| Back to Home Page Back to Documents Page (This is
the Saugerties Comprehansive Plan transcribed from the booklet available
at the Saugerties Town Offices)
It provides
a legal basis for the specific land use regulations and other local government
functions which will govern the structure of the community in the future.
THE PLANNING PROCESS A committee of Town and Village of Saugerties residents was appointed to develop this document. The committee was first started in 1996 as the Town of Saugerties Zoning Revision Committee which had the task of reviewing and updating of the Town's zoning regulations. The focus of the committee was changed when the Town decided to write a comprehensive plan before undertaking the updating of the zoning regulations. The committee evolved into the joint Town and Village Comprehensive Plan Committee when it was decided to invite the Village of Saugerties to join the process. The joint committee initially focused on drafting a series of policy statements addressing important issues in the community. These "14 Points" became the basis for the Goals and Recommendations in this document. In July 1998, the New York Planning Federation began working with the joint committee to coordinate completion of a comprehensive plan. Letters were sent to community leaders offering information about the comprehensive planning process including offers to visit with individuals or civic groups to make presentations about the committee and their efforts. By invitation, committee members attended the meetings of several organizations to gain comments and ideas. Throughout the process, the nearly twenty committee meetings were open to the public.
In December, 1998, a public information meeting was held to further publicize
the comprehensive plan process and to solicit comments on what should
be included in the comprehensive plan. A brief survey was also distributed
at the meeting, as well as to other residents through community organizations
and on the initiative of members of the Comprehensive Planning Committee. MISSION STATEMENT The Comprehensive Plan for Saugerties is a forward thinking, comprehensive vision of the Town and Village at their best. While allowing for future responsible growth, the plan maintains the positive mix of historic village, suburban and rural settings located between the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, and nurtures the community's friendly and safe atmosphere. Proposals for changes will be guided by the following precepts: GOAL #1: In order to continuously improve the quality of life for its residents and maintain its friendly atmosphere, Saugerties will encourage: quality, unified law enforcement; a strong, unified justice system; personal pride and responsibility; a neighborly atmosphere; ethical leadership; and citizen involvement, particularly youth involvement, in the community to create a better future. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and Village: 1.1 support the formation of community associations and other local interest groups as a way of identifying collective concerns and organizing community involvement, 1.2 encourage the widest possible participation in the governmental process to ensure that the concerns of all are heard. Some techniques to encourage public involvement include: regular press releases in addition to legal notices to announce agendas of meetings and events; follow-up community surveys to elaborate on specific topics; candidate or community issue forums; scheduled weekend walkabouts with local representatives to discuss problem or development proposals; cable coverage of town and village meetings and events; and publicize events on the Saugerties website (www.saugerties.ny.us). 1.3 encourage leadership training of all their local leaders in order to provide well-trained leadership for the municipalities. Training should include meeting management, negotiation and collaborative problem solving skills, as well as appropriate specialized skills. 1.4 work on designs for the major gateways to the Town and the Village that create a distinct visual impression with enhanced landscaping, directional signs and thematic signs to define the entrances and help maintain a sense of community identity. 1.5 act cooperatively with neighboring towns to protect, maintain and improve the Hudson Valley. It will act as a responsible member of the Catskill Mountain region and the global community. Saugerties is affected environmentally, economically and socially by its neighbors. It is in the township's best interest to be forward-thinking and act cooperatively with its neighbors to accomplish common goals. 1.6 make efforts to work with neighboring communities to better address issues that impact the entire region. 1.7 enforce local laws that require people to maintain their private property. 1.8 enforce their local animal control ordinances. 1.9 ensure lead agencies implementing the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) follow the mandate [Section 617.1(d)] to consider social as well as economic and environmental factors, produce documents understandable to the general population, and provide full opportunity for public comments and consideration of project alternatives that are compatible with the existing community character. 1.10 establish a roadside maintenance program to keep the roadways of the municipalities free of litter and debris. 1.11 review and update all of their local land use regulations, including site plan and subdivision regulations, to ensure that the review process is streamlined and efficient. 1.12 work with neighboring municipalities to review zoning regulations along municipal borders. 