Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee urges public comment on Catskill visitor plan and extends comment period for cement redevelopment; director authorized to visit NJ rail yard
Summary
The economic development committee approved a resolution objecting to the Catskill visitor use management plan and launched public outreach, amended a resolution to extend the public comment period on the cement redevelopment seeker designation, and authorized out-of-state travel for the director to inspect a New Jersey rail yard as a potential freight template.
The Greene County economic development committee moved a resolution formally objecting to the Catskill visitor use management (VUM) plan and began a public outreach campaign to encourage comment. Committee members said the county distributed notices via email and social media and reminded residents the DEC comment period is open through June 1.
The committee also approved an amendment to Resolution 158-26 to extend the public comment period for the cement redevelopment seeker designation (capital project number 163), giving additional time to solicit input from residents and stakeholders about redevelopment options.
Economic development staff described ongoing engagement with CSX and other private parties about freight access tied to the cement site. To better understand rail-yard logistics, the committee authorized out-of-state travel for James Hannis, the director of economic development, tourism and planning, to visit a rail yard in Logan Township, New Jersey, that may provide a template for private rail switching and freight handling. The director said CSX has been engaged and expressed a high level of interest in the project.
The committee carried the votes on the objection to the VUM, the amendment extending the comment period and the out-of-state travel authorization by voice vote.
Context: staff said they held a virtual DEC meeting on the visitor-use plan in late April and have been soliciting public input; the cement redevelopment process includes public mapping displays and stakeholder sessions. The committee also discussed environmental review, wetland delineation updates and progress on securing permissions from landowners.
Next steps: county staff will continue public outreach, accept additional comments through the extended period, and follow up on study visits and CSX coordination related to freight and rail logistics.
