Saturday, May 30th, 117 Shandaken residents came out to weigh in about what they liked and didn’t like about the new Comprehensive Master Plan draft. Plenty of insights were expressed and this feedback will result in changes or strengthening of language. Lots of people came who had not previously attended any of the comp plan meetings or filled out surveys. What struck me most were the young people who spoke. A young woman in Pine Hill said how important having vibrant Main Streets in Pine Hill and Phoenicia—with stores, restaurants…things to do—is to retaining people her age in Shandaken. Another young woman mentioned that the dearth of child care is an issue. I’m so grateful these perspectives were voiced.
There is still time for you to be heard. Read the draft of the Comp Plan HERE. Make your comments HERE. DEADLINE is June 12. The first public hearing on the Comp Plan will be in July.
At last night’s meeting, Jean Davis spoke during open public comment. I felt honored to be in that room, and to hear her speak about the pain of change and generosity of community. Jean was an elder at the Shandaken Reformed Church of Mt. Tremper for 32 years. In 2022, they made the difficult decision to close. She talked about how upsetting it was to their community as the number of congregates dwindled. Jean described a one-time vibrant community, with the top floor of their church being a grange where people from all over Town met for cultural activities. She described a community that felt supported by the Town. Another elder, Phil Byron, suggested donating some of the proceeds of the sale of the church to the Shandaken Recreation Program. Jean was doubtful there would be proceeds. But there were. She presented a check for over $18,000 dollars for the Town’s Parks and Recreation program.
My joy over this serendipitous moment is bundled with the weight I sense from people in our Town over the impact of change. Whether it’s the new Comp Plan or the elimination of the Summer Rec trip to New York City, change stirs profound feelings.