Minutes of a regular meeting of the
Johnson City Planning Board held on
Present: Pamela
Hysell, Vice Chairperson
Joanne Drimak
Gerald
Putman
Leonard
Sas
Beth
Westfall, Village Attorney
Absent: William
Klish, Chairman
A brief work session was held at
Mr. Putman called the meeting
to order at
Mr. Putman noted the
emergency exits.
Privilege of the Floor
Monica Silas,
Ms. Silas is worried about flooding to
the south of the site. She asked that, if instead of raising the site 8 feet,
could the site be level and built there.
Mr. Putman explained that if you look at a map of the flooding of the
Ms. Silas asked about traffic. She stood
on
Ms. Silas asked about pedestrian traffic
and children going to the park. Mr. Putman stated that the crosswalk is at the
existing light and children will need to use that crosswalk.
Julie Deemie, 153 Zoa Ave. – Ms. Deemie stated that sometime in
August there were 3 catch basins or drains added to the east side of the
embankment to the Wal-Mart plateau where the building will go. Are these drains
still planned to be put there? Mr. Robert Switala with Bergmann Associates
stated that yes these are still planned. Ms. Deemie asked if they are catch
basins. Mr. Switala stated that yes they will collect the water in that area
and will relay it to the underground storage system. Ms. Deemie asked about
capacity. Mr. Switala stated that all this information is outlined in the Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan that this Village has a copy of and is open for
the public to examine. She doesn’t think that it is wise to empty a flood zone
B pocket of water coming from the
John Kolly, Town of
Thomas (Last name unintelligible), north
side of
Monica Silas,
Marc Newman, Newman Development Group
(Owner and developer of property at
Barbara Thompson,
Julie Deemie,
Monica Silas – Stated that the EPA says there needs to
be a public hearing prior to final approval. Mr.
Marc Newman, Newman Development Group
(Owner and developer of property at
Steve Griffen,
Suzanne Beckley,
Bill Huston,
Mr. Putman stated that the board’s charge
at this meeting is to approve a site plan for a retail establishment on a piece
of property. It does not matter if it is a Wal-Mart or something else. The Environmental Review has been completed. We
have had public hearings on it. Everyone has had the opportunity to voice their
opinions on the project. There has been a traffic study done. All of these
studies have been reviewed by experts in the appropriate field. He feels that
the board has done an appropriate review. The Village Board has made the
decision to grant a special permit. The Planning Board’s responsibility at this
meeting is to review the site plan presented for this retail establishment. It
is not the board’s charge to do economic impact studies.
Communications – None
Contingencies – None
Minutes – Approval of the minutes of the
OLD BUSINESS
Site Plan Review –
Mr. Robert Switala with Bergmann Associates was present on
behalf of the applicant.
Mr. Switala handed out and reviewed a copy of a fact sheet
that was presented to the Village Board outlining the site design, storm water
and traffic.
Mr. Switala explained that the finished level of the
Wal-Mart will only be 2 feet higher than the Gannett building. They are filling
a low spot. The amount of impervious surface will be less than the
Mrs. Drimak asked for a clarification regarding raising the
site 8 feet. Mr. Switala explained that the entire 14 acre site is not being
raised 8 feet. There is a low spot in the back perimeter that will be filled in
and raised 8 feet to match existing grades. The driveway area will be the new
lot spot and will only be raised 1 foot. In some places they are meeting the
existing grade.
Mr. Sas asked for confirmation that the changes made to the
traffic study were in direct response to questions asked by BMTS, NYS DOT, and
the Village and not the developer or Wal-Mart. Mr. Switala stated that yes this
is correct. They changed their models based on information and models provided
by BMTS and the DOT.
Mr. Sas stated that he originally asked about putting a
traffic signal at the intersection of Lester Avenue and Pavilion Rd., but after
visiting the site and driving around the area on numerous occasions, he
realized the because of the curve and rise of the road that a signal would be
less safe. Mr. Switala stated that this is a correct observation.
Mr.
Mr. Sas stated that in reply to Mr. Kolly’s regarding the
Town of
Mr. Putman asked about the formula used to calculate
parking. Mr. Switala stated that they used the calculation for a shopping
center – one parking space for every 222 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. This
was at Planner Golazeski’s recommendation.
