There
are many serious problems caused by current zoning, which oftentimes ends
up not protecting open space on the ridge. Instead, formulas of "minimum
lot size" divide it up into many lots spread out over the entire property,
with no continuous open space left. A far better approach lies in the use
of "overlay districts" that protect open space while limiting
development to only a portion of the land.
There is a great need to provide expert guidance and advice to these
11 town's local town boards, planning boards, zoning boards, and master
plan committees to help them with designing and implementing good ridge
protection zoning laws and open space plans. Numerous ideas and sample
regulations are contained in the Shawangunk Ridge
Conservation and Design Guidebook including:
- ridge overlay districts
- steep slope ordinances
- ridgeline viewshed protection
- camouflaged antennas and towers
- use of earth-tone colors on ridge houses
- tree-cutting restrictions
- acquifer/drinking water protection
Some people are already working on these issues and you can contact them to find out more, or how to help. Contact John Adams for Warwarsing and Ellenville issues. He is a contact for people concerned about farmland preservation in Wawarsing, and those who support an alternative vision of economic revitalization for Ellenville & Wawarsing, through the development of responsible ecotourism and the Shawangunk Mountain Scenic Byway.
Listed below is contact information for the 11 townships in three counties where the geographic boundaries include lands of the Shawangunk Ridge. For those that post their zoning ordinances on websites, the Internet address to access the town code is listed.
Orange County
Sullivan County
Ulster County
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