The Official Website for the Town of Beekman, New York

One of the Original Towns

Volunteer Opportunities

Board of Assessment Review Member

The Town of Beekman is seeking a town resident to fill a volunteer position for the Board of Assessment Review. Training will be provided.

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW (BAR) Information

BAR members hear grievances from property owners who dispute their property tax assessment and decide to uphold the assessment or adjust it based on presented evidence. 

BAR members usually consist of a panel of appointed members with knowledge of property valuation and local tax laws. 

Decision-making:

The board reviews the evidence presented by both the property owner and the assessor, then decides to uphold the assessment or adjust it accordingly. 

Quasi-judicial nature:

Due to the responsibility of making fair decisions based on evidence, the BAR is considered a quasi-judicial body, meaning they must follow procedural rules and act impartially. 

All interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: seniorclerk@townofbeekmanny.us 

Planning Board Volunteer Information

A Planning Board is a local government administrative body that advises on matters affecting community development. They are granted regulatory powers by state statute or local governing boards. Some of the responsibilities include:

  • Community plan: Preparing a plan for the town’s growth, development and protection. This may include providing housing for all income levels, transportation, distribution, public health and safety.
  • Land use regulations: Amending land use regulations and prepare land subdivision regulations.
  • Develop design standards or guidelines.
  • Subdivision plats: Reviewing and approving subdivision plats.
  • Site plans: Reviewing and approving site plans, if authorized by the local legislature.
  • Special use permits: Reviewing and approving special use permits, if authorized by the local legislature.
  • Public meetings and hearings: Conducting public meetings and hearings while plans are in preparation.

Planning Boards may also budget for capital improvements, seek funding, and encourage private actions. Their general purpose is to guide the orderly growth and development of the community, while ensuring the public safety and welfare of its residents.

Planning Board Member Volunteer Opportunity Requirements:

  • Annual online training. Four (4) hours required.
  • Attendance at the Planning Board meeting. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7pm.

 

All interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: supervisor@townofbeekmanny.us

The Town of Beekman is seeking a town resident to fill a volunteer position on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

The ZBA meets on the first Tuesday of every month.

Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) description:

A Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is a quasi-judicial board within a local government that reviews and decides appeals regarding zoning regulations, typically considering requests for variances (exceptions to zoning rules) and special permits for land use situations where standard zoning codes might not apply, often requiring public hearings to make informed decisions based on the local zoning ordinances; essentially acting as a body to interpret and apply zoning laws in unique circumstances where strict adherence could cause hardship for property owners. 

The ZBA function is to hear and decide appeals from property owners who believe a zoning ordinance is causing an undue hardship on their property, allowing them to request exceptions or variations to the standard zoning rules. 

ZBA typical applications are: Requests for variances (e.g., building a structure that doesn’t meet setback requirements), special permits (e.g., operating a non-conforming business in a specific zone). 

The ZBA decision making is based on the specific facts of each case, the ZBA must determine if the requested variance or special permit is justified and does not negatively impact the surrounding area. 

Most ZBA decisions are made after a public hearing where interested parties can present their arguments and evidence. 

A ZBA member is typically comprised of an appointed town resident with an expertise in land use, law, or related fields. 

All interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to: supervisor@townofbeekmanny.us

Zoning Board of Appeals Volunteer Member Information (PDF)