MAMAKATING – Even though the planning board had issued a notice prior to its June 28 meeting that it would not be voting on a decision at that time, a large crowd gathered at town hall for the second part of a "due process hearing" to consider rescinding permits for the Chestnut Ridge development in Bloomingburg. Also for the second time in less than two weeks, the hearing ended shortly after it began.

Similar to the previous meeting, neither the attorney for the developer nor the attorney for the residents of Chestnut Ridge was in attendance. Town attorney Ben Gailey asked if any resident of the development cared to speak, but no one responded. He then announced that the board had received two additional letters from the attorneys that afternoon, and that the board would go into executive session to review them and to hear legal council.

Before they withdrew, however, planning board chairman Stosh Zamonsky announced that they had also received a copy of a letter from the state to the Village of Bloomingburg detailing concerns about insufficient fire apparatus access to the Chestnut Ridge development. Zamonsky noted that this letter, as well as others from interested parties, would be incorporated into the board's continuing review of the project.

When the board returned from executive session, three resolutions were passed: to close the due process hearing for oral submissions; to set July 11 as the final date to submit written comments; and to schedule a special meeting for July 13.

In response to questions, Zamonsky said that the board would discuss in public the issues concerning Chestnut Ridge at the July 13 meeting, but that a vote on whether or not to rescind the permits may or may not be taken at that time.

In its regular business, the planning board reviewed the site plan applications for a number of structures that had been built without a permit, as well as other issues concerning Camp Echo, located off of Roosa Gap Road in the Burlingham residential zone.

Both town planners and camp representatives have been working very diligently to bring everything up to code at the camp, in order for it to legally operate during this summer season. It has been a huge task for all concerned, and a few issues remain unresolved. Some of them, such as an improperly installed fence, a gravel driveway, and a shipping container on site, are easily taken care of. However, it was also found that buildings originally designated for other purposes have been converted into bunks. This issue is more difficult to resolve, since approvals from the Health Department are needed as well as certificates of occupation reflecting the new purpose of these buildings. The converted structures include a laundry facility, a yurt, and a varsity lounge. Also, a dam on the camp premises must be certified by the DEC as being up to code.

The board passed a resolution to allow the camp additional time until August 1 to get the spillway design of the dam approved by the DEC. As for the other outstanding issues, however, the camp which is now in session has been declared in violation and could face legal consequences.

"Until the maps are signed, you are in violation," planning board attorney John Cappello warned the applicants. "You are at risk of appropriate action by the code enforcement officer."