Planning Board - Regular Meeting

It's kind of old. Oh, okay. Okay, yeah, I see that.

I think there was a lot of, like, historical stuff.

I usually leave it in my car. I guess it's a travel plan. What do you want to do to make the best of it? I can find something to sign it. Yeah. I mean, they have the truck. I don't know. Take it down.

I mean, they say it in the monument. Andrew's driving a black car. Yeah, the black-ish car. Here you go, of course.

So you don't move it.

And then you just back it to the bank.

Oh. And the bar counter. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

I guess she's been showing art down in New York City.

Yes.

She just drove an hour and a half in both directions. Did you know about links?

Yes. I've got a All right, you ready? All good.

We're all good?

Okay.

All right. I think we're all clear and we're all set on the system?

Yep, we're all set.

Okay. Welcome, everyone, to the Town of Rensselaerville Planning Board meeting for August 20th, 2026. I'd like to start off the meeting by reciting the pledge.

All right.

of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, for the nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Okay, on tonight's agenda, we've got the approval of the August 6th minutes, Virginia Carter Minor Subdivision, and the Reinhart-Agrasso Minor Subdivision. So in front of us is the meeting minutes, so I'll give you a chance Take a look at it. All right, does everyone look complete? Okay, I'll accept a motion to approve the meeting minutes for August 6th, 2026. I'll make the motion. Motion by Anna.

Second.

Second by Dominic. All in favor? Aye. Opposed, none. Motion carried. Next on the agenda is the Virginia Carter Minor Subdivision. So welcome. So you're here today. If you want to give us just a little brief overview of what you're doing. Or either case. How are you doing, Jody? You're Jody? Okay, I'm Brad.

Okay. What we're doing is here's a... 75 different parcels. We're looking to subdivide them into two parcels. Lot number one is going to be around 58 acres. It shows on the plan. Lot number two is 16 acres. There's currently a plan to improve lot two, which shows on the plan. We showed an approximate house envelope. There was a perp test done. I don't have the letter, but I can get a copy if you need it. lot one main lobby now there's no immediate plan for any type of development on it at all so we did not have a purpose or anything done because it's a large lot and there's no plans to develop it for any reason okay it's kind of the overview of what we're looking to do okay and we had asked you some questions we emailed some questions so i'm going to read them into the record basically what you had just stated so one the proposed locations of well septic house driveway

And you put approximate locations of proposed driveway and structures have been added to the plan, which we can see on the map now. They will be subject to the plan once somebody is approved and the actual home is laid out. So we just, you know, it can change. It's just, we would like something on there to start with. Okay. We also had a question about the road frontage because it is required 300 feet. Lot number one has a combined 874 plus or minus off-road frontage along Bryan Road. 635 feet on the south end of the additional 239 on the northwesterly section. Lot two has 1149 of road frontage along Bryan Road. The RC zoning for this parcel requires a minimum of 300 feet. Both lots exceed that requirement. So thank you. And then just to do a stated confirmation that there are no existing dwellings on the other parcel, A note was added to the plan stating that there were no structures or improvements observed at the time of the survey. So just wanted to put that in there because it was the questions that we had for you. So we can take a look at the map. What I'll do, the board is looking at the map as I'll read off the requirements. So this is number one, the name of owners of all adjoining properties, owners as disclosed by the most recent municipal tax records. the tax map sheet, block and lot numbers, scale, north arrow and total acreage involved, the location and boundaries of proposed subdivision in relation to municipal boundaries, if any, within 500 feet of the property, contour lines with intervals of no more than 20 feet, proposed layouts of lots, including the approximate dimensions and area of lots and the proposed layouts of streets, Location and identification of existing streets, significant natural features, for example, water bodies, steep slopes, wetlands, greater than 15%, prime fine land soils, soils of statewide importance, significance of single trees or significant stands of trees or wooded areas, as well as any historical resources or designated historical structures, sites or districts. Existing permanent buildings, structures and utilities, if any, all existing restrictions on land use in question, including easements, covenants, and current zoning classifications, a description of the proposed street layout, recreational areas, systems of drainage, sewage, and water supply within the subdivided area, a description of building types and approximate locations within a building envelope, locations and designations of zoning districts and overlay districts that propane to any parcel, such other features as the applicant may deem pertinent. So, as we had a chance to look at the map, say with the Board, say anything that's missing.

Just because you read it off and I hadn't thought about it before, a north indicator. Yep. So that's labeled as a sense north. Thank you.

And thank you. We saw you just did the payment for it too. That was one of the things that we're missing. So the application has been paid for. Okay, does the board see anything missing or are we ready to move on to the environmental? The secret form?

