ELDRED — On October 8th, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network presented a petition to the Town of Highland Town Board at their monthly meeting for the adoption of a moratorium on any new development, expanding development, or change in land use within the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River corridor portion of the Town to allow for needed Comprehensive Planning and Zoning reforms. The Town of Highland is currently in the process of revising its ten-year Comprehensive Plan, which identifies the Town’s “principles, goals, policies, strategies for growth and development” and in turn informs zoning regulations, building codes, and land use policies for the next ten years. 

Delaware Riverkeeper Network asserts that a moratorium is required to protect the Town and thus the River from development that may undermine the community’s vision for the Town’s future growth and land use as it is being outlined in this new Comprehensive Plan. The petition also highlights the need to address inconsistencies or confusion in existing ordinances and the need for the Town to fully consider and understand its constitutional obligation to protect environmental rights as outlined in the recently passed New York Green Amendment, Article 1 Section 19 of the NY state constitution. The petition, presented by the Delaware Riverkeeper, Maya van Rossum, to the Town Board at last night’s meeting, outlines thirteen reasons why a moratorium is beneficial, timely, and essential to the Town and its residents. 

“The Town of Highland is uniquely positioned along the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, where many thousands come each year to enjoy the natural beauty of the River and its surrounding nature. And we applaud the Town’s commitment to preserving the scenic and aesthetic character of this area, as demonstrated by its active participation securing the Scenic and Recreational River designation and the development, implementation, and enforcement of the Upper Delaware River Management Plan. A halt in development within the River Corridor while the Comprehensive Plan is being updated would ensure that future development in this prized portion of the community contributes positively to the Town’s character, natural resources, economic growth, and overall public welfare. A moratorium right now just makes sense for the Town of Highland,” says Maya K. van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper and leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

The Town of Highland’s position along the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River make it necessary for the Town’s Codes and Regulations to be in substantial conformance with the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Management Plan. As a part of the Comprehensive Planning process, the Town will need to update its Code to be consistent with the revised Comprehensive Plan, as well as in substantial conformance with the River Management Plan. Land use moratoria may be enacted during such planning processes to temporarily suspend development until a town’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances are updated.

“An immediately adopted moratorium would alleviate pressure to rush project approvals, providing the Town time to thoughtfully complete its ten-year Comprehensive Plan Review and update Town Codes and Regulations without fear of development applicants misinterpreting, mischaracterizing, or misapplying current laws and/or advancing development projects that undermine the newly crafted Comprehensive Plan. A thorough and unobstructed Planning process is essential for preserving the area’s natural beauty, access to recreational resources, the health of the Delaware River, the character of the Town of Highland, and the economic vitality and quality of life benefits a healthy River corridor provides,” added van Rossum.