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Greenberg keeps ADU hearing open after residents and planners press for more notice and tweaks
Summary
The Greenberg Town Board left the continued public hearing on a zoning change to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) open for further outreach and moved the matter to March 26 after residents and planners raised concerns about notice, parking requirements and whether the draft favors certain lot sizes.
The Greenberg Town Board kept the public record open on a proposed local law (TV2309) to permit accessory dwelling units in single‑family zones and adjourned the hearing to March 26 for additional outreach and review.
Garrett Duquesne, commissioner of the Department of Community Development and Conservation, told the board the draft ordinance is unchanged from earlier postings and is designed to regulate ADUs by special permit while protecting parking, neighborhood character and landscaping. “There should not be a concern that there would be any home‑value reductions based on the approval of this local law,” Duquesne said, describing design and parking protections in the draft.
Public commenters included homeowners who urged passage to help families stay in town and critics who warned the law is a fundamental change to single‑family zoning. Sherry Yuji, who said she has multigenerational household needs, asked the board to act: “Having something, even if it's not perfect, can be a benefit,” she said, noting ADUs could help young adults and aging relatives remain in the community.
Other speakers urged changes to the proposal. Hugh Schwartz, who said he once opposed ADUs, recommended lowering the property‑size threshold so more homeowners can qualify and pressed the board to keep the town’s zoning safeguards in place. “Just make the one change to 5,000 square feet and let our zoning laws and our planning board do their part of the job,” he said.
Board members debated whether to split the ordinance into separate measures for interior conversions versus new backyard structures, whether the planning board should have discretion to waive parking rules, and how to notify residents effectively. Several members recommended a work session on outreach and an annual review of the pilot period to track impacts.
After discussion, a member moved to keep the record open and adjourn the hearing to March 26 to allow for broader notification and more time to resolve drafting concerns. The motion passed with the board recording aye votes. The town will have another meeting to consider outreach options and any edits before a final vote.
Next steps: the ADU hearing remains open; the board scheduled the matter for further consideration on March 26, when staff and board members may present revised notice plans and technical edits.
