Development News for Plattekill, New York

Zoning Board Explores Escrow Fees for Applicants, Approves Training Expense Reimbursement

The board discussed a suggestion from the ZBA attorney to implement escrow accounts for larger zoning cases to cover professional consulting fees, including legal, engineering, and planning costs. The intent is to relieve taxpayers of these expenses, with applicants being charged only for fees actually incurred, and any unused funds returned. The board expressed general support for the idea but needs to research if other towns have similar policies and establish clear criteria for what constitutes a 'large case.' A motion was made and passed to ensure that any future out-of-pocket expenses for training, including fuel or hotel costs, must receive prior approval from both the ZBA and the town board. A separate motion was made and approved to pay a $220 voucher for Joe Egan's hotel expense incurred while attending a New York Planning Federation conference.