Grafton’s Newest Business Venture Gets The Nod From The Planning Board
By Doug La Rocque
Four people took the opportunity to speak at the public hearing concerning the Site Plan Review proposed by David and Donna Wagar for their property at 3046 NY Route 2. [private]The Wagars propose to open a gift/antique shop in the house that currently sits on the property, along with possible mulch, topsoil, vegetables and other agricultural product. L&D Contracting, owned by Lenny Deschaine, also plans to rent out part of the property for his firewood business. One of the speakers was Leland Armsby, who was there to represent his mother Dawn’s concerns. Armsby’s homestead is adjacent to the Wagars’ land. Armsby expressed his thoughts about the recent removal of trees and an old garage as well as traffic and noise concerns. Wagar said the trees that have been cut down were old and rotting pine trees. Planning Board Chairman Tom Withcuskey explained that a property owner in Grafton has the right to remove old buildings from their land. Withcuskey also noted that New York State DOT has given its approval to the placement of a second driveway and traffic visibility issues. Rensselaer County has also signed off on the project, although they expressed concern about a small seasonal stream that runs through the property. The Wagars have said they plan to leave it as it is. Wagar also noted he plans to leave the trees that adjoin the Armsby property, and create berms with newly planted pine trees as well. Withcuskey added that Wagar has also agreed not to operate any heavy equipment on weekends. During the Board’s regular business session, the site plan review was approved 4-0, with Board member Skip Grandjean absent.
A second public hearing followed the Wagars, concerning a two-lot minor subdivision of land located at 104 Stuffle Street, owned by Sal Mauriello. He is selling a small portion of his land to David Buckley, who is planning to build a homestead there. The Board also gave its approval by a 4-0 vote.
The Board was presented with a 4-lot minor subdivision by surveyor Brian Holbritter, who was representing Anita McCabe and Scott Newell. The pair is proposing to divide three lots currently consisting of 20.04 acres, into four lots of 5.01 acres each. Three of the lots would have frontage on Pond View, with the fourth having its frontage along Benker School Way. After reviewing the maps, the Board voted to accept the application and scheduled a public hearing for Monday, April 18 at 6:40 pm.
The Board also voted to accept an application for a two-lot minor subdivision on Claus Road presented by Alex Basse. He is proposing to divide 1.33 acres out of his 7.82-acre lot. He would also like to separate another 60-foot strip so his other 14-acre lot would not be landlocked. The Board set 6:50 pm on April 18 for a public hearing on this application.[/private]