New City, NY – The Clarkstown Town Board has introduced a proposed six-month building moratorium that would temporarily restrict approvals for certain larger development projects while town officials review zoning regulations, infrastructure needs and long-term land-use plans.
The Town Board has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed moratorium for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Clarkstown Town Hall, 10 Maple Avenue in New City. Residents and other members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal before the town moves forward with the local law.
Under the proposal, the temporary restrictions would apply to multifamily development, large-scale subdivisions and certain commercial and industrial projects. Town officials specifically identified large developments such as artificial intelligence data centers as among the types of projects that could be affected.
The town said the temporary pause is intended to provide time to evaluate how future development could affect Clarkstown’s transportation system, environment, public safety, municipal services and other infrastructure. During that period, officials would also have an opportunity to consider possible changes to zoning and land-use regulations before certain new projects receive approvals.
The proposal follows the enactment of the Clarkstown Community Preservation Act. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the state legislation on July 31 after it passed the New York State Senate and Assembly. The legislation authorizes Clarkstown to establish a community preservation program, but implementation of its funding mechanism remains subject to approval by Clarkstown voters through a public referendum.
As part of that process, Clarkstown is expected to develop an updated preservation plan and appoint a new Community Preservation Board. Town staff and the board would work on the preservation plan during the proposed development moratorium.
Town officials also plan to examine findings from several existing planning and infrastructure studies. Those include the Routes 303 and 304 Safety and Sustainability Study, a town-wide traffic signalization and safety study, portions of Clarkstown’s Comprehensive Plan and recent changes to New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act.
If adopted, the moratorium would remain in effect for six months. The Town Board could extend it for one additional period of up to six months if it determines that additional time is necessary to complete the planning and zoning work.
Not every development project would be affected. The proposal includes exemptions for small-scale subdivisions, individual residential projects and commercial or industrial projects smaller than 5,000 square feet that are not expected to create significant traffic impacts.
Projects within the Nanuet Hamlet Center would also be exempt. Town officials said that area has already undergone study for future transportation improvements and includes Clarkstown’s only commuter rail station.
Town Supervisor George Hoehmann said the proposed moratorium is intended to give Clarkstown time to review its zoning regulations following recent changes in the town’s preservation and development policies. He said officials want future development to remain consistent with Clarkstown’s long-term planning goals while considering open space, environmental protection, infrastructure and community services.
The proposal comes as Clarkstown continues to consider how to balance development with land preservation. Under the recently enacted Community Preservation Act, voters will eventually be asked whether to authorize a preservation fund supported by a one-time 0.75% fee on certain real estate closings. The town assessor’s office has estimated that the program could generate nearly $5 million annually for qualifying preservation purposes if approved by voters.
The Sept. 15 public hearing will be held in the Councilman John R. Maloney Auditorium at Clarkstown Town Hall. The hearing will allow residents, property owners, developers and other interested parties to provide input before the Town Board considers whether to adopt the temporary moratorium.