The Clay Planning Board again put off a decision on the hotel proposed for the former Wegmans Great Northern Site on July 23, 2025 after member Jim Palumbo questioned whether photos behind the project's wetland study were taken too early in the season, while the board approved site plans for an Equipment Share fueling station, a Charge Smart EV project, the Scott Merle Builders subdivision on Gaskin Road, and an EVgo charging station near the former Barnes & Noble.
Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
APPROVED
The Regular Meeting of the Planning Board of the Town of Clay, County of Onondaga held at Town Hall located at 4401 State Route 31, Clay, New York on the 23rd day of July 2025. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mitchell at 7:30 p.m. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance and upon roll being called the following were:
PRESENT:
Russ Mitchell Chairman
Michelle Borton Deputy Chair
Karen Guinup Member
Hal Henty
Member
Al McMahon Member
Jim Palumbo Member Paul Graves
Member
Marie Giannone Secretary to Planning Board
Kathleen Bennett Planning Board Attorney
Ron DeTota
Planning Board Engineer
OTHER:
Joe Grispino Commissioner of Code Enforcement
Caitlin Choberka Project Engineer, C&S Companies
ABSENT:
David Tessier Interim Commissioner of Planning & Development
A motion was made by Mr. Graves and seconded by Mr. McMahon to approve the minutes of the
July 9, 2025 regular meeting.
Motion Carried: 6-0. (Mr. Palumbo abstained due to absence on July 9, 2025)
Site Plan Mr. Ben Harrell, CHA, is present to address the board on behalf of the applicant. The amended site plan is to allow the existing 10,040 sf Pep Boys into a United Auto Supply Store with exterior improvements. These improvements will include repainting the existing building and improvements to the existing dumpster enclosure by expansion of this dumpster area. This dumpster is only for Pep Boys. The renovation will be done to the right side of the existing Pep Boys as shown on the drawing. New entrance will be created for Pep Boys. Hours of operation are 8 am to 6 pm Monday thru Friday, 8 to 4:30 Saturday and 9 to 2 pm on Sunday, Chairman Mitchell asked the board if there are any questions.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Ms. Borton questioned if the sanitary lateral is shown on the drawing. Mr. Harrell was not sure if this was picked up on the survey but will address this. Ms. Borton asked about the two pump stations shown on the drawing by the dumpster. Mr. Harrell said one is a pump station and the other is a valve and he will confirm that.
Chairman Mitchell asked if there are any comments/questions as this is a public hearing. None.
Motion made by Mr. Henty to adjourn Case #2025-036 to August 13, 2025. Seconded by Mr.
Palumbo.
Motion Approved: 7-0.
Motion made by Mr. Graves to adjourn Case #2023-006 Emerald Lawn Care to September 10,
2025. Seconded by Mr. McMahon.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
13) Ms. Nadine Bell and Mr. Eric Keller, were present to address the board on behalf of the
applicant. Ms. Bell said since the last meeting we submitted on July 15th updated plans and received from the town board the special permit for fueling station.
Mr. DeTota, town engineer, said it is good.
Mr. Henty asked about the details on the lighting fixtures. Separate sheet showed the details on lighting and will be provided to the board.
The chairman asked if there are any questions from the public. None.
Chairman Mitchell closed this hearing and asked for a motion.
Motion made by Mr. McMahon. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of the planning
board case No. 2023-047 for Equipment Share, I move the adoption of a resolution using standard form #10 SEQR, that the propose action is an unlisted action and does not involve any Federal Agency. It is further determined the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment and the resolution shall constitute a negative declaration for the following reason. It is in keeping with the like use of the area. Seconded by Mr. Palumbo.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Motion made by Mr. McMahon. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of planning
board case No. 2023-047 for Equipment Share I move the adoption of a resolution using standard form #20 site plan be granted based on a site plan by Bowman Consulting Engineering, and surveying and landscape architects as follows:
Sheet Index Sheet Number Sheet Title Date Last Revised
By Land Surveyor J M.
Schwandt dated 05/18/2023
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Conditioned upon approval of all legal and engineering requirements of the Town of Clay. Seconded by Mr. Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
**Case 2023-053 – Proposed Hotel at Wegmans Great Northern Site (3) – 3955 State Route 31 – Site Plan (Adj. 7) Mr. Mike Ritchie, Costich Engineering, is present to address the board on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Ritchie said from previous comments from this board there is now no bank parking. The report on the wetlands was completed and submitted. Comments were submitted to the town engineer as requested.
