MONTICELLO/THOMPSON — A proposed annexation of a vacant property along Hay Street was voted down following a joint public hearing with the Town of Thompson during the Village of Monticello’s Wednesday night board meeting, declining a request to bring the property into the village as a residential development.

Located at 25 Hay Street and owned by VPK Capital LLC, the 1.264-acre parcel currently sits within Thompson town limits and was sought to be annexed into the Village of Monticello and eventually developed into a 10-unit rental property.

Joined by one of the owners’ sons, Patrick Sikorski, VPK Capital LLC Managing Member and attorney for the applicants Michael Davidoff explained the project to the Village of Monticello and Town of Thompson boards. The requested annexation included a residential zoning designation, consistent with nearby properties, which would pave the way for the proposed development.

“Over the years, we’ve had a resounding amount of feedback from our tenants and from the local community that there’s a shortage of housing,” Sikorski said.

Highlighting the property’s proximity to local amenities like DeHoyos and Dillon parks, as well as the Ted Stroebele Recreation Center, Sikorski pointed to the village’s investments in the splash pad at DeHoyos Park and the upcoming opening of a pool at the same park.

The proposed layout would feature two buildings containing a total of 10 rental units surrounding a parking lot. However, the project would still have to undergo the necessary planning approvals and engineering reviews.

The presentation spurred further discussion among the board regarding larger housing priorities within the village, including the balance between opportunities for single-family homeownership and multifamily dwellings. Trustee Gordon Jenkins questioned the continued emphasis on rental housing, stressing that residents who want to remain in Monticello should also have the opportunity to purchase homes.

Trustee Janice Davis asked about the potential for affordable housing to be included in the development. While not ruling out the possibility, Davidoff and Sikorsky both indicated that the matter would need to come before the Planning Board for further consideration and discussion.

During a joint environmental review, both boards considered the potential impacts of the proposal, ultimately issuing a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), determining that a full environmental impact statement would not be necessary.

With no public input for or against the proposal, the Village of Monticello Board voted to deny the annexation application in a 3-1-1 vote. Trustees Gordon Jenkins and Theodore Hutchins, along with Village Mayor Rochelle Massey, voted against the proposal, Deputy Mayor John Barbarite voted in favor, and Trustee Janice Davis abstained.

Although both municipalities participated in the public hearing, each must make its own determination on the proposed annexation. The Town of Thompson did not vote during the hearing, choosing instead to discuss the matter at a future meeting.