Okay.

Thank you. I MISSED AN ACTION FOR THE SEEKER.

YEAH, YOU'VE CLASSIFIED IT NOW. OKAY.

SO I'LL NOW ACCEPT A MOTION THAT IT BE CLASSIFIED AS UNLISTED ACTION.

MOTION.

MOTION BY DOMINICK.

SECOND.

SECOND BY CAROL. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. OPPOSED NONE. MOTION CARRIED. OKAY. SO NOW WE WILL GO THROUGH THE SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORM FILLED OUT BY THE APPLICANT. I WILL READ THROUGH THIS AS WELL. Does the proposed action only involve the legislation adoption of plan, local law ordinance, administrative rule or regulation? No. Does the proposed action require permit, approval or funding from any other government agency? No. Total acreage of the proposed action, it's 75.446 acres. Check all land uses that occur on and adjoining near proposed action. RURAL NOG AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND FOREST, ALL CHECKED. IS THE PROPOSED ACTION PERMITTED UNDER THE CURRENT ZONING REGULATIONS? YES. CONSISTENT WITH AN ADOPTED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN? YES. IS THE PROPOSED ACTION CONSISTENT WITH THE PARAMETER CHARACTER OF THE EXISTING BUILD OR NATURAL LANDSCAPE?

YES.

IS THE SITE PROPOSED ACTION LOCATED IN OR DOES IT ADJOIN a state listed critical environmental area? No. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? No. Are public transportation services available at or near the proposed action? No. Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near the site proposed action? No. Does the proposed action meet or exceed energy state requirements? You have, yes, checked on here, but.

And it should be, because it has to. Yes. Okay. Just want to make clear on that. It was a tricky question.

Yeah. Well, that's why it was. Yeah.

Yeah.

Will the proposed action connect to an existing public water supply? No. Will the proposed action connect to an existing wastewater utilities? No. And there's going to be a septic and well on site. Does the project site contain, or is it substantially contiguous to a building, archaeological site, or district which is located on the national or state register of historic places, or that has been determined by the commissioner of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for the listing state register or historic places? No. Is the project site or any portion of it located in adjacent to an area designated for sensitive archeological sites on the New York State Historic Preservation Office Chippewa archeological site inventory? No. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action or land adjoining the proposed action contain wetlands or other water bodies regulated by federal, state, or local agency? No. Will the proposed action physically alter or encroach into any existing wetlands or water bodies? Identify the typical habitat that occurs on or likely to be found on the project site. So forest and agricultural grasslands were checked. Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animals or associated habitats listed by state or federal government as threatened or endangered? No. Is the project site located in the 100-year floodplain? No. Will the proposed action create stormwater discharge either from point or non-point resources? No. Will stormwater discharge flow to adjacent properties? No. Will stormwater discharges be directed to an established covenant system runoff for storm drains?

No.

Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that would result in the impoundment of water or other liquids? No. Has the site of the proposed action or adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid waste management facility? No. Has the site of the proposed action or adjoining property been the subject of remediation, ongoing, completed, or hazardous waste? No. So signed off and dated August 14th. So now we can do part two. No, let's see here. So now you read the, Criteria?

Sure, I'll read the criteria. I'll assume no or small impact will occur. If anyone feels differently, feel free to stop. Will the action create a material conflict within the adopted land use plan or zoning regulation? Will the action result in change in the use or intensity of use of land? Will the action impair the character or quality of the existing community? Will the action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that cause the establishment of a critical environmental area? Will the action result in adverse change in the existing level of traffic or affect existing infrastructure for mass transit, biking or walkway? Will the action cause an increase in the use of energy and fails to incorporate reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities? Will the action impact existing public or private water supplies or public or private wastewater treatment utilities? Will the action impair the character or quality of important historic, archaeological, architectural or aesthetic resources? Will the action result in adverse change to natural resources? Will the action result in increase in the potential for erosion, flooding or drainage problems? Will the action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health? And here are two new ones adopted two months ago. Is the potentially affected disadvantaged community identified as having a comparatively higher burden or vulnerability than the disadvantaged communities as identified on the disadvantaged communities assessment tool? So for everyone's benefit, that's a new, regulation that was adopted. And that was not part of the underlying, the disadvantaged communities did not get triggered on your underlying application. So this would be now some new mapping tool that's still being worked out. Okay. And then the next one, will the proposed action cause an increase in pollution burden within a disadvantaged community, not within a disadvantaged community. So no increased pollution burden. So just for everyone's reference, two new points to read. So long as everyone's in agreement with that, we check no or small impact for all of these. So it would be appropriate to accept a negative determination of significance under seeker.

