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New Group Forms to Support Development Project
11/20/2007
An Agreement in Principle that would lead to the revitalization of the Belleayre Mt. Ski Center and createa new resort complex around it, got a boost this week with the formation of a new group of advocates supporting the compromise brokered by Governor Eliot Spitzer. Announced by Governor Spitzer in September, the agreement is considered by supporters as the beginning of the end of the longest environmental review ever under New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act.
The new group, the Catskills Partners for Progress, Inc. is being led by well-known local businessman Lewis E. Kolar, who retired last year from his post with Delaware National Bank of Delhi.
Kolar said the Partners for Progress will gather and disseminate information on the Belleayre Resort Agreement in Principle and provide a platform for other individuals and organizations of "like-mind" to share their views and make their voices heard.
"When you look at the list of well-respected environmental groups that have signed this agreement" said Kolar, "you have to say that most concerns have been addressed. These groups have some of the best legal and scientific minds in the country and their signatures to this agreement are telling. Now we have to answer the few remaining questions and get this project underway". Kolar pointed specifically to the National Resources Defense Council, the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development and the Riverkeeper, as long-time opponents who helped hammer out an agreement that calls for, among other things, 1,250 acres of additional forever wild land in the State Forest Preserve, an organically-managed golf course and buildings built to the LEED Silver Standard of the US Green Buildings Council.
"None of us wants to harm the environment, but poverty is just as bad for the environment as building is and the steady decline in this region must be halted". Kolar said the group, which includes Chambers of Commerce, the Delaware County Local Development Corporation, the Coalition for Belleayre and the M-ARK Project, as well as individuals who have asked to sign on, will attend public meetings, launch a website, and create other ways for people to share information and voice their support.
While the agreement is historic, Kolar noted there is still another round of environmental review that must be undertaken and that local planning boards will have to do site plan reviews before final permits are issued and construction begins. "We look to be a positive, proactive support group that can help people understand what is planned, how well it can be done, and what the benefits are for every person living and working in this area", Kolar added. While the group does not yet have a website launched, Kolar said more information is available by calling the environmental groups that supported the agreement or visiting their websites www.catskillcenter.org
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