Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Notice topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident complaint prompts Somers to tighten notice rules for zoning changes; board adopts EAF and law
Summary
After a resident described late or hard-to-see signage for a large townhouse proposal, the Somers board voted to adopt an Environmental Assessment Form and local changes to notice requirements for zoning map amendments and landlocked parcels and said it will strengthen on-site signage rules.
A Somers resident told the Town Board that the current notice process for zoning-map changes can leave neighbors unaware until the matter is nearly resolved, prompting the board on July 9 to adopt an Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and move forward with a local law changing notice requirements.
Roland Seifer, of 9 Lounsbury Drive, described a planned subdivision along Route 6 where he said the public did not see a sign on the property until late in the approval process. "We're all concerned about putting signage up so that you can see it," Seifer said, asking for visible on-site signs rather than relying solely on newspaper and online notices.
Board members acknowledged the legal publication requirements but said contemporary practice may require stronger physical notice at the site. The board adopted the EAF, closed the public hearing, and then moved to adopt the local-law changes; motions passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: On-site signage provides direct notice to nearby residents and can be critical to community engagement during rezoning or subdivision approvals. The adopted changes are intended to ensure more visible public notice for zoning-map amendments and affected parcels.
Next steps: Staff will update the code language and signage specifications and apply the new notice practices in future zoning hearings.
