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Cobleskill Planning Board Gives Green Light to Shad Point Housing Project
COBLESKILL - The Cobleskill Planning Board moved several development proposals forward at its April 27 meeting, ending the night with a major decision: conditional approval of the long-anticipated Shad Point Housing Development. The meeting blended routine business with detailed engineering discussions and community concerns.
Two Subdivisions were approved without objection. The board began with the Gingerich subdivision at 322 Hubb Shutts Road. With no public comments offered, the hearing was quickly closed and the project received unanimous approval.
The Gitto subdivision at 112 Mountain Meadows Lane also cleared its final hurdle. After receiving an approval letter from the Schoharie County Planning Committee, the board voted to approve the project.
Pruikisma lot line adjustment moves to public hearing. Michael and Trudy Pruikisma presented plans for a lot line adjustment involving their property at 401 Myers Road in Howes Cave. The proposal shifts 4.64 acres from the Spaulding property to the Pruikisma parcel, increasing their total acreage to roughly 16 acres.
The Pruikismas intend to sub divide the land into two lots—one for themselves and one for their son. The board issued a negative environmental declaration and scheduled a public hearing for May 18 at 7 p.m. The project will also be reviewed by the county.
The Shad Point Housing Development clears a major hurdle.The most detailed discussion of the evening centered on Chacho & Sons Holdings, LLC and the proposed Shad Point Housing Development. The board invited new information and comments, prompting a letter from Steven Hendrickson on behalf of nearby property owners. Concerns included property line accuracy, stormwater impacts, utility access, and the placement of storage units.
The Engineer addressed the concerns of adjacent property owners. Brendon Becker of Lamont Engineers addressed each issue, beginning with the project’s Phase IA/IB Cultural Resources Survey. The archaeological review found no significant cultural resources, and the board formally accepted the report.
Becker explained that stormwater will be treated on-site and directed west toward Club East, not onto neighboring properties. Soil tests confirmed the land can support the planned infiltration system.
Storage units, he noted, will be for residents only, consistent with R2 zoning. Plans also include down-directed lighting and additional tree screening to reduce visual impact.
Branden Becker addressed road access and infrastructure plans. A key topic was the proposed access road. Property owner Paul Chacho has expressed interest in constructing it as a potential future town road. Before construction begins, a secured easement must be filed and reviewed by the Town Attorney and Highway Superintendent.
Utilities will be installed first, followed by a rough construction road. The final road surface will be completed at the end of the development. The developer will cover all road-related costs.
Survey work shows the development sits 50 feet from the northern property line. Any discrepancies will be corrected without affecting the project layout.
With these clarifications, the board approved the project’s Environmental Assessment Forms.
Acting Chair Arthur Boreali introduced the motion to approve the Shad Point site plan with conditions. Before a building permit can be issued, the developer must provide:
- A final engineer-stamped SWPPP
- Water and sewer approvals from Schoharie County DOH and NYS DEC
- Final building plans for Code Enforcement review
- A filed easement for the access road, subject to legal and highway department approval
The motion, seconded by Mary Ann Wollaber Bryan, passed unanimously, marking a significant step forward for the Shad Point project. Conditional approval was granted.