Bath town unveils long-range plan
Emphasis is on agriculture character of region
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - The Town of Bath on Oct. 22 will host a public hearing to review a long-term plan for the municipality that has been in preparation for more than a year.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Steuben County Civil Defense Building on state Route 54.

An ad hoc committee has been developing the plan since early 2006, following the committee's initial formation in the aftermath of the opening of an adult bookstore on Worth Road. Originally formed to study possible zoning regulations for the town, the committee in 2006 was charged with developing land use strategies for the town. At the same time, the town board declared a moratorium on all new adult businesses in the municipality.

According to committee Chairman Hal Bailey, committee members have moved beyond the initial concern with adult businesses toward an interest in preserving the town's agricultural character.

"We'd like to see the town retain its agricultural flavor," Bailey told The Courier. "That puts more money into the local economy."

At the same time, he added, the draft comprehensive plan makes no recommendations regarding restrictions on "big box" retail stores, such as a Wal- Mart supercenter proposed for the state Route 54 corridor between the Villages of Bath and Hammondsport.

"With the interstate going through the town, routes 415 and 54 will naturally attract development," Bailey said.

Bailey replaced former committee Chairman William Hudson earlier this year, after Hudson stepped down due to health concerns.

In prior interviews with the Courier, Hudson reported the comprehensive plan would recommend land use restrictions for all adult businesses.

In addressing the board Monday evening, Bailey emphasized the draft plan is only a collection of recommendations. "We're only making suggestions," he told town board members.

Copies of the plan currently are available in the Bath town clerk's office and the Dormann Library. Bailey indicated an additional copy may be placed on file in the Savona Free Library.