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Residents urge caution as Highland Falls board weighs Main Street zoning changes
Summary
At a continued public hearing, residents urged the Village of Highland Falls board to slow business-district changes and prioritize residential protections and accessory-dwelling opportunities for longtime homeowners rather than favoring outside developers.
The Village of Highland Falls continued a public hearing on proposed zoning-map changes for Main Street, where multiple residents urged the board to "go slow" on altering the business district and to include residential zoning changes in the comprehensive plan.
A longtime resident, speaking during public comment, said the proposed revisions appear to focus primarily on the business district while leaving residential zones unchanged. "If we have more residential development, there'll be more residents buying from the local businesses," the resident said, urging the board to allow accessory dwelling units and conversions that would help local homeowners increase property values.
Board members acknowledged the comment and agreed to prepare a short factsheet clarifying exactly which parcels and map sections will be on the final vote. Mayor De Nocca said staff would produce a concise summary for residents so people understand "what's being voted on." The public-hearing record will remain open for written comments through 4 p.m. on November 1, the board confirmed.
Why it matters: The hearing centers on whether to change stretches of Main Street from commercial to residential zoning in areas where businesses and longtime family-owned properties currently sit. Residents said unclear language and sudden map changes risk making existing businesses nonconforming and could hamper owners' ability to rebuild after damage.
Board next steps: The board voted at the meeting to close oral public comment but accept written comments until 4:00 p.m. on November 1. Staff committed to better map-language and an explanatory sheet for constituents.
