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The proposal, which is from developer and Southeast resident Harold Lepler, calls for a 100-room hotel and 143,000 square feet of retail space on a roughly 51-acre site by Route 312. It is near the Interstate 84 interchange.
A zoning change is being requested for the project. It calls for a switch from the site’s current Rural Commercial (RC) zone to a Highway Commercial (HC-1) zone. The Town Board conducted an environmental review, voted 3-2 in December to adopt a findings statement.
Proponents argue the development will create jobs and strengthen the area’s commercial-tax base. They also tout the presence of a hotel in Putnam County, a service of its nature that is currently lacking in the immediate vicinity, and for the ability to shop locally instead of driving elsewhere.
Opponents voiced concerns about traffic, impact of emergency response times and visual impact. Several of the opponents noted that they would support development on the site, provided that it is under the RC zoning.
The hearing was held on Thursday, Jan. 22.
Resident Christopher York cited providing more revenue to help the county government deal with unfunded mandates, which come down from the state level.
“I am in favor of the zoning modifications.”
Resident Joy Sarro cited shopping in her own town, tax revenue and jobs as factors in her support.
“It’s in an ideal location. It provides minimal impact to our town.”
Ruth Ayala, who is with the group Putnam County Chambers of Commerce, expressed similar sentiments. She also touted the construction jobs and permanent jobs that Crossroads would create.
Samantha Jacobs, a resident who is with the group Residents for Responsible Development, was not impressed with the project.
A supporter of development under the RC zone, Jacobs noted that the proposed hotel lacks aspects such as a fitness center, swimming pool, banquet center and conference space.
“There is going to be a restaurant and a strip mall,” she said of the proposed version.
Resident Richard Feuerman, who is with the group Concerned Residents of Southeast, cited concerns about traffic and impact to the area’s rural character. He also questioned whether the retail proposed will be successfully economically.
Both Jacobs and Feuerman announced getting petition signatures in support for keeping the RC zone, getting approximately 300 and 170, respectively.
Earlier this month, the developer’s side released a poll claiming that more than 80 percent of town residents support the project when told about its job creation. Lepler’s camp also projects the project will create 700 jobs, including full-time, part-time and temporary construction positions.
The same announcement adds the project will generate more than $1.7 million in property taxes and more than $3.5 million in sales taxes. Several residents voiced skepticism that the project will provide tax relief while another complaint was that the jobs won’t pay much.
Defending himself, Lepler noted his record in the development of the nearby Highlands shopping center, which includes DeCicco’s and Home Depot, noting that it is fully occupied and generates millions in tax revenue.
A Town Board vote on the rezoning is expected at a February meeting, according to Supervisor Tony Hay.
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