Public weighs in on town’s plan

Recycling, community center among topics

 By Hunter Krause | Manor Ink | October 2019

Livingston Manor, NY – On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Town of Roscoe Planning Committee convened an open hearing on the town’s draft Comprehensive Plan. Nine citizens gathered at Town Hall to discuss the recently-published plan. Among participants were several local business owners and the president of the Livingston Manor Chamber of Commerce, Meg McNeil. Here are some highlights from the comments and questions asked and answered.

Town Supervisor Robert Eggleton began the meeting with a brief introduction and then opened the floor to comments and questions. Kelly Buchta spoke first.

Kelly is the co-owner of Dette Flies and board president of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. She suggested that the plan should mention the museum as it could potentially be used for youth and environmental activities.

Another citizen and owner of RM Real Estate, Gina Molinet, stated that she thought the plan needed to give people an incentive to recycle. Russell Budd, the consultant who drafted the plan for the committee, responded that the plan urges the township to continue working with residents to ensure they comply with the town’s recycling efforts and requirements. Budd did not, however, cite any of the town’s efforts to incentivise recycling or inform residents about proper waste disposal.

The topic of a joint Roscoe and Livingston Manor community center came up. Most of the board was concerned with how such a project would be financed. Grants might be a source of funding, particularly if the proposed center offered resources and activities for not just youths but for all ages. There was also discussion about repurposing other spaces in town for a possible community center. Mr. Eggleton noted that there are existing services that provide activities that would be duplicated by a community center. He gave the example of the open gym program in Roscoe, and added that such services need to be publicized in a more effective way.

The meeting overall was helpful for raising questions as well as allowing people to have their voices heard. Members of the public complimented the committee on their hard work.

There will be a second Planning Committee meeting in October to allow the community to offer additional comments. The committee will then consider all the feedback from the public in its final draft. The Town Board is scheduled to vote in December on a final version of the Comprehensive Plan. Whether any changes will be incorporated based on public discussion is yet to be seen.

For more information, or for a copy of the plan, click here.