What’s at stake when the Village takes over Town land?
April 21, 2025.
The Builder.
At the March 6 Town Board meeting, a word came up that most people don’t think about much: annexation. But if you live in New Paltz, it’s time to think about it — because how we handle this one decision could shape how the town grows, who pays for it, and who gets a say.
Here’s the situation: a developer wants to build a large apartment complex on land that’s currently part of the Town. But the project would need Village water and sewer, so they’ve asked for the land to be annexed into the Village — meaning the Village, not the Town, would make the rules for what gets built and how.
What annexation actually does
Annexation means shifting land from the Town into the Village’s jurisdiction. That changes who reviews applications, who enforces zoning, and who sets requirements for environmental impact, affordability, and design.
If the annexation is approved:
The Town loses oversight. The Village Planning Board and zoning code take over.
The Village collects taxes and fees.
But the Town may still be responsible for other impacts such as traffic.
At the March 6 meeting, Town Board members raised serious concerns:
Deputy Supervisor Kitty Brown warned about setting a precedent where developers “shop” for the easiest review process.
Supervisor Amanda Gotto questioned whether the Village’s environmental review (FEIS) truly addressed Town infrastructure concerns.
Councilwoman Esi Lewis raised the broader issue: why should the Town give up jurisdiction over land it’s responsible for servicing?
Why residents should care
This isn’t just a legal maneuver. It’s a shift in power.
If annexation becomes the new normal, the Town could lose:
Control over its comprehensive plan and zoning vision
Leverage to negotiate affordable housing requirements or sustainability standards
The ability to protect wetlands, open space, and rural character
And it’s not just about this one project. The New Paltz Apartments proposal is big — potentially hundreds of bedrooms. Once annexed, the Town has no say in how it’s built or operated.
What we can do
No one is against housing. I believe in growth that serves the community. But we have to ask: Who is the community being served here— residents or developers? Who on the Town and Village boards have business or personal interests that influence their decision making? What does it cost? Who ultimately picks up the tab?
There’s still time for the Town Board to:
Attach conditions to any annexation approval
Require guarantees for long-term affordability and environmental protection
Because annexation isn’t just redrawing a map. It’s redrawing the boundaries of accountability.
If we give away Town land, we shouldn’t give away our voice with it.