Sharpe Road Development Is Approved With Many Conditions
By Doug La Rocque
Following a total of four days of public hearings, dealing with the many issues raised at these sessions, and complications created by the fact the development spans two towns, it appears many of the wrinkles have been ironed out, or at least the path Sharpe Road Development LLC must follow to solve any remaining issues, clearly spelled out.
The Brunswick Planning Board dealt with what is commonly called the long form State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) during its Thursday, November 21 meeting, deciding that while there were a number of elements that had a minimal impact, none rose to the level to require a full blown Environmental Impact Statement. The Board declared a negative declaration on the SEQRA, and moved on to the resolution to approve the 17-lot subdivision on the land located on the Brunswick-North Greenbush border.
That resolution was approved unanimously, but the developer still has many items on his plate.
The first question dealt with a storm water runoff facility, which the Planning Board said must be handled by a homeowners association. The town is not responsible for the cost and upkeep of this. That is unless Brunswick decides to create what are called drainage districts, where the town operates these facilities and charges back through tax bills, the cost to the users. According to Planning Board Attorney Andy Gilchrist, these districts are under consideration by the Town Board. One of the other conditions imposed on the developer is to include the Hill and Holcomb residences adjoining the development, in the water line construction.
There were also concerns expressed by Rensselaer County Engineer Joe Teliska as to the cul-de-sac entrance and two driveways that would require Sharpe Road curb cuts, but again, according to Attorney Gilchrist, these have also been resolved.
There were conversations between Brunswick and North Greenbush as to how Brunswick would be reimbursed for placing the four lots in North Greenbush in their water district, as well as a portion of the road that would also be in that township. According to Mr. Gilchrist, state law came into play, whereas North Greenbush would pay Brunswick for 4/15th’s of the road costs, and Brunswick would bill the North Greenbush Water District for usage by homes that actually sit in North Greenbush.
The resolution’s approval wrapped up nearly six months of work by both towns.
Other Matters
The agenda for the evening contained three other matters, all dealt with rather quickly. The Trifocal Brewing, Incorporated’s desire to construct a Craft Beer Brewing facility on land it owns on Brick Church Road (NYS Route 278) still has some water and septic issues to be worked out before it can proceed with the request for a Special Use Permit and Site Plan.
The Shudt minor subdivision at 190 Bald Mountain Road still has some topography work to submit, and Blue Sky Towers’ application to build a cellphone tower near the intersection of Creek Road and Menemsha Lane has submitted its written report on the recent visual elevation testing (balloon tests). It will also need a zoning variance, so the Planning Board is looking to hold a joint public hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals in January.