Mrs. Drimak asked if garbage and snow removal will be taken
care of onsite. Mr. Switala stated that yes they would be.
Mr. Putman stated that the site plan the board is reviewing
at this meeting is only for the Wal-Mart store. It is not for the other retail
establishment, “Retail B”, listed on the site plan. That will require a
separate site plan. review with it’s own requirements.
Mr. Putman read the Department Head Comments.
DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMENTS
Code
Enforcement: The structure and its use need to be in
accordance with NYS Building Codes and
Local Laws. Stamped drawings
need to be submitted with your building permit
application.
Fire
Dept.: I see no problems with plans.
Need Fire Dept. Connection in front of building.
Planning
Dept.: Recommend approval.
Police
Dept.: Handicap parking should be signed
“TOW AWAY ZONE” per attached
NYSDMV “P” letter. Handicap aisle should
have above ground signage stating
“NO PARKING
ANYTIME”. If approved, Wal-Mart should provide the Village
with a letter
requesting the enforcement of parking; handicap, fire lane, etc.
Proposed intersection
improvements pending NYS DOT approval. Intersection
at
and “STOP”
on pavement.
Public
Works & The latest revision addresses all of my
previous comments. One outstanding
Water: issue is the development of the new
easement for the relocated sanitary sewer
lines, which
Bergmann indicates that they are aware of.
B. C.
Planning: This department has been supportive of
this project since it was first proposed and recommends approval of the project
as shown on the
Mrs. Hysell asked what the time frame of
the project would be. Mr. Newman stated that they would probably start in the
spring. Completion would probably be at the end of the year.
Mrs. Drimak read the following
resolution for the proposed project:
RESOLUTION APPROVING SITE PLAN
WHEREAS, the Planning Board has reviewed
the site plan, together with all of the additional documents submitted in
connection with this application, in accordance with section 274-98 of the
Village Code,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING BOARD MAKES
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
The Planning Board finds that the site
plan, together with the additional documents submitted in connection with this
application (including but not limited to the Storm water Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP), the Final Traffic Impact Study (TIS) and subsequent
correspondence, the department head comments, and the responses to the 239
referral) satisfy the objectives set forth in §274-98 of the Village Code. The Planning Board finds that the applicant
has satisfactorily addressed the concerns and questions raised by the Planning
Board, the neighboring municipalities, and the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS
FOLLOWS:
1.
The Planning Board hereby grants the site plan submitted by Stella
Ireland Road Associates, LLC for
2. This approval is subject to the following
conditions:
a.
Completion of Brownfield Cleanup Program to the satisfaction of DEC,
together with final approval from the DEC and filing of final work plan and DEC
approvals with the Village, prior to issuance of building permit.
b.
Relocation of sanitary sewer and storm water lines in accordance with
submitted plans, with all installations to be inspected and approved by the
Village Department of Public Works.
c. Installation of
water lines on site to be inspected and approved by Village Department of
Public Works.
d.
Incorporation of all department head comments.
e.
Compliance with Storm water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), including
additional comments from Village Director of Public Services.
f.
Maintenance of clean roads in site area during construction.
g.
Incorporation of comments in connection with 239 review, as well as
comments submitted by Town of Dickinson and City of Binghamton, except for the
comments noted in the letter from Broome County Department of Planning and
Economic Development dated October 12, 2007 and the comments from the
Environmental Management Council (EMC), as noted in the SEQR resolution.
h. Infrastructure improvements to be made
and paid for by applicant, in accordance with the site plan, SEQR resolution
and the final traffic impact study.
i.
Information/directional signage in accordance with site plan and other
signage per code. (Pole sign on CFJ
previously received a height variance.)
j.
Dumpsters/garbage service to be provided by applicant or site tenant or
operator as required by the Village Department of Public Works.
k.
Snow removal to be provided by applicant or site tenant or operator as
required by the Village Department of Public Works.
l.
Trucks prohibited from idling in violation of
m.
For construction vehicles, Applicant will use best efforts to utilize
the same traffic pattern currently utilized by Gannett, entering the site off
n.
Incorporate comments contained in letter from Gannett dated
o.
Cooperation with the Village in relocating the pagoda.
p.
Pre-construction meeting prior to beginning fill work on site.
q.
