Cascade Creek Subdivision

July 22, 2026

SEQR negative declaration adopted, 5–0. Applicant returned with a scaled-down plan (26 lots, down from 28, with reduced acreage) and a fire protection plan developed with the Amenia Fire District: individual sprinklers in each home plus two 6,000-gallon domestic water storage tanks. At the request of fire commissioner Peter Dyer, the board's findings specify that no final determination on water storage capacity for firefighting purposes (as opposed to the sprinkler system) has yet been made — that will be addressed during preliminary and final subdivision review. The board also updated its Environmental Assessment Form to address new 2026 DEC questions on climate risk and disadvantaged-community impact, concluding the project — sited in a state-designated disadvantaged community — will have no significant adverse impact. Full meeting summary →

June 10, 2026

SEQR negative declaration fails 4–2. Board voted on the negative declaration; four members voted no (Chairman Robert Boyles Jr., John Stefanopoulos, Ken Topolsky, and Jamie Vitiello) citing fire safety (60,000-gallon water storage vs. fire district's request for 180,000 gallons), density/community character concerns, and desire for mandatory sprinklers. Two members voted yes (Nina Peek, Lyzzette "Foz" Bullock). Applicant (Hudson River Housing, represented by Peter Sander) met with Amenia Fire District the prior evening; fire district still requests 180,000 gallons. Applicant to return at first July meeting with: resolution of fire district water supply dispute, alternative layout addressing density concerns, and sprinkler analysis. A positive declaration was not issued — applicant given opportunity to address concerns and resubmit. Full meeting summary →

May 27, 2026

Revised single entrance to Route 22 presented per DOT request. Updated traffic study submitted — no signal or left-turn lane warranted; crosswalk recommended. Board reviewed SEQR Part Two EAF. Split 3-3 on consistency with community plans. Community character debate over density and housing uniformity. Draft negative declaration distributed for review at next meeting. Fire district meeting recommended regarding 60,000-gallon tank.

January 8, 2025

Initial presentation to Planning Board. Hudson River Housing introduced the 28-lot residential subdivision on a 24-acre parcel in the suburban residential zoning district, designed for workforce housing with uniform four-bedroom houses.

July 9, 2025

Lot line adjustment discussion. Board reviewed lot frontage requirements along Cascade Mountain Road and adjustments needed to provide sufficient frontage for each parcel.

February 25, 2026

Planning Board discussed scheduling a site walk for the Cascade Creek property.

March 11, 2026

School district superintendent Robert Farrier appeared before the Planning Board to address questions about the project's impact on the Webutuck school district. Confirmed the district could accommodate additional students. Site walk conducted.

April 22, 2026

Peter Sander presented updated plans responding to board comments from the site walk. Project includes 28 residential lots, two HOA/conservation parcels, and one road right-of-way.