Newburgh man found dead on church property
Stabbing reported at waterfront
4
Mid Hudson Times , Wednesday , June 29 , 2016
Gardnertown Commons proposal prompts lawsuit
Continued from page 1
Creek Run Road .
“ As I rely on a well near the back of my property , I am additionally concerned over damage to my water supply , both from disruption of the water table due to pavement and grading on the site and also due to the use of chemical fertilizers , insecticides , herbicides and snow melting materials ,” Stillman said at the hearing .
Other neighbors also expressed concerns over stormwater runoff , traffic and a potential loss of property values .
The upscale housing project is expected to include a clubhouse , pool , tennis courts , a dog run and parking area . Twenty of the rental apartments are reserved for seniors – a feature that allows for a higher density development if and when the Newburgh Town Council approves the project for mixed-use senior housing .
Two stormwater-management ponds are planned to control stormwater runoff at the site . A condominium was previously planned there about a decade ago . The planning board issued a negative declaration as part of the State Environmental Quality Review for the project in May . The decision was based on the previous negative declaration for the condominium .
“ The project , though expanded , is consistent in all ways with the negative declaration that was issued …” said planning board attorney Michael Donnelly at a May 19 board meeting .
The article 78 lawsuit claims the previous negative declaration is “ no longer valid ,” citing differences between the two projects to include a change of density “ from 104 condominium units to 164 rental units , the growth of traffic over the last 10 years and incomplete and outstanding environmental impact issues concerning pesticide contamination , location of bedrock , wetlands and water quality , flora and fauna , archeological resources , fire , police and school services and impact upon community character .”
A busy stretch of Gardnertown Rd . would serve as the entryway to the proposed Gardnertown Commons .
The petition goes on to state “ the board ’ s adoption of a negative declaration was arbitrary , capricious and an abuse of discretion .” A phone call and email to town planning board Chairman John Ewasutyn seeking comment went unanswered as of deadline on Tuesday .
There are two federal wetlands located on the property . An amended site plan for the project states town zoning “ requires all ( environmentally ) sensitive areas to be deducted from the usable area .”
The site plan , submitted by project engineers JMC Planning Engineering Landscape Architecture and Land Surveying , states a revised traffic study incorporates the current development .
Minutes of the planning board meeting in May revealed the board has taken at least some measures to protect neighbors from potential impacts from the project .
“ The buildings have been moved further away from the southern property line , however the detention pond has become slightly larger ,” said board engineering consultant Patrick Hines . “ We ’ re suggesting that the landscape plan address the continuation of that buffer , that the existing trees are to remain .”
In Brief
Newburgh man found dead on church property
On Tuesday at approximately 8:38 a . m . City of Newburgh Police responded to the area of 180 South St on a report of a man down on the St . Mary ’ s Church property . Upon arrival , police discovered a deceased male , in the courtyard pathway , adjacent to the church .
The man has been identified as 28-year-old Stephen A . Sampson of Newburgh . Preliminary investigation Stephen A . Sampson uncovered no evidence of external injury to the decedent .
A joint investigation by the City of Newburgh Police and Orange County District Attorney ’ s office is being conducted . Anyone with information is urged to contact City of Newburgh Police at 561- 3131 .
Stabbing reported at waterfront
On June 26 , 2016 at approximately 1:55 a . m ., City of Newburgh Police responded to St . Lukes Cornwall Hospital after being advised , by emergency room staff , that an individual had come in with a stab wound .
Preliminary police investigation has determined that the stabbing occurred outside 50 Front St . in Newburgh . The victim , a 35-year-old male from New Windsor , was stabbed in the stomach . His name is not being released at this time . He was transported to the hospital in a private vehicle and admitted .
This is an active police investigation and anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with information is urged to contact City of Newburgh Police at 561-3131 .