Comprehensive Plan

Town of Woodhull
County of Steuben
State of New York
Comprehensive Plan
Dated: Local Law #1 February 11, 2009
Updated
March 12, 2010
February 4, 2011
June 23, 2016
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………….. 1
A.
Community Planning …………………………………………………………. 2
B.
Planning Board History, Purpose, Membership and Mission ……………..…. 2
C.
History ...…………………………………………………………………….....2
D.
Uniqueness …………………………………………………………………….. 3
II.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ………………………………………………………..…4
A.
Location …………………………………………………………………………4
B.
Topography …………………………………………………………………….. 4
C.
Natural Drainage ……………………………………………………………….. 4
D.
Flood Plain ……………………………………………………………………....7
E.
Natural Aesthetics ……………………………………………………………….7
III.
POPULATION AND HOUSING ………………………………………………………...8
A.
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………... 8
B.
Population Trends .……………………………………………………………… 8
C.
Population Characteristics ……………………………………………………….8
IV.
ECONOMIC PROFILE ………………………………………………………………......11
V.
HIGHWAY SYSTEM ……………………………………………………………….....…12
VI.
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES ………………………………………........14
A.
Introduction …………………………………………………………………….....14
B.
Town Facilities …………………………………………………………….……...14
C.
Utilities ………………………………………………………………………...….14
D.
Churches…………………………………………………………………….…..…14
E.
Public Safety Services ……………………………………………………….…....14
F.
Recreational Facilities ……………………………………………………….…....14
G.
Schools ………………………………………………………………………....….15
VII.
LAND USE ………………………………………………………………………….....…..16
A.
Introduction …………………………………………………………………....…..16
B.
Overview...……………………………………………………………………....…16
C.
Existing Land Use …………………………………………………………..…..…16
D.
Land Use Plan ..………………………………………………………………....…18
VIII. GENERAL VISIONS, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES ……………………………….........22
APPENDIX A - Woodhull Community Survey ..…………………………………………..….....23
APPENDIX B - Community Survey Results .…………………………………………...….…...24
APPENDIX C - Public Interpretation of the Survey – Public Forum – 1/27/07 …………..…....25
List of Contacts and Business Page 42 & 43
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I.
INTRODUCTION
A.
COMMUNITY PLANNING
A community may be thought of as being comprised of people, land and a certain
community spirit, that is manifested as the people and land develop in harmony.
People may be mobile, and as they come and go, so may community spirit
change. The community, however, is fixed to the land. A community’s only
inherent possession is land, and the well-being and prosperity of the community is
dependent upon the manner in which the land is utilized.
The condition and value of a parcel of land, even in rural areas, is dependent to a
great degree upon the manner in which neighboring parcels are managed and on
the governmental services that are available.
The offensive use of one parcel of land can drastically reduce the value of
neighboring lands. Each landowner is at the mercy of his neighbors, and all must
cooperate if they are to enjoy maximum social and economic benefits from the
respective properties. It is imperative that the use of land be intelligently planned
for the maximum benefits of the Town of Woodhull and its residents.
Businesses and industry and to some extent homeowners, are all engaged in
looking into the future in an attempt to seek direction for their day to day
activities. Most businesses and industrial firms project their anticipated needs and
goals for at least five years. A community, likewise, should have some direction
for its day to day activities. A comprehensive plan can provide this direction and
insight for a community.
A comprehensive plan must reflect local goals, and it is toward this end that the
Town of Woodhull has been working. The town has established the following
goals:
1.
To protect the scenic values and natural beauty of the Town.
2.
To encourage efficient use of the tax dollars through orderly planned
development.
3.
To provide for the general health, safety, and welfare of the populous.
4.
To encourage the most appropriate use of land in the community in order
to conserve and enhance the value of property.
5.
To encourage the preservation of prime agricultural lands in the Town.
6.
To preserve open spaces and special terrain features.
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7.
B.
To discourage development in areas physically unsuited for development.
Two factors should be kept in mind when viewing this comprehensive
plan:
First:
A plan is developed at a particular point in time, making full use of
conditions and trends of that time. Circumstances will change as
time passes and a plan must be subject to change also. This should
not be regarded as a static document, but rather should be subject
to periodic review and revised if warranted.
Second:
A comprehensive plan by itself has no legal status. It is meant to
be a guide for public action. It is meant to assist the Town Board
in making their decisions and as a guide upon which more specific
regulations are issued.
