Planning board approves minor subdivision for Verizon Lane amid lease and easement questions

The Town of Lansing Planning Board voted to approve a minor subdivision that will deed Lot 3 to the town for an extension of Verizon Lane while preserving an existing right-of-way. The motion carried on a roll-call vote after staff described possible legal complications related to an existing lease covering part of the parcel.

Staff member Nathaniel told the board that the lease language raised questions about whether the lease interest "runs in favor of the town or the general public" and that the town had received two differing legal interpretations. "This could all be resolved by getting in a statement from Verizon in writing that they would approve of it," Nathaniel said, and estimated that clarifying site control could take "4 months to a year." The board’s approval was made with the understanding that the matter will return to the town board and town attorney for any additional legal scrutiny before final annexing procedures.

The applicant’s representative said his attorney reviewed the documents and "he said, they've already conveyed this land to you," and the applicant and staff discussed that if the road is public it "has to stay" as a public right-of-way. The board agreed to move the subdivision along to the town board for annexation and follow-up on the outstanding easement and notarization items.

Procedural next steps: the subdivision will proceed to the town board for annexation review and any conditions required by the town attorney. Staff recommended obtaining written confirmation from Verizon and completing the required notary/easement documentation before final administrative actions.