Saugerties

FOIL Appeal Denied - Diamond Mills Paper Company / Dam on Partition Street, Saugerties, New York

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:41:43 PST

FOIL Appeal Determination for 09-08-3A (David Radovanovic, February 13, 2009)

February 13, 2009

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Office of General Counsel, 14th Floor
625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1500
PHONE: (518) 402-9522 FAX: (518) 402-9018 or (518) 402-9019
Website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/

CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

February 13, 2009

David Radovanovic
100 Dock Street
Saugerties, New York 12477

Re: Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL") Appeal No. 09-08-3A
FOIL Request No. 09-127 / 25-3/09
Partition Street Project / Partition Street, Saugerties, Ulster County (Diamond Mills Paper Company / Dam)

Dear Mr. Radovanovic:

This is in response to your appeal, pursuant to the New York State Freedom of Information Law ("FOIL", codified at §§ 84-90 of the Public Officers Law ["POL"]), from the denial of access to certain records pertaining to the Diamond Mills Paper Company / Dam on Partition Street, Saugerties, New York.

In accordance with the Department's FOIL appeal procedures, I requested copies of the records that were withheld from disclosure by the Department's Region 3 office. On this appeal, I conducted a de novo review of those records.

BACKGROUND
On January 14, 2009 you submitted a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (hereinafter "DEC" or the "Department") FOIL e-mail address seeking certain records of the Department relating to the Partition Street Project / Partition Street, Village of Saugerties, New York. On January 16, 2009 DEC's Region 3 Records Access office acknowledged receipt of your request and assigned your request FOIL No. 25-3/09. By letter dated January 20, 2009, Region 3 Division of Environmental Permits responded to your request by releasing all responsive records that were in the custody of that division. On January 21, 2009, Region 3 Division of Water responded to your request and released responsive records, however withheld disclosure of six (6) records as they were exempt from disclosure pursuant to POL §87(2)(g), as they contain inter-agency or inter-agency deliberative communications. Finally, on January 27, 2009, Region 3 Division of Law Enforcement responded to your request by stating that after a diligent search, no records could be located that were responsive to your request. On February 5, 2009 you filed this appeal with my office regarding the six (6) records withheld from disclosure by Region 3 Division of Water.

I have received the records withheld by Region 3 Division of Water staff and I have conducted a de novo review. Following is my determination:

RECORDS REVIEWED
On this appeal, I have reviewed six (6) records, consisting of nine (9) pages, that were provided to me by Department staff. The records consist of four (4) e-mails between December 2005 and January 2008 and two (2) internal memoranda from 2008.

RELEVANT STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS
POL §87(2)(g): inter-agency or intra-agency deliberative communications
POL §87(2)(g), authorizes the denial of access to records or portions thereof that are intra-agency or inter-agency materials which are not: (i) statistical or factual tabulations or data; (ii) instructions to staff that affect the public; (iii) final agency policy or determinations; or (iv) external audits, including but not limited to audits performed by the comptroller and the federal government (see POL §87[2][g][i]-[iv]). Intra-agency and inter-agency materials that consist of opinions and recommendations of agency staff are exempted from FOIL "to protect the deliberative process of the government by ensuring that persons in an advisory role would be able to express their opinions freely to agency decision makers (citation omitted)" (Matter of Xerox Corp. v. Town of Webster, 65 N.Y.2d 131, 132 (1985); see also New York Times Co. v. City of New York Fire Department, 4 N.Y.3d 477, 488 (2005) ("The point of the intra-agency exception is to permit people within an agency to exchange opinions, advice and criticism freely and frankly")).

The e-mail before me on this appeal contain opinions, evaluations, requests and perceptions of Department staff. Furthermore, the internal memoranda consist of recommendations regarding a permit and opinions of staff regarding the same. Such internal deliberative communications, exempt from disclosure pursuant to POL §87(2)(g), will not be released through this appeal. Based on the above, your appeal is denied.

This letter is the final determination of the Department of Environmental Conservation with respect to your appeal. You have the right to seek review of this determination pursuant to Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, and Public Officers Law §89(4)(b). In any further correspondence relating to this appeal, please refer to FOIL Appeal No. 09-08-3A.

