Notes from Comprehensive Planning Meeting

Thursday, Feb. 26. All members were present, except one.
First-time attendee Don Brewer abstained from participating but he got an inkling of how lively it can be at these meetings, and how much detail work is involved, when drafting new proposals for zoning laws.
A long, frustrating discussion over the Gateway Overlay -- where it became apparent that some committee members and the consultant Rebecca Lubin were not on the same page. Rebecca opted to have Chazen draw a new map of the Overlay. A resolution was okayed, to revisit the Gateway Overlay locations -- this will no doubt result in public hearings again. Members wished to stress that the Overlay regulations do not impact residential areas. (Some members expressed concern that this would be the general perception.) Other items: The Chairman nominated Susan Bolitzer to fill a vacant position on the committee, and everyone concurred. Next step, the Town Board will appoint the new position.
Next meeting: March 25. Gateway Overlay will top the agenda

1/28/04 The first meeting of the year proposed the following topics: completing the final draft of the signage law, amortizing billboards, examining Industrial Uses in the zoning law, open-space and environmental protection. There was also talk of a noise ordinance. It was agreed that Rebecca Lubin will remain as consultant, pending the Greenway grant that will pay her salary. Norm Schwartz volunteered to chair the new subcommittee to look into County Planner Dennis Doyle's recommended amendments to new local laws 1 and 2. New Town Board liason Leanne Thornton brought along a list of possible grants that could be available for the committee. Also present at the meeting, along with old members, were newly appointed committee members Ed Kovac and Barry Benepe. Jim Bruno was elected chairperson. Ellie Henkel is secretary