Residents object to zoning change

Purpose of the change request is unknown

By TOM KANE

HORTONVILLE, NY — The Town of Delaware Town Board listened to a barrage of complaints from residents on a proposal to extend a business zoning district along Route 17B in Hortonville.

“We hear you,” said councilman Kevin Connors, at the public hearing held on April 19 before the official board meeting began.

Later, when the zone change came up for a vote, it was unanimously rejected.

“I moved here 10 years ago because it was a bedroom community,” said Kevin Barnes, who lives opposite to the proposed property. “This is not a commercial area but a place for families,” he said.

The change came before the town board because it was approved by the planning board and passed on to the town board for final approval.

“Why did the planning board approve this change?” someone asked.

“Because the town wants to accommodate a business owner who wants to build,” said Gerry Euker, chairman of the town’s planning board. “It would increase the tax base and could help decrease taxes,” Euker said.

The 13.07-acre property, leased by Scott Ugell of Westchester, is owned by Joe DeFalco, former owner of Top of the World Estates. Ugell proposes to buy the property if the zoning is changed.

“What does he want to do with the property?” someone asked.

“We don’t really know,” said town supervisor Jim Scheutzow. “He would have to come before the planning board for a permit before he could do anything.”

Scheutzow said Ugell had mentioned to him a year ago that he wanted to build a multi-family dwelling unit. “I don’t know if that is still his intent,” Scheutzow said.

“How can you approve a thing like this when you don’t know what the guy wants to do with it, and why should you do this for a guy who doesn’t even live in the county?” asked Richie Ferber, a neighboring property owner.

“That’s why we’re holding a public hearing, so we can find out how you feel about it,” Scheutzow said.

“I think it’s pretty clear how we feel about it,” another resident said.