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ZONING & LAND USE DEVELOPMENT In the 2003 Town survey, 80% of the people who responded specified that maintaining, “open space” was “very important” to them. Similarly, in 2005, the 23 member Comprehensive Plan Update Committee stated that it was a high priority to manage the character of the community and to manage the continuing demands for residential development by working on the following action plans; Protecting open space and scenic views Limiting the creation of additional cul-de-sacs Maintaining and enforcing development regulations that prohibit unnecessary site disruption Revising the clustering provisions of the Town zoning and subdivision regulations to simplify the process for both applicants and reviewers … to maintain the open appearance of rural corridors. Incorporating open space and scenic views into the design of new development Utilizing creative subdivision designs to achieve additional variety in housing types, efficient use of land and infrastructure, preservation of natural resources and scenic views and increased utilization of interior land as opposed to strip development along existing roads. Along with the Town & Village of Lima, we were awarded a grant from the Department of State Quality Communities to develop new regulations that would put into action the “guiding principles” of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan emphasizes support for the Agricultural industry and the protection of sensitive environmental, historic, scenic and recreational resources. The Comprehensive Plan urged the development of Conservation Subdivisions. Senator Alesi wrote “ that the award of this Grant would result in “development regulations that will serve as models for towns throughout New York State concerned with such issues as protecting farmland, natural resources, open space & rural character.” In 2006 the Town Board established a Committee to review and revise our zoning/development regulations. This Committee and the Planning Board worked for a year, while the Town established a Moratorium on Residential Subdivisions, revising Chapter 200 (Zoning), Chapter 86 (Definitions) and Chapter 174 Subdivision of Land. On March 26th the Town Board held Public Hearings and then passed new legislation enacting Chapter 200 and Chapter 86. Taking this action addressed a significant number of redundancies, irrelevant sections of the code, as well as a number of measures that will enhance our ability to protect our natural resources. The Town Board did not take action on the proposed Chapter 174 (Subdivision of Land). Mr. Rooney, Ms. Freeman and Mr. Vahue decided to “table” action to allow Mr. Rooney time to amend the proposed legislation. On April 23, the Town Board voted to reject, by a vote of 3-2, Mr. Rooney’s “substantial” amendments and reverted to the version that had been “Publicly Heard” on March 26th. This version with two revisions was passed unanimously.