Okay. I will now accept a motion that for a reason stated the notice of determination of significance as a negative declaration to be made.

I'll make a motion.

Motion by Anna.

Second.

Second by Dorothea. All in favor? Aye. Opposed, none. Motion carried. Okay. Did we come to an agreement on referring it to Albany County, being that it was on the Hike Preserve?

So that does trigger it.

Okay. So this will need to go to Albany County. So we can send it off to them. YOU SAID THE NEXT MEETING.

I'M IN THE PROCESS OF WRITING IT ALL OUT, SO I'M GOING TO E-MAIL IT TO ALBANY COUNTY. YOU CAN'T DO THAT NOW. OKAY. BUT THE MEETING IS SEPTEMBER 17TH. OKAY.

THE ALBANY COUNTY MEETING?

YEAH. SO WE MAY, DEPENDING ON IF WE DO A PUBLIC HEARING, WE MAY ASK BOTH people to call them maybe to see if we can get an answer that night okay that way at least we could just keep going forward yeah i can give you all the information and how to do that is there any i haven't had to do that before deferring the accounting is there any action on our court or do you just submit the plans we already have now we just transfer whatever you gave us and they

OPINE ON IT ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, TYPICALLY DEFER TO LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS, ESPECIALLY TO WHAT, SUBDIVISION?

DO THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE SLOPE OF THE LAND IN RELATION TO THE SURROUNDING LAND?

THEY'RE REALLY LOOKING AT THE COUNTYWIDE IMPACT. AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT COUNTYWIDE IMPACT THIS SUBDIVISION COULD HAVE THROUGHOUT ALBANY COUNTY. WHICH IS GOOD FOR YOU.

Yeah. But I mean, if you just see, you know, if you just see the perimeter designation for the subdivision and the original lot, I'm not sure that's enough information. So do they have their own resources to look at a topographical map to understand?

They do, if they want to. I don't know how they do things exactly.

Yeah.

um so very first public hearing okay so uh we can schedule a public hearing we'll make a motion for it um you're going to post notice and you're going to send certified mailers to all the butters around the property to give them a chance to come back and basically hear what you're doing you'll bring back the receipts with you and you can give them to claire when i will give you the water yeah we'll supply you with it and explore

So really you just had them going down to the post office and everything's back.

And what if I don't get a response from some of the abutters? That's fine.

As long as you did your part, you just do your part. Yes. And then whatever they do.

And I know I've been a recipient of notices.

All right. And is the 17th, are you comfortable with doing it that day with Albany County? Do you want to wait to the next meeting? It's up to you. I would defer to you folks.

I mean, I think it's fine to do that.

If we do all the scheduling and then we can't get an answer from any county or something, does that mean we have to approve it? We just might not be able to approve it.

Approve it that night, yeah. But we can still go through with it.

But everything else could still happen. We just have to make sure it didn't happen.

I agree. Yeah. It would then just be waiting on their final decision and based on the information we've had at the hearing.

Yeah, so like the earliest would be September 17th, and then the latest would be October 1st. And we'd love to do September 1st. Or I'm sorry, not October, what are we, the second? First and third. Oh yeah, October 1st, so.

Okay. All right, then I will now accept a motion to schedule a public hearing for the Virginia Carter subdivision, September 17th, 2026. Make a motion. Motion by Carol.

Second.

Second by Dorothea. All in favor? I OPPOSE NONE, MOTION CARRIED. SO YOU'RE WELCOME. SO NOW WE'LL GET TO THE LIST AND YOU CAN MAIL THEM OUT AND BRING THEM BACK. OKAY, GOOD. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? I DON'T BELIEVE SO.

I'LL JUST WAIT AFTER I GET CONFIRMATION FROM SENATE AND COUNTY, I'LL WAIT A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY'LL DO ANYTHING PRIOR TO THE MEETING OR IF THEY CAN TAKE A QUESTION. NO, PROBABLY NOT.

I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEETING IS AND ALL AND YOU CAN AT LEAST TRY TO CALL. WE'RE ALSO GOING TO ASK THEM, YOU KNOW, SEND US AN E-MAIL AS SOON AS YOU KNOW WE HAVE A MEETING TONIGHT TOO. THEY'RE NORMALLY VERY GOOD ABOUT IT. SOMEBODY DOES NORMALLY SEND IT AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL GET IT SO WE CAN JUST CARRY ON.

Yeah. All right, you're welcome. All right. So the next agenda item is the Reinhart DeGrasso Minor Subdivision. So if you want to give us an overview.

Do you need any instruments of the subdivision? We only have two. Do you need copies?

We can share.

We brought a couple here. Can I grab yours?

