Much misinformation has been distributed lately concerning a proposed Senior Housing Project by a group of people which prefer to remain anonymous. Clearly, they wish not to be held accountable for their statements or their actions. Further, they only wish for you to read negative responses on their website as they continue to remove any opposing comments.
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OPEN SPACE
Claim: As of the 2004 comprehensive plan, the village only had 50 acres of open space (probably less now). That means the project is wiping out around 20% of our open space!
Our Response: The village currently owns more open space than 50 acres with Pachaquack and River Street Parks alone. Additionally, more open space was granted with other subdivisions in recent years. The public and private efforts in the past few years have resulted in over 67 acres of land in the Village remaining open despite the various subdivisions. All major subdivisions, and possibly Bordewick Farms if the Planning Board so chooses, have been approved with the review, consultation and direction of the Columbia County Conservancy, the County's pre-eminent authority on land conservancy.
ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW
Claim: "The Village government must do an environmental review of the
project. How can they review the project if the developer won't tell them what
it looks like?
Our Response: The Village Planning Board will review the project when the plans are submitted. So far, no plans have been submitted.
PAYMENT-IN-LIEU-OF-TAXES/PILOT
Claim: "Homeowners in Kinderhook are already being taxed out of their
homes. This project will add residents and associated increase in costs for
municipal services, but will not be added to the tax rolls.
Our Response: Water and sewer services will be billed on standard schedule, just like other properties in the village. The town and village currently offer senior tax exemptions that would normally be lost to the renter when moving into a rental unit. The tax savings is passed to the renter in the form of lower rents. Also, if that senior sells his home and moves into senior housing, the odds are that the new buyer will not be eligible for the exemptions granted to seniors. Therefore, tax revenues will be increased when the home is sold to the new buyer.
ADOPT THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Claim: "The existing draft comprehensive plan would provide a much needed
framework for projects like this. The Village should make adopting it a
priority, and should refer the existing draft even if it has not been formally
adopted. It is a well prepared plan. Next time you see the mayor or a village
trustee, ask them why they haven't adopted it.
Our Response: In fact, we are referring to the draft plan. Perhaps you missed the multiple references to the need for senior housing. Additionally, the Village Board had a review of the Draft Comprehensive Plan prepared to resolve the issues many people voiced with the plan. The summation of the report states: The draft plan contains a number of recommendations that are appropriate and will further the Village's vision, but it also contains some recommendations that would, if implemented, run counter to the overarching vision presented in the statement above.