COCHECTON – The Cochecton Town Board accepted their updated town comprehensive plan at their regular meeting on February 8 after holding a public hearing.

The comprehensive plan was presented by Planning Consultant Tom Shepstone, who stated that the comprehensive plan for the town was most recently updated in 2011. In his report, Shepstone said that the town has experienced little growth over the past decade. Specifically, Shepstone pointed out the declining population within the school.

Shepstone noted that before his filing of the report before the Town Board, the county had addressed the comprehensive plan with additional feedback which included amending a section which focused on the goals regarding agriculture within the town, and another section regarding Skinners Falls. 

The topic of discussion for the Board turned to Airbnbs and other “short-term rental housing units”, and how they can become more regulated moving into the future as their popularity increases both county and nationwide. 

Town Supervisor Gary Maas noted that the registration of short term rental units within the town requires a great deal of work. Additionally, other challenges may arise when dealing with short-term rental units, such as contacting the owners of the properties in case of emergency.

Following this, the public hearing was closed by the Town Board, and the updated comprehensive plan was  accepted unanimously. 

Supervisor Maas reported that the town is experiencing a shortage of revenue due to a lower number of traffic ticket violations and the town seeing only a few proceedings in traffic court last month.

Additionally, the Town Board voted in favor of appointing Frank Kratz to the Town Planning Board. Kratz is replacing Neil Halloran, who prolonged his retirement from the position until a suitable replacement was found.