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June 16, 2009
Transcript from Master Plan Steering Committee: May 5th, 2009
Town Master Plan Committee
Abbreviations:
TB - Tom Beaumont
FG - Frank Genova
MA - Mary Alex
RS - Margaret Irwin/River Street
JS - Jim Shequine
Beginning comments
Discussion of rating system, 1-5 vs. A-D
River St, people get confused with 1-5, first is better than fifth…on this you either agree or disagree in the end. I’m honestly not sure it matters that much. What do you not support?
June 05, 2009
What Do You Like About Millbrook?
Town Master Plan Committee
Tell Us What You Think
In 1987, the Town of Washington updated its Comprehensive Plan, then called a Master Plan. Its goals were guided by information obtained from town-wide public forums and a community values survey.
A comprehensive plan reflects what a community most values for itself. Zoning regulations, which must adhere and follow the spirit of the Master Plan, are the means by which the community makes those hopes and aspirations a reality.
The 1987 Community Values Survey found that the natural beauty and rural character of the town were what residents, overwhelmingly, valued most about their community.
A vernal pool assessment will help guide land use decision making in the Town of Washington so that development can be designed to keep these special wetland habitats intact.
Roger Akeley
Commissioner of Dutchess County's Department of Planning and Development
June 04, 2009
Some feel shunned on plan input: Washington town panel at issue
Town Master Plan Committee
Anthony P. Mussso
Poughkeepsie JournalArticle about the Town of Washington Master Plan with comments from town residents.
June 04, 2009
Town Board Workshop - Wetlands Ordinance
Wetlands Ordinance
MM Meeting Notes
Present: Florence Prisco, Town Supervisor
Mike Murphy, Frank Genova, Dan Weller, William Murphy, Rebecca Valk, Mary Alex, Bob Audia, Steven Turletes, Jack Neubauer, Brad Roeller
Florence Prisco opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. by explaining the purpose of the workshop: to discuss the proposed wetlands ordinance. Ms. Prisco stated that the workshop members consist of members of the town board, the building inspector, and members of the Wetlands Committee.
May 27, 2009
The Town of Washington Comprehensive Plan Stumbles Without Public Involvement
Town Master Plan Committee
As many of you know, a comprehensive plan is a community’s agreed-upon template for the future of the town — what it will look like, how it will grow, and what resources will be protected. It is the blueprint for all planning decisions in the community.
Most communities begin their comprehensive plan process by thoughtfully engaging the residents of the town. The process normally starts with a series of town-wide meetings designed to involve the whole community, where people can express their current concerns and their hopes for the future.
HELP SAVE A FROG! STOP FOR A TURTLE!
Frogs and other small woodland creatures are an important part of the unique natural environment that makes our town what it is – a healthy ecosystem where a rich variety of species support each other.
According to Judy Sullivan of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, every spring large numbers of amphibians and other small creatures are crushed as they cross our roads to reach their breeding sites.
The greatest number of road crossings occurs between the end of March and mid-May. On these first damp, rainy nights of spring, when the nighttime temperature inches above 40 degrees, frogs feel the urge to get to the safety of their breeding grounds to ensure the next generation.
Although most of the crossings have already occurred, there are still some stragglers. Frogs can be found engaging in apparently suicidal leaps before cars on rainy nights from spring to fall.
Turtles are also waking up and smelling the future. By June they’ll be moving from pond to suitable egg-laying sites. Since it takes these creatures years to reach breeding age, the loss of even one is a blow to a population.
Most of the crossings are in areas where there is a woodland on one side and a wetland on the other. If people were aware that they were driving through such a location, they could reduce their speed and exercise greater care on nights when weather conditions are conducive to migration.
Volunteers from several groups (the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the Dutchess County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Millbrook Matters, and the Town of Washington Conservation Advisory Committee) are working on a project to put together a list of critical areas in our town and to raise public awareness. Any interested individuals or organizations who would like to join are welcome.
The community can help. If you are aware of a particular spot where crossings occur, please let us know. By next spring we can have frog crossing signs posted in the town and a volunteer safety patrol out to ensure safe crossing for the frogs and turtles. Information about crossing locations or questions can be sent to info@millbrookmatters.org or (845 677-0721)