Town of Chester

The meeting included discussions on town financial matters, including the payment of an abstract and the status of certified financial reports. Public comments focused on proposed battery energy storage systems, concerns regarding police alarm false alarm fines, and questions about a federal grant application. Additionally, there was a detailed review regarding the status of the comprehensive plan and associated zoning revisions, particularly concerning battery storage and religious land use.

The Planning Board meeting focused on the site plan application for a warehouse office building at the intersection of Pond Road and Kings Highway. The board declared a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and granted conditional final approval for the project, subject to several requirements, including obtaining necessary DEC approvals for wetland disturbance, installing wetland signage, and clarifying sewer connection agreements with the Town Board. Additionally, the board discussed the transition to new collaborative software for their operations.

The Planning Board meeting addressed several architectural and site plan applications. Specifically, the board granted architectural review approval for signage at a business located at 62 Woods Road. Additionally, the board approved an amended site plan for the same location, which included both the proposed signage and the conversion of space into a business office in the basement level of a two-family residence, with the board clarifying that such approval for office use and parking was now officially authorized. Finally, the board received an initial presentation regarding a proposed development project on Lake Station Road, which is currently in the early stages and involves consideration of existing topography and environmental factors.

The board meeting involved several administrative and financial items. The board reviewed and accepted minutes from prior meetings and received various departmental reports, including updates from the town historian, EMS services, police department, and water department regarding maintenance and facility operations. The board also discussed the hiring of personnel for various board seats, reviewed grant applications submitted by the town, approved the reduction of the planning board secretary's work schedule, authorized a road closure for an upcoming community 5K race, addressed the town historian appointment formality, and discussed the billboard advertisement request from the local Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, a resolution was passed to authorize the comptroller to settle the 2019 bond redemption related to the performing arts center.

The board discussed several technical and engineering issues concerning a proposed development project. Key topics included requirements for well testing to ensure adequate water supply, concerns over site distances and road safety for proposed driveways, the necessity for a more detailed visual impact analysis to understand grading impacts on ridge lines, and updates needed for the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. The board emphasized the need to close out SEQR before any further approvals can be granted and noted the potential need for an updated public hearing.