Applicant shall be required to obtain separate site plan review for
second use on
r.
All applicable DOT,
s.
Completion of construction by
t.
Confirmation that copies of requested documents were provided to the
Town of
The question of the adoption of the
foregoing Resolution was moved by Planning Board member Drimak and seconded by
Planning Board member Sas and was duly put to a vote on roll call which
resulted as follows:
Planning Board member Drimak voting yes
Planning Board member Hysell voting yes
Planning Board member Sas voting yes
Planning Board member Putman voting yes
Chairman Klish voting (absent)
Dated:
Site Plan Review – T.J.
Madison Construction Co. for Meier Supply Co., Inc. – 123 Brown St.
The application is a site plan review for
a 10,000 sq. ft. addition. Mr. Tom Lowe from T.J. Madison Construction Co. was
present on behalf of Meier Supply Co., Inc.
Mr. Lowe explained that the project is to
construct a 10,000 sq. ft. addition to the existing warehouse. Meier Supply
supplies HVAC equipment for wholesale distribution to various branches
throughout the area. The building addition will be of similar height, color and
structure to the existing building. They will be disturbing about 1/3 of an
acre during the construction phase of the project. The use of the building will be low hazard
storage. The property is zoned industrial. Hours of operation are Monday –
Friday,
Mr. Putman asked when the anticipated
construction start date would be. Mr. Lowe stated that they would like to start
next week.
Mr. Putman explained that the 239
comments from
Mr. Sas asked Mr. Lowe to point out the
location of the loading docks on the copy of the site plan, which Mr. Lowe
did.
Mr. Sas asked about the standing water in
the area of the docks. Mr. Lowe stated that they are looking into the problem
but it wasn’t originally part of this project.
Mr. Putman read the
Department Head Comments.
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: Plot
plan ok.
Planning
Dept: Comply with requirements of code to
submit elevation certificate for building. Building should be 2 ft. above base
flood elevation. Recommend approval.
Police Dept:
No comments submitted.
Public
Works: NYSDOT
should be contacted for permission to discharge storm water onto NYS Route 17
Right of Way.
Water
Dept: NCI
B. C.
Planning: Comments not yet received.
Mrs. Hysell asked is sprinklers are
required in the building. Mr. Lowe stated that no they are not.
Mrs. Hysell asked about the time frame.
Mr. Lowe stated that they will begin as soon as possible. They are expecting
the steel for the project to be delivered on November 11th.
The application was held over pending receipt of the 239
Comments from
Area Variance – JC
The application is an area variance to
increase the maximum allowable square footage for an advertising sign.
Mr.
Mr. Kamlet gave the board a one-page fact
sheet that explained the need for the variance. The proposed pylon sign is the
same width as the existing Toys R Us and Christmas Tree Shop sign. They will be
adding 4 other signs for the other tenants, which are half the size if the
existing panels. They are tripling the number of tenants in the plaza. The
variance is for doubling the overall square footage of the sign. It is the most
modest request that could be made to accommodate the tenants. Photo simulations
were provided to show what the sign would look like if the variance is granted
as opposed to what it would look like as the code currently allows.
Mr. Putman asked if a variance was needed
for the existing sign since that is already larger than what the code allows.
Mr. Kamlet replied that he had the same question, but that occurred prior to
Newman Development owning the property.
Mr. Sas asked about the distance of the sign
to the road. Mr. Kamlet stated that the sign will not be any closer to the road
than it currently is and it will not be wider than it currently is.
Mr. Putman asked if the actual height of
the sign was 21ft. 8in. Mr. Kamlet stated that this is correct.
Mrs. Hysell asked if the sign would be
illuminated. Mr. Kamlet stated that yes it would be.
Mr. Putman asked who would be responsible
for maintaining the flowers in the in planter at the base of the sign. Mr.
Kamlet stated that the property owner would be responsible for that.
Mr. Putman read the
Department Head Comments.
DEPARTMENT HEAD
COMMENTS
Code Enforcement: No Comment. Owner needs to apply for a
sign permit if approval is granted.
Fire Dept.: Recommend
approval.
