By Mary A. Crisafulli
BOVINA - Over 50 people attended the Bovina Public Hearing on September 9th regarding the proposed comprehensive plan. A comprehensive plan is a policy document that guides the growth and development of a jurisdiction, unifying common goals and objectives. The policy was last updated roughly 20 years ago.
Before the public comment, Supervisor Tina Molè thanked the committee, spearheaded by Councilmember Marni Greenberg, for three years of dedicated work. Town of Bovina Comprehensive Plan Committee members include Matthew Homeijer, Bonnie Denison, Donald Farley, Chris Ingvordsen, Jillienne LaFever, Donna Dickson Noonan, and Shannon Shoemaker. Molè further thanked Delaware County Chief Planner Kent Manuel for acting as a consultant during the process.
The draft plan is broken down into four parts: public services and infrastructure, housing and development, economic development, and community engagement. The committee used the results of a 2024 survey to guide the development of the plan. The draft plan and survey results can be viewed on the town website, bovinany.org.
The primary concerns were those related to housing and development. Some residents sought a more comprehensive approach to affordable housing development for seniors.
One resident said they would like to see affordability beyond Social Security.
Another resident noted that instead of building housing, the plan could outline additional programs and services working with the Office of the Aging. They suggested it might be beneficial to explore ways to support seniors in staying in their homes. The same individual asked how the plan would continue beyond adoption. "I would like to see in the next two years developing something that is meaningful for the community," they said.
Another concern was for the repair or paving of dirt roadways. Highway Superintendent Edward Weber said the first step is addressing drainage issues, which is something the department actively works on, but it is costly.
Molè noted that increasing the taxes by $10,000 is a 1% tax increase for each taxpayer.
Some residents inquired about how the comprehensive plan would address increasing the tax base or improving the economy. Some noted how wonderful the area is and that businesses and individuals could easily be enticed to come settle in Bovina.
Others noted that the rural community, with little development and country life, is why Bovina is where they choose to stay. Some asked for the town to consider building and zoning restrictions.
One resident asked the community to reach out to him if there was any interest in purchasing farm land that is for sale in order to preserve the rural culture. He noted the council might not be able to take on something like this, but the community could work together.
Another attendee said, "This is a rural community, you left the place you left for a reason." They further explained that building developments and paving roadways would take away the reasons the town differs from City life.
One resident noted that if the town restricts the number of houses built on a certain amount of land, "you are restricting growth." They said multi-generational farmers can't build homes for their children to stay and work the farm.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee will review comments at the next meeting and make revisions before presenting the plan to the council once again.
In other business
September bills were paid, totaling $19,561.29 for general, $132.89 for the lighting district, $1,477.68 for the water district, $6,683.44 for septic, and $153,637.55 for the highway department.
Councilmember Jillienne LaFever reported the playground remodel is behind schedule, but the ground has been broken. Delays are due to the contractor's schedule and ordering materials.
The code officer approved two building permits, drafted three c/o letters, conducted 23 inspections, and managed three zoning issues in August.
It was approved that all highway department staff will attend a one-day New York Public Works Expo on October 29th.
Weber reported that roughly four to five more days of work are needed on New Kingston Mountain Road.
Molè reported that the survey of town-owned land behind the transfer station will be completed sometime during the winter. No plans to log or discuss will be held until after the survey is received, she said.
A budget workshop is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.
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