March 12, 2019 Public Hearing Submission From The Kulikowski's

Town of Ballston Zoning Public Hearing  March 12, 2019

Nancy and Joe Kulikowski submitted the following to the Town Board

We have attended all but one TB Meetings, including regular and agenda meetings, since May 2017.   Our purpose was to follow the zoning revisions and the TB’s management.  Now that zoning revisions are coming down to the wire, we have reached some conclusions. 

In the new zoning regulations, we have noticed there are contradictions and conflicts that cause holes in the zoning. We are concerned that the holes make the new zoning easy to manipulate and render decisions that were never intended.

The original author of the zoning revisions was Nan Stolzenburg.   But in January 2018, a second Town Planner joined the Town’s administration.  Then, we heard less from Nan while we listened to the new planner’s opinions that were different, often contrary, to Nan’s. 

At many TB meetings during the interim, TB Supervisor has consistently advised the attendees at the meeting that both Town Planners were working together.  But unfortunately, since summer 2018, the Supervisor has provided no details to explain Nan’s contributions. 

The Board would do well to contract with the original author of the zoning revisions, Nan Stolzenburg, to fix the problems which were subsequently imposed on her work

Agriculture is a component of Ballston’s zoning.  Ballston has identified itself as a Farms First Community.  So Ballston could be expected to practice Farm Friendly zoning like many of its neighboring communities.

Farm Friendly would include the Family Farm.  Farm Friendly zoning would not put impossible hurdles in front of dedicated and dependable family members who need to help on the Family Farm.  Nor would it cause a horse farm constructed on one property to be operated on 2 properties.

In the Town’s zoning, there is a “one use per lot” code.  It does not distinguish residential 1 to 2 acre lots from farming 50 to 100 acre or more lots. They are both “one lot.”  To link farming to “one use per lot” is an oxymoron.

“One use per lot” EXPECTS the farmer who is managing a Farm of 50, 100, or 300 acres or more to operate on the SAME “tank of gas” as the single family home owner on the typical acre or so residential lot.  The farmer empties his gas tank on the management and operation chores of numerous outbuildings, often with livestock, substantial equipment, acres of grounds, and family or hired help.  Meanwhile, the residential neighbor has been able to take a pass on the chores and keep the gas.

It is no surprise that Farms run out of gas AND that some towns may run out of Farms.  BUT then, some folks may think that running out of Farms in the Town of Ballston is NOT a bad idea.

Remarks will be emailed to Board Members, Town Planners, and. FPPC.