'Seven Peaks' Hearing Draws Critics…and a few Supporters

March 25, 2010
Tod Westlake
Shawangunk Journal

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'Seven Peaks' Hearing Draws Critics…and a few Supporters

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MAMAKATING – About a dozen speakers came out last Wednesday evening, March 17, for the public hearing on the development project known as 'Seven Peaks.' Most of the participants spoke out about concerns over the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the 653-acre, 49 unit, luxury community and resort, which, if built, would straddle the ridge just south of Wurtsboro and Bloomingburg. There were, however, a few speakers who came out to express support for the project, arguing that its construction would be boon to local jobs and would significantly supplement the town's currently modest tax roll.

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The New York/New Jersey Trail conference also expressed concern that the development would impact hiking trails in the area and that it could bisect the Long Path, meaning that hikers would be forced to go around the development when traveling from the Appalachian Trail to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The organization suggested that a public trail on the property be incorporated into already existing trails.