Minutes of a regular meeting of the

Johnson City Planning Board held on

December 19, 2007 at 7:30pm at

243 Main St., Johnson City, NY

 

Present:            William Klish, Chairman

Pamela Hysell, Vice Chairperson

Joanne Drimak

Leonard Sas

                       

                        Jeff Jacobs, Village Attorney

                        Daria Golazeski, Planning Director

                       

Absent: Gerald Putman

                                               

A brief work session was held at 7:00pm.

 

Chairman Klish called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

 

Chairman Klish noted the emergency exits.

 

Minutes – A motion to accept the minutes of the October 23, 2007 regular meeting, the minutes of the November 5, 2007 special meeting and the minutes of the November 27, 2007 regular meeting was made by Mr. Sas and seconded by Mrs. Drimak. The motion carried.

 

Privilege of the Floor – None

           

Communications – None

 

Contingencies – None

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Site Plan Review - Edward Suer, 129 Brown Street

 

The application is for site plan approval for the construction of a 60’ x 60’ metal building addition. An area variance to reduce the minimum required rear yard setback was granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

Mr. Gary Whistle from Whistle Design was present to represent the applicant.

 

Mr. Whistle briefly reviewed the project for the board. He explained that a small part of the existing building was built on NYS property. There is currently not enough parking on site to meet the Village requirements. The tenant would like to build an addition. They are negotiating with NYS to acquire 10 feet of state land behind the property but this process can take 1 to 2 years.

 

Chairman Klish reviewed the Department of Public Works comments regarding the revised site plan with Mr. Whistle. Mr. Whistle agreed to add the detail requested in comment #1. In regards to question #2, Mr. Whistle stated that this error has been corrected. In regards to question #3, Mr. Whistle stated that the plans have changed and since there is already a meter in the building and there is no reason to add another water service and meter. In regards to question #4, a plumbing plan will be provided to the DPW. In regards to question #5, the requested plan will be provided.

 

Chairman Klish asked about a time frame. Mr.Whistle stated that completion should be by July.

 

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS

Code Enforcement:                The structure and its use need to be in accordance with NYS Building Codes and FEMA Flood Regulations. Stamped drawings need to be submitted with your building permit application. 

Fire Dept:                               Recommend approval.

Planning Dept:                       Recommend approval. Set time frame for paving and straighten out access issues with Village.

Police Dept:                            Recommend approval.

 

Public Works & Water:         (These Public Works & Water Dept. comments are regarding the revised site plan submitted in December – see below for comments regarding the original site plan)

 

1.      In drawing Note 5., a 12-inch oil separator is mentioned.   The location of this proposed item is not on the site plan.  A detail of this structure must be submitted on a revised site plan.

2.      In drawing Note 5., it is stated that the storm will overflow to the existing storm drain.  As was noted on 10/23/07, the manhole that is shown on the site plan is a water manhole, not a storm manhole.  I have enclosed a copy of the JCDPW utility map that shows the location of the existing storm, sanitary and water as we know them.  There appears to be a storm manhole on the 129 Brown property that drains to the Little Choconut Creek.  This is where the site drainage should be connected to.

3.      The water manhole that the site plan indicates is a storm manhole is where the water meter will be installed.  A licensed plumber will be required to purchase a water meter from the JC Water Department and installation must be approved by the Department.

4.      Will there be a water service in the proposed addition?  If so, a plumbing plan will be required prior to issuance of the building permit.

  1. As was requested from the 10/23/07 plan review comments, an erosion and sediment control plan must be submitted for review and approval prior to any construction activities.

 

(These Public Works & Water Dept. comments are regarding the original site plan that was submitted for the project.)

 

1.                  The storm water from the parking lot should not be allowed to flow directly into the Finch

Hollow and Little Choconut Creeks.  A storm water infiltration practice, as outlined in Chapter 6 of the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, should be designed and put into place.

2.                  An erosion and sediment control plan must be submitted for review and approval prior to any

construction activities.

3.                  The existing building encroaches onto NYSDOT property. How will this be addressed?

4.                  How will the 0.35 foot proposed offset be addressed?  Is a variance required?

5.                  Roof runoff of all the buildings must be connected to the requested storm system.

6.                  The existing asphalt in the area of parking space #3 encroaches onto NYSDOT property.  A

barrier should be placed to eliminate future encroachments.

7.                  In accordance with § 270-9 Plumbing Plan to be Submitted, a plan of the entire site’s water

system must be supplied to the Water Department.