PLANNING
MISSION
BOARD
HISTORY,
PURPOSE,
MEMBERSHIP
AND
In January 2006 the Woodhull Planning Board was established by the Woodhull
Town Council. Presently there are seven regular, and one alternate, members who assist
the Town Council with planning and development of the community. Regular members
include: Edward Reed (Chair) Jan Calkins, Jerry Calkins, Roger Fillmore, , Norma Reed,
Stacy Zeh and Amie Housel with Teri Symonds as alternate member. All Planning
Board meetings are open to the public, and a notice is posted in the Town Hall with date
and time of every meeting. Any “public hearings” held require publication in a paper of
general circulation. The Board operates under the “Freedom of Information Laws”
(FOIL). Minutes of all meetings are recorded and maintained with copies given to the
Town Council. Advisory powers are specifically granted to Planning Boards by State
statute. The Town Council determined to undertake long range plans for Woodhull and
requested the Planning Board write a Comprehensive Plan for the community.
The Planning Board Mission Statement is as follows:
“The Woodhull Planning Board’s Mission is to plan for the economic,
environmental, and overall development of the Town based on input
and open communication with the Residents.”
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C.
HISTORY
On February 18, 1828, a total of 33,600 acres were taken from Addison and Troupsburg
to form “Newville,’ later named “Woodhull” for General Nathaniel Woodhull of the
Revolutionary War. Though not from here, he was apparently friends of the Smiths who came
and still have descendants living in the town. The first settler was Daniel Johnson who built a
cabin a mile west of the current hamlet of Woodhull on Tuscarora Creek. Soon after came Caleb
Colvin, Caleb Smith, and Bethel Tubbs, whose wife served as midwife and doctor until the
arrival of Dr. Amos Wiley. The courageous folks chopped a living out of the heavily forested,
damp and dark area where there was hemlock, oak and maple. The creek was used for floating
lumber and logs to markets. It would be seven years before these brave people could keep the
wheat from blasting and raise a decent crop. They survived due to the abundance of elk, deer,
bear and fish which they ate, and then made their clothes from the hides and lined their huts with
the fur.
The Town was laid out in 1834 by Henry Wombaugh. As of January 1835, the
following prices were used for bartering: wheat $1 per bushel; oats 37.5 cents per bushel; corn
62.5 cents per bushel; buckwheat 45 cents per bushel.
Though the Indian Trail to the southern hunting grounds was through the area it
was shunned due to being called “fever country” where there was severe sickness that wiped out
entire families. Due to small pox and diphtheria epidemics, a “pest house” was set up for the sick
and to contain illnesses with isolation. It was later burned after epidemics passed.
The Woodhull Baptist Church was organized in November 1835. Rev. Thomas
Colby was the first pastor in 1840. That same year the Woodhull Methodist Church was started
with roving preacher, Rev. Aaron Kang. In 1866 the Woodhull Academy was built with
boarding rooms for students, and that later became the site of the present Town hall. The first
cheese factory was built in 1974 by Henry Cobb. The Woodhull Fire Department was organized
in 1913 with W.H. Brown as Chief, and an enrollment of 41 men. A hand-drawn cart and
buckets were utilized until the first truck was bought in 1947. They eventually reorganized
with the ambulance corp. There are five active and five inactive cemeteries. A military
memorial area was set up in front of the Town Hall. Numerous businesses have come and gone
over the years and there are presently approximately One hundred " Active, inactive, Fire,
Ambulance corp. and life time members.
Many of the current families in the area are “old” families that can trace their
roots back to the original settlers who came here in the early 1800’s. In recent years there has
been an influx of Amish to the area.
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D.
UNIQUENESS
There are many things which make Woodhull a unique place. Among them:
Rural, gorgeous country with creeks, ponds, stream and lakes
About forty-five (45) local businesses
Amish workers and specialties
Superior hunting with many species of animals
Small community
Friendliness of neighbors
Racetrack
Abundance of fresh crops and lumber
Quaint downtown area with clean appearance
II.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
A.
LOCATION
The Town of Woodhull is located in the south-central part of Steuben County,
New York. It is situated in the northern section of the Allegany Plateau. The
Town is located at 42’ 3” N and 77’23” W about midway between the cities of
Hornell and Corning, and is bordered on the east by the Town of Tuscarora, on
the north by the Towns of Rathbone and Cameron, on the west by the Towns of
Jasper and Troupsburg, and on the south by the State of Pennsylvania. The largest
populated area in the Town is the Village of Woodhull. This area was formerly
an incorporated village, which was dissolved in 1985.
The Town has a land area of approximately 50.2 square miles or 32,117.4 acres.
Major highway access is by State Route 417 running east and west across the
central portion of the Town. County Highways 102 and 99 provide adequate
north-south access in the Town. Other County and Town highways interconnect
the major highways thus providing a very suitable highway network for the entire
Town.
