Members of the Ogden Planning Board March 10, gave preliminary site plan approval to the Rite Aid Pharmacy proposed for the intersection of Route 259 and Route 31, and final site plan approval to the Green Wood Park townhouse/apartment complex proposed near the northwest corner of Whittier Road and Westside Drive.
Regarding the Rite Aid project, project manager Tim O’Brien told board members that developers have addressed concerns over the environmental review, “We are ready to move forward with the design … and get going with the village and town for the sewer extension,” he said. The project will be serviced by public water and public sanitary facilities.
Planning Board members worked through the EAF – Environmental Assessment Form – for the Rite Aid portion of the Spencerport Mixed Used Center development that includes 33.1 acres, finding that there was either no environmental impact or a small environmental impact in all cases. Currently, Rite Aid is the only project proposed for the site.
Planning Board members made a negative declaration regarding the environmental impact of the project, meaning it can move forward.
Building Inspector Patrick Smith reminded board members of their initial concerns regarding the look of the building and whether or not it fits with the town’s Heritage Corridor concept.
Project Manager Tim O’Brien noted developers have made several renditions to the elevation to address concerns of Planning Board members, including the addition of gable windows and a gable roof.
“I think it fits pretty nicely with the Heritage Corridor,” Planning Board Chair Gary Parker said. “We’re starting to make some progress.”
The Green Wood Park development, which has raised some concerns from neighbors in the Whittier Road/Westside Drive area, was given final site plan approval.
Phase 1 of the project will include the construction of 56 apartments in seven buildings, 30 townhouse units in eight buildings, a clubhouse and a swimming pool.
Peter Vars of BME Associates, told board members that developers have addressed concerns and have included on drawings specifics of agreements between applicants and neighbors regarding issues such as additional landscaping.
There are still concerns over an entrance to the complex and the proximity to driveways of residents on Westside Drive. Vars said developers are willing to post a letter of credit for relocation of two driveways if residents decide to do so. Residents have stated they do not want to move their driveways.
Off-site drainage is also an issue and developers have agreed to follow any decisions from the Corps of Engineers. Both issues as well as an off-site easement are all contingencies of final site plan approval.
In other business, Planning Board members gave conceptual approval to Parkview Center. Big Ridge Holding, LLC, is proposing to construct 40 townhouse units comprised within four buildings on property located north of Big Ridge Road and east of Union Street. The development will be serviced by public water and public sewer.
Richard Giraulo of LandTech Surveying & Planning/LaDieu Consulting, LLC, told Planning Board members that the re-zoning of land with frontage along Union Street from commercial to multi-family facilitated the proposal, which includes units which would run along Union Street. Giraulo said the townhouses would, “Give a village feel as you enter the town down North Union Street,” and would, “mimic (the look of) commercial buildings in the village.”
Planning Board member Tony Halaris called the overall concept good, but expressed concerns over density. Member Jim Marshall expressed concerns over the ability of large fire equipment to reach sections of the development.
Town Engineer John Freel and Highway Superintendent David Widger expressed concerns over plans by the developers to utilize a temporary dedicated pump station for sewage. Freel questioned where sewage would be pumped. Giraulo said developers did not want to lock-in on the final pump station location until it becomes more clear how future commercial development of portions of the property will proceed.
