Hurley - When Planning Boards Go Rogue

Every so often an application with a planning board piques local interest. This is the case with the proposed Dunkin’ drive-through at the intersection of Route 28 and 375 in West Hurley. A proposed development that does not require zoning changes or SEQR review, nonetheless has been stymied by members of a planning board listening to a small but vocal citizenry. 

Ulster Strong has previously highlighted this project and the questionable actions of the town planning board in articles and editorials. Following a final planning board approval last August after 18 months filled with numerous delays and a denial by the planning board, and subsequent court hearings and judgments (ruling against the planning board and for the developer), the application continues to be held back. For an application that per the town’s own rules should have lasted no more than 6 months, it has gone on a full three years. 

While a vocal minority of community activists have sought to derail the project, the facts bear out that nothing in the law constitutes a reason for denial. Indeed, while some oppose the project based on a dislike of franchises or fast food, many local residents have expressed support for the project and economic development. What matters is that the developer has followed the law in their application, and there has been no factual or legal basis for a denial given the current zoning. 

Should this matter make its way in front of the Town Board on Tuesday, 2/27 at 6:00 PM, at the Hurley Town Hall located at 10 Wamsley Place, Hurley, NY, we hope you will join Ulster Strong in attending Tuesday's town board meeting and show your support for fairness and equal treatment under the law.

Ulster Strong