B.
TOPOGRAPHY
The character of the local topography is one of the primary factors in determining
a community’s potential to sustain development.
Level to gently sloping land 0-8% can be used for most types of development as
well as agriculture. Moderate slopes of 8-15% may present some problems for
development, however, low density development and agriculture can utilize much
of this type of terrain. Excessive slopes of 15% and greater will deter most
development. Development on slopes of this degree will be costly and can best
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be utilized for pasture land, natural reserves or recreation areas. Uses such as
these would leave the soils undisturbed, thus avoiding the problem of erosion.
Elevation in the Town ranges from 1,180 in the Tuscarora Creek Valley to 2,080
in the hilltop areas.
C.
NATURAL DRAINAGE
A community’s natural drainage system is a factor which must always be given
consideration when the physical character of a community is being studied.
Natural drainage controls the manner in which surface and subsurface water is
gradually drawn from a given tract of land or region. The natural drainage of an
area will also determine the manner in which both storm and sanitary sewage
systems should be designed.
The natural drainage of the Town of Woodhull is divided between two major river
drainage basins. Much of the Town drains into the Tuscarora Creek which is part
of the Canisteo River Drainage Basin. The extreme southern portion of the Town
drains into the Cowanesque River which is part of the Tioga River Drainage
Basin. Both the Canisteo and Tioga Rivers are a part of the larger Chemung
River Basin which in turn is a part of the Susquehanna River Basin.
In all, drainage areas, streams and creeks must be protected in order to maintain
and if possible, increase their capacity to carry storm water. As new development
occurs, the amount of surface water increases, thus putting an added burden on
the streams and lakes.
When considering development, the entire drainage area must be considered.
What takes place in one part of the Town can very well affect other areas. This
applies to not only storm water runoff, but also pollutants.
D.
FLOOD PLAIN
A flood plain is a land area adjoining a river, stream, watercourse, ocean, bay or
lake which is likely to be flooded.
Minor flooding of the Tuscarora Creek and its tributaries has occurred
occasionally. Flooding normally occurs during the early spring and is likely to
occur as a result of the rapid melting of accumulated snow accompanied by spring
rains. There have been occasions, however, when exceptional flooding has
occurred as was the case in July of 1935 and June of 1972. The Town of
Woodhull participates in the National Flood Insurance Program in which property
owners in areas which have been identified as having flood hazard areas may
receive flood insurance. And may be mandated to purchase flood insurance.
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E.
NATURAL AESTHETICS
The natural aesthetics of a community are also some of its greatest assets. The
hills, the valleys, the streams, the open space atmosphere is something that local
people seldom recognize because they have always been close to it. To the
outsider, it is somewhat of a marvel, thus many people are seeking land so that
they also may become a part of it.
Wetlands and Floodplain map next page
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POPULATION AND HOUSING
A.
INTRODUCTION
An important part of a Comprehensive Plan is an analysis of a community’s
population and housing characteristics and trends. Examples of characteristics are population
density, age distribution, housing types, etc. Trends are changes in these characteristics, both in
absolute numbers and percentages.
B.
POPULATION TRENDS
Woodhull can be viewed as part of a region of Steuben County which includes the
Towns of Cameron, Thurston, Tuscarora, Rathbone, Jasper, and Troupsburg. Table III-1
compares the population changes in these towns from the 1990 to 2000 U.S. Census.
________________________________________________________________________
Table III-1
Population Change – Woodhull and Surrounding Towns
1990 – 2000
Municipality
1990
2000
Change
% Change
Woodhull
Tuscarora
Jasper
Troupsburg
Cameron
Rathbone
1518
1368
1232
1006
916
892
1524
1400
1270
1126
1034
1080
+6
+32
+38
+120
+188
+188
+0.4
+2.3
+3.1
+11.9
+12.9
+21.1
Source: U.S. Census
________________________________________________________________________
It is apparent from Table III-1 that Woodhull has the highest population of this
group of towns, but had the lowest growth between 1990 and 2000. Table III-2 compares the
Town of Woodhull with all the other towns the villages, and the cities, as well as Steuben
County.
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Table III-2
Population Trends by Class of Municipality
Steuben County 1990 – 2000
1990-2000 % Change
Steuben County
Cities
Villages
Towns
Woodhull
- 0.003
- 9.0
- 3.0
+3.2
+0.4
Source: U.S. Census
________________________________________________________________________
Tables III-1 and III-2 show that the towns in Steuben County have increased in
population, while the more urban areas, the villages and cities, have declined. While
Woodhull has shown a very modest increase in population, it is, nonetheless an increase,
and not a decline, which is happening in other parts of the county.
