Planning Board Meeting Minutes for July 27, 2006 - Cattaraugus ...

Cattaraugus County Planning Board 

Onoville Marina Park 

Onoville, NY 

July 27, 2006 

PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: William E. Sprague, Chairman 

Paul Mager, Vice Chairman 

Ann Padlo, Secretary 

Tina Abrams 

Jack Berger 

Kameron Brooks 

Richard Fuller 

David McCoy 

David Rivet 

Michael Zaprowski 

PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Couture, Assist. Sec 

Florence Fuller 

Robert Keis 

PLANNING DIVISION STAFF: Thomas M. Livak, Director 

James H. Isaacson, Senior Planner 

Christopher G. Crawford, Senior Planner 

Paul R. Bishop, Planner 

Margaret E. Puszcz, Stenographic Secretary 

GUESTS: Crystal Abers, Chairman County Legislature 

Charles Krause, County Legislator 

Joan Petzen, Chairman Ag & Farmland Protection Board 

Hildagarde Krause 

James Puszcz 

Chairman Sprague called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the 

meeting. He introduced Jeff Davis, Recreation Manager of Onoville Marina. 

UPDATE ON ONOVILLE MARINA 

Mr. Davis updated the Board members on the Onoville Marina. He indicated that the last 

remaining dock from the 70’s will be replaced in the near future. He stated that over the 

past two years, the camping areas have been upgraded. All sites now have 30 AMP power 

and new water lines were installed. The west camping area sites were reconfigured for 

better use of the area. Mr. Davis also stated that in order to keep people coming for 

boating purposes, they have kept the mark up on fuel at a minimum. They have also 

discontinued the acceptance of credit cards for fuel. Mr. Davis also indicated that they 

have increased marketing efforts by helping to staff travel shows in conjunction with the 

Economic Development, Planning and Tourism Department. The EDP&T Department has 

created a brochure for the Marina and the back page of the County’s Travel Guide is on the 

Marina.

Cattaraugus County Planning Board 2 


APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

Ann Padlo moved with a second from Richard Fuller to approve the June 29, 2006 meeting 

minutes as submitted. Carried. 

NEW BUSINESS 

General Municipal Law Section 239 (l) & (m) Referrals 

Town of East Otto – Special Use Permit – 9423 East otto Springville Road 

James Issaacson reported that the Town of East Otto Planning Board has referred a 

Special Use Permit to operate a retail crafts business at 9423 East Otto-Springville Road 

(County Road 12). The business will be located in an existing milk house that is 

approximately 250 square feet. A sign will be erected outside. A SEQR EAF has been 

completed with no significant environmental impacts determined. An Agricultural Data 

Statement was submitted. A public hearing was held on July 6, 2006 with comments in 

favor of the project. Staff recommendation is local issue, no significant countywide or 

inter-municipal impacts identified. 

Paul Mager moved with a second from Tina Abrams that the Town of East Otto Planning 

Board’s referred Special Use permit to operate a retail crafts business at 9423 East Otto- 

Springville Road (County Road 12) is a local issue, with no significant countywide or intermunicipal 

impacts identified. Carried. 

nd 

Village of Little Valley – Variance – 106 2 Street 

Paul Bishop reported that the Village of Little Valley has referred an area variance to 

construct a 5’ x 5’ porch on the front of 106 2 nd Street (Tax Map No. 54.072-2-10). The 

Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum set back of 25’. The resulting set back would be 

15’. Other houses on the block currently already have porches similar to what this one will 

be after construction. SEQR is not required. A Public Hearing has not been scheduled. 

Staff recommendation is approval. 

Michael Zaprowski moved with a second from Kameron Brooks to approve the referred 

Village of Little Valley area variance to construct a 5’ x 5’ porch on the front of 106 2 nd 

Street. Carried. 

Town of Great Valley – Site Plan Review – 5384 Route 219 and 5076 Route 219 

James Isaacson reported that the Town of Great Valley has referred a Site Plan Review for 

the construction of two billboard signs at 5384 Route 219 (Tax Map No. 56.003-1-27.2 and 

5076 Route 219 (Tax Map No. 65.013-1-8). Each billboard sign will be 8’x16’ in size. One 

billboard will be stacked (one on top of another); the other one will be double-sided. One is 

just south of the Andera farm, located on a 0.39-acre lot. The lot already has a mobile 

home on it. The proposed billboard would be located in the driveway. The owner has 

mentioned removing the mobile home, in which there is no problem. However, if it stays, 

there may be a visibility issue along Route 219 with a vehicle backing out of this driveway.



The other billboard is located on a vacant lot near the intersection of Route 219 and Route 

98 and located entirely within a floodplain, but would not have any impact on the floodplain. 

