At the May 22 Marbletown Planning Board meeting, the review of the Cherries Ice Cream modification request became contentious, leading board member David Proctor to state “we are shutting down the hearing.”

Cherries Ice Cream has appeared before the Marbletown Planning Board since last July. Lawrence O’Toole, owner of Cherries Ice Cream, and Diego Celaya, an architectural designer for A Plus C, appeared before the board at this most recent meeting. The board’s primary concern has been the stress that the planned expansion and modification will put on the septic system due to increased usage. O’Toole stated that “this is a limited use restaurant.” There will be no table service available so people will not be inclined to linger and food will be served in takeout containers so no dishwashing will be required. O’Toole and Celaya presented a diagram that showed the proposed seating arrangement for the eatery and the placement of two portable toilets to be used during the peak season.

The board did not appreciate that O’Toole and Celaya presented the diagram at the meeting without the board having time to preview it first. Marbletown attorney Tracy Kellogg stated that by bringing this diagram to the board meeting “you have modified what you are providing to the board” and board member Harry Hansen stated that “we have to have time to review things.”

The board was also concerned that they did not have proof that the Ulster County Board of Health had seen and approved the site plan and they wanted a letter confirming that this had been done. In conclusion, Board Chairman Max Stratton stated, “Our goal is to make sure the community is looked after.” As a result of the contentious nature of the meeting, there was no stated plan for further discussion.

High Meadow School Building Modification

A public hearing also took place to discuss the building modification of the High Meadow School. Ann Ganter, building and grounds coordinator for the school, discussed the project, which will increase the functionality of the existing building by adding library and staff room space. Waivers for this project have to be granted due to the size of the building footprint as it relates to the lot size and the low pitch of the roof. As a result, Chairman Stratton requested that the public hearing remain open in case any further information comes in regarding the waivers.

Ulster Savings Bank Construction

Nadine Carney, design engineer for Peak Engineering, gave an update on the planned construction of the Ulster Savings Bank to be located at 3885 Route 209. She reported that the storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) has been submitted to the Ulster County Planning Board and that a six-foot-high wooden fence is planned to be put between the parking lot and the neighbor on Lamberti Lane. Walden Environmental Engineering will review the project for the town and a public hearing for this construction is set for the next Marbletown Planning Board meeting, which is on June 26 at 6 p.m.