C.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
1.
Population Density
Population density is used to show how intensely the land in a community is
being used. Table III-3 compares the population density of Woodhull to that of
Steuben County.
________________________________________________________________________
Table III-3
Population Density - Town of Woodhull vs. Steuben County
2000 Population
Woodhull
Steuben County
1,524
98,762
Persons per
Area(sq. mi.)
Acres per
Square Mile
Person
55.7
1410.3
27.4
70.0
23.39
9.14
Source: U.S. Census; Steuben County Planning Department
________________________________________________________________________
It is apparent that, although Steuben County as a whole is quite rural, Woodhull
itself is considerably less dense than the county. However, lack of a density
problem does not constitute a lack for proper planning. In order to preserve the
rural-agricultural environment of Woodhull, planned development is essential.
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2.
Age Distribution
Age distribution refers to the number of persons in various age categories within a
community. Changes in certain portions of the population, such as school age
children, working-age adults, the elderly, etc., have significant impacts on
planning for schools, economic development, health care, and numerous other
community needs. Table III-4 shows the changes in population in Woodhull from
1990 to 2000.
________________________________________________________________________
Table III-4
Age Distribution – Town of Woodhull
1990 – 2000
Age Categories
1990
Persons % of Pop.
Under 5
5 – 11
12 – 17
18 – 44
45 – 54
55 – 64
65 and over
133
158
189
568
168
113
171
8.9
10.5
12.6
37.8
11.2
7.5
11.4
2000
Persons % of Pop.
115
186
129
558
213
159
164
7.5
12.2
8.5
36.6
14.0
10.4
10.8
% Change
- 13.5
+17.7
- 31.7
- 1.8
+26.8
+40.7
- 4.1
Source: U.S. Census
________________________________________________________________________
IV.
ECONOMIC PROFILE
Lacking any industrial base, most of the population of Woodhull are engaged in
agriculture, lumbering, or as service providers. Scattered throughout the town are “cottage
industries” such as machine-repair-parts shops, cabinetry, cheese factory, health care providers,
quilt shops, dairy-animal-and other farms and the like. Most people travel to the nearby cities
not only for their jobs, but also for shopping and entertainment.
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V.
HIGHWAY SYSTEM
The Town is currently served by a highway system that is classified as follows: State
7.15 miles, County 32.71 miles and the Town 61.07 miles. This makes a total of 100.93
miles of highway serving the Town.
Most highway programs are based on a functional classification of the highway network
system. This system classifies roads according to their relative importance and principal
functions in terms of volume and nature of traffic on each route. This classification
ranges from principal arterials to minor collectors and local roads. While the primary
function of the arterial is to serve thru traffic, the function of the local road is to serve
land access. Other elements of the system are designed and designated to serve both the
mobility and land access functions. The classification also implies responsibility. The
State provides the arterial systems, the County the collectors, and local governments
(towns, villages, cities) the local systems. There are exceptions to this theory. Unique
circumstances, sometimes both physical and political as well as history of development,
can affect the respective responsibility.
The following indicates the highway classification in Woodhull:
Principal Arterial
Minor Arterial
Major Collector
Minor Collector
-
None
State Route 417
County Route 100
County Routes 21, 81, 82, 99, 101, 102, 103,
127, and 129
See Map next page for locations and identifications of State, County and Town highways
in Woodhull.
For local planning purposes, it would be helpful to further classify the local road network.
This could be done by using the traffic trends, development patterns and the relation of
roads to other highways within the Town. Highway expenditures make up the largest
part of the total Town Budget. It would be in the financial interest of the Town if this
type of expenditure could be minimized whenever possible.
By encouraging development along State and County highways and utilizing the Town’s
roads which are already improved, it might help to relieve the financial pressure on the
Town.
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VI.
MUNICIPAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES
A.
INTRODUCTION
A rural Town such as Woodhull does not have as great a need for public services as
the more populated areas do. As a rule, the greater the density, the greater the demand
for services.
B.
TOWN FACILITIES
Official and organizational meetings are held in what used to be the Woodhull High
School which is located on Academy Street in the hamlet of Woodhull.
The County Highway Garages are located on State Route 417 just northeast of the
hamlet of Woodhull. The Town Highway Garages are located in the hamlet of
Woodhull on Pine Street. These two facilities provide space for repairs and storage
of highway equipment.
C.
UTILITIES
Telephone service for the Town is provided by the Armstrong Home Telephone
Company ; Frontier Telephone Company out of Hornell and Verizon Telephone
Company in Hornell.
