1196 BIG TREE-APPLICATION (full text)
Page 1
April 28, 2026
Town of Aurora Planning Board
575 Oakwood Avenue
East Aurora, New York 14052
Re: Application for Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit
Applicant / Property Owner: Carner Development Group Inc.
Project Site: 1196 Big Tree Road, Town of Aurora, NY; SBL No. 165.00-1-28.21
Project: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
Zoning Districts: Agricultural and Rural Residential
Dear Town of Aurora Planning Board:
Our firm represents Carner Development Group Inc. (“Carner”), the owner of 1196 East Main
Street in the Town of Aurora and applicant for the Site Plan and Special Use Permit (collectively,
“Applications”).
Project Summary
The Project’s Principal Use is a Campground which is defined by Section 116.4 of the Town of
Aurora Zoning Code as “A parcel of land used or intended to be used, let or rented for occupancy by
or of two or more recreational vehicles, tents or other recreational or temporary shelter or sleeping
quarters of any kind.” The “sleeping quarters of any kind” are:
• Seven Seasonal Cottages to be constructed;
• Two Treehouse Retreats to be constructed;
• Seven Sleeping Quarters in the existing building labeled on the Site Plan as Admin Building
and Sleeping Quarters; and
• Two Sleeping Quarters in the existing building labeled on the Site Plan as Sleeping
Quarters.
The Project also includes “Customary accessory uses and structures” which are expressly
permitted in the Agricultural Zoning District at Section 116-8.5(A)(5) Town of Aurora Zoning Code
which states the following are Permitted Uses: “Use of land or of a building or portion thereof
customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the
HOPKINS SORGI & MCCARTHY PLLC
Attorneys at Law
574 Main Street, Suite 204 • East Aurora, New York 14052
Office: 716-805-7191 Ext 2 • Mobile: 716-908-3289 • E-Mail: [email protected]
hsmlegal.com
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Application for Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit
Applicant / Property Owner: Carner Development Group Inc.
Project Site: 1196 Big Tree Road, Town of Aurora, NY; SBL No. 165.00-1-28.21
Project: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
Zoning Districts: Agricultural and Rural Residential
March 29, 2026
same lot with such principal use.” The “Customary accessory uses and structures” for this Project
are:
• Lodge for the Campground to be constructed consisting of an approximately 1,200 square
feet 1 open air structure without walls – note that the Lodge has been substantially
changed from the initial Site Plan, as discussed in more detail below;
• Wellness Center for the Campground in existing building and currently being operated for
this or a similar use. 2
• Parking Areas; and
• Related Site Infrastructure and Amenities.
Carner is experienced in this type of operation as it has three other campgrounds that it owns
and operates on Seneca Lake in the Town of Torrey, Heritage Lake in the Town of Phelps and Conesus
Lake in the Town of Lavonia. Additionally, Carner owns and operates the Bank of East Aurora in the
Village of East Aurora, the Trust Co. Building and the Bank Shot in the Village of East Aurora and the
Hearthstone House in the Village of Ellicottville.3
Project History
• October 29, 2025: Carner submitted to the Planning Board its Pre-Application Review of the
three following potential Projects, all of which are allowed uses with Site Plan Approval and
Special Use Permit:
o Project / Option 1: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
o Project / Option 2: Campground with Accessory Uses
o Project / Option 3: Five Two-Family Dwellings
1
Because the footprint of the pavilion is not a rectangle, the actual square feet is less than 1,200 feet, but to simplify the
calculation, 1,200 square feet was used.
2
Current Operation is under a Home Occupation Permit which is defined in the Town Zoning Code § 116-8.1(A)(5)(c) as
“clearly incidental and secondary to the [9rincipal] use” but under this proposal it would be an accessory use to the
principal use as a Campground and “customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use.”
3
See Carner Development Group Inc. website at https://www.cdginc.org/s-projects-side-by-side
2
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Application for Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit
Applicant / Property Owner: Carner Development Group Inc.
Project Site: 1196 Big Tree Road, Town of Aurora, NY; SBL No. 165.00-1-28.21
Project: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
Zoning Districts: Agricultural and Rural Residential
March 29, 2026
• November 5, 2025: Carner appears before the Planning Board to obtain the Planning Board’s
input regarding which Project / Option is preferred. As reflected in the Minutes from the
Planning Board’s November 5, 2025 Meeting, all five Planning Board Members in attendance
favor Project / Option 1. A copy of the Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of
November 5, 2025 is attached as Exhibit 1.
• February 20, 2026: Carner submitted its Applications to the Town of Aurora Building and
Code Enforcement Department.
• February 20, 2026: Town of Aurora Code Enforcement Officer provides a Memo to the Aurora
Town Board stating that “[t]he Building Department has accepted Special Use Permits (SUP)
and Site Plan applications for 1196 Big Tree Road (East Main mailing address).” A copy of the
Code Enforcement Officer’s Memo to the Aurora Town Board is attached as Exhibit 2.
• February 23, 2026: Aurora Town Board votes unanimously to refer the Applications to the
Planning Board for its recommendation(s). This vote was done pursuant to Town Zoning Code
§ 116-42 which provides the options of either taking no action, request modifications to the
Applications, or refer the Applications to the Planning Board. 4 The Town Board chose the
option of referring the Applications to the Planning Board. A copy of the Minutes from the
Town Board Meeting of February 23, 2026 is attached as Exhibit 3.
• March 4, 2026: Planning Board reviews the Applications. The Planning Board votes 3 to 2 to
recommend approval of the Applications, however as the Planning Board is a seven-member
4
Town of Aurora Zoning Code § 116-42(A). Applications, plans and fees.
A. Application for special use permit review and approval shall be made, in writing, on the appropriate forms provided by
the Town and shall be filed with the Town Clerk. In certain circumstances, an application for special use permit review and
approval shall be made in tandem with application to the Town Board for site plan review and approval for the proposed
project. The applicant will first appear before the Town Board for review of the application. The Town Board may take one
of the following actions:
(1) Take no action.
(2) Request that the applicant modify the application and resubmit.
(3) Request that the applicant submit an application for site plan review to be made in tandem with the application for a
special use permit.
(4) Refer the application(s) for review to, and recommendation by, the Planning Board.
Note that the 3rd option of § 116-42(A) was inapplicable because the Site Plan Application was submitted in tandem with
the Special Use Permit Application.
3
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Application for Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit
Applicant / Property Owner: Carner Development Group Inc.
Project Site: 1196 Big Tree Road, Town of Aurora, NY; SBL No. 165.00-1-28.21
Project: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
Zoning Districts: Agricultural and Rural Residential
March 29, 2026
board, four votes are needed for a resolution to pass. Subsequently, there was no formal
resolution to recommend approval or recommend denial of the Applications. A copy of the
Minutes from the Planning Board Meeting of March 4, 2026 is attached as Exhibit 4.
• March 17, 2026: Town Board referred Applications back to Planning Board for its
recommendation(s) of the lack of a passed resolution at the March 17, 2026 Planning Board.
A copy of the Minutes from the Town Board Meeting of March 17, 2026 is attached as Exhibit
5.
Changes to Site Plan / Updated Floor Plans / Site Plan and Related Plans
Carner made one substantial change from the Site Plan in its initial application. The Lodge has
changed from a 2,400 square feet fully enclosed structure to an approximately 1,200 square feet 5
open air structure without walls. We anticipate that with tables and chairs, the maximum occupancy
of the Lodge will be approximately 70 people. A rendering of the Lodge being proposed is as follows:
5
Because the footprint of the pavilion is not a rectangle, the actual square feet is less than 1,200 feet, but to simplify the
calculation, 1,200 square feet was used.
4
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Application for Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit
Applicant / Property Owner: Carner Development Group Inc.
Project Site: 1196 Big Tree Road, Town of Aurora, NY; SBL No. 165.00-1-28.21
Project: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
Zoning Districts: Agricultural and Rural Residential
March 29, 2026
Enclosed please find:
• Exhibit 6: Two Versions of the Revised Site Plan both of which show the Zoning District Line
between Rural Residential and Agricultural. Both Site Plans are identical except for the
number of parking spaces with the difference in parking spaces described as follows:
o 51 Parking Spaces as required by Town Zoning Code
o 30 Parking Spaces, which is the amount of parking spaces that Carner feels is needed
and accordingly, we hereby request that the Planning Board recommend to that Town
Board that it approve 30 Parking Spaces pursuant to Town Zoning Code § 116-
27(A)(11) which states that “[t]he Town Board may recommend that green space be
substituted in lieu of the required parking area on a particular site plan.” The Town
Board’s authorization to reduce the parking spaces to 30 would preserve greenspace.
• Exhibit 7: Proposed Floor Plans and related Plans for the existing Administrative Building with
Seven Sleeping Quarters (i.e., the existing main house) which will undergo substantial
renovations to address deferred maintenance and to preserve the historic significance of the
structure and surrounding property and grounds, the substantial majority of which are in a
conservation easement.
• Exhibit 8: Proposed Floor Plans and related Plans for:
o the existing Building with Two Sleeping Quarters (i.e., the farmhouse);
o the seven seasonal cottages; and
o the two Treehouse retreats.
• Exhibit 9: Rendering of the Lodge (approximately 1,200 square feet 6 open air structure
without walls).
6
Because the footprint of the pavilion is not a rectangle, the actual square feet is less than 1,200 feet, but to simplify the
calculation, 1,200 square feet was used.
5
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Application for Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit
Applicant / Property Owner: Carner Development Group Inc.
Project Site: 1196 Big Tree Road, Town of Aurora, NY; SBL No. 165.00-1-28.21
Project: Campground with Wellness Theme with Accessory Uses
Zoning Districts: Agricultural and Rural Residential
March 29, 2026
Thank you for your consideration of our Project. If there are any questions or if further
information is required, please advise.
Sincerely,
HOPKINS SORGI & MCCARTHY PLLC
Peter J. Sorgi, Esq.
Enc.
cc: Rachel Krajewski, President, Carner Development Group, Inc.
Phil Gusmano, AIA, CPHC, Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. (Project Architect)
Danielle Johnson, AIA, CPHC, Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. (Project Architect)
Daniel LaPietra, PE, Carmina Wood Design (Project Engineer)
6
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Exhibit 1
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MINUTES OF A MEETING AS HELD BY THE
TOWN OF AURORA PLANNING & CONSERVATION BOARD
November 5th, 2025
Members Present: Chairman, Doug Crow
Tim Stroth
Chelsea Root
Angela Griffis
Chris Contento
Alternate Member: Ben Garvey
Absent/ Excused: Norm Merriman
Laurie Kutina
William Heidt
Also Present: Liz Cassidy, Code Enforcement Officer
Fred Perez, World Mission Society Church of God
Varinder Gill, WNY West Falls Inc.
