New Scotland
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Contents |
Overview
A Wikipedia article summary provides an overview of the history, geography, and census data for the Town of New Scotland.
Communities and locations in New Scotland
- Camp Pinnacle -- A location in the northwest part of the town.
- Clarksville -- A hamlet in the southwest part of the town on Route 443.
- Feura Bush -- A hamlet in the southeast part of the town.
- Meads Corner -- A location south of Clarksville.
- New Salem -- A hamlet west of New Scotland village.
- New Scotland -- The hamlet of New Scotland is south of Voorheesville.
- Tarrytown (formerly "Oniskethan") -- A hamlet southeast of Clarksville.
- Unionville -- A hamlet by the east town line.
- Vly Creek Reservoir -- A reservoir south of New Salem.
- Voorheesville -- The Village of Voorheesville is in the north central part of town.
- Wolf Hill -- A hamlet at the west town line.
Development interest
The Northeast region is under pressure by developers looking to captalize on the area's proximity to Albany, agreeable land features, and the attractive 'rural character' that has so far characterized New Scotland. Almost all housing development proposals submitted to the Town have been proposed for the Northeast region.
Kensington Woods
The most debated housing development proposal is Kensington Woods, a 282-unit development of mostly single-family houses proposed for the site of the former Tall Timbers golf course and neighboring farms. [image] The development is controversial not only for its proposed size, but also due the wishes of current farming land owners who are planning retirement on the sale of their land. There is also a prolific artesian well located on the property, with a reported capacity far higher than the needs of the planned community. This water source is a cause for further debate, raising concerns of future development with the extension of public utilities.
Krumkill Road
Another large development has been proposed for the border of the towns of New Scotland and Guilderland on Krumkill Road, with a plan for over 200 condominiums and single-family homes. Further development is likely on 100 acres of land near the side road Fielding Way.
Route 85 senior housing
A senior housing community has been proposed on Route 85, at the site of the Tee Time golf driving range.
Colonie Country Club
Approximately 30 units have been proposed for a plot near Colonie Country Club.
Controversy
The current development proposals have created debate within the Town regarding the best approach to the Town's inevitable growth. Currently proposed plots are scattered and detached from already-developed hamlets and villages, contradicting the growth pattern recommended in the Town's 1994 Comprehensive Plan, which was based on sound planning practice. Town residents have raised issue with the affect this new growth will have on property and school taxes, traffic, water management and quality, right to farm, and the Town's rural character. There is also controversy regarding a land owner's right to sell property and develop it without excessive restrictions.
Taxes
Based on a cost exercise using approximate figures provided by Gary Kleppel, the Town stands to lose over $1.5 million choosing a development such as Kensington Woods over a more traditional town structure (including commercial units and housing for a wide age and income range). The difference is attributed to the high burden on the school system from a community that consists of mostly single-family residences with school-age children. Controlling tax costs is a high priority for Town residents.
Traffic
The highly automobile-dependent communities proposed in the Northeast region would affect traffic on Krumkill and Font Grove Roads, as well as Route 85 and, to a lesser degree, Johnston Road and Route 155. Current proposals provide no solution to traffic concerns other than to prepare for more traffic on roads described in the Comprehensive Plan as at or over capacity. The only public transportation offering (Route 85 bus route) offers minimal service to the proposed developments.
Water quality and management
(needs expansion)
Right to farm
(needs expansion)
Rural character
Preservation of rural character is listed as the most significant concern of residents. Farmland, open space, historic districts and buildings are all unique and important elements to Town character. In 1994, it was determined that existing zoning regulations would not adequately preserve this character; still, no changes to the zoning law have been made since then, though they have been proposed.
Rights of land owners
The rights of land owners to develop within existing zoning laws and exploit land resources such as water are also very much at issue. Other towns have used a relatively new zoning tool, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), to effectively address this issue.
Citizens' Design Forum
The concerns of town residents expressed in the Town's 1994 Comprehensive Plan and more recently in RPAC and Town Hall meetings, have led to recommendations for a more responsible approach to developing New Scotland. These designs follow other towns' favorable experiences with progressive development concepts, such as New Urbanism
Town Board
Who is supporting irresponsible growth?
- Supervisor Dolin has denounced the proposed big box development as destroying rural character. [1]
- Richard Reilly has stated his support for the Kensington Woods housing project. (source needed)
Board members[2]
- Supervisor, Thomas Dolin, Term to: ?
- Councilperson, Deborah Baron, Term to: ?
- Councilperson, Douglas LaGrange, Term to: 12/31/2009
- Councilperson, Peg Neri, Term to: 12/31/2009
- Councilperson, Richard Reilly, Term to: ?
