Democracy At Work
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! That was the overwhelming sentiment expressed at last night's jam-packed hearing about the Town Board's zoning proposal to encourage more small business activity in Putnam Valley.
For more than an hour, speaker after speaker spoke of their love for the rural character of Putnam Valley, insisted they would rather drive to another town for their shopping needs than have a coffee shop nearby, and expressed doubt that more small businesses could be sustained here or generate enough new revenue to reduce their tax burden. As realtor Deborah Glatz put it, "People love Putnam Valley for the way it is now."
The hearing began with Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi, town planner Bruce Barber and Stephanie Russo, representing the Neighborhood Business Committee, restating the reasons behind the proposal. They cited in particular the town's 2007 comprehensive plan and the results of a survey, the number of responses to which has more than doubled in the few weeks since this proposal was unveiled. Annabi assured the crowd that no vote would be taken at last night's meeting and that the hearing would remain open until January 21st, when a reconstituted board with a new supervisor and member would be in office.
Annabi and Barber also announced that they were going to remove some of the more controversial aspects of the proposal, such as giving the Planning Board the authority to waive key aspects of the zoning code and redefining fast food establishments on the list of allowed businesses to mean single-location, fast service spots meant primarily for take-out.
None of those modifications seemed to persuade those in attendance that this proposal was a good idea. Many criticized the reliance on the comprehensive plan, calling it outdated and irrelevant. Residents questioned the underlying assumption, that attracting new businesses to the town should be a priority at all, noting instead the critical need for more affordable housing. Many pointed out that there are already plenty of commercial spaces sitting empty in Putnam Valley and nearby towns and that many local businesses are struggling to survive. "The bottleneck is commercial viability, not the planning process," said Peter Kirchner.
Some had more specific concerns, such as the lack of focus on light and noise pollution that commercial businesses might introduce, the insufficient emphasis on the impact of increased traffic, and the lack of definition for things like mini-marts. One even suggested the board needs a copy editor because of an inconsistency in the list of allowable businesses between the zoning proposal and the accompanying environmental assessment form.
Overall, the tenor of the meeting was calm and respectful, with many expressing wonderment that so many neighbors had turned out and that democracy seemed so alive and well. Indeed, it was hard to find a parking spot or a seat. Supervisor-elect Alison Jolicoeur echoed that sentiment in her remarks and gave some hints about how her administration might handle this issue after she assumes office in January. She said she was a fan of the comprehensive plan and supported thoughtful economic development, citing as an example a resident and prospective business owner who has so far been unable to fulfill her dream of creating an ice cream shop and yoga studio in town.
Still, Jolicoeur said she remained concerned about the power being given in the proposal to the Planning Board and believed that elected representatives on the Town Board should bear responsibility for evaluating changes that could impact residents' quality of life. She also indicated her support for an Open Space Inventory, which the town's Commission for the Conservation of the Environment had sought support for, but been denied, by the current town board.
Overall, the meeting served as a striking end to Annabi's 15-year presence on the Town Board, the last four of which she served as Town Supervisor. Prior to the hearing, tears were shed during an emotional tribute to her, with staff and board members citing her tireless commitment to serving the town. She and Board Member Stacey Tompkins, whose term also ended, were given bouquets of flowers as attendees stood to applaud them for their service. Clearly moved by the accolades, Annabi said she is looking forward to eating dinner with her family without a phone or laptop by her side.
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