Planning Board discusses impact analysis with Keane Stud developers

AMENIA — Continuing to seek town guidance toward completing a state-mandated environmental assessment form, developers proposing a subdivision of the Keane Stud property received a clarifying listing of pertinent sections at the regular Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

By unanimous vote, the board approved both the listing of the sections to be completed and a resolution indicating that the environmental assessment study needs to be submitted as part of the process. That study is considered to be the first step in the environmental review requirements. Planning board member Jamie Vitiello abstained from the vote; James Walsh was absent.

Representing the Keane Stud developers was attorney Diana Kolev, Partner of DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise Wiederkehr LLP of White Plains. Since June, the developers have sought to understand the steps necessary to define environmental and visual impacts of the proposed subdivision.

The developers asked for the board’s advice about relevant sections of the state-mandated Full Environmental Assessment Form, a 13-page form that asks for impact determinations within a variety of categories.

Planning Board engineer John Andews reviewed which categories the developers should focus upon, encompassing impact on the land, whether through construction or re-contouring plans, although no impact on geological features is foreseen. Impact on surface water is expected but rated as a low impact.

Planning Board chairman Robert Boyles asked that storm water runoff be identified.

No impact was expected to affect the air, plants and animals.

Since it was first envisioned, the developers have reduced the total Keane Stud development acreage from 704 to 605 acres and the number of proposed lots has been reduced from 27 to 23.

Owner Juan Torres noted that 90% of each parcel will be reserved for conservation; 10% will be allowed to be built upon.

In fact, the eventual owners of the proposed lots may never build on some of them, planning board engineer John Andrews told the board.

During public comment, resident Sharon Kroeger submitted a packet of summary materials supporting protection of the viewshed from DeLaVergne Hill. She also determined that multiple public hearings will be held as the review process progresses through the environmental impact and the visual impact stages.

Red Oak Trails Project

Having presented plans for the Northern Red Oak Trails Project to a recent meeting of the Town Board, following presentation of a preliminary plan to the Planning Board on June 11, the developer returned to the Planning Board. The Town Board has advised the developer to ask the Planning Board to provide comments for the Town Board to consider.

Andrews noted that it is likely that the Town Board will refer the plans on to the Zoning Board of Appeals for comment, although the Town Board remains the final approval authority.

Lauren Zane of the Northern Red Oak Trails Project was present to answer questions about plans for 426 Old Route 22 that would create 10-12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails on a 450-acre parcel that would combine three properties.

Andrews noted that one of the properties is encumbered by an easement held by the Dutchess Land Conservancy.

Parking for 24 cars and restroom facilities are envisioned.

An existing dilapidated structure on the property that was once a home but is now deemed uninhabitable would be demolished. That site is likely to serve as parking for 24 cars and restroom facilities for visitors to the trails.

Maintenance of the trails would be ensured by the nonprofit Hollyhock Foundation. That foundation supports environmental projects that battle greenhouse gases.

“This project has the health and beauty of the community in mind,” said planning board member Ken Topolsky and chairman Boyles expressed concern about plans for emergency access.

To accommodate a holiday, the next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, departing from the usual Wednesday meeting night. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.