Chuck Norris, Project & Safety Manager for WNY West Falls, Inc.
Peter Sorgi, Attorney for Carner Development Group, Inc.
Rachel Krajewski, President, Carner Development Group, Inc.
Paul Ernst, Chair, Town ZBA
Eric Diebolt, member of public
Chairman, Doug Crow presided over the meeting which began at 7:00 p.m. at the Town
Hall,575 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, NY. He led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag.
Chairman, Doug Crow states that all 6 are voting
members.
Chairman, Doug Crow asks for a motion to approve the minutes from September 3rd, 2025
Tim Stroth makes a motion to approve the minutes from September 3rd, 2025
Second by Chris Contento
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes- 6 Noes-0 Motion carried
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ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
a. South Town Working Group update: Tim Stroth
In lieu of the fall quarterly meeting, Erie County sponsored a training session with NYS
Department of State. There were several people from East Aurora in attendance,
including members of the Town and Village Boards. The next meeting is scheduled for
January. Tim will forward the agenda to the Planning Board for anyone who may be
interested in attending. It is typically a low-key dinner meeting. Meal checks are all
separate with everyone paying for themselves. The highest attendance is from more rural
towns. Erie County schedules informative and interesting speakers for the program.
b. Comprehensive Plan Update: Angela Griffis
In October we held a public workshop to review the current plan and future land use.
Comments during the workshop were incorporated into the final draft plan and it was
submitted to the county for final review and approval.
Doug Crow added the proposed final draft is set to eliminate ODAs. The plan is to
eventually amend the code, to remove ODAs from our code.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
a. The Building Department has received a Site Plan application for 711 Knox Road,
SBL: 163.00-3-23 as submitted by Fred Perez, representing World Mission Society
Church of God, for a security booth, and to the continued use as a seminary and place of
religious
instruction.
Fred Perez, representing World Mission Church of God, is here to request the
construction of a security booth at the entrance of the property, and the continued use
of the property as a seminary and place for religious instruction.
Chairman, Doug Crow mentions that the original Site Plan has been revised. The
alteration is to move the security booth to be parallel with the maintenance building
to eliminate the need for a Variance.
Tim Stroth asks if the plans for the security booth will include a gate arm and an extra
pavement turn around.
Fred Perez confirms there will be a gate arm. A paved turnaround will also be added.
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Angela Griffis asks if there are plans for any additional lighting.
Fred Perez states the are no plans for additional lighting, if not required.
Tim Stoth ask CEO, Liz Cassidy for clarification on the Site Plan application, prior to
making a motion.
CEO, Liz Cassidy states, it would be a Site Plan approval pending additional information
for the security booth and, for the continued use as a religious instruction and education
center.
Tim Stroth made a motion to the Planning Board to recommend to the Town Board
to approve the continued use for religious instruction and the updated Site Plan
application to show complete details for the security booth.
Second by: Chairman, Doug Crow
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes- 6 Noes- 0 Motion carried
b. The Building Department has received a Site Plan application for 1045 Davis Road, SBL:
199.01-1-18 as submitted by WNY West Falls Inc., known as The Corner Market.
Chairman, Doug Crow states a Site Plan was approved 2 years ago, however the
applicant was unable to start work on the project right away and it expired. The applicant
returned in January of 2025, and it was approved again. Currently, they are looking to
amend the current Site Plan.
Varinder Gill, owner of WNY West Falls Inc. states the request to amend the current Site
Plan would include replacement of the existing fuel pumps and canopy.
Chairman, Doug Crow asks if it would be necessary to remediate the soil around the fuel
tanks.
Chuck Norris, Project & Safety Manager for WNY West Falls, Inc., states the present
tanks are the property of Sunoco. They will be responsible for the removal and
remediation of the tanks and site. They hire a third-party environment company that
monitors and does all the sampling per the protocol of New York State DEC.
Chairman, Doug Crow asks about the condition of the parking lot and striping.
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Varinder Gill states upon completion of the project there will be all new paving and
striping.
Chuck Norris, indicated that the intention is to hopefully start in approximately two
weeks following approval. The tentative time of completion would be mid-January.
Angela Griffis asks about the height of canopy. Also, would there be any change in
lighting.
Chuck Norris, states the canopy height will be 14 feet. The lighting for the new canopy
will be updated to LED.
Tim Stroth asks where the underground drainage goes.
Chuck Norris, that underground drainage will not be installed. All drainage will be above
ground directed to existing drainage, which takes most of the drainage.
Angela Griffis makes a motion to the Planning Board to recommend to the
Town Board, to approve the amendment to the existing Site Plan to include
the replacement of the existing canopy and fuel pumps as proposed at 1045 Davis Road.
Second by: Chelsea Root
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes- 6 Noes-0 Motion carried
c. Concept Plan Review discussion for 1196 Big Tree Road, SBL: 165.00-1-28.21, as
submitted by Peter Sorgi, agent for owner Carner Development Group, Inc.
Rachel Krawjwewski introduces herself and provides the Planning Board with a
brief description of her background and Carner Development Group
spaces in the town.
Peter Sorgi is here representing the Carner Development Group.
They are here before the Planning Board, looking for input regarding three possible
options for the use of 1196 Big Tree Road. There will be no variances required. They are
presently in the engineering process.
The project site is zoned Rural Residential (first 300 feet) and Agricultural. All three
options are allowed with Special Use Permit and Site Plan approval. No variances
required.
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Rachel Krawjewski provides and explains the three options.
1. Option 1: Glamp ground with wellness theme and accessory uses.
A rustic lodge (main house), the existing spa will remain in use, and a
common area. There will also be some seasonal cottages, and treehouse
retreats. Guests would come here as a wellness hospitality retreat.
Chelsea Root asks why the cottages are seasonal.
Rachel Krawjewski states that due to the way the code is written, they can only be
occupied six months out of the year.
Chairman, Doug Crow asks about the common area.
Rachel Krawjewski states it can be used as any accessory use as defined by state law.
It can be used as a church, a conference area, and a wedding pavilion. All of which are
approved uses.
Tim Stroth inquires about size occupancy of the cottages.
Rachel Krawjewski states typically two to four, depending on structure. Some go up to
six.
2. Option 2: Campground with accessory uses.
A traditional RV campground per Town Code with a SUP. They would be
be preserving the main house as a camp lodge, creating 54 spaces for RVs,
which have a maximum stay of 29 days.
Chris Contento inquires if sites will have concrete pads
Raschel Krawjewski confirms. Also, states the property has public water.
Chairman, Doug Crow inquires about the main house.
Rachel Krawjewski states there is a potential to convert into rental spaces.
3. Option 3: Five two- family dwelling rentals
Rachel Krawjewski states with this option the main building would not be kept in
its current capacity. There would be 5 separate, two family homes. They would be
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income based rentals.
Chairman, Doug Crow asks the Planning Board for their feedback of the three options.
Chelsea Root is more in favor of option one or two. Saving the existing structures.
Giving people a desirable destination to come to.
Ben Garvey asks for provisions for emergency services to the furthest treehouse
structures.
Rachel Krawjewski states they would be ADA compliant.
Ben Garvey has a preference to the first option due to the intention of utilizing the
existing structures and the preservation of the natural land.
Chairman, Doug Crow states he finds option one to be the most desirable use of the
buildings. It is a less intrusive use than an RV park, which would have to clear multiple
trees to create sites.
Chelsea Root asks about the occupancy potential of option two.
Rachel Krawjewski states other surrounding RV parks are full. If this property had room
for one hundred sites, it would be full.
Chris Contento favors option one. Thinks it would benefit the community in many ways,
especially when there are weekend events. There is always a need for accommodations.
Angela Griffis agrees with option one for many of the same previously mentioned
reasons.
Rachel Krawjewski reiterates that the wellness hospitality would offer the availability of
massage, nature trails, to name a couple of things.
Ben Garvey asks if there will be a pool.
Rachel Krawjewski states there is already a pool on the property.
Chairman, Doug Crow, asks if there are anymore questions. No response.
He concludes the discussion.
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d. Town Board referral for a review and recommendation of the proposed Lighting Code.
Chairman, Doug Crow states the Planning Board has been asked to review the proposed
Lighting Code which has been worked on by the Code Working Group.
Chelsea Root states she is in favor of and happy that there will be a guideline for
residential and commercial parcels to follow with more detail.
Chairman, Doug Crow states the Code Working Group tried to make the requirements
more lenient for existing properties. Many things presently will be grandfathered in, until
the time of repair or replacement.
CEO, Liz Cassidy states with no Lighting Code, there is zero means of enforcement.
When a complaint is made by a neighboring property, I can only send a letter requesting
the property owner redirect or shield the light.
Chris Contento asks about existing lighting. If this were adopted, what would happen
with an existing problem neighboring property.
CEO, Liz Cassidy states it would allow her to cite the property occupant/owner. If the
department receives a complaint, we can investigate and verify. Having a code will give a
section to reference for a citation, and state, that it is beyond the code allowance.
There are also provisions for security lighting, for businesses.
Chairman, Doug Crow made a motion to the Planning Board to recommend to the Town
Board to pursue the Lighting Code as proposed after appropriate discussion and public
hearing.
Second by: Tim Stroth
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes-6 Noes-0 Motion carried
Member of the Public, Eric Diebolt states he is in favor of the proposed Lighting Code.
He states the proposed code is well written. He is in favor of existing lighting being
subject to new codes as well.
CEO, Liz Cassidy states this will hopefully be adopted by the end of the year.
e. Discussion regarding renewable energy PILOTs and codification.
Page 15
Chairman, Doug Crow states he attended a three-day conference, also attended by
Supervisor, Chuck Snyder pertaining to PILOTs (Payments-in-lieu-of-Taxes. One of the
things the State has done is to try to encourage alternative energy. They passed a section
of the Real Property Code that allows people who make improvements for solar, wind,
etc., not to increase the taxes prior to receiving revenue. The intention is to give
exemption from assessed value and then encourage the developers if they are going to do
a project, to sign a Payment in Lieu of Tax agreement with the local town, that lets them
change the schedule of the timing of the payments. The developer has a sixty-day
window to the town negotiate a PILOT. The town can say yes or no, then move to
negotiate if granted. It is not necessarily efficient. The State now recommends passing a
law to negotiate a PILOT in all cases.
