County planning board overrules village on outlet

PENN YAN—Members of the Yates County Planning Board agreed with the Penn Yan Village Planning Board on the issue of public access to the north side of the Keuka Lake Outlet.
Resident Anne Gunn protested public access on the north side of the canal.  During the January board meeting the village board directed Attorney Ed Brockman to change the village planning board proposal to limit a pathway along the water to the south side.
Village trustee Wayne Davidson said the concern was brought up by one individual before it was researched by the village board. Davidson said the village master plan shows a walkway on the north side of the outlet across the marsh.
Village planning board Chairperson Cliff Orr said the planning board feels it is doing its job. Orr said the Village Parks and Recreation master plan states there should be a trail on the north side. Orr said if the village tax map is accurate the walkway probably would not come within 100 feet of nearby private property.
He said, “The public wants access to the waterfront. We feel strongly we should stick to our guns.” Orr answered questions from county board members about maintenance and village liability. Orr said, “The village does now. We don’t have the money to do the pathways now. It came up because we are working with Yates County and Milo on waterfront zoning.  The zoning in that area is bad now.” The area was formerly  a manufacturing and commercial area. Davidson said, “Our intention is not to put access across that lady’s property.“
Following comments, county board member Chuck Mitchell made a motion to disapprove the village proposal to limit the pathway to the south side of the outlet. The vote to disapprove the proposal was unanimous.
In other business: The board approved an application from William Sutherland for a Special Use permit to construct a multifamily dwelling of five units in Keuka Park.
• Approval was given for Dale Lane’s application for renovations associated with conversion from vacant commercial to office space for a structure at the corner of Liberty and Water Street in the village of Penn Yan.
• The board approved a Special Use permit to erect a new fabrication/assembly structure on Himrod Road that is part of Wood Tex.
• A referral from the town of Milo to establish a six month moratorium on adult uses was approved.
The next county planning board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.