Planning Board Minutes
May 18, 2021
6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: David Paterniti – Chairman
James Butler
Janet Briggs
Linda Anderson
Robert Whitman
Diane VanDewark
PRESENT: Attorney Joel Seachrist, Dennis Ryan, ECOsponsible Manager, and Denny Ryan; Eric Nedreberg and Greg Edwards joined the meeting via telephone.
Chairman David Paterniti called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Dave Paterniti noted on April 28, 2021 the Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special use permit for a camp on property owned by Eric Nedreberg, located on Lawson Road, Jamestown, New York and known as Section 435.00, Block 2, Lot 27 of the official tax map of the Town of Busti. Property is in the Conservation/Agricultural District. The special use permit final approval is contingent that the Town of Busti Planning Board review and approve the said site plan. Mr. Nedreberg was present via teleconference and discussed the purpose of the camp. He explained that he has decided to eliminate the proposed covered picnic area and extend the cabin to the area that had been designated for the picnic area which would make the cabin dimensions 24’ x 16’.
After review of the site plan, Jim Butler motioned to approve the application and site plan for a camp at the said site location on Lawson Road. Motion was seconded by Bob Whitman.
All in favor, carried.
Chairman Paterniti noted the Town of Busti Town Board had received an application for a Special Use Permit from ECOsponsible, 120 Mitchell Rd., East Aurora, New York 14052, to construct a Large-Scale Solar System located at 4542 Baker Street Extension. Property is owned by STB Beverages, Inc., 2072 Stoneman Circle, Lakewood, NY and known as Section 401.00, Block 2, Lot 11.1 of the official tax map of the Town of Busti. Property is in the Conservation Agricultural District (CA). The Town Board has referred the application to the Planning Board for a site plan review. Mr. Paterniti explained the roll of the Planning Board is to look at the application and the area of the project, verify the use is allowed according to the town’s Zoning Code, and evaluate the visual effect for the surrounding area.
Mr. Ryan introduced himself and shared some background on ECOsponsible. He noted he believes there are three main benefits to the proposed solar project;
- Economic Based – the project has the potential to create 168 indirect/direct jobs
- Environmental Aspect – the proposed project will be located on lots totaling 107 acres of which 44 acres will be used for the arrays. The remaining 63 acres will have trees that will offset carbon.
- Positive Impact – the project will have a positive impact on two key employers in the Town of Busti.
The arrays will be located with a setback of 75-100 feet of road frontage which will include trees along the roadside, which should block them from the road traffic.
Attorney Joel Seachrist noted the town has received another application for a Large-Scale Solar System located in another area of the town; the town board has hired Wendel Engineering to assist with the site plan review and the application process. Attorney Seachrist is recommending that the town do the same with this application. The town board can approve an agreement proposal from Wendel Engineering at their June 7, 2021 meeting as well as designate the Town of Busti as the lead agency with the SEQR process.
Bob Whitman inquired if there was or will be an analysis of the impact on the watershed. Attorney Seachrist stated the engineers will do a stormwater runoff analysis.
Greg Edwards introduced himself and stated his has interest due to the two large companies being impacted by the project.
There was further discussion regarding the project which included a small sub-station, a decommission plan, and a host community project.
Mr. Ryan did note that the project would use a ballasted foundation which does not disturb the soil and is easier as well as cheaper for removal.
Chairman Paterniti stated there was more work for the Planning Board to do before making a final decision. He asked the board to send him any questions they may have, he will forward the questions to Attorney Seachrist, who will forward them to the engineer. The Board will plan another meeting and notify ECOsponsible of the date and time.
Jim Butler moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:43 p.m.; duly moved by Linda Anderson.
Respectfully given,
_____________________
Darlene H. Nygren
Town Clerk