Attachment A: Supporting Information - North Broadway Corridor Land Use and Zoning Study
1.1 Proposed Action
The purpose of the North Broadway Corridor Land Use and Zoning Study ( “ Proposed Action or “ Land Use Study ” ) is to review the North Broadway corridor, including the Cookingham property, and determine whether the underlying zoning should be amended to encourage development of the underutilized properties, and offer new opportunities to promote land uses compatible with “ Smart Growth Principles ”[1] including mixed land uses, compact building design, range of housing, walkable neighborhoods, supporting a variety of transportation choices, and allowing additional uses which may not presently be allowed.
This Study supports the shared values of the Village of Red Hook that promote healthy and sustainable neighborhoods. These values include the following:
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preserve the traditional neighborhood scale and historical aspects of the area;
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enhance the pedestrian experience by creating safe, walkable neighborhoods with attractive landscaping and building design supporting a welcoming, connected community
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calm vehicular traffic by creating and/or refurbishing the Village ’ s interconnected network of narrow, tree-lined streets with sidewalks and paths that disperse traffic and reduce the length of automobile trips by offering multiple routes for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and connecting those streets to existing and future developments
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ensure that buildings and landscaping contribute to the physical definition of streets as public spaces;
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provide a range of housing types, sizes and price levels to accommodate a variety of age and income groups, household sizes, and residential preferences;
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ensure developments are compatible with historic Village lot sizes, housing sizes and varieties, and building patterns, and will create a strong sense of community identity and neighborhood feeling experienced in traditional rural settlements;
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support economic development opportunities that activate and energize the surrounding mixed-use neighborhood; and
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promote local economic development that expands employment opportunities for community members and contributes to a thriving Village economy.
Figure 2 from the Land Use Study illustrates the Study Area within the Village of Red Hook – the Study Area is approximately 73.6 acres. The Study Area includes a portion of the Cookingham property within the Village of Red Hook, centered around Camp Lane. It also includes properties primarily with frontage along Old Post Road and North Broadway, extending to about Cherry Street. Figure 3 from the Land Use Study presents an aerial view of the Study Area.
Adoption of the Land Use Study will not have direct SEQR impacts. The following presents a generic discussion of the existing conditions within the Study Area. Any site-specific development projects which are proposed based on the recommendations of the Land Use Study and the zoning amendments that may follow, will be subject to site- specific SEQR review at the time any development application is submitted.
1.2 Impact on Land
1 As per the NYS Smart Growth Community Planning Program, Smart Growth supports and integrates four key themes: equity, economy, environment, and energy/climate.
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Available mapping data indicates a difference of 30 – 40 feet in elevation within the Study Area, with the Study Area sloping downward from east to west, and with a ridgeline found east of Northern Broadway on the Ross and Cookingham properties. These two properties do contain some steeper terrain, along with potential bedrock constraints, which may influence future grading and site design. Soils within the study area are as follows:
|Available mapping data indicates a difference of 30–40 feetin elevationwithin theStudyArea,with the Study Areaslopingdownward from east to west, andwitha ridgelinefound east of Northern Broadway on the Ross and Cookingham properties. These two properties do contain somesteeperterrain, along with potential bedrock constraints,whichmay influence future grading and site design.Soils within the study areaare as follows:|Available mapping data indicates a difference of 30–40 feetin elevationwithin theStudyArea,with the Study Areaslopingdownward from east to west, andwitha ridgelinefound east of Northern Broadway on the Ross and Cookingham properties. These two properties do contain somesteeperterrain, along with potential bedrock constraints,whichmay influence future grading and site design.Soils within the study areaare as follows:|Available mapping data indicates a difference of 30–40 feetin elevationwithin theStudyArea,with the Study Areaslopingdownward from east to west, andwitha ridgelinefound east of Northern Broadway on the Ross and Cookingham properties. These two properties do contain somesteeperterrain, along with potential bedrock constraints,whichmay influence future grading and site design.Soils within the study areaare as follows:|Available mapping data indicates a difference of 30–40 feetin elevationwithin theStudyArea,with the Study Areaslopingdownward from east to west, andwitha ridgelinefound east of Northern Broadway on the Ross and Cookingham properties. These two properties do contain somesteeperterrain, along with potential bedrock constraints,whichmay influence future grading and site design.Soils within the study areaare as follows:| |---|---|---|---| |Table 1: Soils|||| |Map Unit Symbol|Map Unit Name|Percent of Area|Characteristics| |DwB|Dutchess Cardigan complex, undulating, rocky|44.7|Prime Farmland Well Drained| |Fr|Fredon silt loam|16.5|Prime farmland if drained Somewhatpoorlydrained| |HeA|Haven loam, nearly level|20.8|Prime Farmland Well Drained| |Hf|Haven-Urban land complex|18.0|Not Prime Farmland Well Drained| |Total||100.0||
These soils are generally suitable for development, and any potential impacts would be further evaluated during any site plan/subdivision review. It is the intent of the Land Use Study that future sitespecific development avoid land features such as steep slopes. Future site-specific development would be required to incorporate soil erosion controls and would also have to delimit potential areas of disturbance in order to avoid any sensitive environmental features where found.