Sincerely yours,

/s/

Dena N. Putnick, Esq.
FOIL Appeals Officer

cc: Robert Freeman, Executive Director
Committee on Open Government
Ruth Earl, Records Access Officer
Michael Knipfing, Region 3 Records Access
Beth Zicca, Region 3 Division of Water

For an DEC's online record visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/52420.html

Saugerties Village Ignores New York State Coastal Management Program

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:05:27 PST

Saugerties Village is designated in SASS documents as a Scenic Area of Statewide Significance. Saugerties Village completed its own Local Waterfront Revitalization Program which was approved in1985. The purpose of which was the future protection and restoration of the Village's natural, historic and scenic resources.

The Cantine Dam property (and future home of The Partition Street Project) falls within NYS DOS Division of Coastal Resources' definition of an abandoned site having natural, historic and scenic significance. However, the Partition Street Project developers have not been required to provide for public access to what is undeniably Saugerties Village's most important waterfront resource.

The owners [and developers] of this Village landmark are Tom Struzzieri (HITS), John Mullen and Congressman Maurice Hinchey. You would think, with a US Congressman as an owner, The Partition Street Project would adhere to the requirements of Saugerties Village's own LWRP (Local Waterfront Revitalization Program).

However, to this point (11/07/09) in the Village Zoning Board approval and SEQRA process, the architects' plans are missing many of the mandated requirements for building along Saugerties' Esopus Creek banks.

In 2004, Ashokan Architects of Kingston New York designed the plans and provided the drawings for a beautiful project which resurfaced four years later (2008) as Tom Struzzieri announced plans (HITS boss plans hotel, catering hall, restaurant in Saugerties) for the catalyst which would be the Village's revitalization. But apparently after receiving $780,000 in EDC grants the original design was abandoned for the latest plans which restricts public access, obscures views of the dam and includes sprawling parking lots which will welcome visitors to the Village's Historic District.

Referring to enforcement of the Villages' Historic Review laws, Mayor Yerick passionately proclaimed [in a 2002 Daily Freeman article] that he would be "... hell-bent ... to get the thing implemented and executed so we can get some people to consider other people, their neighbors..." Apparently the laws he was referring to, only apply to the less favored because this past April (09) Mayor Yerick unilaterally dissolved the entire Historic Review board (Replacement of board draws fire in Saugerties) because the board wrote a letter to the Village Zoning Board stating their concern about the huge parking lots which are included in the newly revised Partition Street Project.

To date, the necessary drawings that would clarify the contour and accurate view of what Villagers could anticipate from the construction of The Partition Street has yet to be made public. The fact remains that this project, whether you support it as is, or with changes, represents a significant change to Saugerties Village's quality of life.

Please contact the Division of Coastal Resources (Hudson Valley Division)
or Director George Stafford to express your concern about Saugerties Village's refusal to require any meaningful public access and protection of our Esopus Creek waterfront at the proposed Partition Street Project.

###########################################

If you have problems using the above form, please go to http://www.dos.state.ny.us/about/contact.asp and select "Coastal Resources", fill the form with your comments and submit.

###########################################

Albany Office
Division of Coastal Resources
NYS Department of State
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1010
Albany, NY 12231-0001
Telephone Number: 518-474-6000
Fax Number: 518-473-2464

View of Original Partition Street Project - Saugerties

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:11:35 PST

This was the originally proposed Partition Street Project ViewClick link above for more detail

This was the original site drawing (created in 2004) of The Partition Street Project in Saugerties Village before it was abandoned by Leading Edge Developers for a less desirable design.

The attached artwork depicts the preferred design which incorporates many new green and community-centered design aspects which the latest design does not.

Several perspectives of Partition Street Project

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:14:27 PST

Partition St Project Saugerties PerspectivesClick link above for more detail

Partition Street Project (Saugerties, New York) various perspectives which were used to represent the original design prepared for Tom Struzieri of Lead Edge Developers by Ashokan Architects, though Mr. Struzieri later abandoned for a far less preferable design.

