1990-04-30
c~
r
1 OVEROCKER ROAD
POUGHKEEPSIE~ NY 12603
PLANNING DEPARtMENT FILE COpy
ffomn 0/ (!J~
"
PHONE NUMBER
(914) 485-3657
Ml\Y 0 8. 90
f..pril 30, 1990
TO:
Town Board Members
Zoning Board Members
Dutchess County Planning
Master plan Committee
City of poughkeepsie
,Town of Hyde Park
Town of LaGrange
/
~own of Wappingers
Town of Lloyd
Orange County
Ulster County
Town of Marlborough
Town of Newburgh
Town of Pleasant
Valley
All Interested and/or Involved Agencies:
The Town of poughkeepsie Planning Board has declared
themselves Lead Agency for the Draft Master plan for the
Town of poughkeepsie.
If you have any objections to this plaase respond within
thirty (30) days of the date of this letter to Wilson Shook,
Town of poughkeepsie Planning Departmen~, 1 Overacker Road.
poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
Also, please advise us of any SEQR cc~cerns you may ha~e at
this time.
SiEcerely,
:D. JylLt~jUi1flA1l (Li.lli )
Donald Fullam, V
Chairman, Planning Board
DF:mf
Enc.
PART TWO
DRAFf GENERIC ENVIRONMETNAL IMPACT STATEMENT
...::~ .
..~..-
PART TWO
DRAFf GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL Il\1PACT STATEMENT
Page
I. INTRODUCTION 59
II. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION 60
III. ENVIRONMENTAL SEITING, SIGNIFICANT Th1PACTS AND
MITIGATION MEASURES 63
A. Land Use 63
1. Arlington 63
2. Route 9 Corridor 64
3. Red Oaks Mills - Spackenkill 65
4. Southwest - New Hamburg 65
5. Fairview 66
6. Northeast - Rochdale 67
7. Summary of Land Use 68
B. Environment 69
C. Housing 69
D. Transportation 70
E. Water and Sewer 71
F. Parks, Recreation and Open Space 72
G. Educational Facilities 72
H. Public Safety 73
I. Economic Development 74
J. Summary of Mitigation Measures 74
IV. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 75
V. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEV ABLE co~\nvfr:-MEr,ryS OF
RESOURCES 76
VI. GROWTH INDUCING IMPACTS 77
Page
VII. EFFECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY 78
VIII. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION 79
-";~-
"~
1. INTRODUCTION
This draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement, prepared as the final stage of the
Town of Poughkeepsie Master Plan, is intended to identify the primary anticipated
impacts of the Master Plan and to examine how the proposals in the Master Plan have
addressed those impacts. This statement is prepared in compliance with Section 8-019
of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
The proposed action is the adoption of a Master Plan for the Town of Poughkeepsie.
County of Dutchess, State of New York, by the Town of Poughkeepsie Planning Board
and Town Board. This action is considered a Type I Action under SEQR regulations.
Because the J\lastcr Plan addresscs a broad range of land use policies ami
recommendations, 3. .. gencric" Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared for this
action. In accordance with the provisions of Section 617.15 of SEQR, generic or
generalized impact analyses can be utilized for actions which may not have specifically
definable impacts.
The adoption of a Master Plan does not have a set of specifically definable environmental
impacts that can be easily identified. However, specific development proposals mad_e
within the fram~work of the Plan could have specific impacts, and will therefore require
site-specific Environmental Impact Statements.
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II. DESCRIVIION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action is the adoption of a Master Plan for the Town of Poughkeepsie, New
York, by the Planning Board and Town Board.
This Plan is a statement of the goals and objectives for development and land use within
the Town over the next ten to twenty years. Changing conditions in the Town have
necessitated that the existing Master Plan, completed in 1971, be revised and updated to
reflect current issues and concerns. Thus, the proposed Master Plan incorporates more
recent issues with those from the earlier plan that continue to be important to the
commumtv.
The master planning process was initiated in 1987 and was conducted by RPPW, Inc..
under the supervision of Stuart Turner, AICP. A Phase I Draft was completed and
delivered to the Town in March, 1988. Stuart Turner & Associates was established in
May, 1988. A Phase II Second Draft was completed by Stuart Turner and Associates in
October, 1988. The Phase II document contains specific recommendations and a land use
plan which reflects the concerns of the Planning Board, Town Board, and the community
at large. The Master Plan Committee completed its review in late 1989.
