Latest News

  • SPOTTED: South Colonie’s Line ‘n Cue presents Peter and the Starcatcher
  • Car storage lot on Albany Shaker Road moves ahead
  • Development at former Foegtli Farms gets concept acceptance
  • Town Board hears the public’s comments on dive pool situation
  • Shop local for the holidays

Spotlight News is your source for Local News, Sports, Election Coverage, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Troy, Capital District, Region, NY

  • Home
  • News
    • Spotted: Photo Galleries
    • Government
    • Business
      • Spotlight On Business
      • Spotlight on Finance
    • Crime
    • Milestones
    • Obituaries
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Youth Sports
    • Pro Sports
  • The Spot 518
    • HOT SPOTS – Events Calendar
    • Spotted: Photo Galleries
    • Contests
    • Arts
    • Food
    • Entertainment
    • Health & Fitness
    • Music – Presented by Cohoes Music Hall
    • Pop Culture
  • Towns
    • Bethlehem
      • Discover Coeymans Selkirk and Feura Bush
      • Discover Delmar
      • Discover Glenmont
      • Discover Slingerlands
    • Colonie
      • Discover Latham and Boght
      • Discover Loudonville
      • Discover the Village of Colonie
      • Discover Wolf Road
    • Guilderland
      • Discover Guilderland
    • New Scotland
      • Discover Voorheesville and New Scotland
    • Rensselaer County
    • Saratoga County
    • Schenectady County
  • Opinion
    • Your Opinion
    • Our Opinion
    • Point of View
    • Blogs
  • Parent/Senior
    • Capital District Parent Pages
      • Parenting News
      • Parenting Columns
      • Parenting Resources
    • Capital District Senior Spotlight
      • Senior News
      • Senior Columns
      • Senior Resources
  • Classified
    • Browse
    • Search
    • Place
    • Advertiser Login
  • Subs
    • Log In
    • Subscribe
    • Renew Subscription
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • Youtube

Colonie Comp Plan hearing adjourned again

Apr 24, 2019 Jim Franco Colonie, Government, News, Towns


Colonie Comp Plan hearing adjourned again

Chuck Voss, of Barton & Loguidice, gives a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan during the first public hearing. Jim Franco / Spotlight News


COLONIE — A handful of people spoke at the third public hearing held by the Town Board on the proposed Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, April 18, and it will continue at the next regularly scheduled meeting on May 9.

The town is still working on what is being called a “profile” or 50 pages of demographic data including population, housing stock, utilities, environmental issues and constraints and an analysis of what makes up Colonie’s physical characteristics at this point in time, said Chuck Voss, a planner with Barton and Loguidice, an engineering firm hired to formulate the comprehensive plan. It will also include economic data and information about the two public school districts operating within the town’s borders.

It’s not clear why that information was not included until now, three years after the town decided to update the 2005 Comprehensive Plan and after the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee handed the proposal off to the Town Board to modify where it felt necessary and approve when ready.

When it is compiled and ready, it will be on the website for public review, Voss said.

Town Board member Jennifer Whalen started off the more than two-hour discussion by saying the goals set out in the plan were too broad and lacked any specific actions that officials could sink their teeth into and accomplish.

“We have spent three years devising this update, and we spent $130,000 for experts but when you look at the recommendations for the future like ‘establish and facilitate better communications between the Planning Board and the public’ … it seems like a no brainer. I’m glad it’s in there, but really. It seems kind of basic and something we should already be doing,” she said. “We have impressive sounding language, but to me it doesn’t say anything.”

She said rather than the ambiguous statement, which is one of the goals to accomplish within one or two years according to the draft plan, she would prefer a concrete objective like having the town live stream Planning and Zoning board meetings as a way to improve communication with the public.

“When we see over-broad language it is a warning sign. It’s meaningless. It gives whoever is interpreting this the right to do whatever they want,” she said. “We need something more specific. This lacks something we can sink our teeth into.”

Voss said it is up to the individual municipality to determine how broad or specific the Comprehensive Plan should be and it was determined by the CPAC to keep it on broad and allow the elected town officials to determine how to achieve the objectives.

“The 2005 plan was relatively broad and overarching and it took a couple years to implement those recommendations,” Voss said. “The CPAC group did not want to get too specific on recommendations but instead wanted to leave that to the town leaders.”

After the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2005, town officials at that time used it as a basis to change the legally binding land use laws and also changed some likewise legally binding zoning regulations.

Many of the same topics were discussed at the last public hearing session as the first and that includes development, implementing complete streets, dealing with traffic congestion and road safety and the process the town is following to implement the plan.

Resident Edward Schmidt said the plan should include more information on what the town was like 15 or 20 years ago and what it is like now in order to get a better idea of where it is headed in the next 15 or 20 years.

“I don’t see anything in this document about how much wetlands have disappeared,” he said. “I think we need to know where we came from, and where we are now to determine where we are going in the future.”

