PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
February 11, 2008
Posted 02/29/08
Minutes of the Planning Board Meeting held in the Town Hall basement meeting room, 11 South Main Street, Pittsford, February 11, 2008, and filed in the Town Clerk's office.
PRESENT
Jeff House, David Jefferson, Robert Gruber & Anne Christ
ALSO PRESENT
Karen Green Town Board Liaison, Richard Williams Planning Board Attorney, Martin Brewster Director of Planning, Zoning & Development, Doug DeRue Planning Assistant, Linda Dzakowic Planning Secretary
ABSENT
Rhett Smith, David Wigg, Larry Magguilli
Jeff House called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED / DECISION PENDING
Cottages at Malvern Hills Concept Subdivision
Tax Parcel #178.03-28-1
Mr. Sinsebox of Costich Engineering reported the DRC and Phase 1A archaeological investigation response was sent to the Planning Board. Lee also presented a revised plan increasing open space located in the middle of the 2 proposed cul-de-sacs.
Mr. Sinsebox provided an additional handout to Board members noting proposed setbacks, right of way, and rear lot lines.
Mrs. Christ asked how Cottage owners would differentiate their back yards from conservation lands. Mr. Sinsebox explained permanent markers or possibly a small wall to the rear of the homes could provide the differentiation. Mrs. Christ also inquired about street lighting.
Marie Kenton indicated lighting needs are being investigated and the Board would be notified prior to a decision.
Mr. Gruber expressed concern regarding the proposed stone dust trail and Lee mentioned he was looking into a bonding material to create a smooth trail - it would not be asphalt.
Mr. Brewster asked what the maximum footprint would be and Mrs. Kenton indicated the Cottages would be 2,500 to 3,500 square feet with 2-3 car garages.
There was no public comment. The public hearing was closed.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
3690 East Ave. St. John Fisher College (Skalny Welcome Center, facilities building, loop road extension and parking expansion) Preliminary/Final Site Plan/Special Permit Modification
Tax Parcel #138.19-1-1.1
Jared Lusk of Nixon Peabody indicated the College would postpone construction of the proposed facilities/maintenance building at this time.
Mr. Lusk explained construction of a 2 story 21,000 +/- square foot Welcome Center with a gabled roof is still proposed. The gabled roof architecturally blends with existing buildings. As proposed, the height of 44+/- feet would require a variance from the ZBA.
Mr. Lusk explained the Welcome Center is proposed approximately 100 feet from the East Avenue entrance to the College and would be easily accessible for visiting students and parents. In addition to the visitor center the building would house admission offices, a gallery, meeting room and 15 spaces for visitor parking is proposed.
Mr. Lusk noted the loop road would be extended to the northeast portion of campus beyond the student life center.
Mr. Brewster provided the Board with copies of an email from Michael Giglia of East Avenue mentioning Mr. Giglia's concerns regarding the proposed height for the Welcome Center.
Mr. DeRue also submitted copies of a fax from Louise Muskopf strongly opposing this application and one from Ann Mulligan also opposed to the construction.
Mrs. Christ asked whether the proposed 15 parking spaces would be enough and Mr. Burkhart of St. John Fisher explained the staff currently park in the lot just across from the proposed building and would not move to the proposed area.
Mr. House asked what type of lighting was proposed for the building and Mr. Burkhart explained any lighting would be low level and the College is presently researching type and need for lighting. Mr. Kurt Charland of Bergmann Associates assured the Board any lighting would be shielded and low level.
Mr. House opened the hearing for public comment.
Mr. Snyder of East Avenue reported his home is two lots from the Botsford/Fisher line and is concerned the height of the proposed building would appear out of character with adjacent homes and suggested a flat roof. Mr. Snyder wanted to make sure the construction follows requirements involving setbacks and suggested the proposed parking be placed away from East Avenue neighbors.
Mrs. Bobry of Bretton Woods indicated the College has been a good neighbor however she and her husband are opposed to this construction. She explained a berm and landscaping previously done to alleviate impact from College lights isn't enough and landscape materials are not what were promised. Mrs. Bobry addressed the architectural rendering provided by the applicant and stated the appearance of privacy from mature trees and hedges was inaccurate.
Mr. Brewster commented that when the College obtained the Botsford property and the zoning changed to SRAA a conservation easement was provided. Marty reminded Mrs. Bobry he was present when she reviewed and accepted the berm and choice of landscaping materials currently in place adjacent to her property. Mr. Brewster also mentioned the landscape materials are still growing.
Mr. Gruber asked if the proposed building were smaller would it be acceptable and Mrs. Bobry said no.
Mr. House suggested staff and several members of the Board arrange for a site walk as soon as possible.
Mr. Williams addressed the public indicating those present should approach the podium before speaking out.
Mr. Moll of Mendon Road suggested construction of a single story building. Mr. Lusk explained the footprint for such a building would be very large and involve a great deal more land area.
There was no further comment. The hearing remains open.
INFORMAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Brewster reported in addition to these two applications the public hearing on February 25th would include opening a hearing for a minor addition (500 +/- s.f.) at the rear loading dock of Wegmans at 3195 Monroe Avenue.
Mr. Brewster also mentioned 3 new applications would be presented at the March 10th hearing:
- 3000-3006 Monroe Avenue - Oak Hill Commons
- Lusk Farm Subdivision - Stone Road / Cricket Hill Drive
- 3349 Monroe Avenue - Plaza out building - a financial institution with no drive through or ATM
The hearing was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Dzakowic
Planning Secretary
OFFICIAL BOARD MINUTES ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK