Nature Of Planned Expansion Of The Aquafarm Facility Is A Mystery At Berlin Town Board
By Doug La Rocque
In what may be good economic news for Berlin and the Taconic Valley as a whole, the New Jersey based SAFE Holding Company has approached the Planning Board about expanding the scope of its Berlin facility. The company announced last fall that it would be constructing an ecologically sustainable aquafarm facility at the site of the former Seagroatt Roses facility. The plan outlined at that time by the CEO, Michael Pasternak, was for the production of fish and hydroponic lettuce.
[private]The company was not prepared to divulge its plans yet for the latest expansion in the scope of its operations, but by all indications it would become a mixed use operation, which the Planning Board feels will require a long form State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR). This is a lengthy and often complicated process, that according to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), “requires the sponsoring or approving governmental body to identify and mitigate the significant environmental impacts of the activity it is proposing or permitting.” SAFE has hired a professional engineer to act as a consultant for them on the project, and has offered the services of this engineering firm to the Town as well. Both Town and Planning Board members welcome the input, but feel the Town should hire its own consultant. The services of such a consultant would by law, be billable to the proposing agency, SAFE.
The Town Board voted to declare itself the lead agency on the project, rather than pass it off to the County or the State.Although it may be a lot of work to be the lead agency, they wanted to keep as much of the decision making authority as possible on a local level.
Planning Board Chair Pamula Gerstel said they are prepared to do as much legwork as necessary to assist the Town Board in evaluating the proposal. Vice Chair Frank Maze did caution the Town Board that there are often certain timelines and deadlines that must be met, and that as lead agency, the Town Board may have to hold some special meetings to comply with these time requirements.
Councilman Steve Riccardi works as a project manager for SAFE, and made clear that he will recuse himself from any deliberations or votes on the company’s proposals. Planning Board member Frank Mace, who works for the NYS Energy and Research Development Authority, may also have to recuse himself if his agency becomes involved in the project.
The Board voted to approve Kathy Jaeger as a member of the Board of Assessment Review. She will have to attend a class presented by Rensselaer County to qualify. She is the wife of Supervisor Rob Jaeger, who abstained from the vote.
Departmental Reports
Town Clerk Anne Maxon reported local, county and state revenues in March totaled $5,078.50 and non-local revenues came in at $1,060.41. Highway Superintendent Jim Winn reported it was a quiet month. The sanders are off the trucks, the roads are swept, and they are preparing cost estimates for proposed summer projects. Winn was happy to report an increase in the amount of Consolidated Highway Improvement Project monies from NYS.
Building and Codes Enforcement Officer Walter Yerton said there has been a pickup in interest and applications for building permits, but warns NYS is making some changes to electrical and building codes, that are being phased in from now through October. Some of these changes involve residential homes, including requiring dry sprinkler systems in some instances, and a new requirement that all home construction will need an architectural stamp. This, according to Yerton, can add significant costs to building projects.
Dog Control Officer Doug Goodermote informed the Board he has had some trouble with dogs near the Berlin Elementary School. Goodermote said the owner of the animals has put up a fence to keep the dogs in, but they have dug out underneath it. Youth Commission Chair Pam Osterhout said that it appears the Summer Youth Program will run from July 11 to 22. Osterhout did say the program might however, start as early as July 5. The Board voted to return the summer swimming program to the Hoosick Falls Pool versus Grafton Lakes State Park. Osterhout said only 11 children took advantage of the program last year. Board members are hopeful that returning the program to Hoosick Falls will increase the number of participants, even though there is a charge to the Commission for use of the pool. Grafton Lakes was free, except for transportation.
The Assessors reported all senior exemption requests have been processed. The new scale approved for purchase at the March meeting, is in place and operational at the Transfer Station. There is a need for more help at the station, and the Board went into executive session to discuss that and other personnel matters. The Zoning Board of Appeals is still looking for one more member. Anyone interested in the position should contact the Town Clerk.
Honoring A Berlin
Eagle Scout
The Town Board began the meeting with the reading of a resolution, commending Trevar Hall on his recent designation as an Eagle Scout, the highest position one can earn in the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America. Besides earning the requisite number of merit badges, Hall had to complete a community project. Building a sign for the Town of Petersburgh met this requirement for Hall. The new Eagle Scout is a member of Troop 222 based in Petersburgh.
The Board ended the meeting with the reading and approval of all bills. It does not plan an April workshop meeting, unless one is needed for the Aqua Farm project.[/private]