05/14/2026
Town of Charleston Planning Board Meeting Minutes
05-13-2026
Present: David Wiener, Chair, Amanda Peterson, Donna Wakefield, Joseph Fitzpatrick, John Scrima, Andrew Ragozzino
Other officials: Chad Wolfgram, Town Supervisor
Public: Mike Martuscello, Chris Hickey
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
• Roll call – present – David Wiener, Donna Wakefield, Amanda Russman, Joseph Fitzpatrick, John Scrima, Andrew Ragozzino.
• Public Comments (3 minutes per person) – None
• Approve Agenda – Donna moved to approve agenda, John seconded.
• Approve last month's minutes – Secretary failed to email the minutes, unable to upload to the website, will approve next month.
Old Business
• Comprehensive Plan – The draft has been distributed to planning board and town board members for review. There are hard copies available. Expectation is cp will be on town board agenda next week via a power point presentation, as well as a Q&A session. Amy will be available to answer questions remotely. SEQR documents have been filled out and need approval from the planning board and town board. Once the town board approves the cp, it will go to the county for approval. Chairman would like to produce an official letter of recommendation so that the town board knows the planning board approves of it. Amanda recommends the planning board members read the goals section to get a really good idea of what the cp is recommending. The last two invoices have been submitted and payment request no. 6 has been paid. The balance left is $2,000-$3,000. Amy said we’re in budget. Will tell town board that the ideas are suggestions, not requirements. It’s not binding, it’s a guide for the next ten years.
New Business
• Chairman’s notes – there’s a lot of discussion online about AI data centers. There are several planned in NY state. Chairman is concerned about water. Wants to recommend to the town board a moratorium until we can come out with some kind of law. Treat it like the battery law. Joseph moved to recommend to the town board for a moratorium. Amanda seconded. Donna will write the recommendation.
• There are no procedures as far as meetings are concerned. County asks if anyone is going to the meeting. If they have enough yesses, they have a meeting. They also add up the referrals – if none, no meeting. Planning board members feel that the meeting should happen regardless of referrals.
• Chris Hickey wants to divide land on Sullivan Road. What does he need to do? Needs an attorney, 2 deeds (one for each half), min requirements 250’ on each lot, 50’ side setbacks, 100’ from the road. Planning board needs a drawing and a survey. That’s all we require. Lots need to be greater than 2 acres in order to build. If any measurements are close, can always get a variance.
Other business
• None.
Adjourned at 7:30 pm.
