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CSH in the News >
Long Islander - Still Swinging for a Solution; Moratorium Extended
Long Islander - Still Swinging for a Solution; Moratorium Extended
Huntington -- Jul 21, 2006 --
Still Swinging For A Solution;
Moratorium Extended
Local officials increase ban on golf course development
By Mike Koehler/ info@longislandernews.com
With less than one month remaining on the Town of Huntington's six-month
moratorium on golf course development and no new zoning regulations in
sight, local officials have decided to extend the suspension for another
six months.
The legislation will continue to prevent zone changes, site plans,
building permits and appeals directed toward existing golf courses from
August 8 through February 4, 2007.
Councilman Stuart Besen, who proposed the delay along with Councilwoman
Susan Berland at the July 11 town board meeting, said they have been
looking to create new laws to protect existing golf courses since fellow
Councilman Mark Cuthbertson offered the initial legislation in December
2005.
"I sponsored the extension because right now we're trying to work on a
specific zoning classification for golf courses," Besen said. "The land
is becoming so valuable owners are selling it and we're looking to
preserve them."
Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius, who was prevented from bidding on the
neighboring Cold Spring Country Club golf course in November 2005, said
the moratorium is important for financial reasons.
"I think it would be devaluing people's home if you took away the golf
courses," Melius said. "Personally, I think it would devalue Oheka."
Gayle Snyder, chairperson of the Cold Spring Hills Civic Association,
has fought to preserve the country club from being purchased and
believes the local courses are important to the area.
"The golf course wraps around our community of 300 homes, and
aesthetically, we like the open vistas and space," Snyder said.
Besen said Cuthbertson proposed the original moratorium in December
2005, after the council "got wind that there was potential of a sale at
least one golf course" and "needed to look into creating special zoning
regulation."
"The key to this is that we can't have all of the golf courses selling
their property to become condominiums," Besen said.
The law was introduced and voted upon at the same meeting. All five
members of the town board - Besen, Berland, Cuthbertson, Councilwoman
Glenda Jackson and Supervisor Frank Petrone - approved the law.
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