To the editor:

This is in response to the article (Guest Commentary) in the Enterprise of Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, regarding whether the Development Board provided any special treatment for Mayor Rabideau’s subdivision on Fox Run. The short answer is no. We provided the same care and review that we would have shown any applicant. The proposed project met all the zoning requirements of the K-2 zone in which it is sited and was, from our perspective, not controversial. In fact, the project met one of the zoning objectives of the new Development Code, which is to allow slightly more dense housing by allowing 10,000-square-foot lots. Our review of the project was fully informed by all the necessary facts.

All meetings of the Development Board are publicly noticed, as required under New York state law. In addition, all Development Board projects are placed on an agenda that is posted on the village board and to the village website.

It is unfortunate that some projects do not meet with universal approval, but such is the nature of planning for a small community. We are a volunteer board, and we promise to provide the village with our best efforts as we adjudicate planning and zoning issues for our favorite village. We welcome attendance at our monthly Development Board meetings, usually the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Tom Boothe

Chairman

Saranac Lake Development Board