Saugerties Residents Push Back Against Village’s Proposed Land Swap With Developers
SAUGERTIES, N.Y. — Locals are voicing concerns over a developer’s proposal to trade land as part of plans for a potential 167-unit Country Meadows apartment complex. The developers seek approval for this exchange, which would involve giving up property that could potentially serve as the site for a new village salt shed.
Over eighty individuals crowded into the Partition Street firehouse on Wednesday to voice their concerns about the proposals put forth by an applicant from Spring Valley aiming for easier access to land that remains largely undeveloped. This area is situated between North Street to the west and bounded by Elm Street at its southern tip, with Canoe Hill Road marking its northern edge.
The land exchange includes two plots — along with their respective subdivisions — near Cantine Field. The public meeting will focus on properties within the village, whereas an additional hearing would be required for discussing the subdivision of land in the town area.
The village Planning Board held a public hearing to discuss the lot line adjustments related to an agreement where over three stages, approximately 2.02 acres of land owned by Canoe Hill Road LLC/Unity 5 Ltd., would be transferred to the municipality for constructing a salt shed. Subsequently, the village plans to provide two parcels back: one with about 1.01 acres followed by another measuring around 1.27 acres.
Eight participants expressed reservations regarding the suggested agreement, with multiple individuals noting that the mostly undeveloped region ought not to undergo a project leading to the removal of one of the scarce woodland zones still present within the town. The feedback also incorporated remarks from an envoy representing 293 inhabitants predominantly residing on Elm Street.
Please refrain from exchanging land… which would provide access to the presently landlocked property,” stated resident Kathryn Meyer. “We hold dear our open green areas and humbly ask that (the board) reject the proposition for deforestation and construction. … This initiative does not align with the essence of our community.
Brian O’Malley, a resident, stated that “This plot of land will be relinquished by the village and maybe it would be better to put it up for public auction so local residents get an opportunity to buy the property.”
One issue raised regarding the suggested plan is the elimination of a barrier that currently mitigates noise affecting those living on Elm Street.
We can already hear the Thruway and railway noises,” resident Elizabeth Reece stated. “Therefore, any deforestation in those areas will amplify the sound levels at our residences.
The developers stated that the land exchange would offer the town sufficient acreage to construct a new salt shed, replacing the present structure deemed non-compliant with state regulations due to improper drainage. According to findings from the State Department of Environmental Conservation, stormwater had been flowing into a ditch along Canoe Hill Road.
“They don’t want any salt used in the trench, and we have no means of preventing it since it’s a driveway,” stated Village Code Enforcement Officer Eyal Saad.
The developers of the app stated that the “adjustment in lot lines aims to offer the village…a bigger space for expanding their current facilities.”
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