WOODBOURNE — The town board held the second of two public hearings on the proposed zoning text amendments and changes to the zoning map at the Woodbourne Firehouse earlier this week.

Many of the proposed changes are geared towards patterns for growth and development in town. The town would like to increase agriculture zoning and unify recreational zones one and two. They've also proposed making changes to regulations regarding clusters of housing developments, all with an eye towards environmental protection.

“We believe it is a good start in the overlay district, we ask that the planning board be given the authority to extend the buffer, especially under developed areas along the Neversink River,” said Sam Wright representing Catskill Mountainkeeper, which is based out of Livingston Manor.

“We also recommend reducing the density including downzoning the overlay district. We recommend that high density districts, such as hamlet districts, not be zoned directly next to agriculture zones. This will help keep conflicts down between farmers and their neighbors.”

One of the goals of the zoning map refrigeration is to limit density more than it has in the past in the “rec zones” and allowing more economic development based around hamlet centers.

“These are all great words and I support them, but in 2006 after the Comprehensive Plan was adopted it was ignored,” said Steven Gordon of Hurleyville. “I don't want to see this happen again, it has to be followed. Part of the reason it was not followed is because the lack of transparency. When the people are coming to the planning board meetings, they do not have the information ahead of time. There has to be a better way to get the information out to the people before we can make a decision.”

“This has been an arduous yet rewarding process,” Town Supervisor Steven Vegliante explained. “I don't think you can have a comprehensive plan and zoning map that will serve everyone's interests, but we are getting close to having something that is a good compromise. A heartfelt thanks to the residents for keeping the process positive all the way through.”

2018 Budget

Also on the agenda for the work session was approval of the final budget for 2018. The budget has an increase of 1.76 percent over last year's budget which includes increases for healthcare benefits and payroll for town officials.

The budget was approved but not all board members were in agreement.

“I am opposed to the budget, given the current condition of the state and local taxes and dealing with the proposed federal plan for the state and local taxes. I just feel we could do better with the budget we are putting up for adoption,” Councilman Joe Lever said.

When asked what parts of the budget he was referring to, the Councilman declined to get into specifics but said, “I think the constituents can see the budget and decide on their own what could've been further reviewed.”