Minutes - Newfane Planning Commission, April 22, 2008, 7:00
p.m.
Present: T. Bedell, C. Berdan, J. Feifel, G. Garbe, K. Robinson
Guests: Sue Fillion, Dave Berrie, Piet van Loon, Carolyn Coleman, Laura
Wallingford-Bacon, Bill Morse, Walter Phelps, Tony Fratino
1. Chairman C. Berdan called meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Minutes of April 8, 2008 meeting read and accepted (5:0).
3. G. Garbe commented from minutes of last Selectboard meeting, regarding
approval of a Frank Saponski request regarding property on a town trail
(in light of Section 412 in the proposed zoning bylaws). The board decided
as long as town doesn’t want trail, and it remains a trail –
it was all right for Saponski to dump several loads of gravel to level
out the property. It did not seem as though the SB was trying to set
a clear policy as much as just settling this particular instance.
W. Phelps suggested the PC not make a broad decision based on the
SB’s narrow decision.
P. van Loon pointed out the distinction between SB’s treatment
of a town trail, versus the zoning issue.
The discussion continued for some time, until the PC finally alters
section 412 to eliminate “a maintained public road (Class 1, 2,
3)” to “public road (Class 1, 2, 3, 4)…”
4. S. Fillion takes the floor to continue on with comments from the
April 1 public forum--
434: The 40’ front setback for non-conforming lots was unintentional--should
be 35 feet.
451: Off Street parking considerations--handicapped spots (nothing
to be added since it’s ADA federal law anyway (1-25 spaces requires
one van accessible spot), permeable surfaces, parking to front, rear
or side--no more restrictions.
460: Signs--just a small clarification, removing paragraph of signs
located on motor vehicles (under prohibited signs). Removing “10
feet in height” (under contractor job sign).
474: Steep slopes--revert to old bylaws.
530: Excavation questions – lengthy discussion about this, but
ultimately unchanged from draft.
542, 543, 550: Home occupation--here again a wide-ranging discussion
about various scenarios in home business, occupations or mixed uses,
with B. Morse again noting his disagreement with section 550.6.
563.2: Mobile Home siting standard, no change.
570: Motor Vehicle Service Stations: eliminated.
582.6 Pond design requirements: unchanged.
592.2 Wind systems: unchanged.
Definitions:
Wetlands – vernal pools added.
5. Revisiting the lot size issue for Resource District, a five-acre
standard, allowing for cluster development, was agreed upon.
6. Final draft to be finished by S. Fillion by end of week, picked
up by C. Berdan. Regular meeting date for May 13 confirmed; T. Bedell
will be absent.
Meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
***
Agenda for next meeting, May 13, 7:00 pm
1. To review final draft of zoning bylaws, set meeting dates for hearing.
2. To consider any business that may come before the Planning Commission.
Tom Bedell, Secretary
Calendar:
--May 13, 7:00 p.m. – Regular meeting
--May 27, 7:00 p.m. – Regular meeting
