As the fastest growing municipality in Dutchess County, the Town felt a need to update its zoning ordinance to preserve the rural character, control the rapid population growth, protect its underground water supplies, preserve open spaces and prevent commercial sprawl.

Laberge Group recommendations for zoning updates include:

• Change zoning for the land atop the aquifer from one-acre to two or three-acre per house lots.
• Expand and attract business to the commercial zone near Greenhaven Correctional Facility.
• Contain commercial growth on Route 55.
• Expand the Town Center District.
• Remove high density residential district.
• Create multi-density residential district.
• Re-create concentrated mixed use hamlets.

Laberge Group, using GIS technology, developed a town-wide zoning map that directly reflected the initiatives expressed in the 1999 Town Master Plan. The new zoning ordinance and mapping focused on improving the local economic and business climate, restoring neighborhood vitality, and improving the overall social, cultural and environmental condition of the community. This included the identification and incorporation of community goals and objectives through a series of workshop meetings with residents, businesses and other local interest groups.

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