2009 Democratic Party Platform
Working Together for a Better Gardiner
"We must think about affordable housing, maintaining affordable emergency services, and develop incentives to bring commercial development that will have low impact on the environment."
- Joe Katz
Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility Through Smart Planning
- Limit town tax burden on Gardiner property owners.
- Encourage business development to increase revenue base.
- Maintain balance between town initiatives and budgetary constraints.
- Actively seek public and private grants to lower the cost of town programs.
Preserving Open Space
- Preserve the rural nature of Gardiner and support the goals set forth in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan.
- Enforce policies that protect the Shawangunk Ridge as a critical natural and community resource.
- Continue to implement Gardiner's Open Space Plan.
Improving the Town
- Develop the infrastructure of the Hamlet.
- Continue to develop pedestrian linkages from the hamlet center to residential areas and to Majestic Park.
- Seek recreational access to the Wallkill River.
- Continue to support the Library.
- Develop a balance between supporting businesses in industrial zones and controlling negative impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods, especially as regards Steves Lane.
- Support local farming and agricultural use of open land in Gardiner.
- Support creation of affordable housing which maintains a diverse community.
- Review and update emergency management plan.
- Preserve and protect the town's water resources.
Continuing Efficient Good Government
- Strengthen the laws, guidelines and processes of the Gardiner Board of Ethics.
- Continue open/inclusive government by encouraging participation from all members of the Gardiner Community through use of the website, attendance at town meetings, and forums on issues of citizen concern.