By DOUG LAROCQUE Capital Region Independent Media
NEW LEBANON–The future of the community center, walkable downtown and the Shaker Historical Preservation district were the major topics under discussion at the July 9 meeting of the town board.
First up was the Shaker topic. A report was received from the committee looking into a possible zoning change, that would take a three-tiered approach, as far as any future construction, rehabilitation and potential business is concerned. Under that proposal, no light industrial would be allowed, but small craft or artisan businesses would be considered. Any new construction or updates would require a site plan application that would be presented to the planning board for consideration.
The typical suburban approach to housing, large structures with significant amounts of land would also be discouraged in favor of more Shaker style homes, smaller in nature and with limited amounts of land.
Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling welcomed the committee’s comments but expressed a concern about current residents of the district and their point of view. She held to her belief that property owners should be in line with these proposed changes, saying, “We must have more public input and hear from dissenting voices.”
The committee agreed and indicated there is much more work to be done before any final recommendation is put forth.
Next up was the future of the current New Lebanon Community Center in the former New Lebanon Protective Association’s (LVPA) firehouse. The town must decide if they want to keep the center, and if so, can they purchase it from the LVPA? Supervisor Houghtling again detailed the many functions the center is currently providing. An engineering study of the building indicates there may need to be some asbestos removal in the front entrance way, and that a water treatment system would need to be installed if the kitchen were to be used for any cooking.
The supervisor also noted the senior citizens group currently meets there and without the center, they would have a tough time finding another suitable location. Ms. Houghtling added that the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is considering renting space for a satellite office. She labeled this as very important, not only because of the revenue it could generate, but, more importantly, for public protection. She reminded all that the NYS Police are still considering closing their New Lebanon barracks and moving it to Chatham, something that has not happened yet, but remains a possibility.
The LVPA has represented they are willing to discuss a possible purchase with the town. Councilmember Elizabeth Kroboth expressed her concern about whether the town could afford the center and wondered if more cooperation with the school district might eliminate what she sees as possible duplication of services.
The meeting opened with several community members expressing their support for sidewalk and crosswalk in the “downtown area.” They cited the daily sight of pedestrians walking close to traffic along with people pushing strollers, riding bikes and even motorized wheelchairs along the side of the road. Several speakers indicated these proposed walkways were vital to the restoration of downtown.
Supervisor Houghtling indicated the town has been awarded a $1.999 million grant for the engineering feasibility and construction. She also spoke about what she perceived as the wisdom of tying the project to a proposed creation of a sewer and water district along NYS Routes 20 and 22 so installation of both the projects, if approved, would be undertaken simultaneously. Groundbreaking on either project would be geared toward 2027.
During the public comment period, many speakers feared if the town did not act to accept the grant, another town would.
Also at the meeting:
*A certificate of appreciation was presented to Daniel Lynch who has been delivering Meals on Wheels to housebound town residents since 2018. Mr. Lynch, in accepting the honor, noted he believes it is all about “neighbors helping neighbors”
*The board did not receive any bids for the tennis court bathroom renovation project, although the supervisor indicated a local contractor is interested but did not have enough time to submit a bid before the window to do so closed. The board voted to go back out to bid and will hold a special meeting on August 9 to consider any received at that time
*Board members decided to seek more input as to whether to reduce the number of town justices from two to one
*They debated the requirements and concerns over possibly making Old Ghost Road a town road
*It was announced that Music in the Park and a community picnic will take place at noon, Sunday, August 11 at the Shatford Park Pavilion.
