Berlin Planning Board Approves One Subdivision, Discusses Others

By Doug La Rocque
Postponed a month for boundary line clarifications, a proposed subdivision of property owned by Brian Barto and Jack Cline along 14 East Shore Drive was given unanimous approval by the Berlin Planning Board on June 23.  [private]Prior to the approval, neighbor Charles Lillie was the only one to speak at the public hearing.  He attended because he had concerns about what Barto and Cline intended to do with the land, but upon learning the purchase was to rectify a landlocked situation, he voiced no opposition.
The Board also heard a proposal from Claes Sjogreen as to changes he would like to make to property he owns at 47 Dutch Church Road.  Sjogreen said one of his parcels is where his homestead is located, the other has both his driveway and garage on it.  He is proposing to redraw the two parcels, each with their own separate tax numbers, so that all the structures are on one parcel.  The Board had some concerns about his map, but decided to accept his proposal and short form Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), contingent upon Rensselaer County’s approval of the map.  Since Sjogreen owns both parcels and all the surrounding property, it was determined a public hearing would not be necessary.
Also appearing before the Board were Philippe and Melanie Heffley, who wish to subdivide their property at 424 Green Hollow Rd.  The Heffleys have an offer to purchase their home, but the prospective buyers want only 8 acres of the 72-acre lot.  The Board accepted their application and SEQR form as well as their maps, and expedited the required public hearing because of closing restraints the Heffleys are facing.  The Board set Monday July 11 at 7 pm as the date for the hearing, which will be held in the Town Hall.[/private]