Carvel/Durst Updates
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. News and related updates are listed below.
“Carvel Starts Over” from the Register Herald
June 14, 2008
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 Daily Freeman reporting on the recent developments
Poughkeepsie Journal update on DEIS progress
June 2, 2008
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.
Scenic Hudson Report Addresses Regional Ecological Impacts
April 11, 2008
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
Planning Board may seek alternative plan
April 11, 2008
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.
→ Read the Freeman article here.
→ Read the Journal article here.
Completeness, Substance and Mitigation: Clauser & Associates Report finds DEIS lacking
April 10, 2008
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.
Traffic Impact: Resource Systems Group highlights DEIS deficiencies
April 10, 2008
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.
Land Use and Community Character Impact: Lisa Nagle’s Report finds DEIS inconsistent with Comprehensive Plan
April 10, 2008
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.
Legal Case: John Lyons’ Testimony on DEIS
April 8, 2008
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.
John Lyons Testimony April 5, 2008
Durst Purchases More Land Adjacent to Carvel Property
April 4, 2008
The Poughkeepsie Journal has published an article on Durst’s recent purchase.
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.
