The October 21 Planning Board meeting had a very light agenda, in fact the same agenda that was declared light two weeks ago, causing the meeting to be cancelled -- so all that was accomplished by that move - projects were pushed out two weeks.
First up was an updated Site Plan for Randolph School's placement of outdoor lean-tos (used for outdoor learning activities) and a sugar shack used in their maple syrup collection.
The structures are now planned to be fully inside all the set-back requirements (thus no variances required) and clear of the septic system (a request of the Board of Health). A Public Hearing was set for November 4, and in anticipation of no concerns, the Town Planner was directed to prepare a draft of a resolution approving the plan, enabling the board to vote on this project at the November 4 meeting. This project is consistent with the Hudson Valley Greenway compact, that the town signed on to several decades ago (in contrast with the mammoth project which has gutted the Hughsonville Hamlet down the road from Randolph School - one hopes that the Planning Board Members continue to hew to the Greenway precepts).
The other item discussed, not on the agenda, was the Chelsea Farms Subdivision. The owner who is in process of selling the property after delaying starting any development except clear cutting the property, held a bond with the town, to restore the site by planting new trees this fall. Just as the approval for subdividing the property and building homes was about to expire...a new buyer came into the picture. The new buyer is making the case that if he plants trees now... several will just have to be removed as he cuts in a road, foundations etc. -- so is asking for permission to hold off planting until the spring. So as part of the sales transaction for the property, the new buyer will now hold a bond with the town promising restoration of the site -- and the current owner's bond can be released by the town.
The Planning Board agreed to the above plan. (given where we are on the calendar, logistically - planting will only realistically be able to happen in the Spring, and given the dry weather of late, probably the best thing for the trees - hopefully they will be native hardwoods, and not inappropriate pine/fir).
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