KJ focuses on Legoland

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — A lawyer representing the Village of Kiryas Joel is asking for all information relative to the Legoland theme park proposed for Goshen.
At Monday's work session, Town of Goshen Supervisor Doug Bloomfield said he received a freedom of information request last Thursday from Albany attorney Claiborne E. Walthall, who is representing KJ.
The new Legoland park is planned for 153 acres of a 523-acre site on Harriman Drive in the Town of Goshen. If approved, it would be the third Legoland Park in the United States.
Town of Goshen Attorney Rick Golden said an Albany attorney who represents Kiryas Joel in various litigations against other municipalities had attended Legoland’s June 14 presentation. He spoke with Golden after the presentation held in the Emergency 911 Center.
“It’s unusual for a litigation attorney to come down from Albany for such a presentation,” said Golden. “Kiryas Joel’s propensity of late is to look at various municipalities in the area considering zone changes and challenge them, claiming that the zoning does not provide for enough high-density housing. New York law requires that municipalities must shoulder their fair burden of high-density housing, typically two-family homes and rental opportunities."
Orange County did a study in 2009 that set housing goals for each town to meet by 2020, taking an objective view of rental and home ownership for affordable housing, and setting reasonable goals for towns.
Reviewing Goshen’s last comprehensive plan and its zoning laws, Golden said the town is well within compliance with its affordable housing requirements. The Legoland project will not alter the town’s compliance, he said.