PLANNING BOARD MEETING
APRIL 23, 2025 DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT: William VanAlst, Chairman
Sharon Valyear-Gray, Member
Carol Queal, Member
Lucas Torrey, Alt. Member
Lindsay Yoder, Member
Richard Squires, Member
Anita Taylor, Member
Barbara Radley, Secretary
MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Tenney, Member
OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Carroll of CEC, Andrew Darling, Terry Young, Barbie Starowitz, Tony Prinz, Elijah McWhinney, David DiMatteo, and Donna Voorhees.
Chairman VanAlst called the meeting of the Town of Stafford Planning Board to order at 7:00pm.
Chairman VanAlst noted that Paul Tenney was not present therefore, Lucas Torrey will be a Regular Board Member at tonight’s meeting.
Chairman VanAlst reported that the Public Hearing that was scheduled for tonight as a continuance of the Carolina Eastern Crocker Site Plan Approval has been cancelled by the applicant withdrawing the application.
Sharon Valyear-Gray moved that the March 26, 2025 meeting minutes be accepted as written, second by Anita Taylor and approved on a 7-0 vote.
OLD BUSINESS
Chairman VanAlst reported that a letter was received from Carolina Eastern Crocker’s attorney stating that the Site Plan application was withdrawn. There are some Zoning complaints filed and are being pursued but not by this Board.
Dave Carroll of Carolina Eastern Crocker was present by had no comment.
The Solar Project Genesee 5 & 6 was discussed and an update given. Our Town Attorney, David DiMatteo was present with one of his team members, Eli McWhinney and presented the Board with a letter regarding the Site Plan Review Updates.
The project application is not complete as of this date due to the fact that all the documents are not complete yet. Camoin, our consulting agency, is conducting the economic impact study, and is expected to have their documents completed in the next week or so and will be ready for review next month.
The Property Value portion of the law is still being investigated with the neighboring properties. There are many factors being taken into consideration. The Town Board will have final say on this when it is completed.
The buffers for the solar projects were discussed, the Town Board will make the final decision as to what kind of vegetation is required but will have input from the Planning Board. It was discussed what type of vegetation would be the best varieties to plant and the Planning Board will recommend something later.
The Town Board has not commenced SEQR review yet and are waiting for Camoin to finish their studies first. There will be a joint Public Hearing with the Town Board when all the information is collected for this.
No New Business
There will be an Open House on the new Flood Plain Maps on May 15, 2025 from 3:00-6:30 pm in County Building 2, West Main St. Rd., Batavia. This is for all interested to attend in an informal presentation. It is highly encouraged for anyone in or near the listed Flood Plain to attend and gain knowledge of the project.
The Newsletter article to be submitted to the Town Clerk will have information regarding this.
The Ehrhart land separation map has been filed.
There is training on June 18, 24 and 25 at GCC, no one is interested in attending this training.
Sharon Valyear-Gray made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40pm, second by Carol Queal and approved on a 7-0 vote.
Respectfully submitted
Barbara Radley
Secretary