The Wawarsing Planning Board extended the permits given for the planned 185,000-square-foot cannabis growing and processing facility planned for the former Schrade/Channel Master site on Aluminum Drive. The project is being spearheaded by Valley Agriceuticals, a subsidiary of Cresco Labs, one of the largest cannabis companies in the US, with operations in ten states.

Cresco grows and sells both medicinal cannabis products and adult use recreational products. Cresco has also purchased the former VAW/Norsk Hydro/Kora Komponents building on the site.

Oak Ridge Subdivision Moves Forward

Alan Lord appeared once more on behalf of the application to subdivide 244 acres on Van Keuren and Oak Ridge roads into 14 lots, varying from five to 55 acres. There will be no encroachment on DEC wetlands, according to the applicants.

The board declared a Negative environmental declaration under the New York State Environmental Quality Rules (SEQR) and a public hearing was opened. Two neighbors of the property spoke with various concerns. Lord explained that the property was bought by New York Land and Lakes, a firm that he represents; but they will not build anything themselves. They will sell the lots and the buyers will then build houses. One neighbor voiced concern that there would be ATVs racing around on the properties; that was gently shot down. The only significant issue remaining for the board involved the driveway on the twelfth lot, which intrudes into another lot. A retaining wall is being considered with relocation of the driveway to avoid this complication. Lord said that the county review had not yet been received. The public hearing was held open until next month when final approval may be granted.

Old Stone House Antiques

Roger Ross, the latest member of the Wawarsing Planning Board, recused himself from the board to take up the role of applicant. An antiques store is planned for property he owns on Deer Run Lane, off Route 209. A previous application was permitted some years ago. The new application applies primarily to the signage, which will be 32-by-44 inches and placed 81 inches high on a pole. More than adequate parking exists.

The previous application was held up due to the site being in the AD zone. That has changed now and the site is in the BH zone, which allows this kind of commercial venture. However, a number of changes were required by the board. Ross withdrew the application temporarily to make the necessary changes. It will be resubmitted when ready.

Covelli Hang Glider Property

Patty Brooks, of Brooks & Brooks Surveyors of Highland, presented an application for a property that sits above Route 52, as it winds around the cliffs on the western side of the Shawangunk Ridge. The property includes a hang glider launch and 81 acres of land; the subdivision will create lots of 16.7 acres, 13.5 acres and 15.5 acres. There is thought to be a purchaser for two of the lots. Brooks said that an area variance had been received from the Wawarsing Zoning Board of Appeals in August.

The planning board assumed lead agency and set a public hearing for the October 18 meeting.

Ukrainian Foundation Subdivision

Carla Bell sat in with Bill Eggers on this fresh appearance for an application to subdivide a complex property that surrounds, or “embraces” the property of the Ukrainian Catholic Church on Foordmore Road. Eggers explained that the application had moved a proposed driveway to the other side of the church land due to physical issues with the original proposal. All seemed to be well, until a minor but important detail arose.

One of the signatories to the application did not come with an authorization to sign from the Ukrainian National Foundation. Mary Lou Christiana, the board attorney, explained that to complete this application, an owner’s authorization was essential. The issue, as explained by board Chair Doug Hart, is that while the current board and applicants understand who the individual is, that information needs to be the official record, since who that person is may not be at all clear in 20 years’ time, if and when someone else wants to subdivide or sell the property. Absolute clarity today avoids horrendous complications tomorrow. The applicant will seek further detail on that particular authorization and return.

Rondout Valley BBQ

The application by Dennis Valentine and Rondout Valley BBQ, on Route 209 across from Turkey Hill, returned with a few changes as requested by the board. The parking requirement was waived, as 37 spaces were regarded as sufficient. The application will be sent to the county and the state for review. A public hearing will be held on the application at the October 18 meeting.