AMENIA — In an effort to clarify the next steps toward determining the visual impact of subdivision plans for the Keane Stud acreage, the Planning Board discussed the issue at their regular meeting on Wednesday, June 11.
“We’re trying to have the project move forward,” said Planning Board Engineer John Andrews, who had noted that the last review had been in April. An updated Full Environmental Assessment Form is needed for the review process.
Three areas of potential visual impact were identified by Andrews: agricultural operations, aesthetic resources, and community planning. The latter would address how the subdivision would fit within the Comprehensive Plan for Development.
Planning Board attorney Paul Van Cott noted that septic and water are not an issue due to the planned multi-acre lot sizes. He said also that the Planning Board must offer an explanation of why some aspect of the application may present a significant adverse impact.
“If you identify one potential adverse impact, that will trigger an automatic environmental assessment process,” Van Cott explained.
Representing the Keane Stud developers was attorney Diana Kolev, Partner of DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise Wiederkehr, LLP, of White Plains.
Kolev indicated that issues of concern about the development had been addressed over the past three years, adding that the Keane Stud plans conform to the town’s Comprehensive Plan.
“This is a subdivision; we are not proposing any buildings,” Kolev said.
Van Cott advised the board that the next step would involve board review of materials on hand, assembled over three years and a plan to review and discuss those materials at the next meeting. He also recommended meeting with the board’s visual consultant, George Janes, as an assist in drafting a “final scope.”
In past meetings, consultant Janes had called for preparation of a “real world worst case scenario” in connection with the subdivision plans.
Proposed Trails Project
In another matter, the Planning Board heard a preliminary presentation by Lauren Zane of the Northern Red Oak Trails Project describing plans for 426 Old Route 22 that would create 10-12 miles of mountain biking trails on the 450-acre parcel. She was seeking feedback from the board.
An existing structure on the property that was once a home but is now deemed uninhabitable would be demolished.
Planning Board member Ken Topolsky asked about liability if the property is to be operated through a special permit from the Town Board.
Maintenance of the trails would be ensured by the nonprofit Hollyhock Foundation, Zane said. The foundation supports environmental projects that battle greenhouse gases.
The Planning Board agreed that the next step would be for Zane to contact the Town Board to discuss the proposal.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
