Agency forwards concerns on proposed short‑term vehicle storage at 1099 Burgoyne Avenue; asks for stricter variance documentation

The county planning agency voted Aug. 1 to forward comments and treat both a use‑variance application and a site‑plan review for 1099 Burgoyne Avenue as a matter of local concern, asking local boards for additional information and safeguards before final approval.

Agency members heard that the proposal, filed as short‑term vehicle storage for a towing company, would store vehicles for roughly “30 to 90 days” under the applicant’s definition. A staff member confirmed the parcel measures 0.78 acres.

Members raised multiple concerns: the site sits amid largely residential uses with a narrow, limited‑visibility entrance; the surface is mostly gravel rather than paved; previous use included an auto body shop and agency members asked whether soils should be tested for contamination before a new storage use begins. One agency member noted that use variances require a strict‑scrutiny standard and said the local zoning board should require financial documentation and other proof that allowable uses do not yield a reasonable return before granting a variance.

The agency noted its role was to evaluate county infrastructure impacts — for example, whether the site is served by public water — and to flag traffic, ingress/egress, and potential fluid‑leak containment concerns that could affect water or scenic resources. An agency member explained that if a proposed use would affect county infrastructure, the county review should flag those impacts for local boards.

Agency members also recommended the town ensure the village (where applicable) is informed when applications sit on the border. The agency moved to treat the application as a local concern and forward a list of recommended conditions (traffic ingress/egress evaluation, fluid‑containment measures, maintenance of natural buffers, and contamination testing). The motion was seconded and carried with all members saying “aye.”

The agency’s action is advisory; the zoning and planning boards retain final approval authority. Agency members emphasized that if a business begins operating without required approvals, local law may allow the town to order a shutdown or require the applicant to submit for site‑plan review retroactively.