Farmer

Woodbourne

This letter was addressed tothe the Town of Fallsburg Board  and sent to the Democrat for publication. 

To the editor:

I am writing to add a very serious concern to your list of zoning changes. That is to remove “House of Worship” as a permitted use in your Ag Zone. First of all this use is absolutely not compatible with agriculture, farming or preserving open space which are defined as the prefered uses in the Ag Zone. 

Secondly the proposed development of the former McKean horse farm on Rose Rd is the example of where the future of the Fallsburg Ag Zone is headed. 

Here is what is currently happening: 

This was an operating horse farm until purchased in June of 2023. It is in the Ag Zone and NYS AG District #4. It was receiving Ag District Tax Exemption plus a 10-year exemption on a new horse barn. 

YNHK purchased the farm in June of 2023 and within 3 weeks; while allegedly breaking many town zoning and Building codes; built three large buildings; converted the horse barn to a dormitory and the two farm houses into apartments. 

Now, after court proceedings; including paying a fine, they are before the planning board with a religious loophole argument that will impact the farming nature of Rose Rd. forever and jeopardize the total farming zone in Fallsburg. 

Here is their latest proposal before the Planning Board: “Continued review of Site Plan to allow a Religious Educational Facility consisting of two existing residential structures; 6 proposed buildings; and support structures as well as roadways and utilities.” 

This is very far from the current definition of a “House of Worship” in your Comprehensive Plan - “A building or structure used exclusively for the conducting of organized religious services, such as a church, synagogue, temple or mosque”. 

I have heard Attorney Barshov threaten the Board with RLUIPA lawsuits and how “his” interpretation of that Act allows “religious facilities to build whatever they determine as necessary for religious activity”. 

So now you have a farm with 3 large illegal buildings on piers (no permits or inspections) ; a large horse barn already converted into a dormitory with bathrooms (no permits or health department inspections); the two existing farm houses already converted into illegal apartments; a design that includes 6 more mobile homes; and support structures? Necessary for “religious education”! All in an area with no sewer/water districts and on an unsafe narrow rural road! This is not a single “House of Worship”! It’s a School?; Camp? Religious Community? 

All because of allowing “House of Worship” and the threat of RLUIPA in your Ag Zone! Get it out! 

Attorny Barshov made a presentation to the Planning Board why they must approve this disaster. However he is not 100 percent accurate on allowing religious developments. The Town is not discriminating against religious activity if they have zones that specifically allow retreats and religious facilities; which Fallsburg does.

m sure you have a lot of voter support to make this revision.