Chairman, Doug Crow created a draft which he felt would be appropriate for our town. If
the Planning Board can discuss and get comfortable with the idea, we could recommend
the Town Board adopt a version of this.
Tim Stroth questions what needs to be in the contract, and who pays for the negotiations
and contract development. How do we make the assurances to cover all bases to protect
the Town. There would be a need for legal advice. A contract template should be created.
Chairman, Doug Crow states that would be a fee charged.
Multiple people talking.
Tim Stroth states there are a couple of options. The Town could choose to opt out of this
or if they do pass a law, it would make more sense to have a template contract that
addresses all the conditions.
Tim Stroth asks CEO, Liz Cassidy, for her opinion of this topic.
CEO, Liz Cassidy states there would be no involvement from the Building and Code
Enforcement Department. She feels the request should go to the Supervisor for approval
process.
Angela Griffis states she is on the fence with her opinion based on what we are trying to
do. If we are trying to encourage more solar in the community, this is going to go against
that. However, she feels it to be more beneficial to larger commercial scale.
Chairman, Doug Crow states there would be the potential of three options.
1. Opt out of the discount, which would hurt solar development
2. Pass a PILOT law.
3. Not pass a PILOT law.
Multiple people talking
Page 16
Chris Contento inquires, other than tax revenue, how do large solar farms benefit.
Angela Griffis states with the increase, there are tax benefits.
Chelsea Root states that it is presently a concept she needs to wrap her head around it, to
understand the topic more.
Chairman, Doug Crow states he will speak with Supervisor, Chuck Snyder and share
some of the thoughts and discussion from the Planning Board.
CORRESPONDENCES: Erie County Housing Summit training on 11/14/25 via email
PUBLIC COMMENTS: none
Tim Stroth makes a motion to adjourn at 8:57 pm
Seconded by: Chairman, Doug Crow
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes-6 Noes-0 Motion carried
THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING WILL BE WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3RD, AT
7:00 P.M. AT THE TOWN HALL, 575 OAKWOOD AVENUE, EAST AURORA, NEW
YORK
Page 17
Exhibit 2
Page 18
Page 19
Exhibit 3
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Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | February 23, 2026
A meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Aurora took place on Monday, February 23,
2026, beginning at 6:30 PM. The Board met in-person at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood
Avenue, East Aurora, New York. The meeting was streamed via YouTube.
Present: Joseph McCann Councilmember
Raymond M. Wrazen Councilmember
Jessica Armbrust Councilmember
Luke Wochensky Councilmember
Charles D. Snyder Supervisor
Others Present: Brigid Maloney Town Attorney
Rich Miga Assistant Code Enforcement Officer
Paul Ernst Zoning Board Chairman
Rod Simeone Zoning Board Member
Douglas Crow Planning Board Chairman
Patrick Welch Chief of Police
Gene Majchrzak WNY Regional Coordinator for Senator
Pat Gallivan
Supervisor Snyder opened the meeting at 6:30 PM with the recitation of the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag. Afterwards, he introduced an audience member Gene Majchrzak, WNY
Regional Coordinator, a representative of Senator Pat Gallivan’s. Mr. Majchrzak greeted the room
and offered up an opportunity for questions before or after the meeting. Supervisor Snyder then
moved on to the consent agenda items.
Councilmember McCann moved to approve the Consent Agenda Action #57
2/9/26 TB min,
consisting of the February 9, 2026 town board meeting minutes and the
2/23/26-25 &
February 23, 2026 – 2025 Encumbered Abstract of Claims, voucher 1919, to be 2/23/26 enc
paid from the following funds: abstracts aprvd
General Fund $ 4,686.54
Special Districts $ 277.52
Grand Total Abstract $ 4,964.06
And the February 23, 2026 Abstract of Claims, vouchers 126 to 177, to be paid
from the following funds:
General Fund $ 46,373.76
Part Town Fund $ 1,918,596.00
Highway Part Town Fund $ 50,754.11
Village Bridge Repairs $ 2,893.50
Special Districts $ 590,078.81
Trust & Agency $ 644,409.02
Grand Total Abstract $ 3,253,105.20
Councilmember Wochensky seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken:
ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
AUDIENCE I: none
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Action #58
Councilmember Armbrust moved to set 6:30 PM on Monday, March 9, New Public
2026 at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, as Hearing date 359
the new time, date and place for a public hearing on a site plan and special Quaker 3/9 apvd
use permit applications for 359 Quaker Road. Councilmember Wrazen
seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none.
Motion carried. Councilmember Wrazen seconded the motion. Upon a vote
being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
Action #59
Councilmember Wochensky moved to set 6:30 PM on Monday, March New Public
9, 2026 at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, as Hearing date LL1-
the new time, date and place for a public hearing on a proposed Local Law 2026 Dog Control
3/9 apvd
to increase the Highway Superintendent salary. Councilmember McCann
seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none.
Motion carried.
1
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Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | February 23, 2026
Councilmember Wrazen moved to approve payments with funds Action #60
Azar Pymts for
disbursed from budget line H7 5120.210 to Azar Design company for
culverts aprvd
professional services:
Pymt # Amount Project Dates
24 $ 2136.36 Church St culvert 1/1-1/30/26
24 $ 757.14 E. Fillmore Ave culvert 1/1-1/30/26
Councilmember Armbrust seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken:
ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
Councilmember McCann moved to adopt the following resolution; Action #61
seconded by Councilmember Wochensky: 50 Center Ridge
SEQR negative
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Aurora declares itself as an declaration
interested agency with regard to SEQR for the Site Plan application for solar panel
installation at 50 Center Ridge Road; and further
RESOLVED that after considering the action stated herein, reviewing the criteria
contained in Section 617.11 of the Rules and Regulations of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act, determines that the action is an Unlisted action; and further
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Aurora has determined that this
Unlisted action will result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment, and
therefore, an environmental impact statement need not be prepared; and further
RESOLVED that a negative declaration is issued with regard to the Site Plan for solar
panel installation at 50 Center Ridge Road, East Aurora, NY.
Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
Action #62
Councilmember Armbrust moved to adopt the following resolution; 50 Center Ridge
seconded by Councilmember Wrazen: site plan aprvd
WHEREAS, Empire Solar Solutions, LLC on behalf of Thomas Miller, owner, has
submitted a Site Plan Review Application for solar panel installation at 50 Center Ridge
Road East Aurora NY; and
WHEREAS, at their February 23, 2026 meeting the Aurora Town Planning Board
recommended approval of the site plan; and
WHEREAS, the Code Enforcement Officer determined this to be an unlisted action
under SEQRA and the Town Board found that the project will not result in any significant
adverse environmental impacts.
Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Site Plan for 50 Center Ridge Road, East Aurora, NY,
consisting of solar panel installation is approved by the Town Board.
Action #63
Councilmember Wochensky moved to set 6:30 PM on Monday, March 9, Public Hearing
2026 at the Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, as date 600 Olean Rd
the time, date and place for a public hearing on a site plan application for 3/9 apvd
600 Olean Road. Councilmember McCann seconded the motion. Upon a
vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
Councilmember Wrazen moved to authorize the Supervisor to sign an Out Action #64
of District Water Customer Agreement for 8815 Falls Road, PO West Falls, in the Supv auth to sign
OOD water agrmt
Town of Colden (SBL#213.00-4-5.112). The current property owner is Nathan with owners of 8815
Kalwicki. Councilmember Armbrust seconded the motion. Upon a vote being Falls Rd (Colden)
taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
*****
NEW BUSINESS:
Action #65
Councilmember McCann moved on a motion to approve budget 2025 budget
transfers and amendments for 2025 year end. Councilmember Wochensky transfers &
seconded the motion. Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. amendments
aprvd
Motion carried.
Action #66
Councilmember Armbrust moved to approve appointment of new Zoning New ZBA member
Board of Appeals member David Murray. Councilmember Wrazen seconded appointment
aprvd 2/23-
the motion. Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried. 12/31/26
2
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Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | February 23, 2026
Councilmember Wochensky moved to authorize the addition of Deputy Action #67
S. Meyer added as
Town Clerk Stephanie Meyer as an authorized agent on the Town Clerk
auth agent on
checking account at the Bank of Holland, a designated depository for the Town Clerk Bank of
Town of Aurora. Councilmember McCann seconded the motion. Upon a vote Holland account
being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
Action #68
Councilmember Wrazen moved to refer the Special Use Permit and Site 1196 Big Tree site
Plan Review from Rachel Krajrewski of Carner Development Group at 1196 Big plan & SUP referred
Tree Road, East Aurora, NY to operate a campground, and construct seasonal to Planning Brd
cottages, treehouses, a lodge and convert existing residences into sleeping
rooms and an administration building to the Planning Board for review and
recommendation(s). Councilmember Armbrust seconded the motion. Upon a
vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS and REPORTS:
A. Building Permits Report – Jan ‘26 D. Supervisor Report – Jan ‘26
B. Calls & Complaints Report – Jan ‘26 E. Police Department Report – Jan ‘26
C. Dog Control Report – Jan ‘26
BUSINESS FROM BOARD MEMBERS/LIAISONS:
Councilmember Wrazen shared that he attended the Planning Board meeting that focused
on review of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan that helped him formalize a communication that will
outline some next steps that include forming an oversight implementation committee as well as
conducting a zoning and audit reconciliation that will compare the future land use plan to zoning.
Planning Board Chairman Crow added that an implementation recommendation summary will be
provided to the board the week of February 23, 2026. Councilmember Wrazen added that he will
confer with a colleague who has participated in a Comprehensive Plan rollout for further rollout
ideas. In closing, he stated he’d connect with the grant writer Robbyn to see if there is any funding
available for launching a Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Armbrust also partook in the Planning Board meeting and expressed her
appreciation of the dedication and thoughtfulness of the board while they reviewed the
Comprehensive Plan. She also attended her first Sewer District meeting with Councilmember
Wrazen where she learned of an upcoming project to change the existing sand filters to cloth,
which can be replaced for water polishing. Tours of the facility will be offered when the weather
improves.
Councilmember Wochensky talked about the change of date for the Climate Smart Task
Force meeting which was rescheduled to Wednesday February 25, 2026. He asked for participation
especially in light of a planning meeting that will guide what the committee will do through the end
of the year as they seek Silver Certification. Councilmember asked about the meeting time stating
there may be some confusion on the website. Councilmember Wochensky said he would look into
that.
