Hyde Park to discuss zoning changes
Revised plans seek to address county worries

By Anthony Farmer Poughkeepsie Journal May 2, 2005

Hyde Park's supervisor is ready to propose changing the town's zoning revisions to address the concerns of county officials, but still wants to move forward with a nine-month freeze on certain kinds of development.
Supervisor Yancy McArthur said Friday he has been meeting with county planning officials to address concerns they raised about the town's proposed 2005 comprehensive plan and zoning. County officials have criticized the plan for not doing enough to concentrate development in the town center, prevent highway sprawl and preserve open space.
The town board has set a public hearing for May 11 at 7 p.m. at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School on the proposed building moratorium. The moratorium was proposed in response to the county's concerns, which were expected to push back implementation of the zoning changes.
McArthur said he's come up with changes he will present to town board members tonight during a meeting at town hall.
The town board will have to decide on accepting those, and whether to make additional changes in response to concerns raised by local residents, he said.
Another hearing likely
The changes could require another public hearing on the zoning, he said.
''I think we're on the right track here,'' McArthur said. ''The future is becoming brighter for the community with the new zoning legislation.''
The town has been working to bring the current zoning, created in 1974, into compliance with the 1997 comprehensive plan.
Hyde Park has been wrestling with getting its zoning for several years, trying to preserve its historic heritage while planning wisely for growth.
The proposed moratorium would cover major subdivisions, McArthur said.
County Planning Commissioner Roger Akeley said the county hasn't taken a position on the moratorium yet. But if the town board proceeds with the changes to the zoning, there may be no need to implement a moratorium, he said.
He credited the town for responding to the county's suggestions on the zoning.
''They've been very cooperative since we sent our comments and we've enjoyed the opportunity to sit down and go into some of the areas in more detail,'' Akeley said. ''The changes being contemplated will make a much more viable zoning ordinance over the long term for the Town of Hyde Park.''

Anthony Farmer can be reached at apfarmer@poughkeepsiejournal.com

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