Welcome to Town of Clarkstown

As a part of the Comprehensive Plan, we are asking the public for ideas for the Comprehensive Plan: What problems need to be addressed? What areas need to be studied? What opportunities can we build upon? What is your vision for the Town?

Ideas were gathered at our Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off Workshop held on October 25, 2007 and will continue to be gathered at each of the Hamlet Area Workshops. E-mails and letters throughout the process are also welcome, so please feel free to drop us a line. Please know that we will not be addressing specific questions or comments at this time; we are simply gathering comments that organized citizen committees will be addressing as a part of their research. At the May Town-Wide Workshop, we will present and discuss ideas from Kick-Off and Area Workshops, along with initial research

At the Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off Workshop, participants were asked to attend one of seven focus sessions, each dealing with a different aspect of the Comprehensive Plan:

Economic Development
Environmental Resources
Health, Safety & Welfare
Historic & Cultural Resources
Housing
Recreation, Parks & Open Space
Transportation

At each of the hour-long focus sessions, citizens provided ideas for the Comprehensive Plan. Verbal comments were recorded on large notepads at each session and a final “wrap-up” session at the end of the evening. The public also submitted written comments on index cards.

The following is a list of verbatim comments:

Focus Session	Comment
Economic Dev.	Lack of vibrancy in downtown areas.
Economic Dev.	Needs shops, parking, trees, benches, fountains (street landscaping).
Economic Dev.	Solicit upscale shops.
Economic Dev.	Find alternative funding to place power lines underground
Economic Dev.	Establish BID.
Economic Dev.	Brain Drain-we need high paying jobs here.
Economic Dev.	Reasonable cost housing.
Economic Dev.	Availability of commercially zoned land.
Economic Dev.	Nanuet Mall redevelopment.
Economic Dev.	Benchmarking other Towns-are we competitive/"best practices"
Economic Dev.	Arts-bring artists to town.
Economic Dev.	Focus attention on hamlet centers.
Economic Dev.	Streamline permitting process in signage, etc.
Economic Dev.	Shovel ready sites.
Economic Dev.	Visual continuity.
Economic Dev.	Compare Ridgewood, NJ.
Economic Dev.	What type of industry do we go after? Tax base? Jobs? What is most important?
Economic Dev.	Need overall plan (e.g. consider increased truck traffic, more police etc.).
Economic Dev.	Plan future infrastructure.
Economic Dev.	Involve youth to attract them to return to live & work here.
Economic Dev.	Parking-not pretty-park behind bldgs., bring bldgs. to sidewalks & parking garage.
Economic Dev.	Need parking plan.
Economic Dev.	What size & type of businesses should we attract?
Economic Dev.	Maple Ave. good model of success (streetscaping)-businesses would want to be there/would attract investment.
Economic Dev.	Need staff/professional to attract businesses-pedestrian mall?/one-way streets.
Economic Dev.	Strong demographics.
Economic Dev.	Great location (near NYC) -wider sidewalks to increase pedestrian traffic - maintain sidewalks/weeds -clean up trash - graffiti on public bldgs./facilities.
Economic Dev.	Have pro-active plan for maintenance of areas - monitoring follow up on public $ already invested (ROI) -spend $ on public parks so they want to go there - zoning & code enforcement (private business should be required to keep up properties).
Economic Dev.	Streetscape -public art.
Economic Dev.	Subsidize local artists (fine arts).
Economic Dev.	Bureaucracy -speed up process -fill vacant space -need to be proactive to manage the process.
Economic Dev.	Dedicated staff to work w/businesses so they can thrive.
Economic Dev.	Market research needed to survey gaps in retail.
Env. Resources	Conservation
Env. Resources	Management - Pollution
Env. Resources	Why do we give up control of water mgmt & recovery of control?
Env. Resources	Building
Env. Resources	Flooding
Env. Resources	Development
Env. Resources	Commercial & Residential
Env. Resources	What plans are in place to address ongoing flooding?
Env. Resources	Corrective measures?
Env. Resources	Timeline?
Env. Resources	Ongoing monitoring of water flow.
Env. Resources	Monitor construction & its impact on water
Env. Resources	Project planning & review.
Env. Resources	Inter-agency cooperation.
Env. Resources	Hold off on building until flooding impact is known.
Env. Resources	Tree/Vegetation removal -air quality, habitat & water quality
Env. Resources	Jurisdiction -who governs what? County vs State control.
Env. Resources	Building moratorium until zoning is changed.
Env. Resources	Limit building/development matches resources.
Env. Resources	Climate changes.
Env. Resources	Energy issues -building codes, efficiency, energy cert., standards of usage, i.e...., water use. Points system for conservation.
Env. Resources	LEED vs Green Building Council
Env. Resources	Water run-off -where does it go after reservoirs are full?
Env. Resources	Additional reservoir storage.
Env. Resources	Jurisdiction coordination.
Env. Resources	Improvement coordination.
Env. Resources	Mining of quarries -influence zoning so those areas are locally controlled?
