Kiryas Yoel - Not Pleased With Orange Counties Plans To Tighten The Zoning Rules

Orange County - For the first time in more than a decade, nearly every housing development, new shopping mall or zoning change in Orange County is facing the scrutiny of county planners.
They're reviewing blueprints, recommending changes and, in a few cases, leveling stern criticism of moves that smack of poor planning, as Orange became the state's fastest-growing county. "We now have the clear political support from the county executive and the Legislature," Planning Commissioner said. "We're free to take advantage of all the tools that are available to us."
Most communities have welcomed the county's interest and expertise. But the new oversight has also rattled some cages in a county where communities have rarely been challenged on their prized right of home rule. For instance, the county will have to contend with the Village of Kiryas Joel, which argues it doesn't have any obligation to submit local projects for review. Kiryas Yoel Administrator says the county can't unilaterally alter standards it's used in years past.