Letter cites opposition to Kerilands

By Zoey McGee | Manor Ink

Neversink, NY – On Aug. 5, a letter was sent to the Neversink Town Board from the “Concerned Citizens of Neversink.” The 10-page letter plus attachments was signed by 36 individuals and 3 organizations, and contained many concerns about the Keri-lands development proposed for Slawson Mountain, east of Willowemoc.

The letter raised questions about the environmental impact of the project, including its effects on water sources and fishing stocks. It also addressed potential traffic problems as well as the impact on fire, EMS and ambulance services. The letter expressed concerns about Kerilands’ financial risks, future development limitations, noise and light pollution, and its overall impact on the character of the Town.

Manor Ink spoke with Town of Neversink Supervisor Chris Mathews about the letter and the town’s process for moving forward. He said the town had recently received many letters both “pro and con” regarding the Kerilands development proposal.

The supervisor said that the Town Board has not yet reached the point where they can answer most of the questions raised in the letter because the members are still deliberating whether the development comports with the town’s master plan.

“That is the big question right now,” Mathews said. “However, everything in the letter is very important, and we will be thinking about all the issues raised by the community.”

Mathews said that at the last Town Board meeting, board members concluded that Kerilands does not seem to fit within the town’s Master Plan. The town, he noted, had hired attorneys and planners to help answer that question, and thus far no formal decision has been made. “We are still in the learning phase and doing our due diligence,” the supervisor said.

Mathews explained that the two fundamental questions are, does the development fit within, or is it allowed by, the Master Plan and, if not, will the developers make changes to the project so it will conform with the plan? Mathews said one Board member told him that he stays up at night thinking about it.

“We are taking this extremely seriously,” he said. “We want to make sure we do the right thing for the future of the Town of Neversink.”

Because he has heard from many people about the project, Mathews said there will be ample opportunity for everyone to be heard as the process moves forward. He planned to attend the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair over the weekend where he knew he would encounter residents with strong opinions about the planned development. “I expect to get an earful,” he said with a laugh.

No further meetings on Kerilands have currently been scheduled.

In other news, the electric truck start-up Rivian has purchased 700 acres within Neversink. Mathews said the company bought the property for a private executive retreat center, but they have not proceeded with any plans – perhaps due to the current financial condition of the company as reported in the business press.