Residents Call for Revisions to the Town’s Proposed Zoning Laws

Dear Friends,

Since the unprecedented turnout of over 425 Fallsburg residents at the Town Public Meeting on March 4 (congratulations to all of you!) there has been a lot of positive activity challenging the proposed change of the Town’s Zoning codes.  Among the problematic changes are the loosening of restrictions on building developments in designated AG (agricultural) zones and a provision that would allow 50% increases in the size of existing non-conforming bungalow structures if they meet code requirements. 

Of the 60+ residents who addressed Town Board members in March, all but a few expressed their opposition to such expansion. Speakers focused on the negative impact that it would have on the Town’s rural character, our precious farmland and forests, our fragile water and sewer infrastructure, town and private wells, crowded roads and light pollution to name a few. 

Our quality of life is at stake – for all of us.

Since March, various groups and individuals, including Fallsburg’s Future, have undertaken extensive research to underscore the urgency of these problems. Generous residents are providing funds to mount legal challenges to the proposals. A new group called the Fallsburg Coalition for Sustainable Growth has been actively consolidating these efforts. This group is actively seeking to join all grassroots groups and concerned citizens in the Town to build power among residents. If you are interested in getting involved, please complete this survey!

We are also grateful to Catskill Mountainkeeper which provides comprehensive educational and legal programs for the entire region.
 

The March 4 meeting made it clear: people in this town care deeply, and we’re stronger when we act together. Dedicated residents have spent countless hours researching zoning codes, development proposals, and infrastructure issues as well as showing up at Town meetings. 

We’ve connected with agencies like the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYS Department of Health, and Sullivan County—not just to advocate, but to understand and take action.

We’re not experts, but we’ve become informed and better prepared. Here’s what we’re up to now and what’s next:

• Sharing timely information through social media and local groups so residents know when key meetings are happening and what’s at stake. 

• Engaging with neighbors—online and in person—to grow our network and invite more people to participate. 

• Raising thousands of dollars through grassroots events and GoFundMe to support legal counsel focused on the interests of year-round residents and environmental protection.

On July 3, residents published a prominent ad in the Sullivan County Democrat (see ad below), citing the GoFundMe campaign and urging citizens to provide further funding for legal representation that will articulate concerns of residents.  
 

A member of The Town Board recently acknowledged that the Town’s attorney is working with both the attorneys for the developers as well as our community attorneys to find a mutual compromise.  

Please consider donating at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fallslegaldefense

Thank you for your support in challenging the unfettered development and the status quo of business as usual. We all deserve a say in the future of Fallsburg. Please check out these organizations and join us.

Fallsburg Coalition for Sustainable Growth   
https://www.fallsburgcoalition.org/

Catskill Mountainkeeper   
www.catskillmountainkeeper.org

Fallsburg’s Future   
fallsburgsfuture.com

GoFundMe campaign
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fallslegaldefense