DIVISION OF PLANNING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
& Environmental Management
ACTIVITY Report
September 2022
CONTENTS
I. Planning
II. Sustainable Energy
III. Parks, Recreation & Beautification
IV. Grants
V. Agriculture & Farmland Protection
I. PLANNING ACTIVITY
Land Use Planning & Technical Assistance:
• GML-239 Referrals
o 11 referrals received, with actions in 8 municipalities; quantity remains consistent with recent years, after the implementation of exemptions
o Significant projects include the proposed campground at Bethel Woods and an electrical supply warehouse in Thompson
|
GML-239 Referrals, September 2022 |
|
Date Received |
Date Requested |
Project Name |
Action Type |
Referral ID # |
Legislator |
|
9/16/2022 |
10/3/2022 |
Bethel Woods Center for Arts - Campground |
Site Plan Review |
BET22-06 |
Robert Doherty |
|
8/26/2022 |
9/12/2022 |
Rock Paper Plate LLC |
Special Use Permit |
LIB22-10 |
Michael Brooks |
|
9/7/2022 |
9/15/2022 |
Local Law amending Zoning Code, Town of Rockland |
Other |
ROC22-03 |
Michael Brooks |
|
8/26/2022 |
|
MEP Wholesalers |
|
THO22-09 |
Alan Sorensen |
|
8/22/2022 |
9/23/2022 |
Hector Subdivision Review |
Subdivision Review |
TUS22-07 |
Robert Doherty |
|
8/22/2022 |
9/23/2022 |
Narrowsburg Veterinary |
Special Use Permit |
TUS22-06 |
Robert Doherty |
|
9/9/2022 |
|
North Road Rezoning |
Adoption/Amendment of Zoning Map |
BLO22-03 |
Nicholas Salomone |
|
8/31/2022 |
9/14/2022 |
Aero Star Petroleum |
Area Variance |
FAL22-16 |
Joseph Perrello |
|
9/12/2022 |
10/12/2022 |
Cabana Sands |
Site Plan Review |
FAL22-17 |
Joseph Perrello |
|
9/20/2022 |
10/12/2022 |
Skopps Cottages |
Area Variance |
FAL22-18 |
Joseph Perrello |
|
9/13/2022 |
9/27/2022 |
Alberta & Reginald Hillriegal Minor Subdivision |
Subdivision Review |
FRE22-01 |
George Conklin III |
• Land Use, Strategic and Comprehensive Planning
§ Countywide Resiliency Plan:
- Advisory Committee assembled; 1st meeting September 29th
- Consultant work product drafts received:
o Plan Goals
o Outreach strategy
o Summary of existing County studies with relevant material to be carried forward, and build on, in the new plan
§ Housing Plan:
- Draft presented to the Legislature and public at the Health and Family Services meeting on September 8
- Final draft to be presented to the Legislature for adoption
- Staff identifying funding opportunities to implement key recommendations
Recreation, Quality of Life & Tourism-based Economic Development
• Sullivan O&W Rail Trail
§ Trail buildout and improvements: Neversink Crossing
- Final permits submitted to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers
- Initial Project Proposal (IPP) package submitted to NYS DOT for the Congressional member item federal grant
- Draft design report expected by end of month; review with SCDPW scheduled
- Ongoing coordination with Coordinated project requirements with consultants, Town, State & Federal funding sources
- Project expected to be bid in June 2023
§ Trail buildout and improvements: Parksville North
- Conducted site visit with Sullivan Renaissance and Town of Liberty; assisting Town with Golden Feather application
§ Trail buildout and improvements: Other
- Site visit and discussion with consultants regarding on-road connections
§ Outreach and events committee
- Halloween-themed trail events being planned
§
• New County Park Project (Callicoon)
§ Interim park closed sign installed; DPW security fence installation anticipated by November
§ News release announcing park and naming contest being prepared for November, for issue upon fence completion
§ Parks working with DPW to assess remnants of electrical system and develop a plan to address safety and potential utilization
§ RFP for Design and Engineering assistance for SC Parks issued 9/30; Callicoon park
§ Quotes to be solicited for supplemental archeological survey in October
§ Ongoing work to secure and process grant paperwork (NFWF, DASNY)
• Highland Access Improvements
§ Bid process completed and contract authorized; work expected to commence early/mid-October
§ Ongoing coordination with project partners regarding in-kind contributions
Community Development & Revitalization
• 2022 Plans & Progress Program
§ Movement from processing award agreements to reimbursements. Improvements to the Assembly building in Monticello completed and voucher package received.