Saugerties Partition Street Site Sections

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:34:29 PST

Partition Street Project Site SectionsClick link above for more detail

The drawing shown here is part of the original Partition Street Project design which was promoted by Tom Struzieri of Leading Edge Developers and designed by Ashokan Architects of Kingston New York. This design, which has since been replaced, employs several smart techniques which hides the hundreds of parking spaces (which would otherwise obscure the sites' views) and offers a visitors, guests and the public a preferable view of the historical dam and the magnificent Esopus Creek.

Unfortunately, this plan was abandoned in exchange for the current design which presents a massive area of parking spots which obscures any view of the Esopus and Cantine Dam. The current design welcomes visitors to Saugerties historic village with two sprawling parking lots.

Saugerties Partition Street Parking Garage revisited

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:33:46 PST

Partition Street Project GarageClick link above for more detail

The Partition Street Project garage plan proposed for originally proposed design efficiently and effectively uses underground parking, making parking more convenient for customers and invisible to the public.

In Saugerties Village (New York) parking has always been an issue especially since its' history dates back hundreds of years before the automobile. This original design created by Ashokan Architects addresses this dilemma with a sensible solution.

Original Saugerties Partition Street Project

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:39:32 PST

Original Partition Street Project Site Plan
which was initially promoted by Lead Edge Developers , a.k.a Tom Struzieri (Horses in The Sun), Maurice Hinchey (US Congressman) and John Mullen (Mullen Construction. However, the present site plan is much less user-friendly and doesn't seem to take into consideration good design practices.

The original site plan depicts three buildings that total 73,000 s.f., surface parking for 95 behind the street front buildings, and underground parking for 155. The garage is entered from Dock Street and exits onto Partition Street.

Notice the integration of the facility into the waterfront. In the new design any access to the waterfront is nonexistent.

Aerial of Partition Street Project site in Village of Saugerties

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:21:10 PDT

Partition Street Project Aerial in Saugerties Village New York

SIGNIFICANT HABITATS AND HABITAT COMPLEXES

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:19:07 PDT

SIGNIFICANT HABITATS AND HABITAT COMPLEXES includes Esopus Estuary which is located at the mouth of the Esopus Creek which is listed along with their biodiversity ranks: Esopus Estuary (B2 - very high biodiversity significance)

Restore New York - Empire State Development Corporation

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:12:22 PDT

Restore New York - Empire State Development Corporation guidelines

NEW YORK SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE - follow this link

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:08:56 PDT

Cantine Dam property and future home of the Partition Street Project falls within the "NEW YORK SCENIC AREA OF STATEWIDE SIGNIFICANCE ".

Bonacic and Lopez helps Partition Street Project with $780,000.00 EDC grant - follow this link

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:06:31 PDT

The State will aid the $15 million venture with a $780,000 grant advocated for by State Senator John Bonacic and Assemblyman Peter D. Lopez.: Boutique Hotel, Catering Hall, Retail Space To Rise In Saugerties.

Partition Street Project Site Plan

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:04:28 PDT

Below is the most recent (Oct 26, 2009) site plan for The Partition Street Project.

Partition Street Project Site Plan

IMPORTANT: Public Hearing for Saugerties Partition Street Project

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:16:19 PDT

Partition Street Project Public Hearing

Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009
Contact: Mary Frank
Phone: 845-246-2321 x1
Email: mfrank@villageofsaugerties.org
Description
Time: 7 p.m.

Description:

The Village of Saugerties Planning Board will receive comment on the proposed Partition Street Project, located at the former Cantine Mill premises. The project involves a catering hall, restaurant, hotel, parking, infrastructure, lighting improvements and landscaping.

Senior Citizens Center, Market Street.

Why is IBM Tech City Being Ignored by CH2MHill?

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:14:21 PDT

Tech City site favorable, says HVEDC consultant Jim Gordon | Aug-14-09, 12:19 PM

The quest for industries that would turn a dot on the map into a hive of 21st-century business activity has riveted the Hudson Valley with its visions of spiffy Seattle-like office parks filled with high-paid breadwinners. Where would that dot be?

