The Cattaraugus County Planning Board put the lid on another year of activities during their December 8th meeting. But no worry, some items of long standing will carry over into the year 2012.
Salamanca Zoning Along Broad St.
The City of Salamanca had requested zoning text and map amendments for property along Broad Street (Route 417). There have been no issues in obtaining zoning changes to allow plans to proceed, which would allow for future commercial development. Senior Planner James Isaacson said that the Planning Board previously looked at parcels on the south side of Broad Street. The latest parcels are across the street from the previous re-zoning, and are on the north side. “We were not told of any specific proposals, it’s just a request to have that area re-zoned,” according to Isaacson. The County Planning Board raised no objections.
Town of Allegany Comprehensive Plan
Also approved is the revised Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Allegany. Town officials held an informational session open to Town residents earlier this fall. Allegany is looking at an ambitious agenda to not only accommodate the retail-recreational Bonaventure Square complex on the former Castle properties, but to inject new life into the former K-Mart plaza near the Route 86 Allegany exit (Exit 24). The plaza has sat vacant for many years. As in Ellicottville, the Comprehensive Plan encompasses non-glamorous but nonetheless important aspects like expanding the infrastructure, to allow for increased water and sewer use. Allegany is also embracing a policy to allow for sidewalks along roadways leading up to new construction, to allow for better pedestrian access. The County Planning Board raised no objections to amendments made to the plan by the Town. Copies of the plan are available on-line at the Town of Allegany web site.
Perrysburg Cell Phone Tower
The County Planning Board approved a request from the Town of Perrysburg for a special use permit to add a microwave dish on an existing cell phone tower.
HoliMont Greer Lift Extension
The county board reviewed a proposal by HoliMont to expand the Greer Hill Ski Lift by an additional 350 feet downhill from its current end point. County Planner James Isaacson noted that, “The slope is being extended down primarily to provide an increase to the deceleration zone for skiers. They needed a use variance which is what triggered it (the proposal) to come before our board.” The requested changes, however, were denied at the village level the week following the County Planning Board meeting. The Zoning Board of Appeals cited the impact on residential neighbors.
Next Meeting
Looking ahead, the County Planning Board will take care of some appointments at their next meeting on January 26th at the County Center in Little Valley. Expect many if not all of the current officers to be re-appointed. Board offices to be filled are for four officers, currently held by Chairman Charles Couture, Vice Chairman Paul Mager, Secretary Ann Padlo, and Assistant Secretary Michael Zaprowski. Officers’ terms run for one year, with appointments set by the board at the beginning of the New Year.
