Clarkstown Debates Environmental Changes, Passes State Review

   After a half dozen speakers warned against the potential environmental consequences of paving over swamps and marshes, the Clarkstown board on Tuesday voted to lift zoning restrictions  that had prevented new construction within 100-feet of a wetland.. 

  Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, who characterized the former regulation as burden on development, stated that other towns in the county already allow construction projects within 100 feet of a wetland, and further stated that Clarkstown had previously put former wetland sites to good use.  

  “We took wetlands and created a park,” said Hoehmann. “This particular provision is just too restrictive.” Hoehmann’s stance was supported by other members of the town board. 

   “The town is proposing to lift the 100-foot restriction for building next to a wetland, a provision that other towns already have,” said principal town planner Jose Simoes. “The 100-foot buffer is too much. The town should be worried about too much restriction. A law that restricts a property cries for relief.”

  Concerns with the new provision, which passed unanimously, were expressed by Jacqui Drexler, who was wary of developers getting away with playing a ‘shell game.’ “Using land for something more than they are allowed, but giving other land to make up for it,” said Drexler. 

  Also voicing concerns that large development projects are paving over our wetlands was Steven Levine, from Congers. “After paving over wetlands more people have flooding in their basements. Developers come in, make their money and could care less about the people living here. The town can be more restrictive about ‘land use’ than the State. The environmental statement we are making will negatively affect our lives. Wetlands are precious amenities. We shouldn’t let it go little by little,” he said. 

  Ms. Bloom, from Nanuet, said “This is putting all wetlands in the county in danger. We need wetlands and wetlands needs us.  You pave over a wetland, it can never come back. We need to be the custodians of them.”

Litter Control Agent

  A bit of a stir was created by the announcement of a new position…. That’s not quite new. With all the complaints about litter in Clarkstown, the town is now hiring a litter control agent. “The position needs to be reinstated,” said Hoelmann. The former agent, Mr. Caggiano took his job seriously according to Hoehmann. Hoehmann praised Caggiano as a dedicated employee who was not above made sure the people who worked for him actually picked up the litter “We need that again,” he said.

Financial review

Hoehmann reported about a State financial review. The State passed Clarkstown with flying colors. The last time the state had visited Clarkstown was apparently fifteen years ago. The review eyes the town purchases and financial procedures. Often times the review precedes an actual audit, which is done if there are concerns or further questions. No audit was called for by the State.