1.13 will be active communities in New York State by, among other things, maintaining memberships in organizations, such as the Association of Towns of New York State and the New York Conference of Mayors. Both municipalities will also continue to keep informed of legislation and regulations that will effect the communities, actively seek funding sources for Town and Village projects, and, where feasible, participate in programs and workshops offered by the state and federal agencies and other organizations that will be useful in these endeavors. 1.14 All Activities by the community including organizations, businesses, government, clubs, councils, schools, civic groups and public employees will promote the values of the community, particularly respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. GOAL #2 Education and recreation will be diverse, of the highest standard and available to all age groups RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village: 2.1 support the implementation and development of the Master Development Plan for Cantine Field Extension, in order to create a mulit-use recreational facility for community residents and visitors of all ages that complies with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 2.2 work with the School Board to support adult and continuing education programs and should support other community functions of the local public and private schools. 2.3 work with the School Board to help ensure that the schools provide a positive, safe atmosphere that promotes excellence in education. 2.4 work with the School Board to encourage education programs for teachers, administration and students to elevate all concerned to the highest technological and educational skill levels obtainable. 2.5 and schools work to ensure that appropriate facilities are available that will allow for recreational variety including sports, performing arts and cultural events for all ages throughout the year. 2.6 will take every opportunity to educate its residents and visitors about Saugerties' history. 2.7 work toward expanding the Saugerties Public Library facilities, services, and cultural activities associated with the Library, in the areas of patron parking, handicap access and building space. GOAL #3 The Town and Village governments will work together to achieve community goals in a cooperative and efficient manner. Saugerties must not be internally divided. The Town and Village governments should consolidate services wherever it proves beneficial to both municipalities and their respective taxpayers. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village: 3.1 form a joint committee to identify mutually beneficial opportunities for cooperation between both municipalities. 3.2 examine the possible benefits of consolidating police and justice systems. 3.3 Comprehensive Planning Committee work to implement the Plan. At least every five years, this committee should also review and recommend amendments to this plan, if appropriate, in conjunction with surveys and/or resident forums on current planning issues. It is suggested that the Committee consist of seven members (four from the Town and three from the Village) to serve staggered two year terms. GOAL
#4 To maintain the historic and small
town character of Saugerties' historic sites and structures will be protected
and restored as needed. Our architecture is unique. New structures will
be designed to compliment rather than clash with existing structures.
Attractive markers or small signs should signify places of historic interest
to educate residents as well as visitors. The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village: 4.1 work to identify, protect and restore their historic buildings, sites and roadside cultural features and ensure that new development respects historic traditions. A local landmark committee, similar to the Village's should be established by the Town to identify sites and explore methods of protection and restoration. 4.2 encourage historically sensitive rehabilitation of historic properties that are being adapted to new uses. 4.3 require new development to be compatible with the setting, scale and design of surrounding architecture and landscape elements. 4.4 adopt design guidelines with recommendations on architecture, streetscapes, signs and maintenance procedures to define the concept of architectural compatibility, to provide positive guidance to applicants and to help streamline the development review process. 4.5 zoning laws require Planning Board approval for any major exterior alteration, demolition, or relocation of a structure designated a national or local historic landmark, as well as new construction directly adjacent to such landmarks, to protect both municipalities from historically destructive renovation, incompatible new architecture and unnecessary demolition. 4.6 work together to design historic markers or signs to identify places of historic interest. 4.7 The Town of Saugerties should document the historic structures throughout the Town and support the benefits of becoming a Certified Local Government. GOAL #5 The Town and Village support and encourage planning policies that promote environmentally sound development in all zoning districts and are responsive to the socio-economic needs of both communities. These two factors must be balanced. The open spaces and rural aspect of the area are not replaceable and any development should be well thought out and planned with the future in mind. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village: 5.1 will ensure that the type and intensity of uses permitted in any area shall be based on the capacity of the area's natural resources (steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, etc.) and infrastructure (utilities, roads, etc.) to accommodate development. 5.2 where possible, encourage and support development that reinforces the historic pattern of land use in the community. The most intensive residential and commercial development shall be located in and adjacent to the Village where public water and sewer are available and the road system has the greatest capacity. Existing hamlets will remain the center of activity for the more rural areas. 