Clarkstown Officials Want Tougher Zoning Laws, Development Moratorium

PHOTO: Supervisor Alex Gromack, Council members Shirley Lasker and Stephanie Hausner, and Building Inspector Peter Beary and Town Planner Joe Simoes called for tougher residential zoning laws at a press conference Aug. 11./contributed

Clarkstown officials have proposed a local law imposing a six-month moratorium on development in residential areas while town officials consider changes to current land use regulations.

The town board has scheduled a public hearing on the idea for Sept. 29.

At a press conference, Supervisor Alex Gromack said he has directed the Planning and Building Departments to start an immediate review of the zoning laws.

He wants to amend the laws to provide greater protection for Clarkstown neighborhoods.

“I want to make absolutely sure that the integrity of our neighborhoods will not be compromised by other uses that are incompatible with residential use,” Gromack said in a prepared statement. “Other towns in Rockland have gone unregulated and felt the crushing blow of reckless and indiscriminate over-development. I will not allow that to happen here in Clarkstown.”

Currently existing town code permits the following uses in the majority of residential zoning districts: nurseries, orchards, places of worship, parks and playgrounds, private schools, post offices, cemeteries, family day care, camps, community centers, golf courses, nursery schools, public utility substations, floodplain uses, home occupations, hospitals, reservoirs, sand pits, gravel pits, landfill operations, child day care centers, and senior housing.

Generally these uses are allowed in residential zones without specific consideration for adequate roadway access or compatibility with surrounding residential uses, Lasker, Hausner and Gromack argue.

“Many of the allowable uses simply don’t belong in our neighborhoods,” said Gromack. “The changes I am recommending will protect the character and tranquility of our residential neighborhoods. There is nothing more important than residents knowing that their quality of life is protected by the zoning regulations in Clarkstown.”

As part of its review, town officials will determine where these incompatible uses could be permitted—such as along major roadways or in commercial zones.

Advocates are also proposing a 6-month moratorium on any development in residential areas.