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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020_11_17 Planning Board Minutes MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD REMOTELY Via ZOOM ON NOVEMBER 17, 2020 Present via ZOOM: Ralph Engel, Chairman, Elizabeth Cooney, Vice Chair, Edmund Papazian, Ira Block, Ron Mandel, John Cuddy, Sarah Dunn Also Present via ZOOM: Robert Wasp, Town Engineer, Lisa Hochman, Counsel to Planning Board, Anthony Oliveri, Consulting Engineer, Francine M. Brill, Planning Board Secretary, Hank Menkes, RF Consulting Engineer. CALL TO ORDER The Chair confirmed with counsel that tonight’s meeting had been convened in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 202.1, as extended, which suspends certain provisions of the Open Meetings Law to allow municipal boards to convene meetings via videoconferencing. He asked the Planning Board Secretary to confirm that tonight’s meeting had been duly noticed. Ms. Brill so confirmed. Mr. Engel stated that members of the public received notice on how to view tonight’s meeting on TV and online. He stated that this meeting is being broadcast live on LMC-TV (channel 35 on FIOS; channel 76 on Optimum) and online at LMCTV.org., and that a transcript will be available at a later date. Mr. Engel further stated that public hearings tonight will be conducted in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 202.15, as extended, and the notices for tonight’s meeting provided members of the public with instructions on how to view and participate in each public hearing. Ms. Brill called the roll and the Chair announced that there was a quorum present (via ZOOM). Members of the Town staff and consultants identified themselves for viewers. The meeting was called to order at 6:35P.M. 1. 808 Weaver Street Bonnie Briar Country Club Public Hearing Mr. Cuddy recused himself. David Kenny, Gary Hartman, Matthew Allen, Joe Napolitano, Klaus Wimmer, Bob Burns were present via ZOOM Ms. Brill stated the application was duly noticed. Mr. Engel stated the meeting tonight is for the installation of the 125 foot monopine cell tower 400 feet from Weaver Street, and to provide Verizon space on the tower. In the interest of efficiency anyone who wishes to speak please state your name and residency in the Town and be brief directing comment to the Board not the applicant. Staff will monitor email comments received from publicqc@Townofmamamroneckny.org and a call in number of 1-646-876-9923 enter 88696719539 pass word 736755. Mr. Wasp invited Bonnie Briars – Homeland Towers representatives into the meeting. Mr. Kenny shared his screen showing the proposed location at Bonnie Briars maintenance site with access entrance already in place. Verizon is proposed to be placed on the top of the tower, AT&T is negotiating to collocate just below Verizon. A large propane tank is proposed to provide 260 hours of backup power (10 days). The branches have been lowered to 40 feet as low as structurally possible. If all four antenna arrays were working the radio frequency emissions would be 6% of the federal mandate. Matthew Allen explained the Balloon test and the areas the tower will be visible. The test was done during leaf off season. Photo simulations of views was shown. Hank Mendes the Towns RF consultant, stated he reviewed the proposal and the Town Code. He further stated that although AT&T expressed interest, this submission deals only with the placement of the tower Verizon. This is a 4G system, and it is consistent with their other locations. He discussed whether this is the best location and found many other not practical as they would be in residential areas or the middle of the fairway. Mr. Menkes further discussed the proposed height of the design, and found that 20 feet lower was less than satisfactory, and 20 feet higher although coverage slightly increased it was not advantageous. Mr. Menkes further stated RF exposure with 4 carriers on the tower operating at 100% would be less than 6% of the Federal limit. Federal requirements supersede Town requirements. He feels the application is justified to supply improved coverage. Mr. Engel asked about locating emergency services equipment, Mr. Kenny responded they will install free of charge Town supplied equipment at no rental fee. Mr. Block asked about installation of 5G, Mr. Menkes stated there was no mention of 5G in the application for him to respond to. Mr. Kenny stated this proposal to fill a gap in the 4G service, if and when 5G is needed they will have to return to the Board. Gary Hartman stated this infrastructure will be needed for 4G for decades. Mr. Menkes stated 5G was created not to replace 4G but for high speed data service. Mr. Engel suggested a condition that the tower be removed if no longer being used, Mr. Kenny agreed. Motion: To open the public hearing Moved by Elizabeth Cooney, seconded by Ira Block Action: Unanimously approved Mr. Wasp made an announcement inviting members of the public to speak. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Wasp read an email from Jared Kutzen, Sacket Drive into the record Mr. Engel stated the Board received letters in support of the tower and they are part of the record. Joe Napolitano, Bonnie Briars, general manager, stated after a recent storm the club was without power and phone service for over a week, in the case of an emergency on site there was no way to contact emergency services. Janice Geldwert, of Althea Lane, also voiced concerns about outages and being unable to make or receive calls, she stated she is much in favor of the tower. David Tilchin, of Rochelle Road, stated he is a member of Bonnie Briar and the installation of the tower is highly important as it is unsafe without access to emergency services on the grounds of the club. Rupert Walters, of Hickory Grove Drive East, stated he is also a member of Bonnie Briar as well as an affected neighbor with no cell service. He stated the area is like a third world country and the tower is essential for safety. Catherine Samuels, of Althea Lane, stated the tower is not a question of convenience it is an actual need emergency contact is necessary. She has fears and is insecure without cell service. Mr. Engel asked when the applicant anticipates completion if approved. Mr. Wimmer stated 2-3 months to erect the tower, and Mr. Hartman said another few months to complete installation of the equipment. Mr. Jared Kutzin, of Sacket Drive, agreed with his neighbors that the proposed tower is essential. Mr. Wasp stated there were emails from Evan Levy, of Weaver Street and Becky Kirchman of Althea Lane, in support. The Board discussed the proposal, Mr. Engel stated that SEQR needs to be completed. Mr. Mandel asked if there can be more plantings along Weaver Street to make the tower less visible. Mr. Kenny responded they are donating $10,000.00 to the Towns tree fund. Bonnie Briar will not allow planting in usable areas. The Board discussed whether to leave the hearing open or not, it was decided to close the public hearing with the exception written comments only can to be received until 12 noon 12/9/2020. A draft resolution and SEQR draft to be prepared. Motion: To close the public hearing Moved by Elizabeth Cooney, seconded by Ron Mandel Action: Unanimously approved. 5 Cornell Street Ami and Rebecca Ziff Public Hearing Continued Eliot Senor, Daniel Sherman, Elion Amidor, Jordon Rosenberg, Jonathan Kraut, Esq. and Ami and Becky Ziff were present, via ZOOM. Mr. Engel stated no presentation is required. Mr. Kraut, thanked the Board The Board discussed the draft resolution and corrections were suggested. Motion: To approve the draft resolution as modified Moved by Ira Block, seconded by Edmund Papazian Action: Unanimously approved Minutes prepared by Francine M. Brill Planning Board Secretary