LETTER TO THE EDITOR-REGARDING WESLEY CENTER PROPOSED PROJECT

Letter to Southern Dutchess News regarding the Wesley Center project

I am writing in an attempt to address the many comments that have been made on social media or in other formats regarding the proposed project on the Fishkill Church of Nazarene Church property located at 953-961 Main Street in the Village of Fishkill.

For the record this proposed project is to consist of a four story, 103 unit senior living facility. In addition, there will be a childcare facility for 108 children. Despite the rumors there is currently no request for any variances since moving the project entirely into the Village has eliminated the need for the previous seven variances however it is believed that there may be a need for 3 to 4 variances based on the current submittals but there is no formal variance requests at this time.

Another issue which the Planning Board is reviewing is the potential for stormwater runoff from this site. If this project is approved it will have to meet stringent federal, state and local requirements regarding stormwater containment and storage on site. 

As of this writing the only function that the Village of Fishkill Planning Board has performed is the granting of a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act(SEQRA) after hearing public comments. The next step in the Planning Board process is the site plan review process where the public will once again be invited to give their opinions.  In addition, as previously mentioned if there is in fact a need for variance(s), that will require the applicant to appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals which once again will require a public hearing. This project also requires a zoning amendment by the Village Board of Trustees which will also require a public hearing.

All submittals, plans, EAF, traffic study, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) etc are available in my office for anyone to review. I ask that you come learn the facts by reviewing the same information that the various boards have received and not take what you see on social media or hear on the street as gospel.  This is by no means an endorsement of this project but rather an appeal to come learn the facts and make an informed decision one way or the other rather than rely on rumors, innuendos and personal agendas.  

Keep in mind that any property owner has a right to improve their property whether it be a simple addition of a deck, pool, adding on to any existing structure or creating an entirely new building on their property and they will all be treated equally and fairly by the Village of Fishkill. Those projects that don’t fit within the established Village codes will be subject to the opinion of the Zoning Board of Appeals for their determination of whether it’s in keeping within what’s best for the Village.  We pride ourselves on trying to do what’s right by our residents and will always welcome input from the public.         

Thomas VanTine
Code Enforcement Officer
Village of Fishkill
1095 Main Street
Fishkill, New York 12524