Regular Meeting
Town of Watertown Planning Board
August 7, 2023
Members Present: Tom Boxberger, Co-Chair
Pam Desormo, Co-Chair
Terry MacAdam
Jim Smith
Randy Vaas
Jean Waterbury, Alternate
Mr. Boxberger called the regular August meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board to order at 3:00 p.m.
Motion 61-23: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Smith to reschedule the September meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board for Monday, September 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 62-23: Motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to accept the minutes of the July 12, 2023 meeting as written and distributed.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC HEARING – SPECIAL USE & SITE PLAN
AT & T – Cell Tower Upgrades to Water Tower – 22869 County Route 67 – Tax Map #91.05-1-55.1 – Special Use Permit & Site Plan.
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper.
The public hearing was opened at 3:03 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak. The public hearing was closed at 3:04 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING – SUBDIVISION
Gary Smith – 25640 Slate Road – Tax Map #83.20-1-21 – 2 Lot Subdivision
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper and that adjacent property owners were notified.
The public hearing was opened at 3:04 p.m.
$ Nancy LaBell, the neighbor that lives across the street from Mr. Smith, asked to review the plans.
The public hearing was closed at 3:06 p.m.
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – 22567 Summit Drive – Lot #9 – 3 Lot Subdivision
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper and that adjacent property owners were notified.
The public hearing was opened at 3:06 p.m.
The following people as to review the proposed plans.
$ Jill Laureano-Surber, Family Medicine of NNY
$ Amanda Williams, Property Manager, Jetris Property, LLC
$ Ms. Flowers, Pediatric Associates of Watertown
The public hearing was closed at 3:09 p.m.
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PUBLIC HEARING – SITE PLAN
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – 22567 Summit Drive – Lot #9B – Site Plan.
Evidence was provided that legal notice was posted in the newspaper.
The public hearing was opened at 3:10 p.m.
Jared Dickinson, on behalf of Washington Summit Associates, LLC submitted an elevation drawing of a proposed office building for Lot #9B for the public to review as requested by the Planning Board. Discussion followed.
$ Jill Laureano-Surber and Amanda Williams stated that they have concerns as to who the tenant of the building will be as they have a contract with certain provisions with Washington Summit.
Mr. Dickinson stated that he is not at liberty to disclose the tenant at this time.
Mr. Boxberger stated that the Planning Board’s job is to make sure that the proposed office building provides a use that conforms with the Town’s zoning requirements and medical offices does conform with the zoning regulations
If there are any issues with nonconformance of provisions within a covenant, that becomes a legal issue between the tenants and Washington Summit Associates. The Town does not enforce them.
$ Concerns were also expressed regarding road safety. Driveways and roads do not line up. There are accidents happening on a daily basis. Traffic has increased with each new building at Washington Summit. What safety measures ( i.e, stop signs, lighting, directional signage, etc.) are going to be implemented to make the roads at Washington Summit safer?
$ Concerns were also expressed regarding the color of the buildings Washington Summit. Business owners don’t want all the building looking the same. They want different color schemes. It is easier to direct customers to the right building if they all don’t look the same.
Mr. Dickinson will relay these concerns to Mr. Lundy.
The public hearing was closed at 3:23 p.m.
SIGN PERMIT
Sparacino Law – 19086 US Route 11 – (Former DC Building) – Tax Map #91.05-1-61.31 – Sign Permit.
Tenaha Sparacino approached the Board regarding proposed plans for a 4′ x 8′ sign at 19086 US Route 11. Discussion followed.
Mrs. Sparacino needs to submit a completed application, a colored rendition of the monument-style sign with a decorative base, and a plat showing the exact placement of proposed signage meeting all setback requirements.
This paperwork may be submitted via email. Mrs. Desormo will forward proposed plans to Board members for approval.
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Pediatric Wellness – 19474 Howell Drive – Tax Map #91.05-1-2.62 – Sign Permit.
Dr. Myla Estepa submitted a completed application and plans for proposed signage for Pediatric Wellness at 19474 Howell Drive. The plans include signage for the building, cupola, and a monument-style sign. Discussion followed.
A plat showing the exact placement of the monument-style sign meeting all setback requirements needs to be submitted.
