North Salem Planning Board Meeting - January 21, 2026\n\nThe North Salem Planning Board convened on January 21, 2026 for a regular meeting and work session. The Board unanimously approved two AT&T telecommunications extension requests, conducted a detailed review of a controversial restoration plan and boardwalk proposal at 2 Brookside Lane involving wetland and conservation easement violations, and discussed a draft tree ordinance revision with the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) to create a streamlined administrative permit process for minor tree removals.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- AT&T Extensions: The Board unanimously approved two 90-day extensions without discussion.\n - 39 Delancey Rd. (New Cingular Wireless / AT&T): Extension granted from February 1, 2026 to May 4, 2026.\n - 40 Sun Valley Dr. (AT&T Mobility Corp.): Extension granted from December 7, 2025 to March 9, 2026.\n\n### Discussion Items\n\n#### Bossi Restoration Plan and Permit (2 Brookside Ln.)\n- Project Representative (Jerry Barrett): Presented the third revision of a landscape restoration plan for the Richard and Dawn Bossi property. The plan addresses the unauthorized clearing of approximately 71 trees and the creation of a path through a wetland and conservation easement to Peach Lake. The proposal includes a 170-foot polymodular floating boardwalk system, a future floating dock, and native plantings.\n- Board Member Chris: Expressed significant opposition, stating the proposal appears to "reward bad behavior" given the clear violation of the conservation easement and a subdivision covenant (paragraph 3D) that prohibits private trails or paths to the lake. Chris emphasized the structure may legally trigger a resubdivision involving all lot owners.\n- Board Member Emily: Found the entire premise of the allowance "challenging" and a "strange allowance" to make.\n- Chair: Remained undecided but focused on technical restoration, preferring a true red maple swamp canopy restoration over an open meadow transition. The Chair noted the town board will likely have ultimate authority.\n- Board Member Holly: Raised technical concerns about the lateral stability of the unanchored boardwalk, requesting anchor posts to prevent additional wetland disturbance.\n- Technical Directives:\n - The Board directed the applicant to add galvanized steel anchor posts, increase wetland tree plantings (red maples) for true canopy restoration, respond to all outstanding MDRA consultant comments from July 2025, and immediately consult with the NYS DEC and Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) regarding required permits for the boardwalk and dock.\n\n#### Tree Ordinance Revision Work Session with CAC\n- CAC Representatives (Rob and Holly): Presented a working draft proposing an administrative permit for minor tree removals handled by the Building Inspector, reserving larger applications for the Planning Board.\n- Proposed Administrative Thresholds: The CAC suggested the admin permit apply to removals on properties of 2 acres or less (5 or more trees), properties greater than 2 acres (3 or more trees per acre), or removal of any single regulated tree (36 inches DBH or greater).\n- Board Feedback: The Board generally supported the concept but stressed:\n - Disturbance Factor: The threshold must consider the level of ground disturbance (stump removal, heavy equipment), not just the raw tree count. A logical maximum tree count is required.\n - Exclusions: The Board recommended tightening the building permit exclusion to the "minimum necessary development envelope," narrowing the farming exclusion to activities "directly in conjunction" with farm operations, and requiring invasive species removal to follow Best Management Practices (BMPs).\n - Fines and Tree Fund: The Board strongly opposed creating a municipal tree fund, preferring increased fines instead. It supported raising the individual maximum fine from $1,200 but questioned the legal basis for a double standard between individuals and corporations.\n - Next Steps: The CAC will revise the draft to incorporate the Board's feedback (specifically on disturbance factors and tighter quantity thresholds) and submit it via email for further review before a future meeting.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n- AT&T Extensions: Approved unanimously.\n- Bossi Restoration Plan: No decision was reached. The applicant must complete several major action items (ACOE/DEC consultation, revised planting plan, boardwalk anchoring plan, response to MDRA comments) before the next review. The Chair and Board Member Will will confer with Town Attorney Roland Baroni to determine if a resubdivision is legally required.\n- Tree Ordinance: The CAC will revise its draft, focusing on low-disturbance, small-quantity thresholds. The Planning Board and Town Attorney will review the next iteration.\n- Next Meetings: The next Regular Meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2026. The next Work Session is scheduled for February 18, 2026.