One of the most important issues we addressed at this month’s Town Board meeting was the proposed zoning amendment that would have rezoned certain areas of Putnam Valley to encourage additional commercial development.

After listening carefully to public input and reflecting on the concerns raised by residents, the Town Board voted to withdraw the current rezoning resolution. It became clear through the public hearing process that we need to slow down, take a step back, and ensure that any future planning decisions are grounded in accuracy, transparency, and the long-term well-being of our community.

Rather than moving forward with a piecemeal approach, I will be forming a new working group to begin the process of updating Putnam Valley’s Comprehensive Plan — a guiding document that has not been revised since 2007. This plan should reflect who we are today, where we hope to go as a town, and how we balance thoughtful economic development with environmental stewardship.

This working group will include representatives from the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, the Commission for the Conservation of the Environment, The Neighborhood Business Committee, and other key stakeholders. Our goal is to ensure a collaborative process with a broad range of perspectives and input from the community.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the hearing and shared their voices. Civic engagement is essential, and I am committed to a process that truly serves the people of Putnam Valley.