Motion 63-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to approve the sign package for Pediatric Wellness of Northern New York, 19474 Howell Drive as shown Pages 1-4, dated 8/7/23. This will include two 48″ x 80″ signs for both the front and back of the cupola and one 36″ x 60″ monument-style sign at the front of the building, conditional upon receipt of a plat showing the exact placement of the monument-style sign meeting all setback requirements prior to the zoning permit being issued.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
SUBDIVISION
Gary Smith – 25640 Slate Road – Tax Map #83.20-1-21 – 2 Lot Subdivision.
Mike Battista, on behalf of Gary Smith, was present. All plans meet zoning requirements. Discussion followed.
Motion 64-23: Motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Vaas to grant a two lot subdivision for Gary Smith, 25640 Slate Road, Tax Map #83.20-1-21 as shown on plans prepared by Michael Battista, Project Number 23-42, survey date 6/5/23. Lot #1 will consist of .62 acres and Lot #2 will consist of 113.20 acres, conditional upon satisfactory review of lot descriptions.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
SPECIAL USE & SITE PLAN
AT & T – Cell Tower Upgrades on Water Tower – 22869 County Route 67 – Tax Map #91.05-1-55.1 – Special Use Permit & Site Plan
The public hearing on this matter was held.
Comments from the Jefferson County Department of Planning dated 7/26/23 were entered into record (Attachment #1).
The Board did not take any action on this as no one from AT & T was present.
SITE PLAN
Cala Morgia – 18590 County Route 65 – Tax Map #90.00-6-25.5 – Preliminary Discussion for Kennels – Site Plan.
Cala Morgia presented preliminary plans for dog kennels at 18590 County Route 65, Tax Map #90.00-6-25.5.
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Ms. Morgia plans to build a 16,000 square foot building with 10 mini rooms and an office to board dogs. She plans to have a separate driveway and may be requesting a separate address for business purposes.
Ms. Morgia asked the Board how the process works. Discussion followed.
Ms. Morgia needs to submit the following:
$ A completed application with appropriate fees.
$ Updated plans including a color rendering of proposed building and exact placement of the proposed building (include house).
$ SEQR
The process consists of:
You will go through the Site Plan process with the Planning Board.
Upon approval, zoning permits will be issued by the Town.
Building permits will be issued by the County.
Certificate of Occupancy will be issued by the County.
Ms. Morgia will submit paperwork by August 16, 2023 to submit to the Jefferson County Department of Planning.
Motion 65-23: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to schedule a public hearing for Site Plan for a kennel for Cala Morgia, 18590 County Route 65, Tax Map #90.00-6-25.5 on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., conditional upon receipt of a completed application, updated plans showing the exact location of the structure, and a SEQR.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Frary Monument Company – 18973 Watertown Center Loop Road – Tax Map #91.05-1-66 – Display Monuments – Site Plan/Sign Permit.
Ryan Frary approached the Board regarding displaying monuments and proposed signage on a vacant lot located at 18973 Watertown Center Loop Road.
Mr. Frary’s plans are to clean up the lot and place pads for display of monuments and construct a monument-style sign for Frary Monument Company. There will not be a building on this site. He has submitted a request to the New York State Department of Transportation for a new highway cut. Discussion followed.
Mr. Frary needs to submit a completed application, updated plans showing the placement of monuments and proposed signage meeting all setback requirements with screening between properties, and an approval letter from New York State Department of Transportation for the highway cut. Mr. Frary will also contact Mr. Donato regarding a former subdivision and ownership of property.
As there will be no structures on this lot, site plan is not required.
Motion 66-23: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mr. Vaas to grant sign plan approval to Ryan Frary, 18973 Watertown Center Loop Road, Tax Map #91.05-1-66 as shown on a schematic dated 8/7/23, showing a 97 1/4″ x 72″ sign, conditional upon submission of an updated schematic with detailed measurements of proposed signage for approval.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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A zoning permit will also be needed.
Verizon – Tower/Compound Owner: Crown Atlantic LLC (dba – Crown Castle) – 17668 Old Rices Road – Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2 – Cell Tower Antennas (Cornell & Scorzelli, LLC) – Site Plan/Special Use.
Richard Zajac, on behalf of Crown Castle, representing Verizon, appeared before the Board for a modification of added 9 antennas to the existing cell tower and a placement of a 4′ x 11′ concrete equipment pad at 17668 Old Rices Road, Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2. Discussion followed.
The Board needs an updated narrative, updated plans, and a SEQR for submission to Jefferson County Department of Planning by 8/16/23 for their review.
