Town building ban amended
Board split on decision to change

By Michael Valkys Poughkeepsie Journal April 21 , 2005

Developers in the Town of Poughkeepsie could continue with environmental reviews of their projects, at their own risk, under amendments made Wednesday to a proposed nine-month residential building moratorium.
A split town board approved the amendments despite some residents' comments against them during a meeting at town hall. The changes will be incorporated into the proposed moratorium, which could come up for a final vote next month.
''The developers are taking the risk, not us,'' Councilman Thomas Bauer, R-3rd Ward, said.
Some residents said the amendments weaken the overall moratorium, which many argue is already too short at nine months and should expand to include commercial development.
''Developers should not be allowed to run roughshod over the community,'' Ann Pinna said.
The change would allow developers to continue environmental reviews under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The previous proposal would have stopped the process during a moratorium.
The all-GOP board voted 4-3 to make the changes.
''I think this is inappropriate and unnecessary,'' said Councilman Dominic Seminara, R-2nd Ward, who voted against the changes.
Developers would be able to proceed with the environmental quality review, aware they could spend substantial sums of money on preliminary work that may have to be revised if zoning changes occur when the town updates its master plan. Town officials said the moratorium is needed to finish that process.
The proposed moratorium has sparked varied reactions from developers and residents. Developers claim a moratorium is not necessary and could kill needed projects that would increase tax revenue for the town and Spackenkill schools.
Many in a large crowd at a public hearing on the moratorium earlier this month urged the town board to lengthen the moratorium and add commercial development. But board members said they plan no major changes.
Amendments to the moratorium were prepared after two developers said they would like to go forward with environmental and other plans during any building ban.
The moratorium issue 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.
Michael Valkys can be reached at mvalkys@poughkeepsiejournal.com
HEARING SET A public hearing on a proposed nine-month residential building moratorium in the Town of Poughkeepsie is set to continue May 11. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Arlington Middle School off Dutchess Turnpike. For information, visit www.townofpoughkeepsie.com or call 845-485-3620.

Copyright © 2005, Poughkeepsie Journal .

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