The town of Mamakating Planning Board considered the requests of two applicants on Thursday, November 10.

Representatives for Open Space Institute (OSI) requested a waiver of the town's required soil test. The test is required for all subdivisions in rural areas. It shows if the land is suitable for building a traditional septic system. The land might be environmentally sensitive such as a high-water table or impermeable rock. The rule is in place, attorney John Cappello explained, so that potential future buyers know if they can build on the land. Otherwise, the land may become a tax burden.

OSI plans on purchasing 88 acres from a private single owner who is subdividing their 154.29-acre land at 318 Mountain Road, which is partly on the Shawangunk Ridge Overlay, into three parcels. The owner will remain in an existing dwelling on an estimated 57 acres, sell nine acres to a single owner, and give 88 acres to OSI, which will preserve all 88 acres.

Because OSI’s land preservation plan is in strong accordance with the town's comprehensive plan, the planning board strongly considered the soil test waiver request. But ultimately the board decided against the waiver, citing the possibility of building on the smaller lots involved in the subdivision, and the confusion a waiver would cause for other potential applicants. Although the test is a hefty price, at $4- to $5K, the OSI representative understood their decision and thanked the board for the close consideration.

KL Enterprises

Kevin Lechner went before the planning board with an amended site plan for his public utility company, KL Enterprises. The family propane business has appeared before the planning board several times in the past year. Lechner has spoken to planning board chairman Lorry Green about the difficulties he has encountered moving his father's business to Wurtsboro. The planning board has relayed that site plan approvals, amendments, and public hearings are all part of the process for every applicant.

At the meeting on November 10, attorney John Cappello noted the additions Lechner had listed: concrete pads, generators, and a shed. The board granted conditional approval to the amended site plan.