Support for Upper Nyack Residents Special Permit Review

Purpose:

The intention of this grassroots, community-led fundraiser is to support a well-informed, community-centered review of the Special Use Permit application for 350 North Highland Avenue. It reflects a shared commitment to stewardship, civic engagement, and thoughtful decision-making—so that Upper Nyack land use decisions are guided by care, expertise, and transparency.

Current Status:

An applicant has submitted a Special Use Permit application to operate a private, 440-student school (serving pre-school through the 8th grade)—with 90 staff—at 350 North Highland Avenue. The property formerly housed a headquarters and then Alliance Seminary, a small, low-impact institution serving adult students with a self-contained campus model that produced minimal daily traffic.

The proposed school represents a sharp departure in both scale and impact: it could generate a significant increase in volume of vehicle trips per day, including buses, vans, carpools, and staff vehicles—introducing a high volume of daily traffic on a narrow, winding corridor already challenged by limited sight lines and no sidewalks.

As a major road, Route 9W carries the greatest amount of traffic in Upper Nyack, has the highest speed limit in the Village, is home to Nyack Hospital and is the major route to and through the Route 9W Corridor, the Village’s largest business district.

Why This Matters to Upper Nyack: Traffic, Health & Safety

This anticipated increase in traffic on Route 9W raises serious public health and safety concerns—given the corridor’s inadequate sidewalks, limited sight lines, and the proposed concentration of young children on a site ill-equipped for daily school operations. It contradicts:

Village Code §9.5.3:

“Operations in connection with any Special Permit Use shall not be more objectionable to nearby properties by reason of noise, traffic, airborne particulate matter; odors; fumes, vibration or other characteristics than would be the operations of permitted uses not requiring a Special Use Permit”.

This proposal would introduce new risks to health and safety through increased traffic congestion, elevated crash risk, and delayed emergency access.

Community Safety Priorities:

Responsible planning supports walkability and ensures functional, safe infrastructure.

How You Can Help – A Call to Action:

Contribute – Donate and share this GoFundMe fundraiser with friends, neighbors, and community members.

Stay Informed – Learn about the proposed project, how the Special Use Permit process works, and the relevant zoning and planning guidelines.

Follow Planning Board updates: https://www.uppernyack-ny.us/planning-board

Refer to the Community Handout developed and distributed by Upper Nyack residents:

Write Letters – Craft your own message to Village officials. Personal letters make a real difference. Share your perspective, reference key special use permit criteria topics and key issues outlined in the Upper Nyack community handout, and submit comments ahead of the September 2025 Public Hearing (future date TBD) by email or USPS (email: boardsecretary@uppernyack-ny.us or 328 North Broadway, Upper Nyack, NY).

Attend and Ask Questions at Meetings – Attend the September 2025 Public Hearing (future date TBD) at 6PM. Pose thoughtful, constructive questions to Village officials. Your voice matters—especially when it helps guide the process toward clarity and accountability.

Let’s work together to support our local leaders in conducting a thorough, community-centered review process.

******************************************************************

Use of Funds:

This initiative is organized independently by residents of Upper Nyack and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any municipal entity. All funds will be applied in good faith toward retaining qualified professionals, preparing materials, and supporting a community-led review of the Special Use Permit application for 350 North Highland Avenue.

It is the intent that 100% of funds raised will support professional services and related resources necessary for this purpose.

In the event that funds remain unused at the conclusion of this effort, contributors will be consulted regarding potential next steps, which may include, where practical, a pro-rated return or redirection toward a related public-interest initiative.

******************************************************************