Planning
Dept.: Toys R Us sign would be considered an
advertising sign, which is 93.75 sq. ft. and prior conforming sign before
subdivision of parcel. Rest of signage would be 281.25 sq. ft. proposed verses
150 sq. ft. allowed by code. I feel that a directory sign would be important
for this plaza.
Police
Dept.: No comments received.
Public
Works: No
comment on variance request.
Water
Dept.: NCI
A motion to recommend to the Zoning Board
of Appeals, approval of the area variance application to increase the maximum
allowable square footage for an advertising sign from 150 to 365 sq. ft. was
made by Mrs. Drimak and seconded by Mrs. Hysell.
Motion Carried Vote: Yes – 4
No – 0 Absent – 1
Area Variance – Dr. Prasad & Dr. Peri,
The
application is an area variance request to increase the number of business
signs allowed from 2 to 3 signs.
Mr.
Jeff Yoder from Pac Sign Co. was present on behalf of Dr. Prasad and Dr. Peri.
Mr.
Yoder explained that the current signs are 2 sets of small plastic letters on the
front and west sides of the building. They are proposing 2 illuminated signs
that would be 2ft by 6ft on the east and west elevations. They are going to
leave the existing letters on the front of the building, which would constitute
a third sign.
Mr.
Sas asked if the existing signs are illuminated. Mr. Yoder stated that they are
not.
Mrs.
Drimak asked if the signs will be illuminated night and day. Mr. Yoder stated
that the signs will be on a timer. They will turn off shortly after the office
closes for the evening. They will not be illuminated 24/7. They would turn on
around
Mr.
Yoder stated that the way the building is situated, the signs will not present
a safety factor to passing motorists.
Mr. Sas asked about the
illumination of the signs. Mr. Yoder stated that the signs will be internally
illuminated.
Mr.
Putman read the Department Head Comments.
DEPARTMENT HEAD
COMMENTS
Code Enforcement: No Comment. Owner needs to apply for a
sign permit if approval is granted.
Fire Dept.: Recommend
approval.
Planning
Dept.: Signage allowed on site is 210.75 sq.
Police
Dept.: No comments received.
Public
Works: No
comment on variance request.
Water
Dept.: NCI
B. C. Planning: N/A
A motion to recommend to the Zoning Board
of Appeals, approval of the Area Variance application for
Motion Carried Vote: Yes – 4
No – 0 Absent – 1
Site Plan Review –Edward Suer,
The application is a site plan review for the addition of a
metal building for a current tenant.
Gary Whistle from Whistle Design was present on behalf of
the applicant.
Mr.
Putman explained that the 239 comments from
Mr. Whistle explained that the property is at the end of
The location of the addition would also
allow the property owner to increase the number of parking spaces and bring the
off street parking up to code. A variance will be needed because the proposed
addition is too close to the property line. They want to share loading dock
ramp. If they put bring the building in 10 feet from the line, as the code
calls for, it will be in the middle of a driving lane. The existing building is
already located approximately 1½ feet on NYS Property. They are currently in
negotiations with NYS to purchase 10 feet behind their property from the state
to add to their lot. Unfortunately this could take over a year. The building
will be identical to the existing building.
Mr. Whistle passed out new copy of page 2
of the site plan to the board, as there is an error in note #9 regarding the
parking.
Mr. Whistle stated that the changes will
be aesthetically much better and safer for customers and employees. They are
also trying to get an easement that has already been granted to Mr. Suer to be
permanently transferred so they can create a cul de sac at the end of
Mrs. Drimak asked if there would be any
differences or changes as a result of acquiring the property from the state.
Mr. Whistle stated that there would be no changes. The additional land would
remain green space. Any drainage on site will be drained towards either the
Finch Hollow Creek Channel or the Little Choconut Creek.
Mr. Sas asked if there would be a change
in business hours. Mr. Whistle stated that there would be no change in the
hours. The business may hire a couple more employees.
Mr. Putman read the 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., Planning
Dept. & Police Dept.: Comments
not yet received.
Public
Works & Water Dept.:
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
9. There is no location for the
dumpsters on the site plan and they are not enclosed.
B. C. Planning: Comments not yet received
Mr. Sas asked to have snow
removal addressed at the next meeting.
The application was held over pending receipt of the 239
Comments from
A motion to adjourn the meeting at
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Salva
Planning Board Clerk