Meeting of the Charlton Environmental Conservation Commission – September 27, 2005

1.   The meeting was called to order with Marv Schorr, Lane Jastrebski, Midge Dube, Bob Killeen and Teddi Smith in attendance.

2.   Minutes of the August 30, 2005 meeting were reviewed accepted.

3.   Marv reported on the status of the PCB dredging project in the Hudson River. EPA has received concerns regarding noise from the 24/7 dredging operations. EPA has largely ignored the public’s concerns expressed about noise, disruptions, etc. Two types of dredging were considered – conventional “clamshell” and hydraulic. One will be selected, but General Electric recommended the clamshell type of dredging based on a study by their consultant. The river bottom is irregular. with debris making it hard to locate hydraulic dredging pipes.

4.   Marv reported that George Hodgson, County Environmental Coordinator will speak to the Charlton Seniors at 10 am on November 9, 2005. His topic will be the state of the environment in Saratoga County. All are welcome to attend.

5.   Old business – Marv reported that the archeological dig at the location of the proposed new Town Hall has been completed. There were no significant historical findings so the project may now proceed. Total cost of the study was about $20,000. There will be two propositions on the ballot in November regarding funding for the new Town Hall. Both must be accepted for the project to proceed with the proposed funding methods. 

5.   New business: - A variance application for a property on Crooked Street was reviewed. The proposed variance (Muscannell) is for subdividing a substandard lot into two substandard lots. The frontage and lot size are about the same as other lots nearby, the garage location shown on the drawings is not connected to a driveway and is far back on the lot making it visible to residences on Stage Road. The application will be heard at a ZBA meeting on October 12, 2005.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

M.M. Schorr, Chairman

cc: ECC members

      A. Grattidge