Planning Board recommends rezoning two town-owned parcels along State Highway 131

The Louisville Planning Board voted unanimously on Jan. 7 to recommend that the Town Board rezone two roughly 250-by-400-foot parcels on a 26-acre town-owned property along State Highway 131 (tax map #8.002-1-51) from Public Lands and Water (P-LW) to R-1 Residential. The motion, moved by James Kenney and seconded by Diana Clark, leaves the remainder of the parcel zoned P-LW and sends the rezoning question to the Town Board for a required public hearing and final action.

Terri O'Keefe, the town code clerk, told the board that she had contacted the SLC Planning Office and relayed an email saying, “The Town would need to hold a public hearing and then take action to rezone the property to R-1. It could be done. The lots would then need to be subdivided as the Town saw fit, following their subdivision regulations.” Councilman Dan O'Keefe said one person has already expressed interest in purchasing town-owned property and that proceeds from any sale would go into the town's capital fund. He told the board Barton & Loguidice had reviewed the parcel and that perc tests have not yet been completed but would be done before the town pays for subdivision surveying. Community members suggested alternatives including a multi-use recreation area and extending the NYPA walking path; Councilwoman Nancy Charleston said Louisville has limited inventory and is a desirable neighborhood, which factored into the discussion.

The Planning Board's recommendation is advisory; the Town Board must hold the public hearing and vote to enact any rezoning. The board also noted conditions to advance the project, including completing perc testing and following the town's subdivision regulations before any lot sales proceed.