Carvel/Durst Updates
The proposal began in 2003 with 1,000+ 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. News and related updates are listed below.
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.
→ 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.