Env. Resources	Is energy use captured?
Env. Resources	Alternate energy generation?
Env. Resources	Thermal heat
Env. Resources	Wind power
Env. Resources	Geothermal
Env. Resources	Biofuel
Env. Resources	Composting - Capturing methane from Town supply
Env. Resources	Wetland protection/preservation.
Env. Resources	Individual energy generation (renewable energy).
Env. Resources	Consideration re: taxes on wetlands, other parcels (tax breaks).
Env. Resources	Can Town buy open spaces & protect them?
Env. Resources	Conservation
Env. Resources	Preservation rights.
Env. Resources	Give tax breaks for "green" usage - private or developers.
Env. Resources	Public buildings -green usage?
Env. Resources	Solar energy
Env. Resources	Energy expert to work on staff with homeowners, et al re: conservation.
Env. Resources	Ridgeline preservation
Env. Resources	Small vs large homes.
Env. Resources	Re-use/recycle water.
Env. Resources	Green construction/alteration of buildings (roofs).
Env. Resources	Resource accountable planning vs engineering patchwork.
Env. Resources	Improve planning prior to development i.e., check potential impact on area.
Env. Resources	Emphasis on the planning process.
Env. Resources	Hire a naturalist to identify our Town resources, habitats, geology, etc./advertising/promoting the Town.
Env. Resources	Educate the public.
Env. Resources	Wildlife protection.
Env. Resources	Leave some areas underdeveloped.
Env. Resources	Environmental advocate position on board: focus on best use of environment.
Env. Resources	Advocate should be visible; meet with parents/kids.
Env. Resources	Dumping problems. Homeowner & commercial issues.
Env. Resources	Be accountable for one's own trash's
Env. Resources	Property maintenance.
Env. Resources	Appropriate recycling & penalties.
Env. Resources	Flight plans/noise/pollution.
Env. Resources	Thruway noise.
Env. Resources	Publicize more about recycling. Need more education on recycling.
Env. Resources	Task force on global warming.
Env. Resources	What are global warming impacts?
Env. Resources	Task force on water use.
Env. Resources	Energy conservation in bldgs., esp. off hour use.
Env. Resources	What is the true mission of DEC? (Local)
Env. Resources	Tree removal/preservation.
Env. Resources	Can Town control tree removal by developers in new construction?
Env. Resources	Shade tree commission re-instatement.
Env. Resources	Determination of which trees are removed.
Health S & W	Emergency access for emergency vehicles
Health S & W	Recruitment retaining - vol. services, fire & ambulance.
Health S & W	Integration of all emergency services.
Health S & W	Update of code.
Health S & W	Enforcement of these codes.
Health S & W	Education of public to codes.
Health S & W	Education & prevention reference fire safety.
Health S & W	Evacuation plans -public bldgs., schools (Clarkstown So.) ingress & egress.
Health S & W	Adequate lighting & signage for streets.
Health S & W	Increase public transportation (safety concerns) sidewalks/shoulders -width of roadway.
Health S & W	Flooding concerns.
Health S & W	911 concerns - cell phone & correct address.
Health S & W	Increased traffic enforcement -proper signage (visibility).
Health S & W	Driver safety education.
Health S & W	Commercial vehicle concerns -recycle trucks.
Health S & W	Adequate medical services.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Identify the current cultural sites in the Town.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Status of Vanderbilt railroad station that is supposed to be moved to Bradlees shopping center.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Concern regarding Cropsey House being maintained as a cultural & historic site open to public.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Cultural resources have not been emphasized enough in Clarkstown.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Bring "Art in Public Places" Program to Clarkstown (County Plan) (1% of any public bonded project).
Hist. Cult. Res.	Public art is a stimulant to the community.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Better identification & accessibility to Town historic sites.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Restore historic plagues & sites in Town (Highway Dept.).
Hist. Cult. Res.	Plan should develop active Historic & Cultural assessment awareness.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Historical locations on map for education, business & public relations for Town.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Must develop inter-municipal historical coordination & districts.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Focus attention on maintaining historical sites in Valley Cottage -Storms Tavern in particular.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Document current historical site inventory in Town.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Maintain landscaping/cleanliness of historic sites.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Address the overall maintenance of abandoned cemeteries.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Participation for Historic Preservation in "Community Preservation Act" levy.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Create a strong Comprehensive Historic Preservation Law to preserve existing historic sites.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Publicize ground rules associated with Historic Preservation Law.
