Planning Board Minutes: June 26, 2025
Town of Varick New York Regular Meeting at the Varick Town Hall
Board Members: Chair: Linda Mastellar- present
Thomas Bjorkman – present
Seth Brandow – present
Ann Kaminski – present
Cindy Lont – present
Jeff Vest – present
Code Officer: Tim Dorn – present
Guest(s): Nathan Ernest, Kerry Dorn, Ed DeSio, Bob Gillespie, Lee Earp, Patti Earp, Eric Heitz, Val Dorn, Ann Raffetto, Jason Martin, Bob Hayssen
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Call to order: 7:00 pm.
Public Comment: None
Quorum: Verifiedto proceed with business on agenda.
May Minutes Review:
Motion to accept the minutes. 1 – A. Kaminski, 2 – C. Lont Motion Carries
Public Hearing: STR at 5232 Rt. 89, Eric Heitz owner/supervisor. Silent owners will not be involved in the STR process, they are financial partners only.
Motion to open the hearing for Public Comment at 7:10: 1 – S. Brandow, 2 – A. Kaminski
A nearby neighbor expresses annoyance with the number of STRs around him which causes turn around traffic in his driveway from renters trying to find the correct address. Would like better signage.
Motion to close the hearing at 7:25: 1 – T. Bjorkman, 2 – J. Vest
Heitz Short Term Rental Resolution
The Varick Planning Board tables the application of Erik Heitz for 5232 St. Rt. 89 until the following conditions are met:
- Other owners sign the application, but they will not be on the permit.
- A Certificate of Occupancy is issued for 5228 St Rt 89, where the applicant will reside.
- The application amended with a plan for clear signage so guests find the driveway easily when first arriving.
Motion by T. Bjorkman, 2 – J. Vest, Motion approved.
Motion to take the resolution off the table and modify it as shown below: 1 – T. Bjorkman, 2 – S. Brandow
Approve the application conditional until the following being met:
Other owners sign the application, but they will not be on the permit.
A Certificate of Occupancy is issued for 5228 St Rt 89, where the applicant will reside.
The application is amended with a plan for clear signage so guests find the driveway easily. The permit may be issued once these materials are submitted to STR Clerk, Cindy Lont.
Public Hearing: STR at 4736 E. Lake Rd, Lee and Patti Earp owner/supervisors.
Motion to open the hearing for Public Comment at 7:48: 1 – S. Brandow, 2 – T. Bjorkman
Motion to close the hearing at 7: 54: 1 – S. Brandow, 2 – T. Bjorkman
Earp Short Term Rental Resolution
The Varick Planning Board approves issuing an Owner Supervised Short Term Rental Permit to Leland and Patricia Earp to operate a short-term rental at 4736 East Lake Rd. until January 30, 2026.
Motion by T. Bjorkman, 2 – J. Vest Motion approved
Subdivision application submission from Jason Martin.
Martin subdivision.
The Varick Planning Board accepts a subdivision plat for a minor subdivision of parcel 15-1-46.1 at 5578 St Rt 89 of Jason and Delphine Martin.
This action divides a parcel of 17.235 acres to two lots of 16.053 ac and 1.182 ac. Having minimum widths of 486 and 176 ft, respectively.
The board received the application, a survey map, an agricultural data statement, the environmental assessment form, and the fee from the applicant. The Board will submit the complete application to the county planning board for review and schedule a public hearing for July 24, 2025. Varick Planning Board declares itself lead agency for SEQR, classifies this as an unlisted action and makes a negative declaration of environmental impact.
Motion by T. Bjorkman, 2 – J. Vest, Motion approved
Lot Line Move Kaufman to Tiaskkun and Zona tabled
Lot line Move Willower/ Calarco tabled
Ed DeSio property question added to agenda at start of meeting: Can his property be subdivided back to the original 2 lots. Seems to retain two lot numbers in the tax rolls, but receives only one tax invoice.
No action for the Planning Board, but gave recommendations.
Monthly Reports:
Code Officer: Has concerns with STR process that need clarifying.
Facebook: Content to post wanted! 5 posts daily keep the viewing numbers up! Requests Fireworks and Flags. No other action.
STR: No Action.
Website: No Action.
Town Board: Comprehensive Plan: Comprehensive Plan on hold. Public Hearing signage was discussed. No Action
STR Procedure: Clarification needed – to be sure all steps are clearly stated and followed in the process. Small group to review and discuss: C. Lont, T. Dorn, L. Mastellar.
New Business: None
Next meeting will be July 24, 2025 with a reminder that C. Millis is not available.
Adjourned 9:40 pm with a motion by S. Brandow, 2nd – A. Kaminski
Respectfully submitted.
Carol J. Millis, Secretary