VILLAGE of GREENWOOD LAKE

PUBLIC HEARING—COMBINING PLANNING BOARD AND ZBA

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2023

 

VILLAGE OF GREENWOOD LAKE

PO BOX 7, 18 CHURCH STREET

GREENWOOD LAKE, NY 10925

 

Mayor Matthew Buckley called to order the Public Hearing at 6:04 pm on December 18, 2023, for the Village of Greenwood Lake located at 18 Church Street in Greenwood Lake, NY.

 

The following persons were present:

  • Mayor Mathew Buckley
  • Deputy Mayor Kelli Kelm (via video conference)
  • Trustee Nancy Clifford
  • Trustee Chad Sellier
  • Attorney John Buckheit
  • Attorney Pavlacka
  • Trustee Thomas Howley

The following persons were absent:

  • Deputy Mayor Kelli Kelm
  • Trustee Thomas Howley

 

 

PRESENTATION

The Village of Greenwood Lake is considering combing the existing Planning Board and ZBA into one board.

 

DISCUSSION

Attorney Buckheit reported that there have been no written comments submitted.

Trustee Sellier added that there were Planning Board members which were unaware that combining the boards was being considered.

Clerk Holder reported that the dates for both Public Hearings (November 20, 2023 and December 18, 2023) were properly noticed in the Warwick Dispatch on October 16, 2023, and also that all Planning Board members and ZBA members were contacted via email.

Mayor Buckley asked Attorney Pavlacka what his thoughts were on this to which he replied that nothing prohibits the board from taking such action.  The Planning Board would merge in to the Zoning Board, as we are legally required to have a Zoning Board.

Attorney Buckheit added that both boards would be eliminated and one new board would be created.

Mayor Buckley said the new board would have seven members and would streamline the Planning/Zoning process.

Attorney Buckheit stated that public comment is now closed.

Trustee Sellier stated that new boards should be combined and should be voted on in January.

Attorney Pavlacka stated that he would like to review the proposed local law, as he was never provided a copy of it.

The Board will vote on final form at the January meeting, after the new attorneys have reviewed and made any necessary changes.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ed Krull, 659 Jersey Avenue, Greenwood Lake, NY, asked for clarification on what the new applicant procedure would be. Engineers should look at plans and applications and be prepared to comment at the next meeting.  He mentioned that in other municipalities, $400 per page is required for escrow, and projects do not move forward if escrows are negative. He agrees with combining the boards, but feels any zoning changes should be made by the new combined board at a later date.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Motioned to close the Public Hearing to combine the Planning Board and Zoning Board by Trustee Clifford at 6:34 pm and seconded by Trustee Sellier. 3 Ayes- Mayor Buckley, Trustee Sellier, Trustee Clifford. Absent- Trustee Howley and Trustee Kelm.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by

 

Katheleen Holder

Village Clerk/Treasurer