Electrical service is furnished by the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation
and Steuben Rural Electric Coop.
D.
CHURCHES
There are four churches, two in Woodhull, one in the hamlet area of Borden and the
other in the hamlet area of Hedgesville; Amish attend church at different homes each
week There are four cemeteries scattered throughout the Town.
E.
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
Law Enforcement in the town is provided by the New York State Police and the
Steuben County Sheriff’s Department. Fire protection is provided by a volunteer fire
department located on West Main Street in the hamlet of Woodhull. Ambulance
service is provided by a volunteer organization with the headquarters and vehicle
located in the Fire Hall.
F.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
There are no State or County-owned forest or recreational lands in the Town. A lack
of public recreation is most evident.
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G.
SCHOOLS
The Town of Woodhull does not have its own school district. Students attend either
the Jasper-Troupsburg Schools or the Addison Schools, depending on the location of
the residence within the Town. There is also an unknown number of Amish Schools.
VII. LAND USE
A.
INTRODUCTION
The natural resources of the Town have been examined in Section II. This section will
be devoted to examining the effect man has had on the Town. This is referred to as
the Existing Land Use.
It is important that the existing land use be examined closely. It provides insight as to
what the trends have been in the past, what they are today, and how they may affect
the future. In comparison to the natural resources which change at a very slow rate, if
at all, man-made resources can and often times do change at a very rapid rate. Only
through the knowledge of the present land use pattern and growth trends, can sound
direction for future development be established.
B.
OVERVIEW
A general overview of the various land uses in the Town of Woodhull may be seen on
the following map. The legend to the map shows the number of acres in each land use
category. Although the exact numbers will vary from year to year, the map gives a
good indication of how the land is being used.
C.
EXISTING LAND USE
1.
Agriculture
In the Town of Woodhull, 13.16% of the total residential units were classified as
agricultural units. In numbers, this accounts for forty (40) units. Using information
obtained from the Steuben County Real Property Tax Service Agency, it was found
that 39.8% of all the parcels in the Town of Woodhull were agricultural in 1974. In
numbers, this accounts for two hundred seventy-nine (279) properties. This figure is
more than double the County percentage of agricultural properties which was found to
be 18.44.
Most of these agricultural properties could be classified commercial-agricultural in
that it was the estimate of those conducting the survey that the majority of the forty
(40) agricultural residences were capable of producing an over $10,000.00 gross
income for the farmer. Agricultural units of the size and capabilities of those
mentioned are a great asset to the community. These farms provide work for the
owners and in many cases, for extra hired-hands. Together the total number of farm
workers make up a substantial portion of the labor force.
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Agriculture is one industry which is finding it increasingly more difficult to operate
with higher land taxes, increased feed costs, increased fuel costs, and the like. In
many cases, agricultural units are giving up and selling out. The open space of these
agricultural units when given up is then often subdivided into individual building lots,
large industrial sites and other types of development which tends to detract from the
rural environment of agricultural areas.
In the future, the farmers of Woodhull could find themselves in similar situations. At
the present time, the rural environment of Woodhull is most evident; proper planning
for future development is the only insurance that future generations will be able to
enjoy present surroundings.
Agriculture is a very important asset to the community. It is an asset that needs to be
preserved and encouraged in every possible way.
2.
Residential Land Use
In all but one case, residential development consisted entirely of single-family
dwelling units. The Planning Board’s count in 1974 was three hundred four (304)
such units. Of this number, forty (40) were agricultural units and the remainder were
non-farm units. Included in the total number of housing units were fifty-nine (59)
mobile homes. The 1974 housing count showed an increase of fifty-seven (57) units
since the 1970 census which showed the total number of units as two hundred fortyseven (247).
There are five residential concentrations in the Town. One is the hamlet area of
Hedgesville at the intersection of County Routes 102 and 21. Another is the area
along State Route 417 east of the Village boundary to the hamlet area of East
Woodhull. Another is the hamlet area of Borden at the intersection of County Routes
100 and 101. The other two are small concentrations to the south of the Village along
County Route 103. See the map entitled, “Intensified Housing Areas” to see how
these concentrations are oriented throughout the Town. The remaining housing units
are scattered throughout the Town primarily on the County Routes and the more
improved Town roads.
3.
Commercial Land Use
There are five commercial uses in the Town. The only area that shows a concentration
at all is at the intersection of State Route 417 and County Route 129. Here we find the
Griffith Energy. Two of the commercial establishments can be classified as
commercial-recreational; these being the Crescent Lake Campsites located on
Herrington Road and the Woodhull Raceway located east of the intersection of Smith
Road and County Route 102. The remaining commercial establishment is a service
station on Route 417 just east of the intersection of County Route 81. See the map
entitled “Land Use map” for geographical locations of commercial establishments.