5.3 keep their zoning and subdivision regulations up-to-date to reflect the policy recommendations within the Comprehensive Plan. Further development should conform to community goals. 5.4 encourage high quality design and construction, with the retention of existing trees and natural features wherever possible, and the sensitive use of landscaping and architecturally compatible elements to integrate new development with the surrounding area. (See also Recommendations 8.12, 8.15, 8.16) 5.5 maintain and enforce sign regulations that eliminate non-essential, off-site or excessively large signs, and removal of temporary signs and encourage designs that are compatible with the building and neighborhood. 5.6 encourage the development of light industries and offices in designated locations which have immediate access to the New York State Thruway and/or Routes 32 and 212. New single parcel industrial uses in residential areas off major transportation routes should be avoided. (See also Recommendations 8.1, 8.3, 8.6, 8.8, 8.12, 8.16, 8.18) 5.7 take full advantage of the State Environmental Quality Review Act as a means to obtain detailed information on the environmental and community impacts of proposed development, make potential concerns open to public comment and explore alternatives to continue the project. 5.8 develop an economic development plan for Routes 9W, 212 and 32 corridors in order to help ensure this area will grow in a manner that is mutually beneficial to both communities and property owners. 5.9 encourage the use of clustering, where appropriate, to help preserve open space, protect sensitive natural features and contain infrastructure and housing costs. 5.10 require any development to include plans to reduce storm water runoff and to handle storm water runoff in a way that will protect the environment. GOAL # 6 Saugerties will maintain and encourage diversity in all aspects of the community. Saugerties will continue to provide a variety of businesses, industries and recreational choices. There will be diversity in housing to appeal to all levels of income including cluster homes, apartments, and well-planned manufactured housing parks. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village 6.1 support both existing and new businesses to provide a wide range of employment, services and retail opportunities for both residents and visitors. Services should included businesses within walking distance of concentrations of population and regional retail stores that attract a larger market. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged when they offer employment opportunities to the people of the Town and Village, or attract tourists to the Saugerties area. (See Goal #8 and Recommendations 8.1 through 8.18) 6.2 examine all current housing options and community facilities in relation to the projected population growth and accommodate change while enhancing the communities' mix of ages, income groups and family types. 6.3 work to provide a broad range of housing for all present and future residents, including young people, families with children, senior citizens and households that earn less that the median income. 6.4 ensure that equal housing laws are enforced and all housing meets public health, safety and zoning codes and that sufficient funds are provided for those purposes. 6.5 work with New York State to develop a plan for state-owned land, such a Bristol Beach, Eve's Point and Turkey Point, along the waterfront. This plan may include recreation opportunities while addressing environmental concerns in the area. 6.6 support the Saugerties Public Housing Agency and other organizations, such as the Senior Housing Project and Better Community Housing for Saugerties, as they work to provide housing for qualified low-income residents of the Town and Village of Saugerties. GOAL #7 Town and Village efforts should promote awareness and protection of natural resources, wilderness and scenic areas. Saugerties is ideally located between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. its green, open spaces are one of its most precious non-renewable natural resources. These areas have aesthetic and recreational value for both residents and visitors. Establishment and maintenance of wilderness corridors are vital. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and Village: 7.1 protect areas of environmental concern by regulation of use and intensity of development and by review of specific development proposals. Such areas include: areas in the public water supply, areas of steep slope (25 percent or over), areas in designated wetlands or floodplains and areas with unique visual characteristics such as views to or from the Hudson River or Catskill Mountains. 7.2 make efforts to identify and protect their scenic resources, including open space, wildlife habitats, rare or endangered plant communities and mountain and river views and vistas. Attention should also be paid to properties that border or can be seen from the New York State Thruway so that the views of Saugerties remain as attractive as possible for the purpose of maintaining the image of Saugerties and for the promotion of the community. 7.3 promote a land use pattern that protects air quality, surface and groundwater resources while working to eliminate or minimize all sources of pollution, but not limited to road salt and leaching dump sites. 7.4 implement land use policies and regulations that provide for uses and densities which are compatible with the soils ability to support development, while protecting prime agricultural soils, existing farmland and farming operations wherever possible. 7.5 encourage residents and local businesses to engage in conservation efforts and assist residents in those endeavors where feasible. 