Pine Plains United

“Carvel Starts Over” from the Register Herald

Gregg — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:35:11 +0000

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.

→ Go to the article here

→ The Daily Freeman reporting on the recent developments

Poughkeepsie Journal update on DEIS progress

Gregg — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:27:48 +0000

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.

→ View the article here

Pine Plains School District Submits Comments on Community Impact of Durst Development

Gregg — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:17:10 +0000

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

Scenic Hudson Report Addresses Regional Ecological Impacts

Gregg — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:58:43 +0000

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

Gregg — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:03:57 +0000

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

Gregg — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:36:55 +0000

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.

→ Clauser Report

Traffic Impact: Resource Systems Group highlights DEIS deficiencies

Gregg — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:08:07 +0000

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.

→ Chamberlain Traffic Report

Land Use and Community Character Impact: Lisa Nagle’s Report finds DEIS inconsistent with Comprehensive Plan

Gregg — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:02:29 +0000

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.

→ Lisa Nagle’s Presentation

Legal Case: John Lyons’ Testimony on DEIS

Gregg — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 01:44:53 +0000

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

Gregg — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:56:36 +0000

The Poughkeepsie Journal has published an article on Durst’s recent purchase.

Read the article here.