Master Plan Recommendations
The proposed Master Plan is discussed in detail in Part I of this document. The overall
goal of the Master Plan is to preserve the existing suburban character of the Town.
Approximately one quarter of the land in the Town is currently undeveloped. It is
anticipated that few development opportunities will exist once the next wave of
development is completed. In addition, a number of development constraints exist which
will limit the type and intensity of development that can occur.
Specific principles to achieve the Plan's overall goal include:
~ Maintaining the quality of its residential neighborhoods;
~ Enhancing the Town's natural environment;
~ Providing greater public access to the Hudson River;
~ Improving the Town's aesthetic characteristics;
~ Fostering economic growth to enhance the tax base. and provide employment
opportunities; and
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.. Providing for the overall public needs of its residents in ('[lier to ensure a high
quality of life.
To effectuate these principles and hence achieve the Master Plan's overall goal, various
land use designations have been established for each area of the Town. These land use
designations. when translated into zoning law revisions, will enforce the desired direction
of the Plan. .
I. Lo\',; Density (less than I unit per acre)
Intended to :lllo\v single family homes. with clustering permitted, on lots of one
or two acres in areas not served by sewers. Applies mostly to areas characterized
by steep slopes, wetlands, and other physical development constraints.
...,
Low-Medium Densitv (less than 2 units per acre)
Includes established neighborhoods already developed to this density and
undeveloped land interspersed within. Undeveloped land should be served by
Town water and potentially within the service area of a central sewer system.
Some lands may be subject to physical development constraints.
3. Medium Density (2 to 5 units per acre)
Includes most established neighborhoods in Poughkeepsie. Allows single-family
subdivisions on 10,000 or 15,000 square foot lots and cluster townhouse
developments. Undeveloped land should be adequately served by utilities and
roads and should be free of major development constraints.
4. High Densitv - Low Rise (5-12 units per acre)
Includes two story, garden type multi-family complexes, both rental and owner
occupied. Undeveloped lands in this category will be located near the activity
centers of the Town, where there is direct access to utilities and to an arterial or
major collector, and where there will be no adverse impacts on nearby low and
medium density residential neighborhoods.
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5. Commercial - Retail Land Uses
Included are regional shopping malls and their associated commercial uses.
highway commercial uses and neighborhood commercial centers.
6. Industrial Land Uses
General industrial uses include free-standing. single story facilities for assembly
and warehouse/distribution functions.
7. Office/Research Land Uses
This category includes business park uses such as office, research. and light
industrial uses developed in a unified manner and subject to architectural controls,
high maintenance standards and extensive landscaping.
8. ,Special Use Area
The New York Trap Rock quarry encompasses 1,200 acres along the Hudson
River. When quarry operations ultimately cease, much of the land may remain
in its natural state. Advance planning will contribute to finding an appropriate use
for this land.
9. Parks and Open Space
Additional open space areas are proposed. In particular, the Master Plan
recommends a green belt along the full length of the Town's eastern border with
Wappingers Creek, and another along the full length of the Town's western
border with the Hudson River.
10. Public and Institutional Uses
Existing land uses in this category encompass a disproportionate area of the Town
when compared to most other similar communities. Thus, no additional public
or institutional uses are recommended.
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~:XISTING ENVIRONr\1ENT AL
\IITIGATION I\1EASURES
SETTING,
IMPACTS
AND
,\ L3nd Use
Ll.nd uses and environmental conditions in the Town of Poughkeepsie are diverse,
with different uses and hen<;:e unique issues concentrated in various areas of the
Town, For this reason, the Town was divided into six planning areas for the
0.1:lstcr Plan analysis and recommendations. Potential impacts and their mitigation
cail best be evaluated separately for each individual planning area. A complete
discussion of the environmental inventory is included in the Phase I report which
is li1ciL:clcd as Part III of the Master Plan document.
1. Arlington
Setting
Arlington is the most urbanized neighborhood in the Town. The Raymond
Avenue - Main Street area is 'the Town's principal mixed use center.
Vassar College, several high density and single-family residential
neighborhoods, Town and State offices and several large shopping centers
are located in the Arlington planning area. Industrial uses are located
primarily in the Maybrook corridor.
