Planning Board approves steep‑slope and tree‑removal permits for 5 Farmway Drive; requires 100‑year storm confirmation

The Planning Board reviewed a draft approval for the Bourgeage project at 5 Farmway Drive, which seeks a steep‑slope permit and a tree‑removal permit tied to a site plan. Deputy Commissioner Schmidt drew attention to key conditions in the draft decision, including a landscaping berm to prevent stormwater runoff from reaching the adjacent roadway and a provision that the town engineer confirm the applicant's stormwater management system is designed to handle a 100‑year storm event. "So, Mr. Escalades had indicated that at the public hearing, and therefore, it was captured as a condition, because that exceeds the Town Code requirement of handling a 25‑year storm event," Schmidt said.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the town engineer's maintenance authority and whether a stormwater maintenance plan requirement would be imposed; staff and the applicant explained that maintenance obligations are enforced through the town engineer's stormwater management permit following planning board approval. The board discussed an existing town engineer memorandum (a standard memorandum used for steep‑slope permits) and whether specific maintenance language should be reiterated in the draft decision.

After discussion the board moved to classify the application as a Type 2 action under SEQRA and then voted to approve the steep‑slope permit and the tree‑removal permit as drafted, with conditions noted in the decision. The motions were moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Next steps: The town engineer will review and sign off on the stormwater system design per the condition in the draft decision; planning staff will finalize the decision document with the specified conditions and return it to the applicant for compliance and enforcement through the engineering permit process.