Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman; Dan Gaba; Clifford Van Wagner; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman; Howard Pinsley; Tom L. Lewis; Janet Casey STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Mark Torpey, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG: ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADJOURNED PROJECTS: ADJOURNED PENDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 14.067 STONE PROPERTY, 68 WEIBEL AVENUE, 30 Church Street, site plan modification in a Transect-6 (T-6) District. 14.064 UNION FOX APARTMENTS, 72 Union Avenue, Site plan review for multi-family residential in an Urban Residential-4 (UR-4) District. 14.010 SUBDIVISION OF LANDS OF HARRISON, 180 Meadowbrook Road, public hearing for a two-lot subdivision in the Rural Residential District. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS: Planning Board Caravan, Monday, January 11, 2016, at 4:00 P.M. Planning Board Workshop, Monday, January 11, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting, Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR: None heard. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 15.046 CHURCH OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, Glenmore Avenue, Special Use Permit for an outdoor pavilion in an Urban Residential-2 (UR-2) District. SEQRA: Proposed action appears to be a Type 2 action, no further environmental review required. BACKGROUND: Existing church located in a UR-2 District, with frontage on Glenmore Avenue, additional access provided from Circular Street. Application proposes to construct an 1800 square foot outdoor pavilion. Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this project sits on approximately 8 acres. An 1800 square foot pavilion is proposed on the church grounds. A Special Use Permit is requested for this application. Also, a waiver from site plan review is requested from the Board. A public hearing was announced for this project and we will allow for public comment at the appropriate time. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, stated this project is taking place in a UR-2 District. Due to the 1800 square foot size it is above the 1200 square foot threshold. Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review are required for this action. The applicant has requested a waiver for Site Plan Review for the Board to consider. It appears to be a Type II action, therefore no further action or environmental review is required. Since the workshop the Board has received an updated narrative from the applicant as well as additional materials addressing some of the comments which were made at the workshop. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the Board has received correspondence concerning this application. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY THE BOARD: 12/09/15 – Correspondence received by the Board from Joan Dickens. Agent: Donald Schwartz, Schwartz Architecture Applicant: Church of Latter Day Saints, Bishop Tom Vickers; State President, John Guilison, Project Manager for the Church, John Bezek Mr. Schwartz provided a visual presentation to the Board noting the location of the project. The proposed project is a 30’ x 60’ open air pavilion, with picnic tables beneath. This pavilion will be placed on a concrete slab, with electricity provided to it. Eight LED ceiling fixtures will be mounted in the ceiling area. Lights will be shielded by the roofing and will not impose upon the neighbors. These will be controlled manually. Mr. Schwartz indicated that the overall height of the structure is 13 feet from grade to the top of the ridge. An old survey was provided for the property delineating the property boundaries. No trees will be removed during this construction. We are also requesting a waiver of site plan review, basically because this is an open air pavilion, it is substantially wood. Documentation has been submitted concerning the number of people who would be using the pavilion, as well as the parking to accommodate attendees. A site plan has been submitted noting the project is clearly within the setback and property boundaries. Curbing exists at the parking lot right now, and it will have handicap curb cut drops for the pavilion area. Mr. John Guilison, State President of the Church stated he currently oversees 12 congregations. One of the questions which came up from the Community is what are we anticipating for usage. The primary usage is a picnic pavilion which will be used to house youth programs for approximately 30 children. The congregation consists of approximately 250 parishioners. This will be primarily used by this congregation. However, there are some other units in the northern area that may consider bringing their youths to this pavilion for picnics and outings. It is primarily a picnic pavilion and it will be used for eating, shelter, getting out of the sun, getting out of the rain. We are not anticipating large numbers of people to be there for any event. We do have a once a year statewide outing, which City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – December 9, 2015 - Page 2 of 6 we use parks for and we will continue to do so. This is primarily a local unit recreational site. There is a very large parking area for approximately 122 spots currently. This should accommodate anything we would hold there. Bishop Vickers stated we have used our parking lot for our summer picnics. The youth group holds evening meetings on Sundays until approximately 8:30 – 9:00 P.M. We can now use the pavilion for this purpose. Janet Casey questioned if this site would be used for weddings or receptions of any kind with music. Mr. Guilison stated typically weddings take place at other sites. There might be some type of reception under the pavilion but I do not anticipate any large groups. Howard Pinsley questioned the 10:00 P.M. curfew. Mr. Guilison stated this is fine. PUBLIC HEARING: Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 7:23 P.M. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Ellen O’Rourke, Glenmore Avenue. Ms. O’Rourke questioned if the picnic tables would be wood. How is this to be policed. How will you prevent someone from coming in and using it? Mr. Bezek stated the use of the pavilion will be supervised with adults present at all times. The picnic tables will be steel metal picnic tables and there will be 16. The site is not locked. Ellen O’Rourke stated that field is used continuously from sunrise to darkness by all the people in the neighborhood who own dogs. Also some people who do not live there park their cars and walk their dogs in this area. That is an issue. The field gets a lot of attention from adolescents and young teenagers. They use the parking lot and the field especially in the good weather. In the spring and summer and after school. There are things going on there. There were some signs put up some time ago however, they have disappeared. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned if the applicant would be willing to replace the signage. Mr. Bezek stated he has noticed that the neighborhood children have been using the grounds, harmlessly playing in the grass. We have not noticed any signs of mischief. We do not have a problem with that. Ellen O’Rourke stated cars have been coming and going all hours of the night. Who will be policing the area for use as a dog park? Mr. Guilison stated we have not had an issue with this however if it is an issue we will certainly investigate. Peter Settle, 1 Telldridge. I did not receive a notice. Our concern is the traffic and congestion. Will there be other events sporadically we are concerned for increased traffic and noise. Mr. Guilison stated regarding noise, I am sure laughter and fun under the pavilion is acceptable. We will be very respectful concerning sound. Adults are always present at all youth functions. We are not anticipating a lot of noise emanating from this pavilion. Trespassing signs will not be installed. We have no problem with the children playing or people walking their dogs. