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Shortcomings in Zoning Laws Were Catalysts for New Master Plan Movement
To the Editor:
In my opinion Tom Rolston is mistaken in believing that we can rely on the "zoning laws, already on the books" to monitor the character of new development in the village. He forgets that it is the shortcomings of these very zoning laws which were primary catalysts for the movement towards a new master plan. We wouldn't be in the midst of developing a new master plan if there weren't already a general consensus that these zoning laws are antiquated and no longer serve the village.
When Mr. Rolston speaks of "smart development", I respectfully wonder how he is sure the development will be so smart, seeing as no one, not even the mayor, has the full story as to what the proposal is- all we know is that it's a large developer who perhaps has his own best interest, rather than the village's, at heart.
Not that some developers don't try to do the right thing, but for a village whose character is as distinctive as Cold Spring's, the zoning laws need to reflect a clear vision for future growth. Beautiful Hudson River towns like Fishkill and Hyde Park have had their charm destroyed by out-dated zoning regulations which did not respect the historical character of the towns. The board members who support a moratorium aren't being obstructionist or anti-development, nor do they have "their head in the sand". To the contrary, they are being respectful of the unique character of Cold Spring and think it wise to wait until we can all be sure that new development will be equally respectful.
Michael Robinson
Cold Spring
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