BETHEL — Embellishments upon adverse environmental impacts to be potentially caused by the construction and occupancy of the Swan Lake Nest development at 186 Lee Cole Road in Bethel were made more clear at the Bethel Planning Board Scoping Session Monday, February 3. 

The meeting was introduced by Chairman Dan Gettel, who said the applicant has agreed to a hydrological study, and asked for comments on other issues.

In a letter submitted by John Caracci, President of the the Civic Association of Smallwood (SWCA), he wrote, “It is paramount that the Planning Board has sufficient time to review public comments and read those from Stantec Engineering [a firm hired by the Bethel Roundtable]….It must bring in independent professional consultants to address issues of major significance.” He asks, “How will the Scope address the new DEC Part 664 Regulations on jurisdictional determination? What measures will be addressed to preserve and protect the three federal wetlands within the 49.54 acres and the aquifer?”

Residents Mary-Ellen and Larry Seitelman also submitting in writing their thoughts: “While the developer claims these seasonal homes will not require school buses, camp buses seem to pick up children from every other seasonal development.” It refers to the narrowness of the road with deep ditches and no shoulders, which is unable to support two-way traffic of commercial vehicles, and calls for a traffic study to be performed during peak season, Thursday through Monday.

Addressing a four-foot annual decrease in the test well, measured at the United States Geological Survey test well in Woodbourne, and the 2024 drought that caused local well problems, it states, “The high demand for water…may put all surrounding wells at risk.” It called to attention the impact on effluent discharge levels in combination with other projects being developed and “those already emptying into the branches of the West Mongaup.”

Concerning habitats, it states “the elimination of existing plants and trees and replacement with impervious surfaces will cause erosion and add to runoff.…The study needs to follow the new NYS guidelines for construction near wetlands.”

Town resident Clay Ruede said, “There is no study on the effect on the West Mongaup caused by the dumping of 750,000-1.5 million gallons per week of wastewater containing phosphorous [from fertilizers] and detergents — pollutants that are not processed by the treatment plant.”

Frank Napoli said that sludge containing chemicals such as PFASs (that are not filtered out by the treatment plant) will flow into waterways that eventually become drinking water for 18 million people.

Lois Berkowitz, speaking on behalf of The Bethel Roundtable, asked for an extension of the 60-day deadline between the date the Draft Scope was submitted (12/31/2024) until the Final Scope is issued, allowing time to address comments. She read a letter from The Roundtable which cautioned that wetland criteria must be adhered to and studies performed during the active wet season. Traffic should be studied at congested intersections and include the number of pedestrians, not just the speed and volume of vehicles.

Denise Frangipane addressed the number of trees that will be cut on the 38 acre site, ”How long will it take for the land to recover?... Trees take 20 years to mature.” She asked if the power grid can support the electric usage of the development, and suggested that a study be made by the Sullivan County Planning Board. She also asked whether alternative plans have been offered, inclusive of wider buffer zones and the preservation of wetlands.

The developer’s attorney, Jacob Billig, agreed to an extension of the 60-day limit until the next Planning Board meeting on March 3rd, allowing time to review all oral and written comments, which are due by 1pm, February 14. “We are happy to co-operate.”

During a phone conversation with Mr. Billig, it was relayed that NYSEG will upgrade to provide needed power and experts on the aforementioned issues have been retained by the developer, who have coordinated with the Planning Board’s engineers and respective experts in the field. He stated, ”We respect the right of Bethel citizens to comment and we will show it will not have a negative environmental impact. We are hopeful we can get a Final Scoping document approved and move to the next step.”

Planning Board members will consider a draft of the Scope that incorporates relevant comments. Once adopted, the Scoping Outline will be posted online. 

Attorney John Cappello said, “It’s in everybody’s interest that we have a comprehensive Scope.”