The Crawford Town Board unanimously voted no to both a proposed law allowing a mixed use floating zone district in Crawford as well as designating the just under 8 acre parcel on Route 302 to have mixed use floating zoning at the August 20 meeting.

The change was required to meet the terms potential buyer and developer, Moses Schwartz, needed to build both apartment houses as well as space for commercial services and perhaps retail across from Pine Bush High School. The money raised from the sale was to be put toward improving the Town’s water district services. Most public comment was against the rezoning with a few in support of the project. Concerns raised by those opposed included location of the development, traffic impact, further strain on the current water system, as well as requests to postpone making a final determination until more information could be compiled and reviewed.

The tense and emotionally charged atmosphere appeared to impact many within and outside the Crawford Senior Center. Crawford Police were on site and did escort two people from the meeting. Although seating was limited to 50, public comment was open to all and those who wanted to be heard were allowed a brief entrance to address the board.

Isabella Sapio, 19 years old and a recent Pine Bush graduate nervously and memorably addressed the Board regarding her concerns around the traffic impact. Sapio concluded, “…me, myself and the people outside, we don’t agree (with the rezoning),” which was met with cheers and applause that could be heard inside the Senior Center from those in the parking lot.

Developer Moses Schwartz also addressed the Board and expressed his disappointment about, “…hate speech on social media,” and other negative sentiment he has heard about himself and the project. Scwhartz, who was the developer of apartment housing in Maybrook added, “I invite any member of the community to talk to me,” regarding his construction projects.

Each member of the board took a turn speaking as they voted against the project. Shared sentiment regarding the location not being suitable for the project was given before Carnes requested a formal motion to not proceed.

Prior to the public hearings, the board made a motion to purchase the property at 86 Main Street, former site of the Sharon Mitchell Performing Arts Center, for $299,900. Carnes explained the property would serve as event space, could be used as a youth center, as well as a site for the UFO museum and other special events.

Following the meeting, Carnes explained in response to those who may object to making a purchase rather than putting money toward the water issues, “One thing to keep in mind is we cannot mix water district money with general money. They are two separate funds. For example, Bullville is part of the Town of Crawford, but they are not part of the water district. It would not be fair to use their tax money toward the water district.”

While all the details are not yet in place regarding the use of the Pine Bush Tourism and Event Center, Carnes repeated the space would not just be a UFO museum although that would be part of the plan. Additionally, he stated grant money from Orange County Tourism has already been received and expects additional funds from New York State Office of Tourism.