SPRINGFIELD - After the presentation of the final site and landscape plans by Brookfield developers, the Springfield planning board scheduled a public hearing to solicit comments about the project for April 1.

The board adopted a negative declaration document ending the SEQRA process last month for the "upscale" motel/hotel-lodging located on Rt. 80 in Springfield Center.

Planning board consultant Nan Stolzenburg created a list of conditions or changes which will be attached to the site plan which are required for the developer to get final approval. The list of items has been accumulating throughout the SEQRA process, she said.

Brookfield project manager, Doug VanDeusen pointed out that several of the items were merely comments and common sense.

During discussions, Stolzenburg asked property owner and developer Bill Miller what actions would be taken to ensure that occupancy of units not be misused.

"It would be controlled both at reservation time as well as check in time," Miller replied.

If occupants did abuse their reservation limit, "they would forfeit their reservation and leave," Miller said.

The landscaping plan, presented by landscape architect Ned Walker, included two phases. The plan includes a gravel path leading to the lodges, wooden benches, patio space, various plantings and evergreen trees to act as buffers to neighboring properties.

"We hope [the evergreens] form a permanent barrier," said Walker. He added that most of them can grow six to seven feet high and have a life span of 30 to 50 years.

Walker concluded that he would further coordinate with VanDeusen on the site plan and landscaping plan.

Morris asked that a copy of the landscaping plan be submitted to the State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. He also asked that the developers give the board their storm water management plan by next meeting.

Morris stated that, provided they get the information they asked for, the board should be more prepared to make a final decision next month.

In other news, the board:

BULLET- received a letter from the New York State Department of Health in reference to the well on the neighboring property owned by Paul and Davia Batista. The well, which was put in October 2003 by the Batistas, is under 100 ft. from the proposed sewage site of the Brookfield project and 43 ft. from an existing septic system.

However, Morris stated that he wished to request a more definitive answer to the well issue from DOH.

BULLET- accepted the site plan application for Rick Spellman's antique store on Rte. 80 with changes allowing Spellman four total parking spaces behind his building for customers and two 12 ft. by 20 ft. tents to be placed on his property for sales during the season.

The board wants to review the current sign on Spellman's building which exceeds the sign limit, according to the town's land use regulations.

A public hearing has been scheduled for the next meeting.

BULLET- received an application from June Barwick who is looking to open an antique/country store called Twenty 20 on Rte. 20. in East Springfield. The second floor of the building is proposed to be an apartment and storage area.

Barwick agreed to bring in photos of the signs that are currently on the building and the current light for the board's recommendation.

"I'm doing the something they did their before," said Barwick. However, she stated she will not be providing any food preparation services which will require her to have running water within the store.