zoning

North East Town Board declines zoning change for now; Country Inn plan stalled

North East Town Board declines zoning change for now; Country Inn plan stalled
Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Town Board has decided not to move forward with a petition to change agricultural district zoning that would have allowed construction of a new country inn and wedding venue.

The proposal, tied to a 36-acre parcel at Route 44/22 and Smithfield Road, came from John and Kristen King, who hope to develop a winery, guest accommodations and event space.

At the Sept. 11 meeting, Supervisor Chris Kennan announced the board was not ready to pursue changes to Code 180-40. Though the board initially seemed inclined to support the project for its economic potential, feedback from the Planning Board, the Conservation Advisory Council, and zoning consultant Nan Stolzenburg led members to reconsider.

“It is a question of whether we’re able to really feel that we understand the implications of what this could lead to,” Kennan said.

Attorney Joshua Mackey, representing the applicants, expressed disappointment and asked about next steps. Kennan replied that the board does not want to rush the process, noting the exhaustive commercial zoning review now nearing completion — a process that required more than 100 committee meetings.

Because the petition was still preliminary, no resolution was under review and no vote was required. Town Attorney Warren Replansky suggested the proposed amendments could be considered in the second phase of the zoning review, which will change focus from commercial to residential districts. “I think it would be too ambitious to include in this first round,” he said.

Kennan added that he hopes to launch the second phase before the end of the year and expects it to move more quickly. “The goal would be to get a committee appointed, hire the appropriate professional resources and move on that as quickly as possible,” he said.

Kennan emphasized the town’s interest in new investment. “We appreciate the applicant’s interest, and we welcome people who want to come and start a business and create economic activity. We just want to make sure it’s done in a way that keeps the nature of the town consistent with what we know.”

zoning

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