7.6 prohibit uses in federally designated 100-year floodplains that may interfere with their flood carrying function, create safety hazards, increase the threat of property damage or shift floodplain boundaries downstream. 7.7 examine alternatives for regulating household and commercial burning of waste and the aerial spraying of chemicals and other sources of household, commercial and industrial pollution, in order to protect clean air and the health of residents. 7.8 promote options for preserving farmland and agricultural uses without interfering with a farmer's right to obtain financing or to benefit financially from the sale of his/her property. 7.9 continue to enforce and improve policies that protect the Village water supply. GOAL # 8 The Town and the Village should attempt to diversify its economic base by encouraging a variety of business and employment opportunities. RECOMMENDATIONS: 8.1 shall designate areas for industrial development based on adequacy of utility and road and rail systems, soil and slope characteristics and opportunities for distinct separation from adjacent zones. 8.2 work together to actively encourage businesses to locate or remain in the area and support efforts to publicize and promote economic development issues in Saugerties. 8.3 encourage businesses locating with the Town and the Village to be appropriate in type and scale and contribute to the maintenance of the community image of Saugerties. 8.4 encourage the coordination of promotional and merchandising efforts among business merchants in commercial areas throughout the community. 8.5 permit home occupations, including professional uses, with standards that prevent disruption of neighborhood character in those areas zoned for residential uses. 8.6 encourage development of land in commercial districts with the Town that is more intensive, in cluster rather than strip patterns, with multiple uses sharing road access and parking facilities. 8.7 inventory commercial and industrial properties for sale or lease within the Town and Village and then aggressively promote. 8.8 as funds become available, make industrial zoned parcels ready for occupancy (including infrastructure and generic approvals) to attract appropriate businesses looking for immediate location or expansion. The Town and the Village should work with appropriate organizations to make this possible. 8.9 make additional efforts to support the development of businesses appropriate in size and scale in the lower Partition Street area of the Village. This area is important because it links the Village business district to the riverfront. 8.10 work with the commercial property owners to explore funding sources for public space improvements, such as benches, trash receptacles, signs, landscaping, street lights and public rest rooms. 8.11 support and maximize the benefits to the community created by retail stores within the community, while at the same time not losing sight of the need for conveniently located services for residents. 8.12 adopt performance standards to ensure that new business is compatible with nearby land uses and community character. 8.13 work to provide adequate space for commercial and industrial needs. 8.14 encourage the reuse of existing properties and infill development within the Town and Village, including the clean-up of abandoned industrial sites, or "brownfield" site, to avoid "sprawl" in both municipalities. 8.15 require landscaping plans of new developments. These plans should be reviewed by the Town and Village Planning Boards or the Conservation Advisory Committee. 8.16 establish design standards for commercial development to help ensure that commercial development is compatible in scale and design with neighboring properties. 8.17 should identify areas in which adult-oriented businesses can locate, in order to avoid violating First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and expression. The municipalities may regulate these uses in order to avoid secondary impacts. 8.18 support and maximize the benefits of federal, state and local economic development incentives, such as the Saugerties Subzone of the Kingston/Ulster Economic Development Zone. GOAL #9 Utilities including roads, water, sewers, gas, electric, telecommunications and other types of infrastructure will be adequately developed to support both residential and business areas without detracting from the scenic beauty of Saugerties. Business cannot survive in Saugerties without the proper infrastructure, nor will new industries be attracted to the area. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and Village: 9.1 work with existing businesses to meet their infrastructure needs for any planned expansion in order for them to remain in Saugerties. 9.2 waste stream be managed in a responsible and progressive manner including having updated and well-maintained recycling centers along with water and sewage treatment plans. It is vital that residents and businesses have potable water and adequate sewage systems. 9.3 worth with appropriate agencies to monitor long-term surface and groundwater quality by collecting data on septic system failures and contaminants in local streams, wells and waterways. 9.4 expansion and improvement of both the water and sewer systems be ongoing in the areas designated by the municipalities. 9.5 update local regulations pertaining to wireless communications that encourage telecommunications services without compromising the scenic qualities of Saugerties. All local regulations should be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are up to date with the latest technology. 9.6 shall participate in a county-wide or regional system to dispose of municipal solid waste generated within our boundaries. Siting a municipal solid waste disposal facility in the Town or Village is contrary to the Goals and Recommendations set forth herein. GOAL #10 Minimize traffic congestion, maintain existing roads and ensure any future improvements will benefit the Town and the Village. