Three properties in Blauvelt on Western Highway have a request before the board for a zone change from R-80 to R-15, a 700% increase in density. 

This change in zoning allows for an increase in the number of homes from 3 homes on 7 acres, to  21 homes on 7 acres.  Currently, the developer plans to build 13-14 homes on this parcel.  

Increasing the number of homes in this area would adversely affect the pristine woodland, adjacent to the public drinking water supply.  One of the lots is, in fact, a federal wetland and should not be built on at all. This area already floods regularly.  Removing so many trees will have a detrimental impact to air quality as well as reduce the resiliency of the area to handle water. 

This narrow, dense band of housing will eliminate habitat for wildlife and destroy the wildlife corridor that leads to the adjacent woods of the watershed.    The applicant laughably suggested that fences would be good for keeping the wildlife safely penned in.  

The board said that an undesirable large-scale project would be built if dense housing is not allowed.  The  nature of the zoning and the size of the three individual lots means that very little can be built there except just a few homes.  

The Planning Board does not have to approve combining them into one property if the proposed development is out of character for the neighborhood.  The Planning Board called the change ‘drastic’ at their last meeting.  

The Rockland County Highway Department found that the project would have an adverse effect on the environment and would set a precedent for more requests like like this to be approved.   Additionally, they said the project would have a negative effect on traffic, contrary to what the developer's traffic study indicated.  

We should not allow the developer to sway the board with the promise of more housing for young families because the prices of these houses will be well beyond the reach of most first-time home buyers or downsizing seniors, so that they can simply make more money.

Finally, there were decisions made in the Comprehensive Plan to protect open space, limit the removal of trees and focus on the impacts of increased flooding which became law last year. 

Please sign this petition encouraging the town board to vote no.  

Property location:  676 and 680 Western Highway and the north end of Ellsworth Drive, Blauvelt (Section 70.05, Block 1 -  Lots 14.1, 14.2, 17,11 )