Wawarsing residents assist town in drafting a development plan
By:DIANNE WIEBE , Correspondent Kingston Freeman 09/28/2004

CRAGSMOOR - More than 20 people, almost all of them long-term residents, got a chance to participate in the creation of a comprehensive plan for the town of Wawarsing as planners came to this hamlet to gather information.

Consultants Peter Fairweather of Fairweather Consulting and Tom Shepstone of Shepstone Management led the group through several surveys and discussion groups, explaining that the purpose of a comprehensive plan is to identify goals and policies to provide immediate and long-term land use protections and set clear guidelines for growth and development.

Once adopted, Fairweather said, the plan becomes the legal basis for creating zoning and other ordinances that will make the plan work.

Fairweather offered statistics showing that Wawarsing is the third largest town in Ulster County, and had a relatively rapid population growth rate of 12 percent since 1990. Recreational and second homes have increased and Wawarsing is second in the county in terms of percentage of new residents.

Surveys asked participants to rate and prioritize in importance such services as medical, fire, ambulance and police, and the need for jobs and recreation for seniors and young people. They were also asked about the benefits of legislating noise, all-terrain vehicles, signs, historic preservation and site design. Participants then rated a series of 25 photographs of roads, commercial buildings and other structures with comments on why they would be an asset or negative influence on the town.

Fairweather said another 1,000 surveys will be mailed to town residents randomly.

Those attending Monday's meeting raised concerns about the local water supply and the potential impacts from gambling casinos.

"You can have the greatest plan in the world, but that doesn't make it so," said Jim McKenney. McKenney, a Cragsmoor resident, said his "constant fear" is that "if even one job is offered, a zoning variance is granted."

Dick Peters, a native of Ellenville and the owner of Peters' Market, said would like to see the area go back to small independe nt stores, the way it was in the past, with a few craftsmen thrown in the mix. "Pine Bush and Wurtsboro are doing very well with that," he said.

Shepstone said it's important to keep the plan up-to-date, and change it as needed to reflect the changing needs of the community.

©Daily Freeman 2004

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