Planning Board schedules Troutbeck public hearing and hears site plan change for Silo Ridge

AMENIA — Following a report on the plans for Phase 8 of the adaptive reuse plan submitted by Troutbeck, the Planning Board at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Reviewing the Troutbeck plan, Engineer Rich Rennia of Rennia Engineering of Dover Plains explained that Phase 8 would see “a small rearrangement of components.” An indoor pool to be enclosed within a pole barn will be connected with the wellness area. A small bathhouse containing rest rooms is also planned.

A net reduction in impact will result from the rearrangement, Rennia said, including reduction in wastewater generation by 240 gallons and lowered water demands.

“There is no increase to the overall project,” Rennia said, although minimal lighting will be added for pedestrian safety.

Planning Board engineer John Andrews indicated, although a health department approval is needed, he had reviewed the overall plans and found that the application is ready for public hearing. Planning Board attorney Paul Van Cott agreed, clearing the way for the board to schedule the December public hearing.

Silo Ridge

Citing a change in demographics since the existing Silo Ridge master plan was approved by the town in 2020, representatives of Silo Ridge reported to the Planning Board indicating an interest in changing two planned three-story town house structures into three-story condominium buildings to be designated on the plans as Condos D and E.

The existing approved master plan shows 245 units. No new units would result from the change.

Engineer Andrews indicated that the townhouses totaling ten units divided evenly between two buildings would have had fee-simple ownership. The change would bring condominium ownership structure.

Under fee-simple, the townhouse owner would own both the land and the building on the land. On the other hand, a condo owner owns only the condo, while the land belongs to a condo association in which the owner is considered a shareholder.

“Administratively, there are a lot of steps needed,” Andrews said, adding that although the project has changed, he felt the changes were insignificant. He noted that the Silo Ridge Design Review Committee will need to sign off on the proposed change from townhouse to condo.

To Planning Board member Ken Topolsky’s inquiry into progress on providing the board with a Silo Ridge organizational chart, O’Leary assured the board that the chart is being worked on, along with an updated progress report on the status of construction of the Silo Ridge development as a whole.

Keane Stud

Members of the Planning Board praised the Silo Ridge Masters Show Jumping Competition held in early October at Keane Stud on Depot Hill Road, noting that the world’s top riders were attracted to compete in the four-day event. The benefit to the town of Amenia was measurable.

Keane Stud owner Juan Torres told the Planning Board that he is working on design of a new site plan for the Depot Hill area acreage to be submitted for the board’s consideration before the end of this year.

“We believe that our goals are more aligned with the community,” Torres said, adding that the aim is to protect the woods, land, habitats and natural amenities, goals outlined in the town’s Comprehensive Plan of Development.

Architect Nicole Emmons, of Hart, Howerton Architects of New York City, asked the Planning Board to describe their concerns on behalf of the town when thinking of Keane Stud Farm’s future.

Reading directly from the town’s Comprehensive Plan of Development, planning board member Topolsky said that the document guides the board’s vision.

“This is the voice of Amenia,” Topolsky said, noting that the plan emphasizes repeatedly that Depot Hill is one of the town’s most scenic features. He stressed the importance of protecting the viewshed.

Planning Board chairman Robert Boyles, who also serves the Wassaic Fire Company as Captain, mentioned a need for fire protection ponds as water sources, as well as voicing concern about runoff drainage toward properties located downhill from Depot Hill.

Board member James Vitiello said it would be important for the planners to arrive at a proposal that would be visually appealing.
“We have to turn to you, as a designer, to design something that doesn’t just maximize the dollar value but to find something the town can be comfortable with,” Vitiello advised.

“Our goal is to work together,” Torres said.

George Janes, the town’s visual resources consultant, said that he was in agreement with the concept of 10-acre agricultural parcels as initially described.

“What makes the Depot Hill viewshed special is its present agricultural landscape,” Janes said.

“You’re subdividing, not developing,” he pointed out to Torres.

Discussion included the role of deed restrictions in limiting the eventual development of each 10-acre piece by those who will purchase them.

Board member John Stefanopoulos indicated the possibility that parcels can be developed in ways that will blend with the scenery and add value, constrained by deed restrictions written correctly.

“The Planning Board is not going to design it for you,” Janes told Torres and Emmons, suggesting that they find guidance within the town’s comprehensive plan.

Before the Planning Board adjourned, Wassaic resident Sharon Kroeger provided notice of a petition gathering signatures intended to preserve and protect the Delavergne Hill viewshed that includes Depot Hill.