Impacts
The Master Plan calls for the development of a revitalization plan for the
entire Arlington Business District. In addition, the Master Plan
recommends that Burnett 'BouleVard continue to be the Town's
administrative center, that medium density residential uses be preserved
west of Vassar College, 'andthat'lightindustrial, office and research uses
be developed more intensely along and with direct access to the future
Ma ybrook Road.
r.1 i ti ~ation
Revitalizing the Arlington Business District will not only allow the District
to maintain and expand its economic viability, but will also concentrate
retail land uses in the business district area, away. from nearby residential
uses. Increased traffic and demand for on-street parking could be
mitigated by providing parking at a centralized location, which would
serve to improve the flow of traffic through the area.
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-
The continuation of administrative activities on Burnett Boulevard does not
represent a change from existing conditions and therefore does not require
mitigation. However, the Master Plan recommends relocating
maintenance operations to another location so that the visual appearance
of the Burnett Boulevard site will be improved. This \vould gIve the
police department the opportunity to expand when necessary.
The development of more intense uses along the future Maybrook Road
will be mitigated by extensive landscaping to create a parbvay
atmosphere. Anticipated set-backs from the road will allow for eventual
widening, thus providing for a smooth traffic flow v.:eII into the future.
Detailed impact analyses will be required for larger uses in this corridor.
2. Route 9 Corridor
Setting
Route 9 from the Poughkeepsie City limits to Wappingers Creek is one of
the principal economic centers of Dutchess County, containing the Galleria
and South Hills Malls and several community centers. However,
increasing traffic congestion is lessening the area's competitive advantage
as newer, more easily accessible shopping and economic centers develop
in the region. Also located on Route 9 is an IBM complex.
Impact
The Master Plan recommends that the Route 9 corridor be recognized as
an important retail and employment center and that it be enhanced through
better integration, improved aesthetic quality, and redevelopment of retail
properties that are no longer viable. The IBM country club and Dutchess
Golf and Country Club are to remain in their current use, and properties
on the west side of Route 9 between Old Post Road an Sheafe Road are
to be designated for medium density residential development.
Mitigation
Increased attention to more coordinated traffic control, improved
pedestrian linkages between properties, more stringent sight controls, and
architectural and landscaping standards will result in a better integrated,
more unified corridor. Impacts from medium density residential uses as
proposed between Old Post Road and She3,fe Road ~!Il be mitiga~ed .by.-
dustenrig and by restri"ctlons to preserve siopes.~' Residential.u~s will
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reduce potential traffic impacts that would occur if this area were to
develop commercially. Non-residential uses will not be permitted to
expand into residential neighborhoods, thereby protecting them from
adverse impacts and helping to preserve the suburban character of the
Town.
3. Red Oaks Mill - Spackenkill
Setting
This 3.r~ is predominantly single-family residential and all d\vellings are
in generally sound condition. The only non-residential uses in this
planning area are a neighborhood commercial center and the II3t.1
Boardman Road facility. Vassar Farm is the largest undeveloped tract of
land in the ar~.
Impact
The existing development pattern will continue into the future, with
undeveloped areas to be developed in a manner consistent with the existing
pattern. The Red Oaks Mill commercial center should receive better
access and landscaping, but no new commercial uses will be permitted.
Vassar Farm will continue in its natural state. The Master Plan
recommends that consideration will be given to establishing a community
park and a City-Town library.
Since the Master Plan is consistent with the existing deve!opment pattern,
no potential significant negative impacts are anticipated. Maintaining the
current development pattern will preserve the existing residential character
of the area.
..1. Southwest - New Hamburg
Sertin g
The hamlet of New Hamburg is one of the Town's oldest neighborhoods,
and includes a potential historic district.
It is primarily residential, but some physical and economic deterioration
has occurred. The New York Trap Rock Quarry, encompassing
approximately 1,200 acres with almost two miles of shoreline along the
Hudson River, is located in this planning area.
65
.... ,
I m pact
The Master Plan calls for the preservation of Nevv' Hamburg's historic
character, which to a large extent will be accomplished through adoption
of a special zoning district and through the Waterfront Revitalization Plan.
The Mt. Alvernia property, if developed for medium densitv residential
use as proposed, may result in increased traffic. The ultimate use of the
New York Trap Rock Quarry should be planned for cooperatively by the
Town and Lone Star Industries. Potential impacts will depend on the type
and intensity of development that is selected.
rV1itigation
To the the extent that a future plan for the quarry site suggests lJ.mJ
conservation, this will mitigate the use of space elsewhere on the site for
development purposes. However, development of both the quarry site and
the Mt. Alvernia property could lead to a significant increase in demand
for traffic carrying capacity on area roads. Potential negative traffic
impacts can be mitigated through road improvements where necessary and
by limiting the intensity of development to the traffic carrying capacity of
area roads.
