SPRINGFIELD - Several Springfield residents expressed their approval of the Brookfield project during a public hearing last Thursday, however, a few were still hung up on the proposed increase in density on the two and a half acres of land along Otsego Lake.

The 23-unit, "upscale" motel/hotel-lodge, located on Rt. 80 in Springfield Center has been in the works by project owner Bill Miller and his team for over a year. The Springfield Planning Board was unable to vote whether to approve or disapprove the site plan application because they had not yet officially heard the Otsego County Planning Departments recommendations on the project.

"At the next meeting, we will make that decision," said planning board chairman, Rick Morris. "We have 62 days to decide."

Erik Miller , a planner with the Otsego County Planning Department, confirmed that the planning department approved the project last week.

He said they determined the project had more municipal impacts rather than countywide impacts. The two areas which would be considered "minor impacts" were traffic and water quality.

"It was a well put together application," said Erik Miller. "[The developers] met the town's site plan requirements."

He commented that the developers were working with the New York State Department of Transportation for a more visible curb cut along Rte. 80 and a safer entrance for their project.

As for the impact on water quality, county planning board member Veronica McCoy commented that developers intend to use septic systems that are "state-of-the-art."

McCoy said that while making their determination, the county board also took into account the density of similar businesses near the Brookfield project. In comparison, McCoy said Lake 'N Pines had 35 units on 4 acres and could house 166 people and Bayside contains 20 units on four acres and could hold 168 people.

"To the right of the project, is nothing but hotels," said McCoy.

Although Brookfield developers are increasing the number of people to be housed from 53 to 92, they have decreased the number of buildings from what is currently on the site - having expanded up, not out, said McCoy.

"The overwhelming and unanimous support by the Otsego County Planning Board validates and merits the project," said Bill Miller.

Ned Walker, landscape architect for the project, commented Thursday evening that he had never seen a project scrutinized the way Brookfield has been.

"I think [Bill Miller] has done his best, I think we all have," he stated. "This is a highly creative piece of work. This is something you could be proud of. This project is compatible visually within it's surroundings."

Town planning oard member Joy White considered the project a "reasonable proposal."

"We've been beating a dead horse," resident Richard Daley said during the public hearing. He urged the board to conclude the site plan process.

"I think this is a wonderful project that has been proposed. I would hope you would approve the project," said Cooperstown resident Gary Baldinger.

After discussions by the board and comments from the public about the increased density on the lot, board member Nancy Nelson made a motion that the board require the developers to delete their third floor planned for the main lodge. This would have eliminated five units, leaving the project with a total of 18 units.

However, the motion failed by a four to three vote.

Board member Bill Harman said the motion came about because there was no other way to address density.

"He has dropped the density considerably," Morris commented.

Originally the footprint of the main lodge was 10,300 sq. ft. After requests from the board to down-size, the developers scaled it down to 7,800 sq. ft. then finally to 6,100 sq. ft.

If the board wanted the number of units decreased, resident Regina Oakes told the board, they should have brought it up a year ago.

Harman responded that the board was not to consider the number of units during the SEQRA process, but now, during the site plan review.

If the board had voted that the project be scaled down, Bill Miller stated that the project would not be economically feasible.

"Below [23 units], I'll do something different with the land. I've got another plan that doesn't need site plan review," he said. "It's not in my nature to litigate. My next plan is one that I will litigate for."

During the public hearing, Patty Grady, resident of Public Landing Rd. shifted focus back to the lake.

"The discussion tonight really is focused on the lake," said Grady. With several audience members in agreement, she questioned whether the three municipalities bordering the lake would approve the Brookfield project. "I think the board should consider that very carefully."

Board member David Staley commented that the county considers county-wide impact of a project.

"I still feel there is a density issue," Harman stated.

Several agreed with Harman, including resident Harry Levine, one of the founders of the Advocates for Springfield.

"I really do appreciate what this board has done. They have been responsive and patient," Levine said. "I do believe [the project] is too dense for the site and location."

Levine also expressed concern about the precedent the board would be setting by approving this kind of project along the lake. He said he believed that the Brookfield application was not consistent with section eight of local law number three concerning access frontage.

Paul Batista, who owns land next to the project, and his attorney John Privatera, who are currently in litigation with the town over the project, stated their concerns.

"I am definitely not against development. I am against density on two acres. It's ridiculous," said Batista. "It is not an asset to the neighbors."

Privatera stated that a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should have been completed to address the density of the project.

"You're talking about an intense use of the lake," he said. By the board not conducting a full EIS, Privatera felt that it set the precedence for anyone to come to the area to build a hotel of some sort and think, "looks like there is nothing stopping me and I don't have to do an environmental impact statement."

"My concern is also density," commented Bob Einrenhofer, resident of Springfield and president of the Otsego Lake Association. "On two and a half acres, 23 units is much too great."

Board members expressed concern about the size of the one-and-a-half story pavilion located on Brookfield's lakefront. After discussion, Bill Miller said he would consider scaling the building down to one floor while allowing for the same roof grade.

The planning board took no action last week in regards to a well placed on the Batista's property after receiving a letter last week from Bill Miller.

The well was placed within 43 feet of an existing septic system, and 75 feet from a cesspool on the Brookfield property. Morris stated that Roger France from the New York State Department of Health deemed the well was illegally placed.

Morris said that the enforcement responsibility, does in fact, rest with the town of Springfield. He was considering asking the planning board for permission to write a letter to Otsego County Code Enforcement Office and the Department of Environmental Conservation "stating that the well is improperly placed and needs to be sealed up."

However, Morris stated last Thursday evening that he wasn't sure if it was the town board's responsibility or the planning board's responsibility to initiate the enforcement.