Councilmember McCann was accepted to attend the Utica Environmental Consortium in
June. He will participate in the Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority Food to Energy Educational
Program. Additionally he mentioned attending the latest Zoning Board of Appeals meeting noting it
was well run.
Supervisor Snyder shared that he and Councilmember Wrazen met with Waste
Management to discuss the roll out of bins in the town with a new start date of September 1, 2026
committing to a well-constructed communication plan for residents. He also met with a
representative from GoNetspeed to help to provide internet in the gap sections of Willardshire and
Knox Roads. Councilmember Wochensky added that one of the service issues is the private road.
AUDIENCE II: none
STAFF REPORTS:
Police Chief Welch said three new part-time dispatchers have been hired. He’s also asked
the Village to approve hiring a new full-time police officer who would be a lateral transfer from
Rochester. The department is applying for funding from Senator Charles Schumer’s for a federal
cops grant. Chief Welch has been sourcing some reasonably priced used office furniture to update
the department. He has also repurposed one of the former police chief offices to serve as a
conference/briefing room which means the entire first floor is now useable space.
Planning Board Chairman Crow mentioned the Planning Board meeting held the week prior
in review of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan and the forthcoming memo with recommendations
about priorities and implementation indicated that he’s been traveling and was unable to attend
some meetings. He’s looking forward to the February Planning Board meeting where they will
discuss the Comprehensive Plan and a few other referred projects.
3
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Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | February 23, 2026
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Member Rod Simeone thanked the board for considering
applicants with technical experience and is pleased with the appointee.
Councilmember McCann moved to adjourn at 7:51 PM. Seconded by Action #69
Meeting
Councilmember Wrazen. Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes – none.
adjourned
Motion carried.
Jeanne H. Viger
Town Clerk
4
Page 24
Exhibit 4
Page 25
MINUTES OF A MEETING AS HELD BY THE
TOWN OF AURORA PLANNING & CONSERVATION BOARD
March 4th, 2026
Members Present: Chairman Doug Crow
Norm Merriman
Chris Contento
Tim Stroth
Alternate Member: Ben Garvey
Absent/ Excused: Chris Contento
Laurie Katina
Angela Griffis
Chelsea Root
William Heidt
Also Present: Peter Sorgi, Hopkins, Sorgi & McCarthy, PLLC
Danielle Johnson, Crafted Concepts
Daniel LaPietra, Carmina Wood Design
Rich Miga, Assistant Code Enforcement Officer
Chairman Doug Crow presided over the meeting, which began at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 575 Oakwood
Avenue, East Aurora, NY. He led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS:
Chairman Doug Crow asked the board if anyone would like to make a motion on the minutes from last month.
Tim Stroth made a motion to approve the February 4th, 2026, meeting minutes.
Second by Ben Garvey
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes- 5 Noes- 0 Motion carried
Chairman Doug Crow stated that there are five (5) voting members present, and all were voting members. With
a possible sixth member, but the member is running late, and as long as four members vote in favor, it will pass.
Page 26
Chairman Doug Crow stated that the following application on the agenda is large and would like to split it out
to ensure that people who want to speak can be heard. He noted the Planning Board is a recommendation board,
and the Town Board will make the final decision after a public hearing.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Town Board made a referral to the Planning Board for the review and recommendation of a Site
Plan and Special Use permit applications for 1196 Big Tree Road SBL# 165.00-1-28.21, as submitted by
Carner Development Group Incorporated. The application is for the redevelopment of the present site
for a campground with a wellness theme and customarily incidental accessory-use structures.
Chairman Doug Crow asked for an introduction of the applicant and a brief description of the project.
Peter Sorgi, protect attorney, from Hopkins, Sorgi & McCarthy, PLLC.
Daniel LaPietra, project civil engineer, from Carmina Wood Design.
Danielle Johnson, project architect, from Crafted Concepts.
Peter Sorgi stated that they are here for the board’s review of their Site Plan and Special Use permit
applications. This is under the definition of your zoning code, as a campground. Carner Development has two
other campgrounds in western New York State, one on Seneca Lake and one on Heritage Lake. They also have
other hospitality-oriented developments at Canisius Lake in Ellicottville and then of course The Bank and The
Liberty buildings in East Aurora. The property itself is eighty-three acres.
Peter Sorgi then moved to the presentation boards and described the property with ariel renderings. He spoke of
the conservation easement that will not be developed and the walking paths that are existing.
Chairman Doug Crow asked if there has been in contact with the people associated to the conversation
easement?
Peter Sorgi replied, yes, and the group is the Genesee Valley Land Conservancy. He also noted that Rachael is
not here tonight for a personal reason.
Peter Sorgi went on to say that existing main house is going to be renovated. They are working with New York
State Historic Preservation on that because it is historic property. There will be no additions, but they will be
improved in terms of general maintenance, windows, and roofing. The main building will be converted into
seven sleeping quarters as well as being the administrative space for the property. There is an existing house
behind this building that is called the farmhouse, that is proposed to be converted into two additional sleeping
quarters.
Peter Sorgi then recited the definition of campground from the Town’s Zoning code and stated that they are
proposing seven seasonal cottages and two tree houses. These seasonal structures are similar to the ones they
have in the Town of Torre and Seneca Lake. These projects can be found on Carner website. He went on to
Page 27
describe one existing building that will be used as a wellness center, as they consider this project as more of an
upscale campground, and another building that will be new construction that will be a lodge.
Chairman Doug Crow stated he saw the lodge was 2,400 square feet, but how big is the existing building that
will be the wellness center?
Danielle Johnson replied that she does not know off hand.
Peter Sorgi stated that the main house would be greater as it has multiple floors.
Peter Sorgi went on to describe the submitted documents to include the SWPPPS and all the engineering and
architectural plans needed for this submission and review. He noted that they will have to look at and may need
to widen the access lanes for fire safety access. This would be fleshed out during the SEQR process and with
the fire company comments with the Town Board.
Chairman Doug Crow agreed and noted hard packed lanes.
Daniel LaPietra also noted that the fire access width would need to be 20 feet and there will be a need for
turnarounds in a few spots.
Peter Sorgi continued to state that they are looking to only impact an acre of land, and the big picture is to help
preserve the historical property. Like the Knox estate, it’s not ideal for a single-family home as it would cost too
much to maintain, repair, and manage the slate roof. This property is very unique and the Town is luckily that
the zoning code allows for this type of use.
Chairman Doug Crow noted he found the square footage of 3,400 square feet for the wellness center in the
parking calculations.
Chairman Doug Crow asked whether the parking calculations are required for each use even though the
accessory uses are used by the occupants for the sleeping units, is that correct?
Peter Sorgi replied that you must look at the situation and determine what the parking is going to be. He went
on to describe a scenario in the Village.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga interjected that parking will be calculated based on the intent use of the structure and
then what the zoning code table establishes for that use. This can be by square footage or by spaces per
guestroom.
Peter Sorgi stated that he thought the Town code may allow the Town Board to waive those types of
requirements.
Chairman Doug Crow replied that would be a variance requirement.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga concurred with that statement.
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Peter Sorgi stated they will comply without variance.
Chairman Doug Crow inquired about the SHPO.
Peter Sorgi stated that SHPO signed off on the archaeological, and that they are working with them on the basic
maintenance improvements.
Chairman Doug Crow requested clarification that this property is eligible for historic but is not historical yet.
Peter Sorgi confirmed it is eligible and they hired Clinton Brown to help facilitate this.
Chairman Doug Crow asked Asst. CEO as to whether fire hydrant(s) will be required.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga stated that would depend on the specific requirements of each structure and whether
fire protection system is required. These units would be considered transient units. That is a hotel and motel,
and those aspects may incur having a sprinkler system, but we would have to go through a code analysis.
Peter Sorgi noted that DEC issued permits for campgrounds and they will have their own set of requirements.
Chairman Doug Crow asked the board if they had any questions.
Chris Contento asked whether there is an intent for RV spots.
Peter Sorgi said no.
Tim Stroth asked whether the main house will be seasonal or not.
Peter Sorgi responded that the main house will be year-round and the cottages and treehouses as seasonal. He
then recited the campground definition.
Tim Stroth questioned whether the main house was in the Rural Residential (RR) or the Agriculture (Ag)
zoning district.
Peter Sorgi noted that the zoning district line goes right through the building and the building is mostly in the
Ag district. He stated he has a discussion regarding this with Ms. Cassidy of the Building Department.
Tim Stroth asked if that is an official interpretation from the building department regarding the main building
being considered in the Ag district?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga confirmed that Liz’s interpretation is the interpretation of our office.
Peter Sorgi noted that the board having the application in front of you is the Building Department’s approval of
the application.
Page 29
Tim Stroth inquired about the reference to a hotel earlier in the meeting.
Peter Sorgi stated that this came from the Assist CEO and regarding the parking calculations as campground
does not have defined criteria in the parking table.
Tim Stroth asked for a description of the lodge.
Peter Sorgi replied that the lodge was going to be used for activities at the campground. They are also looking
to keep the existing pool and repurpose the existing tennis courts into a recreational surface.
Tim Stroth asked if the lodge would have tables and chairs or for standing rooms, or both and what will be the
occupancy?
Multiple people talking.
Peter Sorgi stated that the space will be used for a variety of things, but it is not defined.
Danielle Johnson noted that the owner shoes the style of the lodge based on the previous greenhouse that was
on the property. She stated that the greenhouse is gone but the pad remains.
Tim Stroth inquired about a traffic study by Passaro Associate that was done under the previous application and
whether they concluded that there wouldn’t be any impact?
Peter Sorgi said that is correct and it was based on it on a New York State highway and the size of 20A.
Tim Stroth asked if the board could get a copy of that report.
Peter Sorgi said they can provide, but it was apart of the use variance application. They will need to adjust it
based on the uses of the current plan.
Chairman Doug Crow open the floor to public comments. The chairman noted that this is not a public hearing
and a public hearing will be schedule by the Town Board.
Taylor Quinn of 1224 Big Tree Road voiced her family’s opposition to this project that is described as a
campground with a wellness theme and customary incidental accessory-uses because it seems to be a
repackaging with different terminology of what was previously proposed in the commercial rezoning
application that was denied. Ms. Quinn brought up numerous questions regarding parking, a campground verses
a resort, wedding events, and public notification of this meeting.
Megan Quinn of 1224 Big Tree Road spoke regarding the short environmental assessment form (SEAF) noting
the proposed action was permitted under zoning and consistent with the existing building and landscape, but
this proposal suggests otherwise. She requested that the traffic study be made available and verified with
NYSDOT, as the SEAF indicated no impact. She raised concern over stormwater and the change in the rural
Page 30
character of the area. She and her family are opposed to the application and asked the board to look at the long-
term effects of this application.