Chairman Mitchell asked Mr. Palumbo on the wetland delineation. Mr. Palumbo said the question was that this was not a true delineation as pictures were taken outside of the timeframe in March where there was no vegetation. Mr. Palumbo was asking for backup to reflect the true wetland delineation to say there are no wetlands in that area. A letter was submitted but did not get to the board.
Chairman Mitchell said this board needs a letter or email from the fire department to state the turn radius to this hotel meets their requirements. Mr. Ritchie will address this with the fire department.
Ms. Borton asked on the status of the ingress/egress. Mr. Ritchie said this was provided to the town engineer and found no issues on this. Mr. Ritchie said these have not been filed with the town to date. Ms. Bennett, town attorney, has not seen these easements but will look into this. Mr. DeTota said the town does not accept easements until dedication but it should be shown on the drawings.
Ms. Guinup asked for the details of the shed. Mr. Ritchie said this will be used for maintenance supplies and this will match the building.
Chairman Mitchell asked if there are any questions from the board. None.
There were no questions from the public as this is a public hearing. Chairman Mitchell closed this hearing and asked for a motion.
Motion made by Mr. Henty to adjourn this case to August 13, 2025. Seconded by Ms. Borton.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Motion made by Mr. Graves to adjourn Case #2024-050 to September 10, 2025. Seconded by
Mr. McMahon.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Site Plan (Ad. 4) Ms. Bridget O’Connor is present to address the board on behalf of the applicant. Ms. O’Connor said all the changes were made as requested by the board.
Chairman Mitchell asked the board if there are any questions/comments. None. This is a public hearing and asked if there are any questions/comments. Hearing none, the chairman closed the hearing.
Motion made by Mr. McMahon. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of the planning
board case No. 2024-069 for Charge Smart EV/Townplace Suites, I move the adoption of a
resolution using standard form #10 SEQR, that the proposed action is an unlisted action and does not involve any Federal Agency. It is further determined the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment and the resolution shall constitute a negative declaration for the following reason. It is in keeping with a similar use of the area. Seconded by Mr. Palumbo.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Motion made by Mr. McMahon. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of the planning
board case No. 2024-069 for Charge Smart EV/Townplace Suites, I move the adoption of a
resolution using standard form #20 site plan be granted based on site plan by Colliers Engineering & Design dated July 19, 2024, revised May 25, 2025 and T-1 Title Sheet
Project Notes
C-1 Site Plan
C-2 Partial Site Plan
Project Details
Amended Site Plan EV Charges by CHA
Conditioned upon approval of all legal and engineering requirements of the Town of Clay. Seconded by Mr. Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
And
Chairman Mitchell said we have received the okay from the health department for the septic system. The chairman asked the board if there are any questions. None. The chairman said this is a public hearing and asked if there are any questions. Hearing none the chairman closed the hearing.
Brief discussion on septic drawings being listed in the motion.
Motion made by Mr. Palumbo. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of the planning
board case No 2025-006 for Scott Merle Builders preliminary plat, I move the adoption of a
resolution using standard form #10 SEQR, that the proposed action is an unlisted action and does not involve any Federal Agency. It is further determined the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment therefore the resolution shall constitute a negative
resolution. Seconded by Mr. Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Motion made by Ms. Guinup to move to final plat. Seconded by Ms. Borton.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Motion made by Mr. Palumbo. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of planning
board case No 2025-007 for Scott Merle Builders final plat, I move the adoption of a resolution using standard form #40 final plat be granted based on a map by Jeffrey J. Schultz Land Surveying & Mapping PLLC dated March 15, 2025 and numbered File #340.4F. Also to be included the septic drawings for Lot 1 and 2 from NVL Engineering C-001 dated Apil 25, 2025, Department Health review April 2, 2025 and C-002 and C-003. Conditioned upon approval of all legal and engineering requirements of the Town of Clay. Seconded by Mr. Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
4)
Motion made by Mr. Henty to adjourn case #2025-009 to August 13, 2025. Seconded by Ms.
Guinup.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Motion made by Mr. Graves to adjourn case #2025-015 to August 13, 2025. Seconded by Ms.
