An informational meeting was held on the 16^th day of October at the Town Building, Fly Creek, NY at 7:00 PM with guest speaker and Planner Nan Stolzenberg.

Town Supervisor Tom Breiten called the meeting to order. Approximately 180 people were present.

Breiten explained that this meeting would be the first of several meetings giving the Public an opportunity to offer written or oral comments on the proposed subdivision draft. Before opening the floor for comments Breiten explained the series of events that lead to the proposed Conservation Subdivision draft.

2001 – Sent out a questionnaire to Town residents.

August 2002 – Town Board established a Comprehensive Planning Committee.

2003 – Requested help from the Otsego County Planning Department which the Town was refused do to a shortage of staff.

2004 – Were given a $29,000 grant from Senator Seward toward revising the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Held several neighborhood community meetings gathering input.

2005 – Town Board sent out to several firms RFP’s to update the Town’s existing Master Plan.

Planner Nan Stolzenberg was selected.

Breiten turned the meeting over to Nan Stolzenberg.

Stolzenberg defined a Comprehensive Plan as being a guideline the Town would follow when making future decisions concerning economic development. It is not a law. It identifies conditions and issues the Town is facing, outlines the Town’s vision and future and how that vision is obtained.

She studied first the Town’s profile including the Historic Districts, demographic trends, transportation patterns, physical and natural resources, and scenic views. Secondly she did a build out analysis. Using what is currently allowed in the Land Use Law, she estimated 7,374 potential new homes could be built. If lakes, wetlands, streams, and floodplain areas were taken out of the total acreage divided, as well as 100ft. buffers ere added in to streams and wetlands, and slopes that are 20% or better, the potential new homes that could be built drops to 5,231. 7,374 new homes, she said equals approximately 16,960 people.

Stolzenberg felt that a Conservation Subdivision would best accomplish the vision set for the Town. She defined a Conservation Subdivision as being a flexible residential lot layout technique. Every parcel is unique.

With a Conservation Subdivision:

• Homes are strategically placed to benefit the community as a whole. Usually 50% of the land is preserved for open space.

• It is density neutral (does not reduce the number of lots allowed by zoning)

• It can provide for smaller lots which can be more affordable.

• It preserves larger areas of undeveloped land. This preserves rural character.

• The site planning is sensitive to the environment

• It is a practical way to develop land without damage to natural features.

• It can help maintain special characters

• It can reduce infrastructure costs.

• There is lower environmental impact.

• There are fewer roads.

• You have open space and there are intact wild life habitats.

Stolzenberg stated that many states have been using Conservation Subdivision for many years. New York is late in adopting it.

A list of concerns and comments from the public:

• It will have a negative impact on affordable housing.

• The current census shows a drop in population not an increase.

• Those owning more acreage have the most to loose.

• Would like the decision left to the landowner rather than make it a law.

• Think the existing Subdivision law is adequate.

• Would like to see the Revised Comprehensive Plan revised and adopted before making changes to the Subdivision Law.

• Not in favor of clustering.

• Think the proposal is just as good as the existing Subdivision law and reminded those in attendance that freedom goes both ways.

• Most people do not want to be part of a subdivision.

• Suggested the Conservation Subdivision proposal be used as an alternative.

• Concerned that the soil in the area can’t support the septic systems and water supply for a cluster of houses.

• Existing Subdivision Law isn’t broken and there is no big development boom coming.

Chairman Breiten adjourned at 11:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Pamela Deane

Town Clerk