Rod Simeon of 85 Byeberry Court raised concerns regarding the zoning of the lot and the districts of RR and
Ag, as it pertains to the definition of a campground. He asked whether campground and camp are one of the
same.
Chairman Doug Crow replied that the board’s understanding is that the camp/campground is based on the
agriculture zoning district on the lot and the wellness site is apart of the accessory-use of the camp/campground,
and that camp/campground in the agriculture zoning district are synonymous.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga interjected in agreement with the Chairman’s reply.
Rod Simeon states that under Rural Residential section 116-8.4A(6), the wellness center is not permitted use
based on the application exceeding the allowable limit for employees.
Chairman Doug Crow replied that the board’s understanding is that the application is considered under the
agriculture (116-8.5) for the proposed application to include the main building where the building is in both the
RR and Ag districts.
Peter Sorgi responded that their intent and interpretation is that this application is solely in the Ag district and
the aspects of permitted use under RR are not applicable.
Rod Simeon then questioned how the wellness center is to be defined, if it is not seasonal and exceeding the
permitted allotment of employees.
Peter Sorgi responded, by reiterating that the application was compliance with the code because the application
is presented to the board for review, and the wellness center is considered in the Ag district and customary
incidental accessory-use(s).
Rod Simeon then stated that the board during their deliberation that they should seek Town’s council before
voting.
Courtney, of 1289 Main Street (Big Tree Road) stated that she seconds the points that were made in the public
comments and is concerned that this application is a play on words, and that a year-round camping facility that
is within a house is not considered a hotel.
Dan Quinn of 1224 Big Tree Road stated concerns of the intent of this large financial investment being
achievable as a campground if other things not clearly defined in the application are sought to get a return on
the investment. He then stated an example of the closest campground, Three-Valley Campground in Holland,
that is 460 acres as a comparison.
Chairman Doug Crow asks in closing the public comment asked if Peter Sorgi has any closing comments.
Page 31
Peter Sorgi responded, by reiterating that the application was compliance with the code and not a play on words.
He also clarified the public comment that indicated the previous application was for a use variance that was
denied and not a rezoning application. He also stated that they did their due diligence with the application,
SWPPP, stormwater, and septic. In closing he stated that if the application did not meet the code, it should be
denied, otherwise a recommended approval should be rendered, and the Town attorney does not have legal
authority to interpret the code, that is the position of the Code Enforcement Officer, and the application is
before you so we are past that.
Tim Stroth made a point of clarification that there was a rezoning application request from last June 4th that the
board reviewed.
Peter Sorgi agreed, and that it was withdrawn and not denied.
Tim Stroth questioned whether item 18 on the site plan checklist was completed as members of the audience
were not notified.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded that public hearing notification with be through the Town Clerks office
once scheduled and our office will work with the Town Clerk with that.
Tim Stroth reiterated the aspect of the application regarding the zoning districts and then questioned the year-
round and seasonal uses of the customary accessory uses and structures as being a camp use.
Peter Sorgi responded that some are year-round and some will be seasonal, and the code allows for year-round
campground. He stated that there will be nine sleeping units that will be year-round and nine that will be
seasonal. He noted that they all could be year-round if they decide to winterize the seasonal units. He stated as
well that the conservation easement does allow certain things like cross country skiing and walking paths,
which is encourage, so people can enjoy the beautiful area.
Tim Stroth asked for clarification that there will be no impact to the conservation easement.
Peter Sorgi responded that they will not violate the law and will not impact on the conservation easement as
there would be fines involved.
Norm Merriman asked if the wellness center will only be for the campers or will it at some point be open to
people outside of the campground?
Peter Sorgi responded that he believes it will be for the campers, but he does not really know the answer to that.
It is not intended to be a standalone entity.
Chairman Doug Crow states that they should move to discussion among the board.
Tim Stroth asked Asst. CEO if there are any existing variances on the property?
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Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded that there is a variance #1293 for professional practice in an accessory
building on the premises.
Chairman Doug Crow asked whether the variance expired with the change in ownership?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded that the variance stays with the property unless the owner relinquishes it to
the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
Tim Stroth asked if we received any feedback from the Town engineer.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded that at this time we have not. We also have not received feedback from Erie
County about the SEQR application that was submitted around February 18th, 2026.
Tim Stroth stated that the board received an email regarding this application, should the board interpret whether
the points raised are valid?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga stated that email is no different than a person from the public coming up and speaking
to you tonight.
Chairman Doug Crow asked the board if they had a chance to review the email.
Board members confirmed they did.
Chris Contento asked Asst. CEO whether the Zoning code has a definition of a sleeping room/unit, and a hotel
or a season cottage?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded no regarding the sleeping unit definition.
Ben Garvey recited the definition of a hotel from the Zoning code.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga stated that sleeping units are not defined and we would look at the state code for that.
Ben Garvey recited the definition of a campground from the Zoning code. He then states that there is ambiguity
between whether it is a sleeping unit or a hotel dwelling unit, but if the main draw is to be able to provide access
to property as a campground, he does not go to a hotel to hike.
Peter Sorgi noted that the rule of law in the state and he quotes “zoning ordinance because they're in derogation
of the common law and must be strictly construed against the municipality that seeks to enforce it and in favor
of the property owner. He states that he does believe the definition of campground is not ambiguous because the
definition states “quarters of any kind”.
Ben Garvey resided that the board under the previous rezoning application that there were concerns of future
use and spot zoning, but the application was withdrawn.
Page 33
Chairman Doug Crow noted that he considered the plans well done and thought was put into the character of the
community and stated that he has no problem with the nine units in the back of the campground, and to a point
the spa and lodge, but does regarding the other nine units in a building that is in two zoning districts. He states
his opinion that it is a sketch to consider half the units in a non-seasonal location and not in the Ag district.
Tim Stroth stated that he does not fully understand the intent of the lodge but understands that there is a fine
line between uses and the conceptual intent. The low-resolution picture looks like a greenhouse, but what does
it include. We should infer use as we must for the Special Use permit. Considering this building, under the
previous application it was proposed to be a wedding venue.
Chairman Doug Crow asked member Tim if he thinks he is against the applications or if it should be tabled.
Tim Stroth responded he did not know.
Multiple people talking.
Chairman Doug Crow asked member Ben for his thoughts.
Ben Garvey stated he struggles as well with the non-seasonal units. He believes that it fits into the criteria of
what is being requested, but there is a tough line between the RR and Ag because it goes through the building.
Chairman Doug Crow asked member Chris for his thoughts.
Chris Contento stated he has no problem with the seasonal cottages and the treehouses. It is a good use of open
space. He asked Asst. CEO Rich Miga whether if his house was in the Ag district, could he consider his house a
camp and rent out sleeping quarters?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded that from your example, I would say no, it couldn't because it's a single-
family dwelling. If you're going to change it and not live there and try to change it in a manner where you're
going to make it an area of this application, then that interpretation could change.
Chris Contento asked if he has a treehouse on his property and lived there, can that be called sleeping quarters
and treated as such?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga responded that the treehouse would be accessory to the primary building on the
property, which is a single-family house, so no.
Chris Contento asked if a Special Use permit was to be considered, would there be any restrictions on events or
social gatherings.
Chairman Doug Crow stated the board could add conditions.
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Chris Contento stated in spirit of trying to please the project and the adjoining neighbors, concerns were brought
about traffic, the outbuilding, noise, parking, and wastewater, if the Special Use permit were to be granted as
submitted, are they having weddings with two hundred people?
Peter Sorgi noted that the occupant load will be based on the square footage and it is common to have condition
on an application. He stated that he customized the applications to the code, but there can be conditions. New
York State law allows conditions, and the Code Enforcement Officer must enforce them. Could they have a
wedding, yes, but it would have to be accessory, and in his vision, the people who would be hosting the event
would have to be staying there. Cannot be a standalone thing.
Chairman Doug Crow states that if for example that the sleeping units are being used by the family of the
wedding, and hundred people show up, that would be accessory to the use.
Peter Sorgi noted that they reviewed a database of every campground in NYS and what accessory uses are
allowed and events are common, but where it would go outside the scope of that is if it was rented out just for
the event, then it would cease to be accessory.
Chairman Doug Crow asked member Norm for his thoughts.
Norm Merriman asked what is the risk if the Town engineer has not reviewed the application yet?
Chairman Doug Crow replied that the building department has not submitted it to the Town engineer.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga noted that the Town board will be reviewing a proposed fee for the Town engineer to
review the SWPPP in the next Town board meeting.
Norm Merriman asked whether the SHPO review was complete.
Chairman Doug Crow reiterated that they received a positive declaration and that there were no archaeological
issues. Pending the sign-off with no objections and getting their tax credits.
Norm Merriman stated it seems they respect the historical nature of the property and find the proposed
applications as being harmless.
Tim Stroth interjected that, can we restrict events like bands?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga noted that they can add conditions to the special use permit for outdoor music, noise,
etcetera, that you deem to be in consideration of the Town board's approval.
Chairman Doug Crow asks for a motion.
Tim Stroth asked if there are not four votes, then goes the application go down?
Chairman Doug Crow responded that basically means our recommendation to the Town Board is that they do
not approve it.
Page 35
Peter Sorgi asked if the board was a seven-person board?
Chairman Doug Crow and Tim Strouth both responded, yes.
Peter Sorgi noted he thought there were alternates and not a seven-person board.
Chairman Doug Crow and Tim Strouth both responded, seven member and two alternates.
Peter Sorgi stated that they were fine tabling this. It’s a fair thing, but we would have to go through the whole
presentation again, so whatever the board wants to do.
Chairman Doug Crow stated that we can make a motion for or against, and if against, the Town Board can
decide whether they want to pursue or ask us to reconsider. Which has happened so we can articulate why.
Peter Sorgi asked where the 300 feet of the Rural Residential district started.
Asst. CEO Richard Miga replied that the district starts after the right-of-way (ROW). The ROW width is half
the street width and is measured from the centerline of the street. After that width, the three hundred feet begins.
Chairman Doug Crow reiterated that the board should rule in favor or against as they owe it to the applicant to
try, but it appears to be a split. The other alternative is to table it.
Norm Merriman stated that considering the property as it is now and has been for a while, let’s face it, it’s in
decline, and believes it is a good way to use the property. It is harmless or nearly harmless to the whole
community, and there seems to be a pledge that the property is going to be fixed up.