5. Fairview
Setting
The dominant land uses in Fairview are institutional, including Marist
College, St. Francis Hospital, the Hudson River Psychiatric Center and
Dutchess County Community College. General industrial uses are located
north of the City limits, east of Route 9. Single-family homes are
concentrated in the central part of the neighborhood.
Impact
The plan includes the following proposal which are likely to have positivc
impacts: A new centralized neighborhood commercial facility to serve
local residents; industrial development upgraded and confined to its currcnt
locations; additional high density residential development in the vicinity
of Dutchess County Community College. In addition the Town could seek
to use.unused or underutilizedland oftheFmi<mnRjver Psychiatric.-Center
for affordable housing and/or a neighborhood park, both of which are
likely to have positive impacts.
.-
66
Mitigation
Although the neighborhood commercial center could generate traffic, it
will serve only the immediate area and will satisfy an existing demand
within the community. Adverse impacts associated with industrial land
uses will be mitigated by upgrading the appearance and its treatment of
industrial uses and confining them to their present locations, away from
nearby residential uses. High density uses in the vicinity of Dutchess
County Community College will serve college and regional needs, and
their impacts will be mitigated by improved accessibility once construction
of the ~v1aybrook Road is completed.
6. Northeast - Rochdale
Setting
This area is primarily undeveloped, with two development concentrations
along Route 44 consisting primarily of residential uses, but including
several industrial uses as well. Several large residential developments
have been approved or are under consideration.
Impact
Most of the undeveloped area is proposed to be developed for low and
medium density residential use. No additional commercial uses would
occur on Route 44 to preserve its traffic carrying capacity and maintain the_
character of adjacent residential neighborhoods. However, a small
neighborhood commercial center is likely to be necessary to satisfy the
convenience retail needs of residents if residential development continues.
This will generate additional traffic within the neighborhood.
Mitigation
The Master Plan calls for development in this planning area to occur with
respect for and attention to development constraints. Wetlands and
extreme slopes will be le~'t in their natural state while low "density
residential uses will be clustered away from environmentally sensitive
areas. The potential for increased traffic on area roads will be lessened if
no additional commercial development is permitted, except a potential new
commercial center. Limiting new non-residential development will also
preserve the character of residential neighborhoods.
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7. Summary of Land Use
The Master Plan would slightly reduce the potential growth capacity of the
Town from current Town land use policies.
The complete development of all residential land in accordance with the
current zoning would mean an additional 12,000 dwelling units in the
Town. This does not include the construction of projects that have been
approved but not total I y developed, or construction on existing lots of less
than two acres. Together this could mean approximately two thousand
additional units.
.i
As noted in Part I, the land use pattern of the Town has been established.
It is not probable or necessarily desirable to dramatically alter this pattern.
Approximately 6,000 to 9,000 additional dwelling units could be
developed exclusive of the New York Trap Rock site, in addition to the
2,000 units already approved. If it is assumed that each dwelling units has
an average of 2.87 persons, as determined in the 1980 census, the
maximum additional population would be 23,000 to 31,000 (as compared
to a maximum additional population of some 40,000 today).
Since the Town is largely developed, the land use plan is intended to
reinforce the existing pattern of development, without some of the
problems that have occurred in the past such as strip commercial
development and "spot" commercial and industrial uses. The Plan does
not contemplate changes to the established residential neighborhoods, while
commercial development is planned for the existing areas of concentration.
~ ~~1
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B. ENVIRONMENT
Setting
The varied topography in the Town greatly contributes to its overall environmental
quality. Much of the vacant land in the Tovm is subject to constraints such as
wetlands and steep slopes. The Town has some significant natural attributes that
are not fully utilized at the 'present time (see Part III of this report).
Impact
The i\faster P!J.n recommends a number of policies that will preserve and protect
the natural resources and environmental quality of the To\vn. Among these are
regulations governing the development of land with very steep slopes, protection
of floodplains; cooperation with regional agencies in evaluating and protecting
groundwater resources; and the evaluation and cleanup of toxic waste sites that
exist within the Town.
Mitigation
The proposals in the Master Plan are themselves mitigation measures in that they
limit development and require careful evaluation of environmental resources
before development can occur. The overall effect of these policies will be to
protect and preserve the natural environment.
