Beacon council refers proposed local law on drive‑throughs and self‑storage to planning boards

The Beacon City Council voted to refer a proposed local law that would amend the city zoning code to clarify how drive‑through facilities and self‑storage businesses are treated under local law and to schedule a public hearing on the measure for March 17.

City Attorney Nick Wardwell told the council the measure “augments the city zoning code in terms of permitted uses for drive thru facilities, self storage businesses, and clarifies that no use is not expressly permitted or prohibited.” Wardwell also said the referral gives the city and county planning boards 30 days to report under the General Municipal Law.

Mayor Molly and councilmembers moved and seconded the referral and the council recorded unanimous approval. The council’s action sends the proposed local law to the Dutchess County Planning Board and the City of Beacon Planning Board for review before the scheduled public hearing. If either planning board does not complete its review within 30 days under the General Municipal Law referral requirement, the council may extend the public hearing date.

The referral comes amid an active review of the Fishkill Avenue corridor, where recent redevelopment proposals — including an adaptive reuse plan for 420 Fishkill Avenue that includes a Dunkin' with an accessory drive‑through — have rekindled debate about whether to restrict drive‑throughs and certain commercial uses in parts of the corridor.

The council will receive planning‑board feedback before the March 17 public hearing; the local law would require additional steps, including any necessary comprehensive plan or zoning amendments, before it could be enacted.