staff notes et
Town of Queensbury Planning Board
Community Development Department Staff Notes
December 22, 2016
Site Plan PZ 265-2016 GLENN DURLACHER
1115 State Rt. 9/ Cl—Commercial Intensive/Ward 1
SEQR Unlisted
Material Review: application, site photos and site plan drawing
Parcel History: Multiple and SP PZ 24-2015 traffic discussion
Requested Action
Planning Board review and approval for an exterior wood sculpture business using 4,500 sq. ft. area (1,200 sq.
ft. work apace & 3,300 sq. ft. for display.
Resolutions
1. SEQR—short form
2. Planning Board decision.
Prosect Description
Applicant proposes an exterior wood sculpture business using 4,500 sq. ft. area(1,200 sq. ft. work apace &
3,300 sq. ft. for display. Proposed area has previously been used for Great Escape overflow parking. Project
includes 120 sq. ft. shed for storage of materials. Site will use existing curb cut on Route 9. Pursuant to
Chapter 179-3-040 of the Zoning Ordinance, new retail business shall be subject to Planning Board review and
approval.
Staff Comments
Location-The project site is at the Great Escape property used for parking overflow-across from the Blind Rock
Rd.
Site Design- The applicant proposes to use a 4,500, sq ft of area for an exterior wood sculpture business of the
10.48 acre parcel. The plans show a 1,200 sqft+/- area to be used for the work area and a 3,300 sq ft area for
display.
Building—The applicant has installed a 120 sqft shed for storage of materials and equipment. Additional
storage is also intended for a portion of one of the barns near the work area.
+Staff has explained the shed, storage area, and all operations are in violation of site plan review and has
been told to discontinue all activities. Staff has informed the applicant to not start any part of the project
prior to Planning Board approval. The shed that has been installed has not been located more than 75
from the front property line. In addition, the Fire Marshall has explained that if storage is proposed in
the existing buildings —the building would need to be brought into compliance.
Signage-The applicant proposes signage on the site shown as 20 ft setback from the property line. The sign
dimensions should be included as part of the application. In addition the signage lighting should be discussed
as the photo shows an up lit that is not allowed.
Site conditions-The site is used for overflow parking for great escape during the summer season. Specifically
the usage area for the project was overflow parking location. There is an existing curb cut that will be used for
access to the Sculpture area where the access road for Great Escape will remain chained off from access.
Traffic- The plans show the location of four parking spaces and there is room for two additional spaces on the
site where six is required for the work area proposed. The applicant has indicated that traffic consists of 1 or 2
cars a day.
Utility plan, Grading and drainage plan, Sediment and erosion control no changes are proposed
Landscape plan—The applicant has indicated the addition of the sculptures in the display area will enhance the
area. The applicant does not propose an additional vegetative landscaping.
Site lighting plan- The applicant has indicated there may be a power generator light proposed. The Board
should request clarification of when this is used and location.
Elevations- The applicant has included a photo of the shed that has been already located on the site and all other
parts of the operation are outside.
Pursuant to Section 179-9-050 the Planning Board may grant waivers on its own initiative or at the written
request of an applicant. The application form identified as "Requirements" outlines the items to appear on the
site plan or included as attachments. At the time of application the applicant has either requested waivers,
indicated the item not applicable or has not addressed the item/ left check box blank. This includes the follow
items listed under Requirements of the applicant's application: g. site lighting, j. stormwater, k. topography, 1.
landscaping, o. commercial alterations/ construction details, p floor plans, q. soil logs, r.
construction/demolition disposal s. snow removal.
Staff would suggest the board have further discussion for the following items
1) Site storage
2) Signage dimensions
3) Hours of operation
4) Site lighting and sign lighting
5) Number of display sculptures
6) Designated/defining area for business
Summary
The applicant has completed a site plan application for a Tree Art business with the use of 4,500 sq ft area of a
10.48 ac parcel to operate an outdoor wood sculpture business. The business includes exterior work area, storage
and an area for display.