Mt. Pleasant Supervisor pledges defense Against Hochul Zoning Plan

Mount Pleasant, N.Y. (February 15, 2023)—Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi today pledged to strongly oppose Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to override local zoning and planning regulations, calling the scheme unconstitutional, unnecessary and a very real threat to the character and quality of life in municipalities state-wide.

“The governor’s proposal to force communities to add housing where she thinks it should be is a slap in the face to every local municipality in the state,” he said. “I still believe in government by the people, for the people, not something dictated or mandated by one level of government on another. And that is the direction the governor has decided to go by attempting to force her will through her New York Housing Compact.”

Fulgenzi said that the concept of local “home rule” gives local communities the power to determine land use and zoning. It has been woven in the fabric of the state for more than 100 years and is protected by the State Constitution.

“I will oppose any attempt by the governor to have the state assume this power and effectively obliterate the community structure and identity that is fundamental to creating and protecting the unique character of our town, its hamlets and villages.”

The Housing Compact is included Hochul’s 2024 State Budget Proposal. It calls for 800,000 new units of housing statewide with a focus on communities with Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro-North) train stations, of which there are two in the unincorporated portion of the Town – Valhalla and Hawthorne. The rationale is that the residents of the apartments would rely on train travel, thereby lessening the impact on the local community and infrastructure. The plan cites train station parking lots as ideal for new multi-family housing.

Hochul’s plan, however, goes far beyond the train stations by including everything within a half-mile of the stations, stretching into residential neighborhoods. Some of the smaller villages in Westchester, are, in fact, little more than a square mile, effectively the Housing Compact proposed by the Governor would impact entire communities.

However, the most controversial aspect of the Hochul plan is her open threat of state intervention to override local planning and zoning regulations in communities that don’t conform to the plan or meet its goals.

Fulgenzi said Mount Pleasant recently amended its Comprehensive Plan after four years of thorough study and community input.

“Our focus was on the commercial corridors adjacent to the Metro-North Harlem line and the Valhalla and Hawthorne stations. We have created the opportunity for new, smart and appropriately scaled transit-oriented, multi-family uses in the limited re-zoned areas. One project is already underway, and others are in the discussion stages. We are doing our part to provide new housing opportunities, and we will continue to do so in ways that are appropriate for our community.”

Fulgenzi points out that numerous other nearby communities in Westchester are doing similar transit-oriented projects, including the two villages within Mount Pleasant -- Pleasantville and Sleepy Hollow.

“This is happening without state pressure or interference,” Fulgenzi said. “Zoning emerged over time as communities evolved and grew. And it is flexible as is proved by looking at what our Town and so many other communities are doing to meet today’s needs.”

Fulgenzi concluded: “I know that my fellow supervisors and mayors in Westchester, Long Island and across the state share in having deep concern about the governor’s threat that will effectively override local zoning. Hopefully, the governor will reconsider this profoundly divisive and negative approach, but if not, I can assure the residents of Mount Pleasant that I will defend the principal of home rule and our right to control, preserve, and protect our community. I will continue to keep our residents updated on this unprecedented and very real threat.”