MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN OF ELLICOTT PLANNING BOARD HELD AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 215 SOUTH WORK STREET, FALCONER, NY 14733 ON OCTOBER 11, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M.

 

PRESENT: Chairman Dan Evans, Gary Swanson, Ron Calanni, Dave Carlberg, Phyllis Belin, Paul

                     Shanahan, Robert Thomas, Attorney William Wright, Code Enforcement Office Randy

                     Woodbury and Secretary Valerie Pierce.

ABSENT:    Gary Swanson

 

Chairman Evans opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.

 

Motion made by Dave Carlberg, seconded by Paul Shanahan to approve the minutes of September 13, 2006 meeting.

 

Carried.                          Ayes – 6                       Noes – 0                         Absent –1

 

Chairman Evans reopened the Public Hearing for Site Plan Review for Valeo, 2258 Allen St., Jamestown, NY to install a truck dock at the southwest corner of the facility.

 

Paul Potter, engineer, and Dan Kling, Engineering Manager, for Valeo, were presented.  Mr. Potter reviewed the site plan and the items that were addressed at the last meeting.

1)      the storm water is not an issue; there is same amount of impervious area as prior to when it is developed. 

2)      there are no lighting changes

3)      the tractor trailers were an issue – if the trucks were 76 feet the Board discussed unloading them so they would not be in the road

 

Dan Evans listed the issues from the last meeting that were required for this site plan:

1)      the County Planning Board review – the Town received a letter from the County

2)      the length of the tractor trailers

3)      an engineer stamp was needed on the plans

 

Paul Shanahan said he had a note from the last meeting that the Board would require in their approval a company safety officer present when the truck was parking and leaving. Attorney Wright said the Board decided that no part of the truck would be in the road area or in the pedestrian walkway. 

 

Dan asked if it would be a problem for Valeo if the Board were to make approval contingent on the trucks dismounting if they got into the walkway area because it would be a safety issue. Sebastian Guery, Valeo, asked if they needed to paint that on the sidewalk.  Mr. Potter said there is a color contrast because the four-foot sidewalk is concrete and the parking is blacktop. Mr. Wright said they could state that no part of the truck may extend onto the sidewalk. The applicant agreed.

 

Mr. Potter was asked to fill out a short form EAF. 

 

The Board continued with the application for Thomas Shelters, to add office space to the approved storage building and for approval to sell used cars at 2553 South Work Street Ext., Falconer, NY.

 

Randy Woodbury said Mr. Shelters is still non-compliant with his site plan and has not provided any storm water calculations.  He does not think it would be advisable for the Board to leave this application on the table at this point. 

 

Motion made by Bob Thomas, seconded by Paul Shanahan to deny the application for Thomas Shelters for a modification to his site plan.

 

Carried.                         Ayes –6                       Noes – 0                        Absent – 1

 

The enforcement of the non-compliance of the prior approved site plan will be left to Mr. Woodbury.

 

Chairman Evans opened the public hearing for Falconer Enterprises for phase II of their site plan approved August 2005 to include a showroom and offices for Harley Davidson of Jamestown at 1951 E. Main St. Ext., Falconer, NY.

 

No one was present for Falconer Enterprises. 

 

Mr. Evans opened the public hearing for Starbucks, for a new coffee retail store at 944 – 956 Fairmount Ave., W.E., Jamestown, NY.

 

Paul Potter, engineer, and Kevin Petru, Development Manager, for Starbucks, presented the site plan for the new store between Wicks Avenue and Green Street. 

 

The Board members reviewed the site plan with Mr. Potter and Mr. Petru. They discussed:

 

1)      the required zoning variances were granted at the September meeting

2)      storm water calculations -  the storm water will connect into Wicks Ave.- there will be a storm water detention area with an infiltration system – it is all underground – Mr. Potter said it does not require water quality because it is not a big enough site but they did quantity adjustment so the existing Town system could handle it

3)      all access for the facility will be off Green Street – there will be no access off 394 and they will close off  the existing curb cuts

4)      the landscaping plan – they did shading so headlights going through the drive-thru will not show going up the street – the green space is around 30 % - the applicant will maintain the area

5)      traffic - there is one way traffic through the site – all the traffic goes around the building