No SEQR determination has been made. An Ag Data Statement has been received. A 

public hearing was held on July 12, 2006. Staff recommendation is approval with the 

advisory that if the mobile home remains on the Mowery property, that the Town address 

any visibility concerns with traffic ingress and egress from the property. 

Considerable discussion concerning the property with the mobile home. 

Michael Zaprowski moved with a second from Richard Fuller to approve with an advisory 

the referred Town of Great Valley Site Plan Review for construction of two billboard signs 

at 5384 Route 219 and 5076 Route 219. The advisory being that if the mobile home 

remains on the Mowery property, that the Town address any visibility concerns with traffic 

ingress and egress from the property. Carried. 

Village of Ellicottville – Use Variance – 8-10 Washington Street 

Chris Crawford reported that the Village of Ellicottville Zoning Board of Appeals has 

referred a Use Variance request to allow for a multi-dwelling use of the 2 nd and 3 rd floors of 

the Ellicottville Inn at 8-10 Washington Street (Tax Map No. 55.035-3-48). Review 

consisted of examination of the Village Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, 

Volume 3 of the County’s Guidebook series and the applicant submitted documents. This 

is an unlisted action under SEQR. If municipal approval is granted, a short EAF will be 

required to determine significance. A public hearing is scheduled for August 1 st at the 

Villager/Town Hall. Staff recommendation is that the proposed action has no significant 

countywide or inter-community impact. The general concept of 2 nd and 3 rd floor residential 

is consistent with the County’s Planning and Design Guidebooks. 

David Rivet moved with a second from Paul Mager that the referred Village of Ellicottville 

Zoning Board of Appeals Use variance request to allow for a multi-dwelling use of the 2 nd 

and 3 rd floors of the Ellicottville Inn at 8-10 Washington Street will have no significant 

countywide or inter-community impact and that the general concept of 2 nd and 3 rd floor 

residential is consistent with the County’s Planning and Design Guidebooks. Carried. 

Village of Ellicottville – Special Use Permit – 12 Washington Street 

Paul Bishop reported that the Village of Ellicottville Planning Board has referred a Special 

Use Permit request to change the use of 12 Washington Street (Tax Map No. 55.035-3-47) 

from a retail establishment to a real estate office. This type of use is allowed in the Village 

Commercial 1 district by approval of the Village Planning Board. SEQR is being 

addressed. A public hearing was held on July 11, 2006. Staff recommendation is no 

significant countywide or intercommunity impact. 

Ann Padlo moved with a second from David McCoy that the referred Village of Ellicottville 

Planning Board Special Use Permit request to change the use of 12 Washington Street 

from a retail establishment to a real estate office will have no significant countywide or 

intercommunity impact. Carried.



Village of Ellicottville – Area Variance – 19 E. Washington Street 

James Isaacson reported that the Village of Ellicottville Zoning Board of Appeals has 

referred an Area Variance request for 19 E. Washington Street (Tax Map No. 55.036-1-29) 

to construct an addition to a deck on the rear of a single-family home. A side lot line 

variance is needed to construct the deck addition, which will be no closer to the side 

property line than the existing deck. The parcel is entirely within a 100-year floodplain. 

This is a Type 2 Action under SEQR with no determination made to date. A Public Hearing 

will be held on August 1, 2006. Staff recommendation is local issue, with no significant 

countywide or inter-municipal impacts. 

Tina Abrams moved with a second from Richard Fuller that the referred Village of 

Ellicottville Zoning Board of Appeals Area Variance request for 19 E. Washington Street to 

construct an addition to a deck on the rear of a single-family home is a local issue, with no 

significant countywide or inter-municipal impacts. Carried. 

Village of Ellicottville – Area Variance – 2 Greer Hill Road 

Chris Crawford reported that the Village of Ellicottville Zoning Board of Appeals has 

referred an Area Variance request for 2 Greer Hill Road (Tax Map No. 55.043-1-2.40) for 

construction of a deck attached to an existing residence. His review consisted of 

examination of the Village Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance and Vol. 3 of the 

Guidebook series and applicant submitted documents. This is a Type II Action under 

SEQR and does not require review. A public hearing will be held on August 1 , 2006. Staff 

recommendation is that the proposed action has no significant countywide or intercommunity 

impact. 

Paul Mager moved with a second from David Rivet that the referred Village of Ellicottville 

Zoning Board of Appeals Area Variance request for 2 Greer Hill Road for construction of a 

deck attached to an existing residence will have no significant countywide or intercommunity 

impact. Carried. 

