HomeMy Public PortalAbout04-25-2000 Joint Public Hearing
tpRESENT:
PUBLIC:
ITEM #5:
ITEM #2:
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.
? G 2,
MINUTES
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
April 25, 2000
Mayor Horace Johnson, Ken'Chavious, Frances Dancy, Evelyn Lloyd, Brian Lowen, Mark Sheridan,
Ed Gill (pB chair), Pam Blue-Thompson, Jim Boericke, Richard Bradford, Joel Brinkley, Bryant
Warren
Roscoe Reeve, Drew Blum, Dianna Garrett, Margaret Hauth
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. Since a quorum of the Planning Board was
not yet available, he asked Reeve to proceed with his GIS presentation until another member arrived.
Reeve introduced the concept of a geographic information system that uses computers to overlay
data and create maps. He explained that the Town would be purchasing data from Orange County to
establish their own system. He highlighted the different data available, showed examples of maps
that can be created and covered the timelines until data delivery~ The members asked various
questions to get a better understanding of the advantages of the system. Mayor Johnson thanked
Reeve for his time and the sample maps he provided.
Upon the arrival of a Planning Board quorum, Mayor Johnson passed the gavel to Chair Gill, who
briefly described the hearing process.
Hauth introduced the rezoning request for Sports Endeavors to rezone the former White Furniture
Company building and the adjacent parcel from General Industrial to High Intensity Commercial.
She said the application listed the intent to offer continual on-site retail sales as the reason for the
request. Hauth said that occasional sales, like the Vietri sale, is permitted in General Industrial, but
continual retail sales, on a daily basis are not permitted in Industrial zones. She noted the High
Intensity Commercial zone accommodates both the distribution operation that the bulk of their
business and the continuing retail sales outlet. Hauth added that she had calls from three adjacent
owners with questions of clarity, not specific support of opposition.
Blum, the applicant representative, noted that about 1200 square feet of retail space is anticipated.
He noted they have had sales floors in other locations, and the demand for the service is limited. He
added that the company is in negotiations with Orange County to get access to Valley Forge Road
from the rear so that traffic, especially truck traffic, can be routed away from the neighboring
residential uses. Mayor Johnson asked about the continuing use of the on-site water tower. Blum
said the tower has been removed and that numerous upgrades have been made to their fire sprinkler
system, including a meter to limit illicit use.
Bradford asked whether the recently approved addition was needed for this retail use and Blum said
the two are not related. The 24,000 square foot addition is for warehouse space and large shipments.
Bradford asked about parking and Blum said there are currently about 100 spaces and they will be
looking to add additional parking if the retail use is added. He added that there are a total of 350
employees, but about 80 are on-site at one time, there are about 8 handicapped spaces and roughly
four available for visitors. Blum said they expect to create 15-20 more spaces if the retail use is
approved.
Dianne Garrett, neighbor, spoke. She said she lives across the street and is concerned with traffic.
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ITEM #3:
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263
She complemented Blum on the truck drivers' behavior, noting the "other drivers are the problem".
JPH
4/25/2000, page 2
She said that since the proposal seems low-key and they are seeking alternative entrances she is not
opposed to the request. She asked how to open discussions with the Town and State to improve
safety on the road. Hauth asked her and her neighbors to send a letter that the town can forward,
with its support to the Department of Transportation.
Hauth introduced a group of text amendments to clarify bars and nightclubs. She said that the
amendments are not in response to a pending application, but to address a weakness in the ordinance.
She noted that the two uses would be separated because of their different characteristics and that
nightclubs would remain conditional uses. The members asked how the amendments would affect
different existing uses, previous problems, and how they would be useful. There was no public
comment on the proposal.
Gill returned the gavel to Mayor Johnson, who adjourned the meeting at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
~~
Marg et A. Himth, Secretary \