University at Buffalo Law School

Environmental Law and Policy Clinic

April 22, 2008
Roberta (Vallone) Kellam, Esq., Director
Email: sophieandfolly@yahoo.com
Polly Hampton, JD Candidate
` Home Rule
` Town Law and Village Law enabling statutes
` Comprehensive Planning
` Zoning
` Subdivision of Land
` Cluster Subdivision
` Environmental Review (SEQRA)
` The division of land for purpose of creation of
building lots.

` Regulates the layout of streets, lots,

infrastructure to ensure that services will be
adequate

` Authority granted by State to all Village, Town

and City governments
1. Trafficproblems
2. Loss of Open Space
3. Loss of Wildlife Habitat
4. Loss of Outdoor Recreation areas
5. Impairment of Trail Systems
6. Degradation of Water Quality
7. Loss of Community Character
8. Loss of Agricultural Resources
9. Loss of Cultural Resources (historical, Native,
archaeological)
10.Tax Increases to support infrastructure
` 2006 Comprehensive Plan

` Declining population

` Aging population

` Aging Infrastructure – CSOs, Roadways

 18 Lots
Lot sizes: 20,000 – 40,000 sq.ft.
50% Undivided Open Space
Identify Conservation Areas
Potential Development Areas fall
outside Conservation Areas
Locating Houses
Designing Street Layout
Drawing the Lot Lines
` Nashville, TN
` Caledonia, WI
` Saratoga Springs, NY
` Colonie, NY
` New Scotland, NY
` Atlanta, GA (several suburbs)