What is on the, it's not on the application here what the zoning is. It's ARR1. Is that what's on the?

Yeah, residential.

You need to put it on the map. No, it's not on the app. I just want to, it's not on the application. So I didn't have a map yet. And I see that you've already paid for it. I just need you to have him sign the application tonight. Oh, sure, yes.

It's 20th, right? 20th, 20th, yeah.

Okay, we got the application seeker.

I think we just have to update the anchorage on it.

What was it on the map?

Identify zoning district.

What is the verbiage on that? ARR, I think they said.

ARR, okay. And what are the two streets? We've got Dean and Kelly. What is it?

We've got Dean and Kelly.

And Kelly? K-E-L-L-I-E. Okay, so you just want to give us a brief view of what you're... Yeah, subdividing it into two parcels in our future home in the seven acre lot.

Okay. We already did a per test.

There's suitable soil on the property, but it does need to buck ground system.

Okay. Is there proposed where the locations are in the map? Yes. I'm not looking at it. So how is everyone? I can read through, I'll read through the criteria again.

Yeah.

Yeah, I don't know. Do you have a, do we need, one of the things is contour lines on the entire map.

Oh, okay.

So if you want to, I don't know if you want to make a note or we can, we can follow up with you. Some of the things that are missing on it, that being one of them there.

They're usually 20 foot.

Yeah. Yeah.

LOCATIONS OF YOUR PROPOSED SECTOR DRIVEWAY.

IS THERE AN EXISTING HOUSE ON EITHER PARCEL?

YES, ON THE OTHER PARCEL. AND ACTUALLY, WE'RE TAKING DOWN THE HOUSE AND PUTTING UP A NEW ONE, AS WE SPEAK. WE'VE GOT A BUILDING PERMIT FOR THAT OTHER, AROUND THAT 43 ACRES. IT WAS A DOUBLE-WIDE TRAILER, AND WE'RE PUTTING UP A SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE NOW. OKAY.

So we would, so when he's updating the map? Yes. Put that on there also? It should be on there.

The existing house is on there. I'm sorry.

I know it's all staying in the same place, everything? It's right next to where we're building the other house.

It depends on the part. Okay. And we're using the existing well instead. Okay.

Okay.

So is the Board comfortable moving forward with getting updates on the map? Okay. So I'll just go ahead and for the record again, I'll read what is required on the map. The name of the owners of all adjoining property owners as disclosed by the most recent municipal tax record. tax map sheet, block and lot numbers, scale, north arrow and total acreage involved, the locations and boundaries of the proposed subdivision in relation to municipal boundaries, if any, within 500 feet of the property, contour lines with intervals of no more than 20 feet, proposed layout of lots, including the approximate dimensions and area of lots and the proposed layouts of streets, location and identification of existing streets and significant natural features, for example, water bodies, steep slopes, wetlands, slopes greater than 15%, prime farmland soils, soils of statewide importance, significant of single trees or significant stands of trees or wooded areas, as well as any historical resources or designated historical structures, sites, or districts, existing permanent buildings or structures and utilities of any, All existing restrictions on use of the land in question, including easements, covenants, and current zoning law classifications. A description of proposed street layouts, recreational areas, and systems of drainage, sewage, and water supply within the subdivided area. A description of building types and approximate locations within a building envelope. Location and designation of zoning districts and any overlay districts that pertain to a parcel. SUCH OTHER FEATURES THE APPLICANT MAY DEEM PERTINENT. ANYWAY, HE SAID THAT YOU HAD DONE A PER TEST ON IT. ALL RIGHT. SO WE CAN PLACIFY AN UNLISTED ACTION? I'LL NOW ACCEPT A MOTION THAT THIS ACTION BE LISTED AS UNLISTED ACTION.

I MAKE A MOTION. OKAY. SECOND.

Motion by Anna, second by Carol. All in favor? Aye. Opposed, none. Motion carried. Okay, so now we can do, we'll read through Seeker. Okay, so this is the short environmental assessment form. Okay, does the proposed action only involve the legislative adoption of a plan, local law, ordinance, administrative rule or regulation? No. Does proposed action require a permit, approval or funding from any other government agency? No. Total acres of the site being proposed action, 43.3 and then 7.062 acres. Check all land uses that occur on and are adjoining or near the proposed action, residential, rural and agriculture are checked. Is the proposed action permitted under zoning regulations? Yes. Consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan? Yes. Is the proposed action consistent with the prominent character of the existing builder natural landscape? Yes. Is the site of the proposed action located in or does it adjoin a state listed critical environmental area? No. Will the proposed action result in a substantial increase in traffic above present levels? No. Are public transportation services available at or near the site of the proposed action?

