Town Board Update

At yesterday's monthly meeting, the Town Board voted to withdraw its resolution to rezone sections of Putnam Valley to make them more hospitable to commercial development.

Instead, Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur said she would task a working group with creating a new comprehensive plan for the town that would give greater consideration to the environmental impacts of development. While the original proposal was developed by the Neighborhood Business Committee, Jolicoeur indicated that the new working group would include representatives from the Planning and Zoning boards as well as the Commission for the Conservation of the Environment. The town's last comprehensive plan dates from 2007.

The board's decision followed nearly an hour of discussion at the public hearing on the issue. Board members Christian Russo and Louie Luongo began the conversation by urging that the process move forward because so much work had already put into the effort. Residents expressed their frustration with the previous proposal and urged the board to slow down its deliberations. Former Supervisor Sam Oliverio suggested the board focus its efforts on Oregon Corners. Another resident, Christy Kroll, cited serious flaws in the way the town had handled a key form about the environment that is required by the state. She also noted that the proposed legislation listed tax parcels and property owners that did not exist.

Before the public hearing about zoning, the Town Board celebrated the 24 years of public service of Assessor Sheryl Luongo, who announced her retirement earlier this month. She was presented with a plaque, a certificate of appreciation and flowers, and was also congratulated by County Executive Kevin Byrne, who came to the meeting in person. In a full circle moment, former Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi, now Byrne's chief of staff, captured the moment by taking photos.

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