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4.
Industrial Land Use
There were three industrial establishments recorded during the land use survey. One
is the Dominion Transmission Compressor Station, located on County Route 99 north
of the intersection of Rogers Road. Another was a sub- station also located on
County Route 99 north of the intersection of Allen Road; and another is the Cranco
Inc. Machine Shop located on Symonds Road just west of the intersection of Hurd
Hill Road. Because of such a lack of industry in the Town, many wage earners have to
travel outside of the area for employment. It was noted that the Village of Bath and
the cities of Corning, Hornell and Wellsboro, Pennsylvania are almost equidistant
from central Woodhull, See the map entitled “Commercial and Industrial Use” for
geographic locations of industrial establishments.
D.
LAND USE PLAN
Four major land use categories have been set forth in the Land Use Plan. They are as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
Agricultural-Residential
Low Density Residential
Land Conservation
Industrial
Agricultural-Residential
The major objective of establishing an agricultural category is to encourage the
continuation of agriculture. By doing this, the Town would be assured of a continuing
economic asset and at the same time, maintaining an open space character which is
attractive to farmers and non-farmers alike.
By maintaining an open space, low density character, farmers may avoid the
possibility of non-farm residents objecting to the normal farming operations.
Examples of normal farming operations which might be objectionable to some
residents could be dust from farming operations, noise made by farm animals or
machinery which is operated from early in the morning to late at night, or odors from
poultry and livestock operations.
The nation is at last recognizing the fact that farming is a vital part of the nation’s
economy The high cost of land, buildings, and machinery and labor makes it
imperative that agriculture be given careful consideration and its due respect when a
Development Plan is formulated.
Residential development would not be precluded, but would be of a low density type
with large lot sizes. Other types of land use would also be permitted under certain
conditions.
Most of the Town has been designated as agricultural-residential.
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2.
Low Density Residential
A low density residential area is one which is already showing development or one
which has the potential of becoming one. Areas so designated should have soil
conditions
which would support water and sewage facilities on lots smaller than those in an
agricultural-residential area. Lots in this area should not be less than 20,000 square
feet.
This is the highest density residential development planned for the community. Two
such areas are planned for. One is the hamlet of Borden which already has a
concentration of residential units. The other is an area north of the hamlet of
Woodhull and is considered the most likely area for concentrated future development.
3.
Land Conservation
Land conservation areas may be defined as areas having distinct characteristics which
need to be preserved and protected. Steep slopes and certain soil types can present
problems for the building of roads, placing of utilities, construction of the building
foundations and the planning of water and sewage disposal systems. Substantial
development in an area such as this would be costly as well as creating possible
ecological damage.
Three areas have been designated as land Conservation Areas. These are the general
areas of the “Coryell Swamp”, the “Black Ash Swamp”, and the “Phillipines Area”.
The soils map for the Town which is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office, shows that
much of the soil in these areas have very poor drainage, may have rock outcroppings,
may be susceptible to slippage and are already severely eroded. Residential
development of the area should be of low density. Any other type of development
should be examined very carefully. Recreational uses of a type that would not require
the disturbing of the natural environment would be the best type of use.
4.
Industrial
The major objectives of establishing an industrial category are first to allow for an
area for large, or heavy industrial firms to locate in the Town and second, to allow for
an area of expansion for the existing Dominion Transmission Compressor Station.
This area is located generally in the vicinity of the existing Dominion Transmission
Compressor Station.
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VIII.
GENERAL VISIONS, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Following the analysis of the Community Survey, (see Appendix A), the Planning
Board developed the following Visions, Goals, and Objectives for the Town of Woodhull:
Vision
(Blueprint)
Beautiful Town
grants
Goal
(General Idea)
Improve Appearance
Objective
(Reason for each goal)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Encourage and assist via
to keep properties in good
repair/appearance
Junk codes enforced
Establish Beautification &
Revitalization Committee
Walking and Bike Paths
Improve Traffic Flow/Signage
Safety
A. Speed signs and enforce
B. Redo Main St. and Parking
C. Identify public buildings with
signage
Maintain Rural Effect
Continue to provide
country living
A. Controlled growth as changes
affect legacy
B. Protect natural features
C. Good living environment
Water/Sewer Systems
Provide necessary facilities
for homes and new
Businesses within
Designated district
A.
