Here's the text of the mailing sent out about tonight's discussion of a vision for Varna:
CHANGE IS COMING
READ THIS LETTER & COME TO A MEETING
FOR
VARNA RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS
MONDAY JUNE 21 7 P.M
THIS IS A CHANCE TO LET YOUR VISION FOR VARNA BE HEARD
YOUR IDEAS ARE IMPORTANT!June 9, 2010
Dear Varna Resident,
Several weeks ago, a group of Varna residents and local business owners gathered to discuss how we would like to see Varna develop in the future. This informal discussion led to consensus on several points. For example, the group agreed that:
We enjoy the rural feeling of the current hamlet. However, we understand that development is inevitable and support it as long as it occurs on a scale that does not unfairly compromise our quality of life and as long as we are allowed to have the largest say in what changes are acceptable.
Varna is not a problem needing to be fixed! There are many current aspects of the hamlet that make it a desirable place to live.
We are interested in development that would accommodate new commercial establishments, such a coffee shop, small grocery, or drug store. We believe there is already sufficient car traffic passing by to support such businesses.
We favor small-scale developments scattered throughout the hamlet, interspersed with single-family homes. We favor development that will increase the number of owner-occupied homes compared to rental units.
Posted by simon at June 21, 2010 6:46 AM in Varna , Varna II , planning and zoningThe group raised concerns about developer Steve Lucente's proposal to build 260 townhouses on property behind the Varna United Methodist Church. We agreed that the current density of 2.5 units per acre is best, but we would be willing to consider progression toward a density of 4 or 5 units per acre throughout the hamlet over the next 20 years. (4-5 units per acre is the density of the Hillside Acres manufactured home park.) Mr. Lucente's 'Varna II' proposal would result in much greater density --16 units per acre - and would likely impact Varna in significant ways, including traffic, safety, water and sewer use.
So, what happens now? FIRST, a meeting of the entire Varna community is needed. Does the rest of Varna agree with the ideas developed by the group that met this spring? A vision for Varna, created by residents, will help to give Varna a strong voice in decisions affecting the hamlet. What do you want Varna to be like in 5, 10, or 20 years?
A meeting for all Varna residents and business owners will be held at the Varna Community Center on Monday June 21 at 7pm.
SECOND, the Varna Community Association will invite Varna residents & business owners, the Town of Dryden Planning Board, the Town's planning consultant, Cornell representatives and Mr. Lucente, to come to Varna later this month. This meeting will be to publically state our vision for Varna, to hear what Mr. Lucente hopes to do, and to discuss how development in Varna can meet the needs of Varna's current and future residents and business owners. The Varna II project would require a special permit. Applications for such permits go first to the Town of Dryden Planning Board if the Town Board requests input; the Planning Board then can make a recommendation to the Town Board. The Town Board is the group that decides whether to grant a special permit. The special permit process for Varna II has not begun, so now is an excellent time to let your thoughts about development in Varna be heard!
Sincerely,
Arthur Berkey
Chair, Varna Community Association