News Clippings
Town Centre Update
August 22, 2011
Towne Centre (Stissing Farms/VA Clinic): This 13.69 acre project on 199 near the high school was
originally approved as 48 condo units for buyers age 55 and above, then later approved for rental units
with the same age restrictions. In the summer of 2011 the developers submitted a request to drop the age
restrictions and change the approval to multifamily rentals as the continued economic downturn has led to
a dearth of applicants for the units in the restricted age range. The proposed rental units would be mostly market rate with a small percentage classified as “workforce housing” with rent levels to be determined by the town. Six one bedroom, one den prefab attached units are finished. A few units of the next phase of redesigned units are also now complete. They are stick built, mostly two unit buildings (although there will be two single unit buildings) built into the hill at the back of the property. If the developers receive approval for their new application for multifamily rentals they plan to construct the additional units. Rentals of the new units will not begin until construction of all units is complete. The VA clinic in the commercial building on 199 is already open and the other part of that building is vacant. The remaining acreage along 199, next to the clinis is slated for future commercial development including a large (10,000 s.f.) two story building and a replacement of the gas station. This proposed commercial section of the property has not yet officially come before the planning board yet and therefore has not been approved.
Village Green Proposal Formally Withdrawn
September 16, 2010
The development proposal for the Village Green property was formally withdrawn by Tom/Lew in a letter to the Planning Board read by Chair Rick Butler in the September 8, 2010 Planning Board meeting. No additional information was given at that time about any future plans for the property.
“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.
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.
Durst Purchases More Land Adjacent to Carvel Property
April 4, 2008
The Poughkeepsie Journal has published an article on Durst’s recent purchase.
“Turning Point” from the Daily Freeman
February 14, 2008
EDITORIAL
A plan to develop 2,200 acres of rural land into 951 luxury homes has certainly earned the attention of the residents of Milan and Pine Plains.When 300 persons from towns totaling less than 5,000 residents attend a hearing, that’s a tip off that locals smell something that could change their communities. For perspective, a comparable turnout for a city of Kingston hearing would require 1,200 residents. Read more
“More criticism than compliments at Carvel hearing” in Millerton News
February 14, 2008
Link to the article (registration required)
By Shaw Israel Izikson
02/14/08
PINE PLAINS – Despite nasty weather, more than 70 residents attended Wednesday night’s public hearing on the Carvel Property Development’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) at Stissing Mountain High School.
“Downstate developer meets upstate resistance” from the Daily Freeman
February 10, 2008
By Patricia Doxsey, Freeman staff 2/10/2008
The lightly shaded area straddling the border of Pine Plains and Milan on this map is where the Durst Organization wants to build more than 950 homes.
“Planner updates town on progress of zoning review” in Millerton News
February 7, 2008
By Whitney Joseph – Editor
02/07
PINE PLAINS – Planning consultant Bonnie Franson appeared before the Town Board Jan. 31 to discuss her progress in the review of the proposed zoning law.
Franson, of Tim Miller Associates, was retained last year to work with the Town Board on that review, which she began in November. To start the process, Franson took a look at the town’s objectives, especially in ensuring they kept in line with the comprehensive plan.
