Town aims to map future

By BARBARA LIVINGSTON NACKMAN
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: April 20, 2001)

PHILIPSTOWN — Town officials planning next weekend's forum in Philipstown said they hope the discussions excite people and motivate everyone to work together on shaping the community's future growth.

The three-day event, Philipstown 2020, begins April 27 with presentations by planning consultants Joel Russell and Jonathan Rose, who expect to lay the groundwork for discussion groups and informational conversations April 28.

"It's not a conference in the usual sense with a series of speakers. It's about everybody in the community being involved and helping to set the agenda for the town. We are hoping that people who don't normally find time for meetings will come," Russell said.

Participants may attend the entire workshop at Haldane School on Craigside Drive in Cold Spring or drop in for any part.

On the final day, organizers intend to assemble conclusions and ideas from participants.

Town officials are revising Philipstown's 1991 Comprehensive Plan and said they want residents and local business people to speak out on issues such as growth and development, open-space preservation, affordable housing, schools, recreation and community character.

"The forum is meant to be fun, casual and engaging," said Susan Bates, chairwoman of the forum's 14-member steering committee assembled by the Town Board. "It is a grassroots approach to planning and a wonderful opportunity for people to be heard."

Development pressures are mounting in Philipstown.

Eastern Putnam County and all of Westchester County are affected by the New York City watershed regulations that limit development surrounding, but not inside, Philipstown.

Also, the town's scenic, historic and environmental resources "continue to make it both attractive for development and a focal point for land and historic preservation. With two commuter rail stations, it is a place that retains a unique combination of natural beauty and accessibility to New York City," Russell wrote in a presentation to the Town Board.

With nearly 90 large tracts of land of at least 50 acres each, there are many potential development sites, Bates said.

The forum evolved from board discussions of the master plan, said Councilman Anthony Merante, who is personally distributing promotional fliers.

"We want people to say that the master plan reflects what was said and what the community wants," he said.

Noel Kropf, a 20-year resident and president of the Old Road Society of Philipstown, which serves to retain the rustic character of parts of the town, said yesterday that he planned to attend some of the forum.

"All of the issues related to forming a master plan are important for every citizen, but specifically the patterns, future zoning and development plans for subdivisions, all aspects of home building and businesses directly affect the community," he said.

Participants "have to assume that the town will listen to its citizens," he said.

Which is precisely the type of interest organizers hope to engender.

"That's what it's all about," Merante said. "We are going to a lot of work and effort. You (residents and business leaders) bring the agenda. We'll be listening."

• April 27: 7 p.m. Light refreshments; 7:30-9:30 p.m., presentations by planning consultants.

• April 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Discussion groups, presentations and informal conversations; lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m.

• April 29: 1:30-5:30 p.m.: Conclusion and presentation of shared ideas.

Information: www.philipstown2020.org or call Town Hall at (845) 265-3329.