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Ulysses board accepts SEAF part one, declares intent to act as lead agency for Smith Woods critical environmental area
Summary
The Ulysses Town Board accepted the SEAF part one for the proposed Smith Woods critical environmental area, declared the town’s intent to act as lead agency, and set a July 14 public hearing (likely to be continued) after correcting acreage and directing staff to notify adjacent owners and agencies.
The Ulysses Town Board voted June 23 to accept the State Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF) part one for the proposed Smith Woods critical environmental area and declared the town’s intent to act as lead agency for the environmental review.
Supervisor called the special meeting and introduced a packet for Smith Woods that included the SEAF part one, a resolution of intent and related memos. The board discussed the protections a critical environmental area (CEA) would provide and noted the property’s potential eligibility for historic designation. “Designating this property as a critical environmental area gives the property greater protection,” the Supervisor said, describing the CEA as an additional layer of review and noting that public funds or projects could trigger mitigation or review requirements.
Staff identified a discrepancy between the acreage reported on the SEAF form and the survey. Planner Liz flagged the mismatch and requested amending the record so the submission matches the updated survey figures; staff agreed to correct the form and have legal review before the submission. The board directed the town planner to notify adjacent property owners, the county, and other required agencies. The board also noted that New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) interests may be relevant given the site’s adjacency to state-owned rights-of-way.
A public hearing on the SEAF is scheduled for July 14; the Supervisor said the hearing will likely be opened and continued to ensure broad public participation and to give agencies time to respond. The board expects parts two and three of the environmental review to be reviewed after the public hearing and before any final designation.
The motion to accept SEAF part one and declare the town’s intent to act as lead agency was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote. The Supervisor and staff will finalize the SEAF part one, incorporate the corrected acreage and submit the documentation to the agencies identified under SEAF procedures.
