By Doug La Rocque Many had expected to see some signs of construction on the proposed Dollar General store on Route 22 in Berlin by now, but it was revealed at the Thursday September 22 meeting of the Berlin Planning Board that plans submitted by Bohler Construction of Albany failed to comply with some Department of Transportation standards. [private]Bohler is the firm hired by Dollar General to handle the construction phase of the project. In a letter to Bohler from the DOT, it mentioned specifically that required work zone traffic control details concerning driveway tie ins with state highways were lacking. They also questioned the site distance for stopping tractor-trailers both north and southbound, stating it was less than DOT requirements.
Another problem listed in the letter was the design of the north bound turning lane for trucks, indicating it required the vehicles to cross into the southbound lane to complete the turn. DOT indicated that Bohler also failed to include copies of the SEQRA and subdivision site approval issued this past spring by the Planning Board. Construction, at least as it concerns the interaction with Route 22, cannot begin until the DOT issues are resolved.
The store will be located on land adjacent to Eagle Energy, from which Dollar General purchased the parcel. The company told The Eastwick Press at the time the store was proposed, it hoped to open by March of 2017.
Minor Sub-Division Approved Following a public hearing at which there were no speakers, the Board approved the .94-acre subdivision of land owned by Robert and June Hoffman at 135 Watson Road. The Hoffmans are offering to sell the land to the adjacent property owners, Bill and Nancy Costa, for the express purpose of creating a right of way to their land. The vote was unanimous.
Looking for Another Member The Planning Board currently has openings for one or two alternate members, who would sit on the Board when any of the five primary members are unable to attend. Anyone interested may contact Board Chairwoman Pamula Gerstel or leave word at the Town Hall.[/private]