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Kingston schedules May 4 zoning follow-up as residents seek clearer definitions and accommodations
Summary
Residents pressed Council for clearer zoning definitions—particularly what counts as a 'bedroom'—and raised concerns that the May 4 follow-up hearing could fall on a Jewish holiday; the administration said the date was set to comply with a DOJ consent order and will invite planner Mr. Yefko to clarify details.
At the April 20 work session, resident Susan Motyka asked Council for precise definitions tied to proposed zoning amendments, specifically how a 'bedroom' would be classified under the changes.
Administrator Sondra Riviello said Council will hold a follow-up public hearing on May 4 and requested planner Mr. Yefko attend to help clarify outstanding questions; she noted the amendments have been further updated since the March hearing and that Council will consider the amendments at a special voting meeting after the May 18 work session.
Resident Yehudah Aronson also urged Council to consider scheduling: he told the council that May 4 coincides with a Jewish holiday and said that could prevent some members of the Jewish community—who the amendments are intended to help—from participating. Aronson said he had no reason to believe the meeting was scheduled intentionally to exclude participation but asked Council to be mindful of the timing.
Riviello responded that the May 4 meeting is a regularly scheduled session and that the borough is trying to comply with the Department of Justice consent order; she said the date was chosen well in advance and that borough legal counsel and the solicitor agreed the schedule was the most expedient way to meet consent-order requirements. She added she had consulted a Jewish community leader about accommodating a celebration on Church Street Park.
The administration also noted that, under the consent order, borough employees, members of boards and council are required to attend RLUIPA training; the first session had already taken place and a second will be scheduled with legal counsel. The council did not take final action on zoning amendments at the April 20 meeting; the May 4 hearing will provide another opportunity for public comment and clarification.