Town of Little Valley – Special Use Permit – 8191 Route 242 

Chris Crawford reported that the Town of Little Valley Planning Board has referred a 

Special Use Permit for the installation of an event sign on wooden poles at 8191 Route 242 

(Tax Map No. 54.004-1-9.2). This sign would be for the purpose of announcing events that 

are associated with the Little Valley Rider’s Club and would be 45’ away from the road. It 

would be 8’ x 4’ and stand 10’ high. His review consisted of examination of the Town 

Zoning Ordinance, Vol. 2 of the Guidebook series and applicant submitted documents. The 

Town Zoning Ordinance is quite comprehensive in regulating signage, however, page 12 of 

Volume 2 of the County’s Guidebook Series provides some additional guidance. This is a 

Type II action under SEQR and does not require a review. A public hearing was held on 

June 26, 2006. Staff recommendation is approval with two advisories: 1) The Town 

Planning Board should request that sign specifications and drawings be submitted to the 

Town Planning Board before approval of the sign, and 2) The Town Planning Board should 

review page 12 of Volume 2 of the County’s Guidebook series, which may provide 

additional guidance.



Kameron Brooks moved with a second from Ann Padlo that the referred Town of Little 

Valley Planning Board Special Use Permit for the installation of an event sign on wooden 

poles at 8191 Route 242 be approved with two advisories: 1) The Town Planning Board 

should request that sign specifications and drawings be submitted to the Town Planning 

Board before approval of the sign, and 2) The Town Planning Board should review page 12 

of Volume 2 of the County’s Guidebook series, which may provide additional guidance. 

Carried. 

Town of Allegany – SEQR/Special Use Permit/Site Plan Review/Area Variances – 

3242 NYS Route 417 – Dunkin’ Donuts 

Chris Crawford reported that the Town of Allegany Planning Board and Zoning Board of 

Appeals has referred a request for the construction of a Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant with 

Drive-through window at 3242 NYS Route 471 (Tax Map No. 94.061-1-41). This request is 

for SEQR Lead Agency Status, Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review from the Town 

Planning Board and two area variances for rear and side yard setbacks from the Town 

Zoning Board of Appeals. 

SEQR Lead Agency Status – Mr. Crawford stated that his recommendation would be no 

objection to the Town of Allegany Planning Board serving as Lead Agency for the purpose 

of conducting an environmental review of the proposed Dunkin’ Donuts pursuant to Part 

617.6 (b) of the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act. 

David McCoy moved with a second from Michael Zaprowski that the County Planning 

Board would have no objection to the Town of Allegany Planning Board serving as Lead 

Agency for the purpose of conducting an environmental review of the proposed Dunkin’ 

Donuts pursuant to Part 617.6 (b) of the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act. Carried. 

Special Use Permit/Site Plan Review/Area Variances – Mr. Crawford stated that his 

review consisted of examination of the Town Zoning Ordinance, Vol. 2 of the Guidebook 

series and applicant submitted documents (site plan, drainage study an storm sewer plan). 

He found that the drainage calculations and plan appear complete and adequate, however 

the lot seems small for the proposed development. Also there could possibly be an impact 

on traffic on Route 417 from the backup of cars going through the drive thru. The project 

proponent also owns the Microtel, and the restaurant will share the existing driveway that 

provides access to the Microtel parking lot. The existing driveway on Route 417 that 

serves the lot will be abandoned. Pedestrian access will be provided from Route 417 to the 

restaurant. The two area variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals are for rear and side 

yard setbacks. 

Staff recommendation is approval with two advisories: 1) the Town should request an 

alternative site plan for examination with the primary structure rotated 90° clockwise, which 

would be consistent with Volume 2 of the County’s Guidebooks Series, and 2) strongly 

suggest that the Town require the architectural style to be compatible with St. Bonaventure 

University buildings just across the street. 

Upon discussion, Paul Mager moved with a second from Michael Zaprowski that the 

referred Town of Allegany Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals Special use



Permits/Site Plan Review/Area Variances for the construction of a Dunkin’ Donuts 

Restaurant with Drive-through window at 3242 NYS Route 417 be approved with two 

advisories: 1) the Town should request an alternative site plan for examination with the 

primary structure rotated 90° clockwise, which would be consistent with Volume 2 of the 

County’s Guidebooks Series, and 2) strongly suggests that the Town require the 

architectural style to be compatible with St. Bonaventure University buildings just across 

the street. Carried. 

City of Salamanca – Zoning Text Amendment – Written Notice of Changes 

Paul Bishop reported that the City of Salamanca has referred a zoning text change 

amending Section 16.3.3 of the City Zoning Law to provide written notice of public hearings 

to be mailed to all landowners within 125 feet of premises where a change of zoning use 

district is required. Currently the requirement is that a sign be posted on the property. 

SEQR is being addressed and a public hearing was held on July 26, 2006. Staff 

recommendation is approval. 

David Rivet moved with a second from David McCoy to approve the referred City of 

Salamanca zoning text change amending Section 16.3.3 of the City Zoning Law to provide 

written notice of public hearings to be mailed to all landowners within 125 feet of premises 

where a change of zoning use district is required. Carried. Michael Zaprowski abstained. 

