SMITHTOWN Planning Board Meeting - 07/16/08
From what seem like a few simple hearings on a warm evening turned into the very unexpected. A hearing on property to be a small subdivision... Hild Plat... was disclosed to be that of the tax assessor Greg Hild and neighbors turned out with concerns - (1) it was on a very environmentally sensitive land and (2) the request was for an LAR ( land area ratio) that was larger than normal for the size of the desired house. This is to be the neighbor of the house on Kohr Road in Kings Park that has the 50% floor ration built on tight property that Greg Hild applied for previously. Still to go before the BZA for variances for steep slopes on the property.
NEXT was a couple that provided yet another story of a homeowner that was misled by Town Department Officials including the Town Attorney. All about an easement but more egregious in nature than one would find acceptable. Traces of a law suit underlying this tale of woe.  

SMITHTOWN Planning Board Meeting (Excerpt) - 10/15/08
A highly unusual hearing for a site being developed with issues in play over a period of four years. Very controversial discussion over who could remember what happened on previous hearings and no minutes available at this nights meeting. Rather than adjourned early on and review the minutes, Chairman Martin's crusty manner held both the attorney representing his client and the planning Director in check with his insistence on his recall of the facts. It has to be seen to be believed.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 11/19/08
At this meeting a moment of silence was called for former Chairman Robert Martin who died after serving on this board since its beginning. John Gee presided over the board. The first item (1)Berg Estates: a resolution to establish conservation easements was the final solution to a four year guest that had been severely questioned at the last meeting. Numerous variances and restrictions were outlined before passing.
(2) Vasco Holdings built in St. James on 25 ( Middle Country Rd. by the car dealers) and now requests changing the zoning to NB
(neighborhood business). Planning Department charges this is not consistent with the areas WSI (wholesale service industries) which was formed in 1956. This building is at Sunny Road near non-conforming spot zoning which was deemed at that time to undermining the Town. Planning Director DeRubies says the request serves the builder and this spot zoning is the demise of the carrying capacity of the road. Attorney Trimarco brought in 77 signatures on a petition from neighbors who are in favor of the neighborhood business. Board questions builder. Hearing to be held at future meeting. (3) AJK Plat began a house too close to property line in error. Stopped by neighbors who want the house moved or remediation. This is a serious issue being passed on to the BZA.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 12/17/08
A really short, less than 30 minute Planning Board meeting. But it was important to the Library to get an exchange of land with the Town of Smithtown in order to go forward with the Kings Park renovation and parking. Also the Church on Woodlawn Avenue off Lake Avenue was approved for an Omnipoint Communications tower. There were five criteria that the Planning Department outlined with its recommendation to approve along with some conditions for signage. The planning board is still short one member and now the acting chairman is John Gee. Soon the Town Board will have to appoint a new member as well as appoint a permanent chairman.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 01/07/09
First meeting of the year with a new chairman, John Gee and a new board member, Barbara DeSorba. This meeting had a citizen who was looking for a subdivision for the first time and, with little experience in this area, managed to get thru the presentation; however, the final decision was reserved. Several other items of interest and one brought out Elmer Hornberger, long time developer, asking for a waiver of sidewalks for a Story Book Home site.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 01/21/09
One of the more fascinating discussions of just one item: Stanton Plat. A story of conflicting boundary lines, sometimes called overlapping property lines where the information of the applicant is not consistent with evidence on the maps that the Town makes use of in making decisions. Sometimes the rhetoric was stormy and colorful. Be sure to take the time to listen and follow-up to see the outcome.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 02/04/09
Nothing much to say this evening as the agenda was extremely short. Meeting over in about five minutes.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 03/18/09
Not a very long meeting but one item in particular for Vasco Holdings was to change zoning from "WSI" to "NB" along Middle Country Road in St. James. This particular section of roadway was made into a WSI ( Warehouse/Service Industry ) corridor. It has many car dealer and several fast food restaurants that all fell into that category but no neighborhood businesses. Consideration was given to a changing economy, changing needs, and the approval of neighbors at the last hearing. Issues of concern were discussed.

SMITHTOWN PLANNING BOARD MEETING - 04/21/10