• Sullivan County Land Bank Corporation (SCLBC)
§ Awarded $200,000 from new NYS funding program to support land bank operations and predevelopment activity
§ Broadway Theater Feasibility Study draft completed; News release issued to announce the study and solicit input
§ Fielding inquiries for 91 Chestnut Street; Issuing RFP
§ Preparing application for additional round of EPA Brownfield Assessment grant
§ Use of County funding for demolitions postponed with deferment of County auction
§ Draft 2023 budget reviewed with Board
• CDBG Housing
§ Outreach to grant subrecipients for housing assistance launched. See attached flyer.
• Other
§ Deputy Commissioner attended Rural Housing Coalition of New York conference on September 27th and 28th.
§ Responding to NYS Main Street grant sub-recipient’s inquiry regarding maintain grant requirements through a property transfer.
Economic Development
• Emerald Corporate Center
§ Conducted Board meeting and subsequent site visit with Board to Emerald Springs Water Company.
§ Reviewed draft agreement with Hamaspik for emergency water supply with County Attorney. Will engage attorney to negotiate the agreement.
• CDGB grants
§ Ongoing work to process existing grants
• Revolving Loan Fund
§ Account review to write off three loans where collection efforts have failed.
§ All active loans current.
§ Several pending loans on hold due to lack of recipient readiness. No new activity.
II. OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY (OSE)
Projects
• Countywide Resiliency Plan
§ As noted above, the kick-off meeting for the Resiliency Plan was held on September 29. Stakeholders from across the County (municipal, not-for-profit, utilities) were invited to participate.
• Facilities Master Plan
§ Department interviews for the Facilities Master Plan have been completed. A draft plan is anticipated mid-October.
• SUNY Sullivan Energy Project
§ Construction phase of the SUNY Sullivan energy project remains on track for completion by 12/31/2022, with the exception of window replacements (likely to take place in the late Spring of 2023). There is no change to the final cost of the project to the County.
Public, Agency, and NYS Engagement
• Division Deputy Commissioner Heather Brown appointed Chair of the NYSAC Standing Committee on Climate Action. Participated in the committee as well as Resolutions Committee at the 2022 NYSAC Fall Conference.
• In partnership with SC Executive Director of Human Rights, initiated outreach to communities that are expected to be designated as “Disadvantaged Communities” by the NYS Climate Action Council. State Legislation requires that 35% of the “benefit” of implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act be directed to DACs. It is important to engage DACs to ensure that projects implemented in their communities are appropriate and welcome.
• NYSEG and RG&E have initiated a Climate Resiliency Study. Attended the virtual kick-off and have requested to be included in the working group of community stakeholders.
• Participated and presented at a plenary session for NYSACHO’s Climate and Health Adaptation Workshop Series. The presentation focused on the opportunities to address public health challenges simultaneously with climate/environmental challenges. For instance, promotion of building standards and retrofits to improve energy efficiency, control moisture intrusion and mold, eliminate toxic building materials, improve ventilation, and temperature/humidity control will inevitably improve the health outcomes for the occupants while also reducing the environmental impact/carbon footprint of the building.
Administrative
• Agreement executed with Amplifund for Grants Management software. Group of County staff assembled to guide the process of implementing the program across County departments.
