GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland Planning Board last week gave final approval to Bryland Homes, which will build expensive homes on Frenchs Mill Road.

Bryland Homes owner Bryan Smith applied for a four-lot subdivision of 3.85 acres. An existing home sits on one of the lots. The property is owned by Franz Zwicklbauer and his family, who live nearby.

The property is zoned for local business. Guilderland Town Planner Jan Weston said that the zoning should be changed to residential. She also suggested that the builder protect the tall mature pines which line Frenchs Mill Road.
"We’ll try to minimize any cutting of the trees, and so on. Trees are very expensive," said land surveyor Sang Y. Kim, of Latham. "Our clearing and grading area will be very limited to save those trees."
"I can’t imagine anyone wanting to cut them down," Weston said. "It just would be such a sin if they did come down."

Chairman Stephen Feeney said that the town’s conservation advisory committee said in a letter that the project would have only a minimum environmental effect, if the trees are not cut down.

He said that the board cannot make keeping the trees a condition for approval, but he noted that Kim said that the trees would be preserved.

The board granted approval, pending Kim’s submission of erosion and sediment control plans. The applicant must also pay $2,085 per dwelling for water and wastewater fees.

In-law apartments

The board okayed two separate site plans for in-law apartments.

Feeney told Nia Cholakis, counsel for Rosewood Home Builders, that an annual renewal of a special-use permit is required for in-law apartments. Rosewood Home Builders applied for an in-law apartment at 14 Jean Place.

Feeney said that, after the in-law use is finished, the apartment’s kitchen facilities should be removed.

Patricia Lochner requested a special-use permit for her home at 25 Velina Drive. She and her family installed an apartment 14 years ago, without a permit, she said.
"We didn’t realize we needed it," Lochner told The Enterprise. She said that she was informed of the requirement after she put her house up for sale and advertised the apartment.

She said at the meeting that her driveway can fit six cars.

She told The Enterprise that being caught out now saved her time for when she sells the house and must transfer the deed.

Counsel farewell

Paul Pastore last week served his final meeting as planning board attorney.
"Thank you for putting up with me for six years, and I wish you well," Feeney told Pastore.

Pastore won a seat to the town board in November. He will begin serving in his new position in January.

Pastore praised Weston, referring to a time when she briefly rushed to a board meeting amid a family emergency to clarify information for the planning board.
Pastore said the event was a "small example that typifies her diligence"and dedication to the town."
He said, "It’s truly been a privilege and an honor to serve this board."