Jerusalem board adopts scenic view protection

JERUSALEM—The Jerusalem town board adopted the proposed overlay district for the Route 54A corridor during their meeting Wednesday, Jan. 16. The law passed in a three to two vote, with Supervisor Daryl Jones and Councilman Michael Folts voting against it.
Consultant Matt Ingalls gave a presentation outlining the final draft of the new overlay district, which starts just north of West Lake Road and ends at Sugar Creek just east of Branchport. He said the overlay district is a tool used to protect the scenic views along Route 54A and will ensure any development along it will not only fit into what the town wants to see aesthetically, but also will fit in with the natural contours of the land. Ingalls said three public feedback sessions were held prior to Wednesday’s public hearing to get the opinions of town residents on what they wanted to see come from an overlay district. Ingalls said this was primarily the protection of the rural character of the area, directing commercial and residential development more toward the hamlet areas.
Before approving the overlay district, the board approved a change to the section of the law regarding the screening of parking lots from the view of the road. The previous version of the law said all parking must be screened from view. The board amended it exempting parking to the side and rear of a building and only requiring it for parking in front of a building. Despite other questions regarding the possible exemption of single-family homes less than 3,000 square feet, the board voted to pass the law and deal with any future issues as they come up rather than to send the law back for additional revisions.
In other business:
• The board approved the resignation of William Pringle from the town planning board and approved the appointment of John Wheeler to serve out the remaining term ending December of 2015.
• The board agreed to postpone discussion and public hearings on local laws regarding new fence regulations, sign regulations, a right to farm bill and creating uniform language for lot coverage in the agriculture residential district until next month’s meeting Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.