Sarah Trafton is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Athens Village Board has banned all waterfront development as it continues to update the village's 13-year-old comprehensive plan. The board recently unanimously adopted a resolution imposing a moratorium on the approval of special use permits and site plans for the next six months in the waterfront districts. Board member Joshua Lipsman said the hiatus gives village officials the needed time to finish the plan and decide on next steps. The village of Catskill took similar action in September 2018, but although the new comprehensive plan was adopted in February, the development ban was extended in April because of the coronavirus shutdown. Athens is working with Community Planning and Environmental Associates to update its plan, and received a $9,900 matching grant from Hudson River Valley Greenway to support the process. A 19-member steering committee was formed in January to help guide the process. In addition to approving the moratorium, the board adopted a local law requiring short-term rental owners to register their properties. Those who violate the law will be subject to fines. Greene and Columbia counties have more than 1,000 Airbnb units each, according to the state Hospitality and Tourism Association. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.