Safety threaded last night's Town of Mamakating planning board meeting, which was marked by a progression of projects. All applications on the agenda moved forward, with one applicant answering the boards' questions satisfactorily and receiving conditional approval with just one meeting.

The benefit of the questioning process that some applicants regard as lengthy, was seen in the few words town planning engineer Lawrence Paggi said at the end of the continued public hearing for Christopher and Michele Matz’s three-lot subdivision project on Mount Vernon Road. Paggi remarked that, now that extensive planning has been done, including a site plan for each lot, the owners have the option to sell.

At the workshop for KL Enterprises, Paggi voiced safety concerns with the proposed storage of propane on a lot on McDonald Road near Kohl's on Route 209. All board members present at the workshop, along with Paggi and board attorney John Cappello, questioned applicant Kevin Lechner about which safety steps had been put in place. Paggi further clarified that the board requires a full description of site plans because it can't be assumed that the board has specific knowledge equaled to Lechner's 30 years of experience in the propane industry.

Lechner explained the steps at length. He noted that the propane suppliers do their own inspection because they won't supply to a subpar operation. Lechner described a full preventative plan, which includes a shed that will house a remote shut down system in case of emergency and emergency response numbers on the front gate. After Lechner gave his safety rundown, the board set a public hearing for the next meeting, July 12. Cappello said the public has 30 days to voice their "no" to the project.

Kent Findley and his business partner, Michael Brussle, hope to start a farm/brewery. The prospective business on 689 Winterton Road sits on 31.23 acres and is in the Residential Agricultural Zone. The board had several questions about use, permit, and road safety. Findley and Brussle plan to improve the road while maintaining an authentic, rustic farm quality. The project would include ponds, walking trails, wine-based fresh foods, and a micro-brewery. Findley said he also plans to have live music and square dancing. But, as an agricultural business, the project must only promote products grown on the farm and not artists or events. Findley, aware of the stipulation, explained the events would be strictly for the enjoyment of the visitors, who he joked would be drinking "hopefully heavily." He would not charge the visitors a fee for the events. Findley also has plans for waste removal and irrigation, much of which includes disposal onsite and food waste going to a local pig farmer. Findley anticipates that the project will create some jobs shortly after the operation starts.

Planning board member John Lacey asked when that might be. Findley projected as early as next spring. But, for that to happen Findley needs funding. And for the funding, Findley needs the planning board’s approval. John Lacey asked several other questions, one concerning the road, the other concerning violations Findley received. After some hedging, Findley admitted he had a violation for hosting a Tentrr (a private, short-term camping website) site on his property. He said, though he lost the appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals (of which he is a member) and has since then ceased the hosting, he doesn't see it as a violation.

Findley also said he prefers to go under the New York State Agricultural Law use instead of seeking a special permit through the town, as he doesn't want a public hearing. Going through the town law would also require an environmental review under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act).

The board voted to grant the project conditional approval subject to several conditions, including a health department approval.