MTR 40, Sterling Forest Supporters Speak Out

Mobilizing the Region
Issue 40 June 23, 1995

Sterling Forest Supporters Speak Out

Citizens, local officials, and conservation and environmental group reps testified at public hearings last week held by the NY DEC to garner comments about the DGEIS submitted by the Sterling Forest Corporation, which wants to develop the 17,500 acre forest. (see MTR No. 37 ) Hearings held in the neighboring communities of Warwick, Tuxedo and Monroe were well attended by both NY and NJ residents who displayed overwhelming opposition to the "planned communities" proposed by the current property owners. The last hearing, in fact, could not accommodate everyone wishing to testify: at 11:30 pm Administrative Law Judge Daniel O'Connell adjourned the hearing, but said he would consider calling an additional public meeting to make certain all concerns were heard. (An announcement is expected shortly.) O'Connell commented to a local reporter that he's never seen such a high level of public interest.

Residents voiced concerns about increased taxes, traffic and pollution; while expressing a desire to preserve the forest intact and the semi-rural quality of life of Southern Orange County. An economist from Hunter College questioned the Corporation's fiscal analysis, while RPA's Robert Parani stressed that the best use of the land is to keep it as "undeveloped open space." Many urged that public acquisition of land be vigorously pursued. Louis Heimbach, chairman for the Corporation, said he was not surprised by the comments. The first steps in acquiring the property depend in large part on federal authorization legislation, which the Corporation had supported under the former Chairman--saying it was willing to sell to a qualified buyer. Now, however, the Corporation opposes it, going so far as to lobby against it--Heimbach has made the rounds in Washington, talking down federal assistance in acquiring the land. Times Herald-Record.