This provocative title signals a new phase in the Durst DEIS process. Durst has introduced their newly hired ecologist, Alex Felson who will be leading an analysis of the property that addresses the stated concerns from the town relating to the environmental, social and cultural issues.
The Poughkeepsie Journal provides an update on the reviewing of the public comments for the DEIS. Especially important is the differing perspectives of how to address the pending Zoning Regulations, with the Durst organization still claiming there is no need to address them at this time.
The Pine Plains School District has submitted their comments after reviewing the Durst DEIS, “with special attention having been given to Chapter 14, Community Services and Fiscal Impacts and Chapter 7, Visual Resources & Community Character and the project sponsor’s general obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.” The report is quite critical of the DEIS and echoes many of the findings of other professional analysis of the DEIS.
A copy of the submission is included here and can also be found on the Pine Plains Central School District website
During a Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 public comment meeting before the Pine Plains (Dutchess County) Planning Board, Scenic Hudson’s Dr. Michael Klemens spoke out about the ecological impacts of the Durst housing development proposed for an important wildlife area along the Pine Plains-Milan border.
→ Regional Ecological Impacts of Massive Proposed Development Detailed in Scenic Hudson Study
The Daily Freeman and Poughkeepsie Journal have reported on the Planning Board’s intention to require an alternative plan be submitted with the Durst DEIS, an alternative that is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan and proposed zoning regulations. This is not a rejection of the developer’s main plan, but an alternative to be submitted as part of the overall DEIS.
David Clauser and Associates were hired by Pine Plains United to address issues of overall completeness, substance and mitigation within the DEIS. His report to the Planning Board is available below.
Pine Plains United has retained Resource Systems Group to review the completeness and substance of Chapter 11 (Transportation and Traffic) of the Carvel Property Development DEIS. The report contains important critiques and concerns that the impact of the Durst development is far greater than that conveyed in their DEIS.
Lisa Nagle, of Elan Planning and Design Firm, was hired by PPU to study the Land Use and Zoning and Community and Visual Impacts chapters of the Durst DEIS. Her findings reflect and inconsistency between the DEIS and the town’s Comprehensive Plan and proposed zoning regulations, among other things. View her powerpoint presentation to the Planning Board below.
John Lyons’, the lawyer representing PPU, spoke to many of the most poignant issues in the Durst DEIS on Saturday. He also provided testimony about the power of the Planning Board in the SEQR process. Download the whole document below.
The Poughkeepsie Journal has published an article on Durst’s recent purchase.
This is a critical time in the course of growth and development in Pine Plains. Get involved! Stay informed!
The proposal is for 951 new units (some houses are already on the property) on 2,200 acres mostly in Pine Plains, with a small part of the property in Milan. Read our latest briefing here. Click here for news and related updates regarding the Carvel/Durst Project.
There are four major developments either before the Planning Board or underway in the town of Pine Plains. There is also a Moritorium on development in place until Zoning Regulations are voted on by the Town Board. For more information on these important issues, click here.
