OPINION: Serious Concerns About Proposed Animal Crematorium in Town of Lloyd

A proposal before the Town of Lloyd Planning Board seeks to create a pet cremation on Route 9W. This site, just 100 feet from Highland Elementary, raises a number of concerns.  The Town of Lloyd's zoning code states that no visible emissions are permissible beyond a property’s borders. Yet, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permits up to 10% opacity in emissions—emissions that would be released through a chimney a mere 100 feet from the school. Even if the crematorium meets state regulations, it fundamentally contradicts local ordinances.

The applicant has acknowledged a lack of experience operating a crematorium and, struggles to provide satisfactory answers regarding critical aspects like lighting, waste management, and emissions mitigation during appearances before the Planning Board. Additionally, the applicant suggests the crematorium would primarily serve bulk pick-ups from shelters and veterinary offices with significant implications for the residential area. Cremation is inherently a combustion-based operation that generates emissions, typically requiring industrial zoning or special use permits, particularly when located near schools or residential areas.

Ulster Strong supports local, sustainable economic development and business, and mindful of the rights of business-owners. However, in this case, Ulster Strong believes this proposal needs to be reconsidered, and at a minimum, requires much further study.