C. HOUSING
Setting
Housing in Poughkeepsie is predominantly owner-occupied detached single-family
houses. However, most newer housing has been multi-family, both rental and
owner-occupied units. As land values have rapidly increased and family
composition has changed, it has become increasingly difficult for middle income
families to afford the "average" house in the Town and there are few options
available to low and moderate income families.
Impact
The policies recommended in the Master Plan are intended to encourage the
development of more moderately priced housing. Proposals are included to
amend the zoning law to permit a density incentive for cluster developments that
provide affordable housing, multi-family rental developments, and senior citizen
developments. A limited number of accessory apartments would be permitted in
69
single-family residential zones.
Mitigation
Although the policies on the Master Plan may lead to more intense development
in limited areas, this must be balanced against the increased supply of lower
priced housing that will be made available. In the case of accessory apartments,
the character of the neighborhood will be preserved by the requirement that a
special permit be issued, which will ensure that atten tion is given to aesthetic
appearance, adequate parking, and sewage disposal. In the case of density
incentives, permitting more intense developments in certain circumstances will
help to keep the cost of housing \vithin reach of individuals earning the "J\'er;lg.e"
income. thus mitigating the impact of 10\ver densities l)Il housing costs. The
Town should actively pursue any available federal and state funding source that
would help further the needs of the TO\vn and thus further mitigate the high cost
of housing.
D. TRANSPORTATION
Setting
Recent growth and development within the Town and nearby communities have
resulted in increased traffic on the Town's road system. Planned improvements
in and near the Town will not fully alleviate the present and anticipated traffic
problems.
Impacts
The Master Plan proposes land use policies to reduce potential traffic increases,
and a variety of road improvements to allow the smooth movement of traffic. A
minimum traffic level of service liD" is the objective for all intersections. The
carrying capacity of the Town's roads, and Route 9 in particular, will be enhanced
to the maximum possible level. This will be accomplished through road
widenings, installation of turning lanes, medians and jug handles, and limiting
access points on heavily travelled roads. The Plan suggests the Town should
examine the feasibility of a regional approach to planning for transportation
improvements. The construction of new roads is also an option, either in the
form of minor interior direct access routes between adjacent properties or new
collector roads, such as the type proposed to run east-west across the northern
section- of the Town. If a new Hudson River crossing-is -ultimately constructed, ..
additional connections to and from local roads may be necessary to fully integrate
the area road network.
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The impact of all plan proposals is to minimize traffic increases and to improve
traffic flow.
Miti~ation
Although the private automobile will remain the dominant mode of transportation
for the foreseeable future, the Plan focuses attention on developing alternate
methods of transportation .such as mass transit, pedestrian and bicycle routes as
mitigation measures. The latter could also offer recreational opportunities.
Increasing traffic levels will continue to affect the Town particularly as vaC;:U1t
areas ~irc developed. Reduction in densities and restrictions on commercial
expansion will mitigate to the gre~test extent possible the anticipated increase in
traffic. A regional approach to solving traffic problems will mitigate impacts both
in the Town and in the surrounding area.
E. WATER AND SEWER
Setting
The Town has a central water system that can provide service to all areas of the
Town. However, several large developed and undeveloped areas of the Town are
not currently served by sanitary sewers. The sewer systems serving the Town
have limited capacity which acts as a constraint on new development.
Impact
Full development under the Plan will generate less of an increase in demand on
the water and sewer system than current development policies.
Mitigation
The Master Plan recommends a master sewer plan to serve presently unsewercd
developed areas as well as developed areas where sewers are viable. Only very
low density residential development will be permitted where connection to public
sewer system is not practical.
The preparation of a master sewer plan for expansion of the existing system will
aid in determining the most efficient service areas and trunk line locations and
sizes. This plan will also address the timing and financing of improvements.
71
F. PARKS. RECREATION j~ND OPEN SPACE
Setting
The Town's park and open space system contains many small neighborhood parks,
but lacks sufficient facilities for active recreation such as adult softball fields or
a large recreational complex.
Impact
The Plan will accommcxhtc an 3.dditional 23 - 31,000 people (estimate). This
p{JpulJtion \vilI cre3te the need for 3.dditional recreation facilities.
