The Stanford Town Board on Thursday, July 10, unanimously approved a local law codifying the right to farm, affirming longstanding agricultural practices as part of the town’s identity and economy.
The measure, adopted as Local Law No. 4 of 2025, was passed following a public hearing in which several residents voiced support. The law, now condensed to seven pages from a previous 17-page draft, is available on the town website.
Separately, the Town Board introduced a revised short-term rental (STR) law, with a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 14.
The revised law places a cap of 55 STR permits, expands eligibility to duplexes and multifamily homes, and clarifies application and enforcement procedures.
Town Attorney Robert Butts, who presented the proposal, said the updated draft eliminates a requirement for STR operators to maintain written contracts with tenants — acknowledging that many use third-party booking platforms such as Airbnb. It also clarifies the process for grandfathering existing bookings and includes a 90-day application period for current operators.
“All the comments were welcome and constructive,” Butts said. “We think the final version has improved as a result.”
Board member Julia Descoteaux, who has led recent work to create a committee to assess local water quality, reported that no comprehensive studies have been conducted on the town’s aquifers since 1991, when 48 wells were tested. While chloride and nitrate levels were not elevated at that time, she emphasized the need for updated assessments.
“This work is really important,” she said. “Seventy-five percent of New York state’s water supply comes from the Wappinger Creek watershed.”
Descoteaux announced the formation of a new water quality committee, with members appointed to two-year terms: Dennis Wedlock, Natalie Carpenter, Anthony Jones, and Susanne Szytoschy. Their expertise ranges from marine biology to ecological science and public administration.
The meeting also included updates on community amenities. News of the town laundromat’s reopening drew applause. Burton said she is seeking a contractor to assess the condition of the Town Hall roof.
Separately, the board approved:
- A contract with Saratoga Associates for $8,900 in landscaping plans at the Recreation Park.
- A transfer of $42,018.92 from the highway vehicle reserve to fund repairs to a 2012 International truck by Junior’s Diesel Repair.
Burton also thanked Everett and Helen Cook for their years of service on the Recreation Campaign Committee, which is now seeking letters of interest for new members. “I just have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the way that committee has comported itself and brought the community together,” she said.
The next Stanford Town Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 14.