Christopher Burke

The Planning Board meeting addressed several agenda items involving site plan reviews, special permits, and Architectural Review Board (ARB) considerations. Key discussions included the review of a resolution for demolition and reconstruction for the Hartman property, concluding SEQRA and Ridge Preservation findings, and approving specific conditions related to the site plan. For the Bright View/219 Seven Springs property, the public hearing was continued regarding additions under the Water Quality Protection Overlay and Ridge Preservation, where the Board required the applicant to present an alternative plan to minimize disturbance. The Highland 534 Realty LLC application for restaurant improvements saw general approval for exterior material changes, though addressing bulk criteria, water/sewer demand forms, and parking/signage standards remained necessary, with specific referrals made. Discussions for Dewberry/Walmart storage containers focused on addressing consultant comments regarding fire department review, turning track diagrams, site usage clarification, and updating bulk tables for Village of Woodbury standards. For the Dewberry/Walmart online pick-up addition, the Board addressed variances for signage, discussed truck parking safety with island adjustments, and referred the plans to Emergency Service Operations and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Raananah Park application for an addition and conversion from seasonal to year-round use was referred to the Building Department and Village Board of Trustees to determine road suitability. Finally, the ARB review for the demolition and reconstruction at 16 Skytop Rd. involved addressing a variance condition related to a private road and color specifications for the new dwelling.

The meeting covered administrative business including the approval of previous minutes and Abstract 16, and several Fire Department actions such as equipment purchase approval, roster changes, and acceptance of a new membership application. The Board also appointed a new Secretary to the Planning and Zoning Boards. Significant discussion involved numerous budget modifications covering insurance claim recognitions, various department over-expenditures (Fire, Building, Highway, Water/Sewer), recognizing a tax certiorari settlement, and recognizing a PFAS class action settlement. New Business included authorizing the Mayor to sign a Lead Agency consent form for the NYS Thruway radio system upgrade and another for the Lakeside development project with Kiryas Joel. Additionally, the Board introduced and scheduled public hearings for Introductory Local Law 1 of 2026 (Tax Cap Override) and Introductory Local Law 2 of 2026 (Battery Storage Moratorium). A proposal for water test borings from Miller Hydrogeologic was also authorized.

The meeting began with an attorney client session to update a new board member on pending applications. Key discussions during public hearings focused on application 30 Eastview concerning an area variance for fence construction exceeding height restrictions, involving complex arguments about prohibited materials and comparisons to a pre-existing structure at another property. The applicant raised concerns about potential discrimination and threatened litigation if fabric structures were disallowed. The public hearing for this application was continued. Additionally, an application for 38 Jacob Plit was withdrawn as the applicant chose to pursue changes with the Planning Board instead.

The Planning Board meeting addressed several agenda items. For 4 Corporate Drive, the Board reviewed and discussed materials for an Amended Site Plan and ARB for an office building, ultimately reading and adopting a resolution of approval with specific conditions related to engineering, traffic management (MUTCD compliance), drainage easement filing, lighting levels, and architectural compliance. The application for Central Valley Storage regarding a Zone Amendment, Site Plan, Special Permit, and ARB for a battery energy storage facility was halted because the Building Inspector determined the definition of a Public Utility was not met. For Dunkin'/Woodbury Centre, the Board reviewed materials for Amended ARB concerning façade improvements and signage, noting discrepancies regarding a second freestanding sign; the application was designated a Type II SEQRA action and referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals for signage variance relief. The Extra Space of Central Valley expansion application revealed that the facility exceeded approved unit counts (468 vs. 437) and usage appeared closer to warehousing; the Board requested further investigation into code definitions, updated sprinkler plans, traffic counts, and a comparative narrative. For the Hartman/281 Seven Springs single-family dwelling, the Board waived the public hearing and Ridge Preservation components while authorizing the drafting of a Resolution of Approval, contingent on updated site plan submission addressing tree removal documentation and basement structure details. For Hartman/2 Seven Springs, the application for a single-family dwelling was designated a Type II SEQRA action, with discussions focusing on septic tank size, tree removal quantities, and submission of ARB materials. Finally, the Board voted to reinstate the abandoned Cioffi/48 Smith Clove Road application for review.

The meeting began with the administration of the Oath of Office for the Mayor and two Trustees, followed by the Mid-Fiscal Year Organizational Meeting agenda. Key organizational actions included the appointment of the Deputy Mayor, the establishment of Board Liaisons to various municipal bodies (Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Departments, etc.), and the appointment of Village positions such as Village Clerk and Village Treasurer. The Board also designated the Village Attorney and adopted procedures for future regular meetings and public comments. Furthermore, the Board adopted a comprehensive procurement policy outlining required procedures for purchases and public works contracts based on monetary thresholds, and approved the form of the official undertaking for municipal officers. A public hearing for Introductory Local Law 4 of 2025, amending the Village Comprehensive Plan, was continued to the next meeting. Administrative business included the acceptance of previous minutes and the approval of two Abstracts of vouchers. The Board approved an equipment request for the Fire Department, accepted a resignation from the Planning and Zoning Board Secretary, and appointed a part-time Building & Grounds Custodian. In Old Business, the Board awarded a contract for cleaning and televising sanitary sewers and manhole inspections to National Water Main Cleaning Co. In New Business, an update on the Stormwater Management Program was provided, and the Board authorized legal action against JCDCBC LLC for code violations related to property use. Public comment included congratulations to elected officials, requests concerning committee renaming and term limits for Trustees, and discussions regarding community events and collaboration between Village and Town boards.