Controversial development project gets green light in Hillcrest

A controversial development project in Hillcrest has just been given the green light by the Ramapo Zoning Board.
An overgrown lot just off Union Road in Hillcrest is the future site of Bluefield Extension, a high-density housing complex. The plan includes putting up to 20 units on one acre of property, and not everyone in the community is happy.
A woman who lives next door to the lot didn't want to be identified, but says she is opposed to the development. The woman is working with attorney Susan Shapiro, who also represents a neighborhood group opposed to the project.
"It's higher density zoning than anywhere in the town of Ramapo," says Shapiro. "And it's not even permitted anywhere."
The developer wants to tear down the buildings already there and put up multiple residential buildings up to four stories tall.
Shapiro and other residents attended Monday's zoning board meeting, but were not allowed to comment. They say the town never even did a traffic study or proper assessment of the area.
"I think there's corruption generally in the town of Ramapo," says Shapiro.
The Ramapo planning director told News 12 by email that the town granted an area variance for the development after weighing the benefits to the applicant versus the health, safety and welfare of the community.