Findings
Pine Plains School District Submits Comments on Community Impact of Durst Development
May 14, 2008
The Pine Plains School District has submitted their comments after reviewing the Durst DEIS, “with special attention having been given to Chapter 14, Community Services and Fiscal Impacts and Chapter 7, Visual Resources & Community Character and the project sponsor’s general obligations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.” The report is quite critical of the DEIS and echoes many of the findings of other professional analysis of the DEIS.
A copy of the submission is included here and can also be found on the Pine Plains Central School District website
→ PPCSD Comments on Durst DEIS
→ Register Herald Reporting
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”
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.
County Planning Weighs in on Durst Project
February 14, 2008
Robert Wills of the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has written a scathing critique of the Durst Development. It is worth a read as it specifically addresses many of the claims of the developer and comes to starkly different conclusions.
“In this project’s current form, using the adjective “green” is nothing more than putting the proverbial ’spats on a pig’. We are hopeful that the project sponsor, with its acknowledged urban record of implementing exemplary green strategies in their projects, will, in good conscience, redesign Carvel Property Development as a true model of sustainable development, a character-filled community within which residents will be inspired to live, and Pine Plains will be proud to welcome.“
Download the PDF: County Planning Review of Durst Development
Experts Cite Flaws in Durst/Carvel Document
April 12, 2007
Pine Plains United retained three experts in land use to review the Proposed Draft Environmental Impact Statement submitted by Durst. They have reviewed relevant sections of the Durst/Carvel DEIS and found them flawed. We have also included a link to a Letter-to-the-Editor by Becky Thornton, president of the Dutchess Land Conservancy, critiquing Durst’s claim that this is a “green” development.
John Lyons, an attorney with Grant and Lyons; George Janes, a visual impact expert at the Environmental Simulation Center in New York City; and Lisa Nagle, a planner based in Saratoga Springs, have each submitted letters to the Pine Plains Planning Board questioning the assumptions and methodology behind the document and urging the board to delay any decision on completeness until the flaws are corrected. Read more
Why is Density Zoning Better than Minimum Lot Size Zoning?
January 17, 2007
One of the most important objectives in the Comprehensive Town Plan is to maintain the rural character of Pine Plains. The Zoning Commission must follow the Comprehensive Plan and develop zoning that allows for growth and commercial development while it also preserves the environment and the rural character of the town.
A typical conventional subdivision (left) and a clustered subdivision (right) with three clustered ‘pods’ of homes. At least 50% of the site is preserved as open space and the houses are clustered on slightly smaller lots. (from Town of Pine Plains Comprehensive Plan, page 52)
