The primary topic was the proposed development by Fort Plains Partners LLC, which has been evolving for seven years. The plan includes a one-story flex warehouse and a four-story self-storage building on a 34-acre property with access to Route 9 via a right-of-way approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The current proposal is different from the original, with no access to Fort Plains Road except for a gated emergency fire entrance, as required by the fire chief, to minimize traffic impact on the neighboring residential community. The site previously housed a residential bungalow community, which will be removed in compliance with township requests. The self-storage use had become permitted since the application was filed, but the flex building still required variance relief.

The bungalows, currently outlined in red on the development exhibit, are designated for demolition due to their uninhabitable condition. Concerns were raised about the current residents, who are on verbal leases that can be terminated with a 30-day notice. The representative confirmed that the tenants are being notified, and the town is kept informed of the developments. The demolition plan includes clearing the area, removing all buildings, and ensuring compliance with health department regulations regarding septic system removal.

Board members expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed developments, particularly in relation to wetlands and potential runoff issues. The representative noted that the site is encumbered by wetlands and stream buffers, limiting developable land to approximately 14 acres. The proposed development emphasizes maintaining a 50-foot residential buffer along Fort Plains Road, with landscaping plans including a berm to enhance the buffer. Stormwater management was a topic, with plans to redirect water runoff toward the northern part of the property. Retaining walls are part of the grading plan, primarily near Route N and the self-storage building, and the stormwater design includes both surface water basins and underground features to comply with the latest regulations.

Public sewer and water availability were also discussed, with a sewer easement established over 20 years ago along the left edge of the pavement connecting to properties on Route 9. The current applicants do not own the sewer line but control the property and easement. The capacity of the existing 6-inch sewer line remains uncertain, and the potential costs of extending the sewer line from Fort Plains Road were a concern, especially for smaller operations.

The board addressed the proposed site plan elements, including details on grading, stormwater management, circulation, and parking lot design. The site plan includes a one-way traffic loop around the self-storage building, designed to ensure safe operations, with separate access from Route 9 and an emergency access point requested by the fire chief. Parking provisions exceed the required number of spaces, with concerns about potential oversaturation by tenant fleet vehicles. The applicant committed to limiting the number of overnight vehicles permitted for each leased area and ensuring they are confined to loading zones rather than the general parking area.

The necessity for a market analysis was questioned, given the presence of abandoned stores along Route 9. A representative emphasized that the market analysis was proprietary and that the board’s decision would not be based on economic factors. The discussion also included landscaping and buffer requirements, with an eight-foot landscape buffer proposed and an emphasis on preserving significant mature trees while removing unsuitable ones. Concerns about visibility from the street and compliance with buffer regulations were addressed, with a commitment to introduce a fence plan and ensure compliance with residential buffer requirements.