The debate over Malta's downtown development is a big issue in this
year's local election. Although the city-like build-out approved by the
Planning Board for Malta's downtown and the Ellsworth Commons project
is in conformance with town code, many residents are unhappy with the
plans.
The descrepancy between town codes and what many residents want the codes to enforce suggests the need for changes to Malta's zoning laws.
Many residents are concerned that proposed development plans suggest subsequent changes to Malta's small-town feel. Some area residents are concerned about an upswing in housing projects and increased traffic congestion from new commuters. Some residents are fearful that current zoning laws allow projects that will alter Malta's small-town feel.
In a recent survey conducted by Supervisor Paul Sausville, results indicate five percent of residents are in favor of Malta becoming more of a city, while 78 percent stick by their vision of a quainter, Hamlet-like, town. The survey also found that the most "pressing concerns/ needs for the future" are traffic congestion, over development and higher taxes.
These concerns indicate discernment with current zoning laws that can allow development projects with these effects, which is why the results of the November 3 election are crucial for those residents who are unhappy.
With the Global Foundries project underway, some Malta residents feel that commercial and industrial growth is imminent.
"We need to grow our economy, not necessarily our population. I don't think they want to see traffic congestion and lots of housing," Sausville said.
John Bove, owner of My Way Café in Malta, wants the Town to stay the way it currently is.
"I would like to see it stay as a small town, I would like to see them do a really good job of keeping it looking that way with a lot of greenery trees and shrubs along the high way," he said.
The Saratoga County Economic Development Corporation and the Industrial Development Agency recently put together a four-phase marketing campaign for raising local awareness and promoting the county to companies like Global Foundries, which could bring large numbers of jobs for locals.
According to Sausville, new industries and companies could have a positive impact on area towns if the jobs stay local, and if they don't put a strain on town services.
"I think the biggest issue for our town is the vision for the downtown, whether or not we will maintain that small town feel or will that change and become city-like and bring with it the city-like problems," Sausville said.
Sausville says the SCEDC is on the right track in going after quality projects like Global Foundries. When State Farm came to the area, they employed almost 1,000 people. The Stewarts Headquarters at exit 13 also had a positive impact on the local economy and job market.
"They are wonderful, wonderful neighbors," he said
Projects with a low impact on the town that bring more jobs are welcome to the area, but it's all about picking great businesses that have high benefit and low impact.
"What we really need is more business, more job opportunities for our kids and grandkids. It's the kind of projects that is the question. Do they help with tax base and give us great jobs? Or are they kind of projects that will clog up streets and roads, and demand services like fire and police departments?"
One project that raised recent questioning is a four to five story building that would have a density of 33 housing units, or apartments, per acre. That would result in 330 housing units on 10 acres of land, the entire 10 acres consumed by four and five story buildings and parking lot. But that's not the only project, that's just one. Another proposed project would bring 7,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.
"Such projects would be great in Saratoga where you have paid fire and paid police departments, but in Malta we don't," Sausville said. He emphasized that an increased population density could have potentially harmful effects.
According to Anthony Tozzi, Malta Building and Planning Director, all projects reflect what's known as Smart growth planning techniques, and all projects are in compliance with town codes. Although residents are fearful of excessive development altering their small town's feel, projects will be permitted as long as they meet town laws and standards.
"Frankly, this is something the next Town Board will have to reconcile. The current controversy is over whether the zoning laws reflect what the town wants, and I'm hearing both sides of the story," Tozzi said. " If the new Town Board changes the code, it will be enforced but they will have to grapple with that issue."
Many residents are concerned that proposed development plans suggest subsequent changes to Malta's small-town feel. Some area residents are concerned about an upswing in housing projects and increased traffic congestion from new commuters. Some residents are fearful that current zoning laws allow projects that will alter Malta's small-town feel.
In a recent survey conducted by Supervisor Paul Sausville, results indicate five percent of residents are in favor of Malta becoming more of a city, while 78 percent stick by their vision of a quainter, Hamlet-like, town. The survey also found that the most "pressing concerns/ needs for the future" are traffic congestion, over development and higher taxes.
These concerns indicate discernment with current zoning laws that can allow development projects with these effects, which is why the results of the November 3 election are crucial for those residents who are unhappy.
With the Global Foundries project underway, some Malta residents feel that commercial and industrial growth is imminent.
"We need to grow our economy, not necessarily our population. I don't think they want to see traffic congestion and lots of housing," Sausville said.
John Bove, owner of My Way Café in Malta, wants the Town to stay the way it currently is.
"I would like to see it stay as a small town, I would like to see them do a really good job of keeping it looking that way with a lot of greenery trees and shrubs along the high way," he said.
The Saratoga County Economic Development Corporation and the Industrial Development Agency recently put together a four-phase marketing campaign for raising local awareness and promoting the county to companies like Global Foundries, which could bring large numbers of jobs for locals.
According to Sausville, new industries and companies could have a positive impact on area towns if the jobs stay local, and if they don't put a strain on town services.
"I think the biggest issue for our town is the vision for the downtown, whether or not we will maintain that small town feel or will that change and become city-like and bring with it the city-like problems," Sausville said.
Sausville says the SCEDC is on the right track in going after quality projects like Global Foundries. When State Farm came to the area, they employed almost 1,000 people. The Stewarts Headquarters at exit 13 also had a positive impact on the local economy and job market.
"They are wonderful, wonderful neighbors," he said
Projects with a low impact on the town that bring more jobs are welcome to the area, but it's all about picking great businesses that have high benefit and low impact.
"What we really need is more business, more job opportunities for our kids and grandkids. It's the kind of projects that is the question. Do they help with tax base and give us great jobs? Or are they kind of projects that will clog up streets and roads, and demand services like fire and police departments?"
One project that raised recent questioning is a four to five story building that would have a density of 33 housing units, or apartments, per acre. That would result in 330 housing units on 10 acres of land, the entire 10 acres consumed by four and five story buildings and parking lot. But that's not the only project, that's just one. Another proposed project would bring 7,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.
"Such projects would be great in Saratoga where you have paid fire and paid police departments, but in Malta we don't," Sausville said. He emphasized that an increased population density could have potentially harmful effects.
According to Anthony Tozzi, Malta Building and Planning Director, all projects reflect what's known as Smart growth planning techniques, and all projects are in compliance with town codes. Although residents are fearful of excessive development altering their small town's feel, projects will be permitted as long as they meet town laws and standards.
"Frankly, this is something the next Town Board will have to reconcile. The current controversy is over whether the zoning laws reflect what the town wants, and I'm hearing both sides of the story," Tozzi said. " If the new Town Board changes the code, it will be enforced but they will have to grapple with that issue."
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