Hearing Set on Town of Franklin Subdivision Law

 

A public hearing will take place later this month on the Town of Franklin’s proposed subdivision law.

The measure, officially called the “Town of Franklin Major Subdivision Control Law,” would allow the town to regulate any subdivision of five or more lots over a ten year period following enactment of the law.  The town would also be able to review any size subdivision that requires a new public road.

The town has posted the complete text of the local law on its website – townoffranklin.com

In 2008, the town created a Citizen’s Advisory Committee to look into drafting regulations on large subdivisions. 

The issue came up during the debate over a large subdivision on Franklin Falls Pond that was ultimately approved by the Adirondack Park Agency. 

 In a news release, the town said the proposed subdivision law – quote – “is intended to establish consistent standards and guidelines for future large subdivisions and to provide citizens with the opportunity for participation in a public review process administered by a town planning board.”

The public hearing will be held Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Town Hall in Vermontville.  A copy of the hearing rules will be available for review at the town hall and on the town website.  Anyone unable to attend the hearing can submit written comments to the town clerk, but they must be submitted by the close of the hearing.

The town surveyed local residents on the proposed subdivision law earlier this year.  Out of more than 1000 surveys distributed roughly 250 people responded, with 62 percent in favor of the regulations and 31 percent opposed.

But opponents of the law have said it’s unnecessary, calling it another layer of government and regulation.

            -Chris Knight, 7-3-09 

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