The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC) is pushing the Winston Farm in Saugerties as the premier site to develop shovel-ready capacity in the Hudson Valley. There’s acreage and easy Thruway access. But the HVEDC’s own consultant is on record saying Tech City in Kingston – a former IBM campus – has a “favorable” rating while Winston Farm attains only a “neutral” rating.

The results do not necessarily pit the two Ulster County sites as antagonists, according to the HVEDC, which sees room for both to thrive. The two-is-better-than-one philosophy is echoed by the Ulster County development chief. Tech City sees it differently, saying it is clearly the right choice.

As the town of Saugerties prepares to host an Aug. 20 public meeting regarding development of the Winston Farm as a shovel-ready site that was selected by HVEDC after a closed review of potential sites in a nine-county area, a report prepared by consultants for the HVEDC shows that Tech City in Kingston scores higher in all the key metrics used by the consultant for creating a shovel-ready site in the region.

HVEDC officials say the report does not contain all the information they used in deciding which site to highlight as the best prospect. They say they will make more information available soon.
HVEDC refused requests to make the report public, but the 55-page document was obtained by HV Biz from state Assemblyman Kevin Cahill.

Saugerties Violates Clean Water Act 26 Times Since 2004

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:15:04 PDT

The New York Times reports that since 2004 Saugerties has violates the Clean Water Act 26 times:

http://projects.nytimes.com/toxic-waters/polluters/new-york/12477

Facility Name	City	Last Inspected	Violations	Fines
Saugerties (V) Dock Street STP	Saugerties	Feb. 13, 2006	18	$0
Glasco WWTP	Saugerties	Feb. 8, 2006	4	$0
Malden On Hudson WWTP	Saugerties	Feb. 11, 2004	4	$0
Hits On The Hudson	Saugerties	No Information	0	$0
Horse Show Facility	Saugerties	June 1, 2004	0	$0
Philips Components	Saugerties	March 17, 2003	0	$0
Saugerties MS4 Storm Sewers	Saugerties	No Information	0	$0
Saugerties MS4 Storm Sewers	Saugerties	No Information	0	$0

This zip contains 8 facilities of 4,606 in the state.

In parts of New York, Rhode Island, Ohio, California and other states where sewer systems cannot accommodate heavy rains, untreated human waste has flowed into rivers and washed onto beaches. Drinking water in parts of New Jersey, New York, Arizona and Massachusetts shows some of the highest concentrations of tetrachloroethylene, a dry cleaning solvent that has been linked to kidney damage and cancer. (Specific types of water pollution across the United States will be examined in future Times articles.)

Records analyzed by The Times indicate that the Clean Water Act has been violated more than 506,000 times since 2004, by more than 23,000 companies and other facilities, according to reports submitted by polluters themselves. Companies sometimes test what they are dumping only once a quarter, so the actual number of days when they broke the law is often far higher. And some companies illegally avoid reporting their emissions, say officials, so infractions go unrecorded.

Some violations are relatively minor. But about 60 percent of the polluters were deemed in “significant noncompliance” — meaning their violations were the most serious kind, like dumping cancer-causing chemicals or failing to measure or report when they pollute.

Finally, the Times’s research shows that fewer than 3 percent of Clean Water Act violations resulted in fines or other significant punishments by state officials. And the E.P.A. has often declined to prosecute polluters or force states to strengthen their enforcement by threatening to withhold federal money or take away powers the agency has delegated to state officials.

