Board okays mushroom plant

MAMAKATING, NY — The Town of Mamakating Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved four zoning variances on November 3, collapsing major barriers for the Yukiguni Maitake Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMCA). The company plans to invest $72 million to build a 923,000-square-foot mushroom manufacturing plant below the Shawangunk Ridge, just north of Wurtsboro off Route 209.

ZBA Chairman Jim Barnett and members Cliff Asdal, Andy Lewis and Bill Fedun voted to approve the variances, while Fern Laks voted to deny the proposed 80-foot height of the building.

With the necessary ZBA ruling, Yukiguni’s application will advance to the Mamakating Planning Board for a review of the project’s proposed site plan. The board will decide whether to grant a special-use permit.