UC Legislature: Notice of Public Hearing on Eight-Year Review of Agricultural District No. 2

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held pursuant to New York State Agricultural and Markets Law Section 303-a on the Eight-Year Review of Ulster County Agricultural District No. 2 on Tuesday, April 18 at 7:10 PM or as soon thereafter as the public may be heard. in the Legislative Chambers, Ulster County Office Building, 244 Fair St. Kingston, New York, 12402, and/or via videoconference to the extent allowable pursuant to existing New York State legislation, or order and the Rules of the Ulster County Legislature.  This hearing will be livestreamed at: https://livestream.com/accounts/1512750/events/1824203.

Review Process

Pursuant to Section 303-a of NYS Agriculture and Markets Law 25AA, the Ulster County Legislature is required to review any agricultural district created under this section eight years after the date of its creation and the end of every eight-year period thereafter. The review date for Agricultural District No. 2 is July 21, 2023.

Description of District

Agricultural District #2 covers the Wallkill Valley in Ulster County and western Shawangunk.  Prime and important soils cover much of this area, which has made it ideal for farming. Farmers in Agricultural District #2 grow many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Flat ground around the Wallkill River is used to grow field crops.  The areas on slopes to the east used for orchards

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board Recommendations

The Ulster County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB), in its review of the District, noted the stability of agricultural use there, recommended it be continued with modifications.  The AFPB recommended the removal of 27 parcels totaling 45.94 acres from the District. The parcels recommended for removal have been subdivided into residential lots, are near other residential properties, and have no apparent connections to farm operations. 

Availability of Documents/ Questions

A description of the process and the recommendation of the AFPB may be viewed by appointment in the County Planning Department office and on the County Planning Department website at https://ulstercountyny.gov/agricultural_district_2_review. Questions should be directed to Burt Samuelson at 845-339-2490 or via email at bsam[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us  

Comments 

All parties and interested citizens will be heard by the Ulster County Legislature at this Public Hearing.  Farmers within the District are urged to comment on and participate in the identification of appropriate district boundaries. Written comments will be accepted at the public hearing or by mail and email no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 18, 2023 and should be directed to:  

Victoria Fabella, Clerk 

Ulster County Legislature 

244 Fair Street  

PO Box 1800

Kingston, NY 12402-1800

Email: vfab[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us                                                                                  

The Ulster County Legislature is committed to making its Public Meetings accessible to individuals with disabilities.  If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation or assistance to participate in the Public Hearing or to obtain a copy of the transcript of the Public Hearing in an alternative format in accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature at 340-3900.

 

Dated:  April 5, 2023        Victoria Fabella, Clerk

            Kingston, NY Ulster County Legislature