This week, Saugerties will hold the first of two public hearings regarding a proposed zoning change for the controversial Winston Farm development. Developers are seeking municipal approval to create a planned development district that will allow for both residential and commercial use on the 840-acre property.
Supporters and opponents of the project are expected to attend the first public hearing, set for Wednesday, June 18, 6 p.m., at the Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Center. A second public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.
Recently, the developers submitted a draft generic environmental impact statement (DGEIS) for the proposed zoning change, which they admit is limited in scope. The DGEIS focuses exclusively on the potential impacts of the zoning law as it relates to the proposed project.
“The rezoning of the site can facilitate development that can bring change to both the site and the surrounding area,” states the introduction to the DGEIS. “Such changes may include increased activity and visitation, higher levels of noise and traffic, shifts in community character and potential impacts on natural and ecological resources. At the same time, rezoning can encourage the development of new housing options, support job retention and creation, enhance local attractions and provide a financial boost to the local economy through both short-term construction activity and long-term site operations. The goal is to carefully manage this transformation by minimizing or mitigating the anticipated adverse impacts as much as possible.”
Critics, including the local advocacy group Citizens for Beautiful Saugerties, argue that the new DGEIS is inadequate.
The property, which previously hosted Woodstock ’94, is currently zoned for general business, moderate-density residential and hamlet residential uses. It also falls under the restrictions of several overlay districts, including the gateway overlay, aquifer protection overlay and sensitive area overlay districts.
Last week, Citizens for Beautiful Saugerties sent out a community bulletin urging its members to voice their opinions at the public hearing. The email suggested that speakers focus their critiques on specific areas, such as missing environmental impact assessments, inadequate traffic and infrastructure analyses, water resources and wetland protection, wildlife and ecosystem impacts and concerns regarding community character and quality of life.
“The developers are counting on citizen apathy,” stated the bulletin. “Prove them wrong.”
Main Saugerties streets under construction
The Town of Saugerties announced milling would take place on several main Saugerties streets beginning on June 16.
Roads under construction include: Myers Lane, Elizabeth Street, Cross Street, Livingston Street, 1st Street, 2nd Street, Main Street (from Esopus Creek Road junction to Market Street intersection) and East Bridge Street (full length).
Roads get milled to strip away the rough, worn-out top layer so fresh pavement can go down smooth and last longer.
“Going to be a nice mess,” speculated Dorothea Tracey Warren on Facebook.
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