From WRRV -- August 21, 2024 -- SAUGERTIES — The proposed development of Winston Farm, the historic site of Woodstock ’94, is generating significant debate within the Saugerties community. On August 14, developers presented their draft generic environmental impact statement (DGEIS) to the Town Board, revealing plans for a mixed-use development that includes housing, a hotel, cabins, and more. According to the developers, this project could bring a substantial $62 million in annual economic impact, alongside various other benefits like job creation, increased tourism, and enhanced local vitality. Click here to read more.

From Hudson Valley One -- August 21, 2024 -- By Crispin Kott -- The latest plans for Winston Farms were revealed during a meeting of the Saugerties Town Board last week, with developers saying their 840-acre project addressed concerns raised since their first draft plans were submitted nearly three years ago. Some members of the public said they feel differently. 

A draft environmental generic impact statement (DGEIS) dubbed “A transformative development opportunity in collaboration with the Saugerties community” was reviewed during the town board meeting held on Wednesday, August 14. A 25-page summary version of the document touts the project as a mixed-use “live, work, play development with job creation, housing opportunities, the potential for smart development and tourism. 

From Times Union -- August 19, 2024 -- 

From SC Democrat -- August 6, 2024 -- Arkville, NY: The Catskill Center’s Catskill Stewards Program commenced its 2024 season with mixed visitation trends within the Catskill Park, indicating overall growth compared to the previous year. Some locations have experienced notable increases in foot traffic, while others have seen slight declines. The overall upward trend in visitation underscores the continued importance of monitoring the Catskills’ most popular outdoor destinations and highlights the value of the stewards’ efforts in preserving the park’s natural heritage while promoting a positive visitor experience.

From Hudson Valley 1 -- July 4, 2024 -- Developers of the Zena Homes project will be back before the Town of Ulster planning board July 9 to seek approval for a 30-lot subdivision at the end of Eastwoods Drive in Woodstock.

From Rockland County Business Journal -- January 24, 2024 -- Economic Development Organizations and Public Officials Support Conversion; Environmental Groups and Regional Plan Association Voice Opposition; Potential Adverse Impact To Rockland Not Considered

In 2006, when plans were revealed to construct five Las Vegas-style casinos in the Catskills, United States Senator Chuck Schumer pushed for the widening of Route 17 through Orange and Sullivan Counties. The casino plans never materialized, but the dream for some of expanding Route 17 into six-lane Interstate 86 — which has been bandied about for decades — never died.

Groups like 17-Forward-86, a coalition of more than 200 local businesses and trade groups, have mobilized support for the project, saying the two-lane highway, originally built to take congestion off local roads, limits population growth and stifles economic development. Maureen Halahan, the president and CEO of the Orange County Partnership, a business development group, is a co-founder of 17-Forward-86.

From Spectrum News -- January 17, 2024 -- 

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 state budget proposal continues investments made in recent years when it comes to fighting the climate crisis, but activists are responding by pushing for an additional $1 billion investment in the state’s newly created Climate Action Fund.

“Undoubtedly, the climate crisis that we are facing is the crisis of our generation – and generations to come,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.

From the Times Union -- Jan 13, 2024 -- A proposed conversion of a section of Route 17 to Interstate 86 in Orange and Sullivan counties will be the subject of a forum on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the town of Wallkill Community Center, 7-9 Wes Warren Drive, Scotchtown, according to the state Department of Transportation.

From River Reporter -- January 10, 2024 -- SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Would your school, daycare or other youth-focused group like to create an edible garden?

Sullivan 180 has released the Catskill Edible Garden Project grant applications, intended for Sullivan County schools, daycare facilities and organizations. Applications are due Thursday, February 1.

The project is a partnership between Sullivan 180, Catskill Mountainkeeper and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Schools and community groups can design and make edible gardens, which can be used as living, outdoor, educational and gathering spaces. The projects offer healthy local food, hands-on experience and exposure to food and agriculture as important parts of our community and culture.

The program provides funding support, technical assistance, educational programs and design as well as staff to facilitate the development and building of gardens. 

The project matters to kids, said Dennis Lankau, gardening coordinator at Monticello’s Rutherford School. “This is their garden; they planted it and grew it… It is fun, satisfying, and educational, and it can be life-changing for the future adults that you are teaching.”  

For more information or to download the application, visit www.Sullivan180.org/grants-scholarships or call 845/295-2680.

From the Capitol Pressroom -- Environmentalists are urging state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul to include a fleshed out cap-and-invest program in New York’s budget, but the details may get left on the chopping block. Catskill Mountainkeeper Deputy Director Katherine Nadeau explains why legislative action is needed now, including to create a rebate program designed to make the green transition more affordable for low-income New Yorkers.