The Town of Mamakating just got closer to adding a new restaurant to the community. At the June 11 planning board workshop, members heard updates about a culinary project that has been almost three years in the making. The plan is to site it on a remodeled, formerly residential property between Wurtsboro and Summitville, at 3491 State Route 209, a 25-acre parcel across from Kohl’s Distribution Center. No name has yet been publicized, nor the type of food to be served. But seating for 75 diners is in the works, along with ample parking and landscaping with trees.

The restaurant’s listed developer is Ruth Wu, of Great Neck, New York, via Granda Capital Ventures. The project first went before the Mamakating board almost three years ago, in September 2021. Back then, the board had routine concerns about the significant sewage disposal system that such a big restaurant would need, as well as possible difficulties in ensuring the quality of the large amount of municipal water used.

But while those details and others were being ironed out without apparent problems, a glitch developed: the project’s architect retired. So, in early 2023 the restaurant was put on hold. With the architect problem later resolved, and an effective septic system configured, the project came before the board again on June 11. Final touches and approval are expected after another, future meeting.

Board chair Lorrence Green was jazzed. “Projects like this, I just find very exciting for the town,” he said, adding that “we have this momentum that’s starting to grow.” Green is treasurer of the Mamakating Environmental Education Center (MEEC). He said the center has “become a hub” for the town, with scores of people showing up lately for meetings, activities and exhibits. And he waxed about eight kayaks, brought in by MEEC with financial assistance from the town, which are expected to debut by the end of this month near the Basha Kill. At $30 for the first two hours and $10 an hour afterward, they’ll be available by using a credit card and an app.

The workshop lasted only 18 minutes, and the Planning Board did not hold a regular meeting afterward. Its next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9.