Developers present 12-unit Shore Farm townhome plan; board raises zoning and open-space questions

Natalie Quinn, a planner with KARC Planning Consultants, presented a sketch plan on Aug. 4 for a clustered multifamily project the Shore family is proposing on a 70-acre parcel off the Taconic and Clinton Corners Road. Quinn said the plan would add 12 townhouse-style units in three buildings on one lot, with four units per building, and would preserve the farm's agricultural operations while providing a modest rental option.

Quinn described the site as "just off of the Taconic, off of Clinton Corners Road," and said the eastern property boundary abuts the municipal line with the Town of Washington. She told the planning board the parcel is in the town's CR-1 zoning district and that "one of the intents of the district is to provide diverse housing while also preserving agriculture," which she said motivated the concept.

The planning board's discussion centered on how the town's multifamily supplemental regulations would apply. Town staff flagged provisions in the zoning code that require an open area equal to 40% of the gross lot area for tenant use (noted in reviewers' comments as "250-62.B.10" in the application materials) and a minimum lot size for multifamily…