Hist. Cult. Res.	Emphasize that Historic Preservation & Open Space should go hand in hand in any Comprehensive Plan. Clear definitive statement of policy.
Housing	Affordable vs Senior Housing
Housing	Town builds - use open space.
Housing	Housing Authority.
Housing	Preference to residents ≤$400,000.
Housing	Town subsides.
Housing	Effect of open spaces -makes costs rise.
Housing	Affordable not for seniors only.
Housing	Illegal apartments - enforcement.
Housing	AAR did not help.
Housing	Affordable based on years in Clarkstown.
Housing	Housing vs water needs.
Housing	All changes in land use must be based on needs of people who live here now!
Housing	Volunteer emergency services housing. Young people can not afford housing.
Housing	Auxiliary apartments - young & old.
Housing	Impact of multi-family houses.
Housing	Area should remain countrified.
Housing	Increase setbacks.
Housing	Impact of AAR on property.
Housing	Taxes if seniors move in.
Housing	Moratorium on building until Comprehensive Plan is completed for developments & zone changes.
Housing	Height profiles - no high rises.
Parks & Rec.	Acquire open space in Nyack - waterfront.
Parks & Rec.	Inter-town funds to buy land - waterfront.
Parks & Rec.	Peterson's Boatyard - acquire.
Parks & Rec.	Join with not for profit to acquire waterfront property.
Parks & Rec.	Hamlet Green in New City.
Parks & Rec.	Youth programs.
Parks & Rec.	Use pools year round.
Parks & Rec.	Dog parks.
Parks & Rec.	Bike lanes/trials.
Parks & Rec.	Mountain biking.
Parks & Rec.	Cooperation between the Town and State parks.
Parks & Rec.	Bike trail around Lake Deforest.
Parks & Rec.	Beach access at Town lakes.
Parks & Rec.	Maintenance at ladies bathrooms at Germonds pool.
Parks & Rec.	Adult swim lane at Congers Pool/Germonds Pool.
Parks & Rec.	Open pool up earlier - Lake Nanuet.
Parks & Rec.	Ice rink - covered.
Parks & Rec.	Trail way around Congers Lake.
Parks & Rec.	Long Path hiking trail of Rt. 9W.
Parks & Rec.	Map of hiking trails/bike paths -sent to residents.
Parks & Rec.	Cooperation between Town/State/County -maps of parks.
Parks & Rec.	Listing so parks -Town/State/County in Spring/Summer brochure.
Parks & Rec.	Deer problem.
Parks & Rec.	Publicize that we are looking for open space -contact civic associations.
Parks & Rec.	Identify a land that is tax delinquent -work with homeowners to use land.
Parks & Rec.	Purchase Joseph's House in Valley Cottage.
Parks & Rec.	Congers Community Center - rehabilitated.
Parks & Rec.	Suggestion boxes at centers.
Transportation	Plan for sidewalks and their connectivity to public areas.
Transportation	Commuter - maintain and expand lots.
Transportation	Keep the Clarkstown lots because they are free -make other lots free.
Transportation	Because of Metro North upgraded service - more need for parking.
Transportation	Bicycle storage at commuter lots.
Transportation	Bicycle path to public transportation.
Transportation	Safety of pedestrians.
Transportation	Safety of bicycle drivers.
Transportation	Pedestrian walkways @ major intersections.
Transportation	Re-evaluate bus ridership so buses are full.
Transportation	Consider future plans, i.e. -Tappan Zee Bridge light rail service.
Transportation	Consider future plans, i.e. - Tunnel Trans Hudson Express - Weehawkin to NYC with rail to Spring Valley.
Transportation	RC truck study - coordinate with Town.
Transportation	Expand hours of Mini Trans to accommodate expanded mass trans schedules.
Transportation	Truck traffic increase - Rts.. 9W and 303.
Transportation	Palisades Mall expansion possibility - impact on traffic.
Transportation	Communications with trucking companies on use of Town roads.
Transportation	West Shore Railways - right of ways.
Transportation	All airports including Stewart connectivity.
Transportation	Increased traffic -impact of transportation on the environment (alternate fuels).
Transportation	Equipment replacement of Town buses for modern, efficient and up to date (green).
Transportation	Bus connectivity to local shopping & other mass transit.
Transportation	Parking in rear of bldg. -more walker friendly.
Transportation	Sidewalks maintenance - who will maintain.
Transportation	100% school busing.
Transportation	Increase connecting bike & hiking trails.
Transportation	Create pathways & walkways where there are opportunities.
Transportation	Connect commuter lots to waterways.
Transportation	Create Rockland Lake lot to ferry or other mass transit.
Transportation	Consider more bus stops (Mini Trans).
Transportation	Future development planned around public transportation.
Transportation	Improve Clarkstown South High School entranced & exit.
Transportation	Preserve the Piermont Branch for future commuting needs.
Transportation	Train service in downtown areas.
Transportation	Bus shelter upgrades for looks & comfort (plus trains).
Transportation	Safe & convenient transit through Downtown New City & other hamlets for pedestrians.
Transportation	Reduce curb cuts for safer travel.
Transportation	Safer train crossings & elimination of some if possible.
Final	Unusual purchases require Town referendum.
Final	Clarkstown is part of world - recognize place in world.

