Chasidic Group Viznitz Might Drop Plans For Village In Monticello

   Monticello Thompson Supervisor said that leaders of the Chasidic group Viznitz might drop their plans to form a village in the Town of Thompson.
"We are in the middle of negotiations," he said after a 90-minute meeting with three leaders in his office, the meeting was "fruitful," and he's cautiously optimistic a deal will be worked out by Monday or Tuesday.
   With a key hearing coming up on Tuesday, the town has been wheeling and dealing to get the group to drop the idea, the town would lose control of zoning in the new village.
  The group's spokesman, wouldn't comment on negotiations.
   The group's leaders have previously said they want zoning flexibility to develop about 350 acres in the town. They want to build multifamily units and make other modifications not permitted by Thompson's building codes.
   Gov. George Pataki is watching the proceedings closely. Michael Fragin, an executive assistant to the governor, has met with the town and talked with the group's leaders. The governor plans to take no position on the proposed new village.
   Other politicians appear to be rooting for a deal to avoid a new village.