For Release: Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Public Input Period for Belleayre Mountain Proposals Extended
Jan. 14 New Deadline for Input on Crafting Environmental Evaluation
The deadline for written public input on the environmental scoping documents for developments proposed for properties around and including the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in the Catskill Mountain region has been extended by one week, till Jan. 14, 2008, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.
The purpose of the scope essentially is to outline what environmental factors must be included in a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, the document that eventually will guide the review of the proposed developments. DEC will consider comments provided by the public when it prepares the scope. Written comments on the proposed scope may be sent via mail to Daniel Whitehead, NYS DEC, Division of Environmental Permits, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1750. Or e-mail comments to wildacre@gw.dec.state.ny.us - be sure to write "Scoping" in the subject line.
DEC must produce the scope by Feb. 1, changed from Jan. 22. The formal notice of the changed dates will be published in the Dec. 19 edition of the Environmental Notice Bulletin.
The issue involves 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: the 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. For more information on the proposed projects, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6061.html
The preparation of the scoping document is among the first steps in a review process that will provide numerous opportunities for public input. The next steps will include the preparation of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The review of the DSEIS will include additional opportunities for public comment.