No.

Are any pedestrian accommodations or bicycle routes available on or near the site of the proposed action? No. Does the proposed action meet or exceed the state energy code requirements? Yes. Will the proposed action connect to an existing private water supply, public supply? No. Will the action connect to an existing lease water utilities? No. Archaeological site or district, which is listed on the national historic places, whether it has been determined by the commissioner of the New York state office in parks, recreation, Historic preservation to be eligible for listing on the state register of historic homes? No. Is the project site or any portion of it located in or adjacent to in a designated area sensitive to archaeological sites in the New York State Historic Preservation Office site inventory? No. Does any portion of the site of the proposed action or land adjoining the proposed action contain wetlands or other water bodies regulated by federal or state or local agency? No. Would the proposed action physically alter or encroach into any existing wetlands or water body? No. Identify the typical habitat that occurs on or likely to be found on the projected site. Let's check all the supplies, so forest and grasslands. Does the site of the proposed action contain any species of animal or associated habitats listed by the state or federal government as threatened or endangered? No. Is the project site located in the 100-year floodplain? No. Will the proposed action create stormwater discharge either from point or non-point sources? No. Will the stormwater discharge flow to adjacent properties? No. Will the stormwater discharge be directed to established covenant systems? No. Does the proposed action include construction or other activities that would result in impoundment of water or other liquids? No. Has the site of the proposed action or adjoining property been the location of an active or closed solid ongoing or completed for hazardous waste? No. So signed and dated by the applicant on 8-13-26.

So I could go through part two again now if we want to. All right, so same format, I'll assume no or small impact. If you feel otherwise, stop me. Will the action create a material conflict within the adopted land use plan or zoning regulation? Will the action result in change in the use or intensity of use of land? Will the action impair the character or quality of the existing community? Will the action have an impact on the environmental characteristics that cause the establishment of critical environmental area? Will the action result in adverse change in the existing level of traffic or affect existing infrastructure, mass transit, biking or walkway? Will the action cause an increase in the use of energy and fails to incorporate reasonably available energy conservation or renewable energy opportunities? Will the action impact existing public or private water supplies or public or private wastewater treatment utilities? Will the action impair the character or quality of important historic, archaeological, architectural or aesthetic resources? Will the action result in adverse change to natural resources? Will the action result in increase in the potential for erosion, flooding or drainage problems? Will the action create a hazard to environmental resources or human health? Is the potentially affected disadvantaged community identified as having comparatively higher burdens or vulnerabilities? Again, that's the new question and it's answered no. That didn't check. I don't expect that will ever be checked out here just due to our proximity. And lastly, will the action create or cause an increase cause for increase of pollution burden within a disadvantaged community. Again, that's no. So hearing no objection, we put no or small impact may occur for all those. So accordingly you could accept a motion to issue a negative determination of significance. Okay.

I will now accept a motion that for the reason stated in the notice of determination of significance, a negative declaration be made. Motion. Motion by Dominic.

Second.

Second by Anna. All in favor? Aye. Opposed, none. Motion carried. So this will have to go to Albany County as well because it's on 358. Okay.

But do we need the updated mapping?

Yeah, we probably can it go to the county with the current map?

It's best to refer it with what's there now and then it can also always be supplemented just as a way to keep it moving.

Should there be notes on there, what we noticed, so that they know that we didn't overlook it?

You can just put that the updated map will be forthcoming on that referral section. Okay.

Okay. Is the Board comfortable scheduling a public hearing? Yes. Okay. So I'll now accept a motion to schedule a public hearing for the Del Grasso-Reinhart MINOR SUBDIVISION ON SEPTEMBER 17th, 2026. MOTION BY CAROL.

SECOND.

SECOND BY DOROTHYIA. ALL IN FAVOR, AYE. OPPOSED, NONE. MOTION CARRIED.

OKAY. DO WE HAVE TO CONTACT THE ADJACENT LAND LOOMS?

YES, I WILL GET YOU A LIST AND HELP YOU WORK THROUGH IT IF YOU NEED HELP. SOUNDS GOOD. NEXT WEEK SOMETIME?

or next Thursday or whatever's good for you.

Okay. It might be a little later than that. Or you can text me. Right. Yeah. Do you have any email or no?

I do, but I get so much garbage in it.

All right. I will text you and you can come pick it up.

Great. Okay. Any other questions for us? Nope. I guess that's it. Just contours on the map. We're all set. Great, thanks a lot.

All right, you're welcome.

Thank you. By the way, this was Tom Del Rosso.

I will now accept a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion by Dominic, second by Carol. All in favor, aye. Opposed, none. Motion carried.