WURTSBORO  — A resounding applause of approval rang out among meeting attendees Tuesday night as Town Supervisor Michael Robbins confirmed that the Amendments would be voted down that afternoon.

Councilman Peter Goodman motioned to turn down and reject the Amendments as proposed while looking further into it in the future. Councilman John Rufer seconded the motion. The vote of approval was nearly-unanimous with Councilman Tyler Wood voting in opposition.

The Town of Mamakating had previously considered zoning amendments aimed at encouraging small business development near Exit 112. The proposed changes included reducing the minimum lot size in the Overlay District from 25 acres to three, permitting fast food restaurants in the Interchange Commercial (IC) Zone, and allowing self-storage units in the Overlay Zone. The Town Board stated the updates were intended to make the town more business-friendly, expand its tax base, and prevent overdevelopment on the mountainside. 

“We looked over everything. The general consensus with the board is that we’re gonna vote it down tonight,” detailed Robbins. “There are some things that we still like in the law but there are [also] things we don’t like in the law.”

Robbins noted that the Town Board would maybe revisit it “way down the road” or with the next “regime” that takes over in January.

He also reiterated (from previous meetings) that he was still pro-business, and that a lot may still disagree with him on that matter.

“I think it’s very important for the town in the future that we make sure that our town is strong,” stressed Robbins. “I want to take some tax burdens off the residents. Now everybody [may not] agree with that and they’re welcome to their opinion, but this is my opinion.”

Deputy Supervisor and Councilman Peter Goodman clarified that the comprehensive plan wouldn’t have to be done all over again [if he gets voted in] and that some things would have to be looked at.

“Our past few board meetings have been so well attended, I hope you keep coming ... but obviously there are some issues that everybody is concerned about,” acknowledged Goodman. “I think our commercial zoning really needs to be examined very closely and I think with everybody’s input and a lot of studying I hope that we can come up with something better in the future.”

“I thank everybody for their concern and your input made a big deal. It influenced us and I try to pick the route listening to what people are saying.”

During Public Hearing, Mamakating residents thanked the board for their vote.

Cathy Dawkins thanked the board for giving consideration to the thoughts and ideas presented in the room over the last couple months.

“I know it’s difficult to be a public servant. The decisions are sometimes difficult and complicated. Hearing from the public and the community where you live is sometimes uncomfortable,” stated Dawkins. “I consider myself pro-business ... I just feel that we need to find as a community where, what, and how and I think that needs to be a community decision. Mike we maybe agree on more than you think.”

Dawkins also expressed openness to participating in a community forum process to find those aforementioned things.