PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 15, 2017
Chair Jeffery Grotsky called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commission members David Bowering, Morgan Ellis, Rob Fordi and Paul Showalter, Kees de Mooy, Zoning Administrator, Jennifer Mulligan, Town Clerk and guests.
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Mr. Grotsky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of October 18, 2017. Mr. Showalter moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT – 827 & 829 HIGH STREET
Mr. Buck Nickerson of Extreme Measures Land Surveyors and Mr. Andrew Gillespie (landowner) were present for the application. Mr. Nickerson stated that Mr. Gillespie owns both properties. He said that a residence is on one lot and a former take-out restaurant is on the other lot (former Herb’s Soup & Such). Mr. Nickerson stated that the current property line runs into the restaurant building and creates a vacant parcel off to the side. Mr. Nickerson stated that the owner would like to move the lot line to the edge of the residential driveway so the restaurant building has a separate parcel of land. The new lot would include the parking area on the east side of the property, and the storage shed and propane tank located between the restaurant and Rail Trail.
Mr. de Mooy stated that he understood that the former owner owned both the restaurant and residence and the lot line was running through the corner of the restaurant when he bought the two properties. He said that to date, both buildings had always been sold together.
Mr. Nickerson stated that everything on the lots would remain as is; they just wanted to clean up the property lines.
Ms. Ellis asked for clarification of the right-of-way showing on the plans. Mr. Nickerson stated that an oil company used to be located on the other side of the railway and the owners of the oil company also owned the properties being discussed. When they sold it they provided themselves an easement for ingress and egress. Mr. Fordi asked who owned the easement to the right-of-way currently. Mr. Nickerson stated that Mr. Gillespie is the owner.
Mr. de Mooy stated that the removal of this property line resolves what would otherwise be an encroachment of the restaurant’s grease trap on the other lot.
Mr. Showalter asked if there were any plans for the land. Mr. Gillespie stated that he was going to sell the properties separately but was in negotiations with someone interested in the restaurant.
Mr. Showalter asked the status of the grease trap. Mr. Gillespie stated that the restaurant has been vacant for some time but the grease trap appeared to be in new condition.
Mr. Fordi asked if there would be a way to access the propane tank from the road. Mr. Nickerson stated that the propane tank was approximately 80’ from the road and the intention was to park the truck on the road and pull the line to the tank.
Mr. Nickerson stated that the right-of-way was vague, indicating “for ingress and egress” but not for what. He said that the oil company is no longer in the area and it is really an easement to nowhere. Mr. de Mooy stated that the right-of-way would convey with the restaurant property and the owner may wish to use it for outdoor seating.
Mr. de Mooy stated that he thought stormwater mitigation would be required on the properties and he would like to see the propane tank relocated or buried.
Mr. Fordi moved to approve the lot line adjustment for 827 & 829 High Street as presented, was seconded by Ms. Ellis and carried unanimously.
There being no further business, Mr. Bowering moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Showalter and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Jeffrey Grotsky
Stenographer Chair