Town of Carmel – Developing a Master Plan for the Next Generation

Last April, the Town of Carmel Board and appointed Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) held a kickoff meeting to discuss the development of a new Master Plan. As part of this plan, the CPAC, along with town staff and input from members of the community will work together to update the 20 year old Master Plan developed in 2000.
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This comprehensive process, presented by the Advisory Committee, will identify the goals, objectives, and recommendations (principles, guidelines, policies, standards) to guide immediate and long-range growth, protection, enhancement and development in the town. The Advisory Committee will be meeting regularly to design the town’s future vision by addressing the following Master Plan topics:
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  • Land Use & Zoning
  • Environmental Resources
  • Transportation & Mobility
  • Community Facilities
  • Utility Districts (sewer and water)
  • Demographics, Housing, and Economics
  • Parks and Recreation/Open Space
  • Historic & Scenic
  • Sustainability and Climate.
To involve the community in this process, a survey was conducted asking residents, among other things, “What do you believe are the three biggest challenges the town is facing?”
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The top 10 challenges cited by survey respondents included:
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  1. Lack of retail uses, commercial and industrial businesses, relieve high taxes,
  2. tourism promotion, hotel
  3. Infrastructure – sewer, water, roads/sidewalks/parking – need capital improvement plan, NYCDEP regulations
  4. High tax rates/burden also cost of living burden
  5. Housing (including affordable) for millennials and seniors; retention of young adults and families; townhome development
  6. Appearance of downtown
  7. Roads/traffic
  8. Not enough eateries on Lake Mahopac and Hamlet of Carmel not enough, period
  9. Route 6 corridor in Mahopac
  10. Planning/permitting process being streamlined
In addition to the above, declining school enrollment and a “faulty pyramid” of command, political favors and gifts were also cited as major concerns by respondents. It stands to reason that we are at a point in time and social climate that dictates the need for a cohesive and all-encompassing master plan. From an economic development standpoint, revitalizing downtown business districts in the hamlets of Carmel and Mahopac is a must if we want to attract new businesses and fill the county tax coffers.
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Carmel-Mahopac residents should be educated about the details of this undertaking and participate in the process. You can start by reviewing the plan here (https://www.ci.carmel.ny.us/town-of-carmel-comprehensive-master-plan) and get your opinions into the committee and Town Board as soon as possible. I hope that the board will consider the impact of the pandemic when planning, and put more consideration into items, such as affordable housing and mixed use.
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A public meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at 7:00pm at Carmel Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, New York. **Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Carmel must follow the current CDC guidelines limiting the amount of people attending this meeting. Social distancing and wearing protective face masks are mandatory. We expect the meetings will be presented live and allow for public input online if residents cannot attend in person due to COVID vulnerability.
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We look forward to the Town of Carmel executing a plan that will guarantee a bright future for its residents and businesses. We hope all municipalities follow suit and plan for a post-Covid Putnam County.

REGISTER – Anti-Racism Educational Series – Session 6 Self-Care in the Face of Trauma – Tuesday, August 11th

anti-racism education BCW

DATE: Tuesday, August 11th
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TIME: 11 AM
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TOPIC: Self-Care in the Face of Trauma
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SPEAKER: Dr. Mel Campbell, Motivational Psychologist, Trainer & Speaker
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The history of race-based trauma in the US dates back over 400 years and its impact is emotional, psychological, and physical. This course answers questions about how to avoid it and, more importantly, how to move past it once it has occurred.
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Key Takeaways
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  • The history of trauma and racism
  • Understanding the impact of Trauma
  • Reviewing safety and Self-Care
  • Tips for Trauma Recovery and Resilience
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Click BELOW TO REGISTER
REGISTER

REPLAY – Anti-Racism Educational Series – Session 5 Coping with Civil Unrest

If you missed the session on “Coping with Civil Unrest” with James Francis, here is a chance to see the Replay
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Click the Image BELOW TO SEE REPLAY

COVID NEWS & UPDATES

Gov. Cuomo Signs Human Rights RE Regulatory Bill That Could Lead to License Revocation for Violators

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The fallout from an investigation late last year by Newsday that uncovered housing discrimination practices on Long Island has led to new harsh regulations imposed by New York State, including possible suspension or revocation of a Realtor’s license if found to have violated the state’s Human Rights Law.
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Aug. 3 signed a bill (S6874-A/ A8903-A) that explicitly grants the Department of State the authority to discipline real estate professionals found to have violated provisions of the state Human Rights Law by revoking or suspending their license, according to a report in Real Estate In-Depth.
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State officials note that the bill further reinforces the state’s commitment to combating housing discrimination and strengthens the abilities of the Secretary of State to discipline licensed professionals for discriminatory behavior.
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Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors President Gail Fattizzi said of the new law, “Housing discrimination is absolutely unacceptable in any shape or form. It’s unfortunate that we have to put these significant sanctions in place to enforce what has long been the law, but I’m glad to see New York State make such a strong statement of zero tolerance.”
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NY State Keeps Casinos Closed
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a telephone briefing with reporters over the weekend characterized the four shuttered New York State casinos as “non-essential” and therefore will not reopen at this time.
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The four gaming facilities—Resorts World Catskills in Sullivan County del Lago Resort & Casino in Seneca County, Rivers Casino in Schenectady and Tioga Downs Casino Resort were closed in March and have yet to reopen and the state has yet to provide a timeline for their reopening. Empire City Casino in Yonkers is also closed.
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“It’s an issue of density, the likelihood of compliance and the essential nature of the business,” Cuomo said. However, the Middletown Times-Herald Record reports that Native American-owned casinos in New York State have been open for nearly two months. The Oneida Indian Nation reopened its Point Place, Turning Stone and Yellow Brick Road casinos in June. There are strict guidelines in place and as yet there haven’t been any outbreaks reported since those Native American casinos reopened.
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ICYMI | Paycheck Protection Program Helps 72% of New York Small Businesses
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New York State Comtroller Thomas DiNapoli recently released report showing nearly three-quarters of New York State small businesses received assistance in recent months through the federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), according to Census Bureau survey data for the week ending June 27.
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PPP updated information on August 4th
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The SBA & Treasury have recently released additional guidance:
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For more information and updates, visit SBA.gov/PaycheckProtection or Treasury.gov/CARES
corona virusCOVID-19 Update | Latest from New York State
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  • The number of ICU patients dropped to 132 — new low since March 16
  • Less than 1% of Wednesday’s COVID-19 tests were positive
  • There were 3 COVID-19 deaths in New York State Wednesday
  • State Liquor Authority and State Police task force observed violations of state requirements at 26 establishments Wednesday
  • There 703 additional coronavirus cases in New York State – bringing statewide total to 418,928 with new cases in 43 counties