Cattaraugus – Little Valley School District – Draft Environmental Impact Statement 

James Isaacson reported that the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District is going 

through with a Capital Improvements Project. 

The School District has issued a Positive Declaration on this project and is in the process of 

preparing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The County Planning Board 

has been given the opportunity to comment on the project, so that our comments may be 

considered when preparing the DEIS. 

The School District is proposing, at the Cattaraugus campus: 1) Construction of new 

classroom space, gymnasium, expansion of kitchen/cafeteria and media center, new 

auditorium, new locker rooms and weight rooms; 2) Demolition of existing bus garage; 3) 

Reconstruction and expansion of existing parking lots, bus loading loop and other traffic 

circulation; 4) Construction of new septic system; 5) Replacement of existing cinder track 

and natural turf football field with synthetic track and football field; 6) Replacement of 

existing bleachers, concession stand and restrooms and existing field lights; 7) 

Rehabilitation and reconfiguration of other existing athletic fields and 8) Acquire 7 acres of 

land from the Village to construct athletic fields. 

The School District is also proposing to acquire 23 acres of land to construct new bus 

garage and septic system on Gowin Gulf Road (a.k.a., Pleasant Valley Road). 

Not addressed by this SEQR Review is the reuse of the Building in Little Valley – unsure of 

the future of this building.



Staff recommendation for the County Planning Board Comments would be to note that the 

property on Gowin Gulf Road is in the South Branch Agricultural District, and is surrounded 

by numerous other Agricultural District Parcels. The DEIS should assess the impacts that 

the construction of the bus garage will have on the surrounding agricultural land and the 

loss of agricultural lands, since agricultural land is an important resource in Cattaraugus 

County, yet it is a declining resource as more and more agricultural land is converted to 

other uses. 

Chairman Sprague asked if run off from additional impervious surface had been addressed. 

Such runoff can contain pollution that may affect stream water quality. 

Mr. Isaacson stated that stormwater pollution could also be a comment from the Planning 

Board. 

Michael Zaprowski moved with a second from David Rivet that the County Planning Board 

wishes to make two comments concerning the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School 

District Capital Improvements Project in regards to the Draft Environmental Impact 

Statement and the proposed new bus garage facility that will be constructed on the Preston 

property off Route 353 in the Town of New Albion: 1) This property and numerous 

surrounding properties are located in a NYS Agricultural District (locally known as the 

South Branch Agricultural District). Agricultural land is an important resource in 

Cattaraugus County, yet it is a declining resource as more and more agricultural land is 

converted to other uses. The Lead Agency should assess the impacts that this 

development will have on the surrounding agricultural land, and the loss of agricultural 

lands. 2) This property is also in the Cattaraugus Creek watershed, and will drain into a 

tributary of the Creek. The Planning Board is concerned about possible stormwater 

pollution from the new bus garage entering the stream and watershed. The County, in 

conjunction with New York Rivers United and the University at Buffalo, is beginning a study 

that will result in a watershed protection strategy for the entire Cattaraugus Creek 

watershed. This is a valuable natural resource in the County and deserves the utmost 

protection. The EIS should assess the potential adverse impacts of stormwater pollution 

on Cattaraugus Creek and its tributary and mitigate any impacts. Carried. 

NYS INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEWS 

Paul Bishop reported that NYS Intergovernmental Reviews numbered STW#06.023 

through #06.025 have been received. Staff recommendation is received, reviewed, no 

comment. The Board concurred. 

OLD BUSINESS 

Village of Ellicottville – Zoning Referral Exemption Agreement 

Paul Bishop reported that the Village of Ellicottville would like to enter into a Zoning 

Referral Exemption Agreement with the County Planning Board. The County Attorney, in 

his review of the signed document from the village, had several items of concern that he 

needed to discuss with the Village’s Attorney. Therefore last month the County Planning 

Board had tabled the agreement for 30 days. The County Attorney has discussed the



items of concern and now concurs with the Village Attorney’s additions. The Agreement 

has been retyped, per the County Attorney’s direction, and the new documents are now 

signed and notarized with the Village of Ellicottville Mayor’s signature. Three of the 

referrals from the Village of Ellicottville would not have come before this Board this evening 

had the Agreement been in place. Staff recommendation is approval of the Agreement. 

This agreement will be the third in the County between the County Planning Board and a 

local municipality. The City of Salamanca was the first Agreement, and the Town of 

Mansfield was the second Agreement. 

Michael Zaprowski moved with a second from Richard Fuller approve the Referral 

Exemptions Agreement with the Village of Ellicottville and to authorize the Chairman of the 

Planning Board to sign said Agreement. Carried. 

