Planning board declares lead agency, sets Sept. 14 public hearing for proposed electrical control building

The Town of Barre Planning Board declared itself lead agency for the environmental review of a proposed electrical controls building at 14120 West Lee Road and classified the project as an unlisted action under SEQR, the board announced during its meeting.

"The planning board of the town of Barre hereby declared itself lead agency for the purpose of the SEQR review," the Committee member read from the board's resolution. The resolution notes that an application was submitted on July 28 by David Herring, agent for Berrystone Products, for an electrical controls building adjacent to the existing asphalt operations.

Board members voted to send a referral to the county planning board so the county can review the application. The Committee member moved to send the resolution to the county; Chair Greg seconded the motion and the board approved sending the referral.

The board also set a public hearing for the proposal on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. "Public hearing for this, for September 14 at 06:30 for the proposed electrical control building," the Clerk stated when scheduling the date. The hearing will provide an opportunity for public comment and for the board to receive further information before taking final action.

The board discussed whether to hold a local public hearing before or after county review, with members noting past inconsistencies in practice and agreeing to send the referral while scheduling the hearing at the next regular meeting. No final decision on the SEQR determination beyond declaring lead agency was recorded at the meeting.