Residents cautious of Zylstra farm development

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The new Sullivan West High School is stimulating new home development in the Town of Cochecton, and residents at a recent public hearing appeared ready to scrutinize the growth case by case.

When Brookside Homes Finance and Marketing Manager Amy Goodstein presented phase one of plans to subdivide and develop 132 acres of farmland in Fosterdale, residents at the October 22 planning board meeting pressed her to discuss details of the entire project. Brookside Homes does not yet own the property, but Goodstein said the sale is expected to close in mid-December.

Phase one shows subdivision of the entire property into three large parcels and division of parcel #3 into three nine-acre lots, two five-acre lots and one six-acre lot. Parcels #1 and #2 will be subdivided into similar property sizes in the future, Goodstein said.

Brookside Homes sells pre-fabricated houses manufactured by companies such as Crest and Manorwood, though Goodstein said the land will be sold without building restrictions or obligations.

Residents fear the subdivision could develop into a swarm of modular homes.

Code Enforcement Officer John Drobysh credited the concern, saying Cochecton zoning does not restrict doublewide “hut” homes. “Factory-made housing built after June 19, 1976 is permitted in the town,” he said.

But Brookside Homes part-owner Ron Goodstein said the newest homes his company has sold in Monticello are valued at $279,000, $259,000 and $233,000. The most expensive is a colonial that comprises five bedrooms, a full basement, a 24- by 24-foot garage and rear decks.

“The homes we sell are more substantial than many of the homes presently available in the Cochecton community,” he said.

Another concern of residents is Cochecton’s subdivision zoning that allows lots sized at a minimum of two acres, which could create a densely populated landscape. Drobysh said the law would permit a buyer to take a six-acre lot, divide it and build three homes, unless the developer puts a deed restriction on the property.

“We feel people who buy homes in this area will want land for children,” one resident said.

“What is the big picture?” someone asked.

Neil Halloran said the planning board needs to consider the project in its entirety to understand the extents of impact, and that a piecemeal approval process would warrant the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) to extend final approval of the development for three years.

He said an engineer’s assessments of sewage treatment, water supply and water table recharge, and storm water pollution prevention are necessary for a responsible planning decision.

Amy Goodstein decided to stay the application until more detailed land assessment information is available. She plans to make another presentation at the next planning board meeting, which has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. because of Thanksgiving Day.