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The Town of Ossining was impacted by concerned voices from our community over the past few years.
I am one those voices… part of Concerned Citizens Of Ossining. Business was no longer “usual” as we challenged filings and approvals, from a very “Developer Friendly” panel.
Thru community involvement, costly mistakes will hopefully be avoided.
An extremely costly debacle at Hawkes Crossing in Ossining for example… Journal News Article dated 2/5/2015 noted “These lots were part of the 16-lot Hawkes Crossing subdivision that became snarled in a legal feud between its former developer and investors, which eventually led to the tax foreclosure.” (the Town auctioned it) “… problems arose.
The former builder made a last-minute change to the subdivision, which was approved by the Ossining Planning Board, creating a "reservation strip" of land across the development's road that required any future owner to negotiate with him for access,” costing millions.
Real life consequences impact our town financially, and residents who live in or near these projects. 3 families are now stranded with a questionable future.
Another North State road development proceeded without the involvement of our town Environment Advisory Committee.
EAC was created to insure review of environmentally sensitive issues as a part of the process. As a result, no natural buffer of trees etc. to shield surrounding neighbors from the encroaching townhouses.
Living in Ossining, with no idea how things got done within our beautiful town...I attended a planning board meeting to understand the decision making process. I was appalled how citizens of our town were handled. It seemed they were a nuisance to getting things done.
Two years later, many discontented citizens got off their couches and got involved, seriously impacting the process.
- Planning Board Meetings are now available for public viewing
- We have a new Chairperson
- Town Planning Consultant will involve EAC on applications
- 2 new board members, one, a knowledgeable Architect
- The Town Supervisor has amended the Comprehensive Plan
Leaving my comfort zone, I realized that I can really make a difference…
Howard Fleischer
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