At the Planning Board meeting on September 17, the board approved a special use permit and site plan modification for the Pilot Travel Center on Route 9.
Before the issue was discussed, it was noted by one resident that the agenda for the meeting was not posted on the website. Planning Board Chairman Peter Goold said the agenda was sent to the webmaster on September 16 and that "it is a Town Board issue." One man said: "It would be nice if residents could come to the meeting better prepared."
Resident Abbey Cash spoke out against approving the special use permit saying that Pilot has been in violation of it's original special use permit for the past three years and should not be issued another until the business comes into compliance with the existing permit.
There has been much public comment on the conditions at Pilot since it opened.
As examples of violations, Mrs. Cash cited more trucks on the site than there are parking spaces, idling over 5 minutes and overnight parking. Mrs. Cash also talked about dangerous traffic conditions that she feels will become worse is Pilot were allowed to have more parking spaces.
Former Planning Board member and candidate for Town Council, Joseph Visalli, asked why a public hearing was not held on the issue. Planning Board attorney Timothy Nugent said that public hearings are not required for special permit renewals or site plan modifications.
Residents, however, felt that due to the controversial nature of the issue, a public hearing should have been held.
In the end, the Planning Board approved both permits, with a number of conditions; including erecting new, larger signs that list the restrictions of the site such as the 5 minute idling limit and prohibited overnight parking. It was unclear how many parking spaces are to be added.
I'd like residents comments on this issue!!!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Time for a change
As we go door to door, Elizabeth Gable, Joseph Visalli and I have met many people supportive of our efforts to become council members, and supervisor, respectively. We have had many discussions with people about their taxes, which have gone up significantly within the last 6 years, under one-party Republican rule, and many other issues, ranging from the town's road program to conditions at the transfer station, to plans for the Town Park.
This is the first time since 1795 that the Democrats in this town have run a full slate of candidates and we've met so many people who are thrilled to finally have a choice and a chance to open the debate again here in Schodack.
We want to hear from people what most concerns them so we can work together to get Schodack back on track!
This is the first time since 1795 that the Democrats in this town have run a full slate of candidates and we've met so many people who are thrilled to finally have a choice and a chance to open the debate again here in Schodack.
We want to hear from people what most concerns them so we can work together to get Schodack back on track!
Fundraiser at winery slated for tomorrow
Tomorrow, Thursday, September 17, the Democratic Club and Committee hosting a fundraiser for the candidates for Town Supervisor; Kristin Shaw, and those for Town Council, Elizabeth Gable and Joseph Visalli.
This winetasing event will be held at the Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per person and $75 per couple.
We hope residents will come meet the candidates and support our campaign, so in the end, we can support you!
This winetasing event will be held at the Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per person and $75 per couple.
We hope residents will come meet the candidates and support our campaign, so in the end, we can support you!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Water district consolidation
At a recent Town Board meeting, a public hearing was held to consider the consolidation of water districts 2A, 2B, 4 5, and 8 into water district #101. As there is no existing Board of Commissioners, the Town Board would oversee the district.
At the hearing, residents asked about the age of the infrastructure in the different districts, worried they will have to pay for a system that might break down. Engineer Jeff Budrow said he believes all systems in the town are not older than 20 years, and have a 100 year life span.
Resident Ray Lemka said he thinks the issue of consolidation should be up for permissive referendum, meaning the public would vote on the issue.
Another issue to be considered when considering this issue that has not been addressed by the board, is whether water from the Moordener Kill Creek could possibly contaminate the Town Hall well field on Route 150, the supply earmarked for the new district. Under state health department regulations, groundwater contamination would amost certainly mean the construction of a treatment plant; something that could cost the town millions.
I'd like to hear comments about this issue; the possibility of a permissive referendum, groundwater contamination and cost.
At the hearing, residents asked about the age of the infrastructure in the different districts, worried they will have to pay for a system that might break down. Engineer Jeff Budrow said he believes all systems in the town are not older than 20 years, and have a 100 year life span.
Resident Ray Lemka said he thinks the issue of consolidation should be up for permissive referendum, meaning the public would vote on the issue.
Another issue to be considered when considering this issue that has not been addressed by the board, is whether water from the Moordener Kill Creek could possibly contaminate the Town Hall well field on Route 150, the supply earmarked for the new district. Under state health department regulations, groundwater contamination would amost certainly mean the construction of a treatment plant; something that could cost the town millions.
I'd like to hear comments about this issue; the possibility of a permissive referendum, groundwater contamination and cost.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
