Town Zoning Ordinance
On June 19, 2014, the Ancram Town Board adopted an amendment to the Town Zoning Ordinance to protect the scenic character of ridgelines and steep slopes. The amendment establishes standards to be applied to construction in the Agricultural District on terrain that is designated for protection because it is topographically prominent and scenically important based upon its elevation over 800 feet, being on steep slopes exceeding 15%, visibility from more than 4 miles of public roads in the Town of Ancram, and its size of at least 3.5 acres. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed standards are required for structures on designated terrain when they are part of a major subdivision (5 or more lots). The proposed standards are recommended and encouraged for all other development in the Town of Ancram. The regulation also emphasizes that no lot shall be unbuildable due to these standards. The standards include: Where an area is forested, maintain the continuity of the tree canopy when viewed from publicly accessible locations. Avoid clearing an area to an extent that causes a structure to be silhouetted against the skyline. Where the area to be built upon is not forested, site the structure so that the top of the structure’s roof is not higher than the ridgeline unless trees and shrubs are planted in a way that will effectively screen the proposed structure from view at publicly accessible locations. Retain natural screening of the structure. Limit clearing of existing vegetation to the minimum necessary for the building envelope. Trees can be selectively cut or trimmed to open up view tunnels and view corridors from windows, doors, and decks/porches. Use exterior colors for sides and roofs that blend with the natural environment of the surrounding land. Site the structure so the top of the roof is not higher than the ridgeline unless the structure is screened by existing vegetation when viewed from publicly accessible locations. Use fully shielded light fixtures to direct light downwards instead of sideways and avoid exterior lighting that allows glare to extend beyond property boundaries. Plan road and driveways to minimize cut and fill, clearing of vegetation, and erosion. Place structure along the edges of open fields, especially if any woodland is adjacent. Design the site to help the new structure be visually absorbed by the natural landscape. Carefully consider the impact that cupolas, chimneys, satellite dishes, and antennas may have if they project above the roofline. These structures can be carefully designed in the same manner as the structure to maintain the scenic character of the site when viewed from publicly accessible locations.
Financial Advisory Council
The Ancram Financial Advisory Council (FAC) was established by the Ancram Town Board in 2010 to provide financial analytic support for the Town Board and Town Supervisor, and to provide independent public oversight of the Town’s financial management process. The FAC also participates in the preparation of the annual budget, annually reviews the Town’s insurance policies, reviews the Town’s financial reports on a monthly basis and conducts an annual audit of the Town’s financial books and records. The FAC normally meets once a month at 9:30 am on the Saturday morning prior to the Town Board meeting, which is the third Thursday of each month, at the Ancram Town Hall, and more frequently during periods of budget preparation and audit review. Anyone interested in joining the FAC should contact Art Bassin by email at (abassin@aol.com) or by phone at 329-0921.
Regular Town Board Meetings
The Town Board of the Town of Ancram does hereby give notice that the Regular Town Board meetings will now be held on the Third Thursday of every month. Any changes will be published prior to the meeting.
Planning Board Public Hearing – 07/10/14
Please take notice that the Town of Ancram Planning Board will hold a continuation of the Bird public hearing on Thursday, July 10th, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7 Ancram, NY 12502. Under consideration is a 3 lot subdivision of parcel #205.3.-1-26.12 located at 1354 County Route 7 Ancram, NY 12502. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so.
Planning Board – 04/04/2014
Please take notice that the Town of Ancram Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 4th, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7. Under consideration is a lot line adjustment of parcels #206.-1-8.01, 206.-1-2.2, 206.-1-26 owned by Christopher Sommerhoff, located at Four Corners and Wiltsie Bridge Road Ancramdale, NY 12503. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so.
Planning Board Public Hearing – 03/06/2014
Please take notice that the Town of Ancram Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 6th, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7. Under consideration is a two lot subdivision of parcel #205.-1-18 owned by Matthew and Maryhannah Finch Barberi Revocable Trust, located at 711 Wiltsie Bridge Road Ancramdale, NY 12503. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so.
Planning Board Public Hearing – 02/07/2014
Please take notice that the Town of Ancram Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 6th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7. Under consideration is a two lot subdivision of parcel #215.-1-4 owned by Richard and Margo Merli, located at 17 Rothvoss Road Ancramdale, NY 12503. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so.
Planning Board Public Hearing – 01/02/2014
Please take notice that the Town of Ancram Planning Board will hold a public hearing on January 2, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Ancram Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7. Under consideration is the application for a site plan review at the Ramsden residence at 166 Prospect Hill Road in the Town of Ancram. The applicant wishes to construct a guest house and pool house on parcel ID 219.-1-76.2. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so.
For your information, abutting owners include: Birkmere Farms East LLC, Birkmere Farms West LLC, Gold, Prospect Hill Dairy, Dady, Osofsky, Goldberg, Chase
Town Board Appointments
The Ancram Town Board will be making appointments to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Assessment Review at the annual Town Board organizational meeting to be held in early January, 2013. In addition, we are looking for volunteers to serve on the Financial Advisory Council, the Conservation Advisory Council and the Agricultural Advisory Council. Anyone interested in serving on these Boards or Councils, or in learning more about them, should contact Town Supervisor Art Bassin (abassin@aol.com) by email, phone (329-6512 x 6). Applicants may be asked to come in for interviews by the Boards you are interested in serving on, and by the Town Board.
Planning Board Public Hearing – 10/3/2013
Please take notice that the Town of Ancram Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 3rd, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7. Under consideration is an application for a four lot subdivision of parcel # 220.-1-13.112 owned by Robert and Elizabeth Podris located at 203 Crest Lane Ancramdale, NY 12503. All persons wishing to comment on the application will have an opportunity to do so.
