Town board continues public hearing on updated comprehensive master plan after mixed public comments

The Town of Wallkill held extended public comment and discussion on its updated comprehensive master plan Dec. 18 and voted to keep the public hearing open to allow more community input and technical review.

Attorney John Capello spoke for several landowners, asking for clarity on how the plan’s recommended zoning and map changes might affect properties with prior approvals. “I just was hoping that would be clear in the law whenever you do adopt it,” Capello said, asking the board to keep the record open so his clients could engage in dialogue.

Representatives for prospective developers and owners asked the board to delay action so they could resolve project-specific concerns, while board members emphasized the master plan’s role in long-term land-use strategy. Council members and staff noted that the County Planning Department provided formal comments that include both binding and advisory recommendations and that state environmental quality review (SEQR) steps, such as preparing a full Environmental Assessment Form, are required before adoption.

Board members praised the master plan committee’s work but highlighted areas they want to tweak, including conservation subdivision rules and the planned residential development (PRD) overlay. Several members suggested limiting PRD use to areas near mass transit or adjusting conservation subdivision criteria to prevent unintended density increases.

After discussion, a motion to keep the public hearing open passed; staff will review county comments, incorporate required SEQR steps, and return a revised draft for additional hearings.