Highly Controversial Road Is No More
by Doug La Rocque
Vehemently opposed by neighbors in the housing developments behind the Planet Fitness on Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7), the planned rear access roadway into the Aldi, KFC and Wendy’s locations now under construction has been officially removed from the site plan. The road had been demanded by the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of their cross-connectivity design to allow the installation of a traffic signal at Lord Avenue and Hoosick Road. That demand has been officially rescinded by DOT, since the approval of the Hannaford Supermarket, now under construction on Lord Avenue. At the Thursday, November 18 Brunswick Planning Board session, the revised site plan was approved, discontinuing any plans for the rear entrance to the complex.
Brick Church Road Solar Projects
One already approved and one proposed were in front of the Planners at the Thursday meeting. Tamarac Solar garnered the Board’s approval back in May, but was back to ask for an extension of the time period in which they would have to at least file a building permit, because of rising costs of materials and labor. They stated they have been having difficulty putting together their financial package. By Brunswick Code, they have until May of 2022, but are concerned about meeting that deadline. They asked for, and the Board approved, a one year extension until May of 2023.
Borrego Solar, who constructed the first solar complex on that road (also known as NYS Route 278), was back with a sketch plan for a third site, this time on land owned by the Gilead Lutheran Church, at the intersection with NYS Route 7. It would be another 5 megawatt Community Solar endeavor, but it immediately met with some concern, as the proposed location is behind the pond on the church property, and would be very visible from both Routes 278 and 7. The Borrego representatives left without indicating if they would file an actual site plan application.
More Church News
There was another application before the Board that also involved Gilead Lutheran. Tilson Technology has applied for permission to ad one carrier to the existing cell tower on the church property. The Dish Network has struck a deal with AT&T to allow its wireless subscribers to access AT&T’s 4G and 5G systems. This additional attendance array would be part of that Dish Wireless. The Board scheduled a public hearing for their December 16 meeting.
Gallivan Subdivision
For many months now, Sean Gallivan has been seeking a 3-lot subdivision of land he owns on Deepkill Road.
Since there have been previous subdivision of this property, there was the question of whether this should be considered a major subdivision, which entails a full environmental review. After reviewing the engineering date, Board Engineer Wayne Bonesteel has determined there is no need for a common stormwater drainage system involving the two previous subdivisions — therefore a minor subdivision is a permissible way to proceed. The Planners set a public hearing for the December 16 meeting as well.