6)      retaining wall – will be on the back side of the building and down Wicks Ave and a little along the front – it will improve the sight distance for Wicks Ave. that is now overgrown – the wall is two stages – there will be a planting area on the wall - they did get a variance for the part of it that will be over 6 feet – the two-tiered wall will be on northwest corner and the north side

7)      seating – 28 seats inside of the building with ample parking - there will be approximately 6 employees and their parking will be on the west side

8)      there is a sewer right-of-way through the property

9)      snow storage – there will not be much area so the runoff calculations will not be any greater because the snow melts off over a period of time – because of the restriction on the site because of the landscaping plan they will have to have the snow removed

10)  dumpster - is completely enclosed with a fence – there will be no other outdoor storage

11)  fence - runs along the wall – pedestrian type four-foot high fence

12)  fire hydrant – is on the corner of Wicks Ave. and Fairmount Ave.

13)  utilities  - will come off Wicks Avenue – the BPU wants a bigger tap for the water so they will do that – they will get the sanitary sewer permit from Chautauqua County South and Center Sewer District  - the other utilities are already there

14)  lighting – there is a lighting schedule on the plans – 6 directional lights on poles –

15)  construction schedule – Mr. Petru said pending approval tonight they would like to start within a couple weeks and open early Spring 2007

16)  signage – has been reduced – signs variances were approved at the ZBA meeting

17)  hours of operation – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM normally – weekends may be a little longer

18)  elevations – were submitted with the plans with the construction documents

19)  pedestrian access off the sidewalks on Fairmount Ave.

 

There were no neighbors present for the Starbucks project.

 

The Board went over the site plan checklist noting:

 

1)      the plans were stamped by Robert J. Runge II, PE

2)      scale on the plans

3)      boundaries on the plans plotted to scale

4)      there are no existing buildings

5)      grading and drainage plan submitted -  no watercourses  - several trees will be removed for the retaining wall

6)      existing tree masses are on plans

7)      the storm water management plan was submitted – it is underground storage going into a closed drain on Wicks Ave.

8)      elevation drawings were submitted

9)      there will be no tractor trailers  - primarily only 6-wheelers will be used for deliveries – the drive-thru area will be concrete and the rest of the parking will be paved

10)  no pedestrian walkways onto Fairmount Ave

11)  dumpster area will be in the northwest corner – all contained

12)  retaining wall – will be 10 feet high at the tallest height – where the wall is approximately 6 feet it will be a dual height retaining wall with a planter – Starbucks will maintain the landscaping – there will be a 4 foot high natural wood fence on top of the wall – probably a cedar type fence

13)  the sewer will go on the back side and hooks up to the Chaut Lake Sewer District

14)  the water service will be off Fairmount Ave

15)  the fire hydrant located on the southwest corner of the property

16)  natural gas will come off Fairmount Avenue - existing

17)  signs – on building and one proposed pole sign – variances were granted by the ZBA

18)  buffer area shown – existing lawn will remain

19)  outdoor lighting – five poles – nothing shining onto the neighbors – some decorative lights under the canopies

20)  building is for retail sales

21)  they are removing several trees and replacing with smaller landscaping and buffering  – new trees on the entrance way toward the north

22)  construction schedule – starting as soon as they have approval – finishing in March or April 2007

23)  permit required from South and Center Sewer District – the County Planning Board had reviewed the project

24)  they own property

25)  no aerial map required

26)  the map of topography shows contours at one foot

27)  Board did not require any other elements

 

A letter was received by the Town from William and Netta Saulsgiver, 62 Wicks Ave., W.E., Jamestown, NY, stating they were in favor of this project since there would be no driveways in or out unto Wicks Avenue and all egress and ingress would be on Green Street.

 

The Planning Board reviewed the EAF provided.  Attorney Wright stated the action does not exceed any Type I threshold in 6 NYCRR, Part 617.4 and would not receive coordinated review.  The Town of Ellicott Zoning Board did an independent review.

 

The Board continued with Part II C noting:

1)      this property is zoned mercantile

2)      they will use underground storm water management

3)      there will be less traffic existing directly onto Fairmount Avenue

4)      this project will not have an impact on the environmental characteristics that cause the establishment of a critical environmental area

5)      there was no controversy related to potential adverse environmental impacts

6)      they determined this project will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts

Motion made by Paul Shanahan, seconded by Phyllis Belin to have Chairman Evans execute the SEQR from with a negative declaration.

