WASHINGTON — The first of two planned public hearings concerning the review and possible revision of the Town of Washington (TOW) Comprehensive Plan (CP) was held on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, with many attending in person and even more attending via Zoom. The town is contemplating how to handle the definition of hospitality, and how it should apply to future zoning.
Chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CPRC) Paul Schwartz welcomed all and reminded everyone the hearing was not a referendum on any particular property. Specifically, Schwartz was referring to the Second Mountain project.
Second Mountain
Second Mountain aims to convert the former 350-plus acre Migdale estate in Mabbettsville that was sold to famed Manhattan restaurateur Will Guidara. Guidara submitted an application in the spring to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to create a luxury hotel and spa with condos, rental units, two restaurants and an array of other amenities.
Guidara made a special presentation to the Town Board on Feb. 25 outlining his plans; many attended and later expressed concern, especially when he asked for a zoning overlay district to be approved. Two groups of neighbors hired attorneys to stop the project. He has since withdrawn both his application and request for the overlay district, which would require a change of local zoning laws.
There’s been an incredible amount of interest in the Second Mountain project, and great participation at Town Board, Planning Board and ZBA meetings regarding the project. Many residents have complained about how the project, if approved, could change the character of the town.
Re-evaluating the CP
That’s when the Town Board realized a review of its Comprehensive Plan was in order. It had voted to do so in 2015, and decided to jump into action recently in light of Second Mountain, focusing on the definition of “hospitality” and how that use could affect the town of Washington and the village of Millbrook.
Town Board members said they were keeping taxpayers in mind, prompting some to ask if the town is going through rough economic times. Certainly a project the size of what Guidara has proposed could be a big help in terms of bringing in more sales tax revenue and attracting other businesses.
One objective of the CP is to maintain existing land use patterns. It advocates for keeping the town rural and to avoid infrastructure expansion into the town.
Public comments
CPRC member Claudia Heunis moderated last week’s public hearing; those wishing to speak had to be town residents or taxpayers and were allotted three minutes to share their concerns.
“Increased development does not always lead to an increased tax base,” said resident Pam Scott, who then referred to the luxury Silo Ridge Field Club housing development in neighboring Amenia, adding that what happened there with a 2019 town-wide property assessment that resulted in Silo Ridge, one of its principles, plus at least 42 of its residents suing the town of Amenia, its assessor and a number of other individuals connected to the town over reported unfair property values, could happen in Washington.
Former village Trustee and President of the Millbrook Business Association Kevin McGrane, who owns a B&B, reminded those present, “Businesses struggled to survive even before COVID. How often do you shop or eat out locally? We depend on visitors.”
McGrane was among those at the hearing who were in favor of adding some provision for hospitality into the Comprehensive Plan to attract more tourists — and their cash — to the town and village.
He went on to add the town needs more places for people to stay overnight.
“Visitors explore, they shop and they eat,” said McGrane. “It would create jobs, and the town and village could collect an occupancy tax for much-needed revenue.”
Resident Randy Reiff said he hoped everyone would keep an open mind. He said he saw the hearing as an opportunity to create a balance in the CP. He was open to there being hospitality in the CP and added he was looking forward to hearing more about both options, including the risks and benefits of expanded hospitality uses.
So, too, was resident John Penn.
“I’m encouraged by what I’m hearing,” said Penn. “I’m encouraged by exploring the possibilities.”
While Penn said he doesn’t support the Second Mountain project, he would like to see businesses that would support more foot traffic in the village. Penn added the CP review is not all about Guidara’s application.
He also said he thought it was disingenuous of Schwartz, who at one time acknowledged he has a financial interest in Second Mountain, to remain as chairman of the CPRC.
Other opinions voiced during the hearing included a mother who has an engaged daughter who would love to have the wedding locally.
“But where do people stay?” she asked, noting there are few accommodations available to stay overnight in the area.
Resident Jesse Derris said that because of the COVID pandemic, a swarm of people moved and continue to move to the area from the city.
Meanwhile he said he and his family have only been in town for two years, and they feel they should support increased hospitality, which would lead to increased economic development and an increased tax base.
“Those starting their lives here are in favor of making changes,” he said. “We want to live in a place that looks forward and this is a two-sided issue.”
Resident Barbara Orbach said the Comprehensive Plan was created in good faith, and every resident should be allowed to comment on proposed changes.
Resident Eliza Dyson said she would like to see more available rental space for visitors, but thinks rooms should be added “… as we go.” She said a major development, should it fail, could cause a huge problems for residents.
“We shouldn’t cause a problem for ourselves going down the road,” she worried.
There were many other comments during the roughly two-and-a-half-hour hearing. At 8:15 p.m. Heunis asked if anyone else wanted to comment, but none came forward.
Schwartz said there will be more meetings, plus a formal survey (in which he hopes all 4,500 town residents will participate).
The second public hearing on the CP focusing on hospitality is set for Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. Go to www.washingtonny.org for more information.
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