Sources & Resources

For decades the Village has operated a conservative budget and spends within its means. Due to its strong financial position and minimal debt, the Village maintains a AAA bond rating.

The Village commissioned a Land Use and Zoning Study. The study was performed by VHB Engineering, Surveying and Landscape Architecture and Geology, P.C (the “VHB Study”). Unsurprisingly, the VHB Study concluded that the village consists predominantly of single family homes and low density development.

The VHB Study cites three “Opportunity Sites” in the Village. The Phipps Estate (98 acres), the Wang Subdivision (20 acres) and the Kadish Property (53.6 acres). The accompanying “Hypothetical Build Out Scenario” lays out several high density development configurations per property.

The Village hired Kevin Dwarka to conduct a fiscal impact study of the proposed hypothetical buildout scenarios and zoning amendment. Mr. Dwarka specializes in urban revitalization. Specifically, Mr. Dwarka helps communities “unlock the economic value of their train stations, enhance the fiscal performance of their main streets, build vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods, finance sustainable infrastructure and implement affordable housing policies.”

On Friday, August, 13, 2021, Mayor Novick and the Board of Trustees published a letter on the VHB Land Use and Zoning Study. The letter stated, “Having given very careful consideration to the VHB Study, and all public comments, and having taken a hard look at the various analyses and information available, the Board has reached the conclusion that further action is not warranted.” It goes on to say that the Board will “utilize the information and data contained in the VHB report in the future… when dealing with the overall needs of the Village.” The VHB study is inconclusive in that it fails to consider the impact of such development on our quality of life and environment, land values and the character of our Village.