A proposed 167-unit housing development in the Village of Saugerties has sparked opposition from residents who say it could disrupt the character of their neighborhood and worsen traffic, noise, and environmental conditions.
The developer, Canoe Hill Road LLC, is seeking to construct a multifamily complex known as Country Meadows on a 22-acre site adjacent to North Street and Canoe Hill Road. The proposal includes 255 parking spaces and would require two lot line adjustments involving land owned by the village. If approved, the swap would allow for a new road connecting North Street to Canoe Hill Road.
According to the application, the developer would give 2.02 acres to the village, while receiving 1.3 acres and 1.01 acres in return. The land swap would allow the village to use the acquired land for a new salt shed and other municipal purposes.
At a Village Planning Board meeting Wednesday night, the project drew scrutiny. During public comment residents raised concerns about tree removal, increased congestion, and a lack of clarity around the proposal’s long-term impact.
Elm Street residents, whose properties back up to the proposed development, were particularly vocal. One written comment urged the village to reject the lot line changes and “future proposals for major development in the area between Elm Street and North Street.” Another resident wrote, “I am personally terrified, as the size of the development threatens the beauty of Elm Street.”
Laura Phillips, a village resident, called for transparency and urged the board to delay any decision. “These transactions are critical to the plans of the developer but disregard the impact on village residents,” she said during the hearing. In a follow-up interview, she added: “I love Saugerties, and I don’t want to see it being overdeveloped.”
Kathryn Meyer, a 15-year Elm Street resident, said she and her neighbors have been circulating a petition opposing the land swap. The petition, submitted at the hearing, had gathered 293 signatures. “This is going to affect our entire community,” Meyer said. “It’s not just a village conversation. It’s not just an Elm Street conversation.”
Although some residents acknowledged the need for more affordable housing in Saugerties, they noted the application contains no mention of affordability requirements.
The village extended the public comment period by one month. The project is still in its early stages and must undergo a full SEQRA environmental review and additional review by village officials before any approvals are granted.
Amy Wu is a reporter covering Woodstock and Saugerties. Send correspondence to amy@theoverlooknews.com.
