Most of the newsworthy action happened at Courtesy of the Floor when residents raised a variety of issues and Board members responded.
Navajo Fields. Three residents expressed concern about the pending developer request to extend the Lake Osceola Overlay District to include his 50 acre parcel. Issues included the condition of Lake Osceola, the proposed sewer trunk line along East Main Street (Route 6N) and how existing properties could hook up, the need for additional information from the developer, and the procedural steps the developer will have to follow if the Board approved the boundary extension.
485b tax incentive. Citing changes in the demand for commercial space, two residents again asked the Board to review whether changes were needed in the tax incentive for new development and/or improvements to existing developed properties. Supervisor Lachterman explained the difference between how tax revenue is impacted by the 485b incentive and tax refunds that result from tax certiorari settlements.
Parkland alienation. Several residents spoke in opposition to the potential alienation of 16 acres of Sylvan Glen off Stony Street. The alienation would be part of a land swap between the town and a property owner who owns a land locked 18 acre parcel that lies between Granite Knolls and Sylvan Glen and who wants to construct a holistic educational center/farm.
Clean energy. A resident again raised the issue of what the town was doing to increase its use of alternative energy sources such as installing solar energy on town property and the use of hybrid vehicles.
Fluoridation. Several residents spoke for and against the issue. The Board made it clear that the decision to terminate fluoridation had been decided and that it was not prepared to change its decision until additional information was forthcoming from the EPA.
Other issues
Water meters. Supervisor Lachterman explained that he had pulled from the agenda a discussion of a draft local law that included the installation and testing of residential and commercial meters and an increase in water rates as the water superintendent was on vacation and not available to answer questions. He said the issue would be discussed at the January 7th meeting
Field Home. Supervisor Lachterman said town staff was still working on the RFP for the adaptive reuse of the building in the event the town takes ownership of it from Toll Brothers.
For a video of the meeting, click https://yorktownny.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=1897
The next Town Board meeting will be January 7, 2025.