Developer seeks consolidation and 14‑lot subdivision at Independence Square; board asks for SEQR long-form and reviews wetland/variance plan

The planning board reviewed a revised concept to consolidate the existing 41 parcels at the former Independence Square Phase 3 site into 14 lots for single-family homes. The applicant presented an updated layout that reduced the number of requested variances and eliminated requests for minimum lot-area and side-yard relief; the proposal still requires several front-yard and lot-width area variances for some lots due to wetlands constraints.

Applicant representatives said prior iterations showed 16 lots and many more variance requests; the current plan reduces variances to 14 (12 front-yard setbacks and 2 lot-width exceptions) and preserves roughly 3.25 acres of upland limit-of-clearing while identifying 0.438 acres of wetland disturbance requiring jurisdictional review and mitigation. The applicant reported initial coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and said they had provided a wetlands mitigation approach involving protected no-disturb areas and buried culverts for certain flows.

Board members asked the applicant to proceed with SEQRA (there was agreement to use the long-form environmental assessment given wetlands involvement and the project—s size), and to formally coordinate with the Army Corps and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for clean water certification and wetland jurisdiction. The board also requested that the applicant provide clearer mapping relating proposed lots to the currently developed subdivisions on nearby Lexington Road and Concord Drive so the board can confirm consistency of lot sizes and neighborhood patterning.

No final decision was made; the board kept the public hearing open for future sessions while SEQRA and agency coordination proceed.