MONTICELLO — The Planned Unit Development (PUD) is moving forward, following a vote by the Monticello Village Board at its Wednesday night meeting.

The Monticello PUD proposal, introduced back in May, sought to create a large-scale development by planner Tom Shepstone and his client Joel Kohn. It would be a mixed-use and residential development at the corner of Hamilton Road and Route 42. 

The plan included approximately 600 multi-family units, single-family homes, trails, and limited commercial space, aiming to create a self-sufficient, pedestrian-friendly community. While some residents supported the project’s potential economic benefits, others raised concerns over density, infrastructure strain, water availability, and affordability.

The process began when Trustee Theodore Hutchins motioned to close the public hearing that had been left open from the previous meeting. Trustee Gordon Jenkins seconded the motion.

Village Attorney Michael Sussman outlined the scope of the board’s responsibilities regarding the proposal.

“Keep in mind that your assessment is a limited one—you’re not substituting for the Planning Board at this point,” Sussman told the board. “Your assessment is really related to passing this along to the Planning Board for further deliberation and action.”

As Sussman explained, the next step in the process is for the Planning Board to conduct a full environmental review of the project. “No one’s trying to circumvent that,” he added.

Sussman recommended the board adopt the resolution for a Negative Declaration under SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) for Local Law #9 of 2025, which anticipates that full review.

He further clarified that the SEQR impact assessment tied to the motion means the board is agreeing that their current action will not have a significant environmental impact—because it is just one step in a larger review process that will follow.

The Negative Declaration was motioned by Trustee Hutchins and seconded by Trustee Janice Davis. The resolution to adopt the Local Law for the PUD was also motioned by Hutchins, with a second from Trustee Jenkins. Both measures passed unanimously.

During public comment, resident Victor Schlesinger expressed his appreciation to the Trustees and Village Mayor Rochelle Massey for helping bring the project to this point.

“This isn’t just a project, it’s a shared achievement,” Schlesinger said. “This planned development will enhance the Village of Monticello in a meaningful way and will benefit everyone. Thank you so much. It was a long time coming, and we appreciate everyone who helped this project.”

His remarks were met with applause from those in attendance.

“This is just the beginning,” added Joel Kohn, a client of project planner Tom Shepstone. “This is not the end, this is just the beginning.”