Judge Hayes weighs lawsuit challenging Hyde Park's Local Law Number 1 for property access

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting held on August 28, 2025, in the Town of Clinton, NY, focused on ongoing legal disputes regarding property access and zoning laws. The meeting began with a discussion about a pending lawsuit assigned to Judge Hayes, which has yet to be resolved. The legal representatives expressed confidence in the lawsuit's potential success, suggesting that if favorable, it could reverse local law passed by Hyde Park, denying the applicant any rights to access their property for development in Clinton.

The crux of the discussion centered on the definition of a "final non-appealable decision." Legal counsel provided insights into how courts interpret zoning ordinances, emphasizing that terms should be understood in their plain and ordinary meanings. They argued that a decision is only considered final if it resolves all claims and issues without the possibility of further appeal.

The representatives contended that the local law and a stipulation of settlement cited by the applicant do not constitute a final non-appealable decision. They highlighted that such stipulations are only binding among the parties involved and do not apply to non-parties. Furthermore, they asserted that the enactment of Local Law Number 1 does not grant the applicant legal access to the property in question.

The meeting concluded with a reiteration of the ongoing legal challenges, including a hybrid Article 70 and declaratory judgment action that questions both the enactment of Local Law Number 1 and the stipulation's legality. The outcome of these legal proceedings could significantly impact property access rights and zoning regulations in the area. The board plans to monitor the situation closely as the case progresses through the courts.