8.                  In accordance with § 270-41 Location and installation of Meters,

B.        Setting near property line. In all cases, irrespective of meter size, where the distance from the property line to the front wall of the premises is greater than seventy-five (75) feet, the Department may require that the meter be set at or near the property line. A master meter should be installed in the water manhole at the end of Brown Street.  This is the manhole that is improperly labeled as a storm manhole on the site plan drawings.

9.  There is no location for the dumpsters on the site plan and they are not enclosed.

 

B. C. PLANNING:                No significant countywide or inter-community impacts associated with the proposed project.

BMTS:                                   No comments.

NYS DOT:                              No comments or concerns.

BC HEALTH DEPT: No comments

 

A motion to approve the site plan for the construction of a 60’ x 60’ metal building addition with a completion date of September 30, 2008, addressing all the conditions and questions from the DPW and Water Depts. and including all of the Department Head Comments was made by Mrs. Drimak and seconded by Mrs. Hysell.

 

Motion Carried Vote:    Yes – 4            No – 0                      Absent – 1 (Putman)

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Site Plan Review – Dr. Steve Holowinski, 68 Harry L. Drive

 

The application is a site plan review for a 20’ x 72’ addition to the existing veterinary hospital.

 

The applicant, Dr. Steve Holowinski, was present.

 

Chairman Klish asked if the parking was sufficient. Dr. Holowinski stated that he is the only vet at the office. There will not be an increase in the number of patients.

 

Chairman Klish asked about the second floor of the existing building. Dr. Holowinski stated that the second floor houses his office, a break room and an employee rest room. The lab is currently on the second floor and they want to move it to the first floor.

 

Mrs. Hysell asked about the hours of operation. Dr. Holowinski stated that there would be no change in the hours.

 

Mrs. Hysell asked about concrete stops on the parking spaces. Dr. Holowinski stated that he could have them put in.

 

Mrs. Hysell asked about snow removal. Dr. Holowinski stated that it is currently moved to an empty space on his property. This will not change.

 

Mrs. Hysell asked is there would be any changes to the signage. Dr. Holowinski stated that there will be no changes to his signage.

 

Chairman Klish read the Department Head Comments.

 

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS

 

Code Enforcement:                An asbestos survey needs to be done and issued to this department. If approved, said property must be issued a building permit before any work is to be done.

Fire Dept.:                              Recommend approval.                                                                                             

Planning Dept:                       Recommend approval.

Police Dept:                            Recommend approval.

Public Works & Water:         Need to verify that the addition will not be placed over gas, water or sewer lines. The submitted site plan has the existing building positioned differently on the lot than the Broome County mapping does.  If the County mapping is correct, than it appears that some of the parking would be within the Village street boundary.  This situation should be verified.

B. C. Planning:                       Comments not yet received.

 

Mr. Sas asked if the x-ray room was currently there or if it is an addition. Dr. Holowinski stated that it is currently there and there are no changes to it.

 

Mr. Sas asked if there will be changes in the use of hazardous materials, etc. in the lab. Dr. Holowinski stated that there will be no changes. 

                                                                       

A motion to approve the site plan for the JC Veterinary Hospital, 68 Harry L. Drive, subject to the Department Head Comments, contingent upon the comments and concerns from Broome County, including the addition of car stops at the parking spaces, and with a completion date of October 30, 2008, was made by Mr. Sas and seconded by Mrs. Drimak.

 

Chairman Klish asked about a time frame. Dr. Holowinski stated that they want to begin as soon as possible and hope to be done in approximately four months.

 

Motion Carried       Vote:  Yes – 3        No – 0        Abstain – 1 (Hysell)        Absent – 1 (Putman)

 

Site Plan Review – Kradro Realty Corp., 80 Arch Street

 

The application is a site plan review for a 67 space parking lot.

 

Rebecca Thayer with Keystone Associates was present on behalf of the applicant.

 

Chairman Klish asked if the applicant had received a copy of the Public Works comments. Ms. Thayer stated that they have received the comments and have addressed them. They have not yet sent a response to the Public Works Dept.

 

Attorney Jacobs advised the applicant and the board that there are some open issues that may preclude the board from taking action tonight. He suggested that the applicant might want to submit their comments to the Dept. of Public Works and return to the board in January with a revised site plan.

 

A motion to hold the application over to the next Planning Board meeting was made by Mrs. Drimak and seconded by Mr. Sas. The motion carried with all members present voting.

 

SEQR & Lead Agency Designation – Harry L. Drive Senior Living Center, 373 Harry L. Dr.

