GAZETTE: CROTON APPROVES ZONING AMENDMENTS TO ENCOURAGE NEW HOUSING

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3/5/20 THE GAZETTE ARTICLE ON THE BOARD'S PASSAGE OF THE MASSIVE RE-ZONING/GATEWAY FOR "AFFORDABLE" HOUSING, HIGHLIGHTS ONLY

The Gazette is on sale just about everywhere.

As always, you are encouraged to read the LENGTHY DETAILED article in its entirety;  PLEASE do your own due diligence.

CROTON APPROVES ZONING AMENDMENTS INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE NEW HOUSING

--Proponents claim the rewrite to fewer allowed units, lower maximum heights, eliminating REQUIRED commercial/residential mix and allowing all residential instead (while also increasing # units for “young people and seniors”) sufficiently addressed opponents’ concerns.

--Village attorney disagrees that any of the proposed changes are mandated. And blocking any taller than 2.5 stories allowed in the “now-former” zoning code will be at the VOC’s discretion and control. So is the VB’s option to sell the property. Pugh says, interestingly, that the 33 unit limit will be in the RFP to be sent to prospective developers. Simmons was considered a “swing vote" for the "Kaplan" property etc. (Yes, that is a quote per the Gazette.)

--MS. HOROTWITZ VOTED NO. However, with Simmons' vote, the 4 votes created a supermajority and thus rendered superfluous further petition for denial if 20% of affected residents opposed the rezoning. Also note that Simmons is leaving and will be replaced in Nov. (absent a challenger) by Democratic Chair Len Simon.

--Claim that the space saved from 40 to 33 is “increased open space.” The article HOWEVER NOTES THAT if structural parking is required in addition to housing units, this means 40 units. The VOC’s lawyer further points out that reducing the unit count to 33 means off-street parking that doesn’t now exist. 

--Mr. Pugh makes assorted claims about housing availability and affordability in Croton.  (As an aside and for those who have asked, then trustee Pugh once claimed that  18% OF THE VILLAGE LIVED IN POVERTY; he has never corrected that error. )

--Trustee Horowitz - sharply – and essentially responded that all Gateway units would logically have to be made affordable to achieve Pugh’s goals. And points out that the rezoning just makes more housing available, with no change to affordability.

--Trustee Habib has a letter that it is a must-read for all those residents who oppose the board's decision. Truly.

AGAIN THE ENTIRE ARTICLE SHOULD BE READ, AS WELL AS THE LETTERS.

Residents who have asked where those trustees live who voted for the re-zoning, as well as re-zoning proponents, must make their own inquiries. 

Residents who disagree with the content of the Gazette article need to address these issues directly with the paper.