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DGEIS for Proposed Comprehensive Master Plan Says Plan Has No Adverse Impact
Public Hearing on impact statement to be held Wednesday night
by Edward Paul Greiff
The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) requires an Environmental Impact Statement be prepared that analyzes both the Comprehensive Master Plan and the contemplated adoption of Zoning and Subdivision Code Amendments to implement the plan.
The Putnam Valley Town Board has scheduled a Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 8pm to hear comments regarding the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS). This is the first step in a three-step process required to adopt and implement the Comprehensive Master Plan. The Town Board will continue to accept comments on the DGEIS up until the close of business on November 16, 2007.
After November 16 the Town Board will be in a position to pass resolutions first adopting the Environmental Impact Statement and then adopting the Comprehensive Master Plan. Town Supervisor Sam Davis said he would like to schedule this vote to take place on either November 21 or 28. However, some of the volunteer board members have indicated they might need more time to review the Comprehensive Plan. Their argument is, 'it's a large and very complex document and if they are to interpret and enforce the plan they need to be sure they thoroughly understand its contents.'
Supervisor Davis' rationale for the quick schedule of a vote in November is that the public has been heavily involved in the Plan's development process from day one. "All of their comments have been evaluated, edited, and made part of the plan. It's the reason there were no negative comments at the last Comprehensive Plan public hearing. It's a plan that reflects the needs and desires of the residents of Putnam Valley."
The thirty-page DGEIS concludes "The adoption of the Comprehensive Plan will not result in a significant adverse environmental impact . . . the adoption of the Plan and future legislation is expected to have a positive effect on the Town's environmental resources."
Once the DGEIS and Comprehensive Plan are adopted, public hearings can begin on the Zoning and Subdivision Code Amendments needed to implement the plan. "This process will run into next year," says Supervisor Davis, "but at least the Town will finally have a new Comprehensive Master Plan to guide the Zoning and Subdivision Code Amendments."
Many residents have expressed the opinion that they hope the Comprehensive Master Plan does not turn into a political football, and its implementation is once again delayed. Residents continue to call for an adoption by year-end.
The DGEIS discusses the three alternatives facing the Town, adopting the Comprehensive Plan as proposed, or with changes, or take no action and not adopt.
It is the DGEIS's position that adopting the proposed Plan "Would provide the most appropriate balance of properly-scaled growth and economic development, open space and natural resource protection and recreational opportunities, as well as enhancement of community character. The importance of this balance has been expressed by Town residents and is reflected in the vision and goals of the Plan."
The DGEIS goes on to state, "The absence of a plan, a program for implementation, and future zoning and subdivision regulations will place the Town in a position of reacting to development instead of being proactive in its efforts."
The potential impacts reviewed in the DGEIS include Land Use, Water, Air, Plants and Animals (including the Biodiversity Plan), Agricultural Land Resources, Aesthetic Resources, Historic and Archeological Resources, Open Space and Recreation, Environment, Transportation, Energy, Noise and Odor, and Public Health.
The major revision to the Town's zoning scheme would remove the R-1 (1 home per 1 acre) and R-2 (1 home per 2 acres) Districts and convert these lands to a residential district that allows one home per three acres. In addition, the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone would be expanded by approximately 120 acres and a new commercial district would be created to replace the Community Commercial (CC-2) District that currently encompasses the Morrissey Drive area.
A build-out analysis was performed using the existing zoning and that analysis shows the potential development of approximately 760 additional residential units in the Town. However, if the new zoning iss adopted it is anticipated that these new regulations would allow only approximately 600 additional units.
The DGEIS concludes that the impact of the Comprehensive Master Plan on the "Growth and Character" of the community will be positive. It states, "Long-time residents and more recent residents are drawn to the Town because of its high quality of life and rural character. The intent of the Comprehensive Plan is to protect those factors that make Putnam Valley an attractive place to live and work. The Plan achieves this through a balanced approach that focuses development in specific locations, conserves open spaces, and encourages economic development. In addition, the Plan considers the fiscal responsibility associated with its recommendations."
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