Environment DEC
From the December 2007 issue
Meetings Set for Belleayre Mountain Proposals
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will hold two meetings in early December to provide information and receive comments about developments proposed for properties around and including the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in the Catskill Mountain region.
Meeting Dates
- Monday, December 10, 6-9 PM, at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (Discovery Lodge), DEC will hold a public information meeting about the proposed project.
- Tuesday, December 11, 6-10 PM, at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (Discovery Lodge), DEC will hold a meeting to receive comments about the scope of the environmental review to be conducted. DEC also welcomes written comments on the scope of review, through January 8 (See "Written Comments" below)
- Wednesday, December 12, at 5 PM, continuation of Tuesday's meeting at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (Discovery Lodge), DEC will hold a meeting to receive comments about the scope of the environmental review to be conducted. DEC also welcomes written comments on the scope of review, through January 14 (See "Written Comments" below)
The proposal includes purchasing hundreds of acres of neighboring land and building a resort
Development Proposal
The proposal includes a private development, the proposed construction and operation of the Wildacres Resort and Highmount Spa Resort complex by Crossroads Ventures LLC, and related proposals by DEC: expansion of Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, including "ski-in, ski-out" access to the proposed Highmount Spa Resort; the acquisition of a parcel known as Big Indian (1,200 acres), and the acquisition of the former Highmount Ski Center (78 acres) and an easement (21 acres) on the Highmount Spa property.
The project would be located in the towns of Shandaken, Ulster County, and Middletown, Delaware County, within the boundaries of the Catskill Park. It is subject to an analysis as required by the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) for its potential environmental impact. See Environmental Notice Bulletins - Region 3 Notices or Background Documents of Notable Permit Applications on DEC's website for more information on the application.
These meetings are among the first steps in a review process that will provide many opportunities for public input. The next steps will include the preparation of a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS). Comments from the public will be considered when DEC prepares the scope of the SDEIS. The review of the SDEIS will also include opportunities for public comment.
Written Comments
Through January 14, written comments on the proposed scope for the environmental impact statement may be sent to Daniel Whitehead, NYSDEC, Division of Environmental Permits, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1750. Comments may also be e-mailed to wildacre@gw.dec.state.ny.us - be sure to write "Scoping" in the subject line.