 

Carried.                       Ayes – 6                             Noes – 0                       Absent – 1

 

Mr. Woodbury said that the maintenance of the property is covered by the NYS property maintenance code. 

 

Motion made by Bob Thomas, seconded by Ron Calanni to approve the plans as presented for Starbucks for a retail coffee store at 944-956 Fairmount Ave., W.E., Jamestown, NY subject to the restriction:

1) the fence along the retaining wall will be 4 feet high and would be of wooden structure

 

Carried.                       Ayes – 6                              Noes – 0                          Absent – 1

 

Chairman Evans stamped and dated three sets of plans for Starbucks.

The Board continued with the EAF for Valeo. 

 

Attorney Wright stated this action does not exceed any Type I threshold in 6NYCRR 617.4 and will not receive any coordinated review.  The Board continued with Part II C noting:

 

1)      the Board required that they drop any tractor trailer that extends over the pedestrian

      walkway and Valeo is expected to have a safety officer present when they are bringing

      trailers in or out

2)      the project will have no impact on the environmental characteristics that would cause the               establishment of a critical environmental area

3)      there is not likely to be any controversy related to potential environmental impacts

4)      the Board determined this project will not result in any adverse environmental impacts

 

Motion made by Paul Shanahan, seconded by Dave Carlberg to have Chairman Evans execute the SEQR with a negative declaration noting the stipulation of the safety officer and the truck line.

 

Carried.                   Ayes – 6                         Noes – 0                              Absent – 1

 

Motion made by Dave Carlberg, seconded by Ron Calanni to approve the site plan for Valeo, 2258 Allen St., Jamestown, NY with the following stipulations:

1)      a safety officer will be on duty during the delivery of a tractor trailer

2)      any tractor trailer that extends into the walkway would have to dismount

 

Carried.                     Ayes – 6                       Noes – 0                              Absent – 1

 

Chairman Evans stamped and dated three sets of site plans for Valeo.

 

Chairman Evans reopened the public hearing for Harley Davidson of Jamestown, for Phase II of their site plan for 1951 East Main Street Ext., Falconer, NY.

 

There was an objection raised from a resident as to the order of the agenda.  Mr. Tolman stated they thought the meeting was at 7:30 PM.  Attorney Wright said that since there was no action taken before the Chairman has the authority to put the meeting any order he wants.  The Board had no objections to hearing this application at this point on the agenda.

 

Brian Reid, Harley Davidson, and Rex Tolman, PE for this project, reviewed the site plans with the Board members.

 

Discussion followed on:

1)      utility issues – water will come across the road and they will boar under the road – the County Health Department will have to approve the septic – the connection to the public sewer was too costly – existing they have electric, telephone and gas coming in on the northwest corner of the existing building

2)      they changed the entrance because it was too costly to have the entrance from the I-86 exit

 

Attorney Wright said at the last meeting the Board requested one site plan with everything on the checklist.  He stated the Zoning Board had approved the variance for the height of the building. Mr. Wright asked if there were any other changes except the septic system. Mr. Tolman said the basic change from the approval was the movement of the driveways.  They were going out the front and hook into the exits of I-86 but it was too costly (approximately $100,000) to modify the traffic light. The footprint of the building is the same.

 

There were no concerned neighbors for this project.

 

The Board reviewed the site plan checklist noting:

1)      the plans were stamped by a licensed engineer

2)      scale on plans

3)      boundaries were plotted to scale

4)      existing buildings shown

5)      grading and drainage plan provided

6)      watercourses and tree masses and other natural recourses plotted

Attorney Wright said it was noted at the last meeting the original drainage plan for the property as it was approved for Phase I was intended to accept all the drainage for Phase II. He asked Mr. Tolman if the expansion of the showroom building would have an impact or the design of the original drainage plan would still accommodate the larger building.  Mr. Tolman said he did not do the original storm water calculations and has not reviewed the plan.  He said it is a very minor change so he would anticipate that it wouldn’t.  The building is actually smaller and based on the change it should be better. They have not changed the imperious areas.

