Staff Notes for 4/19/2022
Town of Queensbury Planning Board
Community Development Department Staff Notes
April 19, 2022
Site Plan 21-2022 & JAMES STOKES
Freshwater Wetlands 4-2022 45 Alessia Drive/ Moderate Density Residential/ Ward 4
SEQR Type II
Material Review: application, freshwater wetland permit, site drawings, survey
DEC information
Parcel History: AV 31-2019
Warren Co Referral sent: April 2022/Comments: Concur w/local board.
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Requested Action
Planning Board review and approval for installation of a recreational path from house to wetland area.
Resolutions
1. PB decision
Project Description
Applicant proposes to complete a 60 ft length recreational path that is to be 8 ft wide from the house to the
wetland area located at the Northeast corner of the property. The project involves bank stabilization. Pursuant to
chapter 179-3-040, 179-6-050, chapter 94, a site plan for Shoreline disturbance and a Freshwater Wetlands
Permit for doing work within 100 ft of wetlands is subject to Planning Board Review and Approval.
Staff Comments
• Location-The project is located at 45 Alessia Drive. The parcel is 5.01 ac.
• Site Design-The project is only for a 60 ft recreation path that is 8 ft wide to access a wetland area on the
applicant’s property. The project includes minimal clearing, bank stabilization work so the area can be
accessed safely.
• Building - The site has an existing 4008 sq ft footprint home with porches and attached garage. There is no
changes to the existing home.
• Site conditions- A majority of the parcel is wooded. A new home was constructed in 2019. There is a NWI
wetland towards the Northeast portion of the property.
• Site plan overall-The applicant received a Notice of Violation 9/2/2021 per the Town’s Code Compliance
Officer for work adjacent to the wetland. The applicant was not aware the project work would need review
and subsequently pursued the necessary review from DEC and Army Corp and the Town’s Site Plan and
Wetlands review. Due to covid coordination with outside agencies to evaluate the site work was an extended
process.
• Grading and drainage plan, Sediment and erosion control-The applicant has received correspondence from
DEC the bank stabilization meets the Water Quality Control Certificated (12/22/2021)
• Utility details-There are no changes to the site utilities due to the path.
• Elevations, Floor plans-The project is for development of a recreational path for personal use so there are no
elevations or floor plans as part of the project.
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• Waivers-Planning staff has reviewed the applicants request for waivers that include items g. site lighting, h.
signage, j. stormwater, k. topography, l. landscaping, n traffic, o. commercial alterations/ construction
details, p floor plans, q. soil logs, r. construction/demolition disposal s. snow removal.
• The waivers requested–Staff finds it reasonable to request a waiver as these items are typically
associated with building projects. The applicant has provided specific site details to the path work for
stabilization and access to the wetland area in accordance with the Army Corp Permit.
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 Board is to review the waivers and to determine if they are to be granted.
Freshwater Wetlands Permit
The applicant has been working with DEC and Army Corp for the wetland work. The wetlands permit indicates
155.5 sq ft area along the 60 ft path is to be stabilized with rip rap, woodchips and native plantings. The
supporting documents from the Army Corp includes the area disturbed was approximately 64.8 sq ft and the
work to be completed to stabilize the area.
Summary
The applicant has completed a site plan application and freshwater wetlands permit for the development of a 60
ft in length 8 ft wide footpath adjacent to a wetland area. The applicant is to complete the work as outlined in
the Army Corp permit.
Meeting History: 1st Meeting