by Kathy Savolt -
Before the start of the standard agenda at the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Mayor Sharon Torres addressed the community regarding the scheduled vote to downzone the Washingtonville Neighborhood (from R-4 to R-2, see HERE) and the status of the Hunter Tier Lot project. Torres stated that several emails had been received and there were social media posts pertaining to these issues.
Regarding the downzoning, Torres clarified that this proposal (which subsequently passed 5-0) was not a flood mitigation effort. Downzoning is a preventive measure in this densely populated neighborhood. Torres explained that the area in Washingtonville is the only R-4 zone in the Village, existing properties with greater than two dwellings will be considered pre-existing non-conforming, i.e., “grandfathered.”
Addressing the social media posts regarding the proposed affordable housing project on the Hunter Tier Lot, Torres mentioned the “heated” comments and explained that the Village has a new BOT, new Village Manager, new Assistant Village Manager, several other changes and is short staffed in other areas. The BOT staff have been spending time learning and sharing information, and the Hunter Tier project was not considered a top priority. Additionally, since the topic had become so “heated,” it was decided to step back and “let things calm down.”
Torres continued that whatever is done will be done with community involvement and will address the affordable housing crisis and answer the question, “What’s in it for the Village?” Torres expects the Affordable Housing Ad Hoc Task Force to present suggestions for the Village to consider in a report to be issued in the next month or so.
Torres concluded by saying that the BOT is committed to affordable housing and cautioned that “if we don’t move forward with one project, it doesn’t mean we are going in the opposite direction.” She continued that the BOT must balance priorities and the financial impact of their decisions. Torres said, “there is no need for shouting matches and the BOT will invite the community into the conversation.” She stressed that the BOT is being “thoughtful, calm and rational” and she hopes the community will apply the same ethic.