Norm Merriman made a motion to the Planning Board to recommend to the Town Board to approve the Site
Plan request as submitted for 1196 Big Tree Road SBL# 165.00-1-28.21 as presented by Sorgi & McCarthy,
PLLC, for the redevelopment of the present site for a campground with a wellness theme and customarily
incidental accessory-use structures. It would be a good additional to that portion of the Town and is pretty
harmless.
Ben Garvey amends the motion with the condition that the Building Department provide clarification that the
main building is considered under the Agricultural zoning district for zoning ordinances and the rights there of,
and not in the Rural Residential zoning district.
Seconded by Ben Garvey
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes- 3 Noes- 2 Motion denied.
Page 36
Chairman Doug Crow stated the motion does not pass. The board could make a countermotion to recommend
that they do not do it, but he does not believe that it will pass so it might be best suited to recommend this be
tabled till our next meeting. We can move it to the Town Board and say we cannot make a decision, but they
might not accept that and request that we try again with more people.
Peter Sorgi asked with regard to the Special Use permit motion.
Tim Stroth asked Asst. CEO Rich Miga, since the Site Plan did not pass, is there a need to go through the
Special Use permit?
Asst. CEO Richard Miga replied, yes.
Norm Merriman made a motion to the Planning Board to recommend to the Town Board to approve the Special
Use permit request as submitted for 1196 Big Tree Road SBL# 165.00-1-28.21 as presented by Sorgi &
McCarthy, PLLC, for the redevelopment of the present site for a campground with a wellness theme and
customarily incidental accessory-use structures.
Seconded by Ben Garvey with the same condition previously stated for the site plan application.
Upon a vote being taken
Ayes- 3 Noes- 2 Motion denied.
Chairman Doug Crow restated that after the motion, they did not have the needed four votes. The option to table
the application is available, but this board is an advisory board, and the Town Board is the ultimate authority to
schedule the public hearing or decide to send the applications back to this board to review with more members
to achieve the four-member threshold.
Peter Sorgi responded that the Town Board would review this board’s findings and decide whether to proceed
or send it back to this board?
Chairman Doug Crow replied yes, and he has seen them do that.
Peter Sorgi said Thank you very much for your time.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Doug Crow stated that, with member Chelsea Root not being present in tonight’s meeting, the
internal checklist she developed will not be reviewed and commented on tonight.
Chairman Doug Crow made a motion to adjourn
Page 37
Seconded by: Tim Stroth
Upon a vote being taken:
Ayes- 5 Noes- 0 Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm
The next meeting scheduled will be Wednesday, April 1st, 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 575 Oakwood
Avenue, East Aurora, New York
Page 38
Exhibit 5
Page 39
Town of Aurora | Working Session | March 17, 2026
The following members of the Aurora Town Board met on Wednesday, March 17,
2026 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of holding a work session. The Board met in-person at the
Aurora Municipal Center, 575 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, New York.
Present: Luke Wochensky Councilmember
Jessica Armbrust Councilmember
Raymond M. Wrazen Councilmember
Joseph McCann Councilmember
Charles D. Snyder Supervisor
Others Present: David Gunner Highway Superintendent
Elizabeth Cassidy Code Enforcement Officer
Supervisor Snyder opened the session at 6:30 PM with the recitation of the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
1) Second West Falls Hamlet Sign – Alan Davis:
Mr. Davis, President of the Friends of Griffins Mills, requested support from the board
for a second Welcome to Griffins Mills sign be installed at the east end of Griffins Mills. A
check for $810 was provided by the Friends of Griffins Mills with an ask to use the
beautification funds to cover the $1,000 difference to build it. This would also help draw
attention to the nearby 35 MPH sign. The town would install this sign as they did the first.
The board supports this initiative and it will be added to the March 23, 2026 Town Board
agenda for approval and acceptance of the check.
2) Door Security System Upgrade – Nick Fodero (wnynetWORKS): topic postponed
3) 1196 Big Tree Road
Rachel Krajewski, owner of Carner Development Group and Peter Sorgi, her legal
counsel, joined the board to discuss the aforementioned property which had been
referred to the Planning Board on March 11. Mainly due to not meeting Planning Board
quorum voting requirements, these Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review applications
have come back before the board for further discussion. The proposal is for a
campground at the Twin Elms property, about 86 acres, with most of the land in a
conservation easement that will remain protected and undeveloped. The existing main
house would become an administrative building, with additional lodging such as cabins
and treehouses, plus a wellness center and a lodge for occasional events.
Mr. Sorgi stated that the project fully complies with code and does not require variances.
A major point of discussion was whether the proposal properly fits the town’s zoning
definition of a campground, and Mr. Sorgi strongly maintained that it does and that the
code interpretation must be in the hands of the Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Sorgi
states and Ms. Krajewski affirms that due diligence in meeting town code is their priority.
Board discussion focused less on the project design itself and more on process: whether
the planning board’s role is to evaluate site plan and special use permit criteria only, or
also weigh in on the zoning interpretation. Because the planning board was split and
lacked enough votes for a recommendation, the applications will return to the Planning
Board for further review with the goal of full quorum in order to meet required voting
parameters before returning to the town board.
1
Page 40
Town of Aurora | Working Session | March 17, 2026
**Unrelated to these applications, conversation ensued about an email phishing incident
in which the Planning Board chairman was impersonated and requested sums of money
for building fees. Code Enforcement Officer Elizabeth Cassidy reviewed the process for
collecting monies, none of which is conducted via email.
4) Town of Aurora Salt Barn Informational
Highway Superintendent David Gunner summarized a 2025 NYForward grant
application for a new salt barn, a $607,555 project funded 75% by grant and 25% by town
match. The Hybrid Building Solutions quote from last summer has increased about $10,000,
which can go toward the match.
He said the proposal needed to be signed within two weeks to meet the March 31
expiration date and hold the contractor’s place. The town would pay upfront and be
reimbursed through the grant.
Code Enforcement Officer Cassidy said the site is fine, but the proposal must meet 2025
New York State code and still needs engineering and stamped plans, which could affect
cost. The grant also includes a new brine facility quote, but not pipes or electrical.
Superintendent Gunner said the town would need to front about $60,000 in material costs
to start, though the current building budget line has only $27,000. He also said delaying
would not jeopardize the grant because the funding is already allocated through DEC.
The board also discussed asphalt versus concrete, with Superintendent Gunner leaning
toward asphalt.
5) June 6 Pride Event – AMC Parking Lot Use
Councilmember McCann asked Highway Superintendent Gunner for his help
blocking off the parking lot, also needs podium and the doors to the municipal center
open for public bathroom use.
**Notice of Executive Session**
Supervisor Snyder stated the Town Board would be holding an executive session at
the end of this working session on the topic of an ongoing litigation.
6) 2025 Town of Aurora Comprehensive Plan – Implementation
Supervisor Snyder spoke up to acknowledge the positive feedback received during
the Comprehensive Plan public hearing on February 23, 2026. He asked Comprehensive
Plan Steering Committee Chair Councilmember Wrazen if he planned to respond to any
of the comments from the hearing and offered to work together on it. Councilmember
Wrazen partnered with a few other communities to collect best practices for rolling out
the plan. The Planning Board previously identified some “low hanging fruit” to tackle first:
activate an implementation team and upon adoption, conduct a zoning audit.
Councilmember Wrazen plans to implement, measure, monitor and report progress back
as the plan comes online. Supervisor Snyder brought up leaning on the Code Committee
as a resource to help with writing the local law to incorporate the comprehensive plan
2
Page 41
Town of Aurora | Working Session | March 17, 2026
into town code. Councilmember Wrazen concurred having had the same idea; formalize
the committee, set recurring meetings and align goals. Councilmember Wochensky said it
would be advisable to officially form that committee through board action.
NYForward Grant Selection Committee
Supervisor Snyder teed up a quick chat about his recommendations for the
NYForward Grant Selection committee. In addition to himself, he suggested
Councilmember Wochensky, Code Enforcement Officer Cassidy, Kathleen Moffatt,
William Heidt, Meaghan Tent, Conor Schneider, Donna Schwarzewholzer and Adam
Zaremski. This committee will propose how to implement the funds awarded to the town.
Invasive Hemlock Aphid Owens Falls
Councilmember Wrazen discussed the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive,
aphid-like insect which has been identified as a threat to the trees in the vicinity of Owens
Falls Park. The Land Conservancy recently treated hemlocks at J.P. Nicely Park providing a
5-7 year stave off period. Councilmember Wrazen expressed the need to go to the next
level of treatment which introduces insects native to the Northwest US to eradicate the
issue long term. He is in contact with the Land Conservancy about what needs to be done
to advance matters proactively.
Executive Session
Supervisor Snyder made a motion to enter executive session to discuss an ongoing
litigation at 7:49 PM, Councilmember Wochensky seconded. At 8:15 PM, Councilmember
McCann moved to exit executive session and Councilmember Wrazen seconded the
motion.
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM.
Jeanne H. Viger
Town Clerk
3
Page 42
Exhibit 6
Page 43
GENERAL NOTES:
sections 7209N and 7301 of the New York State Education Law for any person, unless acting under the direction of a registered architect, licensed engineer or land surveyor
to alter this drawing. If altered such R.A., P.E. or L.L.S. shall affix his or her seal, signature, the date,the notation "Altered By" and a specific description of the alteration.
1. INSTALL ALL MATERIALS TO MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST STANDARDS OF TRADE INVOLVED.
All Rights Reserved. Reuse of these documents without the expressed written permission of CARMINAWOOD DESIGN is prohibited. WARNING it is a violation of article 145
Greensboro
2. SUBSTITUTIONS SHALL BE MADE ONLY WITH OWNER'S APPROVAL AND BE OF EQUIVALENT QUALITY TO WHAT IS SPECIFIED.
108.1'
3. WORK SHALL BE COMPLETED IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL CODES AND OSHA SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS.
4. VERIFY ALL EXISTING CONDITIONS AND DIMENSIONS AT THE SITE. NOTIFY OWNER & ENGINEER OF DISCREPANCIES IN CONDITIONS SHOWN ON
DRAWINGS PRIOR TO PROCEEDING WITH THE WORK.
PROPOSED SEPTIC 5. CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTION OF ANY EXISTING STRUCTURES TO REMAIN AND ANY FINISH MATERIAL INSTALLED WHILE
WORKING ON OTHER COMPONENTS.
SYSTEM 6. CONTRACTOR SHALL KEEP JOB FREE OF DEBRIS AND MAKE FINAL CLEANUP TO SATISFACTION OF OWNER.