Borton.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
(Adj. 2) No one was present to address the board.
Motion made by Mr. Henty to adjourn case #2025-019 to August 13, 2025. Seconded by Ms.
Guinup.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Motion made by Mr. Henty to adjourn case #2025-026 to September 10, 2025. Seconded by Mr.
Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Amended Site Plan (Adj. 2) Mr. David Revette is present to address the board. Mr. Revette said the changes were made as required by the board for approval.
Chairman Mitchell asked the board is there are any questions. None. The chairman asked if there are any questions as this is a public hearing. Hearing none, the chairman closed the hearing.
Motion made by Mr. Palumbo. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of the planning
board case No. 2025-030 for EVgo and Rocklyn Clay, LLC, I move the adoption of a resolution using standard form #10 SEQR, that the proposed action is an unlisted action and does not involve any Federal Agency. It is further determined the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment and the resolution shall constitute a negative resolution for the following reason. The parking stalls are in keeping with the site. Seconded by Mr. Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Motion made by Mr. Palumbo. Mr. Chairman: In the matter of the application of the planning
board case No. 2025-030 for EVgo and Rocklyn Clay, LLC, amended site plan, I move the adoption of a resolution using standard form #20 site plan be granted based on a map by Dewberry Engineers dated April 9, 2025, revised July 11, 2025 and numbered T-1, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-3A, C-4, C-5 and C-6. Conditioned upon approval of all legal and engineering requirements of the Town of Clay. And other conditions that EV Parking spaces shall not be restricted for electrical vehicles only. Seconded by Mr. Graves.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Signs:
Matthew Calvo/Building Brothers – T-Mobile Authorized Retailer – 5133 W. Taft Road Zoned HC-1, Permit #55,134 1 – Wall Sign – A 14 square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Wall Sign is proposed, when 36.4 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code. 1 – Wall Sign – A 10 square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Wall Sign is proposed, when 27.49 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code. 1 – Freestanding Sign – A 3-1 ½ square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Freestanding Sign is proposed, when 29 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code.
There were no questions from the board.
Motion made by Mr. Graves to approve two wall signs and one freestanding sign on permit
#55,134 to Matthew Calvo/Building Brothers – T-Mobile Authorized Retailer. Seconded by Mr. McMahon.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Greg Fishel/Allied Sign Company – Edward Jones – 4595 State Route 31 Zoned RC-1, Permit #55,140 1 – Wall Sign – A 14.6 square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Wall Sign is proposed, when 46.2 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code. There were no questions from the board.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Motion made by Mr. Graves to approve one wall sign on permit #55,140 to Greg Fishel/Allied
Sign Company – Honda/Logo. Seconded by Mr. McMahon.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Greg Fishel/Allied Sign Company – Honda/Logo – 7140 Henry Clay Blvd.
Zoned HC-1, Permit #55,142 1 Freestanding Sign – A 64 square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Freestanding Sign is proposed, when 64 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code.
There were no questions from the board.
Motion made by Mr. Graves to approve one freestanding sign on permit #55,142 to Greg
Fishel/Allied Sign Company – Honda/Logo. Seconded by Mr. Palumbo.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Rania Kassis/Kassis Signs – Zaman Coffee House/Logo & Zaman Coffee House Drive Thru w/Arrow – 5380 West Taft Road Zoned RC-1, Permit #55,145 2- Wall Signs – A 41.5 square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Wall Sign is proposed, 1 wall sign on the front and 1 wall sign on the side, when 108.8 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code.
1 Freestanding Sign – A 33 square foot, Internally Illuminated LED Freestanding Sign is proposed, when 64 square feet is allowed. Should the Planning Board approve it, this sign will meet code.
There were no questions from the board.
Motion made by Mr. Graves to approve two wall signs – one wall sign on the front and one wall
sign on the side, and one freestanding sign on permit #55,145 to Rania Kassis/Kassis Signs – Zaman Coffee House Drive Thru. Seconded by Mr. McMahon.
Motion Carried: 7-0.
Planning Board Regular Meeting July 23, 2025
Motion made by Mr. Graves to adjourn this meeting at 8:22 p.m. Next meeting is scheduled for
August 13, 2025.
Respectfully submitted, Marie Giannone Marie Giannone Planning Board Secretary