Ramapo passes PUD town wide

During their May 28 session the Ramapo Town Board  adopted a new mechanism to encourage development in Rockland’s most populated town.  Resolution 10323 will allow Planned Unit Development, known as PUD, developers to increase the housing on 10-acre-plus contiguous properties in unincorporated Ramapo, excluding the Northeast Corridor area, which has its own PUD zoning.  While not affecting villages within the town’s boarders, the law will enable developers to petition the town board for permission to create higher density housing across Ramapo.  The new law will require any PUD plans to conform to local zoning codes as defined by the Comprehensive Plan adopted by Ramapo in 2004: proposals will also require a State Requirement Review Act Forum to prove compliance with New York’s existing environmental regulations. 

In a draft of the resolution shared with the RCT, Ramapo’s town board stated the new law is intended to provide “flexibility and relief” to developers looking to expand the town’s housing stock.  All PUD proposals will require the approval of the Town Board to begin construction and must also conform to General Design Criteria to ensure that new buildings match the style and size of surrounding developments. 

In order to approve a PUD project the Town Board will be required to adapt a zoning amendment via local law and provide public notice and a hearing regarding newly proposed construction.