Board approves special use permit for Pilot

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!!!!