Development News for Queensbury, New York

Queensbury Explores Creating Director of Finance Role for Stability and Efficiency

The town board discussed the creation of a Director of Finance position, essentially a title change and formalization of existing duties currently performed by Barbara Kearney. The move aims to provide stability and career path for the finance manager, as the current 'Budget Officer' role is an appointed position subject to change with the Town Supervisor. The proposed role would encompass managing the entire finance department, including budgeting, grants, RFPs, and financial reporting. Concerns were raised about minimum qualifications, ensuring municipal experience, and the distinction between a Director of Finance and a Comptroller. The board leaned towards creating a Director of Finance position, with the Budget Officer role incorporated into the salary, and agreed to refine the job description before a potential vote.

Queensbury Town Board Considers Allowing Apartments in Commercial Zones

The town board held a workshop to discuss a proposal to allow apartments in a commercially zoned area along Route 9. The proposal, brought forward by John Lapper on behalf of three property owners (Sweet Basil, Frank Perillo's Jekyll property, and Bergenbach's campground), seeks an overlay zone to permit multifamily use. The town board expressed general support for incorporating residential uses into commercial zones, noting that the new zoning plan is considering mixed-use overlays. Specific concerns were raised about preserving commercial property, the potential density, and the impact on traffic and infrastructure. The board indicated a willingness to consider an overlay for the parcels, with a preference for commercial use along Route 9 and residential use in the rear, except for the smaller Sweet Basil property where residential might be the sole use. The applicants agreed to work with staff on a proposal that reflects these considerations.

Queensbury Considers New Rules for Ice Eaters on Local Lakes to Enhance Safety and Protect Property

The town board discussed regulations for ice eaters (agitators used to keep water around docks from freezing) on Sunnyside Lake and Glen Lake, excluding Lake George due to jurisdictional issues. The proposal, drafted by Tony [cite: 961], aims to address public safety and property damage concerns arising from the devices. Key issues include the devices opening larger areas of water than intended, potentially creating unsafe ice conditions for recreation (ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling) and causing damage to neighboring docks due to ice movement. The proposal includes limitations on the size of the open water area (not crossing property lines), thermostat requirements, and potential restrictions on operating hours. While the town has provided educational materials, concerns remain about enforcement and remedies for violations. The board is considering options like mandating removable docks or allowing town access to disconnect devices in specific circumstances. The Glen Lake Protective Association will be consulted for input.

Hutchins Point Commercial Area May Shift from Gas Station to High-End Storage Units

The town board reviewed a proposal to modify a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Hutchins Point, specifically the commercial area near the water plant. The original PUD approved a gas station and convenience store, which received negative feedback. The current owner, Dave Michaels of Michaels Group, proposed a new use: high-end garage space for car collections, allowing for rental or ownership (condominium units). This requires adding 'self-storage' as an allowed use and merging two lots into one, permitting two principal buildings up to 15,000 sq ft total. Staff identified restrictive language in the original PUD, prompting the modification request. The board expressed general favorability, acknowledging the limited market for a gas station and the potential of the storage units, particularly if they are high-end and climate-controlled. Key considerations included maintaining buffers, managing entrances, and the potential for individual ownership of units.