Zoning changes and wayfinding signs move forward in Woodstock

The Woodstock Town Board established the Planning Board as lead agency for environmental review of zoning changes to allow development of the former library and Lasher Funeral Home properties, a necessary step before Project Regeneration is reviewed. All along, the Town Board has wanted the Planning Board to be the lead agency in the State Environmental Quality Review Act process, but there is no mechanism to recommend it. Instead, the town declared itself the lead agency, expecting the Planning Board to object. “The Town Board finds that the planning board’s objection is well-founded, the planning board site plan review jurisdiction is the primary approval at issue, the planning board is experienced in SEQR review of land development proposals, and coordinated review under planning board leadership will produce the most thorough environmental assessment of the proposed actions,” read the resolution passed April 7. The Town Board will remain an involved agency, allowing it to provide input during a coordinated review. Bearsville Center owner Lizzie Vann, who owns the parcels, plans adaptive reuse of the former library and funeral home buildings into light retail and commercial space and a business incubator, and the building of about 16 sustainable, below-market housing units. In her concept, the commercial spaces will help subsidize the housing. However, the bulk of the buildings are in a residential zone, and three of them are bisected by the line between residential and commercial. Vann is requesting the line be moved about 150 feet so all existing buildings are within the commercial zone. The Planning Board’s first site plan review is set for April 16. Sign language The Complete Streets Committee has asked the Town Board for funds to place signs directing motorists to the municipal parking lots in an effort to avoid confusion and minimize traffic tie-ups. One sign will give drivers a choice to continue along Tinker Street or make a right on Rock City Road. The M