By Guy Charles Harriton

FORESTBURGH — A resident here described Advanced Skills Training Institute (ASTI) as a “training ground… for urban warfare” at Thursday's Town of Forestburgh's Board meeting.

Because of a growing opposition to ASTI's special permit use, the New York City-based group has temporarily tabled its ambitious plan before the Town of Forestburgh Planning Board.

But resident Richard Robbins weighed in with a prepared speech on Thursday. He called ASTI a “frightening military training camp.… [ASTI] is training snipers, hand-to-hand combat and [the use] of concealed weapons.

“Mr. Sherman has no business here,” added Robbins, referring to ASTI CEO James Sherman. “What they want would destroy all that we stand for.”

He then asked a hypothetical question, “Why are they encouraged to go forward with this hare-brained idea that would harm the peace and tranquility?”

The impassioned comments were met with applause by the 20 residents in a show of solidarity.

Sherman did not respond to phone calls from the Democrat.

Elise Matthews talked about the proposed facility that abuts her family's 100-acre property that dates back 125 years. She explained that she is concerned with the fact that ASTI's plans “are inconsistent with the Forestburgh Master Plan.”

Matthews said she is concerned about the “noise pollution,” as well as how the copper residue from 13,000 rounds of ammunition a day would have an adverse effect on the wildlife including the bald eagles as well as the abundance of other birds and animals that inhabit that area.

Kenneth C. Klein, town attorney, suggested the town “look into a noise ordinance.”

Klein commented that if a noise ordinance was put in place “it must not be subjective… Folks here may not agree on what is annoying. It must be objective.” Further, he suggested that if the ordinance was objective there should be “calibrated equipment to record decibel levels.” He suggested that the code enforcement officer set the rate so that, if necessary, it would hold up in a court of law.

To date, the planning board has received 50 letters objecting to ASTI's plans.

Supervisor Bill Sipos, speaking on behalf of the town board said, “We're here to listen.” He spoke highly of planning board chairperson Susan Hawvermale and the rest of the board for using due diligence and handling the matter diplomatically.

The proposed plan has received overwhelming support of area law enforcement personnel including Sullivan County Sheriff Michael A. Schiff.

He has stated from the inception of the proposal, “I believe that such a facility would be an asset to law enforcement and public safety of the community.

Further, Schiff said, “I also feel it would fit in perfectly with Sullivan County's long-term strategy plan for economic development.”

Thomas Mungeer of Liberty, president of the PBA of the New York State Troopers, wrote to Sherman:

“Your proposal for a tactical training facility, open to both military as well as public safety disciplines, in Forestburgh has been reviewed and enthusiastically endorsed by the PBA Board of Directors. We believe that it would be an asset to those of us in the law enforcement community. On a personal note, as a lifelong Sullivan County resident, I am enthused about the potential economic benefits that this project will provide to the community.

“I look forward to watching your project progress and wish you the best of luck.”