Here are some commercial labs certified by NYS:

http://www.wadsworth.org/labcert/elap/comm.html

LABID: 10709: ADIRONDACK ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC

314 NORTH PEARL STREET
ALBANY NY 12207
MR. PAUL BATISTA (518) 434 -4546

Air and Emissions
Non Potable Water
Potable Water
Solid and Hazardous Waste

LABID: 11740: ALPINE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

1146 CENTRAL AVENUE
ALBANY NY 12205
MR. CRAIG PETREIKIS (518) 453 -0146

Air and Emissions

LABID: 11129: FIBERS ID INC

1670 WESTERN AVE BLDG. B
ALBANY NY 12203-4218
MR. MICHAEL H. HAY (518) 456 -4501

Air and Emissions
Solid and Hazardous Waste

LABID: 11799: JH CONSULTING GROUP, INC

15 LYNWOOD DRIVE
LOUDONVILLE NY 12211-1347
MR. JACK HALSTUCH (518) 785 -9839

Non Potable Water
Potable Water

LABID: 11917: RESPONSE LABS LLC

12 COLVIN AVENUE
ALBANY NY 12206
MR. JUSTIN ADAMS (518) 482 -5630

Air and Emissions

LABID: 10350: ST. PETER'S BENDER LABORATORY

19 WAREHOUSE ROW
ALBANY NY 12205
DR. JEFFREY D. HUBBARD (518) 525 -5480

Non Potable Water
Potable Water

LABID: 11859: THE HOME INSPECTOR, LLC

14 TAMARACK LANE
NISKAYUNA NY 12309
MR. DOUG VIERATH (518) 496 -7240

Air and Emissions

LABID: 11779: WKP LABORATORIES INC

565 WASHINGTON AVENUE
ALBANY NY 12206
MS. NOELLE BRUNO (518) 431 -0007

Air and Emissions

DA Carnright and Sheriff VanBlarcum question County Supervisor Hein's authority to investigate

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:33:06 PDT

DA: lewd e-mail probe could raise legal issues

By Paul Brooks

Times Herald-Record

Posted: September 04, 2009 - 2:00 AM

KINGSTON — Ulster County Executive Mike Hein's call for a special investigation of pornographic e-mails sent via county computers raises warning flags with District Attorney Holley Carnright.

"I am not sure the county executive has the authority to investigate my office," Carnright said Thursday, pointing to ongoing investigations, undercover work and more.

"People need to slow down and think about what is going on here. I cannot allow anyone to do a broad investigation of the DA's e-mail," he said.

Hein has directed the county's special labor counsel to investigate the lewd e-mails sent by two employees in the district attorney's office and two in the sheriff's office.

Hein said Wednesday the e-mails were sent on the county computer system and violated county policy and procedures.

He urged Carnright and Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum to immediately discipline the employees involved. Both Carnright and VanBlarcum said Thursday that their employees had been suspended.

Carnright said no laws were violated in any instance. His employees suggested the suspensions as the proper step, Carnright said.

The sheriff's employees realized what they did was wrong, VanBlarcum said.

The incidents are still "extremely serious" in the eyes of Hein. He wants further investigation to determine, among other things, whether this was a single incident of improper e-mails.

Hein said he has the authority for an outside investigation and plans to discuss the scope of the outside investigation with Carnright and VanBlarcum.

"We have no desire in any shape or form to compromise any of the incredibly important work done in the DA's office," Hein said. "That being said, this cannot and will not be taken lightly by my administration."

VanBlarcum said he sides with the DA on the legal issues. "We don't know where it is going yet," he said, "or even whether it is going anywhere."

pbrooks@th-record.com

The density of local government in New York is astounding.

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:16:45 PDT

Amazingly, New York has more than 10,521 overlapping governments, including counties, towns, villages, school districts, special districts and public authorities. These entities impose layer upon layer of taxing structures--with citizens receiving multiply tax bills annually--resulting in the highest local property tax burden in the nation.

On December 11, 2008 Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo announced a plan to empower communities across the state with the ability to fundamentally reorganize and consolidate local governments. In May, the Attorney General, after working with various groups, citizens and the Legislature, announced legislation, entitled The New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act ("Empowerment Act").

The Empowerment Act received overwhelming bi-partisan support and was passed by both house of the Legislature in June. The Governor recently signed the bill into law. You can find out more about how the Empowerment Act works on this site.

