Board signals positive recommendation for variances on Blueberry Hill lot, citing lower environmental disturbance

Planning staff and the applicant described a proposal to build a single‑family house on a 4.79‑acre wooded lot (0 Peter Bont / Blueberry Hill Road) that requires variances for frontage and access. Engineering consultant Andy Chung explained the design includes three bioretention basins and a stormwater pollution prevention plan; the applicant said approximately 100 trees would be removed with 76 replacement plantings proposed, and noted many of the trees slated for removal are invasive species.

Staff briefed the board that New York State DEC has exercised jurisdiction over the property's wetlands and that the applicant obtained a DEC permit allowing construction within the 100‑foot wetland buffer after coordination with DEC. Town staff explained two variances are needed: one under the town zoning ordinance for street frontage/improvement standards and a second under New York State town law for a 15‑foot access requirement (proposed 14 feet).

Board members discussed two options: require the applicant to use an on‑site access strip (which would require more steep‑slope disturbance and retaining walls) or support the applicant's plan to use a shared drive via an easement already in place. Several members favored a positive recommendation to the ZBA, citing less environmental disruption and fewer tree removals than constructing a new access road. The chair directed staff to prepare a draft positive recommendation to the ZBA for board consideration on March 4.

Why it matters: The decision steers whether the project will be recommended favorably to the ZBA for variances that allow development of a constrained, wooded lot. The board framed its tentative preference around minimizing steep‑slope disturbance, protecting neighbors' homes and reducing tree removal where possible.