Amenia sets hearings for majorTroutbeck, Silo Ridge applications

AMENIA — Continuing to gather information on two major applications, the Planning Board heard from representatives of Troutbeck and Silo Ridge at its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 12.

Troutbeck’s request for a one-year extension to the approval of its re-use special permit earned the Planning Board’s unanimous quick approval. Attorney Joshua Mackay of Mackay, Butts and Whalen represented Troutbeck for that portion of the meeting.

A second Troutbeck matter brought project engineer Rich Rennia forward to describe revisions to Phases 2 and 6 of the eight-phase project. Revisions to Phase 6 involve reduction in project scope.

Rennia’s review of Phase 2 described the plan to adjust the service entrance and enlarge the conservatory dining room by a 100 square foot expansion onto an existing patio, to reconfigure employee parking and to add a connection between the manor house and the service road with egress onto Leedsville Road. Those elements remain unchanged. That phase would also introduce the screening plantings requested along the Route 343 property border that will mask from view the meadow and orchard.

Changes to Phase 6 were described as a “reduction in impact.” Rather than converting the Delamater House to restaurant use, Rennia said that instead the historic home will become a two-suite cabin. As a result, water demand will be reduced by 2,200 gallons and parking will be reduced by 23 vehicles.

In response to residents’ concerns voiced at previous hearings, Rennia said that the reductions will also serve to reduce noise and cooking odors. Septic impact would also be reduced by 78%, due to elimination of the restaurant.

Town Engineer John Andrews asked for a plan demonstrating an adequate provision for trucks needing a turning radius.

Following Planning Board Attorney Paul Van Cott’s suggestion, the board set Wednesday, July 10, as a date for a public hearing on the changes.

Silo Ridge

A revised plan for a merging of two lots within the Silo Ridge development was discussed by the Planning Board, with Andrews noting that the plan still needs a subdivision map, although he acknowledged that the developer has worked on a site plan.

“It’s a rather large home to be built on the two lots,” Andrews said, adding that an internal review by the Silo Ridge community remains to be completed.

Andrews noted that plans call for a 12-bedroom home with additional staff quarters, with an overall footprint of 12,956 square feet.

Because of the size of the project, two public hearings will be needed, Andrews explained, adding that because the lots are internal within the development, the only visual impact is within Silo Ridge.

Silo Ridge has signed off on the aesthetics and the plan complies with all regulations, Andrews reported, as he recommended moving ahead with scheduling the two public hearings.

“Single family homes need site plan approval,” planning board member Nina Peek said.

“All the single-family homes were approved unless they have exceeded the building envelope,” Andrews responded, feeling that the plan complies with regulations and is situated in the Lakeside Village neighborhood within Silo Ridge.

After continued discussion, the planning board agreed to schedule a public hearing for its next meeting on Wednesday, July 10, and to schedule a site visit in advance.

Appearing at the meeting in support of the application was Project Manager Amanda Repp of Stoneleaf Construction and on the phone was Manhattan attorney Martin Jajan, representing the lots’ owner who is seeking to merge and build.