Board authorizes draft negative declaration for Hudson Valley Volkswagen after landscaping, wetland and traffic issues discussed

The Wappinger Planning Board reviewed the Hudson Valley Volkswagen site-plan and special-use permit and directed the applicant to refine landscaping, delineate a safe loading/unloading area, and complete town wetland permitting. After discussion, the board authorized the planner to draft a negative declaration for the project and voted in favor.

During the meeting, applicant representatives proposed nonmovable landscape delineation (boulder or timber guardrail) to keep cars off landscaped areas; one representative suggested an 18-inch timber guardrail behind the curb. A staff member noted the current plan showed roughly 23% landscaped area and asked for more robust plantings and delineation across the site.

On wetlands, applicant counsel said Dutchess County would not claim jurisdiction and that the disturbance is subject to town wetland permitting; staff confirmed the town wetland permit application would be considered with the board's resolution. The board also reviewed traffic consultant comments about whether large auto-haulers can make required K-turns on-site and recommended a dimensioned drive-aisle callout and a hatched loading area so carriers would not need to stage on Route 9.

After the adjustments were discussed and staff indicated they could draft a negative declaration for the board's consideration, a motion to authorize the planner to draft that declaration was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board confirmed the project had previously held a public hearing and agreed to return the item to the agenda for final sign-off after the required revisions and, if applicable, ZBA action on variances.