7)      the storm water management plan and calculations were done by Paul Potter, PE – Rex 

      could review the plan and certify there would be not change

8)      elevations drawings and photos provided

9)      parking lots and driveways will be paved

10)  no pedestrian access from the front

11)  dumpster in the back of the building  - no other outdoor storage

12)  no retaining walls or fences

13)  septic system will need to be approved by Health Department

14)  water supply from across the road

15)  fire hydrant was added right by the road within 500 feet of the building

16)  utiltities – off the pole with underground

17)  signs – on the building only – no pole sign proposed

18)  buffers – tree line shown on plans

19)  lighting – on building – no pole lights in the parking but there are street lights in the front

20)  there will be retail sales

21)  landscaping and planting schedule – Mr. Tolman thought that was approve on the plans for Phase I – Phase II did not have any changes in the landscaping-  Paul Shanahan said he remembered that it was approved in Phase I

22)  construction schedule – Mr. Reid stated they will break ground March 1st and be completed and should move in by September or October of 2007

23)  permits - they have applied for approval from the Health Department and NYS DOT

24)  permits required from the Health Department and NYS DOT and a building permit form the Town of Ellicott

25)  no proposed easements or restrictions

26)  aerial map not required

27)  map of topography provided

28)  no other elements required

 

Attorney Wright said a SEQR form is required for the proposed Phase II.  Mr. Wright also asked if the Board would want to do an approval contingent on a building permit not being issued until the Town engineer or Mr. Tolman certify the storm water management plan or if they wanted to hold on approval.  Mr. Reid said that they would like the Board to move forward because they have a building out for bid.  Randy said he would not issue a building permit unless a letter from an engineer was provided to him with the building permit application. Secretary Pierce had a copy of the SEQR completed for Phase I but the information was not the same as far as the acreage.  Mr. Tolman completed Part I a new SEQR form and Chairman Evans reviewed the SEQR completed 8/10/05.

 

Motion made by Paul Shanahan, seconded by Dave Carlberg adopting the findings in the environmental review conducted on 8/10/05 as it applies to Phase II. 

 

Carried.                       Ayes – 6                           Noes – 0                      Absent – 1

 

Motion made by Bob Thomas, seconded by Paul Shanahan to approve the plans as presented by Harley Davidson with one stipulation:

            1) an engineer has to review the storm water management plan and attest the calculations

                will not change with Phase II - the Code Enforcement Officer has to receive the letter

                before a building permit is issued

 

Carried.                        Ayes – 6                          Noes – 0                      Absent – 1

 

Chairman Evans signed and dated three sets of plans for Harley Davidson of Jamestown.

 

The Board reviewed a request from the Town Board for a recommendation to modify the zoning around the Fairmount Avenue.

 

Attorney Wright explained that a developer approached the Town Board and requested rezoning on Fairmount Avenue in the vicinity of the Fairmount Plaza as well as rezoning in the Fluvanna area, as it exists.  There are three requests:

1)      to change the Fluvanna Shopping Center District from what is appears under the code to a mercantile district as it appears under the code.

2)      to change the zoning designation of the shopping center district on Fairmount Avenue (the Fairmount Plaza district) to a mercantile district

3)      to increase the size of the commercial district that is currently shopping center district on Fairmount Avenue

 

Mr. Wright explained the procedure. Once the request has been made to the Town Board the Town Board, before making their decision, is required to seek a recommendation from the Planning Board.  He said the Planning Board would review those requests and make a recommendation back to the Town Board, at which time the Town Board will make a decision.  The Town Board can adopt the recommendation or ignore the recommendation of the Planning Board.   

 

Randy Woodbury said the Fluvanna area request came directly from the Town Board.  He showed the Board on the map where the shopping center district was.  He explained it is land westerly of Strunk Road and northerly of Route 430 (Fluvanna Ave.). When you enter the Town of Ellicott from the City of Jamestown both sides are mercantile until you get to Strunk Road.  Then the north side becomes shopping center district and the south side remains mercantile.  The Shopping Center District includes The Fountain Bowl, the old AM Vets building, B & S Wholesale and the Humane Society.  The Town Board wants to homogenize that district into the mercantile district, which it adjoins.

 

There were no neighbors or comments from the Fluvanna area.

 

Attorney Wright explained the differences between the shopping center and mercantile districts.  He read from Section 146-25 of the code.

 

Adrianne Rounds, Ross Mills Rd., Falconer, NY, asked how this would affect the SPCA and if they were aware of this request.

 

Attorney Wright said the SPCA would be “grandfathered in” because the change in zoning would be after th