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Trustees weigh whether to exempt 150 Madison from pending stormwater moratorium
Summary
The board debated a one‑time variance request for a 150 Madison application while a new stormwater local law is pending; the village attorney and trustees said they need clearer comparison of current and proposed regulations before granting any waiver.
Trustees discussed whether to grant a one‑time exception to the village’s moratorium for a 150 Madison development application while the board finalizes a new stormwater local law.
The village attorney explained there is a moratorium provision that takes effect when a local law that could change zoning is introduced and noted "there is a carve out for an applicant to request of the board of trustees a 1 time exception to basically go forward with the application in spite of the moratorium." The attorney said the stormwater code should be ready for passage at an upcoming meeting and that the carve‑out is discretionary.
Trustees expressed concern about whether the applicant’s plans actually comply with the draft stormwater regulations and whether a consultant has confirmed compliance. One trustee said "I don't think that I'm up to speed enough to be able to say yes or no to a waiver right now," and several asked for more technical review before making a decision.
One trustee noted the property is in Washingtonville—an area highlighted for stormwater impacts—and urged caution: "if we were gonna try to help someone... I don't think this is the area where we wanna test that before we know final plans and final law." Another trustee emphasized the planning board can review the application up to but not including taking formal action under the moratorium.
Some trustees pushed for timely handling to avoid indefinite delays for the applicant, noting previous reductions in proposed building scale and potential hardship for an owner trying to build a home in the village. The attorney and trustees agreed to wait for the planning board's consultant review and for clearer comparison between current and proposed stormwater requirements before deciding on any moratorium exemption.
No waiver was granted at the work session; trustees asked staff and the planning board for more information and anticipated the stormwater regulation would reach final review at a March meeting.
