Grafton Planning Board Action – May 2010

by Erin Hogan
The Sylvan Way project, also known as the Stonybrook development, was the headline news at the May 17 Planning Board meeting. The developer, David Lipinski, reported that he plans to have the power lines in and the road widened by the end of July. There was discussion about the top coat of the road. Lipinski said he has been working closely with Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck to make sure he is complying with Grafton’s road specifications. He plans to have the top coat done in mid-September. At this point Lipinski is working on getting a certificate from an engineer and getting “as built” drawings. He’s working hard trying to finish this project so he can hand it over to the Sylvan Way Home Owners Association by the first of October. Lipinski said, “This is what I’m shooting for; I’ve been working night and day on this.” As well as getting a copy of his timeline to the Board, the Board also requested that he send one out to landowners.
There was also discussion between the Board, Lipinski and the Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, about the lot used for security. Originally it was lot 4 and was then changed to lot 8, but since lot 8 has been sold another lot needs to be chosen for security. The proposal is to have the security on lot 14, which made everyone happy. They just need to get this change approved by the Town Board. The Planning Board took this time to remind Lipinski that $30 thousand is owed to the Fire Department by June 30. He had agreed to buy the Fire Department a piece of equipment for that amount. Also, Code Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey reminded Lipinski that there is no work to be done on the project on weekends.
Starting From Scratch
Next, Wayne Baker approached the Planning Board with some questions regarding his mother’s property and a subdivision he wished to make on it. As it turns out the property has already been subdivided, but the subdivision was never recorded. It needs to be for him to move forward with further subdivisions. There was discussion about subdivisions made that are over 5 years old. Ferlazzo suggested that Baker go back through and properly subdivide the land the way it now exists. The Board informed Baker that what appeared to be an easy 5 acre subdivision is now a bigger project.
Babcock Lake Road Automotive Shop
Last on the agenda was the Dion Church site plan review. Church wants to have an automotive repair shop and dealership on Babcock Lake Road, and the Board needed to approve his map. There was discussion about the sign requirement for the shop. More research needs to be done on what size sign and lighting is allowed. It was also stipulated that he needs to have signs clearly visible to the public displaying his certification as an inspector, dealer and repairman. The Board asked Church if he was going to have a waiting room or restroom for the public. Church will have a waiting room, as it is required by law, but no restroom for it is not required. He said most of the customers know him personally so if an occasion arises where a bathroom is needed, they can just use the one in his home. After reviewing the map the Board approved the automotive repair shop on Babcock Lake Road.