Commerce is growing in Yates

If the number of business special use applications coming before the Yates County Planning Board at the Dec. 10 meeting is any indication,  the outlook for new and existing businesses looks bright for 2010.

All six applications reviewed by the county board involved either building for a new business oradditions to existing ones, because of the need for additional space.

Favorable votes were given to all plans, although the final “go-ahead” rests with the local town governments:  Marilyn Scharf of Barrington was the only member not present.

• STARKEY:  Matt and Sandy Downey along with Architect Andy Ramsgard showed plans for Magnus Ridge Winery near Rock Stream Road.  Ramsgard explained that the proposed project would be built in stages over the next few years. 
The couple purchased 57 acres and then an additional 16 acres.  They planted the first grapes in 2005 and the vineyards are now starting to produce several varieties of grapes. 

The parcel has two existing ponds and two additional ponds are planned.  The tasting room will be 6,000 sq. ft., according to Ramsgard. 
In 2011 more vineyards will be added.  If all goes well, Sandy Downey says in 2014 cottages will be added to make the location “a Destination Winery.”

A special use permit application for another winery was reviewed for Starkey. 
Erick Falck proposes to construct a winery with a retail store, production room, kitchen and eating area.  Falck was not present and County Planner Shawna Bonshak told the board that the complete site plan has not been submitted yet.

Joe Gibson of Cardinal Disposal asked for a modification of a special use permit. A 36 X 80 foot climate-controlled storage addition will be used to store cooking oils for Dundee Foods.
He explained that the addition will look just like the rest of the present building at 635 Shannon Corners Road.  The plan  includes two 14x14 garage doors.

• BENTON: E.B. Martin at 2845 State Route 364 applied for a modification of an existing special use permit.  The construction company proposes to build an 80 x 216 foot storage building.
Another special use permit in Benton was reviewed for Mark Martin to operate an excavating business at 1540 State Route 14A,  The site includes storage of equipment and materials.

• VILLAGE OF PENN YAN : The application by Chris Iversen withChrisantha Inc. for 120/130 Water Street in the village, raised some questions.
 The project calls for renovation on the existing site of two warehouses, including interior and exterior rehabilitation. 

A boardwalk and docks along the Keuka Outlet, landscaping, lighting and parking upgrades are included in the plan.

Yates County Historian Fran Dumas was present and noted that both buildings are on the National Historic Register.  “Warehouse #1 is the only remaining Keuka Lake Canal structure and they are proposing a big change to this historically significant structure,” Dumas said.

Dumas also asked if a long SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) was submitted.  Bonshak replied that only a short SEQR was needed when the RESTORE NEW YORK grant application was submitted. 

The Village of Penn Yan announced the awarding of the $2.5 million grant on Sept. 2. Iversen plans to renovate the warehouses into medium income housing and a mix of retail and commercial business use.

The old Garrett Winery building is also part of the project.  The owners of that property, Vincent and Cindy Rosato,  have plans for a restaurant and retail shops.
Board member Sandra King (Potter) said all the questions fall back on the Village of Penn Yan to make decisions.  Chairman Jim Ritter (Starkey) said, “I was happy to see this move along this fast.”

• REPORT:  Doug Skeet (Middlesex) reported on a meeting he and Kevin North attended on Dec. 7 in Geneva dealing with farmland protection. 
Skeet called the meeting very informative for landowners, planning boards and elected officials.  Dale Hallings, whose Yates County farm was the first in the county to be considered for the Farmland Protection Program, was a speaker.

• DISCUSSION:  Board members discussed what types of applications need to come before the county board, since many go back to the towns as there is no county wide impact. 
Bonshak said she could make a list of what is required by state law.  She said some applications fall into a grey area and it may be better to look them over.
John Sawers (Rushville) said, “I’ve been on the board since 2006 and I’ve seen a lot of things we have picked up that town boards have missed,”  The county board often asks the local boards to take a look at a specific point on an applications for further review.
Ritter added that agricultural district laws kick in a lot of applications.