REPORTS / OTHER BUSINESS 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 

Reappointment of Planning Board Members – Chairman Sprague thanked Crystal 

Abers, Chairman of the Cattaraugus County Legislature for the reappointment of Planning 

Board members Paul d. Mager, Ann Padlo, Charles W. Couture and David L. McCoy. 

Consultant Contracts – Chairman Sprague reported that the Cattaraugus County 

Legislature has approved consulting contracts with Richard Swist and Terry Martin for the 

Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism. He stated that Terry and 

Rick will be good assets for the Department. 

Three Year Plan and Budget Committee Meeting – Paul Mager reported that prior to this 

meeting, the Three Year Plan and Budget Committee met. Minutes of that meeting will be 

distributed at next month’s meeting. 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT 

Consultants – Thomas Livak stated that as reported by Chairman Sprague, consultant 

contracts have been approved by the Legislature for Richard Swist to help continue the 

Quality Communities Initiative; and for Terry Martin to help continue the Equestrian 

Initiative, Quality Communities Initiative, Randall Arendt programs and the Allegany State 

Park Perimeter Study Implementation. 

ARC Grant for Enchanted Mountains Asset Mapping Year Two for Cities – Mr. Livak 

reported that we have received notice of an ARC Grant Award for $39,000 for Phase 2 of 

the Enchanted Mountains Asset Mapping Project. Year two is for the two cities. Year one 

was with 11 villages. We are working with STW on this project. Paul Bishop stated that the 

grant term is from May 1, 2006 to April 30, 2007. 

Casino Revenue Plan – Mr. Livak reported that he is in the process of developing the 

County’s Casino Revenue Plan which needs to be approved by New York State. We are 

currently spending 2004 funds. The Plan that he is developing will be for tourism promotion



activities in 2007. The funds are and will be used to promote such things as Onoville 

Marina, the Amish shops, Snowmobiling and the Equestrian Initiative. 

Bed Tax Program – Mr. Livak reported that the County Legislature made changes to the 

Bed Tax program. These funds are used to promote Chamber of Commerce events. 

Small Cities Grant – Mr. Livak reported that the Department has been working with 

Pioneer Credit to receive Small Cities monies to install additional T-1 lines at the Ashford 

facility. 

Olean Airport – Mr. Livak reported that the County has been working with the City to 

obtain monies for the repair and upgrade of the Olean Airport. 

Ann Padlo stated that she is very pleased to see these monies for the Airport as it is an 

important asset for the County. 

STAFF REPORTS 

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan Meetings – Paul Bishop reported that the 

Draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan is ready to be presented to the public. Six 

forums have been planned for this purpose: Monday, August 7 th at 7:30 PM at the Machias 

Fire Hall; Tuesday, August 8 th at 9:00 AM at the Perrysburg Fire Hall and at 7:30 PM at the 

Randolph Municipal Building; Monday, September 11 th at 7:30 PM at the East Otto Fire 

Hall; Tuesday, September 12 th at 1:30 PM at the Maplehurst Livestock Auction in Hinsdale 

and at 7:30 PM at the Great Valley Fire Hall. Margaret has mailed out over 1700 invitations 

to these meetings. This Plan will be the key to future grant applications. Local input to the 

Plan is very important. We encourage you to attend and to invite your neighbors and 

friends to attend. 

Joan Petzen stated that the invitation has been sent to the agricultural community, 

including members of the local Farm Bureau. We will be handing the invitation out at the 

Cattaraugus County Fair. 

Paul Bishop noted that the Executive Summary of the Plan is on the County’s Web Site for 

anyone to read and/or download. He acknowledge David Paoletta and Joan for getting this 

project underway. 

Joan Petzen stated that a separate meeting is being planned with the Amish Community in 

addition to the other six meetings. 

Joan Petzen also noted that the first Halal slaughter was performed this week in Randolph 

at the former Lazy Gate Farms slaughter facility. This is a new an exciting step forward for 

the agricultural community of western New York. 

Joan Petzen also reported that Cooperative Extension and the Cattaraugus County 

Tourism Department have been working with the Telaak Farms to host a Visit the Farm 

Day, which will be held on October 14 th rain or shine.



NYSDEC Draft Unit Management Plan for Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area – Chris 

Crawford reported that NYSDEC has released a Draft Unit Management Plan for Zoar 

Valley Multiple Use Area and held a public hearing on the Plan in Gowanda and July 13, 

2006, which he attended. Everyone who attended pretty much said the same thing. They 

want DEC to protect it with no forestry management and no logging. They want it for 

recreational use but limit the trail use. DEC is proposing a 300 foot buffer around the gorge 

but will only be taking land from willing sellers. The question is should we make written 

comments and if so what should they be? 

Discussion on whether to or not to support the management plan and trails. 

