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Thompson board introduces moratorium on package plants after residents press clean-air action
Summary
After a series of public comments urging clean-air protections and opposition to incinerators, the Town Board introduced a temporary moratorium on ‘package plant’ and decentralized water/wastewater approvals, setting a public hearing for July 21, 2026; the separate proposed panhandling ordinance was tabled.
Residents and advocacy groups used the July 7 Town Board meeting to press for local clean‑air protections and limits on small industrial facilities. Multiple speakers—including Eric Feinblatt of Sustainable Sullivan and Taylor Jaffe of Catskill Mountain Keeper—urged the town to adopt a Clean Air law and to impose a temporary moratorium on so‑called package plants and decentralized water/wastewater infrastructure to allow comprehensive land‑use regulations to be developed.
Responding to those concerns, the board introduced Proposed Local Law No. 04 of 2026, "A Local Law Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on Local Land Use Approvals for So‑Called 'Package Plant' and Decentralized Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Facilities," and set a public hearing for July 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM (Res. No. 303). The motion passed 3–1; Councilman Richard L. Benjamin, Jr. recorded a no vote. At the same meeting the board tabled Proposed Local Law No. 03 of 2026 (adding Chapter 171 “Panhandling, Aggressive”) by unanimous vote (Res. No. 302).
Supervisor Scott S. Mace acknowledged the public's concerns and said the town is researching similar laws and enforcement models used elsewhere. The July 21 hearing will allow additional public comment before any final local law is adopted.
