Planning Board to send advisory letter on proposed R4F downzoning, urges broader approach to flooding and housing

The Planning Board spent a significant portion of its Feb. 26 meeting discussing a Board of Trustees referral on a proposed local law to downzone certain R4F parcels (a change that would reduce the number of units allowed in parts of Washingtonville). Board members said the proposal may reduce potential redevelopment that yields more units but questioned whether the downzoning would measurably reduce flooding or address stormwater concerns.

Members noted three objectives attributed to the Trustees’ proposal — mitigating flooding, reducing off-street parking/traffic impacts, and preserving low-density character — and said the draft law as written may not meet those objectives. Several members urged that any change aimed at flood reduction would be better framed as targeted engineering or retention standards, reduced lot coverage, or village-wide zoning adjustments rather than a narrow downzoning focused on one neighborhood.

The board agreed to draft an advisory letter to the Trustees that (1) records concerns the proposed law may reduce housing supply in an area of relatively affordable housing, (2) recommends additional technical analysis on flooding and stormwater impacts, (3) suggests consideration of complementary measures for other neighborhoods, and (4) recommends more outreach to affected residents ahead of the Trustees’ March 10 hearing. The Planning Board said it will circulate a draft to members and submit the letter before the Trustees’ meeting if members concur.