New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEARING - Tuesday

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:32:40 PDT

2nd PUBLIC MEETING: Referredum to Consolidate Police Services.
Sept.8 @7:00PM \| Senior Citizen's Center THE VILLAGE BOARD TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT It may be the LAST OPPORTUNITY for the public to speak!
This is the second of two (2) meetings that the Village of Saugerties Board of Trustees will hold to discuss the results of a two (2) year study to combine the police departments of both the Village and Town of Saugerties. This meeting is an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions, ask questions and express their support for a referendum (possibly in October) which will allow Village voters to vote on the merger of the two police departments. The Village is currently $7,000,000.00 in debt and tax revenues have falled far short of Village projections. The Study (which is available online HERE). It clarifies the savings and benefits of combining police departments.

2nd PUBLIC MEETING:
Referredum to
Consolidate Police Services.

Sept.8 @7:00PM | Senior Citizen's Center

THE VILLAGE BOARD TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT

It may be the LAST OPPORTUNITY
for the public to speak!

This is the second of two (2) meetings that the Village of Saugerties Board of Trustees will hold to discuss the results of a two (2) year study to combine the police departments of both the Village and Town of Saugerties.

This meeting is an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions, ask questions and express their support for a referendum (possibly in October) which will allow Village voters to vote on the merger of the two police departments.

The Village is currently $7,000,000.00 in debt and tax revenues have falled far short of Village projections. The Study (which is available online HERE). It clarifies the savings and benefits of combining police departments.

Cantine Dam (Diamond Mills Dam) owner applies for DEC Permit

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:21:15 PDT

Leading Edge Developers LLC
1001 Kings Hwy Ste a
Saugerties, NY 12477
Facility:

Diamond Mills Dam
Partition St (US Rte 9W)|Esopus Creek
Saugerties, NY
Application ID:

3-5148-00385/00007
Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands
Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The Department of Environmental Conservation has tentatively determined to issue the above referenced applicant a Freshwater Wetland permit. The permit would authorize a two to three foot, temporary draw down of the impounded pool on the Esopus Creek behind Diamond Mills dam, which is bordered by NYS Regulated Freshwater Wetland S-8, Class II.

The purpose of this temporary draw down is to stop flow over Diamond Mills dam, exposing the face of the dam so that structural integrity can be evaluated and investigative borings at the toe of the dam can be preformed. These steps are necessary in order to inform the planning of the eventual, overall rehabilitation of this dam. Rehabilitation is necessary to bring the dam into compliance with current dam safety standards, as required by the Order on Consent that DEC has entered into with the applicant to mandate the repair of this dam.

The draw down of the impounded pool will last no longer than three weeks in duration. DEC staff have determined that there will be minimal impacts to the Freshwater Wetland and associated habitat if this work is preformed prior to the amphibious hibernation period that typically occurs in the fall season.
Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment. A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.

SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated
State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

A Structural-Archaeological Assessment Form has been completed. The proposed activity will not impact on registered, eligible or inventoried archaeological sites or historic structures.
Coastal Management:

This project is located in a Coastal Management area and is subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.
Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sep 03, 2009.
Contact:

Andrea Sheeran
NYSDEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
(518)402-9167
depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us

* Region 3 SEQR and Other Notices
* Region 3 SPDES Renewals

Glasco Ponds Subdivision in Saugerties applies for DEC Permit

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:22:41 PDT

Glasco Turnpike Operating LLC
c/o Joseph Scharf
225 W 83rd St Apt 32
New York, NY 10024
Facility:

Glasco Ponds Subdivision
Glasco Tpke (CO Rte 118) ¼ Mi E of US Rte 9W
Saugerties, NY 12477
Application ID:

3-5148-00349/00003
Permit(s) Applied for:

Section 401 - Clean Water Act Water Quality Certification
Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The applicant proposes to construct a 68-lot residential development, Glasco Ponds Subdivision, with associated internal roadways and stormwater management facilities on a 47 + acre site. The project includes construction of six stormwater detention basins with outfalls to an unnamed tributary of the Hudson River (Class C), and four separate crossings of this stream. Construction will result in the filling of approximately 0.42-acre of federally regulated wetland; approximately 0.81-acre of new wetland will be constructed at the project site as mitigation. The project is located on the south side of Glasco Turnpike (County Route 118), east of US Route 9W in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County.
Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is a Type I action and will not have a significant effect on the environment. A coordinated review with other agencies was performed and a Negative Declaration is on file.