Kameron Brooks moved with a second from David Rivet to send a letter of general 

agreement and support of the “Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area Draft Unit Management 

Plan”. The Board agrees with the general principles outlined in the management plan 

namely; a buffer around the gorge area to be left in a natural condition, managed and 

limited consumptive use of resources based on sound scientific principles, and 

management of recreational resources (trails, parking facilities, educational kiosks, etc…) 

to insure a positive experience for all users while minimizing the environmental impact. 

The Board recognizes the inherent difficulty in balancing the various user interests 

associated with such a valuable resource as the Zoar Valley Unit. Overall, the Board 

believes that the Draft Management Plan is a good attempt to balance such interests. 

However, the Board also feels that active natural resource management takes place daily 

with the decisions made by trained professionals in balancing user interests and insuring 

the desired ecological structure and function. In light of this, the Board recognizes that 

plan implementation, in accordance with generally accepted scientific and professional 

standards, is key to its success. The Board thus encourages the Department of 

Environmental Conservation to insure that such standards are met while actively managing 

the Zoar Valley Unit. The Board believes that the Zoar Valley Unit is an extraordinary 

cultural, recreational, economic and aesthetic asset to not only Cattaraugus and Erie 

counties, but to all of New York State. The Board fervently hopes that through the 

Department’s planning and management efforts that it continues to be so. Carried. 

Cattaraugus Creek Watershed Grant – Paul Bishop reported that the Planning Staff has 

been working with NY Rivers United to get the Cattaraugus Creek Watershed Grant 

started. There will be a kick-off meeting in Springville in late September or early October 

with focus group meetings later in October and early November in Gowanda and Arcade. 

Bruce Carpenter of NY Rivers United would like to make a presentation to the County 

Planning Board at either the August or September meeting. 

Tina Abrams asked if the Planning Staff is working with the Seneca Nation on this project? 

Paul Bishop replied yes. 

NYS Department of Ag & Markets Approval of 30 Day Inclusion of Ag Parcels – Paul 

Bishop reported that approval has been received from NYS Department of Ag and Markets 

for all ten parcels that had requested inclusion into the various Agricultural Districts as a 

result of the Annual 30 Day Inclusion period.



MEMBERS FORUM 

Pat McGee Trail – Kameron Brooks reported that the Pat McGee Trail is now complete 

between Salamanca and Cattaraugus. The Park in Little Valley is being mowed. There 

has been some vandalizism on the trail, so 12 –14 people have been given permission to 

patrol the trail with ATV’s for the purpose of keeping the trail safe and clean. 

STW REPORT 

Charles Krause, County Legislator and member of the STW Board reported that the STW 

Board had approved the ranking of 11 ARC project proposals for funding in the fiscal year 

2007. With approximately $525,000 expected for the STW region, the Board anticipates 

that the top five projects will be funded. Those projects include: Houghton Water District 

improvements in the Allegany County Town of Caneadea for $150,000; A revolving loan 

fund for the three counties in the amount of $130,000; A machine tool technology program 

at Jamestown Community College for $116,194; a renewable energy institute at Alfred 

State College for $100,000; and a regional study for a business and arts center for 

$25,000. The projects are now send to Washington for approval which can take up to three 

months. 

CORRESPONDENCE 

The following correspondence was received and reviewed: 

Town of Franklinville - Special Use Permit for a retail business involving DMV Registered 

Repair Shop/Auto Sales/Heavy Equipment Storage at 7975 and 7991 Route 16 – granted. 

City of Salamanca – Zoning Map and Text Amendment from I-2 (Restricted Industrial Use) 

to R-1 (Single Family Residential) for 32 Penn Avenue – adopted. 

Town of Great Valley – Site Plan Review of multiple sites for the placement of five 

billboards – approved with condition. 

City of Salamanca – Negative Declaration for the adoption of local laws amending the City 

of Salamanca zoning Law. 

Town of Ellicottville – Adopted their revised Comprehensive Plan on June 28, 2006. 

ADJOURNMENT 

David Rivet moved with a second from Paul Mager to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm. 

Carried. 

APPROVED AS SUBMITTED AUGUST 31, 2006.

THREE YEAR PLAN & BUDGET COMMITTEE OF THE 

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY PLANNING BOARD MEETING 

Onoville Marina Park 

Onoville, NY 


4:30 pm 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Paul Mager 

Ann Padlo 

David McCoy 

William Sprague 

Michael Zaprowski 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Florence Fuller 

David Rivet 

STAFF PRESENT: Thomas Livak, Director 

James Isaacson, Senior Planner 

Christopher Crawford, Senior Planner 

Paul Bishop, Planner 

Margaret Puszcz, Stenographic Secretary 

Chairman Mager called the meeting to order at 4:38 pm and welcomed and thanked 

everyone for coming. 

