Planning Board approves site plan for 344 Broadway sports training facility; declines new traffic study

The Town of Fort Edward Planning Board on Oct. 9 approved a site plan for DMSV Property, LLC to convert the building at 344 Broadway into a sports training facility, contingent on payment of required fees. Chairman Belden opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.; no members of the public offered comment during the hearing and the Board closed the hearing at 7:41 p.m.

Town Engineer Chris Koenig reported that the County Planning Department deemed the project a "matter of local concern" and provided two comments: that the local board formalize an agreement with the Warren/Washington IDA for the proposed ingress/egress from Store Access Road, and that the proposed access accommodate pedestrians. Board members questioned the IDA’s role; Zachary Middleton noted that "Market 32 is on a PILOT," and applicant representative Dan McQuay said the IDA owns the access road and the applicant had planned to meet with the IDA after this meeting. On lighting, McQuay said, "The existing lighting will be upgraded but we will not be adding any additional lighting in this phase."

Board members debated whether the existing deeded ingress/egress would require a traffic study. On a motion by Zachary Middleton, seconded by Max Fruchter, the Board voted 5–1 not to require a new traffic study and to allow use of the existing deeded ingress/egress, noting a lighted access would be preferred if possible (Chairman Belden voted nay). The Board then approved the site plan contingent on payment of fees. The Board was also advised that SEQR review was not required for this Type II action.