Planit permit OK’D without board input
Building inspector gave scrap yard approval Tuesday
Town building inspector William Lewis renewed Planit Waste & Salvage’s annual license on Tuesday, despite Supervisor Benny Zlotnick’s email to Lewis telling him the Town Board needs to be involved in the renewal process.
Zlotnick sent the email on Monday after neighbors whose homes back up to the scrap metal yard voiced their displeasure over the sights and sounds of Planit, including constant crashing that causes noise pollution and their homes to shake, rickety fencing and a scrap pile that, as one neighbor said, is “three stories high.”
Lewis approved Planit’s operation before council members Barbara Kerr and Ryan Isachsen, who were appointed by Zlotnick to be involved in the process, could visit Planit.
In the email, Zlotnick said their involvement was important because “this has been a contentious issue for several years and the more transparent we can be about the approval process, the better.”
Zlotnick told the Times Union that Lewis had the inspection planned before he sent the email and that the board ran out of time to coordinate with Lewis.
“Right now, Planit meets all of the requirements,” Zlotnick said.
“We have to look at the permitting process, very soon, and make sure it works across the board with the two other businesses (in town) that are similar.”
Lewis did not return a Times Union phone call requesting comment.
Anthony Dawson, president of Planit, said he sent a Freedom of Information request to the town and found that no one has complained about his operation. He also said he was pleased that his license has been renewed.
“I would like to thank the Town of Milton officials for renewing my licenses and not arbitrari
ly holding my license hostage as reported in Dec. 7 (Times Union) article and complying with the regulations set forth in the town code,” Dawson stated in an email.
Some residents say they don’t mind Planit. Kate Mccune, who lives at Red Oak Lane, said neighbors are being “overly dramatic” and that the noise coming from the Planit site sounds like “construction or someone mowing their lawn.” But the majority of the neighbors find the salvage yard that operates six days a week beginning at 7:30 a.m. unbearable — making it so they can’t enjoy or sell their homes.
Kerr said just because the permit was renewed,
doesn’t mean the Town Board won’t take action to improve the situation for dozens of homeowners whose neighborhood rings Planit’s property. She said the loss of home values in those neighborhoods is not only difficult for the homeowner, but also drops the town’s tax base. She also said falling home prices around Planit are particularly unsettling when prices are going up elsewhere in town in the current housing market.
“We will be reviewing our code and licensing practices,” said Kerr, who has heard from many neighbors around Planit. “Changes will be made.”