Clarkstown Town Planner Joe Simoes explained at Tuesday’s public hearing that amendments to the town zoning map and zoning code were necessary so zoning lines would match property boundaries. The amendments targeted the area of Route 59 and Route 303 near the Palisades Center in West Nyack.
“This is an outgrowth of the comprehensive plan and more specifically the corridor studies started in 2012,” said Simoes.
He said the proposed changes would encourage economic development more appropriate along highways to be built, require buffers near residential areas and provide incentives for drainage improvements. Simoes said the changes permit 124,000 square feet of additional building area beyond what the current zoning allows.
The amendments will rezone several Light Industrial Office (LIO) and Regional Shopping (RS) zoned properties to Major Regional Shopping (MRS) zoning as well rezoning various LIO, Manufacturing (M) and Medium Density Single Family Residential (R-15 & R-22) zoned parcels to RS zoning.
A State Environmental Quality Review Negative Declaration document was compiled for the rezoning proposal.
“Changes to the MRS district involve the addition of properties into this zoning district are currently in use by the Palisades Center Mall and do not add to the overall development potential of the MRS zone. The amendment will rezone LIO and RS properties owned by the Palisades Mall to MRS to reflect Town Code Section 290-9 (Interpretation of Boundaries) and the actual use of the property as a major shopping mall.”
Simoes was asked if the changes would allow the Palisades Center to expand its footprint and he answered it would not. He noted the Palisades Center and Shops At Nanuet are the only two areas in Clarkstown zoned for Major Regional Shopping.
The town board voted to adopt the amendments.
Board members also set a public hearing date for April 9 at 8 p.m. on updating the penalty and fine schedule for 26 chapters of the town code. The chapters cover alcoholic beverages, graffiti, massage establishments, noise, swimming and other areas. Another proposed update to the code would require the removal of double utility poles from town rights of way and set penalties and fines for noncompliance.