Card	Comment
Economic Dev.	To develop Bradlees & other areas.
Economic Dev.	Analyze the type of businesses we want to attract in different areas. Offer incentives to attract those businesses. Perhaps have the different hamlets offer different attractions or businesses, i.e., put a few high end stores near each other (Talbots, Bloomingdales, or bridal shops & related businesses.
Economic Dev.	Large industry is interested in hospital and health care. Interested parties in local government should interface to make sure local hospitals have long term technology plans in place visa a vie demographic needs. Seek government help - the National Arboretum can help with free & low cost trees. Seek out famous perhaps former resident who have foundations that can help improve health care & pickup costs for under ground utilities. Government funding/Sate funding for business relocations. Reduced business and shopping taxes for a limited time to induce business more.
Health S & W	Crime problem in some neighborhoods, including my neighborhood round Geraldine Place, New City, where there has been a recent & on going rash of burglaries. Are Neighborhood Watch Programs the answer? More police patrolling areas where there has been such activity reported? More street lighting? Awareness advertising on local TV & newspapers?
Housing	What about volunteer housing! Affordable rentals, town houses, single family. In the Supervisor's Town speech in January, it was one of his 3 goals for Clarkstown.
Housing	Interested in low income, disabled senior housing, 55+.
Parks & Rec.	Concerned about use of our pools by other towns in exchange for golfing privileges.
	Concerned re air traffic - 600 planes over Rockland in 2008.
	Relative to "downtown business improvement centers", could each hamlet have a unique theme that attracts different people all the time.
	Have a landscape company "adopt" the causeway. It has great, aesthetic, potential with magnificent, panoramic views. A landscaper could beautify it & put up their signage for free advertising.
	Encourage innovation & vision. Plan not based on past but vision of future.
	Light pollution -use down lights wherever possible. We are losing our night sky. Owls can't hunt, rodents multiply environmental impact. Deer overwhelming problem -dangerous on roads. Very costly. Need for property fences, deer spray, fences between neighbors.-Road deaths.
	How much more development can this county/township realistically take? Concerned about taxes highway & streets. Traffic congestion - can this be eased? Not if we continue to develop. What kind of realistic evacuation plans can be developed.
	Avoid glorifying/providing for the automobile. Transportation modes will change. Acquire corridors for pedestrian/bicycle type/smaller vehicular access.
	Work with United Water to obtain canoe access to the Hackensack River just below the Lake Deforest Dam at Old Mill Road. Willing to work on developing a plan in conjunction with the Appalachian Mountain Club, NY/North Jersey Chapter. Activities to include - environmental conservation, education, wildlife observation etc., annual clean-up, security observation.

Town of Clarkstown 10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956 (845) 639-2000
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