The special meeting of the Berlin Planning Board held on Tuesday, April 11 marked the first time there was a face to face meeting between those representing the Sustainable Aqua-Farm Enterprises and the principal planner from Clough Harbour Associates, hired by the Town to protect their interests as they consider the planned expansion of the SAFE facility. [private] This expansion would require some changes to The Land Use Regulations adopted by the Town in 1988. These include a clarification of certain uses within zoning districts including agricultural, office and day care.
Also of concern is the appropriate location within the town for such uses. Jean Loewenstein of CHA said one of the things she is still waiting on is a conceptual site plan map, and clarification that SAFE’s decision not to pursue a Planned Development Project and instead seek the amendments to the Land Use Regulations will indeed require a full SEQRA form be filed before any changes could be made. Once that is accepted by the Planning Board, the Town Board as lead agency, would have to approve it and hold a public hearing before the changes to the regulations could take effect.
Neighbors Of The Facility Have Some Concerns
According to F. Michael Tucker of Tucker Strategies, who represented SAFE, the expansion plans include the construction of more greenhouses for the growth of the hydroponic lettuce, the reconstruction of the upper greenhouses at the former Seagroatt Roses site into fish houses for the production of caviar, and the construction of an administrative building that may well house a day care facility for families of employees. It was the construction of these greenhouses and the magenta like lighting that is used in the growing process that again had some residents of Satterlee Hollow Road voicing concerns. Leila Derstine has previous labeled the “glow” from the greenhouses as “a form of light pollution.” She fears more greenhouses will only increase the effect, even with the promises of blankets over these structures to refocus the light back over the plants. Denis Farina also revisited the increase in road traffic, and the deterioration he believes it is causing. Zoning Board Chairman Nick Adams expressed a note of caution about any language used to define the day care component of the proposal, wishing to make sure it did not constrict small family day care operations. Also brought up was the so-called “bulk table” that addresses the maximum structural coverage in relation to a minimum open space requirement. The proposed changes would add a footnote that exempts greenhouses from this table, which raised the question of whether that would allow greenhouse construction anywhere in the Town. Board members agreed this would also have to be reviewed. Chairwoman Pamula Gerstel thanked the residents for their comments and promised their concerns would be addressed as they consider the impacts of the proposal.
Where Do We Stand Now?
Speaking with The Eastwick Press after the meeting, Mr. Tucker says “we are at a point now where the applications have been submitted, there is still a lot of information exchange needed to clarify any questions and we will be back for the next meeting.”
Loewenstein said, “step one is to get the Town through the SEQRA process and properly evaluate any potential impact.” She also said that while normally a Town Board function, the Planning Board will also review the proposed zoning changes, as SEQRA regulations frown upon the projects being separated. The Planning Board also agreed to seek the services of an attorney who is versed in town law regulations to help guide them. The cost of CHA’s services and the attorney would be paid for by SAFE, who has deposited $10,000 with the Town to fund this. Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger also attended the meeting. He said “It’s set up just as we wanted this. That’s why you have Jean representing us. And regardless of what they are presenting to us, we have to have a fair evaluation from the Town’s standpoint.”
Tucker indicated he could have the site plan map and other materials requested by Loewenstein to her in time for another meeting of all parties, which he expressed the hope could take place soon. The Board did not set a time for this meeting, but the date will be published in the form of a legal notice in The Eastwick Press. [/private]