Economic Improvement
Job Opportunities
A. Better economy
B. More financial stability
Home Town Pride
Improve Community Pride
A. Utilize Community Days to
encourage/inspire
Residents
Cultural Enrichment
Enrich the culture of the
Community
A. Historical Room
B. Public Library
C. Co-op
D. Theatrical & Musical
productions
Clean Water and adequate
sewage disposal
B. Increase overall assessments
C. Encourage more new homes
& businesses in the area
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WOODHULL COMMUNITY SURVEY
The Woodhull Planning Board will be writing a "Comprehensive Plan" for the Town and this survey will assist
us in the process by obtaining your views on the Township. We feel responsible to ensure Resident rights,
possible future growth, and development are acknowledged and directed in a positive manner. The first
important step is your input, and we respectfully request that you complete and return this survey as your
opinions, views and ideas are vital for success of this project and the future of Woodhull.
"The Woodhull Planning Board's Mission is to plan for the economic, environmental & overall development
of the Township based on input and open communication with the Residents."
1.
Are you a resident of Woodhull Township?
2.
How long have you lived here?
Yes ______
No _______
____________________________
3.
Why do you live here?
________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
4.
Your age: (please check one)
50s______
Teens ______ 20s______
30s______
40s______
60s______
80s______
90s______
70s______
5.
What
do
you
like
most
about
Woodhull?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
6.
What
do
you
like
least
about
Woodhull?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
7.
How can we improve our Town and what changes would you like to see?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
8.
Should a greater effort be put into attracting and promoting new small businesses?
(i.e.,
Dollar
Store,
Pharmacy,
Senior
Housing
...
)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
9.
Would you like the Town to enact legislation for the regulation of wind power? Yes____ No______
10.
Do you live within a mile from Main Street (center) in the former Village? Yes____
a. Would you be interested in public sewer? Yes ___
No______
No____
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b. Would you be interested in public water? Yes ____
No_____
Would you be interested in an extension of natural gas if you live within 2 miles of Main Street?
Yes____ No____
11.
Would you be in favor of creating a street light district that is taxed separately from your Town tax?
Yes__ No___
12.
How can we improve the downtown Woodhull area?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
13.
What could be done to improve our Township?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
14.
Are you concerned about the maintenance of residential properties to prevent diminishing
property values? Yes___
No____
15.
Have you ever attended a Town Board meeting? Yes ___
No___
Comments and suggestions :
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Please return survey by September 30, 2006
Your completed questionnaire can be mailed to:
Planning Board
c/o Town Clerk
P. 0. Box 12
Woodhull, NY 14898
or dropped off in person to:
Town Clerk
Town Hall
Woodhull
Community Bank
Main Street
Woodhull
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Thank you VERY much for your participation!
Woodhull Planning Board: Edward Reed, Jan Calkins, Jerry Calkins, , Roger Fillmore, Norma Reed, Amie
Housel, Stacy Zeh, Terri Symonds.
For questions feel free to call: Roger Fillmore at 607-458-5730 or Jerry Calkins at 607-458-5351
Please make copies for other members of your household if you wish
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Public Interpretation of the Survey
Survey feedback from a Public Forum held January 27, 2007 at the Woodhull Town Hall with 75 in attendance
is as follows:
I . No comment.
2.
No comment.
3.
No comment.
4.
No comment.
5.
&
6.
People need to attend meetings. Town taxes are too high. "Sewage" in the Town would affect all
Residents. Possible sewage system - no choice, forced upon us. Of Residents in attendance 21 are in favor of
& 3 not in favor of.
7.
"Clean-up Day" - very important for the whole Town. How much would this raise taxes? Donation of
dumpsters, charge for tires. Is a Code Enforcement Officer going to force people to clean up?
8.
No comment.
9.
Wind power will raise revenue for the Town. It could be a referendum on Election Day.
10.
&
11.
Should have a "district." Tie lighting district in with water/sewer. Gas - present system unable to
handle expansion.
12.
Parking downtown is horrible & dangerous.
13.
Maintenance budget is 24% - where does it go? Do we need such a large Town Hall? Building has
many uses.
Funding is available. Can no longer be listed as "Historical" due to additions. Clinic should
pay fees. Clinic does provide needed services. Regarding building use for social events: should not be used for
profit. Dances - plan is not to make a profit but to bring the community together.
14.
No comment.
15.
No comment.
Additional comments from Residents:
Log trucks are ruining roads.
Residents do not know about laws until they are passed.
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Town website is under construction.
Is there a burning ordinance in Town?
Vision
Goal
Objective
(Blueprint)
(General Idea)
(Reason for each goal)
Beautiful Town
Improve appearance
A.
B.
C.
D.