Supervisor Paula Mahan said some of that information will be available in the yet to be made public “profile” section of the Comprehensive Plan.

Resident Bruce Benton said the plan should include calling for a mechanism to better monitor the tax incentives given by entities like the town’s Industrial Development Agency.

And resident Pat Auger wants the speed limit on some town roads to be slower than 30 mph. But, state law says towns cannot set a speed limit slower than 30 mph whereas villages can set it as slow as 25 mph.

Four members of the grassroots group SAVE Colonie, a Partnership for Planning, criticized the town for basing the plan on insufficient data, for not allowing the public to see the public comments, not factoring in global warming or the benefit of solar farms, not including enough about saving trees and the overall process being followed by the town.

One member of SAVE said that since the Town Board has already made modifications to the plan presented by CPAC with plans for more modifications, that it should go back to the citizens group for its approval before it is formally adopted by the Town Board.

“I have been in contact with the chair of the Planning Board who was on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and other committee members to see if they had any further suggestions,” Mahan said. “Right now we are working with our consultants to get it to the point where we feel comfortable to vote. You are looking at it from your perspective and I see it from this side and how hard everyone is working and how far we came.”

The public hearing was adjourned until May 9. At that time, the Town Board could vote to send it to Albany County for its approval or it could adjourn the hearing again to get more public input.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Print

Related

Comment on this Story


  • Colonie comprehensive plan
  • tweet
PICK of the WEEK: Albany Capital Center will host indie game showcase this Saturday Troy Farmers' Market officials looking for indoor market place, outdoor market will continue

Avatar
Jim Franco

Related articles
  • Town Board approves Colonie Comprehensive Plan
    Town Board approves Colonie...

    Jul 30, 2019 0

  • Colonie Comp Plan public hearing kept open
    Colonie Comp Plan public hearing kept...

    May 15, 2019 0

  • Colonie spent $132,000 on Comp Plan; next hearing April 18
    Colonie spent $132,000 on Comp Plan;...

    Apr 17, 2019 0

  • Colonie Comp Plan public hearing, Round II
    Colonie Comp Plan public hearing, Round...

    Apr 10, 2019 0

More in this category
  • SPOTTED: South Colonie’s Line ‘n Cue presents Peter and the Starcatcher
    SPOTTED: South Colonie’s Line...

    Dec 05, 2019 0

  • Car storage lot on Albany Shaker Road moves ahead
    Car storage lot on Albany Shaker Road...

    Dec 04, 2019 0

  • Development at former Foegtli Farms gets concept acceptance
    Development at former Foegtli Farms...

    Dec 04, 2019 0

  • Town Board hears the public’s comments on dive pool situation
    Town Board hears the public’s...

    Dec 04, 2019 0


Advanced Search

Like Spotlight on Facebook

Follow Spotlight Staff on Twitter

A Twitter List by spotnewsfeed

Local Facebook Feeds

 Click HERE for the Full Feed Page
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Empire State Plaza Events

5 hours ago

Empire State Plaza Events

‪The first Hannaford Supermarkets 🆓 Skate Rental Saturday has begun! ⛸ ⤵️‬

‪Saturday & Sunday Open Skating:‬
‪12:00-2:00 p.m.‬
‪3:00 - 5:00 p.m.‬
‪6:00 - 8:00 p.m.‬
... See MoreSee Less

‪The first Hannaford Supermarkets 🆓 Skate Rental Saturday has begun! ⛸ ⤵️‬

‪Saturday & Sunday Open Skating:‬
‪12:00-2:00 p.m.‬
‪3:00 - 5:00 p.m.‬
‪6:00 - 8:00 p.m.‬
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 29
  • Shares: 6
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Empire State Plaza Events

8 hours ago

Empire State Plaza Events

‪#FYI! State Street will be closed TODAY, December 7, 2019 between South Swan St. and Eagle St. Please seek alternate routes!‬

‪More Information: www.albanyny.gov/Government/CityParkingandTrafficAlerts.aspx
... See MoreSee Less

‪#FYI! State Street will be closed TODAY, December 7, 2019 between South Swan St. and Eagle St. Please seek alternate routes!‬

‪More Information: https://www.albanyny.gov/Government/CityParkingandTrafficAlerts.aspx
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 1
  • Comments: 2

Comment on Facebook

The link does not seem to work.

Is the ice rink open today?

Empire State Plaza Events shared a post.

18 hours ago

Empire State Plaza Events

#TravelAdvisory | Tomorrow December 7, 2019, State Street will be closed between South Swan and Eagle Streets starting at 8:00 a.m. in preparation for Albany's Last Run 5k.

