Planning Board Meeting — January 22, 2025
Meeting Overview
The Amenia Planning Board met on January 22, 2025, with Chairman Robert Boyles Jr presiding. The agenda included two preliminary applications for properties in the Wassaic Historic Preservation Overlay District where exterior work was done without prior planning board approval, discussion of the cannabis local law referral, the Keen Stud subdivision, and the LaVine subdivision public hearing scheduling.
14 Main Street, Wassaic — Jeff Barnett Winsby (Exterior Renovation)
Status: Preliminary Application — Under Review
Property owner Jeff Barnett Winsby appeared before the board regarding exterior changes made to 14 Main Street in Wassaic without a building permit. The property, located in the Hamlet Mixed Use zoning district and the Historic Preservation Overlay District, had its original window openings and front door restored based on historic photographs. Barnett Winsby explained that the distressed property was purchased at auction and that Code Enforcement Officer Mike Segleton had initially verbally approved the window restoration before later requiring a formal permit and planning board review. The board's consulting engineer and attorney both noted the work qualifies as a minor project requiring site plan approval. The board directed the applicant to submit a formal application with a short environmental assessment form, site sketch, and a letter demonstrating compliance with the historic district criteria in Section 121-65D. Discussion also covered plans for a potential wine shop tenant, parking arrangements (shared with the adjacent Lantern Inn), and a pending lot merger of three parcels. The board expressed support for the improvements to the downtown.
3306 Route 343, Amenia — James Hey (Window Replacement)
Status: Preliminary Application — Under Review
James Hey appeared regarding window replacement and facade modifications at 3306 Route 343 that were done without planning board approval. The property is in the Historic Preservation Overlay District. Hey explained that cracked, dangerous single-pane windows were replaced over a Memorial Day weekend as a safety measure, with smaller double-hung windows installed using existing framing after extensive rot was discovered and repaired. The Code Enforcement Officer issued a stop-work order. The board's engineer noted the replacement windows are not consistent with the historic character and the applicant must submit a full site plan application demonstrating compliance with historic district requirements. The board directed the applicant to obtain an application package from the clerk and return with proper documentation, including specifications and data sheets on the windows. The board noted that if the applicant also plans to install vinyl siding, that should be included in the same application to expedite review.
Cannabis Local Law — Formal Referral
Status: Under Review
The board received the formal zoning referral of the revised cannabis local law from the Town Board, which has a public hearing continued to February 6. The October referral had been informal; this constitutes the required statutory referral to the Planning Board. The board's attorney posed two questions: whether the board wants legal counsel and the engineer to review the draft, and whether the board wishes to provide collective comments. The board agreed that each member would submit individual comments by email within one week to the attorney and engineer, who would compile them. If irreconcilable contradictions arise, the chairman would convene a special meeting. Members expressed frustration that the Planning Board — which will be responsible for reviewing cannabis applications — was not consulted earlier in the process.
Keen Stud Subdivision
Status: Under Review — No Private Meetings Authorized
The board addressed a request from the Keen Stud subdivision team (via Peter Sander) to meet privately with the board's consulting engineer, John Andrews, to discuss technical aspects of their resubmission. The board unanimously agreed that no private meetings between the applicant's team and the board's consultants or individual board members would be permitted. All discussions must occur before the full board at public meetings.
LaVine Subdivision — Public Hearing Scheduled
Status: Public Hearing Set for February 26, 2025
The board scheduled a public hearing for the LaVine subdivision for February 26, 2025. This follows the Zoning Board of Appeals granting an area variance for a lot under 10 acres in a 10-acre zoning area. The board authorized the applicant to submit a short-form EAF and directed the attorney and engineer to process a negative declaration in anticipation of the hearing.
Da Vinci Windows — Sign Compliance Issue
Status: Non-Compliant — Revised Drawing Required
The board noted that Da Vinci Windows submitted a revised site plan showing a 10-foot-tall sign, which exceeds the 6-foot maximum allowed by zoning. The board had previously granted conditional site plan approval requiring a zoning-compliant revised plan. The submitted revision does not meet this condition. The applicant must submit another drawing with a sign that complies with the 6-foot height limit before the condition of approval can be satisfied and a building permit issued.
This summary was generated from the YouTube recording. It is intended as a public service and may contain minor transcription inaccuracies.