At its November meeting, the Stanford Town Board unanimously passed Local Law #2 in a 4-0 vote, with Town Supervisor Wendy Burton absent. The law establishes a year-long moratorium on large-scale battery storage projects. Deputy Supervisor Nathan Lavertue also moved to reintroduce Local Law #3, which addresses regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
The board’s discussion centered on Local Law #2, which explicitly excludes car batteries, electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging systems and battery systems attached to single-family residences for domestic energy use. “The moratorium provides for a 12-month period within which the town must consider what regulation they want to have on this, if any, and adopt a law to cover it,” said town attorney Robert Butts.
Local Law #3 was reintroduced to designate ADUs as permitted “as of right” in all rural zones, except for Upton Lake, where a special permit will be required due to existing concerns over sewage and water quality. The revised law imposes an 1,800-square-foot size limit on ADUs. Those seeking to build a larger secondary structure may apply for a special permit. “The law does not affect existing regulations on guest cottages or duplex housing, which remain subject to special permits,” Butts said.
The law outlines its intentions as to “increase the supply of rental housing in the Town, encourage the creation of alternative long-term housing that may meet the needs of persons seeking a smaller dwelling unit, and encourage a more efficient use of existing housing stock.” Lavertue emphasized that these goals guided the updates, which aim to balance housing accessibility with community and environmental considerations.
The board resolved to send Local Law #3 back to the Stanford Planning Board and the Dutchess County Planning and Development Department for further recommendations. The Planning Board is expected to discuss the law at its Nov. 20 meeting, with a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
Lavertue said that the 1,800-square-foot limit was based on historical data on average home sizes, balancing family needs with practicality. “If we keep it too small, it wouldn’t encourage families,” he said. “The goal is to allow enough space for a master bedroom and potentially two additional bedrooms.”
In other business, the board voted 4-0 to appoint Supervisor Wendy Burton as the town’s marriage officer, a role for which she will not receive a salary. Financial updates revealed that the Haunted Fortress event brought in $24,293, surpassing last year’s earnings thanks to favorable weather.
Meanwhile, the Recreation Committee announced a save-the-date for a Winter Glow Party for children and families on Jan. 24, 2025, with additional details to come.
Additionally, the Salt Point Bridge has reopened ahead of schedule, improving travel in the area.
The meeting also included a tribute to the late Barry Haydasz, for whom the meeting was dedicated. A community member reflected on his passion for nature and music. “He loved all of nature, but he really had a passion for butterflies and moths and educated a lot of people through talks and walks,” she said. “He was famous for helping out a lot of neighbors. Barry was a wonderful musician. He just opened my eyes… I think he did that for so many people, on so many levels, helping us to see the beauty that is all around us. We were lucky to have him in our community.”
The next Stanford Town Board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