Mitigzltiol1
Several new parks are proposed in the Master Plan particularly in the Northeast -
Rochdale planning area, where additional development will create the demand for
two to four new neighborhood parks. One or two large community parks are also
proposed to provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation activities,
both active an passive. Proposals for water access, particularly along WaRpingers
Creek and the Hudson River, will allow the opportunity for passive recreation and
water-oriented activities. Where playgrounds are provided, deteriorated and
obsolete equipment should be replaced with the safe, modern variety.
The Master Plan calls for the designation of a significant amount of additional
open space, which will be a benefit to the Town. Increasing the number of parks
in the Town and improving access to the Hudson River will provide additional
recreational opportunities within the Town.
G. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Setting
After several years of decline, public school enrollments in each of the four
school districts in the Town are increasing. The public schools must provide
adequate facilities to meet this need.
Impact
The addi-tioRal--residential development that the _Master Plan accommodates will
result in additional school age children, which will place an increased demand on
educational facilities.
72
.
Mitigation
The PL1.,:~g~:::"" It :-::'1:1[;,:r n,' rnitigation measures. These include: (a) Working
with the ',::.hc,nl ,iislricrs in pioviding accurate information with regard to new
residr~' .. <: ;~::JJc~:\pr":::1t projects; (b) Where surplus space exists, the
feasit::( ;,';:..;::~~ this ';,; to other districts should be explored; (c) The
Town .,>:: :\,:::~~:":; c:::. \':1 district should work in concert to find a suitable
locati~ '.: ,.:',~ ;';~:::cr~:,~,:.)chool, preferably adjacent to a park; and (d) The
Town and Ci ;'J '0>')'-:101 -,,,u;'k. together to find an appropriate location for a new
libralv
H.
PUBLIC'
Set,'
Police .,~ ',' ""r: :"";':-:: >y the Town police department, the New York State
por i:~ r>::c:,c;,.; C"!:1t\ :3heriffs Department. Fire protection is provided
by__ ."":\:::.,,(,.,, ",'l:'Jew Hamburg fire districts. A satisfactory level
of ptb <:'." :c,,;;,:;,':,, In :.:, (;c provided in the wake of growth within the Town
and Ch3.J.ii=:;~~; ;l,:~..i'; \.1;' TO,Y'1 residents.
Imp.::'
One of
.:;'; ni.Cs;: ':encus i'i:lpacts of the implementation of the Plan is the
, s:;';;i'1 Cl t11 C 3.-'(,':2 r:..:-e districts to provide adequate fire protection. The
u~c c' :11U::':S Ji:: ;.'..:;reements and the potential for sharing equipment
.v..; ':::'::':{jLi;~g c:':i'-=il~D.cy. New residential development in the vicinity
i.,: T::p:::<:~ \'. ill iccJIlire improved fire protection. State legislation to
>:",--' '" :'.:::'.: :,.;c': .:mounts ofland are non-taxable could help ease the
'.' ",' '. 1 . Fire District. Since volunteer firefighters are in
,; " ',J be necessary to begin using a consolidated fire
, ;;:~: point in the future. Increased development may
:i,? Drotection.
. .
mCfC3.S) "
cor';.",
.vir'
of Salt P
prO'!'f'
':m;!
'nr
1. '. J ~
MiJig0.t'
tvLuLU, "", ,j;lfed equipment, possibly involving a City-Town
agreer;lt:' , ','j:; {,c:;) \0 ;'c;;\.'" ;::.:e the situation. Use of a paid, career staff would
~;c-, iT :';..;r'~.:: L Iii,,:"\,: c: '>~rienced firefighters who can provide improved
.' '. ' Ct:J<.::": ,,'s'c:-::.g-.:. ': at a higher cost. On the other hand, increased
~~~~ l~;~:'.\.' ci~~"'\:<'.}:,;~:~ent will help defray these higher costs.. It is also
':", '.::::~: "'...:t_ .:'.; dential units, particularly those of the affordable
73
variety, will encollrZlge potential volunteer firefighters to live in the Town, thereby
reducing the need to switch to a paid system.
Expansion of police facilities is proposed for the Burnett Boulevard station, once
the Public Works Department is relocated as planned.
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Setti n g
Thc TO\\il'S ;::\ ~i:L;;: 11:1S c\pClnckci over the years. but CIS government needs Clnd
populZltion il1C~C;lSC. there is an ongoing need to maintain a balance.
Impact
The Plan is likely to limit commercial expansion, but there are opportunities for
expanded and enhanced industrial and officelresearch uses.
