Hoosick Planning Board Action – March 2011

by Bea Peterson
There was a full complement of members at the Monday, March 21, meeting of the Hoosick Planning Board. At the February meeting there had been a quorum of four members, but the December minutes could not be approved because new Board Member Kevin Allard abstained from the vote since he had not attended that meeting. The March meeting started with a discussion between Planning Board Attorney Stanton King and Allard about quorums, the recording of votes and general Planning Board procedures. The minutes of the December and February meetings were approved. The January meeting had been snowed out.
Again this year the Board approved Karen Jennings as Secretary.
Cottrell Road Subdivision
Mark Cottrell came before the Board again this month requesting approval for subdividing two acres from a 28.6 acre parcel on the Cottrell farm for building a house. A study of past divisions on the property showed that two changes took place before the 1986 Board regulations were in place. However, two others should have been addressed by the Board and were not. Attorney King said the two count against a simple subdivision and make a further simple subdivision out of the question. He said the Board should consider the project either a minor or major subdivision. If the Board follows its rules and regulations for a minor subdivision they have the right to waive some of the requirements, he added. Another issue is that the whole property borders NYS land. Cottrell was advised to contact the State to see if they have any issues regarding artifacts on the land such as arrowheads, etc. or any issues regarding flora and fauna. If not, the State should let him know in writing. He was also advised to get the long environmental review form off the DEC website and fill it out as best he can. He was also advised to bring that information and the property tax maps with him to the next meeting.
Johnson Hill Road Subdivision
Attorney Kim Everard appeared before the Board for an initial conference. She presented the Board with a power of attorney and a tax map for property on the corner of Johnson Hill Road and Route 22. She is requesting an addition to the present parcel of 1.99 acres. It appears to be a simple subdivision. She will appear before the Board again in April.
Boundary Line Change
The Board reviewed a letter from attorney George Holbrook regarding a boundary line adjustment to property on Route 67 owned by Monroe and Hussey. The Board approved the change to the 11.48 acres making it one large lot instead of two smaller lots.
Bringing The New Town Attorney Up To Speed
Attorney King told the Board that he had been contacted by the new Town Attorney Debra Young. She told him she is not familiar with the Planning Board’s rules and regulations and she would like to review them with him. He will be talking with her about them.