FORESTBURGH — Proposed resolution Local Law #2 of 2024 for the Town of Forestburgh sparked discussion during public comment on Thursday, August 1, resulting in the town scheduling a workshop for the legislation next before next month’s meeting.

The local law is poised to alter the minimum acreage required for houses of worship within residential and commercial zoning districts to five acres. Despite accusations of attempts to heighten restrictions on places of worship, town officials say the local law is intended to make the law less restrictive than the legislation passed in the 1970’s that is currently in place.

“Contrary to the claims of zoning for large lots in the new code, due to its forested, rural and protected environment, Forestburgh has had large lot requirements throughout the town for many decades,” Deputy Supervisor Steve Budofsky told the Democrat. Town Supervisor Dan Hogue Jr. joined Budofsky in noting that the proposed legislation worked in the interest of making the law less restrictive.

However, criticism of the local law remains at the forefront of conversation, as a handful of objectors to the legislation raised their concerns at Forestburgh’s Town Board meeting on August 1. One public commenter said they felt that the local law was an “attack on houses of worship” – harking back to historical anti-Semetic actions taken by Nazi Germany, such as genocide and the events of Kristallnacht. 

Other dissenters noted that such lot sizes would disrupt their religious practices, as driving motor vehicles is prohibited on the Sabbath, among other concerns.

As the topics mentioned prior were brought up in reference to the local law, Budofsky was joined by other council members in denouncing the accusations of being anti-Semetic in the process of writing and installing the legislation.

“The cruel and bitter criticism of the Town Board members and the references to Nazi Germany and Kristallnacht were not only unwarranted but they were disgraceful and absolutely unforgivable,” said Budofsky.