Mitigation
The Plan includes proposals-to reuse existing underutilized industrial sites and to
utilize the Maybrook Road to encourage economic development.
The Plan also incorporates a proposal to revitalize the Arlington business center.
1. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES
The Master Plan includes the following mitigation measures to address the
impacts of future development:
1. Lower residential densities than the 1971 Plan or current zoning, especially
in north eastern parts of Town.
2. Limited expansion of commercial development along major roads.
3. Preservation of open space corridors along major waterways.
4.
Revitalization of the Arlington business area.
,,,
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IV. UNA VOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL 11'\1PACTS
No adverse environmental impacts will occur as a direct result of the adoption of the
Master Plan. Most undeveloped areas in the Town would eventually have been subject
to development under the 1971 Master Plan, and in many cases development under the
earlier plan would result in a greater level of development with a final outcome of more
impacts of a higher magnitude.
Potential adverse environmental impacts resulting from specific development proposals
can be addressed and mitigated as appropriate through the preparation of site specific
environmental impacts.
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v. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF
RESOURCES
New development inevitably requires the consumption of additional resources. Raw land.
energy, building materials and other resources will be needed for the Town to become
developed according to the Master Plan's recommendations. However, a commitment
of resources would be required under any development plan. Because the permitted
number of ne\v dwelling units 'is slightly reduced from the 1971 plan, previously
committed resources will be conserved through adoption of the new plan. Clustering and
the provision 0 f add i lional parks and open space areas will also conserve natural and
energy resources,
:/1','
~~..
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VI. GRO\VTH INDUCING IMPACTS
The adoption of the Master Plan will result in less development than could be expected
according to the existing plan. The adoption of the Plan will not induce growth. To the
extent that implementation of various elements of the Plan will make the Town more
attractive, it may induce residential as well as non-residential development.
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VII. EFFECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
Because the proposed Master Plan will result in a lower level of development, its
adoption will result in less energy consumption. Reduced potential growth and careful
attention to land management will contribute to the conservation of energy.
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.....
VIII. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
There are three alternatives to the preparation of the Master Plan available to the Town
of Poughkeepsie. A more intense plan, a less intense plan, or the existing plan could be
used.
Existin~ Master Plan
The existing Master Plan, completed in 1971, reflected development concerns and
conditions at the time it was adopted. However, with the passage of time. the prime
parcels with the fewest development constraints have largely been developed. Concern
with the community regarding preservation of environmentally sensitive are~s has become
an important issue. Rising housing prices and a shortage of developable land in many
of the closer-in suburbs, coupled with an increasing willingness to commute longer
distances to work, has caused the suburban fringe of the metropolitan ar~ to move
continuously northward. As a result, Poughkeepsie has experienced significant grO\vth
and real estate prices have escalated accordingly.
Sound planning is not a static process and must reflect the changing conditions of the
Town. Periodic review and update of the Town's Plan is good planning practice. As a
result of this review, it has been determined that the 1971 Master Plan is no longer a
viable guide for planned growth.
More Intense Plan
A more intensive development plan would allow additional growth. Potential benefits
that would accrue from more intensive development include lower housing costs and a
potentially significant increase in tax ratables. This is of particular importance since an
unusually large proportion of land in the Town is tax-exempt. However, adverse impacts
associated with more intense development include potentially large increases in traffic
volumes, reduction in land available for parks and open space, damage to environmentally
sensitive areas such as steep slopes and wetlands, an increase in demand for school
facilities, and a continuing strain on community services such as police and fire.
The Town's goal is to permit planned growth without serious adverse environment2l
impacts. Clearly a more intensive development plan is inconsistent with that goaL
Less Intense Plan
An even less intensive Master Plan will result in a further decrease in the number of
potential new housing' units and commercial development, and possibly in taxes
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generated. This will permit growth to occur and to even more favorably co-exist with
significant environmental features. The potential for development in environmentally
sensitive areas, such as where wetlands or steep slopes are located, will be severely
limited or prohibited altogether. This less intensive plan will further minimize any
potential impacts on school facilities, traffic and the provision of police and fire services.
Some commercial growth will be permitted, but only where required by new residential
development. Additional land will be allocated for park and open space areas, and a
possibly more extensive green belt along Wappingers Creek and the Hudson River would
be created. These options exist under the proposed Plan as well.
Conclusion
The proposed plan strikes a balance between accommodating development and a
continuing desire to protect and preserve the Town's natural environment.
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