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Council approves first reading of ordinance to prohibit new inpatient treatment facilities
Summary
On first reading the Town Council approved Ordinance O-05-2025 amending Chapter 23 (zoning) to correct lot‑size language and explicitly prohibit new inpatient treatment facilities within municipal limits; staff said the town has never permitted hospitals or overnight surgical facilities and cited proximity to JFK Hospital.
The council considered Ordinance O‑05‑2025, a first reading amendment to Chapter 23 (zoning) that clarifies lot‑size language for MXD (Mixed‑Use Development) and adds a provision to prohibit new inpatient treatment facilities within the town. Planning and zoning staff said the change corrects a drafting glitch (the ordinance had referenced a maximum where it should have referenced minimum lot size) and clarifies that overnight surgical centers and hospitals are not permitted uses in town.
"Ordinance number ODash05Dash2025... adopting Section 20 three‑one 151 to be entitled inpatient treatment facilities prohibited," the reading into the record stated. Staff noted the town currently has one legal nonconforming hospital use but that the municipality does not have a local need for additional inpatient facilities, pointing to nearby JFK as a regional hospital resource. There was no public comment and the council voted 5‑0 to approve the ordinance on first reading.
Council members indicated the amendment is largely clerical to correct prior language and to ensure the zoning code reflects long‑standing local policy. The ordinance will return for second reading and adoption in a subsequent meeting as required by the town's ordinance process.
