Catskill planning board sets Oct. 27 hearing for Sawyer Chevy self-storage after negative declaration; approves storefront and sign permits

The Village of Catskill Planning Board on Oct. 13 declared a negative declaration under SEQR for the Sawyer Chevy self-storage site plan and scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 27, requiring mailed notice to properties within 500 feet.

At the meeting, Brett Steenburgh and Chase Steenburgh, joined by engineer David Infantino, told the board the project was consolidated into a single construction phase to address earlier concerns. The board asked about compliance with lighting and landscaping standards and utility connections; members confirmed stormwater pollution prevention (SWPP) standards will be applied based on the actual area of disturbance. Ann Gibbons moved for the negative declaration; Jay Lesenger seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The board set the public hearing date of Oct. 27 and directed staff to issue 500-foot notice to abutters and interested parties.

The board also approved several permit applications. Adriana and Loren Minsky received approval to restore the storefront at 385 Main Street to a historically appropriate configuration; the board endorsed six-over-six window replacements. Anthony Petrianni moved to assume lead agency; Sam Perez moved to classify the project as Type II and to find it historically appropriate under section 5 of the zoning code. Petrianni then moved to approve the application; the motion was seconded by Ann Gibbons and carried with all in favor.

The board approved a nonilluminated sign permit for 30 West Bridge Street. Applicant Matt Kusewich presented a standard sign design the board found compliant with local code. Michele Pulver moved to declare lead agency; Ann Gibbons moved to classify the project as Type II. Pulver then moved to approve the permit; the motion, seconded by Anthony Petrianni, passed with no objections.

The board reviewed, but did not approve, a sign proposal for 26 West Bridge Street. Applicant Chun Zhang was asked to pursue a lightbox or other design alternatives to address illumination concerns flagged by Chair Gilbert Bagnell.

On a separate property issue, Lee Evans appeared on behalf of a client proposing rooftop solar at 35 Woodland Ave. The board discussed panel layout that would reduce street visibility while preserving generation efficiency and asked for alternate configurations to be presented; Sam Perez moved to assume lead agency and the motion passed with no objection.

Planning board members also reviewed concept updates for Hop‑O‑Nose Marina, including waterfront sheetpiling, siding and landscaping changes, and a proposed resubdivision to create two multiunit rental buildings with an affordable-housing agreement. The board indicated general support for the concept and agreed to provide positive comments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, noting the resubdivision would require ZBA variances.

The meeting closed after a brief note from Stuart Breslow about unresolved security-lighting conditions at the former St. Patrick’s school on Woodland Ave. Jay Lesenger moved to adjourn; the motion carried without objection.

Next steps: the Sawyer Chevy site plan will return for public comment at the Oct. 27 hearing; applicants with outstanding items (26 West Bridge sign, solar configurations, and former St. Patrick’s conditions) were asked to provide revised materials.