Draft Copy PB Minutes 5/23/13
Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm. All present except Linda M and Bill
S. A motion to approve the 4/25/13 minutes was made by Hersey S, seconded by
Tom B and approved.
S. A motion to approve the 4/25/13 minutes was made by Hersey S, seconded by
Tom B and approved.
Todd mentioned being contacted by Marianne (sp) Kawolski about any
records we might have concerning NE Freight. She was concerned about their
piece in a local paper concerning the type of business they are trying to
attract in the area which seemed like advertising to her. However, we do not
have any documentation that would be helpful to her.
records we might have concerning NE Freight. She was concerned about their
piece in a local paper concerning the type of business they are trying to
attract in the area which seemed like advertising to her. However, we do not
have any documentation that would be helpful to her.
Todd discussed a meeting he had with Steve Absalom that brought another
perspective to the table concerning rezoning of the Depot. He feels that we may
be making a decision that may be perceived as
biased toward NE Freight and the railroad. This led Todd to believe we
might be wiser to rezone the whole depot area at one time and be sure we stay
in the parameter of supporting conservation. The rest of our meeting was
basically submitting ideas of what we need to do with this new approach to
zoning the area.
perspective to the table concerning rezoning of the Depot. He feels that we may
be making a decision that may be perceived as
biased toward NE Freight and the railroad. This led Todd to believe we
might be wiser to rezone the whole depot area at one time and be sure we stay
in the parameter of supporting conservation. The rest of our meeting was
basically submitting ideas of what we need to do with this new approach to
zoning the area.
Hershey suggested that we open up the depot to hunting through regular
permits and let the DEC oversee the fenced areas of the depot. But it is
unlikely that they have the funds or staff to undertake such an operation.
permits and let the DEC oversee the fenced areas of the depot. But it is
unlikely that they have the funds or staff to undertake such an operation.
Mr. Absalom informed Todd that the entire depot was under a superfund
with some areas that could be released from the fund. A section in the NW
corner where ammo was exploded may never be released or available for any kind
of zoning. Another area in the SE corner is under dispute. It was agreed that
Steve’s knowledge of the depot area would be a big help to us in trying to
rezone it. We are going to invite him to a PB meeting in the near future.
with some areas that could be released from the fund. A section in the NW
corner where ammo was exploded may never be released or available for any kind
of zoning. Another area in the SE corner is under dispute. It was agreed that
Steve’s knowledge of the depot area would be a big help to us in trying to
rezone it. We are going to invite him to a PB meeting in the near future.
A map produced by Seneca White Deer showed how the depot might be used
for totally conservation uses. Some suggested activity areas included a hotel
and conference center, camping facilities, horse trail, etc. If money was no
object, something like this might be feasible. Some of the projected ideas
could fit into a comprehensive plan of management.
for totally conservation uses. Some suggested activity areas included a hotel
and conference center, camping facilities, horse trail, etc. If money was no
object, something like this might be feasible. Some of the projected ideas
could fit into a comprehensive plan of management.
Mr. Abraham also mentioned professional reports have been devised that
offer a business master plan for the depot. Todd is going to email these to PB
members.
offer a business master plan for the depot. Todd is going to email these to PB
members.
In order to help us revise our strategy we are going to contact Bruce
Habberfield again and try to take a rail ride around the depot. We also will
contact Dennis Money with Seneca White Deer to talk more about their ideas.
Habberfield again and try to take a rail ride around the depot. We also will
contact Dennis Money with Seneca White Deer to talk more about their ideas.
Larry Colton stopped in to ask information about dock zoning on the
lake. We confirmed that Varick has zoning jurisdiction over the lake as well as
the land. Larry said that some dock contractors were not aware of that. He does
have authority to issue stop work orders if an unpermitted dock is being built.
lake. We confirmed that Varick has zoning jurisdiction over the lake as well as
the land. Larry said that some dock contractors were not aware of that. He does
have authority to issue stop work orders if an unpermitted dock is being built.
A motion to adjourn was made by Tom and seconded by Dave. Meeting
adjourned at 8:35. Our next meeting will be June 27
adjourned at 8:35. Our next meeting will be June 27
Respectfully submitted,
Barry Somerville, secretary