The Peru Gazette

Alison Webbinaro addressing the town board at its November 14 meeting. L-R Webbinaro, Councilmen Kregg Bruno and Melvin Itwin.

By John T Ryan

Peru – It’s time to hire a professional to update Peru’s zoning ordinance. That’s the message Planning Board member Ali Webbinaro delivered to the Peru Town Board at an October budget workshop and on November 14 at the board’s special meeting to adopt the 2024 town budget. Noting that she was disappointed the board didn’t include funding in its 2024 budget, Webbinaro said she realized she brought up the topic late in the budget process.

Webbinaro said two planning board members, two zoning board members, and Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup have been meeting informally to determine where the ordinance needs changes. She stated, “It’s too big an undertaking for the planning and zoning boards to do on our own. It will help shape the continued growth of our community in a way that keeps the integrity of what we want to continue.”

Supervisor Brandy McDonald mentioned having the zoning officer conduct an internal ordinance review. Webbinaro responded, “To do that would get us back to the point where we are now….”It’s getting difficult to move things forward concisely and professionally. Before you start piece-mealing it together, I would urge you to do the research.”

Councilman Kregg Bruno commented, “The last time we had a committee.” Webbinaro pointed out that getting the boards together for monthly meetings is difficult. She believes having them meet as a body at other meetings would add another layer of difficulty.

Webbinaro indicated that hiring a professional to do the update would cost the town about $70,000, but there’s a good possibility for state grant funding. She would do her part by researching state funding sources and hopes the board would include funding in the town’s 2025 budget.

Note – The above article is based on this video and telephone interview.