Downtown Zoning Amendments (2021)

Much of the development in downtown Hastings predates the existing Village Zoning Code, rendering most residential properties in that area non-conforming. In some cases, prior to our zoning amendments, the Code only allowed for a 9-foot-wide structure as of right—a requirement to which no building in the Village conforms.

The dislocation between the Code and the realities of the developed downtown created a high burden both for our residents and for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Virtually every downtown homeowner needed to go through the ZBA’s hearing process for even the most modest alterations.

After consultation with the ZBA Chair and Village Attorney, research, and community outreach, I formulated a set of revisions to rationalize the downtown’s zoning and set some reasonable limitations on future development. I also created a Village Zoning Table for the Building Inspector to have as a useful reference.

One of the aspects that residents (and I) love most about living in Hastings is our incredible Hudson River setting. To ensure view preservation in the downtown, the amended Zoning Code includes new lower limits to building heights and requirements for larger side-yards. These changes will enable us to maintain sightlines to the river, even in the case of a developer seeking to bundle multiple lots.

The amended Zoning Code includes a reduced, 500-square-foot minimum for apartments in the downtown. The goal here is to promote a greater number of smaller units that can serve either as starter apartments for new residents or as homes for downsizers seeking to stay in the Village.

Small Changes, Big Potential: By fostering a safe, beautiful, and livable downtown, we can create a more vibrant Hastings that benefits all of us. Our local businesses will have the foot traffic they need to thrive, and in turn will increase tenancy and contribute more to the Village’s tax base. Our residents will find more to do in the Village—and have and more reasons to stay here as they age—making our community ties all the stronger.