Planners Hear Concerns About Brunswick Acres Project
by Doug La Rocque
The proposal to build 26 single family homes on land north of Brunswick Road just past Heather Ridge, was put to a public hearing by the Brunswick Planning Board on Thursday, September 17. While there were only a handful of speakers, all expressed concerns while some were outright opposed to the plan. One resident stated it was not in harmony with the neighborhood, while another felt the town was bending its own Master Plan to accommodate the developers. There was also concern expressed about the road frontage of some of the lots, and they appear to be narrow but deep in shape. So deep that they abut up to some homes in the neighboring Brunswick Hills development. The developer has stated the rear portions of these lots would be deeded as a conservation zone, that would preclude any development. This begged the question from one speaker, who would enforce this, the Conservation Zone Police? Also raised were concerns of a road connector to Riccardi Lane, or the rear of the proposed Leon project on Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7). The planners reiterated they and the Town Board were not in favor of another Route 2 to Route 7 connector and anticipated only a water line to be constructed in that area.
The board requires answers to the questions and concerns raised in writing before any further action can be taken. The applicant is generally expected to provide them in 30 days.
Aldi’s Moves Slowly Forward
David Leon’s proposal to construct an Aldi’s Supermarket, a Wendy’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken on his land on either side of the existing Planet Fitness was again discussed. Not much has changed, and the board has tentatively set Thursday, October 15 as the date for a public hearing on the proposal, hopefully in conjunction with the Zoning Board of Appeals, who also must act on a zoning variance request.
Where there is some concern is about location for this hearing, as given COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting room at the town hall might not be big enough to handle the anticipated attendance. The board is going to look into requesting the use of the banquet room at the Center Brunswick Firehouse across the road.
Proposed New Grocery Store
MJ Engineering confirmed what was reported last week in The Eastwick Press, that a proposed 50,000 square foot grocery store is on the drawing board for land on the north side of Hoosick Road, bordered by Lord Avenue, and directly across the street from where the Aldi’s is proposed. MJ’s Jamie Easton said if they go forward with the project, they would have to ask the Department of Transportation to approve some modification for the traffic light to be placed at the Lord Avenue intersection. Other than some gradient concerns, not much else was discussed, as this was what the planners label a sketch presentation. No formal Site Plan or Special Use Application has yet been filed. Mr. Easton said at this time, he cannot reveal the name of the developer or proposed tenet. That would however, be required if plans to build this grocery store are formally filed.