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Fenton Planning Board approves pole barn site plan at 44 Port Street after SEQRA review
Summary
The Town of Fenton Planning Board on April 28, 2026, voted 4–0 to approve a site plan for a pole barn at 44 Port Street in Port Crane, declaring a SEQRA Negative Declaration after county reviewers flagged stormwater and MS4 permit-area requirements.
The Town of Fenton Planning Board voted 4–0 on April 28, 2026, to approve the site plan for a pole barn at 44 Port Street in Port Crane. The board also assumed lead agency status under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and declared a Negative Declaration after reviewing the project’s short EAF and county comments.
Christa Kark, chairperson of the Town of Fenton Planning Board, opened the meeting and introduced the site plan application submitted in advance by applicants Ryan Reynolds and Krystal App. Board Member Jason Aurelio moved to approve the site plan; Michael Pipher seconded the motion. The roll call vote recorded Ayes from Aurelio, Kark, Pipher and Podrazil; Mallory Illsley and Donald Snow were absent.
The board followed the SEQRA process. After the applicant provided Part 1 of the Short Environmental Assessment Form, the board completed Part 2 and, in Part 3, found no large or significant environmental impacts. Patricia Podrazil moved, and Michael Pipher seconded, a motion to declare a SEQRA Negative Declaration, which passed on the same 4–0 roll call.
Broome County’s 239 review (received April 21, 2026) did not identify significant countywide impacts but asked that the EAF and site plan address Broome County Department of Public Works drainage comments and ensure appropriate drainage given site slopes. The county noted the parcel lies inside the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit area and recommended strict adherence to NYSDEC erosion and sedimentation control measures until final stabilization. The county cited Broome County Local Law PERM 5 of 2020 and referenced definitions of illicit discharges (sections 306-2.15 and 306-2.9) in its guidance to the applicant.
Chair Kark asked whether the pole barn would be used for cold storage; the applicant confirmed it would. Board Member Michael Pipher raised the board’s customary concern about floor drains, noting his understanding that floor drains are not allowed in similar projects because of oil-separation and fuel-discharge risks; the minutes record the board emphasizing compliance with drainage and erosion controls rather than adding conditional approvals.
No conditions were attached to the site plan approval. The board also noted a separate shed application for United Refining Holdings, Inc., at 27 Albany Street will be reviewed after a pending Zoning Board of Appeals review. The Planning Board scheduled its next regular meeting for May 26, 2026.
Vote tally (site plan approval): Ayes — Jason Aurelio, Christa Kark, Michael Pipher, Patricia Podrazil; Nays — 0; Absent — Mallory Illsley, Donald Snow.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM.
