PETITION TO STOP THE REZONING PLAN IN FALLSBURG, NEW YORK

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Fallsburg, New York, strongly oppose the proposed zoning amendments that threaten the character, resources, and sustainability of our town.

OUR CONCERNS:

1. Strain on Essential Resources

• Our town is already experiencing significant issues with water and sewer infrastructure.

• Fire hydrants have run dry, putting lives at risk.

• Elderly residents have turned on their taps to find no water, leaving them unable to cook, bathe, or meet basic needs.

2. Violation of Our Right to Clean Water

• The New York State Constitution guarantees every resident the right to clean water, as established in the 2021 Environmental Rights Amendment (Section 19 of the Bill of Rights).

• Further development without proper infrastructure planning is a direct violation of this right.

3. Destruction of Agricultural Land

• Rezoning would replace crucial farmland with high-capacity housing developments.

• America is already losing farmland at an alarming rate, threatening local food production and sustainability.

4. Misapplication of RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act)

• While RLUIPA is meant to prevent discrimination against religious institutions, it should not apply to bungalow colonies, summer camps, or non-religious commercial developments.

• The law allows for zoning regulations that preserve a town’s character—Fallsburg’s proposed changes disregard this safeguard.

5. Quality of Life and Community Impact

• Rapid, unchecked development threatens the small-town character of Fallsburg.

• The Sullivan County Planning Department’s Section 239 review warns that these amendments could worsen nonconforming land use and further strain natural resources.

• Residents are already witnessing overcrowding, unsupervised groups in public spaces, and increased littering in our stores and recreational areas.

OUR DEMANDS:

We urge the Town Board of Fallsburg to:

1. Halt the rezoning plan until a full environmental and infrastructure impact assessment is conducted.

2. Ensure compliance with the New York State Constitution by prioritizing clean water access before any new developments are approved.

3. Protect agricultural zones from unnecessary destruction.

4. Reevaluate the application of RLUIPA and ensure that any amendments maintain the integrity of our town’s Comprehensive Plan.

5. Incorporate community input into future zoning decisions to reflect the concerns of long-term residents.

By signing this petition, we demand responsible governance that prioritizes the well-being of Fallsburg residents over unchecked development.