Town of Hunter Draft Comprehensive Plan December 20, 2018

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Town of Hunter Draft Comprehensive Plan December 20, 2018 Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 Town of Hunter Draft Comprehensive Plan December 20, 2018 1 Page Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 3 Part I: Vision, Goals and Recommended Strategies .................................................................. 5 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6 The Planning Process .................................................................................................................... 9 Influential Trends Facing Hunter ............................................................................................. 11 Public Opinion ............................................................................................................................. 12 Updated Vision and Goals .......................................................................................................... 17 Strategies and Recommendations .............................................................................................. 22 Focus On: Economic Vibrancy ................................................................................................. 22 Focus On: Infrastructure and Transportation ............................................................................ 31 Focus On: Protection of the Natural Environment ................................................................... 39 Focus On: Quality and Affordable Housing ............................................................................. 47 Focus On: Community Character and Aesthetics .......................................................... 52 Focus On: Cultural, Educational, and Recreational Opportunities ............................. 58 Focus On: Government and Community Services .......................................................... 61 Action Plan/Implementation ...................................................................................................... 65 Maps ............................................................................................................................................. 75 Part II. Appendices and Supporting Information ................................................................... 76 Appendix 1: The Town of Hunter Community Profile ............................................................. 77 Appendix 2. Zoning Concepts ............................................................................................... 122 Appendix 3: Hunter Habitat Summary ................................................................................... 126 Appendix 3: Other Plans Incorporated by Reference ............................................................. 127 Appendix 4: SWOT ................................................................................................................ 128 Appendix 5: Other Related Information ................................................................................. 134 A. How Conservation Subdivisions Work ......................................................................... 134 B. Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 138 C. MOU on Principles of Stream Management .................................................................. 139 D. Minimum Dimensions for Reducing Impervious Cover................................................ 141 E. Model Job Description for Economic Development Coordinator ................................. 141 F. More About Conservation Advisory Councils .............................................................. 142 2 Page Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 Acknowledgements Town Board Daryl Legg (Supervisor) David Kukle, Tannersville Raymond Legg, Haines Falls Sean Mahoney, Tannersville Dolph Semenza, Sr. Tannersville Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Neil Chernin Robert Haines Robert Hersey David Kashman Charlie Knopp Susan Kukle Sean Mahoney Martin Mathis Terrance Maul Committee Members (Resigned During Project) Doug Senterman Gina Guarino Donna Brower Town Staff Assistance Sarah Killhoury, Planning Board Chair Corina Pascucci (Town Clerk) Photographs David Kashman Susan Kukle Hunter Foundation Consultants Nan Stolzenburg, AICP CEP Don Meltz, AICP Celeste Roeller Harp 3 Page Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 4 Page Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 Part I: Vision, Goals and Recommended Strategies 5 Page Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 Introduction What is a Comprehensive Plan and Why is it Important? A comprehensive plan is a locally‐developed document that serves to guide decision‐making in the town for the next 10 to 15 years. A plan generally answers three important questions about a town: 1. What are the current characteristics and features in the town? 2. What do the people of the community want the future to be like? 3. What actions and steps can the community take to reach that future state? Adopted according to New York State Town Law 272‐a, a comprehensive plan is a means to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the town and to consider the needs of the people of the broader region in which the town is a part. Such a plan is ‘comprehensive’ in that it explores the diversity of resources and conditions that exists within the town. It also engages participation of citizens in an open, responsible and flexible planning process, fosters cooperation among governmental agencies, and provides the planning data and policy for future economic, housing, recreation, land use, environmental and other topics. In addition to providing the basis for future decision‐making, the comprehensive plan provides a framework for local land use laws, such as subdivision, site plan review and, zoning where it is adopted. It is important to note however, that the plan is not a regulatory document; any change to or development of new land use laws would need to be adopted according to procedures authorized under state law and through a separate process under the direction of the Town Board. That future process would include public hearing(s), an environmental review, and Greene County Planning Board review. The Plan should be a vital document that remains a centerpiece for discussion and decision‐making at the Town Board level. To ensure this, the Plan includes an action plan designed to help the Town Board implement priority recommended actions over time. Implications of Having a Comprehensive Plan This new Comprehensive Plan is designed to play a pivotal role in shaping the Town of Hunter for the next 10 to 15 years. By design and definition, this Comprehensive Plan provides an overall framework for future public and private decision‐making in Hunter and should be considered a “road map” for future financial, civic, and land use activities. This Plan articulates the vision for the Town, its long‐term goals, and how Hunter can achieve them. New York State law (Town Law 272‐a) grants municipalities the authority to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans. A comprehensive plan is a document that identifies goals, objectives, principles, and policies for the immediate and long‐range protection, enhancement, growth, and development of a community. It provides guidance to municipal leaders, government agencies, community organizations, 6 local businesses, and residents, and helps to ensure that the community’s needs are met, both now and in the future. Page Town of Hunter 2018 Draft Comprehensive Plan, December 20, 2018 Once a comprehensive plan is adopted, there are several important implications. First, all plans for capital projects of another governmental agency on land in Hunter shall consider this Plan. That means the Town now has a much larger stake in what other governmental agencies want to do when they are proposing a capital project in Hunter. Second, it is the policy of New York State to encourage comprehensive planning for the sake of protecting the health, welfare and safety of its citizens. Therefore, most State agencies recognize, if not require, a comprehensive plan as a condition for grants and other funding assistance. This assures that public funds are spent in pursuit of a well‐defined public goal. Finally, New York’s Town Law 272‐a also requires that land use regulations must be in accordance with a comprehensive plan. However, this Plan is not a law. It does provide the policy and framework for local land use laws such as subdivision, site plan review and zoning. As such, this Plan includes recommendations related to improving Hunter’s existing local land use‐related laws. It is important to note however, that the plan is not a regulatory document; any change to, or development of new land use laws would need to be adopted according to NYS Town Law procedures through a separate process. This process would include public hearing(s), an environmental review, and County Planning Board review. Planning Then and Now The Town of Hunter has a long history of long‐term planning. In 1991, and again with an update in 2000, the Town has undertaken previous comprehensive planning processes. Those earlier plans have helped Hunter to appreciate and learn
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