Town moratorium amendment is floated
Council takes up issue today

By Michael Valkys Poughkeepsie Journal April 20 , 2005

Town of Poughkeepsie leaders tonight will consider potential changes to a proposed nine-month residential building moratorium that has sparked sharp reactions from residents and developers.
The proposed amendments to the moratorium would allow those applying with the town for project approvals to continue required environmental reviews during any building ban. As now proposed, the moratorium would halt the environmental reviews, the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Some developers have said they should be allowed to continue the reviews during a moratorium.
Town Supervisor Joseph Davis said he is leaning toward supporting the amendments.
''I think they are worth doing,'' Davis said Tuesday. ''We're not telling you, the landowner, how to manage your project.''
But Davis cautioned developers would proceed with the review at their own risk, aware they could spend substantial sums of money on preliminary work that may have to be revised.
The proposed moratorium has prompted divergent reactions from developers and some residents. Developers have said a moratorium is not necessary and could kill needed projects that would add tax dollars to town and Spackenkill school coffers.
Some want tougher ban
Many residents, while supporting the idea of a moratorium, have claimed the nine-month plan is not strong enough and should be lengthened and expanded to include commercial development.
Town board members last week said they plan no major changes. Town Attorney Thomas Mahar prepared possible amendments after two developers said they would like to be able to go forward with environmental and other plans.
But Councilman Stephan Krakower, R-5th Ward, said last week he did not believe amendments are needed, wondering if they would soften the effectiveness and reach of the building ban.
''If we do a moratorium,'' Krakower said, ''it should apply to somebody.''
The board's pending decision comes as a Westchester County developer tries to move forward with plans to build 468 town home units on the Casperkill Country Club property off Route 9.
The moratorium as proposed would halt residential subdivisions of 11 lots or more for nine months. Projects already granted planning board approval would not be affected.
Under the proposed amendments, those with applications before the town could proceed up to the point of preliminary approval. The moratorium as proposed would halt the approval process at the application point.
Town officials have said the moratorium would give them time to complete a long-awaited update of the master plan and any zoning changes.

Michael Valkys can be reached at mvalkys@poughkeepsiejour nal.com

TOWN MEETING The Poughkeepsie town board is set to meet at 7 p.m. today at town hall off Overocker Road. For information, visit www. townofpoughkeepsie. com or call 845-485-3620.

Copyright © 2005, Poughkeepsie Journal .

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