SEQR Lead Agency: Saugerties Town Planning Board
State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

A cultural resources survey has been completed. Based on information provided in the survey report, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has determined that the proposed activity will have no impact on registered or eligible archaeological sites or historic structures. No further review in accordance with SHPA is required.
Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.
Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sep 04, 2009.
Contact:

R Scott Ballard
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Saving Money is So Boring

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:58:16 PDT

Saugerties Police Consolidation - Town of Saugerties Study of Service Configuration Options for the Village...

The first of two [possibly three] public meetings whose focus is Saugerties Police Consolidation took place last night at the Senior Citizen's Center. Admittedly, I entered skeptical of the presentation [given by Tim Weideman of Fairweather Consulting]. However I walked away with the impression there are folks in local government who are working [hard] for the tax payers' best interest. It was apparent that combining services should have happened long ago.
It's hard to argue with the figures. Although terribly boring, the presenter was clear with his findings - there would be no tax increase for Saugerties Town and a huge savings for Saugerties Village. "Playing devil's advocate", Mr. Weidman explained that in the worst senario if cost-savings are not implemented as proposed, Town tax payers would see an increase of 4% in the third year of implementation.

I'll try to simplify this for all concerned; presently Saugerties Village is paying 53% of its $2,000,000.00 general budget to run the Village Police Department. If Village and Town police departments merged into one entity, Village taxes would be decreased by 21% since the cost of police services would be shared equally between the Town and Village. Presently, Village tax payers are responsible for two tax bills [not including school taxes], one for services provided by the Village and the second is for services provided by the Town. Those bills combine equaling an "Effective Tax Rate" of $9.32 per thousand dollars for [accessed value]. Town property owners pay $3.12 per thousand.

The new Town of Saugerties Chief of Police Louis Barbaria presented the savings [and benefits that will be realized by the merger] through shared services, personel, equipment and technologies. If merged, the Village would have two detectives to work crime cases. In addition, the policing technologies that the Village would benefit from [which Town Police presently have] include "GPS, Mobile Data Units, License Plate Readers and MobileCop Technology". Chief Barbaria also presented the discussions that are ongoing to include a cross walking guard [at school crossings] will be hired in order to relieve the patrol officers who presently work in that position.

Working families in Saugerties Village can no longer afford to pay half our total budget to sustain the staus quo. The "Saugerties Public Safety Service Configuration - A Study of Service Configuration Options for the Village and Town Police Departments" is available at Town (246-2800) and Village (246-2321) offices for review or copy.

David Radovanovic
100 Dock Street
Saugerties, NY 12477
saugerties-ny.blogspot.com
(845) 247-0909

IMPORTANT MEETING: Monday, August 17 - Results of Saugerties Police Consolidation

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:49:23 PDT

Village and Town of Saugerties Police Consolidation - Available online at http://www.scribd.com/doc/18770030/Saugerties-Police-Consolidation-Town-of-Saugerties-Study-of-Service-Configuration-Options-for-the-Village-and-Town-Police-Department

The public is invited to attend the 2 planned reviews, regarding the proposed law to consolidate the Village and Town Police departments, under the supervision of the Town of Saugerties.

The first meeting is:

Monday, August 17. This is a Village Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizen's Center. Tim Weidemann from Fairweather Consulting will present the results of the police consolidation study. This is for information (for the boards and for the public) . . . the public comment time for this will be the September 9th meeting.

The second meeting:

Tuesday, September 8. Village Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Citizen's Center (Market Street) - This is a Public Hearing on the consolidation and there will be time allotted for comments from the public.

