Fallsburg residents fight another seasonal community

By LISA CUTRONI

FALLSBURG, NY — Herschel Mossberg has been restoring rundown bungalow colonies throughout Sullivan County for the past decade. Now, he wants to build a brand new one.

At the September 8 Town of Fallsburg Planning Board meeting, Mossberg defended his proposal of developing Park Slope, a 90-unit modern bungalow colony to be built on 40 acres along Brophy Road in Hurleyville.

Over 150 residents tried to fill the small town hall in South Fallsburg before a motion was made by board Chairman Arthur Rosenshein to move the meeting to the Woodbourne firehouse.

“The town of Fallsburg has spent the last 10 years getting rid of bungalows and seasonal residents. This last year alone we have built a number of brand new single-family homes and I think that anybody moving here should share in our community, our environment and our tax burden,” said Hurleyville resident Perry Gips. Many seemed to share his sentiments as murmurs of “things have got to change” were heard.

Emotions quickly heightened when Rosenshein declared there would be no additional public hearings on Park Slope unless the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) determines that the proposed development will have an adverse environmental impact. Residents said that not all the relevant information had been presented publicly and expressed concerns about not having another chance to comment. However, the state review process provides a 30-day opportunity for written statements.

According to Mossberg, the zoning law allows him to develop 10 units per acre. He has decided to only build two units per acre. “I could have come in here proposing to build 400 lots and waited until everyone got angry, then offer to build only 200, but I’m trying to do the right thing,” Mossberg said.

According to residents, the seasonal bungalow units should be considered full-time single-family homes, which require a minimum of three acres per unit.

The units will have air conditioning and heating, insulation and permanent foundations. “I have been very careful in following regulations. I paid a lot of money for this property,” Mossberg said.

Mossberg’s attorney, Jacob Billing, defended his client’s seasonal proposal saying that Mossberg has the right to keep his property open for seven months.

Jack Halchak of the Hurleyville Fire Department was most concerned about adequate water supply. The park, although in the sewer district, is not in the water district, which could lead to problems, he said. Mossberg said he has already built two 60-gallon/minute wells, but there is no fire hydrant on the property. Halchak suggested the establishment of a dry hydrant, to which Mossberg agreed.

Board members directed residents to attend the September 13 Fallsburg Town Board meeting and air their concerns and ask for a change in zoning regulations to prohibit the building of seasonal communities.