Hempstead, NY – In order to ensure that community development projects are not delayed while simultaneously protecting the environment, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board announced that they will propose the withdrawal of building moratoriums that are slated to be considered by the Town Board at an upcoming meeting. The proposed moratoriums that are now the subject of proposals to be withdrawn include the Baldwin mixed-use zoning overlay district, the CA-S residence district, the neighborhood business overlay district for North Lawrence and Inwood, and the transit-oriented development district for North Lawrence and Inwood. Instead, the Town Board has developed an alternative proposal that will feature changes to the development approval process for these projects while ensuring compliance with environmental concerns as required by state law. Adopting the changes will eliminate the need for the moratoriums.
“I have been a constant advocate for having an open dialogue with residents regarding the future of our hometown,” said Clavin. “My proposal to withdraw from the temporary moratoriums while enabling the Town Board to assure environmental compliance and play a greater role in the approval process of significant development applications is a commitment to residents that we will facilitate consideration of reasonable development proposals by the Town Board in a timely, effective manner. We have a direct responsibility to residents to do what’s best for America’s largest township to consider reasonable development while protecting the environment for future generations.”
Formerly, the entire review of all development projects was under the purview of three Town of Hempstead employees. Under a new proposal, the Town Board will have a more comprehensive review role in the review process. Additionally, a more robust environmental review process will be adopted as part of comprehensive project approvals for all significant development projects.
After consulting with area residents, environmentalists, construction professionals, building department staff, developers and development committees, the Town Board decided that it was in the best interest of residents to eliminate the moratoria, while enhancing the review of development applications.
The new alternative proposal ensures that elected officials will have greater oversight of proposed development projects and be able to provide a high level of assurance that the environment will be protected while simultaneously streamlining the approval process. The alternative proposal will also promote greater responsiveness to community input on projects.
“Safeguarding the interests of the residents and the environmental process is very important as well as continuing the development in Baldwin. I stand with Supervisor Clavin in tabling the moratoriums but also moving these projects forward,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito.
“As a Councilman representing Baldwin, I strongly support the residents and businesses in encouraging proper development of the community. These proposed changes would enable Baldwin to continue to move forward, while addressing any environmental concerns that arise and protecting the character of the community,” said Councilman Christopher Carini.
Clavin concluded, “This alternative proposal will provide the Town Board the ability to make sure that developers address environmental concerns in an enhanced manner, while enabling the Town to move projects forward in a way that’s best for residents and future generations.”
