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(:omrnnnity and Hacnovrnc; MDev~iop~x~erlt a~nronx: vvrm'~ay ~~nsn~ccs rage ~ of ~r <br /> solved citizens retain the opportuiu~~ ~ exercise self- <br /> detertninationand self-respai~~sibilityfor their town's <br /> futuree <br /> Geographic features, like scenic views, watersheds or river <br /> corridors, extend across several municipalities. Adoption of <br /> similar overlay districts by adjoining towns can also permit <br /> more consistent region wide planning for such a feature, <br /> rather than piecemeal protection. <br /> Benefits <br /> The real power and effectiveness of overlay districts lies in <br /> the fact that all the parties involved in the land development <br /> review process can benefit. This includes the town, the <br /> property owner or developer and the public. While the <br /> standards and requirements to the developer are different <br /> than they are in other, non-overlaid zoning districts, the <br /> public hearing procedure to obtain approvals is the same. <br /> Since the guidelines and expectations for the overlay district <br /> are clearly defined in advance, battles over environmental <br /> issues at board meetings among the town, a developer and <br /> the public may also be minimized or eliminated. <br /> When building in an overlay district, a developer will have a <br /> clear understanding of the town's expectations and realistic <br /> development possibilities at the beginning of the approval <br /> process, before major commitments or expenditures are <br /> made. Since measures to protect the environment are built <br /> into the overlay district site plan from the beginning, the <br /> environmental review (SEQR) process can be effectively <br /> focused. This can lead to quicker, less costly approval <br /> process. <br /> Sample and model overlay district language for a variety of <br /> environmental resources is available from the New York <br /> Planning Federation. Contact the Federation at 44 Central <br /> Avenue, Albany, NY ia2o6, call8oo-366-693 or go on-line <br /> at <br /> David Church is Executive Director of the New York <br /> Planning Federation. <br /> t <br /> <br /> http://www.ca~-di.coruell.eda/cd_Cuolbox_ 2/tools/overlap_districts.cfm 1 0/1 312 002 <br /> <br />