1.3 Impact on Geological Features
The Proposed Action will not impact geological features. There are no known unique or unusual land forms in the Study Area. As mentioned previously, the ridgeline within the Study Area, while not “ unique ” , is an important visually defining feature in the Village, and the treed, stee slopes are intended to be preserved.
1.4 Impact on Surface Water, Groundwater and Flooding
Mapped floodplains are not present within the Study Area. An approximately 8± acre lake is located along the easterly periphery of the Study Area and is considered a regulated wetland. The wetland is on property which is proposed to remain as farmland/vacant land at this time.
As per the 2024 Annual Drinking Water Report for the Village of Red Hook, the Village ’ s water system serves over 2,730 people through 875 service connections. The water source is from eight (7) active drilled wells that draw from an underground aquifer. The Village of Red Hook water system sources water from a shallow unconfined gravel aquifer and a deeper bedrock aquifer underlying the unconfined system. The water is then disinfected with sodium hypochlorite within the pump house facility to inactivate microbiological contaminants prior to distribution. The Village has been in the process of installing public sewers within the area, which will assist with reducing water quality impacts associated with failing septic systems. Adoption of the Land Use Study is not anticipated to directly impact surface waters or groundwater. Any potential impacts to these resources would be further evaluated during any
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site plan/subdivision review. Regarding flooding, it is noted that the Village regulates floodplain development through Chapter 117, Flood Damage Prevention, and stormwater management is regulated by the NYSDEC through its stormwater permitting process.
1.5 Impact on Air
Adoption of the Land Use Study would not introduce a state-regulated air emission source. Impacts are not anticipated.
1.6 Impact on Plants and Animals
Much of the Study Area is developed and species consist primary of wildlife and plants that can tolerate a suburban environment. Two properties within the Study Area are either vacant and undeveloped or formerly in agricultural use. Based on a review of the Dutchess County Habitat Mapper and nearby communities, habitat within the Study Area is generally Upland Hardwood Forest and Upland Meadow. The fallow agricultural fields are experiencing succession. The hardwood forest is especially associated with the steeper terrain which is not readily developable. These habitats are common and extend onto the adjoining northerly parcels.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates Endangered and Threatened Species under 6 NYCRR Part 182. Endangered species, threatened species, and species of concern are listed based on criteria in 182.3(b) and (c), and species listed as endangered by the United States Department of the Interior. Section 182.8 prohibits the take, import, transport, possess or sell any endangered or threatened species. A “ taking ” is considered any action that might threaten the habitat or continued existence of a protected species. The Full EAF Part 1 notes that Bald Eagle habitat may be present in the Study Area. No significant Natural Communities are noted within the Study Area.
Adoption of the Land Use Study will not directly impact plants or animals. Any potential impacts to these resources would be evaluated during site-specific site plan/subdivision review. Consideration of Bald Eagle Habitat would occur at that time. It is noted that the FEAF includes data from a large radius around the mapped Study Area, so the Bald Eagle habitat may not be within the Study Area.
1.7 Impact on Agricultural Resources
As per Table 1 above, land within the Study Area includes some prime farmland soils. The amount of farmland is not significant relative to the amount of remaining farmland within the Village which has been acquired by the Town of Red Hook and/or being protected through farmland protection easements. The Land Use Study will not have a direct impact on agriculture. Any conversion of farmland would be considered as part of any site-specific land development application.
1.8 Impact on Aesthetic Resources
The Land Use Study itself will not directly impact aesthetic resources. The Land Use Study acknowledges the historic built environment within the Study Area and the older buildings which contribute to the Village ’ s aesthetic appeal. The Study also acknowledges the traditional historic Village streetscape within the Study Area. It notes the aesthetically pleasing wooded ridgeline within the Study Area, and seeks to protect it. Lastly, the Study recommended that the Village adhere to existing Village architectural guidelines for new development, i.e., architecture should be designed to be consistent with the scale and massing of historic village development while allowing flexibility to incorporate more flexible modern design options.
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Adoption of the Land Use Study will not directly impact aesthetic resources. Any potential impacts to these resources would be evaluated during site-specific site plan/subdivision review.
1.9 Impact on Historic and Archaeological Resources
Adoption of the Land Use Study involves properties which are identified as National Register listed or eligible. Section II.D lists the various historic resources within the Village. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation CRIS system has mapped an archaeological buffer area within the Study Area, centered around the CVS Pharmacy and the Elmendorph Inn property.