7. CONTRACTOR SHALL ASCERTAIN THE LOCATION OF ALL UTILITIES PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION SO THAT THIS WORK WILL NOT DISTURB EXISTING LINES
AND/OR INSTALLATIONS. COORDINATE ALL WORK WITH THE APPLICABLE UTILITY COMPANIES.
Utica
8. CONTRACTOR SHALL OBTAIN AND PAY FOR ALL REQUIRED PERMITS NECESSARY TO PERFORM THE WORK.
RESERVE 9. ALL REASONABLE MEASURES SHALL BE TAKEN TO PROTECT EXISTING TREES WHICH ARE TO BE PRESERVED FROM ALL POSSIBLE TYPES OF ROOT, TRUNK,
ND
AND LIMB DAMAGE; INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RETAINING WALLS WHICH PREVENT FILLING ON TOP OF ROOTS OR EXCAVATING TREE ROOTS.
MOU
MOUND AREA
232.5'
ER
NOTES:
FILT
Buffalo
TYP. TREEHOUSE RETREAT. NO
D
TYP. SEASONAL COTTAGE WITH WATER, 1. ALL RADII SHALL BE 3'-0" UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
SAN
UTILITY SERVICES PROVIDED. REFER
64.5'
SEWER & ELECTRICAL SERVICES. REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL PLANS BY OTHERS 2. ALL DISTURBED AREAS: SHALL HAVE 4" MIN. OF TOPSOIL & SEED.
TO ARCHITECTURAL AND ELECTRICAL 3. ALL DIMENSIONS FROM PROPERTY LINES SHALL BE MEASURED PERPENDICULAR TO THE PROPERTY LINE.
.5'
4. CENTER ENTRANCE SIDEWALKS ON DOOR OPENINGS.
52
PLANS BY OTHERS FOR SLAB AND
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS 5. BUILDING DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE, REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR LAYOUT DIMENSIONS.
6. CONSTRUCTION SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TOWN OF AURORA'S SPECIFICATIONS WHERE
191.8' APPLICABLE AND/OR SUBJECT TO THE LATEST REVISIONS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER.
TWO (2)
.0'
7. FILL SHALL BE PLACED AND SATISFACTORILY COMPACTED PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF WATER AND
15
TREEHOUSE
SEWER LINES (TYPICAL), AND MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SUPERVISING PROJECT ENGINEER.
RETREATS
37.3'
15 8. ALL UTILITY LOCATIONS SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE. CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY ALL LOCATION BEFORE
.0' BEGINNING WORK AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
9. STUMPS AND BRUSH SHALL NOT BE BURIED IN TOWN.
180.1'
23.0'
SEVEN (7)
11.0'
SEASONAL
COTTAGES
168.4'
SITE DATA
154.8' PROPOSED GRAVEL TRAIL. PROVIDE SITE AREA = 83.1 AC
6" NYSDOT TYPE 2 SURFACE, TYP. ZONED: RR - RURAL RESIDENTIAL (300 FEET FROM RIGHT-OF-WAY), A - AGRICULTURAL
BUILDINGS: EXISTING + (7) COTTAGES @ 253 G.S.F. + (2) TREEHOUSES @ 225 G.S.F. + COMMON AREA @ 2,400 G.S.F.
Twin Elms Estate
Town of Aurora, New York 14052
SETBACKS - BUILDING REQUIRED PROVIDED
45° ANGLED 70.0' FRONT 75 FT > 75 FT
PARKING, TYP. SIDE 40 FT > 40 FT
19
TY .0' REAR 100 FT > 100 FT
P.
PROPOSED ONE WAY 12-FT
1196 East Main Street
12 PROPOSED 20-FT WIDE PARKING
WIDE GRAVEL DRIVE. PROVIDE
SBL: 165.00-1-28.21
ASPHALT PAVEMENT # OF SPACES - SEE CALCULATION BELOW 51 53**
12" NYSDOT TYPE 2 SURFACE.
© CARMINA WOOD DESIGN
TY 0'
9' x 19' 9' x 19'
P.
9.
PARKING SPACE SIZE
12.0'
11
'
8.0
R2
MAX. BUILDING HEIGHT 35 FT < 35 FT
RESTRIPE EX. PARKING LOT.
PROVIDE ONE (1) VAN ACCESSIBLE
STALL AND ONE (1) CAR
TYP.
* A MINIMUM OF 20 FEET OF GREEN SPACE BETWEEN THE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ANY PARKING (COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS GENERALLY).
5.0'
ACCESSIBLE STALLS WITH SIGNAGE
** TWO (2) GARAGE STALLS ARE EXISTING
20.0' PARKING CALCULATION:
SPA/HEALTH CLUB:
PROPOSED GRAVEL TRAIL. PROVIDE REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER 150 G.S.F
6" NYSDOT TYPE 2 SURFACE, TYP. 18
77.3' 76.8'
3,453 G.S.F./150 23= SPACES REQ'D
1,200 SF
LODGE
Date
40'
SEASONAL COTTAGES/TREEHOUSES
REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER BEDROOM
78.4' 76.8' 30' 7 BEDROOMS * 17=SPACES REQ'D
ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
PROVIDE ONE (1) CAR ACCESSIBLE REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER BEDROOM + EMPLOYEES
STALL WITH SIGNAGE
7 BEDROOMS *1 + 6 EMPLOYEES
13 =SPACES REQ'D
LODGE
No. Description
REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER 150 G.S.F.
1,200 G.S.F./1508=SPACES REQ'D
REVISIONS:
8.0'
TOTAL SPACES REQ'D = 51 SPACES
10
.0 '
R20
STORMWATER
SITE LEGEND
12.0'
MANAGEMENT AREA
PROPERTY LINE
NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES 27
PROPOSED SIGN
118.1'
PROPOSED GRAVEL DRIVE
PROVIDE CONCRETE PAD DRAWING NAME:
FOR HOTBOX ENCLOSURE
PROPOSED ASPHALT PAVEMENT Site Plan Concept
PROPOSED GRAVEL TRAIL
Date: 04/28/2026
Drawn By: DFL
Scale: As Noted
NOTE: BOUNDARY AND TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OTHERS, DRAWING NO.
CARMINA WOOD DESIGN ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ACCURACY.
C-100
50 0 50 100Ft.
50'
Site Plan
Project No: 26-4017
SCALE: 1"=50'
Page 44
GENERAL NOTES:
sections 7209N and 7301 of the New York State Education Law for any person, unless acting under the direction of a registered architect, licensed engineer or land surveyor
to alter this drawing. If altered such R.A., P.E. or L.L.S. shall affix his or her seal, signature, the date,the notation "Altered By" and a specific description of the alteration.
1. INSTALL ALL MATERIALS TO MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST STANDARDS OF TRADE INVOLVED.
All Rights Reserved. Reuse of these documents without the expressed written permission of CARMINAWOOD DESIGN is prohibited. WARNING it is a violation of article 145
Greensboro
2. SUBSTITUTIONS SHALL BE MADE ONLY WITH OWNER'S APPROVAL AND BE OF EQUIVALENT QUALITY TO WHAT IS SPECIFIED.
108.1'
3. WORK SHALL BE COMPLETED IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL CODES AND OSHA SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS.
4. VERIFY ALL EXISTING CONDITIONS AND DIMENSIONS AT THE SITE. NOTIFY OWNER & ENGINEER OF DISCREPANCIES IN CONDITIONS SHOWN ON
DRAWINGS PRIOR TO PROCEEDING WITH THE WORK.
5. CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTION OF ANY EXISTING STRUCTURES TO REMAIN AND ANY FINISH MATERIAL INSTALLED WHILE
PROPOSED SEPTIC
WORKING ON OTHER COMPONENTS.
SYSTEM 6. CONTRACTOR SHALL KEEP JOB FREE OF DEBRIS AND MAKE FINAL CLEANUP TO SATISFACTION OF OWNER.
7. CONTRACTOR SHALL ASCERTAIN THE LOCATION OF ALL UTILITIES PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION SO THAT THIS WORK WILL NOT DISTURB EXISTING LINES
AND/OR INSTALLATIONS. COORDINATE ALL WORK WITH THE APPLICABLE UTILITY COMPANIES.
Utica
8. CONTRACTOR SHALL OBTAIN AND PAY FOR ALL REQUIRED PERMITS NECESSARY TO PERFORM THE WORK.
RESERVE 9. ALL REASONABLE MEASURES SHALL BE TAKEN TO PROTECT EXISTING TREES WHICH ARE TO BE PRESERVED FROM ALL POSSIBLE TYPES OF ROOT, TRUNK,
ND
AND LIMB DAMAGE; INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, RETAINING WALLS WHICH PREVENT FILLING ON TOP OF ROOTS OR EXCAVATING TREE ROOTS.
MO U
MOUND AREA
232.5'
ER
NOTES:
FILT
Buffalo
TYP. TREEHOUSE RETREAT. NO
D
TYP. SEASONAL COTTAGE WITH WATER, 1. ALL RADII SHALL BE 3'-0" UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
SAN
UTILITY SERVICES PROVIDED. REFER
64.5'
SEWER & ELECTRICAL SERVICES. REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL PLANS BY OTHERS 2. ALL DISTURBED AREAS: SHALL HAVE 4" MIN. OF TOPSOIL & SEED.
TO ARCHITECTURAL AND ELECTRICAL 3. ALL DIMENSIONS FROM PROPERTY LINES SHALL BE MEASURED PERPENDICULAR TO THE PROPERTY LINE.
.5'
4. CENTER ENTRANCE SIDEWALKS ON DOOR OPENINGS.
52
PLANS BY OTHERS FOR SLAB AND
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS 5. BUILDING DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE, REFER TO ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR LAYOUT DIMENSIONS.
6. CONSTRUCTION SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TOWN OF AURORA'S SPECIFICATIONS WHERE
191.8' APPLICABLE AND/OR SUBJECT TO THE LATEST REVISIONS BY THE TOWN ENGINEER.
TWO (2)
.0'
7. FILL SHALL BE PLACED AND SATISFACTORILY COMPACTED PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF WATER AND
15
TREEHOUSE
SEWER LINES (TYPICAL), AND MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SUPERVISING PROJECT ENGINEER.
