Planning board raises easement, grading and septic questions on Wood Street site plan; no approval granted

The Putnam Valley Planning Board discussed a site‑development application for a new single‑family residence on Wood Street (Tax map 74.15‑2‑21; File 2026‑0004) at length on June 8 but did not grant approval or schedule a public hearing. The board identified multiple outstanding technical issues that the applicant must resolve before the application can move forward.

Board members and staff queried a title‑company and deed history after an applicant representative, Mike Kenny, said the easement language now in the deed would change from 7.5 feet to 15 feet upon conveyance into the applicant’s name. "Once it changes into my name, then it becomes 15 feet," Kenny said. The board asked for a copy of the title company letter and the 1950 deed referenced in the title report so the town attorney could review whether the existing easement meets town access requirements.

Staff and consultants also raised whether the work triggers a major‑grading determination by the town building inspector; the town inspector has been asked to make that determination. Other outstanding items include showing soil types and steep‑slope mapping on the plans (or requesting a waiver), providing a paved 12‑foot driveway cross‑section, adjusting stormwater dissipators to meet setback separations from the septic system (minimum separation distances discussed), and submitting necessary final reports and plan signatures. The Putnam County Health Department approvals for well and septic were reported as received by the applicant.

The board advised the applicant to obtain the requested deed/title documentation and to consult with the town building inspector on grading before returning. Staff indicated that if the applicant brings all materials to the next meeting, the board could schedule a public hearing; otherwise the application remains under review.