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village: 10.1 recognize that its roads and rights-of-way are their most prominent public spaces, the means by which residents visualize their community, and are areas where the Town and Village can most directly control the future character of both communities. 10.2 continue to monitor parking within the Village business district to evaluate whether or not the existing parking is sufficient in order to maintain a healthy village economy. This should include evaluation of the number and location of parking spaces and adequacy of the Village parking lots. 10.3 work with business owners and trucking companies to explore alternatives for dealing with heavy truck traffic in the Village. Examples of alternatives include limited delivery hours and a truck route. 10.4 support repairing and extending the sidewalk system along primary connecting streets, and by integrating bicycle/walkways into a trail system. Sidewalks should connect heavily populated areas with community recreation centers and public buildings. Wherever feasible, the Town and the Village should require new residential and commercial development to construct sidewalks. 10.5 work with the appropriate companies and agencies to help ensure that taxi and bus service will be available with convenient stops. 10.6 support projects and proposals that help ensure that the railroads are adequately utilized for commercial use. Railroad rights-of-way should be preserved for current or future use. 10.7 work to maintain all roads, sidewalks, train tracks and their associated guardrails. Vehicle and pedestrian railroad crossings should be improved. At-grade railroad crossings should be eliminated wherever possible. 10.8 work with the Thruway Authority, New York State Department of Transportation and the Ulster County Department of Public Works to address the development of bike lanes, a park-and-ride lot and intersection, road and sign improvements. 10.9 in reviewing proposed subdivisions and site plans, should strictly limit the number of access points on collector roads and highways by discouraging strip patterns and promoting cluster development. (See also Recommendation 8.6) 10.10 require new commercial and industrial development, wherever feasible, to shield parking lots to the rear or side of the structure, share driveways, and provide for internally linked circulation or service roads between adjacent parcels. 10.11 support any community efforts to enhance its public streetscapes including efforts to replace street trees and add additional landscaping; furnish benches, waste containers and other pedestrian amenities; phasing out inappropriate signs; repairing and extending the sidewalk system; consolidating overhead wires and eventually placing them underground. GOAL # 11 A harbor and waterfront area will be developed for the benefit of the citizens and neighbors of Saugerties. The Hudson River and its tributaries are a valuable asset to Saugerties and have always played a significant role in its history. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Saugerties Comprehensive Plan envisions that the Town and the Village: 11.1 seek to establish waterfront areas at Bristol Beach, Turkey Point and Eve's Point, each with an adequate boat launch and suitable parking. This type of improvement will allow for boat rides to enjoy travel, sight-seeing and fishing on the river. 11.2 support the building of educational displays to feature information on the history of the river and the importance of reducing pollution. 11.3 encourage and support special attractions that enhance the educational and ecological use of the riverfront. 11.4 work with the State of New York to develop Bristol Beach, Turkey Point and Eve's Point as riverfront recreation areas/parks. 11.5 The Village should periodically review and update its Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan. 11.6 The Town should look into the benefits of writing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan including any additional technical assistance and grant money available that requires a plan. 11.7 monitor and work to improve the water quality of the Esopus Creek. 11.8 explore transportation alternatives between the riverfront and the Village business center for both residents and visitors. GOAL # 12 Promotion of tourism will be well planned to maximize its economic benefit to the community. Tourism is important to many town businesses. In promoting tourism and its benefits, the community must consider the potential impacts of tourism development, such as additional parking demands, increased traffic and pollution. RECOMMENDATIONS: 12.1 Tourism in the area should build upon the assets of Saugerties and the Catskill region including the mountains, the Hudson River and the history of the area. 12.2 Tourism is an important business in the Saugerties area. The Town and the Village believe that it should be an important but not the sole element of the economic development strategy for the communities. 12.3 The Town and the Village should work with the appropriate individuals and agencies to identify appropriate and feasible locations for the cultural and performing arts. 12.4 Tourist attractions located within Saugerties must benefit the community through adding jobs and/or additional patronage of community businesses, and mitigate potential negative impacts such as additional traffic, parking and pollution. 12.5 The Town and the Village should continue to support events that draw a regional audience such as the Garlic Festival, the Mum Festival and regional or national sporting events at Cantine Field. 12.6 The Town and the Village will continue to support the Saugerties Visitor's Center. 12.7 The
Town and the Village should encourage tourist activities that highlight
Saugerties rich history. (See also Recommendation
12.1) |