New Aldi’s Application Is Filed
by Doug La Rocque
Developer David Leon has officially filed his site plan application with the town of Brunswick to construct an Aldi’s grocery store along with a Wendy’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on the Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7) site, where the Planet Fitness building currently exists. MJ engineering’s Jamie Easton laid out the application before the Thursday, March 5 meeting of the Planning Board, which included many changes proposed by the planners when Mr. Easton presented his sketch plan last month.
Some of these changes were moving the KFC building to line up with the Planet Fitness structure, redesigning the docking area for Aldi’s, as well as increased parking for the grocery store, and pedestrian access to the Wendy’s.
There would also be an access road into the rear of the complex, currently a paper street (Ferdinand Avenue) which would connect to Woodward Avenue. This was originally proposed as a one-way street into the complex, but Mr. Easton is leaving the question of one- way or two-way up to the town. Also to be decided is whether Ferdinand Avenue would be deeded over to the town or remain the property of the developer. Final Department of Transportation approval for a new stop light at Lord Avenue and the proposed entrance to the Aldi’s is also forthcoming.
The first action to be taken however will come from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The parking area behind the KFC is actually residentially zoned, and an area variance to approve these lots is needed before the planning board can begin its work.
According to Mr. Easton, if the project does not hit any unforeseen roadblocks, he hopes to see ground broken in late summer or early fall.
Major Or Minor Is The Key
The board is still working on whether a proposed subdivision on Deepkill Road, should be consider a major or minor application. At question is whether a previous subdivision of Sean Gallivan’s land within the last five years should be included in the number of lots involved. Board Attorney Andy Gilchrist advised the Board, town code supports considering it as a minor subdivision, while the board’s engineer, Wayne Bonesteel, indicated a full Environmental Assessment Form and Soil Erosion Study may still be required.
Also considered that night was a site plan and special use permit filed by Charles (Butch) Farrell to construct two duplex units on Brunswick Road (NYS Route 2) and Ace Hardware’s site plan amendment for reconstruction of the out building that previously housed its rental business. A minor subdivision at 190 Bald Mountain Road was approved.