Special Meeting
Town of Watertown Planning Board
September 23, 2025
Members Present: Tom Boxberger, Co-Chair
Pam Desormo, Co-Chair
Randy Vaas
Members Absent: Terry MacAdam
Jim Smith
Jean Waterbury, Alternate
Mr. Boxberger called the special September meeting of the Town of Watertown Planning Board to order at 3:00 p.m.
Evidence was provided that the special meeting was posted in the newspaper.
Circle K/Jimmy John’s/Wendy’s – Corner of NYS Route 12F & County Route 196 – – Tax Map #82.08-1-3.1 – Site Plan
Pat Scordo and Connor Chawgo, GYMO, appeared before the Board on behalf of Briad Development, for conditional site plan approval for the proposed Circle K/Jimmy John’s/Wendy’s project located at the Corner of NYS Route 12F & County Route 196, Tax Map #82.08-1-3.1 for financing purposes.
Mr. Scordo presented a brief update regarding water and sewer from the City of Watertown. This matter falls under the DEC consent order to the City of Watertown and Town of Watertown. The Town Supervisor, Town Attorney, and Developer are working with the City to resolve this restriction.
The Town Attorney is also working with the Developer regarding water and sewer easements with the Town.
Mr. Vaas stated that he needs additional input for the Environmental Quality Review process. Mr. Scordo was asked to contact Michael Fishman, Principal Wildlife Specialist, so he can provide expert documentation to the Board addressing whether there is any overnight lighting impact to brown bats.
The Board would like to make the developer aware of possible traffic flow issues. The site is restrictive because of the size and location of the area and could create future traffic problems.
At this time, the State and County Highway Departments have not issued approvals for any highway cuts for this proposed project. Mr. Scordo will have the Planning Board copied in with correspondence with these agencies.
Proposed signage for a 12.9′ monument sign on County Route 196 and 20′ monument sign located on NYS Route 12F will be included in this conditional approval.
Based on communication with the Town Supervisor and Town Attorney, they do not have any imminent concerns with the Town of Watertown Planning Board issuing conditional approval for this proposed project.
The developer will appear before the Town of Watertown Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. regarding a variance request for a 70′ high-rise sign. This will not be included in any conditional approval and has been removed from the proposed plans.
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Motion 80-25: Motion by Mr. Boxberger, seconded by Mrs. Desormo to grant site plan approval for the Circle K/Jimmy John’s/Wendy’s project located on the Corner of NYS Route 12F and County Route 196 as shown on plans prepared by GYMO Architecture Engineering Land Surveying, DPG, Project No. 2025-054, Drawing C101, C102, C103, C104, C105 showing proposed signage, C106, C107, C108, C109, C110, C502, C503, C505, C506, all dated 9/8/25, Architectural Floor Plans and Elevations, prepared by Smiley Structural Engineering, Drawing A5.0 and A5.1, dated 5/12/25, conditional that before a zoning permit is issued, the following conditions stated below must be submitted:
1. Approval be provided for water and sewer connections with the City of Watertown,
2. The State Environmental Quality Review Act be completed to the satisfaction of the Planning Board regarding bat impact,
3. That all lighting on the exterior of the building be Dark Sky Compliant,
4. All issues regarding sewer easements be resolved to the satisfaction of the Town,
5. Highway permit from the County and State be provided,
6. That the two free-standing signs approved have a landscaped base at the bottom.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
Motion 81-25: Motion by Mr. Vaas, seconded by Mr. Boxberger to adjourn the meeting at 3:28 p.m.
Ayes All: Motion Carried.
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Susan Burdick
Secretary