Tusten tables zoning change after hearing

By DAVID HULSE

NARROWSBURG — Monday’s additional 75 minutes of town board justifications and public opposition didn’t seem to change anyone’s mind about a proposed zoning change that would allow eating and drinking establishments and small retail operations in Tusten’s predominant R-1 zoning district.

Following the public hearing, the board voted 3-2, with Supervisor Richard Crandall and Councilman Charles Knapp opposed, to table approval of the amendment for one month. They then voted unanimously to allow residents to submit written comments during that period.

Supervisor Richard Crandall, who supports the amendment, reported that from his research, the town’s existing zoning and strict site plan approval process would protect Tusten against any invasion of fast food and convenience stores that might be prompted by new traffic heading for casino gaming or a Bethel performing arts center. “…People who want to develop in Tusten do it our way or they go somewhere else,” he said.

But many in the audience were not convinced of the safeguards or of that the town would reject franchises and chain stores that would bring growth in its tax base.

“Your preconception is that the planning board would want to fight it,” said opponent Susan Sullivan.

“I don’t want to fight everything,” said Planning Board chairman Charles Wieland.

“If the planning board approves one, they can’t stop the next one. They’ll have set a precedent and you’ll have out of control growth,” said Chris Holden.

Later, during the Town Board meeting, Assessor Ken Baim announced that Norfolk-Southern had won a $1.5 million reduction in their assessment, which immediately turned the town’s earlier $1 million tax base increase during the past year into a $500,000 loss.

Crandall said casino impacts would likely be minimal locally, mostly in increased traffic on routes 52 and 97, which the town can’t control. “What can we do?” he said.

“Not give them a place to stop,” replied Sullivan.

“That’s what you want. Others want to make some money,” Crandall shot back.

About 25 persons, half the number that appeared for the first hearing in March, were on hand for the second session. With the exception of businessman Ned Lang, no one spoke in favor of the change except town officials.

Several residents were still waiting to speak and they complained when the board suddenly voted to close the hearing. “I have something to say,” Tal McThenia pleaded with Crandall to no avail.

“That audience was not representative of the Town of Tusten as a whole,” Wieland said following the meeting.

Crandall said he felt it was not fair to arbitrarily make 75 percent of the town unavailable for commercial use and that the town’s history of development had always included a mix of commercial and residential uses. He was not surprised at the public response. “It’s status quo versus change. It’s the same old thing,” he said.