Trustee calls for extended public comment on controversial zoning changes

Concerns over transparency in zoning changes dominated the Village of Ballston Spa Board of Trustees meeting on April 14, 2025. A resident passionately addressed the board, highlighting the overwhelming turnout at a recent public rezoning workshop held on April 3, which saw standing room only. However, the resident expressed disappointment over the limited extension of the public comment period for the draft zoning changes, now set to close on April 25.

The resident urged the trustees to extend this deadline by two additional weeks, citing a lack of public access to information and transparency in the decision-making process. "There have been at least four or five changes to the draft zoning map during the comment period," the resident noted, emphasizing that such frequent alterations are unusual in government and have led to confusion and misinformation among the community.

The resident also criticized the reliance on social media, specifically the mayor's Facebook page, for disseminating crucial information about zoning decisions. They pointed out that many residents had previously voiced concerns about using social media for such important matters. Furthermore, the resident raised issues regarding the sidelining of the democratically appointed zoning advisory committee, linking it to past controversies involving its chairperson.

This discussion underscores the community's demand for greater transparency and engagement in shaping foundational public policies like zoning. As the April 25 deadline approaches, the trustees face mounting pressure to address these concerns and ensure that residents have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.