Town of Saugerties applies for DEC Permit - Kings Highway

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:47:23 PDT

Applicant:

Town of Saugerties 4 High St Saugerties, NY 12477

Facility:

Kings Highway Water District Kings Hwy - St Rte 212 - S 3 Mis Saugerties, NY

Application ID:

3-5148-00382/00001

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 15 Title 15 Water Supply

Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The applicant, the Town of Saugerties, proposes to construct new water supply mains within the Kings Highway corridor in order to supply 58 residential and commercial parcels with potable water in conjunction with the formation of a new water supply district, the Kings Highway Water District. Approximately 138,000 gallons per day (gpd) of potable water will be supplied by the existing Village of Saugerties water supply system. The project will not result in any additional flow, nor require additional water supply, above the currently approved 600,000 gpd of potable water allocated by the inter-municipal agreement between the Town and Village of Saugerties. The project includes the construction of 16,665 linear feet of 14 inch diameter water main and 1,250 linear feet of 12 inch diameter water main. The project is located south of NYS Route 212 and will run concurrently along three miles of the Old Kings Highway (County Route 31) corridor in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County.

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is a Type I action and will not have a significant effect on the environment. A coordinated review with other agencies was performed and a Negative Declaration is on file.

SEQR Lead Agency: Saugerties Town Board

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

A cultural resources survey has been completed. Based on information provided in the survey report, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has determined that the proposed activity will have no impact on registered or eligible archaeological sites or historic structures. No further review in accordance with SHPA is required.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Aug 21, 2009.

Contact:

R Scott Ballard NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters 21 South Putt Corners Rd New Paltz, NY 12561 (845)256-3054 r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Quoted from a recent Behan Planning & Design Report:

The Catskill Mountains in Saugerties also contain several headwater streams, including the Lucas Kill, Fly Kill, and Saxton Creek, which flow into the Plattekill. Headwaters are the area where a stream begins. Headwater streams are often cool mountain streams that support trout and other cold water species. The headwaters also supply food and nutrients to downstream ecological communities. The Lucas Kill and Saxton Creek flow into the Plattekill, which feeds the Blue Mountain Reservoir, a major drinking water source for the Village of Saugerties, as well as many town residents.

The Plattekill originates deep in the Catskills, in the Kaaters Kill Wild Forest. The Plattekill is the largest tributary of the lower Esopus Creek. The Plattekill runs through the Platte Clove, forming a series of waterfalls before making its way to the wetlands at the reservoir. The Plattekill continues into a 30-foot wide creek in the agricultural areas of town before entering the Esopus Creek (the Esopus Creek then enters the Hudson River).

The Plattekill is a Class A trout stream above the Blue Mountain Reservoir and a Class B trout stream below the reservoir. Because the Plattekill enters the Esopus Creek, it is designated as part of the Hudson River Estuary. The Lucas Kill and the Saxton Creek are both Class A streams in this area, with some segments being trout spawning streams, according to the NYSDEC water quality classification standards. The Fly Kill is a Class C trout stream through most of its length in Saugerties.

The Protect the Plattekill Creek & Watershed board (PPCW) is involved in the protection of the Plattekill watershed as well as in coordination between the town and the Hudson River Watershed initiatives. Because the Plattekill is prone to flooding, the PPCW is also involved in flood protection initiatives, working with state and federal agencies. The Plattekill watershed is an important limiting factor to the growth of Saugerties because much of the new development depends on the purchase of water from the village from this essential watershed.

The NY Supreme Court set a limit to the amount of water that can be drawn from the Blue Mt. Reservoir to 1.8 million gallons a day.

Both the Groundwater Protection Plan for the Town of Saugerties (2005) and the Source Water Protection Plan for the Village of Saugerties Public Water Supply address the Plattekill and its watershed as part of a critical water supply.

Interesting Links:

Kings Highway Corridor Infrastructure Improvement Project

Protect the Plattekill Creek & Watershed
Focus: Plattekill Watershed
Contact: Sandra Thorpe 290 Fish Creek Rd. Saugerties, NY 12477
845-246-7174
rthorpe@hvc.rr.net

Saugerties Watershed Council - Joe Damrath (845) 657-6069

Taco Juan's last goodbye in Saugerties.

dave@whatsthebigidea.com (whatsthebigidea) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:39:27 PDT