March 10, 2004
The monthly meeting between the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board was held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. At the Town of Ulster Highway Garage, 584 East Chester Street, Kingston, N.Y.
Present:
Council Members:
Planner: Planning Member: Zoning Member: Sewer Superintendent: Assessor: Building Inspector:
Robert VanKleeck Joel Brink Barbara Wise Daniel Shuster George Lucente Nelson White
Cory Halwick Jim Maloney Martin Petersen
Courtyard by Marrtiott -
The attending Council members expressed their concerns regarding the single entrance/exit for the proposed Courtyard by Marriott site plan.
The entrance as proposed will be off the short access road which already is heavily traveled. Several members suggested a second exit! entrance to the rear of the site to alleviate some of the congestion. Mr. Shuster stated that the existing signal light at the intersection of Sottile Blvd. and the access road has a phase for a left hand turn that is not being utilized. The intersection should be able to clear out by utilizing the left hand turn, particularly by the amount of traffic generated from the hotel. Mr. Shuster suggested the Board request that the applicant have the existing signal be reprogrammed so the left turn phase is activated. This would provide relief regardless of any new proposals. The Town board has the authority to approve the site'plan with modifications and/or conditions as necessary. Several members stated that they would prefer seeing a second entrance/exit in addition to the traffic light upgraded.
Road Improvement Project Fee
- Mr. Shuster clarified that the Road Improvement Project fee was established by square footage for the Target expansion and subsequent mall expansion up to 400,00 square feet.
Barnes & Noble
- Discussion is for application of a second variance for the Barnes & Noble wall sign. The Town Code allows 100 square feet. A variance was approved by the ZBA for an additional 92 feet. Their sign application shows a 308 square foot wall sign. This will require a second variance for an additional 116 feet. The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the sign variances as requested by the applicant as follows:
Barnes & Nobel Book Store Applebee's Restaurant
- 92 square feet variance
- 8 square feet for southern wall sign
- Variance to permit two additional wall signs
- Variance to permit Applebee's to erect a monument sign
- Variance of 1 foot 1.5 inches to permit a 9 feet 1.5 inch high monument sign
Panera Bread Talbot's Unidentified Tenants
- Variance for two additional wall signs
- Variance for additional wall sign
- Variance permitting future tenants to use ration of 2 square feet for every lineal feet of wall space.
Bed Bath & Beyond
- Variance to permit 256 square feet wall sign (161 square feet variance)
There was much discussion concerning the facade of the new building. Each store will have its' own logo and colors. The accumulation of various signs on the facade creates a concern for the visual affects. It was suggested that the Planning Board have the authority to review wall signs specifically for design, colors and lighting prior to site plan approval.
Mr. Shuster agreed to draft an amendment to the sign ordinance that will provide more flexibility in terms of size of signs in exchange for which the Planning Board will have more authority to review the design.
Mr. Lucente expressed the need of an updated master plan for the Town.
It was suggested by Mr. Shuster that together the Boards develop a scope of work for what would be best for the town. Based on the scope the Town could, get proposals of the cost to achieve the plan.
The Boards agreed to consider what area they would like to begin with and what development detail should be indicated in the preliminary scope.
With all items having been addressed the meeting adjourned.
