Poughkeepsie Journal Editorial Urges Durst to Rethink Their Plan
March 30, 2008
Editors at the Poughkeepsie Journal have weighed in on the Durst Project and reflect the emerging consensus among many local people and institutions. The opening sentence summarizes their viewpoint:
“Whatever happens next, a developer’s plan for a sprawling, high-end golf community in rural northern Dutchess County must be scaled back.”
→ Read the editorial on the Journal’s website.
Visual Impact: Durst DEIS Photosimulations Seriously Flawed
March 20, 2008
George Janes has provided a visual impact assessment that addresses some significant flaws in the Durst DEIS. The simulation above, for instance, matches the grading plan with the building locations to provide an accurate representation of disturbed land. In the DEIS, according to Janes, Durst makes unsubstantiated assumptions in order to show little to no visual impact.
→ George Janes’ Photosimulation Critique of Durst DEIS”
Peer Review of Chapter 14 “Community Services and Fiscal Impacts”
March 20, 2008
Pine Plains United commissioned Michael N’dolo of Camoin Associates to conduct an objective peer review of Chapter 14 of the Carvel/Durst Draft Environmental Impact Statement, “Community Services and Fiscal Impacts”. Below are the Summary of Findings and a link to the entire document.
Peer Review of Chapter 14 “Community Services and Fiscal Impacts”
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
There are a number of omissions and material errors in Chapter 14 that render it invalid. Camoin Associates finds that Chapter 14 does not meet the requirements of the Carvel DEIS Final Scoping Document because it does not accurately reflect the fiscal impacts of the proposed project. As such, Camoin Associates recommends that the Town of Pine Plains Planning Board, as Lead Agency for the Carvel DEIS:
(a) reject Chapter 14 in its current incomplete form,
(b) require that substantial revisions be made by 1133 Taconic, LLC/Landmark Land
Company, Inc. (“Project Sponsor”),
(c) ensure that such revisions are reviewed by an expert party and that the revisions
are made to the satisfaction of the Lead Agency, and
(d) provide the general public the opportunity to comment on the revised version of
Chapter 14.
Durst Gravel Mine Impacts on Hamm Brook Area
March 12, 2008
Summary of Jane Water’s comments on March 12th about the Gravel Mine, Hamm
Brook area on the Carvel Site:
James Sheldon’s 10 Numbers
March 5, 2008
James Sheldon lives in Gallatin and has been paying close attention to the Durst Project for the past 4 years. His work focuses primarily on the financial implications of a development of this scale on our small communities. He posted a recent letter to the Planning Board on his blog. In the letter, he highlights 10 keys numbers that raise very important questions about the Durst Project and its viability as described in the DEIS.
Scenic Hudson Reports on Impact to Wildlife
March 3, 2008
Read the entire press release on the Scenic Hudson Website.
Released Mar 03, 2008
Jay Burgess
Director of Communications, Scenic Hudson, Inc.
Tel: (845) 473-4440 x222
Cell: (914) 489-0362
Fax: (845) 473-0740
jburgess@scenichudson.orgPINE PLAINS — An ecological assessment conducted by Scenic Hudson of the proposed Carvel Property Development in Pine Plains, Dutchess County, concludes the project would irreparably fragment an important wildlife habitat, contributing to the loss of rare species.
Comments concering Durst Project Impact on Boblinks and Barred Owls
March 1, 2008
Summary of Comments by Jane Waters made at the March 12th hearing about Bobolinks and Barred Owls at the Carvel site:
Durst DEIS Fiscal Impact Analysis is Inadequate
March 1, 2008
Jane Waters has been following the developments in the Durst Project for the past 4 years and is an active participant in the public process that has ensued. This article reflects her analysis of the Fiscal Impact Analysis provided by Durst in the DEIS.
