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Residents say Boat Club eminent-domain fight is draining town coffers as board hears Camp Rising Sun update
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period to criticize the town’s ongoing Boat Club eminent-domain actions, alleging roughly $300,000 in legal costs and warning of additional expense as Article 78 and federal litigation proceed; the board did not provide new litigation accounting at the meeting.
During public comment at the March 10 Red Hook Town Board meeting, several residents sharply criticized the board’s handling of the Boat Club eminent-domain matter and warned of growing legal costs.
Lisa Valero said the town’s pursuit of the Boat Club property, combined with previous zoning fights and litigation, has eroded public trust and cited roughly $300,000 in expenditures through November 2025. “The town’s continued inexplicable pursuit of the boat club property and the related rising costs have set a tone of distrust,” she said.
Roxanne Fisher noted active discovery in a federal lawsuit and said the Article 78 return date in Dutchess County Supreme Court was March 22. She asked whether the town had secured replacement counsel after Keene and Beam were conflicted out and Hodgson Russ declined to appear, warning that the litigation’s discovery and pending deadlines could increase taxpayer risk.
Other residents raised related concerns about the 2026 budget not accounting for mounting legal costs and questioned choices the board has made. The board did not provide detailed financial accounting for the litigation during the meeting; Supervisor thanked commenters and proceeded to the agenda.
The complaints aired in public comment do not represent board action; they are allegations and assertions from residents that require verification. The board has not announced a revised litigation accounting or a public response in the meeting record.
