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Board finds indoor golf change‑of‑use a Type II action, waives site plan and public hearing
Summary
The Somers Planning Board found the Back Nine indoor golf training facility a Type II action under SEQRA, waived site‑plan and public‑hearing requirements, and directed staff to prepare a confirmatory resolution so the applicant need not return; the applicant described 24/7 member access, four bays to start, and use of Full Swing simulator technology.
The Somers Planning Board on June 10 declared the Back Nine indoor golf facility a Type II action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and voted to waive the site‑plan, public‑hearing and sitewalk requirements for the change of use at 80 Route 6. The board also directed staff to prepare a confirmatory resolution that the chair can sign so the applicant will not need to appear again for final signature.
Applicant Gary Gangi described the business as a membership‑based indoor golf training facility using Full Swing simulator technology and said memberships would generally cost between $250 and $350 per month. Gangi said members would have 24‑hour access via a secure code system while public tee times and staffed hours would occur during daytime hours. "The Back 9 is a member‑based indoor golf training facility designed to provide golfers with private access and instruction," Gangi said during his presentation.
Christy Hooper, manager of tenant coordination for Somers Commons, confirmed the site’s parking supply after the board asked about peak usage and overflow. Hooper said the shopping center has completed parking studies and "we have plenty of parking." The applicant estimated that peak occupancy inside the facility would usually remain under 25 people and planned to start with four simulator bays.
Board members asked about alcohol service and late‑night staffing. Gangi said some Back Nine franchises serve alcohol during public hours but he had no immediate plan to apply for a liquor license; he said 24/7 member access would be unstaffed and that the bays are enclosed to reduce the risk of stray balls.
Because the proposed interior fit‑out uses existing building envelope and pre‑existing parking, staff recommended a Type II SEQRA finding. The board voted unanimously in favor of the Type II finding and the procedural waivers, and asked staff to draft a confirmatory resolution for the chair’s signature.
