March 29, 2021 Special Meeting

Chairman Neuer called a recess at 9:19pm; the meeting reconvened at 9:26. Ms. Shipley’s testimony was concluded - Mr. Tuvel introduced the applicant’s Planner, Mr. Charles Heydt, Mr. Heydt; was sworn under oath and offered his credentials as a professional planner. Mr. Heydt was accepted as an expert in the field of planning. Mr. Tuvel asked Mr. Heydt if he had visited the site and reviewed the applicable zoning, laws, plans, and all matters relating to this application. Mr. Heyd? answered in the affirmative. Mr. Heydt entered the Town’s Zoning Map as evidence. The site in question was zoomed in on; and he stated that there are several commercial sites across the street and residential uses going up Mt. Pleasant Avenue. The witness showed photos of the area that has mostly remained unchanged for a long time; the lot in question that is still being remediated; another showed a structure on the property which has since been removed; there were also pictures of a current retaining wall and the adjacent former Ynited Rent-all site next door. Additional photos showed a strip mall and a restaurant that will remain in the area, and pictures of commercial buildings and billboards across Pleasant Valley Way. The witness then showed an aerial photo of the site to show where residential properties are in relation to the proposed site. Witness moved on to review suitability and the need for the particular variances for which the applicant is asking relief. Suitability: it is a large site of 70,000 sq. ft., and its proximity to a County right of way, not a residential side street. This plan was compared to other previous applications that had been approved in town. Additional Board Questions: Mr. Eben asked about the Master Plan referred to by the witness and if it was the most tecent revision. Mr. Heydt answered in the affirmative. Mr. Eben asked about previous applications for this site, and whether these had to deal with the steep slope, and if stormwater drainage is acceptable now, how does this project improve upon it. Mr. Eben asked if this project as a rateable is comparable to other rateables. Mr. Heydt responded that the current vacant land is not a significant rateable. Mr. Eben inquired about the 5