FALLSBURG — The Town of Fallsburg is currently seeing significant development, which has led to a strain on its resources, especially water and sewer utilities, during the summer months of July and August. Unfortunately, these utilities are not meeting the state’s current standards to accommodate future growth during peak months.

This growth is not a recent phenomenon. In 2016, the Democrat reported on the substantial growth that Fallsburg had experienced. As a result of the rapid growth, the town implemented a temporary moratorium and reevaluated its comprehensive plan in 2017.

During town and planning board meetings now, the town has stated that developers “build at your own risk” as there is no guarantee of water and sewer connection for these projects, given the limited capacity of the utilities.

In 2022, Fallsburg issued notices to residents to conserve water and electricity during the summer months as the temperature has skyrocketed along with the population, which has taxed an already aging water system. 

The town enacted a local law in 2022 requiring projects to obtain a Department of Public Works (DPW) permit before receiving permits for construction work. This permit confirms that the project can be connected to the existing system without overburdening its capacity.

“They won’t be able to pull a building permit or foundation permit until they have this capacity permit,” said Ken Ellsworth, Fallsburg’s Town Engineer.

“Bringing in that DPW permitting process was crucial because it gives us the ability to say, ‘Okay, here’s where we are, when you need to slow it down,’” added Katherine Rappaport, Fallsburg Town Supervisor. 

By the numbers

In Fallsburg, there are approximately 13 ongoing construction projects, 21 projects in the planning board process, and 18 projects that have already received planning board approval. 

Many of these projects involve the construction of significant developments with multiple units. For example, Mountain Acres by New Road is constructing 191 units, and Mountain Crest Mobile Homes by New Road is currently building 72 manufactured homes.

In the planning board stages, Luxor Jr in Loch Sheldrake proposes 100 units, while Zimmerman Rd Townhouses on New York State Route 52 is looking to develop 44 units.

A primary concern residents voiced during public hearings has been the need for more control over growth and development, Ellsworth said that the planning and zoning boards have the authority to regulate construction based on existing codes.

This has raised questions about implementing a hold or moratorium on new projects. However, according to Ellsworth, due to the lengthy process involved in project development and the involvement of multiple government agencies, there are more feasible solutions than a complete halt. 

Ellsworth explained that the town has been proactive in providing water and sewer services, recognizing the importance of these amenities for attracting development. The demand for housing in Fallsburg has surged, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought safer and more spacious options outside of the city. 

However, the town faces challenges in meeting the increased demand for water during peak seasons and ensuring proper distribution.

Fallsburg’s population nearly triples during the summer months as seasonal residents return to the Catskills along with seasonal businesses and camps. 

To address these issues, the town has undertaken various infrastructure improvement projects. Ellsworth highlighted replacing aging water towers with larger capacity tanks, repairing and replacing water lines, and upgrading sewer systems. The aim is to expand water storage capabilities and enhance the distribution network to accommodate the growing population.

According to Ellsworth, residents need not worry about the town running out of water; outside of July and August, the town has sufficient resources to support its full-time residents. 

Furthermore, Rappaport added that Fallsburg has been actively engaging with state and federal officials to seek support for infrastructure development, and discussions have emphasized the need for financial assistance to address the town’s unique challenges.

“So, bring these people [state and federal officials] in and say we need help,” said Rappaport. 

Furthermore, the town has consulted a hydrogeologist to seek out more sites to install more water wells, and along with the new water tanks, the town seeks to increase capacity and water pressure. 

Ellsworth added, “The town’s a great place to come and to develop, but it just magnified after COVID. But we’re adapting. We’re moving forward.”