More info & additional closures see www.albanyny.gov/Government/CityParkingandTrafficAlerts.aspx
... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

1 day ago

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

Thank you to everyone who has take a ride on CDPHP Cycle! ... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

CDPHP Cycle! rides surpass 40,000 trips taken for 2019

www.saratogian.com

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. — The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and CDPHP wrapped up the third season of the CDPHP Cycle! riding season with more than 41,000 trips taken and
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 5
  • Shares: 2
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

1 day ago

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

Join us tonight on the Capital City trolley for the holiday light display in downtown Albany at 5pm and First Friday!
.
Our trolley will also be running tomorrow from 12-2pm for the Hot Chocolate Stroll downtown☕️
.
Download the Cityfinder app for trolley stops and real time arrivals at your fingertips! 📱
... See MoreSee Less

Join us tonight on the Capital City trolley for the holiday light display in downtown Albany at 5pm and First Friday!
.
Our trolley will also be running tomorrow from 12-2pm for the Hot Chocolate Stroll downtown☕️
.
Download the Cityfinder app for trolley stops and real time arrivals at your fingertips! 📱
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 10
  • Shares: 2
  • Comments: 1

Comment on Facebook

The trolley lit up...

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

2 days ago

Capital District Transportation Authority - CDTA

Join us tonight in @saratoga_ny for the Annual Victorian Stroll!❄️
.
Stay warm on Our free trolley, running from 4:30pm - 9pm, with a trolley arriving every 15-20 minutes🚎
.
Visit: Saratoga.com/events for more info!
... See MoreSee Less

Join us tonight in @saratoga_ny for the Annual Victorian Stroll!❄️
.
Stay warm on Our free trolley, running from 4:30pm - 9pm, with a trolley arriving every 15-20 minutes🚎
.
Visit: Saratoga.com/events for more info!
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 12
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 2

Comment on Facebook

There's the trolley yayyy

What time does the last bus run going to schenectady

The Spinney at Van Dyke added 8 new photos — at The Spinney at Van Dyke.

5 days ago

The Spinney at Van Dyke

... See MoreSee Less

Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 18
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

The Spinney at Pond View

1 week ago

The Spinney at Pond View

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends! We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then! ... See MoreSee Less

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving.  We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends!  We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then!
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

The Spinney at Van Dyke

1 week ago

The Spinney at Van Dyke

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving. We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends! We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then! ... See MoreSee Less

All Spinney Group offices will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th in observance of Thanksgiving.  We all hope that you enjoy the holiday with family and friends!  We will re-open for regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd at 8AM - hope to see you then!
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 7
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

The Spinney at Pond View

4 weeks ago

The Spinney at Pond View

Thank you to all of our service men and women from the entire Spinney Group team! ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you to all of our service men and women from the entire Spinney Group team!
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Load more

Posts by Date

April 2019
M T W T F S S
« Mar   May »
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  

Useful Links

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Advertise
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact the Editor
  • Employment

Tags & Keywords

albany Albany County Albany County Legislature bethlehem Bethlehem Central High School Bethlehem Central School District Bethlehem Library Bethlehem Police Bethlehem Police Department Bethlehem Town Board Christopher Cohoes Music Hall colonie Colonie Library Colonie Planning Board Colonie police Colonie Police Department crime Dan Romand Delmar Editorial Food & Vino guilderland Guilderland Library high school Joan Letter to the editor murder Paula Mahan Peter Porco Proctors Rockin on the River Section 2 Section II Section II basketball shaker Spotlight on Business Spotlight Parent Pages State police Suburban Council Town of Bethlehem trial Troy Voorheesville Library

Posts by Category

Copyright 2019 Spotlight News / All rights reserved

CONTENT MENU
  • News
    • Spotted: Photo Galleries
    • Government
    • Business
      • Spotlight On Business
      • Spotlight on Finance
    • Crime
    • Milestones
    • Obituaries
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Youth Sports
    • Pro Sports
  • The Spot 518
    • HOT SPOTS – Events Calendar
    • Spotted: Photo Galleries
    • Contests
    • Arts
    • Food
    • Entertainment
    • Health & Fitness
    • Music – Presented by Cohoes Music Hall
    • Pop Culture
  • Towns
    • Bethlehem
      • Discover Coeymans Selkirk and Feura Bush
      • Discover Delmar
      • Discover Glenmont
      • Discover Slingerlands
    • Colonie
      • Discover Latham and Boght
      • Discover Loudonville
      • Discover the Village of Colonie
      • Discover Wolf Road
    • Guilderland
      • Discover Guilderland
    • New Scotland
      • Discover Voorheesville and New Scotland
    • Rensselaer County
    • Saratoga County
    • Schenectady County
  • Opinion
    • Your Opinion
    • Our Opinion
    • Point of View
    • Blogs
  • Parent/Senior
    • Capital District Parent Pages
      • Parenting News
      • Parenting Columns
      • Parenting Resources
    • Capital District Senior Spotlight
      • Senior News
      • Senior Columns
      • Senior Resources
  • Classified
    • Browse
    • Search
    • Place
    • Advertiser Login
  • Subs
    • Log In
    • Subscribe
    • Renew Subscription
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.