Motion 67-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. MacAdam to schedule a public hearing for Site Plan/Special Use for Crown Atlantic, LLC/Crown Castle/Verizon Wireless for the addition of nine antennas to the existing cell tower and placement of a 4′ x 11′ concrete equipment pad on property located at 17668 Old Rices Road, Tax Map #90.19-1-3.2 for Monday, September 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., conditional upon receipt of an updated narrative, updated plans, and a SEQR for submission to the Jefferson County Department of Planning by August 16, 2023.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
CWT – Farms International – 20835 Alexander Drive – Tax Map #82.00-2-1.5 – Amendment to Site Plan Approval.
No one was present.
SUBDIVISION & SITE PLAN
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – 22567 Summit Drive – Lot #9 – 3 Lot Subdivision
Jared Dickinson submitted updated plans. Discussion followed.
Motion 68-23: Motion by Mr. MacAdam, seconded by Mr. Boxberger to grant a 3 lot subdivision to Washington Summit Associates, LLC, 22567 Summit Drive, Tax Map #91.05-1-17.251, Lot #9 as shown on plans prepared by Kovach Land Surveying PC. Drawing #22123-2, dated 7/7/23, and a revision date of 7/9/23. Lot 9A will be .73 acres, Lot 9B will be 1.61 acres, and the residual lot Tax Map #91.05-1-17.251) will be .96 acres, conditional upon satisfactory review of lot descriptions.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – 22567 Summit Drive – Lot 9B – Site Plan
Jared Dickinson submitted an elevation drawing. The application fee and a color rendering still needs to be submitted. Discussion followed.
Mr. Boxberger address safety concerns expressed at the public hearing regarding traffic flow issues at Washington Summit.
The roads are Town roads and Mr. Lundy does not have the authority to put up directional signs without the Town’s input.
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The Board recommended that the developer, approach the Town’s Highway Superintendent regarding directional signs. Mr. Dickinson will speak with Mr. Lundy regarding the safety concerns and directional signs.
Proposed signage is on the plan, however, paperwork is not included in the application. Discussion followed.
Mr. Dickinson would like site plan approval tonight. He will submit updated plans without proposed signage and come back at a later date for signage.
Motion 69-23: Motion by Mr. Vaas, seconded by Mr. Smith to grant site plan approval for Washington Summit Associates, LLC, 22567 Summit Drive, Lot #9B for a 6,000 square foot medical facility as shown on plans prepared by Design Build Innovations, Job #055-23-010, dated 7/12/23, Drawing C101 & C102, and an Exterior Elevations Drawing prepared by GYMO Architecture Engineering Land Surveying, Drawing A-201, Project #2023-031, dated 11/3/17, conditional upon receipt of a color rendering, updated plans that do not contain proposed signage, and that the developer approaches the Town’s Highway Superintendent regarding installation of directional signage on Summit Drive and Summit View Boulevard for Town’s approval of said directional signage.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Washington Summit Associates, LLC – Lot #4D – Spec Building – Site Plan
Mr. Dickinson submitted updated plans and a color rendering for a proposed 4,000 square foot Spec Building on Lot #4D in Washington Summit. Discussion followed.
Motion 70-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Boxberger to scheduled a public hearing for site plan of a 4,000 square foot spec building for Washington Summit Associates, LLC on Lot #4D on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
T.I. AG Park – Lot #6 – 20828 Alexander Drive – Re-approval of Original Site Plan.
Jared Dickinson submitted updated plans from a conditionally approved site plan from March 6, 2023 for Lot #6 in the T.I. Ag Park.
Motion 71-23: Motion by Mrs. Desormo, seconded by Mr. Smith to grant a one year extension of site plan approval for T. I. Ag Park, Lot #6, 20828 Alexandria Drive.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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ADMINISTRATIVE DISCUSSION
Mrs. Desormo asked Board members if they think that the Town should notify adjacent property owners by mail of the public hearing for site plan regarding the proposed dog kennels for Cala Morgia as a courtesy. It is not required under site plan. Discussion followed.
Mr. Boxberger stated that the Planning Board should add a simple statement when updating regulations that the Planning Board can require notification of public hearings to adjacent property owners regarding site plan or special use permits.
Motion 72-23: Motion by Mr. MacAdam, seconded Mr. Smith to adjourn the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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Susan Burdick
Court Clerk