Brunswick Planning Board
By Doug La Rocque
During a recent public hearing on Paulsen Development’s desire to construct a two-story medical building on McChesney Avenue, the issue of a sidewalk in front of the building was discussed. The owner stated he was not opposed to it, except that there are currently no other sidewalks, concrete or otherwise, between the rear Walmart entrance and Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7). He did state he saw no need for a sidewalk if there was nothing to connect it to. At the Planning Board’s Thursday, October 6 meeting, the issue was resolved. The owner agreed to put the money for a sidewalk in escrow, to be built if any connecting sidewalks are ever constructed.
The Planners accepted the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) with a declaration of a negative impact. Final approval cannot be granted until the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) acts on a building height variance. The ZBA does meet before the Planning Board gathers again, so it is possible the Planners may vote on the approval at their October 20 meeting.
North Troy Solar
It has been a long run for Atlas Renewables’ quest to construct a commercial solar facility on property located off Oakwood Avenue and Farrell Road. The Planning Board also gave a negative declaration on their SEQRA application, clearing the way for possible approval at the next meeting. This application is facing the same scenario at Paulsen Development, in that they also have a variance request in front of the ZBA that must be approved first.
Sagebrook Associated
This minor three-lot subdivision at 48 Spring Landing Boulevard saw an extended discussion between developer Kevin Kronau and the Board over a neighbor’s driveway that actually encroaches across one of the proposed lots. Mr. Kronau offered affidavits concerning the encroachment and stated if there was a problem it would be a civil matter between the new owners. On the advice of their attorney, the Board stated they were very uncomfortable approving any subdivision with such an encroachment in place and asked Mr. Kronau to return at their next meeting with some legally acceptable options.