by Doug La Rocque
There was a resolution put forward to allow the 24 single home project to begin grading nearly half the site prior to Rensselaer County Health Department (RCDOH) septic approval, but it was tabled by the Brunswick Planning Board at their Thursday, August 4 meeting for further review. The resolution is a unique solution to a complex problem. The RCDOH approved the septic for 13 of the 24 sites, but could not act on the remaining 11 because of the extensive grading that must be completed first. The Board also brought forth some engineering questions they wanted address in relation to that grading. It is expected the Planners will vote on the resolution at their August 18 meeting.
The project is located on the north side of Brunswick Road (NYS Route 2) just west of Heather Ridge Road.
Medical Office/Surgery Center
There was a brief review of the proposal by Paulsen Development to construct a two-story medical building at 112 McChesney Avenue. As previously described, one floor would contain medical offices and another an ambulatory surgical center. The Board questioned how much soil would have to be removed or brought in, with the developer unable to answer at this point. The full Environmental Assessment Form is also not complete. The developer plans to have answers to these questions at the next meeting.
Atlas Renewable
At a public hearing held in early July, the developer of the proposed solar site on land off Oakwood Avenue near Farrell Road met with complaints and concerns from several area residents. By Brunswick code, Atlas Renewable was required to answer these statements in writing. Two days before the Thursday meeting the Planners were presented with a rather voluminous package containing the developer’s reply. Atlas Renewables was not in attendance however and the matter was put on the agenda for the next August meeting.
Construction Updates
The major site revision at the Aldi, Wendy’s, and KFC site on Hoosick Road, to allow the addition of a drive-thru Aroma Joe’s Coffee Shop, was approved at the last July meeting. The KFC structure is nearly complete and foundation work on the Aldi Grocery store is underway. Harbor Freight’s new store, also on Hoosick Road, is complete and open for business. Hannaford also looks to be closing in on completion. They have previously announced they hope to open in mid-September, but none of these businesses can welcome customers until the newly installed traffic signal at Lord Avenue and Hoosick Road is operational. The date when that light will be switched on is unclear.
