Protection of Wappinger Quality of Life - More Green Space, Less Density?
The April 13 Town of Wappinger Town Board Meeting had a number of residents speak during the Public Portion of the Meeting. One resident spoke about the Blue Star program which trains dogs to assist Autistic Children, and several residents concerned about development surrounding Sucich Place and advocating for keeping the building moratorium/and other greenspace protections in place.
After opening and adjourning a public hearing regarding voiding of a law the town more or less bumbled in 2020, tabling a resolution approving a settlement of Mid Hudson Development Corp vs. The Town (also an action in front of the Planning Board) and tabling a resolution on adopting a law which would declare that the attempt to pass a law in 2020 didn't comply with the requirements of Municipal Home Rule..the Public Portion of the meeting was held.
The Consent Agenda - approved
Resolution accepting resignation of Town of Wappinger Employee (a recycle center employee)
Resolution appointing season laborers in the buildings and grounds department.
Resolution declaring SEQRA negative declaration on Proposed Improvements to Wildwood Wastewater Treatment Plant
Resolution Declaring April as Child Abuse Preventation Month
Resolution Declaring April as National Pickleball Month in the Town of Wappinger
Resolution Declaring April as Donate Life Month in the Town of Wappinger
Resolution. Declaring April as Autisn Acceptance Month in the Town of Wappinger.
The Non-Consent Agenda -
Motion to Amend the Town Zoning Map to add identified areas to R-5a: One Family Residence (5 acre) Zone, providing Greenway Findings & Declare Lead Agency for this proposed agenda.
This was tabled - but first there was a presentation by Planning Consultants LaBerge group, building off of a presentation made to the Town Board in January. The consultants reviewed all the town properties and are looking at Parcels 5 acres or larger, those near/in flood planes/wetlands and recommending that these parcels be rezoned to 5 acre minimum. This will help ensure that highly dense development will be slowed/stopped in those areas - and all the benefits of not straining the town's infrastructure (first responders, traffic, schools, water, sewage etc) will be realized, never mind quality of life of current residents, especially those in the affected neighborhoods, will be protected. It will also provide clarity to those interested in buying land in the town, on what they can/cannot develop on the land. The board stared at the maps for awhile, asked to see a list of the properties involved (the consultants will provide) -- and then asked to table the resolution.
During the discussion the first ward council member said that he had concerns that people had invested in some properties with the idea that they might build in the future and this action could affect their expected return on investment. Well -- let's explore that for a moment. The current residents property values will be affected in a negative way (look at Hughsonville for example... discovering that your home is now next to a Gas Station has not helped the resale value of those residents) so not sure why a developer's investment is more protected than those who also have investments (aka their homes) in the area. Also -- any investment comes with risk. It is not the Town's job to protect the real estate investments of those speculating with land purchases. Just like it is not the Town's Job to protect an investor's investment in stock, bonds, gold or any other purchase made. (if that is so... all of you who bought Pets.com stock should appeal to your Town Council Member to gain a return .... just kidding).
Resolution Introducing Local Law Amending "Vehciles and Traff" of the Town code to regulate parking on Myers Corners Road. Approved - The public hear is set for April 27.
The background on this ... is that around Myers Corners Elementary School -- at the beginning and end of school days -- there is a large amount of traffic backing up as individuals wait to dropoff/pickup students. The Elementary School entrance/exit parking area was designed for buses.... not for students to be chauffered to school on an individual basis. This is creating a safety issue because of no shoulders on the road, limited sight line distances etc. The Town has been meeting with school officials, county officials and the sheriff's department to work to resolve this situation. This includes using other parking areas to wait for students, temporary stop lights that can be used during periods of high traffic volume - as well as this law which restricts parking/standing on Myers Corners Road.
Items for Special Consideration/New Business
The supervisor displayed pictures of Cranberry Hill - the property the town is in the process of purchasing - showing streams, wetlands, paths and a mature trees
Soccer Pitch at Martz Field being refurbished thanks to Tyler Adams/Scotts
A new volley ball court is being added to Martz field - donated by the volley ball club
Carnwath Chapel has been rented for events, and now boasts a new kitchen built by town employees
Friends of Carnwath, Town residents and AirMaster employees -- have made landscape improvements at Carnwath
Past weeked - Opening day at Robinson Lane park - New sign donated by Al Cassella memoralizing the Girls Softball Team and their championship
5K run had 88 participants
Chelsea Fire company installation
April 26 - Carnwath - Maple Candy Making
Town wide cleansup - April 25
April 26 - RCK Senior Senior Prom
May 17 DAV 5K Run