Johnsburg board votes to initiate closure of Skee Bowl sand mine, aims to reclaim parkland

The Johnsburg Town Board voted unanimously to start the formal process to close the highway department sand mine that sits inside Skee Bowl Park and to begin planning the reclamation needed to return the land to recreational use. The board accepted a floor resolution that sets December 1 as the date to initiate the closure process and directs staff to research reclamation requirements and financing options.

Kelly Nessel, who had been invited to brief the board, outlined the park’s history and the potential benefits of closure. "Closing the sand mine ultimately benefits the recreational aspects of Skee Bowl Park because when the mine is reclaimed as required by the mining permit issued to the highway department, Skee Ball Park will add about 3 to 5 acres," Nessel said. She also noted the town has been limited in its eligibility for state parks funding because of past non‑recreational uses on parkland.

Board members and staff discussed timing, budget treatment of monies set aside for reclamation, and whether moving the highway garage should be pursued now or later. One board member questioned whether the annual $80,000 set‑aside for closure had actually been preserved in a reserve; staff clarified that the line item has not always been placed into a dedicated reserve and that some years the amount was reduced. The board agreed the immediate priority is to declare the mine closed and begin reclamation planning, with more detailed budgeting to follow.

The resolution passed by voice vote after brief discussion. The board also asked staff to prepare clearer wording for formal documents so they unambiguously state the town will assume ownership and maintenance of any water main segments within NYSDOT right‑of‑way associated with related projects.