TOWN OF HAGUE
PLANNING BOARD
TOWN HALL
HAGUE, NEW YORK 12836
TELEPHONE 518 543-6161
July 10, 2008
TIME: 7:00 PM
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by Chairman EJ Siwek. Also present were Dick Frasier, John Brown, Rolly Allen, Bruce Clark and Pam Peterson. Martin Fitzgerald, Sr. was absent.
The Board approved a motion by Bruce Clark and seconded by Rolly Allen to accept the minutes of April 3, 2008 with corrections. ZEO Cathy Clark will make the corrections as indicated.
The Board approved a motion by Bruce Clark and seconded by Dick Frasier to accept the minutes of June 5, 2008 with corrections. ZEO Cathy Clark will make the corrections as indicated.
SUBDIVISIONS:
1. LA POINTE (24-1-43) 9042 Graphite Mountain Road (TR-3/OCII)
The applicant revised his application according to recommendations at the last Planning Board meeting and is requesting sketch plan approval of a two lot subdivision of a 40.47 acre parcel. If approved lot 1 would consist of 2.2 acres and lot 2 would consist of 38.27 acres. Currently lot 1 has a house, garage with a apartment above, and barn on it.
Mr. La Pointe has completed his part of the SEQR requirement.
Bruce Clark made a motion to accept the sketch plan as amended and resubmitted. This action allows Mr. La Pointe to move forward with a formal survey and mylar. It was seconded by Dick Frasier and approved by a vote of 6-0.
Ayes: Frasier, Brown, Allen, Clark, Peterson and Siwek
Nays: none
Abstain: none
A site visit was set for Thursday, July 17th at 3 pm. If any members need to go on their own at a different time, they should contact Mr. La Pointe first.
2. RAJOPPI (25.4-1-13) 9626 Graphite Mountain Road (OC-1)
The applicant is applying for a two lot subdivision of a 11.24 acre lot. If approved lot 1 would consist of 8.33 acres and lot 2 would contain 2.91 acres. A 30 foot right-a-way is proposed through lot 1 for a means of access to lot 2. A land survey has been completed by John Grady who was in attendance represented the owner.
The SEQR form will need to be completed.
Rolly Allen made a motion to accept the application as complete and it was seconded by Bruce Clark. The motion passed 6-0.
Ayes: Frasier, Brown, Allen, Clark, Peterson and Siwek
Nays: none
Abstain: none
A site visit was set for Thursday, July 17th at 3 pm. If any members need to go on their own at a different time, they should contact the owner first.
A motion was made by Bruce Clark and seconded by John Brown to set the Public Hearing for the next meeting date of August 7th at 7 pm. The motion passed 6-0.
Ayes: Frasier, Brown, Allen, Clark, Peterson and Siwek
Nays: none
Abstain: none
REFERRALS TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:
1. KOSSBIEL (12.14.-1-21) 9651 Lakeshore Drive (OC I)
The applicant is requesting a Variance for sideline setback and percentage of coverage so he may install a 14' x 22' open deck to the front of a house and a 54 sq. ft. walkway with stairs, mostly over an existing cement staircase, to provide two means of egress from the current structure.
The ZEO reported that at their site visit the ZBA has asked for a survey to be completed to determine where the south side property line is located.
Bruce Clark noted that the applicant already has years of using the neighbor’s property as a right of way, and has the written support of the neighbor, so a survey really isn’t needed.
E. J. Siwek moved and Rolly Allen seconded a motion to withhold recommendation to the ZBA but to advise seeking an official survey on the property.
The motion passed 5-1.
Ayes: Frasier, Brown, Allen, Peterson and Siwek
Nays: Clark
Abstain: none
OLD BUSINESS:
1. STRUTZ (26.18-1-10) 9222 Lakeshore Drive (TR-1)
The applicant would like to place an 8' x 12' storage shed 75' from the Lake. Mr. Strutz said that they want to live in Hague year-round and need storage that can be accessed from the parking lot for shovels, a snow blower, etc. At the same time they want to replace a retaining wall. They will follow whatever environmentally friendly recommendations are made. No trees will be removed. They have considered other placement and have picked the location that seems best. The color will match the house.
Zoning Board members made several comments.
Dick Frasier: It is not a great location and is too steep even if gravel is used.
John Brown: They are doing the best they can with what they have considering the limitations.
Rolly Allen: From the site visit we have seen how crowded it is. Applicant needs to think about how they might place the shed some other way and possibly integrate it into the retaining wall.
Pam Peterson: Agrees about location and suggests that plowing on the road will push snow and ice right up against the shed. Also consider stormwater and erosion if built on the ledge.
Bruce Clark: There really isn’t a problem or better alternatives. They have met all setbacks and are well below the % of coverage.
EJ Siwek: They have demonstrated a hardship since can’t use the first 50 ft from the Lake due to the steepness.
John Brown moved and Bruce Clark seconded a motion to approve the application. The motion did not pass for lack of a majority (4 votes needed); 3-2-1.
Ayes: Brown, Clark and Siwek
Nays: Frasier, Peterson
Abstain: Allen
ZEO Cathy Clark noted that other options would require a variance because the setbacks would not be made. In this proposal all of the required set-backs have been met, the shed is an allowable use in TR-1 and it just might need a vegetative buffer or stormwater conditions.
A motion was then made by Rolly Allen and seconded by Pam Peterson that this application be kept open so the applicant can consider alternate plans.
The motion passed 6-0.
Ayes: Brown, Clark, Siwek, Frasier, Peterson and Allen
Nays: none
Abstain: none
NEW BUSINESS:
1. PETER HAVEN, LTD (43.13-1-7) 27 Abenakis Drive (TR-1)
The applicant would like to replace an existing 306 sq. ft. one story, storage building with a new 612 sq. ft. two story storage building. The building is a legal nonconforming structure due to the five foot setback from Lake George and was in existence before 1973. The footprint will remain the same. A ground level patio (105 sq. ft.) is proposed to the rear of the structure which is allowable.
Jim Beaty was in attendance representing the Englers and was asked to pass along the following concerns:
What is the purpose of the desk on the second floor?
What is the purpose of the built-in seats with storage below?
A site visit was set for July 17th at 2:30 pm. Anyone not able to make it at that time can go ahead by themselves. EJ Siwek and Rolly Allen will go on July 20th at 4 pm.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Pam Peterson asked if the Board could be given periodic updates on previously approved projects. The Board could then make sure the original approved intent was followed as well as know if a good decision had been made. Is there a process for internal review of projects?
ZEO Clark has information on most projects. She and Chairman Siwek will discuss a possible review method.
On another matter Pam Peterson mentioned that a limit on absences had been mentioned at the last Town Board meeting. She would like to suggest instead that alternates be appointed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Bruce Clark moved and Rolly Allen seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed 6-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Stock
Acting Recording Secretary