By Michael Ryan
LEXINGTON - The recruitment has begun for new members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Climate Change Task Force in Lexington.
Town council officials, at a recent meeting, agreed to increase the number of ZBA members from three to five amid a time of change.
The 20-year-old Comprehensive Plan is being updated, with public hearings expected to commence in early September.
“This new document is very grassroots-based,” says local planning board chairwoman Jen Cawein, one of three people handling the update along with residents Kim McGalliard and Lynn Byrne.
“The idea is to make it much more action-oriented, trying to stay away from mumbo-jumbo and getting to language that says ‘let’s get something done in our small town,’” Cawein says.
“Everything has come out of the town survey taken. We are also wanting to engage younger people and people new to the town, so this becomes a true community tool,” Cawein says.
One of the key elements, as identified by residents, is reviewing and modernizing the local zoning regulations.
“We will be looking to set up a special committee to get that done,” town supervisor JoEllen Schermerhorn says, relying on citizens as well as zoning officials.
There have also been difficulties conducting ZBA business, working with only three members, and one or two not being able to attend.
“Years ago it was five members, then we reduced it to three but it has now gotten to the point where we’re sometimes not able to have a quorum,” Schermerhorn said.
Informal conversations have ensued with citizens, needing at least three new members. Anyone interested can contact the town hall.
The same is true for the Climate Change Task Force, being established to help address the potential planetary threat and establish a stronger foundation when applying for outside grant funding.
Council members unanimously approved a resolution stating, “the town of Lexington believes that climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and global environments.
“We believe that our response to climate change provides us with an opportunity to save money, and to build a livable, energy-independent and secure community, and resilient infrastructures.
“We believe that community involvement is vital in these efforts towards climate stabilization and will require sustained and substantial efforts and welcome input by all its citizens,
“In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate,” the Task Force is established, serving strictly in an advisory capacity to the town council, the resolution states.
In other matters:
—Council members observed a respectful Moment of Silence for three individuals with links to the community who recently passed away.
Albert VanEtten lived in North Lexington and was a member of the local volunteer fire company for half a century. His wife passed in the spring.
Jeanette Becker, a hometown girl was known to everyone. She married her childhood sweetheart, passing away in her 91st year.
Bette Knapp, a retired teacher’s aid, lived around Bush’s Bridge and was a busy woman, serving as a Sunday school teacher with the Methodist Church and a member of the ladies auxiliary.
In a similarly respectful manner, Schermerhorn reported a small memorial and bush-planting has been implemented for the late Alida Bloodgood on the grounds of the municipal building.
Bloodgood was the longtime deputy for former town clerk Rose Williams and was well known for helping residents sort through complex genealogical paperwork in the town historian’s office.
She was one of the early members of the Lexington volunteer rescue squad and served with the ladies auxiliary in the fire department.
Bloodgood is one of a handful of memorials sprinkled on the grounds including the late code enforcement officer and 2024 Greene County “Veteran of the Year” Larry Dwon.
Also remembered with simple landscaping and a plaque are the late Judge Robert Cross, the late town supervisor Dixie Lou Baldrey and Anita Hall.
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