Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council declares lead agency for Latini property purchase, aims to preserve 423.8 acres
Summary
The Port Jervis Common Council classified the Latini property acquisition as a Type I SEQRA action, declared the council lead agency and began the environmental review process to secure WQIP reimbursement for a roughly 423.8‑acre purchase at 260 Martins Road.
The Port Jervis Common Council voted to classify its planned acquisition of the Latini parcel at 260 Martins Road as a Type I action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and to serve as lead agency for the environmental review.
William Frank, the council's corporation counsel, said the city already completed the acquisition from the Latini family via the Orange County Land Trust and that the SEQRA steps are being done now so the city can seek reimbursement: "The acquisition's already been completed. We're doing it now so we can get reimbursed for this money," Frank said. The council's action also directs the city to notify interested and involved agencies and to pursue a matching grant under the New York State Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP).
Council members emphasized the conservation intent; the resolution describes the parcel as approximately 423.8 acres of undeveloped forest that abuts the municipal watershed and would remain permanently preserved with no physical construction or clearing proposed as part of the transaction. The resolution names the community development director as the city's point of contact for the project and initiates lead‑agency notices and subsequent SEQRA steps. The council voted in favor and the motion carried.
Next steps include sending lead‑agency notifications, completing the SEQRA review (including a negative declaration or further analysis if required), and coordinating with DEC and other agencies to secure available reimbursements and grant funds.
