Published: December 26, 2007 11:00 pm      

Resort remarks deadline is Jan. 14

The deadline for written comments on environmental scoping documents for the proposed resort complex near Belleayre Mountain has been extended to Jan. 14.

The extension was announced recently by the state Department of Environmental Conservation in a media release.

The issue involves private development for a resort and spa complex by Crossroads Ventures and related proposals by the DEC.

The DEC projects are the expansion of Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, including "ski-in, ski-out" access to the proposed Highmount Spa Resort; the acquisition of a parcel known as Big Indian (1,200 acres); and the acquisition of the former Highmount Ski Center (78 acres) and an easement (21 acres) on the Highmount Spa property.

The project would be located in the towns of Shandaken and Middletown within the boundaries of Catskill Park. The Associated Press recently reported how some residents of towns near the project have raised opposition. Locally, Delaware County officials praised the deal when it was announced in September.

It is subject to an environmental-impact analysis as required by the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

The purpose of the scoping documents is to outline what environmental factors must be included in a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, the document that will guide the review of the proposed developments.

Written comments on the proposed scope may be sent by mail to Daniel Whitehead, NYS DEC, Division of Environmental Permits, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1750. E-mailed comments may be sent to wildacre@gw.dec.state.ny.us with "Scoping" in the subject line.

DEC must produce the scope by Feb. 1, changed from Jan. 22. The formal notice of the changed dates was to be published in an edition of Environmental Notice Bulletin.

The preparation of the scoping document is part of a review process that will provide numerous opportunities for public input, the release said. Further steps include preparation of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

For more information, visit www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6061.html.