RETREATS
37.3'
15 8. ALL UTILITY LOCATIONS SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE. CONTRACTOR SHALL VERIFY ALL LOCATION BEFORE
.0' BEGINNING WORK AS REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
9. STUMPS AND BRUSH SHALL NOT BE BURIED IN TOWN.
180.1'
23.0'
SEVEN (7)
11.0'
SEASONAL
COTTAGES
168.4'
SITE DATA
154.8' PROPOSED GRAVEL TRAIL. PROVIDE SITE AREA = 83.1 AC
6" NYSDOT TYPE 2 SURFACE, TYP. ZONED: RR - RURAL RESIDENTIAL (300 FEET FROM RIGHT-OF-WAY), A - AGRICULTURAL
BUILDINGS: EXISTING + (7) COTTAGES @ 253 G.S.F. + (2) TREEHOUSES @ 225 G.S.F. + COMMON AREA @ 2,400 G.S.F.
Twin Elms Estate
Town of Aurora, New York 14052
SETBACKS - BUILDING REQUIRED PROVIDED
45° ANGLED 70.0' FRONT 75 FT > 75 FT
PARKING, TYP. SIDE 40 FT > 40 FT
19
TY .0' REAR 100 FT > 100 FT
P.
PROPOSED ONE WAY 12-FT
1196 East Main Street
12 PROPOSED 20-FT WIDE PARKING
WIDE GRAVEL DRIVE. PROVIDE
SBL: 165.00-1-28.21
ASPHALT PAVEMENT # OF SPACES - SEE CALCULATION BELOW 51 32**
12" NYSDOT TYPE 2 SURFACE.
© CARMINA WOOD DESIGN
TY 0'
9' x 19' 9' x 19'
P.
9.
PARKING SPACE SIZE
12.0'
'
8.0
R2
MAX. BUILDING HEIGHT 35 FT < 35 FT
RESTRIPE EX. PARKING LOT.
PROVIDE ONE (1) VAN ACCESSIBLE
STALL AND ONE (1) CAR
TYP.
* A MINIMUM OF 20 FEET OF GREEN SPACE BETWEEN THE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY AND ANY PARKING (COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS GENERALLY).
5.0'
ACCESSIBLE STALLS WITH SIGNAGE
** VARIANCE REQ'D
*** TWO (2) GARAGE STALLS ARE EXISTING
20.0'
PARKING CALCULATION:
PROPOSED GRAVEL TRAIL. PROVIDE SPA/HEALTH CLUB:
6" NYSDOT TYPE 2 SURFACE, TYP. 18 REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER 150 G.S.F
77.3' 76.8'
3,453 G.S.F./150 23= SPACES REQ'D
1,200 SF
LODGE
Date
40' SEASONAL COTTAGES/TREEHOUSES
REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER BEDROOM
78.4' 76.8' 30'
7 BEDROOMS * 17=SPACES REQ'D
ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER BEDROOM + EMPLOYEES
7 BEDROOMS *1 + 6 EMPLOYEES
13 =SPACES REQ'D
LODGE
No. Description
REQ'D = 1 SPACE PER 150 G.S.F.
REVISIONS:
1,200 G.S.F./1508=SPACES REQ'D
8.0'
TOTAL SPACES REQ'D = 51 SPACES
.0 '
R20
STORMWATER
SITE LEGEND
12.0'
MANAGEMENT AREA
PROPERTY LINE
NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES 27
PROPOSED SIGN
118.1'
PROPOSED GRAVEL DRIVE
PROVIDE CONCRETE PAD DRAWING NAME:
FOR HOTBOX ENCLOSURE
PROPOSED ASPHALT PAVEMENT Site Plan Concept
Alternate
PROPOSED GRAVEL TRAIL
Date: 04/28/2026
Drawn By: DFL
Scale: As Noted
NOTE: BOUNDARY AND TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION PROVIDED BY OTHERS, DRAWING NO.
CARMINA WOOD DESIGN ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ACCURACY.
C-100A
50 0 50 100Ft.
50'
Site Plan
Project No: 26-4017
SCALE: 1"=50'
Page 45
Exhibit 7
Page 46
© 2025 Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in any form, without prior written authorization by Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C.
A B C
FOR ATTACHED
GARAGE PLANS
SEE 2/A105
3
CARETAKER STORAGE
KITCHEN PANTRY
CARETAKER
ENTRY
PRIVATE DINING
FOOD PREP
1/2
BATH
STAFF
LOCKABLE
BAR ROOM
FIREPLACE
N
C R
TIO
RU O
ST T F
O NO
N
C
FORMAL DINING /
WELLNESS CAFE
2
02 MAR 2026
DROP OFF / CHECK-IN ENTRY
Date
WELCOMING
CENTER
BASE PLANS TO CBCA
CHANGE STATION
TO BASEMENT ACCESSIBLE BATH ACCESSIBLE
1/2 BATH
Description
FIREPLACE
Rev.
A
EXTERIOR LOUNGE LOUNGE / ARMOUR
LIBRARY
TWIN ELMS ESTATE
AURORA, NEW YORK 14052
UP
1196 EAST MAIN STREET
COFFEE MAKER
MINI FRIDGE /
UNIT 1
375 SF
ACCESSIBLE
PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCE
1 A101
4/28/2026 11:11:50 AM
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
N
1 ADMINISTRATION BUILDING / SLEEPING QUARTERS GROUND FLOOR PLAN
A101 1/4" = 1'-0"
Page 47
© 2025 Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in any form, without prior written authorization by Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C.
A B C
3
KITCHENETTE
CARETAKER SUITE
STAIRS UNIT 7
285 SF
UP EXIT ONLY
UNIT 6
195 SF
MINI FRIDGE /
COFFEE MAKER
N
C R
TIO
RU O
STORAGE
ST T F
O NO
N
C
MINI FRIDGE / ARMOUR
COFFEE MAKER
UNIT 5
190 SF
STORAGE
2
ARMOUR
02 MAR 2026
SERVICE /
JANITOR
CLOSET
Date
UNIT 4
BALCONY
75 SF
UNIT 4
BASE PLANS TO CBCA
200 SF
UP
EXISTING MECHANICAL UP MINI FRIDGE /
COFFEE MAKER
Description
Rev.
STORAGE
A
TWIN ELMS ESTATE
UP
AURORA, NEW YORK 14052
1196 EAST MAIN STREET
FAMILY SUITE
UNIT 3
620 SF
UNIT 2
275 SF
MINI FRIDGE / MINI FRIDGE /
COFFEE MAKER COFFEE MAKER
1
A102
4/28/2026 11:11:51 AM
AIR DUCT
N SECOND FLOOR PLAN
1 ADMINISTRATION BUILDING / SLEEPING QUARTERS SECOND FLOOR PLAN
A102 1/4" = 1'-0"
Page 48
© 2025 Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in any form, without prior written authorization by Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C.
A B C
ROOF PLAN
130' - 0"
SECOND - T.O. PLATE
120' - 0"
ATTIC FLOOR
119' - 8"
SECOND - T.O.
SUBFLOOR
110' - 4"
REAR - SECOND
FLOOR
109' - 0"
N
C R
TIO
RU O
FIRST - T.O.
ST T F
SUBFLOOR
O NO
100' - 0"
N
REAR - FIRST FLOOR
99' - 6"
C
2 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING / SLEEPING QUARTERS_WEST ELEVATION
A300 1/4" = 1'-0"
1 2 3
ROOF PLAN
130' - 0"
02 MAR 2026
Date
BASE PLANS TO CBCA
SECOND - T.O. PLATE
120' - 0"
ATTIC FLOOR
Description
119' - 8"
Rev.
A
SECOND - T.O.
SUBFLOOR
110' - 4"
TWIN ELMS ESTATE
REAR - SECOND
FLOOR
AURORA, NEW YORK 14052
1196 EAST MAIN STREET
109' - 0"
FIRST - T.O.
SUBFLOOR
100' - 0"
REAR - FIRST FLOOR
99' - 6"
A300
4/28/2026 11:11:54 AM
1 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING / SLEEPING QUARTERS_SOUTH ELEVATION EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
A300 1/4" = 1'-0"
Page 49
© 2025 Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in any form, without prior written authorization by Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C.
3 2 1
ROOF PLAN
130' - 0"
SECOND - T.O. PLATE
120' - 0"
ATTIC FLOOR
119' - 8"
SECOND - T.O.
SUBFLOOR
REAR - SECOND
110' - 4"
FLOOR
109' - 0"
FIRST - T.O.
N
SUBFLOOR
C R
TIO
RU O
100' - 0"
ST T F
REAR - FIRST FLOOR
O NO
99' - 6"
N
C
2 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING / SLEEPING QUARTERS_NORTH ELEVATION
A301 1/4" = 1'-0"
C B A
ROOF PLAN
130' - 0"
02 MAR 2026
Date
SECOND - T.O. PLATE
120' - 0"
BASE PLANS TO CBCA
ATTIC FLOOR
119' - 8"
Description
Rev.
SECOND - T.O.
A
SUBFLOOR
REAR - SECOND
110' - 4"
FLOOR
109' - 0"
TWIN ELMS ESTATE
AURORA, NEW YORK 14052
1196 EAST MAIN STREET
FIRST - T.O.
SUBFLOOR
100' - 0"
REAR - FIRST FLOOR
99' - 6"
A301
4/28/2026 11:11:58 AM
1 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING / SLEEPING QUARTERS_EAST ELEVATION
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
A301 1/4" = 1'-0"
Page 50
Exhibit 8
Page 51
4/28/2026 11:11:49 AM © 2025 Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in any form, without prior written authorization by Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C.
SEASONAL COTTAGE
TREEHOUSE RETREAT
EXISTING SLEEPING QUARTERS
1
2
3
A001
A001
A001
1/4" = 1'-0"
1/4" = 1'-0"
1/8" = 1'-0"
TREEHOUSE RETREAT FLOOR PLAN
EXISTING SLEEPING QUARTER PLANS
SEASONAL COTTAGE FIRST FLOOR PLAN
C
TWIN ELMS ESTATE O NO
N
ST T F
RU O
1196 EAST MAIN STREET C R
PLANS AND
ELEVATIONS
AURORA, NEW YORK 14052
TIO
A001
SLEEPING QUARTER
N
Rev. Description Date
Page 52
Exhibit 9
Page 53
4/28/2026 11:11:59 AM © 2025 Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in any form, without prior written authorization by Crafted Concepts Architecture P.C.
PROPOSED GAZEBO LODGE
C
TWIN ELMS ESTATE O NO
N
ST T F
RU O
1196 EAST MAIN STREET C R
AURORA, NEW YORK 14052
TIO
A302
N
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
Rev. Description Date