Marlborough adopts revised ridgeline protection law after months of public comment

The Marlborough Town Board on Aug. 26 adopted Local Law No. 3 of 2024 amending Chapter 155 (Ridgeline and Steep Slope Protection), after months of hearings and public comment. The board approved the measure by roll call: Supervisor Scott Corcoran, Councilmen Ed Molinelli and Manny Cauchi and Councilwoman Sherida Sessa voted Yes; Councilman Dave Zambito abstained. The law requires a topographic survey using NAVD88, bars bright or highly reflective building materials, and limits lighting to fully shielded, Dark Sky–compliant fixtures.

Residents and the Conservation Advisory Committee urged the board to delay or reject the revisions, arguing the changes remove Planning Board oversight and weaken the original 50-foot no-disturbance standard. CAC Chair Mici Simonofsky read a letter urging the board to retain the original setback language. Cindy Lanzetta, a resident, said, “I’m still disappointed in the revisions of the changes to the Ridgeline Protection Law,” and asked the board to take “a collaborative approach.” Maribeth Wooldridge-King urged the board to consider long-term stewardship of the ridgeline and asked that her letter be entered into the public record.

Board members said the amendments aim to resolve ambiguous language and to provide a predictable, administrable process. Councilwoman Sessa described the revisions as clarifying access to the code, adding requirements for topographic maps and aesthetic and lighting controls so structures “blend in with the land and not stand out.” Supervisor Corcoran said applicants would first work with the Code Enforcement Officer and Town Engineer, who can refer matters to the Planning Board or ZBA where additional review is required.

The law follows a SEQRA review in which the board issued a Negative Declaration, finding no significant adverse environmental impacts from adopting the amendments. The local law takes effect upon filing with the New York Secretary of State.