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Ancram board, zoning committee split over priorities as members urge clearer direction on affordable housing
Summary
A lengthy, at-times heated exchange on appointments to the Zoning Revisions Committee left board members divided about whether the committee has drifted toward environmental issues and whether it should be directed to prioritize zoning changes to enable smaller lots and clustered housing for affordability.
Board members and Zoning Revisions Committee participants clashed over appointments and the committee’s focus, with several supervisors saying the ZRC needs clearer, narrower direction to pursue zoning changes that encourage small‑lot or clustered development. David Boyse (Councilman) said he was disappointed with the planning board’s handling of a recent application and argued the town appears to resist affordable‑housing initiatives; other board members urged more guidance rather than removing volunteers.
Discussion ranged from whether the ZRC is prioritizing environmental protections over zoning reforms, to concrete proposals: several members urged revising minimum lot sizes and enabling shared‑well or clustered developments to allow more units on infill parcels. A board consensus emerged to pause adding new appointees until supervisors provide clearer direction to the committee and, where possible, attend ZRC meetings to support that refocus. One ZRC supporter warned that with only seven active members, the committee needs new members for robust discussion.
