Solar And Housing Dominate Planning Board
By Doug La Rocque
Both the visibility of a proposed community solar project on lands located at the end of Dusenberry Lane and the damage that road might suffer from heavy construction vehicles, were the prime topics of a joint public hearing on Thursday, September 19. The Brunswick Zoning Board of Appeals joined the Planning Board to hear public comments on Borrego Solar’s proposal, which has already been scaled down in size because of topographical concerns.
Several neighbors felt that as the lay of the land is now, they will have an unobstructed view of the solar panels, particularly in the winter months, when most trees are lacking foliage.
Of larger concern is what the heavy construction and transport vehicles might do to Dusenberry Lane, which is effectively one lane and admittedly, according to some of the Board members, already not in the best of shape. The residents welcomed the fact that Borrego has promised to repair any damage that might be done, but expressed concerns about accessibility when one of these large vehicles is on the roadway, and safety as the road conditions may not support them.
Both boards opted to close their particular portions of the public hearing and place the matter on the agenda for their next regular meetings, as to each board’s jurisdiction on the application.
The Sharpe Road Saga Continues
The planners re-opened the public hearing on the proposed Sharpe Road 17-lot subdivision, located on 17.95 acres of land along the North Greenbush town line. The comments were very limited, as this was the third meeting for the hearing.
Eric Redding of Bergmann PC, the engineering firm that represents the developer, Sharpe Road Development LLC, announced that the final three lots had passed their perc tests, which is a requirement to install septic systems. He also stated the revised map plan for the extension of the Town of Brunswick Water district to serve the 17 homes, as well as two nearby residences not current part of the district, is being filed.
It is the extension of the water lines to the four homes that are actually located in North Greenbush that might delay the project, at least as far as these North Greenbush structures are concerned. Representatives of both town boards, their engineers and attorneys, are continuing to huddle over the legality of the extension, and what, if any monetary concessions might be forthcoming from North Greenbush.
In the meantime, the public hearing was closed, and Mr. Redding urged that the Planning Board approve both the Environmental Assessment Form and the project itself, at its next meeting. To that, Board Chairman Russ Oster simply replied, “we’ll see.”
Is It A Change of Use Or Not?
The other matter brought before the planners was a request for clarification from Dan Levesque, the owner of 4th generation Awning, as to whether or not a Change of Use would be necessary, as it relates to his plans to purchase the former Marshall’s Body Shop on Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7). The building most recently housed a truck repair service.
It is Mr. Levesque’s contention that moving his operation into the building would be a continuation of existing commercial use. The planners replied that is a decision for the Brunswick Building Department to make. Building Inspector Chuck Golden said he would have further discussions with Mr. Levesque.
4th Generation Awning is currently located in Speigletown.