The district was created by an intermunicipal agreement between the town and the villages of Lawrence and Woodsburgh, with the aim of enhancing and maintain the nearby coastal area’s natural resources. Woodmere, where a majority of the development could occur, is a hamlet within the town’s jurisdiction.
The attorney of Gerszberg and Weiss, Christian Brown, read a letter on behalf of his clients opposing the proposed zoning district. “This proposed ordinance is an attack on the owner’s fundamental property rights and is filled with other legal flaws,” Brown said. “If the town and village boards vote to approve this the owners will have no choice but to challenge vigorously in court the enforcement of these ordinances.”
Brown added that if the municipalities were to vote and approve the rezoning, it would be a “$200 million gamble with taxpayer’s money.” “If the boards adopt these ordinances and the courts strike them down, we expect the residents to see dramatic increases in taxes,” he said. “We will seek $140 million in damages from the town, $40 million from Woodsburgh and $25 million from Lawrence.”
Read more at LIHERALD