 

The application is for a Planned Unit Development consisting of 21 four-residence buildings, a community center, roadways, curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, utilities and a stormwater management pond.

 

Chris Stasney with Griffiths Engineering was present on behalf of the applicant.

 

Mr. Stasney gave a brief overview of the project.

 

Chairman Klish asked about the height of the buildings. Mr. Stasney stated that they will be single story buildings.

 

Chairman Klish asked about the exterior material on the buildings. Mr. Stasney stated that they will be vinyl siding.

 

Chairman Klish asked about the type of roof on the buildings. Mr. Stasney stated that they will be pitched roofs.

 

Mrs. Hysell asked about the park area shown on the plan. Mr. Stasney explained that it is an area for the residents of the development to go for recreational activities.

 

Chairman Klish asked about fill being brought in. Mr. Stasney stated that they do not have numbers yet on the amount of fill.

 

Chairman Klish asked if the community center will be available for use by the public. Mr. Stasney stated that no it will be for residents of the development.

 

Mrs. Hysell asked if the road leading into the development would be a private road. Mr. Stasney stated that the developer is entertaining two options, one for the road to be a private road, the other being the road being turned over to the Village. The road will be designed using the Village’s criteria.

 

Mr. Sas asked about parking at the individual buildings. Mr. Stasney stated that each residence has a dedicated garage and driveway.

 

Mrs. Drimak asked about increases in traffic. Mr. Stasney explained that based on their studies, there will be no more than 10 additional vehicles during peak hours.

 

Mr. Sas about lighting. Mr. Stasney stated that it would most likely be street lighting.

 

Chairman asked if the land has been purchased yet. Mr. Stasney stated that the sale is contingent upon approval of the project.

 

Chairman Klish asked about a time frame. Mr. Stasney stated that they would like to start as soon as the approval is granted. They are looking at a one-year time frame for construction.

 

Chairman Klish asked about buffers. Mr. Stasney stated that they will be using landscaping buffers. They have pushed the design as close to the cemetery as possible. Generally there is 40 feet from the rear property lines of the residences on Richard Street to the buildings in the development.

 

Chairman Klish read the Department Head Comments.

 

DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS

 

Code Enforcement, Fire Dept., Police Dept., Public Works Dept. & Water Dept.:  N/A

 

Planning Dept:           Unlisted SEQR action. Planning Board should request Lead Agency.

Attorney Jacobs read the following draft resolution:

A RESOLUTION INITIATING THE SEQR PROCESS AND REVIEW OF AN APPLICATION BY JFF DEVELOPMENT, INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VACANT LAND ON 373 HARRY L. DRIVE IN THE VILLAGE OF JOHNSON CITY AND ESTABLISHING LEAD AGENCY INTENT

WHEREAS, the Village of Johnson City Planning Board (“Planning Board”) has received an application for the development of vacant land on 373 Harry L. Drive consisting of site plan review for the construction of a Planned Unit Development consisting of 21 four-residence buildings, a community center, roadways, curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, utilities, a storm management pond and rezone to PUD (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”) together with a part 1 Environmental Assessment Forms (EAF); and

WHEREAS, the Project is an “Action” to be reviewed under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and its implementing regulations found at 6 NYCRR Part 617 (hereinafter collectively referred to as SEQR); and

WHEREAS, It appears from the application and supporting documents and part 1 of the EAF that the Project is an Unlisted action under 6 NYCRR 617.4; and

WHEREAS, the Planning Board has the broadest governmental powers for investigating the impact of the proposed action and the Planning Board has the greatest capability for providing the most thorough environmental assessment of the proposed action;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby makes a preliminary determination that the Project is an unlisted action in accordance with 6 NYCRR 617.4; and further

RESOLVED, that the Planning Board hereby establishes its desire to act as lead agency pursuant to SEQR for the environmental review of said Project; and further

RESOLVED, that the Village Planning Department is hereby authorized and empowered to circulate to all interested and involved agencies the application with supporting documentation and EAF, with a letter setting forth the Planning Board’s desire to serve a lead agency pursuant to SEQR for the environmental review of the Project and soliciting of any comments by January 19, 2008 relevant to a determination of significance or objection to the Planning Board serving as lead agency.

 

A motion to accept the foregoing resolution as read by legal counsel declaring the project an unlisted

action under SEQR, was made by Mr. Sas and seconded by Mrs. Hysell.

 

Motion Carried Vote:    Yes – 4            No – 0                      Absent – 1 (Putman)

 

A motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:17pm was made by Mrs. Drimak and seconded by Mr. Sas.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane Salva

Planning Board Clerk