Buchanan residents call for pause on development amid housing boom
The proposal comes as the village is already experiencing significant growth. According to the village's mayor there will be over 400 new apartments within the next couple years.
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The debate over development in the Village of Buchanan is intensifying as officials and residents weigh the impact of a proposed 232-unit apartment complex.
The proposal comes as the village is already experiencing significant growth. According to the village's mayor, there will be over 400 new apartments within the next couple of years.
"We already have 149 units that were built and are definitely being filled in now - 51 units and 11 townhouses. So we're a very small community, approximately 2,400 people," said Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker.
During a July 7 meeting, the Buchanan Board of Trustees deadlocked 2-2 on a vote related to moving the project forward. One trustee was not present for the vote. The proposal has drawn opposition from Knickerbocker and a number of residents.
"We want a moratorium so that we can just sit back, see how this all works out, and see if we have any things that need to be corrected, or if we have a big problem with public safety," said Buchanan resident Lisa Mercora.
After the deadlocked vote, the law firm representing the developer felt that the vote was a mistake.
"I don't believe that your board has the empirical data to make this decision right now," the attorney said.
A statement sent to News 12 from the firm reads, "Some in the Village appear to be prejudging this application before a single study has been submitted. We are confident that once the review process plays out, the larger community will see the development will bring much-needed housing, tax revenue and public improvements to Buchanan. We hope the community would welcome investment, rather than turn it away without study."
The controversy has expanded beyond the development itself. Residents recently posted yard signs against development, but several reported that nearly 30 signs were removed from properties on Friday evening. Knickerbocker said a village employee was responsible for removing the signs. Police confirmed they received complaints about the incident but have not released additional details.
Although the proposed development is not scheduled for discussion at an upcoming village workshop, residents say they plan to attend and will continue voicing their concerns about the future of growth in Buchanan.
