Clinic owner seeks small addition at 2409 Union Road; board asks for DEC and FEMA documentation

Lisa Reinhardt, the owner of the clinic at 2409 Union Road, presented plans for a single-story addition to provide office space, staff lounge and storage. She told the board the existing site is on six acres and that parking and exterior lighting are already in place.

Planning staff and board members raised informational wetland mapping shown in the planner’s review. Reinhardt said she had a prior FEMA-related letter and that previous work on the creek altered wetland mapping; she stated the proposed addition projects about 37 feet off the back of the building and is not being built toward the creek. A planner/staff member explained that DEC’s new mapping approach flags potential wetlands and feeder areas and that landowners are responsible for ensuring compliance and obtaining official jurisdictional determinations or delineations where required.

Board members expressed a willingness to approve the addition conditionally, but repeatedly asked the applicant to supply DEC feedback and the prior FEMA letter. One board member said they would "happily approve" the addition once DEC feedback is submitted. Staff advised that after submission, the matter will still require formal consideration before the town board and could be tabled, denied or returned for changes.

What was said: Reinhardt described the practical need for the addition, saying staff currently "eat their lunches in the car." On wetlands, staff explained, "With the new regulations in play, they want to know in real time whether or not a parcel is subject to, wetland regulations ..." The board instructed Reinhardt to submit DEC correspondence and the FEMA letter to the building and plumbing department (directed to Dan Young) or to have her consultant deliver it.

Next steps: Reinhardt is to provide DEC documentation and her FEMA letter to the building and plumbing department; staff will review the materials internally and the board will take up formal consideration after agency feedback is available.