2003 Planning Highlights
By David P. Paoletta, Planner

Environmental Impact Reviews
On behalf of the Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, completed the required environmental reviews for three projects in 2003 pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Act. In accordance with the New York State SEQR regulations, these proposed projects were reviewed for potentially adverse impacts on the environment. The basic purpose of SEQR is to incorporate the consideration of environmental factors into the existing planning and decision-making processes of state, regional and local government agencies. To accomplish this goal, these agencies are required by SEQR to determine whether the actions they directly undertake, fund, or approve may have a significant environmental impact. Projects reviewed and their outcomes are summarized in the following table.

County Planning Board Assistance
On behalf of the Department, served as technical staff to the Cattaraugus County Planning Board in 2003. During the year, duties included:

• Reviewing zoning permit applications and requests for site plan review pursuant NYS General Municipal Law Sections 239 l, and m.
• Providing reports and recommendations regarding project/permit approval to the Planning Board and to local municipal officials.
• Advising the Planning Board concerning intergovernmental reviews, zoning methodologies and environmental issues including SEQR, farmland preservation, watershed/habitat protection, and the Farmersville landfill.

Farmland Preservation
The Department continued its involvement in the preservation of the agricultural land resource and supporting the economic contributions of agriculture, which is one of Cattaraugus County’s largest industries and predominant land uses. Activities during the year included: 

• Administration of NYS Agricultural Districts Program in Cattaraugus County – Toured Persia Agricultural District with a representative from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets. The district review proposal was officially certified by the State in February.
• Prepared and disseminated information to municipalities concerning the Agricultural Data Statement requirements of State Law (go to www.co.cattaraugus.ny.us “Advance Planning/Agricultural Districts & Farmland Protection” to view this report).
• Developed technical assistance document, Agricultural Districts Status Report for Cattaraugus County, for the County Legislature, Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, County Planning Board and local municipalities (go to www.co.cattaraugus.ny.us “Advance Planning/Agricultural Districts & Farmland Protection” to view this report).
• Continued to serve as staff to Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board – Provided guidance during preliminary discussions regarding the development of an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan for Cattaraugus County.
• Assisted the County Legislature by drafting a resolution establishing the period of January 2nd through January 31st as Cattaraugus County’s annual 30-day period for landowner inclusion of property in an Agricultural District prior to the district’s eight-year review.

Technical Assistance to Municipalities

• Provided technical assistance to local municipalities regarding revisions to zoning ordinances, various land use regulations and comprehensive planning.
• Provided technical assistance to local officials with development reviews associated with transportation corridors and community revitalization.
• Prepared educational reports on zoning issues for municipalities (i.e., Applying Design Standards Through Overlay Zoning, and Smart Growth: An Enhancement Mechanism for Local Zoning). Go to www.co.cattaraugus.ny.us “Advance Planning/Fact Sheets” to view the first two of these reports.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping

• Prepared digital maps utilizing ArcView 3.2 software for a variety of planning applications and projects (i.e., recreation trails, agricultural districts, physical development reviews, traffic counts, etc.) See example below.

Appraisal Institute Seminar: WNY-Ontario Chapter

• Prepared and presented PowerPoint Slide Shows on both: Agricultural Land Use and Farmland Protection in Cattaraugus County; and Housing in Cattaraugus County.

Information Services

• Provided natural resource information and assistance on wetland designations and permit procedures, flood hazard areas, agricultural districts, aerial photo interpretation, topographic mapping, and environmental issues.
• Provided census, demographic, zoning and planning data to other County Departments, financial institutions, non-profit organizations, general public, etc.
• Provided information on available funding resources and grant writing assistance.

Department and County Representation
Represented the Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism and Cattaraugus County at various meetings including:

• Seneca Trail Resource Conservation & Development Council
• Cattaraugus County Housing Consortium
• Cattaraugus County Water Quality Council
• Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
• Salamanca Planning Commission
• Seneca Nation of Indians
  

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