West
Carthage Planning Board
Regular Meeting
June
27, 2012
Board Members Present: Ronald Blinebry, Chairperson
David Rohr, Tom Valentine,
Joe Onyon, Paul Pierce
Recording Secretary: Lou Ann Smith
Others Present: Church of God
Soldiers of Jesus Christ, Pastor Torres, church members, Brian Sweet – Auto
Clinic, Elaine Avallone – CRT.
Chairman Blinebry called the meeting
to order at 6:32 p.m.
Minutes
for the Planning Board regular meeting on June 6, 2012 were reviewed. On motion
by T. Valentine, seconded by D. Rohr minutes were approved and carried
unanimously.
R.
Blinebry opens the meeting with Brian Sweet who has applied for a Zoning Permit
to open and operate an Auto Sales/Service and Detail Shop at the former F.X.
Caprara building, 79 Bridge St. Mr. Sweet was first denied his application by
the Zoning Officer and referred to the ZBA for a Use Variance, because his
proposed business does not fit in the Zoned area. R. Blinebry states that upon speaking with Ron
Novak, it was determined that because F.X. Caprara was granted a Use Variance
and Area Variance from the ZBA for the same type of business, Mr. Sweet should
be granted his Zoning Permit as the variances Caprara’s received go with the
property not the owner. R. Blinebry asks Mr. Sweet what does he plan for minor
repairs, Mr. Sweet responds, brake repair, tune ups, tire change/balancing and
general service of vehicles. R. Blinebry asks how the old parts, tires and oil will
be discarded. Mr. Sweet, the oil will go to his shop on Rte. 283 for his heating
system, tires will be picked up bi-weekly and parts he will transport to the
scrap yard for cash. P. Pierce asks where the used parts will be stored before
pick-up, Mr. Sweet, they will be inside building. R. Blinebry tells Mr. Sweet
he will get back to him regarding their conversation about the setbacks from a
state highway. R. Blinebry asks about signs, Mr. Sweet, will use the existing
signs just change the face lettering and will add a 3 x 5 sign above each
overhead door and he isn’t sure the measurements of the awning sign over the
front of the building but will get the measurements to R. Blinebry and when
signs for overhead doors are here he will contact R. Blinebry to look at first.
R. Blinebry asks about outside lighting, Mr. Sweet, plan on using existing
lights, he believes at one time they were on timers and if he is required to
turn lights off at a certain time at night so as not to disturb neighbors he
will. No other comments or questions from the Board members. R. Blinebry asks
for a motion to accept the Zoning Permit Application from Mr. Sweet to operate
his Auto Business, motion by J. Onyon, seconded by P. Pierce, carried.
R.
Blinebry introduces Pastor Torres whose Church has purchased the former West
Carthage Elementary School and has applied for a Zoning Permit to operate the
building as a Church. R. Blinebry goes over the acceptable uses for the parcel,
a church would only be allowed if the Planning Board grants a Special Use
Permit. Pastor Torres hands out information packets to each Planning member
that explains who his Church is and what their plans are for the former school,
the first floor gym will be the area for worship and sanctuary, but because the
gym is currently unusable in its condition the plan is to utilize the Jefferson
St. classrooms for classes and the cafeteria area (multi-use room) for worship
until they can repair the gym, which will be blocked off while the renovations
are being done. Pastor Torres states the days and hours of worship; Friday night’s 7-8, Sunday
worship 10-12 with Sunday School from 9 – 9:45. During the week they would have
consulting and bible study group meetings. Pastor Torres states that possibly
in the future they would like to offer state certified daycare, which would be
in the front (Jefferson St.), which Pastor Torres states is ideal with the
classrooms and cafeteria/kitchen right there, all of this would be after the
gym area is complete. Pastor Torres states that the daycare would target the
military offering lower cost daycare which he feels is a need. R. Blinebry asks
how soon are they looking to begin utilizing the building and what part. Pastor
Torres responds that they are hoping for a September 1st opening and
services would be in the front (Jefferson St.) part of the building. R. Blinebry
asks if future plans are to use the entire building, Pastor Torres responds yes
but their main concern now is to complete the first floor. Pastor Torres
explains that his Church and its members are Community minded and feels they
would be an asset to the Village. They plan on offering emergency services such
as a food pantry and good clean clothing for people in need. R. Blinebry asks
if it is the intention to operate like the Watertown Urban Mission, Pastor
Torres responds no, it would be small and for emergencies only, there would be
no drop off point for used clothing as the Salvation Army and Urban Mission
have. Pastor Torres states that the first floor multi-use area is presently
large enough to serve as their place of worship and is handicap accessible, if
necessary in the future they would provide ramps if needed. R. Blinebry asks
what the plans are for the playground area on Madison St. Pastor Torres states
they plan on using the front area for parking that will include 50-60 spaces
for cars and the back area will be left as is. Pastor Torres states that
handicap parking will be available in the driveway next to the building. Pastor
Torres states that he and some of his parishioners have been mowing the lawn
since May and will continue to take care of the lawns. Pastor Torres states
that presently they contract with Cutting Edge for snow removal and they have
been asked and agreed to service the former school for snow removal and Thomas
Trash will be taking care of their trash. Pastor Torres plans are to use the
same brick sign pillar that held the school sign on Jefferson St. and place a
small sign on the Madison St. side of the building. Pastor Torres states that
the steps leading into the gym between the school and Ferguson property will be
repaired, areas on the building’s bricks that need pointing up will be done and
1 window needs to be replaced. D. Rohr states he believes the church would be a
good fit for the building, all the member agrees. Pastor Torres states they are
willing and looking forward to working with the neighbors. R. Blinebry asks if
they plan on using the right of way off of High St. to access the parking area
and where will parking be until the parking lot on Madison St. is completed,
Pastor Torres states no they will not use the High St. area it will remain as
is and until the parking lot is complete they will organize parking around the
building but as of now they are a small congregation so parking shouldn’t be a
problem. R. Blinebry asks if there are questions or comments from the Board
members, none given. R. Blinebry asks for a motion to accept the Zoning Permit
Application to operate the former school as a Church and grant a Special Use
Permit to do so, motion made to accept
the application and grant a Special Use Permit to operate former school as a
Church by D. Rohr , second by T. Valentine, carried.
R.
Blinebry states that Mike Lundy requested to be excused as they were not
prepared to present plans for the Broad Street project. R. Blinebry comments
that since the last meeting with Mr. Lundy he visited a few of the housing
projects in the area and states that some have drains, sidewalks and curbing
and suggests that the members try and visit some of the projects themselves to
view how these items have been incorporated. R. Blinebry also states that fire
hydrant placement should be considered and placement of streetlights needs to
be looked at.
P.
Pierce requests that he needs the PDD section of the Code book. L. Smith states
she will copy a few for anyone who doesn’t have it and for extras.
No
comments from the Board members.
J.
Onyon motions to adjourn, second by P. Pierce. The meeting is closed at 7:47
p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lou
Ann Smith
Recording
Secretary
