NEW PALTZ -- A town councilman has proposed five-acre zoning west of the
Wallkill River in the hopes of preserving land and mountain views.
A land-use attorney, Jim Bacon figures it's the best way to limit
development in New Paltz. The town's zoning law allows lots west of the
Wallkill as small as a half-acre. Larger lots mean fewer buildings, the
councilman said.
''If you're thinking that it's an elitist tool, it's not,'' Bacon said. ''A
building lot is a building lot. ... I think it's time.''
His idea was voiced last week at a sparsely attended special meeting of the
town board. Pros and cons were discussed briefly before the board agreed the
issues merit a broader public forum.
''This is a decision that the whole community needs to be involved in,''
Deputy Supervisor Steve Ruelke said.
New Paltz is one of the Hudson Valley's fastest-growing towns. Many
residents decry the housing shortage.
Protection vs. proposal
But local environmentalists have been calling for protections, especially
for properties along the Wallkill River and in the shadow of the Shawangunk
Ridge to the west. A controversial proposal in the nearby towns of Gardiner,
Shawangunk and Wawarsing calls for an upscale housing community with some
350 units and a private golf course.
New Paltz officials agreed the goal of saving land from developers is
important. But Ruelke, a professional real estate appraiser, said he's not
sure Bacon's rezoning scenario would do the trick.
''Maybe a moratorium might be the wise thing to do,'' he said.
Town resident Gail Freedman said she looks forward to hearing more details
of Bacon's plan.
''It sounds like something that could indeed be helpful to the town,'' said
Freedman, who lives on the east bank of the Wallkill. ''There isn't going to
be an inch of vacant land left if some sort of careful planning isn't put in
place.''
The town's Open Space Committee, aided by a state grant, is working with a
consulting firm to create a preservation plan. Official adoption of such a
plan isn't likely to happen this year, however, as specifics are still being
developed.
But Councilwoman Kitty Brown said Bacon is right to highlight the urgency.
''Now is the time to start,'' she said, calling the lands west of the
Wallkill ''one huge critical environmental area.''
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