ZONING
CHANGE
The Town Board realized there was a problem with the former zoning code/designation which could have allowed a simple site plan application to have allowed disruptive and untenable commercial exploitation of the islands.
The old Marine Residential Zoning (page 21 of Zoning Code) for the islands was at-odds with the proposed commercial resort development on Sport Island (and any island).
We felt commercial exploitation/development in Marine Residential zone, where the local area is all residential, should not have been permitted with a simple Site Plan Review approved by the Planning Board.
The Town Board, after lengthy review and consideration, agreed and voted January 17, 2024 to update the zoning ordinance and map. The islands are now labeled as their own, new zoning designation ("Marine Island"), separate from the former designation of Marine Residential.
PURPOSE: The Marine Island District is designated to protect the unique characteristics of the Thousand Islands region by limiting development to residential uses only on the many islands located on the St. Lawrence River within the Town of Alexandria. However, these regulations do not pertain to Wellesley Island.
PERMITTED USES: Single family dwellings, including manufactured or modular homes and camps.
Please watch for any changes to this zoning and encourage vigorous enforcement to protect quiet, residential Island neighborhoods up and down the river from future commercial exploitation.