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – December 9, 2015 - Page 3 of 6 Mark Torpey, Chairman stated we will now discuss the conditions on the Special Use Permit. The following items were discussed and are acceptable by the applicant as conditions for the Special Use Permit. 1. Usage of the pavilion 7 days a week will be allowed for Church functions. All functions will cease at 9:00 PM during the week and 10:00 PM on the weekends. 2. All youth activities will be held with adult supervision. 3. No amplification is allowed. 4. Lighting usage will be allowed on an on demand basis. All electrical equipment and access for lighting is under lock and key. 5. The applicant will plant a tree to match the maple which is there between Glenmore and the pavilion to provide screening from the street. Mr. Guilison discussed additional traffic; there will be no additional burden. Tuesday night is youth night. It always has been and we have had no issues and there will be no additional traffic. We would never rent this pavilion out, however, if someone asked to utilize the space, they would need to adhere to the Special Use Permit conditions. I do not plan on chasing people away from the property. Mark Torpey, Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:41 P.M. Clifford Van Wagner made a motion in the matter of the Church of Latter Day Saints, Special Use Permit for an outdoor pavilion be approved as noted by the Chair. Janet Casey seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Dan Gaba questioned if the applicant would be agreeable to the addition of a maple tree to match what is currently existing between Glenmore Avenue and the pavilion to provide screening from the street. The applicant is agreeable. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Mark Torpey, Chairman stated we have received drawings which were submitted by the applicant. This seems like a simple project. Is there a motion for a waiver of site plan? Dan Gaba made a motion in the matter of the Church of Latter Day Saints, Waiver of Site Plan be approved. Janet Casey seconded the motion. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – December 9, 2015 - Page 4 of 6 VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 TOWN OF WILTON APPLICATION Kate Maynard, Principal Planner provided an overview of the proposed project for the Board’s review. Noting Loudon Road heading south you have the town boundary with the City and Floral Estates where it abuts this property in question. This is a project before the Town Board, we see this infrequently in projects where if it abuts, or is within 500 feet of a municipal boundary, or 500 feet of a state or county route, that is when 239M, the referral is triggered. We have received this referral from the Town of Wilton, which is before the Planning Board where a subdivision proposed. The site is on the northeast side of the City and encompasses both parcels, Louden and Leeward Way. One of the questions is that where Magnolia Drive comes in you have a series of cul-de-sacs but you did have some planning where the right of way was lined up for a potential street continuation across the municipal boundary. There are a couple of things to consider. The way this does line up; the right of way actually touches the corner of the parcel to the west, which is part of the subject application. We are showing not a vehicular connection but a pedestrian connection. So it could be looking at the positive value for our residents to have a pedestrian connection, and also looking at the pros and cons of actually having a street connection there. Traffic going over city streets to town streets. Obviously there are different tax bases, but we also call for connectivity in connections where possible. People moving in this area are thinking they are in the Wilton side not Saratoga except for their tax bill. We look to provide general connections where possible. This is for you to consider whether to provide comments to the Town of Wilton. This is not required. Dan Gaba stated if there is a connection, and if the Town of Wilton sees fit to want to connect to that to make sure there is an access to Loudon Road. Otherwise every lot will access city streets without any tax benefit. This is a pretty long street without an access. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated at this time it is only a pedestrian connection. No utilities or city services to be extended to the Wilton side. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned if the stormwater requirements in Wilton adhere to the same policies as the City? Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated these are statewide DEC requirements for residential uses. The City has more stringent requirements in place for commercial uses- starting at 0.10 acre of disturbance. This is a comment which could be made in your recommendations. Clifford Van Wagner questioned the territorial lines or divisions with regard to the snowplows and snowplowing turnarounds if a connection is made. There should be two connections, one is not acceptable. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated when this referral was received she forwarded it onto DPW for their comments as well. Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned if there was any type of boilerplate type of language to use in this circumstance. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner asked if they were considering a connection and also that would be something to be considered if it was instituted. I do think there are general agreements. I will check with DPW. Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if the 7 properties which abut this project were notified. Is the HOA aware? City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – December 9, 2015 - Page 5 of 6 Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated these addresses can be obtained through the county listing. Mark Torpey, Chairman also stated in our recommendations to the Town we should note the following: Two connections to be considered; adherence to state requirements concerning stormwater management and notification of 7 adjacent neighbors to this project, recommend the applicant continue to reach out to the Floral Estates HOA with regard to current situation. The Board was in agreement with the recommendations to be made to the Town of Wilton. Clifford Van Wagner stated he feels it would be beneficial for the Board to have a spread sheet going back 4 years or so, noting projects which have come before the Board have been completed and which ones have not come to fruition. It would be beneficial for the Board. It would be a good follow up. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated she currently completes an annual Development Summary which is provided to the City Council, Planning Board and a general resource for the public. She will be happy to provide it to the Board as soon as it is completed. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Clifford Van Wagner made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2015 Planning Board as submitted. Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 7-0 Clifford Van Wagner made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2015, and November 12, 2015, Planning Board as submitted. Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor; Howard Pinsley, abstained; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Mark Torpey, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – December 9, 2015 - Page 6 of 6  Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved 1/14/16 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – December 9, 2015 - Page 7 of 6