Town of Ramapo, New York
A facility for the creation and production of audio and video/film recordings in an integrated working, living, and worship facility for members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ religious and assisting religious volunteers. A new mixed-use MU-3 Zoning District is proposed to facilitate the development of this integrated facility.
The 249-acre site will host audio and video production studios and facilities to support operations of the nearby world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On-site facilities include offices, maintenance and set production workshops, and a central energy plant. Accommodations for the resident staff include 645 residential units, dining/assembly spaces, recreation/wellness/fitness facilities, and a clinic.
The proposed facility will include state-of-the-art environmental and sustainability elements, including geothermal heating and cooling, green roofs, and mass timber construction. The sponsor has committed to seek at least a LEED-Silver campus rating.
The size of the project dictates that it is a Type I action under SEQRA. An environmental impact statement was prepared.
Scoping Outline adopted – December 9, 2020
DEIS accepted for public comment – April 28, 2021
DEIS public comment period ended – July 7, 2021
FEIS accepted – March 23, 2022
FEIS filed – September 16, 2022
Findings Statement adopted – November 9, 2022
Comprehensive Plan Amendment adopted – November 9, 2022
Zoning Code Amendment adopted – November 9, 2022
Conceptual Development Special Permit adopted – December 28, 2022
Additional Height Plan adopted – December 28, 2022
Pre-site plan Tree Clearing approved – December 28, 2022
Final Site Plan Approval – Tuxedo Planning Board – April 4, 2023
Image courtesy of AKRF and Watchtower