Planning Board Meeting 3/19/2025

TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

MARCH 19, 2025

Present:  Chairman: Wayne Howell; Board Members: John Richichi, Jeff Boyd, Jeanne Zoll, Chris Ruckdeschel;  Alternate: Mary Beth Horzepa; Planning Board Attorney: Alex Smith; Planning Board Engineer: Jason Pitingaro, P.E.; Town Board Liaison: Amanda Davis; Building Inspector: Julie Muscial.

Absent: Brian Cutler & David Cantor

Meeting called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance led by the Chairman.

Motion made by C. Ruckdeschel to accept the minutes of February 2025; second by J. Richichi.  All in favor; no opposed.

No correspondence.

                        Antona 3 Lot Subdivision – Tax Map Section 14; Block 1; Lot 44.31 in the RA Zone.  Property consists of approximately 34.79 acres.

            Present:  Scott Buchholz, Project Manager

Scott presented updates to the plan with some board members concerned that this may be like a “creeping subdivision” with the larger portion of land not being “developed or not showing it being developed”.  Counselor Smith responded that the doesn’t see this as a “creeping subdivision” as they would have to come back to this Board and show a very good reason to change anything.  There is a large lot that they are currently leaving undeveloped if they would like to build but the Board would have complete discretion and they would have to have a very good reason. Sketch plan was approved and  Jason presented comments; had no objection to approving the sketch plan.  Motion made by J. Boyd to schedule this applicant for a public hearing for May 21; second by J. Zoll all in favor; no opposed.  Motion made by C. Ruckdeschel to approve the sketch plan; second by J. Boyd.  All in favor. Scott will provide Jason with updated maps and clean up any outstanding comments.

The 239 review from the County came back stating local determination.

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            Mongaup  River Solar LLC (OYA Solar) Tax Map Section – Tax Map Section 1; Block 1; Lot 127 in the RES-1 Zone; Property located at 194 Pine Grove Road; Lane Meadow Farm LLC. – Mr. Stellingwerf

            Present:  Mr. David Gallo

The representative stated that this will be  a2.1 megawatt facility on approximately 16 acres and they will be part of the NY Solar Program.  They will be applying for a couple of variances.  This is their first project in the Town of Mount Hope, it is open farm land, they will be providing screening.

The Board asked about the traffic seeing it; the representatives stated that the landowner wants to keep some of the land open.  They are close to the Wallkill River.  The Board asked for visuals and road views.  Jason presented his comments.  They need to go to the Town Board for the PILOT.

Motion requested that the Town of Mount Hope Planning Board designates itself “lead agent” for the purpose of the SEQRA and declares it to be an unlisted action; motion made by J. Boyd; second by J. Zoll – All in favor; no opposed. 

No reports by Planning Board Attorney or Planning Board Engineer.

Public Participation:

Mr. Mark O’Brien of 140 Pine Grove Road spoke briefly.  Jason addressed his concern and he can come back.

Motion made by J. Richichi to close the meeting; second by J. Boyd.  All in favor. No opposed.

Respectfully –

Minutes taken by Julie Muscial; transcribed by Linda Franck, Planning Board Secretary