Village of Lake George Project Review

Village of Lake George
Old Post Road
PO Box 791
Lake George, NY  12845

Village of Lake George Planning Board information
Village of Lake Zoning Board of Appeal information
Planning and Zoning Board Secretary 518-668-5771 / fax 668-3735

Village of Lake George Topics of Interest

DUFFYS' CAFE (UPDATED 6/5/09)

HOLLY RAJ, INC (UPDATED 1/28/09)

Project Summary: Applicant proposed a change in use from a convience store to an outdoor cafe.  The building would remain the same footprint but have architectural improvements and outdoor seating would be provided.  Traffic would not be permitted across the lot and parking would be provide on the perimeter side street.  The Planning Board discussed many issues including facades, color schemes, outdoor seating, landscaping and stormwater.  The applicant stated there was no intention for stormwater management but after discussion and comment from the public, (2) drywells were proposed as well as an 18' diameter permeable area.  At the May 2009 Planning Board meeting, the applicant requested modifications to the conditions of approval to reduce the number of drywells to one and eliminate the permeable area.  These items were entertained without being an agenda itemand and the Planning Board voted to change the conditions of approval.

Waterkeeper Perspective: The Waterkeeper felt stormwater management should have been required for the change in use since none existed at the site to provide any improvements possible.  A concern was the fact conditions of approval were changes without adequate notice to the public and a failure to reopen the public hearing.

Waterkeeper Comment: See comment letter to the Village of Lake George Mayor dated June 2009. 

Next Meeting:

 HOLLY RAJ, INC- (UPDATED 1/28/09)

Project Summary: Applicant proposes a two story 11,900 sf open air tavern/kiddie amusement park at the current location of Quizno's and the miniature golf course.  The project will connect to the Village of Lake George municipal sewer and water system.  The project proposes minor levels of stormwater management.  There have been several public hearings and concerns from the public include mixed use of the project (chlidren entertainment and a bar); two story building on the main corner of the Village; character of the building with the "open air" tavern; noise; and additional traffic for deliveries, construction, and trash removal. 

Waterkeeper Perspective: The Waterkeeper has concerns regarding compliance with major stormwater management requirements (addressing runoff of the first 1/2" from existing impervious coverage); utlizing the proposed landscaped areas for stormwater treatment/raingardens; improving the proposed water quality structures and the direct dischagre into Prospect Mountain Brook.  In addition, there is a question regarding the design wastewater flows from the proposed uses as well as whether the existing Village of Lake George Wastewater Treatment Plant has capacity.  The Waterkeeper continues to assert the proposed stormwater management plan does not comply with the Village Code despite the recommendation letter from the reviewing engineer based on the fact the reviewing engineer acknowledged the need for additional information regarding the stormwater plan after the recommendation was written.  This information was provided to the Planning Board.

Waterkeeper Comment: See comment letter to the Village of Lake George Planning Board for October  and December 2008 and January 2009.

Next Meeting: The Village of Lake George Plannning Board held the public hearing open from the October 15, 2008 meeting requesting information on a potential noise study and traffic study.  The Planning Board will also seek a consulting engineer to review the stormwater management plan.  The "consulting engineer" for the Planning Board was the Dave Decker, PE who wrote an approval letter on Lake George Watershed Conference letterhead despite the fact the project does not meet the Village Stormwater Ordinance and he wrote in an email after the approval that additional information was required.  The Planning Board appears to have accepted the determination from the LGWC.  At the January 21, 2009 Planning Bord meeting, the Board recommended a scope for the noise study and did not accept public comments since the applicant was not present.  The next public hearing for the project will be Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 7:00PM.