Proposed Moratorium in Clarkstown to Put Brakes on Projects

By Rick Pezzullo

The Clarkstown Town Board is poised to impose a building moratorium that would halt proposed development projects for the next six months.

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the board voted to schedule a public hearing for Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. on a building ban that would temporarily prevent any development applications to the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals from moving forward, including the controversial Cedar Corners commercial/industrial project planned on more than 40 acres on the west side of Rt. 303, near Old Orchard Rd. and Meola Rd.

Acknowledging the moratorium “by de facto will shut down Cedar Corners,” Supervisor George Hoehmann explained the timeout would give town officials an opportunity to identify properties for preservation and study implementing zoning regulations in line with infrastructure limitations and recommendations identified in the Routes 303 & 304 Safety and Sustainability Study, the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Preservation Act.

“We’re looking at an overall traffic plan for the town,” Hoehmann said. “We’ve protected hundreds and hundreds of acres. I would put our record up against anyone else.”

According to the resolution, the moratorium would apply to the approval of any multifamily, large-scale subdivisions and commercial/industrial development, such as AI data centers, that “have the potential to negatively impact the town’s transportation network, environment and public safety.”

Fence Fight

Meanwhile, the Town Board addressed an issue in Clarkstown Plaza on Main St. involving a chain-link fence that was recently installed that prevents cars from traveling from the section where DeCicco’s Family Market is located to the area where Rocco’s Family Restaurant is situated.

Steven Mandell of New City told the board the fence “prevents a clear and dangerous hazard that jeopardizes the safety of the public” since emergency vehicles are unable to travel within the plaza from one end to the other.

Hoehmann said the town was trying to do what it can, but characterized the matter as a private property dispute.

“The fence looks horrible. Obviously, we would like to see the property connected and the way it was,” he remarked.

Principal Town Planner Jose Simoes said he wasn’t aware of any legal mechanism to force the removal of the fence, but stressed access must be provided for emergency vehicles.

Building Inspector Larry Kay said the town has issued three citations for alleged fire code violations, including one related to the fence being constructed over the property line.

Town Code Amendment

Following a public hearing that drew no speakers, the board voted to amend the Town Code by adding a new article that prohibits illegal street takeovers, exhibition driving events and related activities.

The amendment was introduced by Councilman Michael Graziano as a public safety measure.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Graziano said. “I think it’s a great law and really protects our community.”

Police Report

Police Chief James Fay said there has been a “dramatic increase” in uniform traffic tickets issued this year.

During his July report, Fay said 6,225 tickets had already been given to motorists in 2026, as compared to only 3,800 last year. He attributed the hike to police “reacting to complaints from residents.”

This year has also been busy for police with service calls totaling 34,900 so far. In July, police received 5,336 service calls.

Perhaps more manpower will help with the workload as the board appointed five temporary police officers, all of which will start with annual salaries of $64,783 after completing their police academy training.

The officers hired were Rory McHugh, Stanley Berenson, Harrison Klein, Brandon Rosen and Michael McPadden.