The Land Use Study recommends that any existing National Register eligible buildings in the Study Area be protected, and that these buildings be used as architectural models when designing new infill development. It also recommends that new developments be appropriately buffered/screened from historic residential buildings.
Adoption of the Land Use Study will not directly impact historic and archaeological resources. Any potential impacts to these resources would be evaluated during site-specific site plan/subdivision review. This would include consultation with the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
1.10 Impact on Open Space and Recreation
The Proposed Action will not result in the loss of any designated public or private open space or recreational areas. It is noted that the portion of the Cookingham property located within the Study Area was set aside for potential future development as part of a larger plan wherein the majority of the Cookingham farm is retained as farmland and in open space. Adoption of the Land Use Study will not directly impact open space and recreation areas.
1.11 Impact on Critical Environmental Areas
There are no designated Critical Environmental Areas within the Study Area. Impacts will not result.
1.12 Impact on Transportation
The Proposed Action will not directly impact the transportation network. Section II.E of the Land Use Study identifies the existing transportation network within the Study Area. The road are a mix of Village roads and one state-operated road. Roads include NYS Route 9, Old Post Road, Park Avenue, Cherry Street, Graves Street and Camp Lane. This section also identified the pedestrian sidewalk system in the Study Area.
Based on public input regarding existing conditions, the Land Use Study does recommend that Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Safety be pursued as a Goal within the Study Area. This includes examining potential traffic modifications, e.g., one-way streets, speed humps, and other improvements, to calm traffic and enhance safety. It also recommends that any development on the Ross property be connected to the future development of the Cookingham property within the Study Area in order to enhance access.
The Land Use Study supports health-conscious development patterns that emphasize walkability, mixeduse areas, and reduced dependence on motor vehicles. By promoting a compact, pedestrian-oriented corridor with integrated residential and commercial uses, the Land Use Study encourages residents and visitors to access daily needs on foot or by bicycle, thereby reducing local vehicle trips and associated
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emissions. Lower traffic volumes and improved air quality contribute to a healthier built environment, consistent with the Villages' sustainability goals under the New York State Climate Smart Communities objectives.
Adoption of the Land Use Study will not directly impact transportation. Any potential impacts to transportation resources would be evaluated during site-specific site plan/subdivision review. This would include the preparation of Traffic Impact Studies when warranted.
1.13 Impact on Energy
The Proposed Action would not have a direct impact on energy systems. Central Hudson provides electric service to the entire Village. Propane is available through commercial propane providers. ’ Adoption of the Land Use Study would not have an impact on energy service. Note that the Village s Pattern Book has a section on Planning for Sustainability, and the Pattern Book would be considered when reviewing any site-specific land development applications.
1.14 Impact on Noise, Odor and Light
The Proposed Action itself will not generate noise, odor or light emissions. Any potential impacts associated with new development would be evaluated during site-specific site plan/subdivision review. It is noted that the Village has adopted the Greenway Compact, which has specific standards for pursuing dark sky lighting design. Likewise, the Village Pattern Book has standards for exterior lighting. Chapter 120 of the Village Code regulates noise.
1.15 Human Health
No known hazardous waste sites or contaminated areas are mapped within the Study Area. Impacts are not anticipated.
1.16 Consistency with Community Plans
The Proposed Action involves adoption of the Land Use Study as an addendum to the Village ’ s existing comprehensive plan. While it contemplates potential changes to the mix of uses envisioned within the Study Area, it still follows the recommendations of the Pattern Book which is an attachment to the Village ’ s zoning chapter. The potential future uses would be a refinement to, and not a significant departure from, the existing plan. It would also be consistent with the Greenway Compact. While the Land Use Study anticipates allowing more residential development than current zoning, the pattern is consistent with the density of development anticipated in the Pattern Book and the Red Hook Traditional Neighborhood Extension which is appended to the Village ’ s zoning chapter. No significant adverse impacts will result from adoption of the Land Use Study.
1.17 Consistency with Community Character
The Proposed Action will not result in direct impacts to community character. The Land Use Study would not result in, and does not recommend, elimination of structures that are of historic importance. It will not displace affordable housing and recommends a mix and diversity of housing within the Study Area. Implementation measures recommended in the Land Use Study consider the use of incentive zoning to achieve affordable housing creation. Currently, the portion of the Cookingham property within the Study Area is programmed for affordable housing.
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The Land Use Study would not directly impact community services or facilities. Any site-specific land development application would be reviewed to ensure a project does not impact the Village ’ service, e.g., fire or police protection. During site-specific development review, these agencies would be consulted to ensure they can provide adequate service.
Lastly, as stated previously, the Land Use Study recommends that any new development consider the predominant architectural scale and character of the existing Study Area.
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