Encourage & assist via
grants to keep properties
in good repair/appearance
Junk codes enforced
Establish
Beautification
&Revitalization
Committee
Walking & bike paths
Improve Traffic Flow/Signage Safety
A. Speed signs & enforce
B. Redo Main St. & parking
C. Identify public buildings
with signage
Maintain Rural Effect
Continue to provide country
living
A. Controlled growth as
changes affect legacy
B. Protect natural features
C. Good living environment
Water/Sewer Systems
Provide necessary facilities
for homes & new businesses
within designated district
A. Clean water & adequate
sewage disposal
B. Increase overall assessments
C. Encourage more new
homes & businesses in area
Economic Improvement
Job opportunities
A. Better economy
B. More financial stability
Home Town Pride
Improve Community Pride
A. Utilize Community Days to
encourage/inspire Residents
Cultural Enrichment
Enrich the culture of the
community
A. Historical room
B. Public library
D. Co-op
E. Theatrical & musical
productions
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Town of Woodhull
Town Council Members, Officers and Representatives
Home Phone
Cell Phone/Work
Scott Grant
Arnold Herrington
Larry Guild
Doug O'Brien
Brian Conklin
607-458-5400
607-359-4488
607-792-3838
607-359-4033
(c) 607-382-1900
Town Clerk
Deputy Town Clerk
Town Highway Superintendent
Sharon Brewer
Crystal Myers
Todd Housel
607-458-5665
607-359-2527
607-458-5653
458-5178
Deputy Highway Superintendent
Shane Wheaton
Town Code Enforcement Officer
Robert Mooney
907-225-4505
(c)
Town Dog Control Officer
Dan Draper
Fire Department Representatives
Ambulance Dept. Representatives
Tim Martin
Teri Symonds
Rick Andrews
Stacy Zeh
607-458-5695
607-458-5515
607-458-5540
Edward Reed
Jan Calkins
Jerry Calkins
Roger Fillmore
Barb Cronk
Norma Reed
Amie Housel
607-458-5130
607-458-5125
607-458-5351
607-458-5730
607-458-5798
607/458-5130
607/364-3404
(c)607-346-1432
Alternates:
Teri Symonds
607-458-5515
607-368-1484
Historian
Town Justice
Custodians
Citizens Advisory Committee
Norma Crane
George Farrand
Jerry and Sharon Calkins
Rich Brass
John Crane
Brian Diffenbacher
Ben Vetter
Micki Whitmore
Municipal Gas Company
Arnold Herrington
Kristy Flint
Phone
Town Supervisor
Town Board Members
Town Planning Board Members
(c) 607-329-5527
(c) 607-846-0433
(c) 607-769-5786
(w) 607-458-5424
(c) 607-590-8048
607-382-0573
(c) 607-661-7542
(c) 607-661-5888
(c) 607-368-1484
(c)
607-458-5220
607-794-2215
607-368-1887
(c)607-438-7331
(c)607/377-7640
(c) 607-382-9717
(c) 607-382-9416
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Businesses/Services/Recreation in Woodhull
February 2012
Woodhull Raceway
J.L. Trucking Inc.
Smith HP & Son Insurance Agency Inc.
Smith HP & Son Inc. Funeral Home
Old Mill Café Restaurant & Bakery & Banquets (closed now)
Close-Knit Alpacas & Products
U. S. Post Office
Community National Bank
Youth Center
Amish Sales – Quilts, Bent Wood Rockers, Sheds & Other Construction
Lucky Bee Wax Crafts
Golden Age Cheese Co., Inc.
Lamb & Webster Tractor Supply
Dominion Transmission Station
Cranco Machine Shop
Southern Tier Coal
Morgan’s Auto Repair
Griffith Energy
Dairyman’s Choice LLC
MacDonald Health Center
Donna's Main Street Market
Woodhull Municipal Gas
Verizon Tower
Windy K Farm-Peacocks, Pheasants
W & W Gas, Grocery, Deli
Hershberger’s Saw Mill
Woodhull Fire and Ambulance Service
Woodhull Community Family Resource Center
Farms, Dairy Farms
Sheriff’s Satellite Office ( Town Hall )
Town Offices
Brandy’s Shear Magic
Cut n’ Curl Beauty Shop
Misty's Hair Salon
Labarron Brothers Repair & Parts
C & R Recycling
Guild’s Collision
Woodhull Baptist/Methodist Church
Woodhull Cemetery Association
Fast Track Racing Parts
Europa Communications Inc.
Woodhull Forest Products Inc.
Shady Hill Farms – Miniature Horses
Recreation:
Woodhull Raceway
Playground/Park
Woodhull Community Day
Firemen’s Pavilion Field
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