Town Of New Castle: Did You Know Part II: Important FBC Information

Press release from the Town of New Castle:

October 15, 2021

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Posted on: October 15, 2021

Did You Know Part II: Important FBC Information

False ClaimSome residents may have received an email stating that “there is every indication that the town may utilize [an FBC] in the hamlet of Millwood next, putting your neighborhood at risk for overdevelopment.”FactPlease know that this Town Board has NOT discussed implementing such a code nor do I recall a conversation since the zoning process commenced over two years ago indicating that the FBC was to be pursued in the Millwood Hamlet. More importantly, the Town cannot rezone for similar density in the Millwood Hamlet because it lacks the infrastructure, such as sewer, to do so.False ClaimThe email further asserted that residents on the west end of New Castle should “…think of the FBC as akin to the Sunshine Home development. Once the FBC is in place, developers will be able to develop as of right - even if residents disagree with a project. There will be no Planning Board input, no Zoning Board input, and no resident input.”FactThe FBC is zoning legislation in the Chappaqua Hamlet’s commercial district made possible because of existing water and sewage infrastructure. The Sunshine Children’s Home involved a special use permit in a residential district that lacked this infrastructure. The comparison is simply incorrect. Keep in mind that the lead agency, the New Castle Zoning Board of Appeals, along with assistance from the Planning Board, approved the Sunshine Children’s Home. It is important that residents understand the extent of their ability to dictate, or not dictate, what private property owners can do on their land and how a FBC provides parameters and guidelines to current and future property owners so they adhere to these visions and standards.

Jeremy Saland, Acting Town Supervisor

This press release was produced by the Town of New Castle. The views expressed here are the author’s own.