Gretchen A. Carpentieri

The meeting focused primarily on the Special Permit application for a cut and fill project at Scarborough Drive (1500 Co. Airport Road) concerning development in the floodplain. The Board reviewed and issued a negative declaration under SEQRA for the project, which aims to level the 3.8-acre site to 840-feet above sea level for future development without net change to the base flood elevation. The Special Permit was approved with several stipulations concerning the fill application, SWPPP approval, fill elevation limits, erosion control, and the requirement for a Final Letter of Map Revision before future construction. Following the Special Permit approval, the Site Plan for the cut and fill project was also approved with specific stipulations regarding construction hours and right-of-way adherence. Additionally, the Board approved an annual overnight sporting event request for the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex. Discussions were held regarding the possible expansion of the Cannabis Business Overlay District, which received support due to potential financial benefits, and the status of previous approvals for 1239 Campville Road, which were deemed void.

The agenda for the Town Board Meeting included a public hearing concerning amendments to the notice provisions of Chapter 178 Streets and Sidewalks. Bid solicitation occurred for the West Endicott Pool House Reconstruction, though no bids were received. Items for action included requests for fee waivers for field usage at the 17C facility for a tournament and requests for park usage for a 5K event and an annual Duck Derby fundraising event. Committee items included a resolution to approve a Crossing Agreement and Easement related to the Kot Road Solar Project. The Finance committee item concerned the potential purchase of a Falcon 3 Ton Hot Box Trailer. The Employees & Safety committee addressed a resolution to approve a tentative three-year agreement with the Civil Service Employees' Association. The Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Committee proposed a resolution authorizing the Planning Director to issue a legal notice regarding the closing of the Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list for up to 24 months.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding amendments to the notice provisions of Chapter 178, Streets and Sidewalks, specifically Sections 178-17 and 178-18. A bid opening for the West Endicott Pool House Reconstruction resulted in no bids received. Communications for filing included updates on Charter Communications, a review from the Town of Dickinson regarding local law changes, the Planning Board's appointment of a Vice Chairman, and a liquor authority notice. Action items involved approving and referring requests for fee waivers for the Crandall Memorial Tournament and use of Highland Park for a 5K benefiting Southern Tier Lyme Support, as well as referring a snowplow incident repair estimate. Committee actions included adopting resolutions approving a Crossing Agreement and Easement related to the Kot Road Solar Project, authorizing the purchase of a Falcon 3 Ton Hot Box Trailer, approving a tentative Three (3) Year Agreement with the CSEA Blue Collar Unit, and authorizing the submission of a legal notice to close the Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list for up to 24 months. Visitors inquired about the status of the Kot Road Solar Project and received information regarding a free Emergency Preparedness class.

The meeting included two public hearings. The first public hearing concerned proposed amendments to Chapter 178 sections 178-14, 15, and 16 regarding streets and sidewalks, with no public comments offered. The second public hearing solicited input for the 2026 preliminary budget, including associated funds, tax cap override local law, and proposed salaries for elected officials. Following the hearings, the minutes from the October 15, 2025, regular board meeting were approved. During public comment, a resident raised concerns regarding the poor illumination of state roads, particularly near highway entrances, which was attributed to issues with underground cabling that the state has been unable to permanently resolve. Another resident inquired about the possibility of purchasing or leasing town-owned green space adjacent to their business property for maintenance and potential development, leading to a discussion about FEMA funding restrictions on such properties. Additionally, a group representing senior volleyball players addressed a proposed fee structure change, expressing concern that doubling non-resident fees would price them out of participation; the board reported that revisions were made, introducing a season pass option at a reduced rate compared to the monthly fee increase, which they intend to pass. Finally, a property owner who recently purchased town properties via auction discussed prior plans submitted to the office regarding redevelopment.

The public hearing focused on Application No: ZBA2025-019 submitted by Mubarak Gasi for property at 19 Delaware Avenue. The primary discussion centered on requests for area variances concerning zoning ordinance Section 300-40.2, specifically to allow parking within the ten-foot front property line setback in an Industrial Zone. The Board reviewed comments from the Broome County Planning and Economic Development department and recommendations from the Town of Union Planning Board, which recommended approval of variances related to parking setbacks on both Lewis Street and Delaware Avenue. Significant discussion occurred regarding safety and visibility at the intersection of Delaware Avenue, leading to motions that made the variances along Delaware Avenue subject to compliance with the visibility ordinance, Section 300-53.14, particularly concerning parking spot number 8. The Board also considered and voted on subsequent area variances related to displaying vehicles for sale within the ten-foot setback on both Lewis Street and Delaware Avenue.