approval of the project had been granted and now seeking final approval. Have been working on the site for two years and it is nearing readiness for occupancy. Phase 1 is the restoration of the old flower mill into 4 efficiency apartments of 900 – 1100 square feet and 4 two-bedroom apartments of 1200 – 1600 square feet. Phase 2 is restoration of the silos into apartments as the market allows. There is off-street parking for all apartments. Landscaping plan has been done. There will be a fence between the railroad tracks and the site.
Chair asks the public for comments. None. Public hearing closed.
Chair asks the Board for comments.
Stephen Selvek – as a review this project was first presented in 2008 and received preliminary approval. Applicant has continued to work inside and is not looking to work on exterior site improvements such as parking, landscaping, lighting, etc. Plans so far have met with DRC approval. Parking lot layout and plantings have been clarified. Utility layout and storm water plans are to be reviewed. Tonight is a reintroduction to the project for the Board’s re-acquaintance.
Anne McCarthy – questions any concerns
Stephen Selvek – this is a review at this time for compliance with Code. There are some constraints to the site due to its size and layout but it is just as any other site that comes before this Board. DRC will be looking at the 2nd phase of the silo renovation.
Anne McCarthy – questions access
Grant Kyle – there will be one access from North St.
Anne McCarthy – questions width of the access.
Grant Kyle – width will stay as it is.
Stephen Selvek – there is an existing curb cut that will be utilized. AFD has reviewed the access and found it adequate for emergency vehicle access.
Motion to table made by Anne McCarthy, seconded by Frank Reginelli. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 3: 174 York Street . Application for Major Site Plan Review for the construction of a 16,000 SF commercial facility, to house offices and a truck maintenance garage, and associated site improvements. Applicant: PBMM Enterprise, LLC.
Chair invites applicant or agent to speak.
Jason Kantak, TBK Engineering representing Ben Vitale and PBMM Ent. This is about a five acre property that slopes south to north toward York St. It is an abandoned commercial property. An asbestos survey has been completed and found all clear. The building is ready to be demolished. There is impervious surface of crush and run in the back of the site. Draft site plan has been submitted. Landscaping is to be reviewed per comments received. Photometric plan will be done. Utilities are already installed. This will be a truck maintenance business and has been designed to accommodate tractor trailers. We understand that York St. is being renovated and will be flexible in anticipation of this.
Chair asks the public for comments. None. Public hearing is closed.
Chair asks the Board for comments.
Frank Reginelli – questions the installation of sidewalks and curbs at this time.
Stephen Selvek – we have asked the project engineer to coordinate with the improvements for York St. so that no conflicts will arise. We will not require the applicant to install sidewalks or curbing at this time as is the norm due to the reconstruction of the road.
Anthony Bartolotta – verifies that lighting will be wall packs.
Jason Kantak – yes, wall packs on the building. There may be some additional lighting for employees.
Stephen Selvek – asks about possible wetlands on or around the site.
Jason Kantak – to the west, definitely, if is very wet there, not sure if it’s recognized by the DEC but it is there and we will delineate this on the map. This site had been filled in long before this project by previous owners. The northwest corner has had a recent culvert installed for possible temporary relief of extra drainage and this may have caused some wetness and ponding in the area.
Stephen Selvek – questions he rear paved area.
Jason Kantak – the trucks will be parked/stored there. The plan is to use crush & run.
Anne McCarthy – questions the reason for the building.
Ben Vitale – it is to house the logistics company
Stephen Selvek – Barr Transportation has been doing the runs for NUCOR up the street and the vehicles have been stored on NUCOR property. The trucks, offices, etc. will now all be moved down here.
Chair asks for Staff comments.
Stephen Selvek – this is a preliminary site plan and more information will be forthcoming. The project is an unlisted action under SEQR. We will be coordinating with the DEC for a SPEDES permit and AIDA for potential economic benefits. There is a draft resolution for lead agency status consideration in your packets. Recommendation is to accept lead agency status and then table the project pending SEQR review and further information.
Chair asks for a motion to accept lead agency. So moved by Anthony Bartolotta, seconded by Anne McCarthy. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Chair asks for a motion to table the matter until further information is available. So moved by Anne McCarthy, seconded by Frank Reginelli. All members vote approval. Motion carried.
Other Matters
Stephen Selvek – since there have been recent issues of people unable to attend Tuesday evening meetings for various conflicts I would like the Board to consider if they want to change the meeting nights to Monday or Wednesday.
General discussion ensues. Board members are not averse to meeting on a different day. Steve will discuss with Staff and a decision will be made by next month.
Sam Giangreco – questions if the vacancy will be filled.
Stephen Selvek – we are working on that and a decision should be made soon.
Next meeting is May 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm.
Motion to adjourn made by Frank Reginelli, seconded by Anne McCarthy. Meeting adjourned.
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