At the January 17 Marbletown Town Board meeting, discussion took place concerning the recently released report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) concerning the study of the leakage of the pressure tunnel under Rondout Creek. The report titled “Hydrologic Effects of Leakage from the Catskill Aqueduct on the Bedrock-Aquifer System near High Falls, New York, November 2019-January 2020” indicates that the leakage from the tunnel has created a two-mile mound of water that, when drained, would drop the water level in the area of the mound by as much as 70 feet. This has serious implications for local wells.

Town Supervisor Richard Parete has been in discussions with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) concerning the matter. There is a possibility that up to 50 wells could be affected by a drop in the water level when the leaks are repaired. According the Parete, “We don’t know how many claims we are going to get.”

Although NYC will fund the structural repairs, there are many other considerations concerning the coordination of the entire project, including the processing of claims. Parete will continue to meet with the NYCDEP and other specialists to determine how the entire project will be structured. According to Parete, we need to “paint a clear path on how to go.”

Tax Income Exemptions

A public hearing date of February 7 has been set for discussion and a vote on increasing the income limits on the senior citizen town tax exemption. This exemption is for people 65 and over who own property in Marbletown. If passed, the starting income exemption range will increase from $24,000 to $37,000 and should take effect with the July 1, 2023 tax rolls. As in the past, senior citizens who are eligible will need to apply. This increase in income limits will also be available to disabled residents. Supervisor Parete stated about the exemption, “We definitely want people who are eligible to take advantage of it.”

Planning Board Alternate Picked

As previously reported, Paris Perry, chair of the planning board, resigned and Max Stratton was moved to the chairman position. These changes ultimately led to the need for an alternate on the planning board and James Economos was named to this spot.

The next Marbletown Town Board meeting is set for February 7 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit the town website.