Chairman Mager asked Thomas Livak if there were anything he would like to say before 

the Committee starts on the line items. 

Thomas Livak discussed the upcoming budget process and recommendations to the 

Legislature. He distributed copies of the Department’s whole budget for the Board’s 

review and information. The Planning budget is part of the Department’s budget. 

Mr. Livak stated that for years, the Planning Board recommended a position of Planner, 

which we have now had for two years. Also in the past the Planning Board has 

recommended $20,000 for consulting. The Legislature just approved a consulting 

contract with Terry Martin for one year, on an on-call-basis, to help with the two grants, 

which Terry had successfully helped the County to receive for Quality Communities and 

for the Cattaraugus Creek Watershed. 

Mr. Livak reported that with Jerry Burrell’s assistance, $10,000 was placed in the 

Business Development Corporation’s budget for small business development for the 

Equine Initiative.

Three Year Plan Committee 2 


Mr. Livak also reported that a consulting contract has been approved for Rick Swist, 

using Casino monies, to continue working on the implementation of the Allegany State 

Park Perimeter Study. 

Discussion ensued on the grants and the Occupancy Tax issue. 

Upon discussion, it was decided to request $20,000 for consulting in the budget again 

this year. 

Chairman Mager asked if there were any new initiatives that should be included in the 

budget request? 

Thomas Livak replied that perhaps we should look at the priorities and discuss what is 

in our Three Year Plan first. 

THREE YEAR PLAN 

1. Basic Planning Services 

Paul Bishop reported that under Basic Planning Services, bullets 1, 2 and 3 we have 

been doing through advisories. No formal training has been done, in the future, maybe. 

Chris Crawford discussed doing outreach with the municipalities, such as attending their 

monthly Town/Village Board/Planning Board meetings and offering assistance. 

David McCoy asked if this wasn’t something we could do cooperatively with STW? 

Thomas Livak indicated yes. STW and we have been working with Great Valley. 

Chairman Mager stated that this would also give us an opportunity to explain to local 

municipalities that we now have the procedure for Zoning Referral Exemptions 

Agreement in place. 

Paul Bishop stated that he and James have met with the Towns of Carrollton and 

Dayton, at their request, and have shared this type of information. We need to continue 

to meet with municipal Planning Boards. 

Ann Padlo suggested that we should inform municipalities that we are available to meet 

with them at such and such a time. 

It was the consensus of the Committee that these meetings should take place at the 

individual municipalities at their convenience and not at a set date by the County. 

Thomas Livak suggested that bullet three, under Basic Planning Services, should be 

deleted and converted to Casino Impact Study and Analysis. The Committee agreed.



2. Comprehensive Planning 

Thomas Livak stated that thumbnail estimates are very high for completing a 

Comprehensive Plan for Cattaraugus County. Feels that we should continue working 

on it in phases, as we have been such as the adoption of Vols. 1 and 2 of the 

Guidebook series. 

Thomas Livak stated that an actual Transportation Plan has been put on hold at this 

time. However, Transportation Planning is important with the Casino in Salamanca and 

with the start of construction on Route 219 very near. It was decided to combine this 

item with number 5 – Transportation Infrastructure. 

Paul Bishop stated that perhaps the sequence of the bullets should be changed. Bullets 

4, 5, 6 and 7 should probably become 1, 2, 3, and 4. Change Prepare Grants to 

Completion and Implementation. We probably should then move Subdivision Model 

Ordinance to 5 and change publication date to 2007. Then list Study Growth, etc. last. 

The Committee agreed. 

3. Countywide Trail Systems Initiative 

Paul Bishop asked if this should remain the same or are there changes? 

Mike Zaprowski stated that there is a need to connect trail through Salamanca into 

Allegany State Park. 

Thomas Livak stated that we have been working with the City and the Seneca Nation to 

try and get the trails through the City and into the Park. 

Mike Zaprowski stated that the bridge is going to be closed for two years. The new 

bridge will be wider. 

Thomas Livak stated that we have been working and need to continue working with 

NYSDOT concerning the width of the bridge and the possibility of providing a way to 

bring the trail across the bridge. There is also the issue of snowmobiles in the City. 

Mike Zaprowski stated that there is a need for more road bike trails. 

Thomas Livak stated the County’s DPW has applied for grant funds to improve 

shoulders along County roads for road bike trails. Mountain bike trails are some of the 

best in the state. 

Upon further discussion, it was decided to add road and mountain bike trails. 

Discussion concerning ATV’s and the need for trails and/or the need to attract some 

type of event. It was decided to add ATV trails as well.



