Neighbors urge vigilance as proposed dormitory and school near Woodmere face opposition

Residents from Woodmere and nearby blocks urged the board to block a proposed dormitory and school use in a single‑family neighborhood, describing the plan as an institutional conversion rather than ordinary residential use.

"This opposition is not about religion or the establishment of a school. It is about the proposed dormitory use in the middle of a single family residential neighborhood," said Mindy Fink, who told the board she and more than 80 families oppose using a house as a 24/7 dormitory for students. Fink said neighbors were told at a prior meeting the operator intended to move boys into the property as early as September and that the dormitory could begin with as many as 18 boys alongside a proposed school that could ultimately serve up to 72 students.

Town leadership clarified jurisdictional process: the supervisor and attorney said the town board does not decide zoning‑board appeals and that any formal application would go before the zoning board of appeals and be publicly noticed. "When that does happen, everyone in the neighborhood will be given notice and you'll have your ability to come to town hall and voice your concerns," a town official said. Officials also noted stop orders and that building‑department enforcement had been engaged; residents asked for continued vigilance and enforcement if unpermitted work continues.

Neighbors requested robust enforcement of zoning rules and timely notice when zoning applications are filed so they can appear before the zoning board and present opposition evidence.