Post 2/9/26 Planning Board Meeting Update
The below has been taken from the Post Meeting Letter that was sent from the Town of Rochester Planning Board Secretary to the applicant.
To see the original document, please find it HERE.
To view the video recording of the meeting, please find it HERE. Time stamps are: minute 51:56 to 2:42:00 but the video should begin at minute 51:56.
Moshe Stessel 02/10/2026
RE: PB 2025-14 MCRT (Pine Grove)
Meeting Date: 02/09/2026
Dear Moshe Stessel,
The Planning Board appreciates you and/or your representative attending and presenting your project. This letter summarizes the discussion and actions taken by the Town of Rochester Planning Board regarding your application, PB 2025-14, at the meeting held on February 9, 2026.
Determination:
• The Planning Board continued the SEQR process, specifically the review of Part 2, which is the Identification of Potential Project Impacts.
• According to the applicant and Mr. Kaplan, the project total floor area has been reduced from 50,000 sq. ft. to 19,500 sq. ft., and the footprint from about 22,000 sq. ft. to 19,500 sq. ft.
Key Discussion Points:
• Mr. Treene stated that forcing the applicant to use multiple sessions for meals would impose a “substantial burden” on religious exercise under the federal RLUIPA law and the need for and importance of the congregation to meet as one body.
• Chair Jones and the Planning Board expressed their concern over “project creep”, noting that occupancy has risen to 770 people, exceeding the 550 people that the applicant previously expressed were on site.
• Board counsel Gordon stated that while the Board agrees with the project goal of a facility that could accommodate the entire congregation, the Board would review alternative means to achieve this goal.
• Discussion occurred regarding whether the groundwater aquifer and septic systems can handle current and proposed loads. There is a discrepancy between current usage and the historical usage of the site as the former dude ranch.
• Mr. Kaplan highlighted several improvements to attempt to reduce impact including reducing the meals from 9 seatings per day to 3, installing water-saving devices, making all lighting dark-sky compliant, and adjusting the roof lines and building colors to improve aesthetics.
• SEQR Part 2 Categories:
o Land & Water: Construction was confirmed to take less than one year. All septic disposal is subsurface and drainage remains to the pond.
o Historical Resources: A memo was received from SHPO confirming no impact to historical resources.
o Noise, Odor & Light: Potential noise from HVAC/refrigeration units was noted; however, the applicant confirmed there will be no loudspeakers or amplified music. Lighting will be Dark Sky compliant.
o Groundwater. The Board found the potential for moderate to large impact on groundwater and resolved for its planner to prepare Part 3 for review at the next meeting.
Required Next Steps:
• Updated Submittals: The applicant will submit updated complete set of plans reflecting the 19,500 sq. ft. footprint and revised utility data prior to the next meeting.
• Planning Board Follow-Up: The Planning Board will follow up with an additional Post-Meeting Letter that will itemize specifics about the potential impact areas identified by the PB at Mondays meeting during the review of
Part 2 of the SEQR process.
o Here are the Impact Areas that were checked “Yes”:
▪ 4. Impact on Groundwater
▪ 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources
▪ 10. Impact on Historical and Archaeological Resources
▪ 13. Impact on Transportation
▪ 15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light
▪ 17. Consistency with Community Plans
▪ 18. Consistency with Community Character
Note: All materials must be received by February 23, 2026 to be considered for the March 9, 2026 agenda. Public Comment will be reopened at the March 9th meeting. Should you have any questions regarding these required submissions, please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Stacey Barnes
Planning Board Secretary