WURTSBORO  — Opposition was high Tuesday night as public continued to backfire on the proposed Zoning Law Amendments.

The Sullivan County Democrat previously reported of amendments (from a letter by the Mamakating Local Development Corporation [MLDC]) that would support a commercial project near Exit 112 off Route 17. This project would allow economic development such as fast food restaurants and storage units.

Despite the Town Board’s promises of supporting local business and offsetting taxes, residents were uneasy. The night of June 3 was no different.

Resident Robert Rogers was the first to speak. He asked the Board to “reconsider the apparent fast track of passing a Local Law to change a Zoning [Code],” and said the process set a “dangerous precedent” by potentially allowing individual developers to influence Zoning Codes. 

“Please take a step back, slow down, and consider all that could be impacted,” stated Rogers. “Conduct analysis to determine the best density levels. Do the proper environmental review, traffic studies and listen to your constituents, not just the economic development organization.”

Resident Cathy Dawkins echoed the sentiment. 

“You spent a good deal of time scolding the public for wanting to have a voice in this. I was disappointed,” Dawkins remarked. “We asked before, we ask again and we will keep asking: ‘What’s the rush?’” she asked. “Before we even consider this change, I think it’s essential that we do an environmental impact analysis...a business impact analysis, that we do a segmentation prevention plan and that we do a traffic study.”

Other speakers voiced concern about who may benefit from the changes. 

Resident of 35 years, Sandra Hagen, cited the connection between the Mamakating Local Development Corporation (MLDC) and local officials. 

“Alex Goodman serves on the Board of Directors for the Mamakating Local Development Corporation,” Hagen stated. “Peter Goodman, his brother, is a Town Board Council Board Member for Ward 4. He is also the Deputy Supervisor for the Town…this conflict of interest is both familial and institutional.”

A number of residents questioned the economic benefit of allowing fast food and larger development into the area. 

Bloomingburg Resident Dani Copalis stated that the  “time is ripe for economic development of small businesses.”

“Wurtsboro has so many beautiful little small businesses that could be invested in and developed,” stated Copalis. “People are looking for those quaint villages without fast food and chain restaurants around them with hiking and natural features. The priority really should be on that kind of economic development.”

Residents also discussed tourism and traffic. Lindy - Ann Marryshow from the Property Owners Board at Mountain Lakes Camp worried about the safety of nearby homes. 

“If you have commercial restaurants coming right off the exit, then I think that kind of cuts us off from people coming into town to look for something to eat,” Marryshow warned.

“I don’t understand the rush [if there is no applicant]. I also don’t understand why we should open up the Zoning Law to who-know-what based on a hypothetical applicant,” stated Mamakating resident Chelsea Roth. “Why not leave the law as it is and if there are any business proposals on the table deal with them as variances [with environmental studies and public comment of course]?”

Town Supervisor Michael Robbins explained prior to the continued hearing that the Zoning Amendments would not be voted on that night and the vote would be let go until the next meeting.

“I think we have gotten our residents’ attention. We need to go slowly and thoughtfully on this,” explained Councilman Peter Goodman. “We really need to take a good look at this before we go ahead.”