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Little Falls board directs planning board to develop resident survey as first step toward comprehensive plan
Summary
The Town Board unanimously directed the Planning Board to review existing plans and develop a resident survey to begin work on a comprehensive plan after public testimony warned the town risks uncontrolled development without one.
The Town Board of Little Falls voted June 11 to direct the town Planning Board to draft a resident survey as the first step toward creating a comprehensive plan, a measure proponents said would give the town legal footing to guide future land use.
Supporters including former Fairfield Supervisor Hank Crofoot and City of Little Falls Mayor Deborah Kaufman urged the town to act, arguing a comprehensive plan provides a community‑driven “footprint” for growth and helps defend zoning decisions in court. “Without it you’re open to people with a lot of money and good lawyers to just come in and do whatever they want,” Crofoot said. Mayor Kaufman said developers are pursuing projects near the town and described a current proposal to build 138 units adjacent to an R‑1 area as an example of the pressures a plan could help address.
MVED representative Anthony Marris‑Swann told the board the state’s standard for land‑use decisions is alignment with the goals set out in a comprehensive plan and suggested the city’s plan could be used as a template to save time and expense. “It’s a huge leg up rather than starting from scratch,” Marris‑Swann said. Supervisor Dan Casler said the town should not reinvent the wheel and supported moving forward, while Councilman Kevin Sullivan pressed for clearer cost estimates to present to residents.
The resolution directing the Planning Board to review available plans and prepare a survey was adopted unanimously. Board members discussed outreach methods; several favored a mailed survey to reach residents without internet access, including Amish households, and Chairwoman Elaine Cobb said the Planning Board is willing to help but does not feel qualified to produce a full plan without outside assistance.
Board members noted consultant costs vary widely depending on depth; Sullivan cited prior estimates ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and asked for a concrete figure for public review. Supervisor Casler said he will seek a quote from Barton & Loguidice after pursuing other avenues; Mayor Kaufman offered to share the city’s plan as a starting point. The Planning Board will return to the Town Board with a proposed questionnaire for review.
