TOWN OF MACEDON

PLANNING BOARD

March 23, 2015

PRESENT: Chairman Doug Allen and members Suzanne Airy, Tom Morrison, Kevin Rooney and Greg Whitney. Also present were Town Councilman David McEwen (via Skype), Town Engineer Scott Allen and Board Clerk Susan Bush. Absent were Mert Bartels and Mark McEwen.

Chairman Allen called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. A motion to waive reading the Legal Notice was made by Kevin Rooney, seconded by Suzanne Airy. All in favor (Bartels & McEwen absent); motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARING:

PB-01-15 – Crane – 815 Route 31 – Change of use – A motion to open the public hearing was made by Kevin Rooney, seconded by Suzanne Airy. All in favor (Bartels & McEwen absent); motion carried. Property owner Mark Crane and business partners Tim Stevens and Mike Dettman were present to address the Board. They would like to establish a craft distillery on Route 31 to manufacture spirits. This property (36+ acres) contained an old farm house, which has recently been removed, a large farm barn, a chicken coop and a shed. The shed may be moved to another location and the chicken coop may be removed. A new 40 ft. x 40 ft. building would be erected for the manufacturing operation and a tasting/gift area (approx. 300 sq. ft.). The hours of operation for the public would be limited, possibly 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and longer on the weekends. If the business warrants it, the hours could be expanded on the weekends. There will be no late night hours. Per NYS regulations tastings are strictly limited to a maximum of six (6) 1/4 ounce tastings per person per day. However, the owners expect their business to be directed more toward manufacturing and marketing to liquor stores.

Mr. Stevens and Mr. Dettman will be in charge of manufacturing and have several years of experience. They will begin with a 100 gallon still, producing flavored moonshines. The process takes approximately two weeks per batch and would result in 200 gallons of product. Odors would be confined by the distilling tank. The manufacturing/employee hours would be longer than the public hours. They anticipate 6-8 employees with a maximum of four (4) employee vehicles at one time. As demand increases, they would add more employees. Mr. Crane explained that New York State grants special farm licenses for this type of operation.

There were several neighbors present who expressed concerns regarding parking areas/night lighting, traffic, odors, building to be constructed and impact of the project on their property values.

The new building will be rustic looking to blend with the agricultural feel of the area. There will be no bar. Town Engineer Scott Allen explained the ORM (Office-Research-Manufacturing) zoning for the property does not allow bar/restaurant use. However, the manufacturing of distilled spirits is allowed. Mr. Allen also explained that the north side of Route 31, including the subject property, is zoned ORM, and the south side, including most of the residents’ properties, is zoned R-30 (residential). Mr. Crane stated he owns several contiguous properties on the north side of Route 31 and expects that at some point in the future they would be developed in line with ORM zoning.

Regarding parking, a parking lot is planned between the new building and the old barn. The present parking area will be squared off and improved. There is an existing farm light, and more lights could be added to insure safety. There would be a sign for the business which would have a rustic appearance and meet the Town Code requirements.

Mr. Crane then explained he has visited distilleries in the south to observe the manufacturing process. New York State is allowing specialty licenses for distilling a maximum of 50,000 gallons per year. There are also grants for the use of New York products.

Regarding traffic created by the business, they anticipate a few heavy “box” type trucks to deliver the raw materials and pick up their product for distribution. The present “residential” driveway will be upgraded to meet DOT requirements. The residents present also had concerns about the volume of Route 31 traffic in general, and the Town Engineer explained that this would again be under the jurisdiction of NYS DOT. In the recent past, the Town has requested traffic control devices at various locations along Route 31, but each request has been denied. A resident asked about reducing the speed limit (determined by DOT), and Mr. Rooney explained the process for such a request.

A motion to close the public hearing was made by Kevin Rooney, seconded by Greg Whitney. All in favor (Bartels & McEwen absent); motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

PB-01-15 – Crane – 815 Route 31 – Change of use – The Town Engineer explained this proposal would require full site plan layout & approval, including renderings of the proposed building. At this time, the applicant would like concept approval before proceeding. A motion to grant concept plan approval was made by Greg Whitney, seconded by Kevin Rooney. All in favor (Bartels & McEwen absent); motion carried.

MINUTES:

A motion to approve the 03-09-15 minutes was made by Suzanne Airy, seconded by Greg Whitney. All in favor (Bartels & McEwen absent); minutes approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Suzanne Airy, seconded by Kevin Rooney. All in favor (Bartels & McEwen absent); meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Bush

Clerk to the Board