Ballston Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Parks and Recreation Updates: Playground Upgrades, Trail Completion, Invasive Species Management, and New Park Amenities Explored
Multiple park and environmental initiatives were discussed. Treatment for algae in Jenkins Park ponds is planned through a new yearly maintenance program. A memorial bench was donated and installed in Anchor Diamond Park. The Jenkins Park playground audit has been received, and the Parks and Recs Committee is exploring options for upgrades, with a focus on using the New York Plays grant. Details for the Brazilian United Soccer Association camp at Jenkins Park are finalized. The Parks and Recs Committee meeting was rescheduled. The committee will decide on a grand opening date for the Volo Ara Playground. A presentation on a possible kayak kiosk for Boston Lake is scheduled. The town reiterated the ban on e-bikes in parks and on trails due to reported damage. The town corner project, aimed at improving the entrance from the south end, has been approved. Eagle Scout candidates are encouraged to find projects with the committee. A biologist from the NYS Museum will use the Boston Lake fishing pier for insect sampling during the summer. Hemlocks in Fireman's Grove, Boston Lake Fire Department Memorial Park, have been treated, and Japanese knotweed treatment will begin. The parks committee is looking forward to a sledding hill on that property. Workdays are being organized with the BHBL Girls Soccer Booster Club for Jenkins Park and Anchor Diamond Park. Monitoring groves for invasive species have been set up at Anchor Diamond Park. Concerns were raised about individuals removing red tape from trees tagged for treatment. Plans are underway for playground equipment replacement at Jenkins Park, with drainage issues needing to be addressed first. A presentation on invasive species in New York is scheduled for July 7th. The veterans bike trail is nearing completion, with entrance work and landscaping planned for mid-June, aiming for an early July opening. A resident expressed concern about the impact of kayak rentals on lake management and requested involvement in discussions. The garden at the entrance of the bike path on 146A is being restored. Treatment of hemlocks in Fireman's Grove and Japanese knotweed is ongoing.
Town Secures Grant Funding and Pursues Multiple Project Grants
The town has been successful in securing grant funding and is actively pursuing several others. A $7,000 grant was received from New York State Model T to cover a shortfall for the Finlay Road Bridge project, which is a $1.8 million undertaking intended to be fully funded by grants. An application for the New York Clay Spring grant for Champions Park is being prepared, involving research into upgrading long-overdue equipment. Another grant application is being submitted for the CFA grant. Additionally, the town is reapplying for a New York State DEC water quality improvement grant for the vacuum trust, crucial for cleaning stormwater catch basins. Digital mapping concerns for this grant have been resolved. The town is also exploring a potential $10,000 grant from Saratoga County for a trail from Lake Hill to Bolston Lake Fire Department Memorial Park, which will include split rail fencing.
Town Approves Water Storage Program, External Water Service, and Considers HVAC Upgrades
The town is moving forward with initiatives related to water infrastructure and services. The need for additional water storage has been consistently mentioned in various reports, and a request was made for an estimate on the cost of a feasibility study for a water tank storage location on the east side of town. This study would determine the optimal location and assess feasibility. The town approved Resolution 26-135, awarding a bid for a water storage tank asset management and maintenance program to USG Water Solution for $2,721,609. This is understood to be a multi-year installment contract, not a lump sum payment, and is deemed necessary given the current status of the tanks and the importance of a reliable water supply. Additionally, Resolution 26-137 was approved to supply water service to a property outside the town's Consolidated Water District at 192 Eastline Drive. Engineering reports confirmed no issues with water pressure for this service, and it is not a district agreement for a single house. Resolution 26138 accepted the MAC plan and report titled 'Boston Consolidated District Extension Number 5' prepared by Environmental Design Partnership, LLB. Discussions also touched upon town hall HVAC, with a review of an estimate and consideration of whether to proceed with system evaluation or direct replacement, noting past costly repairs to the heat exchanger core.
Town Addresses Communication, Financial Analysis, Zoning Regulations, and Legal Vindication
Several procedural and communication-related issues were raised. A resident questioned the town's financial reporting, asking if analyses were conducted in real dollars versus nominal dollars to assess true purchasing power. The town's communication policy was emphasized, stating that official news comes from the town website, not other platforms. Concerns were voiced about the communication surrounding a solar project, specifically a letter that appeared on official letterhead but was not posted on the town website or sent as an alert, and questions were raised about the involvement of a former supervisor. A resident also highlighted a perceived violation of town code and comprehensive plan regarding a cell tower and questioned why the town code was not consistently applied. In response, a board member clarified that a federal court had vindicated the town board regarding the cell tower, determining they did not violate the law. The discussion also touched upon the desire for stricter zoning distances for cannabis dispensaries, though it was noted that state law might supersede municipal regulations. A resident requested to be included in discussions regarding kayak rentals on Boston Lake due to their impact on lake management. The town board is committed to transparency, with official information being disseminated through the town website.
Town Board Discusses PUDD Amendments, Cannabis Zoning, Solar Project Communication, and Water Storage Study
A discussion took place regarding a local law to amend Eastline Commons PUDD, specifically to add 'storage' as a permitted use. While a single-story building is a permitted use under current zoning, the applicant wants it expressly in the legislation. The town board's role is to amend the local law, after which the planning board would still need to approve any site plan. This process will involve SEQRA review and a public hearing. Suggestions for sidewalks and setbacks were considered, though these are typically functions of the planning board. In new business, the topic of cannabis zoning was raised by a resident concerned about the proximity of dispensaries. While municipalities have some regulatory power, state law regarding minimum distances (e.g., a thousand-foot rule for cannabis dispensaries) may preempt local control. A resident also raised concerns about a 52-acre solar project resolution, questioning the communication process and adherence to town code, particularly regarding a letter referencing collaboration with a former supervisor. A 150-foot cell tower violation on a resident's property was also highlighted as a perceived failure to uphold town code. Another resident inquired about the feasibility and cost of a water tank storage location study for the east side of town.
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Planning Board Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Town Board Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Planning Board Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Town Board Agenda Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Town Board Agenda Meeting Agenda (PDF)
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