By Doug La Rocque
Jane McDermott first proposed the Post and Beam structure on Dunham Road to the Grafton Planning Board back in May. Since then the project has run into several delays, mostly dealing with environmental issues such as storm water runoff, septic plans, layout of the parking lot and other design concerns. [private]The application for the Site Plan Review required a long form Environmental Impact Study and significant input by the Rensselaer County Department of Health. At the Monday, September 19 meeting Planning Board Chairman Tom Withcuskey announced the review found a negative environmental impact, and had been signed off by the Department of Health. The Board gave its approval contingent upon acceptance of the water system plans by DOH, but this allows construction to begin.
McDermott tells The Eastwick Press she plans to start work on the foundation immediately, with the barn kit being used to construct the facility due to arrive October 13. She still plans to open late April or early May of 2017, and she said she already has some bookings. Greywacke Meadows will seat 225 people, be open for parties on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm. All events would have to be catered, as there will be only food warming appliances on premise. Those using the facility would also have to remove their own garbage, and any set up and tear down must be completed in the hours of use restrictions. Mc Dermott said she hopes this will afford an alternative to the very expensive parties and wedding receptions, offering her clients all the elegance at a much more affordable price.
Two Lot Minor Sub-Division Proposed Patrick Searby of 118 Fox Hollow Road presented the Board with plans to further divide what was once a more than 100-acre parcel. Sixty acres were previously broken off and sold, and now Searby wants to split the remaining land into 2 lots of 44.4 acres and 10.77 acres. Both lots have frontage on either Fox Hollow or Babcock Lake Road. Searby said he is interested in selling one of the parcels. The Board accepted his application and short form Environmental Impact Study and scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for 6:50 pm on October 24, the date of its next meeting.[/private]