Developer R. Henry Courtemanche’s dream of placing a resort within the Catskills city of Cairo took one other hit.
New York State Supreme Court docket Justice Sharon Graff dominated in favor of residents and opponents of the event on the Blackhead Mountain resort, the Instances Union reported. Graff overturned final yr’s “destructive declaration” from the Cairo Planning Board, which allowed the applicant to maneuver ahead with out a thorough environmental evaluate.
Residents argued that an environmental evaluate was wanted to evaluate the undertaking’s influence on water and power. The decide’s ruling invalidates closing web site plan approval given by the board.
“A lead company’s omissions and errors in finishing this quick kind — even when immaterial — don’t encourage confidence in those that actively voice considerations through the SEQRA course of that the lead company … correctly recognized and took a tough have a look at potential environmental impacts,” Graff stated, referencing an incomplete 10-page environmental evaluation from the board.
Mates of Spherical High has led the opposition to the undertaking, alongside environmental nonprofits Sierra Membership’s Atlantic Chapter and Theodore Gordon.
Jean-Marc Flack, president of Mates of Spherical High, stated any improvement “have to be grounded in transparency, science, and respect for the land and the individuals who stay right here.” Flack prompt the door was nonetheless open for the undertaking if a full environmental influence assertion was required.
R. Henry Courtemanche declined to remark. The Cairo Planning Board Chair didn’t return a request for remark from the publication.
The scope of the undertaking already appeared to get modified over years. The event staff behind the undertaking needs to show the present property right into a 66,000-square-foot resort and spa with 127 models. In 2024, California-based R Home Lodge Group proposed to construct a 91,000-square-foot lodge with a restaurant and spa, 87 cabins, 287 parking areas and a controversial helipad.
Greater than 100 individuals attended the primary public listening to for the up to date undertaking in 2022. Opponents stated the undertaking is just too huge, would spoil the hamlet’s character and hurt the surroundings.
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