Residents Raise Concerns Over Legal Tactics at Hyde Park Planning Board Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting for the Town of Clinton, NY, held on August 28, 2025, addressed several pressing community concerns, particularly regarding legal matters and resident participation.

The meeting began with a discussion about the impact of legal filings on community members. A resident expressed concern over the intimidation caused by naming individuals in legal documents, which can discourage them from voicing their opinions. The resident emphasized that such tactics could lead to a chilling effect on community engagement, particularly as many residents were unable to attend the meeting due to the upcoming Labor Day weekend and the start of the school year.

The resident also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all community voices are heard, noting that while some letters had been submitted to the board, many individuals had legitimate concerns but could not be present. The sentiment was clear: the board should consider the broader community perspective when making decisions.

Following this, attorney Kenneth M. Stenger addressed the board, acknowledging the absence of legal professionals on the board and commending their common-sense approach. He reiterated the importance of resolving access issues related to a project before allowing further planning board actions. Stenger pointed out that the board's initial purpose was to ensure that legal access to the project site was restored before proceeding, underscoring the need for clarity in the board's decisions.

The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between legal processes and community involvement, with both speakers advocating for a more inclusive approach to governance. The meeting concluded with a call for the board to remain mindful of the community's needs and the implications of their decisions on resident participation.