As strong winds battered the windows of Town Hall on Thursday, Feb. 13, the Stanford Town Board voted 4–1 to pass Local Law #1 of 2025, amending the town code to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all zoning districts.
The decision follows nine months of deliberation, public hearings, and revisions. Initially proposed in July 2024, the law has undergone multiple adjustments, including modifications to size restrictions and owner-occupancy requirements. The law streamlines the approval process for property owners looking to construct an ADU by eliminating the requirement for a special use permit.
Before the vote, town attorney Bob Butts explained that the board had conducted a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) assessment and found no significant environmental impact. Board member Julia Descoteux cast the lone dissenting vote.
With the ADU law now in place, the board introduced Local Law #2, which would offer a property tax exemption for homeowners who build ADUs for rental purposes.
“If you are going to invest in creating an ADU … you are doing the town a service because you are creating a rental unit in a place where there are not sufficient rental units,” said Town Supervisor Wendy Burton. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for the next board meeting on March 13.
The board also introduced Local Law #3, which would expand property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who serve in neighboring towns. Currently, Stanford grants exemptions only to those who volunteer within the town. The proposed amendment would extend the benefit to residents serving in adjacent districts, such as Amenia. This law will also be discussed at the March 13 meeting.
The board also addressed growing concerns over avian flu after two geese were found dead at Upton Lake. While the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) did not formally inspect the birds, officials suspect the highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of death. “To me, it’s slightly terrifying that it’s come here,” Burton said. “A lot of people have chickens, and just the general state that birds are dying everywhere is pretty upsetting.” Residents who encounter dead birds are encouraged to contact the DEC and submit an online form to report findings.
Margaret Fallon of the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) presented an update on the town’s Natural Resource Inventory, which compiles data on local wildlife and environmental conditions. The CAC is seeking public input through a comments on public Google documents linked on the town’s website, with printed drafts available in the community room. The deadline for comments is March 31.
In response to recent national news, the board passed a resolution affirming its support for Stanford’s LGBTQIA+ community. Several appointments were also confirmed, including Ray Storms as Town Hall custodian; Laura Viscusi as a Planning Board member for a five-year term; Lynn Tondrick as a CAC member, with a term through 2026; and Ted Eglit as auditor for the town’s annual review.
The next Stanford Town Board meeting is scheduled for March 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Patrick you are astonishing. We give you mini- Pulitzer