[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6108460,"mediaKeyId","2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa","parentId",2768256,"title","Council refers accessory dwelling unit zoning amendments to planning boards, schedules April 21 hearing","audioSeconds",244,"startMs",3041000,"endMs",3285000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa&start=3041&end=3285","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa/thumbnail_3041000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6108460/Beacon/Dutchess-County/New-York/Council-refers-accessory-dwelling-unit-zoning-amendments-to-planning-boards-schedules-April-21-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108460-fcc6039506015ee9ec358cd79e393f6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442887&Signature=lGmOSSAKRKYZOnRRmtRIu7rBiuP5Xa-LQgZm5KsE1TLDdIWOZLa4df5sczK-o83F8Z5OklVX3wXaIXZOL8xo4zlMW9cp1pq3KoTHuJMnWgl7ASa1hDLFRD6nT8Si~TlW~K17R6EU3qRpgF~7vuiWqZqgBzPDz3UXYSx1HiUX2g7vyW8CX~kYeqBIP9YGXwJAfsPMu3BbeqxDAdvKi8oVLLS28ls1N9okcCrcwTPPRKKapSe9ywglHWtDNjjrHTe-GTtzF8oexc38TsAJhkjA6d4mrs04xK3XXGz5S325A75m4L7F4a3GY6crbYNVYomgkpgXyPOW12kpPskILqCokA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Beacon ","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Beacon City Council voted to refer a proposed local law amending accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to the City of Beacon Planning Board and the Dutchess County Planning Board and scheduled a public hearing for April 21.

The city planner summarized the proposed changes: ADUs would be permitted in all zoning districts when attached to an existing detached single‑family building; the local law removes a minimum apartment size but retains review triggers — specifically, an ADU whose square footage exceeds 50% of the primary building’s footprint would require site plan approval by the planning board. The proposal also introduces limited Architectural and Community Appearance Board (ARB) review where an ADU is within 10 feet of a property line and within 20 feet of an adjacent dwelling, and in certain R1 zone setbacks.

Why it matters: the draft aims to expand options for homeowners to add ADUs while retaining planning board review for units that approach the size of the primary house or have potential impacts on immediate neighbors.

Key details

Natalie (City Planner) told the council the proposal would permit ADUs “in all zoning districts so long as it’s to an existing detached single family property” and noted the removal of a minimum size requirement. She said the draft keeps a planning‑board review threshold when an accessory apartment exceeds 50% of the primary building footprint and explained ARB referral criteria for units close to property lines.

Council discussion and direction

Council members asked for clarification about the 50% threshold and whether it would subject owners of smaller homes to undue burdens. Several council members said they would like the planning board specifically to weigh in on the 50% threshold and how ARB review should operate. The council directed staff to send the draft and those specific questions to the planning board before the scheduled public hearing.

Vote

A motion to refer the local law to the City of Beacon Planning Board and the Dutchess County Planning Board and to schedule a public hearing for April 21 passed by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Beacon City Council Meeting 2025-03-18","oneSentenceSummary","The council voted to refer proposed amendments to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning rules to the City of Beacon Planning Board and the Dutchess County Planning Board and scheduled a public hearing for April 21. The changes would allow ADUs in more districts, remove minimum size limits and require site plan review in specific circumstances.","taxTitle","Beacon, Dutchess County, New York","taxId",69898,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6108464,"Council opens public hearing on rezoning of 25 parcels at 1 East Main Street",381,1747000,2128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa&start=1747&end=2128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa/thumbnail_1747000.jpg","/articles/6108464/Beacon/Dutchess-County/New-York/Council-opens-public-hearing-on-rezoning-of-25-parcels-at-1-East-Main-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108464-5c5d26aeb241c06429dae3b845c0944a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442887&Signature=mroNx9ue4UHUT2wwXJtqz4QfySUByW58kAoqi-mPawaJd4FDKa3zHtPuhBg19KkjWPrvRnMeCrnLab5fZb-K1rPqp27j~2s0JixdoqwSrHWpq6YnqEHCku3RxFhKGDYHxQtVlqyDeykuNUfpXFxwMVzIbPqCeHYh-zx0wFsarr-FFwmBZ3dnqxwhN4yW0dva1vHexwzERH5ziDkVfqdBdaF-JlcIsZ~dug0LkPEv-oBGoB9sMk39i-lYMJdX6wAKRgDVhaTZxIWcjLns2~4MG48TeI~4zszndCvv85x75Fw7fdvlIA4BG9Jhqb1muCcMZyj2HPmkEfqlsu5TcuBZjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Beacon City Council opened and later closed a public hearing on a proposed zoning map amendment to change 25 parcels commonly addressed as 1 East Main Street from Light Industrial (LI) to Central Main Street (CMS).

The city planner told the council the recommendation originated with the former building inspector and noted that changes in how the properties are used over time may make CMS a better fit for permitted uses. The city planning board reviewed the proposal and agreed the permitted uses align with CMS, but raised concerns that the CMS dimensional and density rules might be ill‑suited to the properties and recommended the council consider rezoning to the General Business (GB) district instead.

Why it matters: Rezoning could affect development patterns, setbacks, density and how properties are reused; public commenters asked for clearer documentation of owner intent and potential tax or valuation impacts.

