Town of New Castle Planning Board Meeting 5/19/26

The Town of New Castle Planning Board held a meeting on May 19, 2026, primarily focused on a public hearing regarding a proposed lot line adjustment between two properties at 780 and 790 King Street. The proposal involved a land swap to formalize an existing oral agreement and address zoning non-conformities, including setbacks and impervious coverage. The board discussed the technical details of the lot shapes, zoning compliance, and the benefits of the adjustment. Additionally, the board reviewed a referral from the town board concerning proposed amendments to the Multi-Family Residential-Commercial (MFR-C) zoning legislation. The discussion centered on changes to setback requirements, building coverage limits, and incentives for green building and energy efficiency. Concerns were raised about the potential impacts on neighborhood character, stormwater management, and the need for more detailed data and public input before adopting the legislation. Public comments highlighted the importance of preserving the aesthetic and scale of the King Street Hill area and urged careful consideration of the proposed zoning changes. The board planned to prepare a memo summarizing the discussion and continue deliberations in a future meeting.