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Clinton adopts six-month moratorium on new conference-center, hotel and motel applications
Summary
The Town of Clinton Board adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2025, imposing a six-month moratorium on new applications for conference centers, hotels and motels; the moratorium expressly excludes three applications already in progress, including the Six Senses proposal.
The Town of Clinton on Aug. 12 adopted a six-month moratorium on new applications for conference centers, hotels and motels, the board said during a public hearing and subsequent vote.
The town board voted to approve resolution No. 30 (02/2025), adopting Local Law No. 1 of 2025, which the legal notice says is enacted “pursuant to Article 16 of the New York Town Law” and will take effect immediately upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State.
At the outset of the public hearing, a board member identified in the record as Elliot clarified the scope: “This public hearing is not about 6 senses. It's about a moratorium,” and said the measure would apply only to new applications. Elliot later told the board the six-month pause would provide time to draft a more comprehensive revision to town zoning governing conference centers, hotels and motels.
Several residents and a regional economic development representative spoke during the hearing. Graham Trask, a Clinton resident, urged the board to protect the town’s rural character and historic resources, saying the moratorium is intended to allow the town to “get back to the basics” and align zoning with the comprehensive plan.
A representative identified as Mike, speaking for the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, asked the board to consider the moratorium’s message to investors, warning that a pause could deter regional investment. Mike asked the board to follow the existing review procedures for applicants while the town completes its zoning revision.
Town Clerk Carol Mackin read the legal notice describing the proposed local law and the hearing logistics. The notice, included in the record, states the proposed local law is titled “conference center, hotel, and motel moratorium” and cites the town’s authority under Article 16 of the New York Town Law.
During board discussion, Elliot said the moratorium would remove pressure to hurry a major rewrite and provide “a six month cushion” for a methodical drafting process. The board also noted the moratorium cannot retroactively stop applications already filed; the town has three applications currently in progress, one identified in public remarks as the Six Senses proposal, and those remain unaffected by the new law.
A roll-call vote was taken and the motion carried; the minutes record multiple “aye” votes and note the resolution was approved. The local law will take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State, per the legal notice read at the hearing.
The board indicated it plans to draft substantive changes to zoning rules for conference centers, hotels and motels during the moratorium period, and that the drafting process will include preparation of a final document for public review, county planning comment and a subsequent public hearing before any final adoption.
Community members who spoke said they expect further opportunities for public comment on the forthcoming draft. The board encouraged residents to subscribe to town email notices for updates and for announcements about the committee drafting the new law.
