LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — Members of the Cochecton Zoning Advisory Committee, formed to examine the issue of zoning related to natural gas drilling in the Town of Cochecton, gave comments to the town board at the meeting on December 14.

Allan Rubin and Peter Grossman spoke, and Pauline Johnson, who was not on hand, sent in a report.

Both sides agreed that there has not been much progress on significant issues, but there was some progress on how to run the meetings.

Johnson and the members who, like her, are in favor of allowing drilling to go forward unimpeded, say there is no resolution to be had, while Rubin is still interested in discussion.

There will be at least one more meeting before the end of the year. Rubin said both sides are living in their own bubbles of information.

A public comment, made by Jane Roth, was also related to the zoning committee. She thanked the board for authorizing the committee and said progress will not come easy, but she hoped the committee will be given more time to work.

After hearing the next report, the town board will consider whether the committee should continue its work in the new year.