1. Implement Allegany State Park Perimeter Study Projects 

Thomas Livak stated that there are 12 demo projects listed. We need to pick 1 or 2 and 

concentrate on them at first. He feels that the Onoville Demo Project would be 

something good to start on. Last year, Onoville staff attended several of the Travel 

Shows. This year, he hopes that they can attend more of the boat shows. As he 

mentioned at the beginning of the meeting Rick Swist has been contracted, using 

Casino monies, to continue working on the implementation of the Allegany State Park 

Perimeter Study. 

5. Transportation Infrastructure 

William Sprague stated that he believes that there is a need for housing outside the 

Nation. 

Mike Zaprowski noted that the City of Salamanca is in the process of doing a Housing 

Needs Assessment. 

William Sprague stated he believes housing needs to be added to Casino planning. 

The Committee agreed. 

Chris Crawford stated that Sam Cole from the UB Planning Studio is interested in 

looking at housing in Ellicottville. 

1. Route 16 Highway Corridor Project and Gravel Mining Initiative 

It was decided to keep the Route 16 item but to add the Farmersville Landfill as a 

second bullet. 

7. Route 62 Economic Development Study 

Keep the same. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. 

APPROVED AS SUBMITTED SEPTEMBER 28, 2006.



PROPOSED THREE YEAR PLAN PRIORITIES FOR 2007 

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY PLANNING BOARD 

1. Basic Planning Services (provided year round) 

• Continue community training in planning and design (based on the 

adopted County Guidebooks Volumes 1 & 2) 

• Continue to assist municipalities in how to use the county’s guidebooks 

• Present workshops on 239M Requirements concerning Zoning 

Exemptions, Wind Mills and training to Chambers of Commerce 

• Outreach for Allegany State Park Perimeter Study implementation 

(Guidebooks Volume 5, 6, 7 and 8) 

• Casino Impact Study and Analysis 

2. Comprehensive Planning 

• Farmland Protection Initiative (Complete Agricultural and Farmland 

Protection Plan utilizing grant from New York State and start 

implementation of the Plan) 

• Cattaraugus Creek Watershed and Zoar Valley (Implementation of grant 

from USEPA) 

• Saving Our Villages Initiative (Implementation of the Quality Communities 

Grant for the demonstration projects in Randolph, Little Valley and 

Franklinville) 

• Subdivision Model Ordinance (To be published in 2007 to promote both 

development and open space conservation as a way to mitigate adverse 

effects of the freeway) 

• Wind Mill Model Ordinance (Prepare for municipalities’ use) 

• Study Growth and Development Patterns in Cattaraugus County 

• Housing (Study the need for affordable housing in and around the City of 

Salamanca and the greater Ellicottville area) 

3. Countywide Trail Systems Initiative. 

• Expand multi-use trail system countywide (link to village and town 

development, to adjacent counties, and to Letchworth State Park, 

Allegany State Park, Zoar Valley and Chautauqua Lake) 

• Focus the initial phases of this work on (a) equestrian trails and 

demonstration projects in villages, (b) snowmobile trail issues, and (c) 

connectivity to trails inside Allegany State Park. 

• Road and Mountain Bike Trails 

• ATV Trails/Events 

4. Implement Allegany State Park Perimeter Study Projects. 

• Assess feasibility factors and begin implementing demonstration projects 

including village equestrian projects. 

• Begin regional marketing efforts for all 12 demonstration projects as they 

become feasible, but perhaps focus on one or two projects at first, such as 

Onoville Marina.



1. Transportation Infrastructure 

• Look at major new potentials for economic development in and around the 

City of Salamanca, now that the freeway alternative has been released, 

and now that the Seneca Casino has been constructed and opened for 

regional business (i.e., taking advantage of the newly emerging, regional 

crossroads called “The Southern Cross”). 

• Develop an Interchange Zoning Ordinance Model 

• Develop a Freeway Plan showing interconnectivity between the Route 219 

Freeway and local roads. 

• Find funding for planning improvements to County and local roads that will 

connect all areas of Cattaraugus County to the future Route 219 Freeway. 

2. Route 16 Highway Corridor Project and Gravel Mining Initiatives. 

• Re-issue study findings in the simpler format of the County’s guidebooks 

series (continue to focus on implementation of study recommendations – 

this study was originally requested by the Cattaraugus County Legislature, 

has been favorably received by major stakeholder groups, and is a long 

term commitment of the County Planning Board because of deep seated 

municipal concerns). 

• Farmersville Landfill Issue 

3. Route 62 Economic Development Study. 

• Look at the north-south highway corridor between Gowanda, Randolph 

and Onoville Marina, and include the Amish country, in a regional context. 

Items 1-7 described above all will make significant contributions to preparing a 

new Comprehensive Plan for Cattaraugus County in the 21 st Century. 

4. Consultant and Staff Services for 2007 

• These budget items will remain the same as 2006.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes for July 27, 2006 - Cattaraugus ...

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