Other
• There is a referendum on the ballot this Fall for the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. NYSAC has prepared an explanation of the legislation/bond which contains information about how funds could be spent if approved by voters, and is encouraging counties to support the measure with a resolution. The NYSAC overview is attached to this report and a supportive resolution is on the Committee agenda for consideration by the SC Legislature.
III. PARKS, RECREATION & BEAUTIFICATION
Park Planning and Management
• As noted above:
§ An RFP is being issued to engage a design and engineering firm to assist the Parks Department on retainer. Potential projects to include design and engineering of improvements to the new park in Callicoon, repairs needed at the Stone Arch Bridge park, and as well as projects at the D&H Canal park.
§ Working with Planning staff on advancing implementation of Callicoon park development and grant management.
• The park staff have been working on the hiking trail at Lake Superior, removing brush at the Callicoon Park and completing beautification projects throughout the remainder of the parks.
• The NYSDEC installed the Northern Snakehead barrier in the D&H Canal in Wurtsboro. The purpose of the barrier is to try and prevent the spread of the Norther Snakeheads from the Bashakill marshes to the Hudson River.
Parks & Rec Events
• The Poetry and Art workshops launched by Sullivan County’s new poet laureate Sharon Kennedy-Nolle and former poet laureate Eric Baylin will continue with an event at the D&H Canal Interpretive Center on October 1, 2022. Using nature as inspiration for painting, drawing, and verse-making, the workshops bring art and poetry into creative conversation. The event is free, pre-registration is required by emailing sullivancountypoetlaureate@gmail.com <mailto:sullivancountypoetlaureate@gmail.com>.
• The Parks Department has teamed up with the Mamakating Library and the Bashakill Association to host a guided walk along the D&H Canal on October 23, 2022 at 1:00 pm. Kerron Barnes will lead the hike discussing the dynamics of the canal. Participants will meet at the D&H Canal Interpretive Center. Pre-register at www.mamakatinglibrary.org <http://www.mamakatinglibrary.org> or call 845-888-8004.
• The Sullivan County Historical Society is sponsoring a display and presentation celebrating the 75th anniversary of WVOS. The event will be held on September 29th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The Historical Society is also presenting a lecture on the book “To the Mountains by Rail” during Hurleyville’ Scarecrow Festival October 9th at noon.
Beautification
• The Fall Roadside and Trail Litter Pluck is underway. Participants wishing to participate can receive their Free disposal coupons at the Town and Village Halls and local participating organizations throughout Sullivan County. The event will run through October 31.
IV. GRANTS
County Grants
• As noted above, agreement has been executed for grants management software vendor and we are taking steps towards implementation of the system.
• Budget Office
§ FEMA Public Assistance / COVID-19 Emergency Protective Measures Project 2 submission has been finalized and will be reviewed by NYS DHSES staff prior to submitting via FEMA Portal for consideration of reimbursement for eligible expenses. We will be taking action in developing our Project 3 information and application for submission. We will seek reimbursement for COVID19 emergency protective measures taken by the County Govt. during the period of 1/1/2022 thru 12/31/2022.
• Public Safety
§ Continued working with Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and E911 staff as appropriate to transition grant program administration to respective areas. Worked w/ Public Safety OEM staff to submit on time the FY22 Domestic Terrorism Prevention Grant program application submission. We are in the process of working w/ staff in development of a large reimbursement claim for submission, and providing guidance in drafting the 3rd Q Progress Reports due to NYS DHSES prior to end of October 2022.
• Parks
§ Phase II / FY22-23 NYS Snowmobile Trail Grant in Aid Program application proposal completed and submitted.
§ Dormitory Authority State of NY (DASNY) reimbursement received for the Callicoon Park land acquisition
• Public Works
§ Worked w/ Deputy Commissioner to review their solid waste grant programs and discuss next steps going forward. Initiated action in the development and future submission of the FY22 Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling (MWRR) program, which reimburses the County 50% for cost related to the County Recycling Coordinator and recycling /education services provided. Anticipate submitting by end of October 2022.
V. AGRICULTURE & FARMLAND PROTECTION
• CCE August Ag and Food systems report below