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Residents raise traffic and mosquito concerns at Cauterskill Estates public hearing
Summary
At a Nov. 10 Planning Board meeting in the Village of Catskill, the Cauterskill Estates developer presented plans and residents urged the board to address traffic and pond-related mosquito concerns; the board adjourned the public hearing to Dec. 8 to allow further study.
VILLAGE OF CATSKILL — The Planning Board held a public hearing Nov. 10 on plans for the Cauterskill Estates development, during which the applicant presented site and infrastructure details and residents pressed the board about traffic and potential mosquito issues from proposed ponds.
Darrin Elsom, who presented the project plan, described proposed elements including sewage, green space and lighting. Residents and nearby property owners asked how the project would affect traffic on Highland Avenue and the Price Chopper access road, and whether ponding could increase mosquitoes.
"The study did not identify significant issues," Planning Board member Kevin Schwenzfeier said, and he requested that the village ask the town to install a "Road Narrows" sign to address local concerns. Deborah Johnson said she remained worried about safety on Highland Avenue and reiterated concerns about traffic near homes. William Isley said tractor‑trailers currently pass houses daily along the Price Chopper road and worried the development could worsen that pattern.
Terresa Baker, speaking for the applicant team, said the company has worked with the fire company to address truck and emergency access and has met Department of Transportation requirements. Ken Wersted, who provided technical detail on the traffic study, and Kevin Schwenzfeier both described the study's scope and criteria; Wersted explained thresholds used to determine the need for traffic improvements. Kevin Allen asked about environmental studies, and Chair Gilbert Bagnell said those studies are in progress.
Schwenzfeier suggested the village coordinate a larger traffic study with the town; Wayne Thompson explained constraints on replacing a nearby railroad bridge when asked. Darrin Elsom said a homeowners association would be formed to manage pond maintenance, which the board noted as a mitigation measure.
After public comment and board discussion, Jay Lesenger moved to adjourn the public meeting on Cauterskill Estates until Dec. 8, 2025; Sam Perez seconded the motion and it passed with no opposition.
The board did not take a final vote on any approvals at the Nov. 10 hearing; further study and the Dec. 8 continuation were scheduled to address outstanding traffic and environmental questions.
