Zoning plan is almost complete

Editorial Poughkeepsie Journal May 31, 2005

Hyde Park zoning plans have gone through more gyrations than Elvis' pelvis on the Ed Sullivan show. But, it looks as if the recent proposal may finally give the town what it needs — solid zoning laws on the books.
After county planners in April rejected a draft comprehensive plan, town board members talked about imposing a building moratorium rather than amending the plans. Thankfully, modifications have been created and the new zoning proposal was released last week. It has potential — which means the moratorium proposal should be halted.
The town operates under a 1997 comprehensive plan but has been reviewing numerous changes to the corresponding zoning laws.
In March, the town board's zoning proposal altered zoning so extensively that the comprehensive plan had to be changed. County planners wisely rejected some of the proposed options that would have added strip malls, increased traffic on 9G and compromised the town center.
Supervisor Yancy McArthur believes enough changes have been made to have the county's support. But it's also critical that residents' concerns be given consideration. More than 300 people commented on these documents.
The latest revision does put needed emphasis on creating a town center by clustering businesses and housing near Pinewoods Road and Route 9 and reducing the number of possible strip malls from five to three along 9G. A reduction in neighborhood sizes also designates more land as open space.
But concerns remain. The viewshed from historical sites should be reasonably expanded to include parcels seen from the site, not just adjacent parcels, and new regulations must include traffic impact, as well as density guidelines for projects.
The changes are not insurmountable and should be addressed during the upcoming public hearing. It's imperative that Hyde Park's town board act responsibly to resolve the situation. Many proposals are being reviewed, including the 74-home Meadows at Hyde Park, as well as the 317-unit Crofton Mews and 84-unit Stoneledge apartment complexes for seniors, and the 162-unit Maple Ridge Townhouses.
Residents, as well as developers, deserve to have a comprehensive plan and solid zoning in place.

poughkeepsiejournal.com

AREA NEWSPAPER
CONTACT INFORMATION

ULSTER/ DUTCHESS

Poughkeepsie Journal
PO Box 1231
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
(845) 454-2000
For an on line letter to the editor. Fill out this form

ULSTER COUNTY

Saugerties Times
Monday deadline
P.O.Box
Phone:334- 8200
FAX your letter 334-8202
saugertiestimes@ulsterpublishing
(Attention Erica Freudenberger, editor)
P.O.Box 3329
Kingston, NY 12402

Albany Times Union
Times Union
90 State Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 454-5091
For an on line letter to the editor. Fill out this form

COLUMBIA COUNTY
The Independent
Indenews (online)

P.O. Box 360
Hillsdale, NY 12529
Phone (518) 325-4400
FAX (518) 325-4497
Parry Teasdale, editor

letters to editor require form through website