Pine Plains weighs five projects, one business gives up due to cost

PINE PLAINS — There were five projects brought before the Pine Plains Planning Board at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 13. 

Carson Power LLC had a public hearing for a special use permit and site plan regarding the proposed solar project located at 454 Bean River Road. Most of the complaints were centered around the idea that a large solar farm is not compatible with the surrounding agricultural area and that such an installation would have a damaging effect on the property values in the area.

In the end, the town will continue to look at other solar laws; the planning board decided to keep the public hearing open and is welcoming other comments from the public while it researches state and local codes and laws having to do with solar energy and solar farms and their impact on neighborhoods, towns and the environment. Another date will be set in the future to continue the public hearing.

The Stissing Center asked for a resolution for a site plan amendment to build a temporary porch, citing that nothing had changed but the porch is not finished and needs another six months to finish. This was agreed upon and the extension was granted.

Apex Modular Solutions/TPNZ asked for a site plan review and amendment. Located at 7707 S. Main St., the property is owned by Dale Mitchell. The original site had more than one building and housed an antiques business as well as other enterprises. Recently, it sold small sheds, which has now become the Apex Modular business, which sells larger buildings, such as tiny houses. 

A nursery business was proposed to share this site by a local couple who wished to grow a nursery and sell flowers. The planning board asked Apex Modular Solutions to make adjustments to the site plan. It already has county permits, and parking is already in place. It was asked about the size of the signs, as they must adhere to the town code, and it was asked to make revisions to the site plan and reapply to the board. Apex Modular was agreeable to that.  

The couple who wanted to start the nursery said that having to hire an engineer to do a survey would be too costly for them, as the site plan that relied on a surveyor didn’t meet the needs of the board, and that the process would then go past this fall before they could even begin, so they have chosen not to pursue the venture.

Stewart’s Shops asked for a resolution for a site plan and special use permit having to do with a gas pump station canopy, signage and lighting at its location at 7710 S. Main St. The resolution was passed after the board reviewed the plans and discussed the matter in depth.

Heaven’s Light Day Care, 15-19 Pilch Drive, presented a site plan review. The board studied it, had questions answered, and granted a public hearing for the application, which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The applicant, Sarah Hakobian, owner of Heaven’s Light Bakery, was advised that there are any number of conditions she will have to comply with, which she is willing to do.