New Paltz Village Planning Board members reviewed some updates to the Stewart’s application last week and agreed to submit it to county Planning Board members for their comments. The plan calls for relocating the convenience store to 76 North Chestnut Street, at the corner of Henry W. Dubois Drive, with a total of eight gasoline pumps and a bigger store than is now located a few lots north. Board members looked at new plan updates which clarify setbacks and the truck circulation route — which would have drivers both enter and exit via North Chestnut Street — as well as landscaping plans for the property.
The other shoe which may drop is related to a traffic light at that corner. State transportation officials feel the intersection is now busy enough to justify it, and additionally want it built and paid for by the applicant. That’s a non-starter for Stewart’s executives, and village officials are in agreement. Mayor Tim Rogers sent a letter expressing a preference for re-striping Henry W. Dubois Drive to allow for a left-turn lane, or in the alternative to have a light paid for from the State budget if state officials want it badly enough. Planning Board members don’t think a traffic light is necessary, and chair Eve Walter advised that they can indeed move ahead without including one in the plans. DOT officials have the right to put down a metaphorical foot and require it, but the board’s attorney told her that this is only rarely done.
Ultimately, the lot itself will become smaller if this application is approved. “Our intent is to subdivide this off,” Stewart’s representative Chuck Marshall told village Planning Board members about the building now housing Tow-Rific. The owner of that business is attempting to relocate to a property on Route 32 North; that application is before members of the town Planning Board and is facing some opposition from neighbors.
This application will be forwarded to county Planning Board members, and once those comments are received, Walter anticipates completing the environmental review and voting on approval.
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