Price Chopper plan creeps forward

The Ghent Planning Board moved closer to approval of a site plan for the Price Chopper Wednesday with discussion and partial resolution of differing opinions on a retaining wall, lighting and buffering trees.

Chatham Associates of Albany has applied for site plan and subdivision approval to build a 43,000-square-foot Price Chopper Market on 7.08 acres at 2595 Route 66. The parcel is just south of the current Price Chopper, located at Chatham Plaza.

Price Chopper engineer Mike Tucker described a revised lighting plan he had submitted, with recessed bulbs, and a 33 percent reduction in after-hours lighting; and an updated landscape plan, with a mix of wildflowers in front, and a relocation of maple trees so as not to interfere with power lines. The trees would be in a variety of heights, he said, with 30 percent over eight feet.

Much discussion was devoted to the retaining wall. At previous meetings, board members who had favored a traditionally constructed stone wall were convinced that it would be cost-prohibitive, and that a precast, faux-stone wall would be affordable and strong enough for the purpose.

Board member Larry Machiz expressed concern about the one-over-two-and-two-over-one design of the fake stones.

I can live into the concrete wall with stain, but I have trouble to me, its going to look fraudulent, he said. He asked them to look at another designer.

As the discussion continued, Board Attorney Ted Guterman urged members to move toward a decision on the application.

You cant be talking about a wall for two months, he said.

Its the most visible thing, said board member Martin Silver.

From our point of view, we stepped back from a laid stone wall, Machiz said. This is a stronger and cheaper product. But we need to get the right look out of this. Were moving forward.

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Price Chopper plan creeps forward