The Town of Saugerties Planning Board scheduled a public hearing on a five-lot subdivision proposed by Joseph Gambino at its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 20. The hearing is set for 7:30 p.m. on May 18.
The lots are off Route 32, just north of High Falls Road, near Gambino’s business. Gambino’s property spans two zoning districts, MDR [moderate density residential] and HB [Highway Business] said survey crew chief Bill Stade, who presented the plan to the board. He said Gambino plans to create five two-acre lots. The area, a former quarry, was clear cut some years ago and a Planning Board requirement that trees of a diameter greater than eight inches be mapped was essentially moot. The planners tentatively agreed, though board chairman Howard Post suggested that if any had doubts, they could walk the property and decide.
Planning Board consultant Adriana Beltrani said ownership and maintenance of the road — a private rural road — should be clarified, and the highway superintendent and fire department should review the plan.
The plan should include contours to allow the Planning Board to be sure that the lots are buildable, Beltrani said. The plan must be submitted to the Ulster County Planning Board for review,
Planning Board member Mike Tiano questioned whether adding five wells could harm the water table, causing neighbors’ wells to go dry. Post said it is unlikely, as the area is sparsely populated, so there should not be too much strain on the aquifer. “It doesn’t matter, Howie, till your well goes dry,” Tiano responded.
Beltrani suggested that the highway department might want to comment on the proposed road and the Saxon Fire Department might have an interest.
The board then agreed to set the public hearing for its next meeting on May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
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