Village sets public hearing for Ludlum Drive subdivision

The Village of Goshen Planning Board scheduled a May 28 public hearing for an applicant who seeks to add a lot for second single-family home to their 1.2-acre property at 5 Ludlum Drive, which currently is the site of one lot with a single-family home. They also voted themselves the lead agency in the matter and made a negative SEQRA declaration, meaning the plan would not have an impact on the environment.

Ludlum Drive has some issues with water and sewer access, the board noted, inspiring a discussion on how the new home would connect to the water and sewer systems. The village is seeking a federal grant for a new water line in that area but Steve Esposito of Engineering Properties, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said they would like to move forward with the project now and not wait for the grant for the new line. A planning board official said it would not be appropriate to make them wait.

It was noted that Ludlum Drive has had a name change in recent years. Though tax records and the new street signs refer to it as Ludlum Drive, an old street sign and Google Maps refer to it as Ludlum Place. Planning board members inquired whether Ludlum Drive is in the village’s historic district and gleaned that it is not in the district.

Sarah Wells Trail

Also discussed was a three-lot subdivision on 368 Sarah Wells Trail. This property is mostly in the town of Goshen, but a small part is in the village of Goshen. The applicants have a hearing with the town planning board this May. Their original plan to service the lots with a single driveway is against town code and they will have to decide whether to invest in a private road or scrap the project. The village planning board said they would deal with the matter after it gained town approval.

In closing discussion, Chairperson Elaine McClung asked the village attorney how residential and commercial properties differ under the village’s Architectural Design District’s code. He said the rules are the same, there is no difference. Planning board member Sal LaBruna said all Architectural Design District projects are referred to the planning board, which uses an architectural consultant.

Other business

The board voted to accept the March minutes at the end of the meeting. Also noted during discussion was that the village planning board is seeking a replacement for former member Mike Torelli, who declined to have his term renewed.