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Applicant proposes Mathis subdivision on State Rte. 197; board flags DOH, frontage and road requirements
Summary
Applicant Moriah Mathis told the Fort Edward Planning Board she wants to subdivide property on State Rte. 197 to sell lots to builders. The board said lots must be buildable, will need Department of Health approval, NYSDOT driveway permits, and likely 1.5–2‑acre lots depending on soil perk tests.
Moriah Mathis told the Planning Board she bought a parcel on State Route 197 and wants to subdivide it to offer lots to builders. "We bought this property and would like to subdivide the land to offer to builders," Mathis said, and added that she hoped to maximize the number of lots, possibly using right‑of‑way access to reach rear lots.
The board cautioned that state and town rules limit what the board can approve. "New York State law says that if the Planning Board subdivides a lot it has to be buildable," Chairman Mark Belden said, and Attorney Bill Nikas told the applicant the Department of Health must approve subdivisions that create more than five lots or any lots under specified acreage. Town Engineer Chris Koenig and board members noted other constraints: the parcel is zoned R‑Ag (minimum lot size 20,000 sq ft by code), town minimum frontage of 100 feet and a minimum lot depth of 100 feet, NYSDOT driveway permits are required for cuts on a state road, and any new road would need to be dedicated and built to Town specifications.
Board members also described local fees and requirements the applicant should expect. Planning Board Clerk Aimee Ives noted the town's recreation fee for a major subdivision is $895 per lot unless the applicant provides recreational space. The board advised Mathis to retain an engineer and counsel to prepare required test results (well and septic/perk testing), a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and to coordinate any request for reduced frontage or right‑of‑way with the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Next steps the board outlined included securing a dedicated engineer who can work with the Town Engineer, preparing Department of Health and NYSDOT materials, and, if seeking a frontage variance, filing to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mathis acknowledged those costs and said they could reduce her profit, noting she might consider doing fewer lots if required.