What was said

Natalie (City Planner) summarized the submission, saying the building inspector’s memo and local law were in the packet and that the County Planning Board called the matter one of local concern. She said the planning board’s consensus was that “rezoning from LI to CMS makes sense in terms of the use regulations. But the planning board questioned whether the CMS district was appropriate for the property in terms of the dimensional and the density regulations.”

Public comment focused on economic and process questions. Clark Gebman questioned whether property owners had submitted applications or consented to rezoning and asked what effect rezoning would have on property tax revenue and parking requirements: “I don't know that there isn't gonna be litigation for someone who opposes it... I don't see any of that in the moving records.” Fred Rodney echoed requests for clarity about tax implications and owner notification.

Process and next steps

The council opened and then closed the public hearing after hearing from in‑person and online speakers. No final rezoning decision was made at the meeting; planning board comments and county input are in the record for council consideration before any adoption vote.","The council held a public hearing on a proposed local law to rezone 25 properties at 1 East Main Street from Light Industrial to Central Main Street (CMS). The city's planning board endorsed changing the use but questioned CMS dimensional standards and suggested General Business might be more appropriate.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6108469,"Beacon council holds public hearing on proposal to ban drive‑throughs and self‑storage",1977,2149000,4126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa&start=2149&end=4126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2768256-304702727bbc38b041f8f7ee56c572aa/thumbnail_2149000.jpg","/articles/6108469/Beacon/Dutchess-County/New-York/Beacon-council-holds-public-hearing-on-proposal-to-ban-drivethroughs-and-selfstorage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6108469-cdd36162dd1f12418c3de11c72c82304/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442887&Signature=I2UnkkGL3rWfOQbhGmXE0byEu-gMknDgC22orVnl8El~lMnBMHRlJFvVNbR8Is0MGyycEnr2EV0-lXa5tTmWVgUOIk19UNIhRqikPZB3s~mstrTukEvIl99Nlq9l6PU2CYky~2H4H-vLkj2ySo0sksVVOaM1riqYxYRN3qE6c6QNKYtYJFuqY2Tf0cTATsCUciWWYu3AV~LSS9zVK5Yo7E-Ow8~3UZP4YRQha3~EsKgYebIDJ03mgUUGvb-m3GI3wCrUKkXr~tkV3117rK0-NCPVVFW6oPq8wPTa2LJ2NYKV1uOGgT1S4OAWKY~XPo8bFgHo6wsvpUsmvPYO~Zk2zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beacon City Council opened a public hearing on a proposed local law that would eliminate drive‑through facilities and self‑storage businesses as permitted uses in all zoning districts and closed the hearing after public comment.

Supporters and opponents filled the meeting and the online comment queue. The city planner said the draft law would “eliminate drive through facilities in all zoning districts” and remove self‑storage as a permitted use where it currently appears, including the GB, LI and HI districts. The planning board submitted a memo urging a more targeted approach rather than a blanket ban.

Why it matters: proponents argued the ban would protect pedestrian character, limit traffic and reduce pollution along key corridors such as Fishkill Avenue; opponents said a ban could curtail local economic opportunities and proposed grandfathering or special permits for sites already approved by the planning board.

Details of the debate

Natalie (City Planner) summarized the draft local law, saying it would ban drive‑through facilities citywide and remove self‑storage from permitted uses where currently allowed. She described the planning board’s March 14 recommendation that the council identify specific areas for prohibition rather than adopting a blanket rule: “the boards encouraged more specific approach, rather than kind of categorically prohibiting these uses.”

Residents and organization representatives who spoke in favor of the ban cited walkability and climate goals. Thomas Wright, 24 Grove Street, cited a Conservation Advisory Committee memo and climate goals, saying drive‑throughs create “safety and traffic hazards, fundamental conflict with climate action goals, public health and environmental impacts.” Meg Lazarus (Ward 1 resident; Beacon Climate Action Now and Beacon Bicycle Coalition) said the community and advisory bodies consistently oppose drive‑throughs on Fishkill Avenue and urged council members to prioritize the long‑term vision: “what is your vision for a better Beacon.”

Speakers representing property owners and developers urged caution or a narrower rule. Taylor Palmer (attorney, Cody & Fader, representing DKH Realty/Healy) told the council the planning board approved Healy’s site plan for adaptive reuse at 420 Fishkill Avenue and asked the council to consider traffic consultant input and possible grandfathering or special permits rather than an outright ban: “we respectfully request that the city consider the planning board’s thoughtful recommendations and undertake a more comprehensive review and analysis before acting on this local law.” Several other residents said drive‑throughs add convenience for parents, workers and older residents.

Process and next steps

The county planning board comment included in the agenda described the matter as one of local concern. The council closed the public hearing by voice vote following the comment period. Council members said they will consider the public input and the planning board’s memo at an upcoming workshop; the mayor noted the council would reserve substantive discussion for the next workshop meeting.","The Beacon City Council opened and closed a public hearing on a proposed local law that would prohibit drive‑through facilities and self‑storage businesses in all zoning districts. Planning board members recommended a more targeted approach; public comment was strongly divided.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council refers accessory dwelling unit zoning amendments to planning boards, schedules April 21 hearing

Council opens public hearing on rezoning of 25 parcels at 1 East Main Street

Beacon council holds public hearing on proposal to ban drive‑throughs and self‑storage