Planning Board OKs drafting of new Strathmore zoning district to tackle local concerns

The Village of Valley View Planning Board on May 19 authorized Law Director David Lambros to draft an ordinance that would create a separate residential zoning district for the Strathmore Subdivision, a move proponents said is needed because the neighborhood’s topography and resident behavior do not fit the existing Country Homes zone.

Councilperson Tina Paulson and Councilperson Wyatt told the board that Strathmore’s smaller lots and different terrain mean some rules that work elsewhere in the village are unenforceable in Strathmore. Paulson said the change would allow “different rules” tailored to that neighborhood rather than changing Village-wide policy. Wyatt said long-term parking on front lawns is a recurring problem and that residents complain but see no enforcement, adding that he has sought the change “for years.”

Solicitor David Lambros outlined the process: if Planning Board authorizes the drafting, Lambros will prepare an ordinance, Planning Board has 30 days to review it and will then recommend for or against to Village Council, which makes the final decision. Lambros noted the ordinance will go to Council regardless of Planning Board’s recommendation.

Board members urged the sponsors to develop specific provisions. Member Joseph White recommended the sponsors identify concrete changes—such as requiring parking on a concrete pad rather than grass—before the ordinance is drafted. Member Mike Bertovich cautioned against creating rules that could operate like a homeowners association and asked sponsors to be specific about the changes they want.

The board voted to authorize Lambros to draft the ordinance. The motion passed by roll call vote: Aye — Bertovich, March, Spieth, Johnston, White. The ordinance will return to Planning Board for its 30-day review and then proceed to Village Council for consideration.