Town of Hague

Planning Board

May 5, 2005

Present: David Swanson, Chairman

              Rolly Allen, Cathy Clark, Tim Costello, Peter Foster, Pam Peterson

Absent: John Brown

Also in attendance: Nancy Young, Recording Secretary

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by David Swanson.

Rolly Allen noted the following corrections to the minutes from the April 7^th meeting:

pg. 2, Barton project, second paragraph -  “...nothing of (rather than “for”) concern.”.

pg. 3, Neuman project, motion changed to read “Tim Costello moved to approve with the condition the septic system be upgraded to (rather than “per”) the satisfaction of the ZEO.”

The corrected minutes were approved on a motion heard from Tim Costello. Rolly Allen seconded.

Vote: Approved, 6-0

Wilen (43.13-1-4) Lakeshore Dr. TR-1

Mr. Wilen submitted final plats to be signed by the Clerk of the Planning Board. Rolly Allen signed in the absence of John Brown.

Revised deeds conforming to the approved lot line change have been provided.

Wilson, (25.1-1-17 and 25.1-1-18), SUB02-04, Graphite Mt. Rd. and Summit Dr., OC-1

Mr. Wilson has submitted a modified sketch plan for a major subdivision. Mr. Wilson’s representative, Bob Holmes, explained the revised proposal to divide the 150 acre property into 10 lots, utilizing a cul-de-sac design.

All lots are in excess of the required 2.9 acres. Lots #1-9 range in size from 5.28 acres to 10.54 acres. Lot #10, in the rear/north, will measure 81.84 acres.

            Each lot has more than the required 100 ft. of road frontage.

200 ft on either side of a stream running through the property will be left undeveloped in order to protect against storm water runoff.

All agreed this is a better plan than the one presented in January. Referring to the discussion pertaining to land and open space conservation held at that time, the group offered several suggestions.

The grade at the rear/north of lot #10 is quite steep. Because of the potential effects of storm water runoff it was suggested that Mr. Wilson continue the buffer zone planned along the brook, extending it across the northern boundary.

Additionally, Mr. Wilson offered to deed restrict the amount of tree cutting and building on each lot in order to protect the open space.

Motion: Rolly Allen moved and Cathy Clark seconded to conceptually approve the sketch plan discussed this evening, with the following modifications:

            • The north boundary line will have a buffer zone.

            • Lots 1-9 will have a reasonable limit to the percent of development.

Vote: Approved, 6-0

Beneduce (42-1-23.1), Dodd Hill Rd., TR-1

Mr. Beneduce would like to create a major 11 lot subdivision on the north side of Dodd Hill Rd.

Joe Pierce from All-Points Land Survey presented the sketch plan to the Board.

The 54 acre parcel will be divided into10 lots, each measuring more than the required 1.1 acres but less than 2 acres.  Lot #11 will be approximately 39.5 acres in size and will be retained by Mr. Beneduce.

            All lots will have adequate road frontage, with access from Dodd Hill Rd.

            Each lot will connect to the town sewer but have its own water supply.

            There is a brook running through lot #11.

The group discussed the provisions in the ordinance requiring a major subdivision donate or designate land for open space/recreational use or pay a fee in lieu of said donation. No determination was made.

Continuing discussion of the sketch plan, members expressed concern for the amount of potential tree cutting. They suggested efforts be taken, such as creating a buffer zone, to limit the negative impact of development on the brook which runs directly into Lake George. According to Mr. Pierce, these issues and the open space requirement will be addressed in future  plans.

A Site Visit will be made to the property.

Hines, (26.14-1-5) Friends Point Dr. S, TR-1

The applicants would like to make modifications to the roof line and the entrance of their home, located within 100 ft. of the shoreline.

The group reviewed the submitted plans.

            The Hines would like to add soffits, creating an overhang to the existing roof.

Building will not violate the 10 ft. Town of Hague setback.

            Construction has begun on the project.

 Motion: Tim Costello made a motion to approve as proposed. He subsequently withdrew the motion.

A Site Visit will be made to the property.

Phelps, (43.5-2-38), Dock Rd., TR-1

The ZBA has requested a recommendation concerning a proposal to add a second story to a preexisting, nonconforming structure. The residence is located within 50 ft. of the shoreline. Although construction will follow the existing footprint of the building, a side yard setback variance is needed because the upward expansion is within the 10 ft. limit. A Site Visit was scheduled for May 12^th at 9:00 am.

Maiaro, (42-1-9), Decker Hill Rd., OC-2 and Fitzgerald Rd., (25.4-1-41), OC-2

The APA will be reviewing Mr. Maiaro’s request for a zoning change, according to David Swanson.

Zoning Code modification

The group was unsure how to precisely “word” the proposed change eliminating “attics” from the definition of square footage.

Motion: After discussion, Cathy Clark moved that David Swanson be empowered to fine tune the wording and submit it to the Town Board. Rolly Allen seconded the motion.

Vote: Approved, 6-0

Hague Comprehensive Plan

The group discussed issues related to the apparent need for additional park and recreational facilities. It was noted that consideration should be given to the fact that donated property (to the Town or other conservation organizations) are removed from the tax rolls.

Other business

Town Councilman Dick Gladu addressed the board regarding the provision in the ordinance requiring a major subdivision donate or designate land for open space/recreational use or pay a fee in lieu of said donation. After discussion, all agreed a case by case review should be conducted by the Planning Board. Possibly guidelines could be provided by the Town Board to assist the Planning Board with these decisions. In addition, a memorandum could be drafted setting forth possible ramifications and sent to the APA and other agencies for review.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm on a motion heard from Rolly Allen and seconded by Tim Costello.

Vote: Approved, 6-0