As the Town of Tusten moves to consider the disposition of the Narrowsburg Rural Central School property, I invite the powers that be to consider the following.

All zoning, according to the laws of the State of New York, is derived from the comprehensive (aka master) plan of the community. The comprehensive plan of the Town of Tusten recognizes that 73% of the residents desire that our zoning laws preserve the rural character of the town. Note also that every “green” initiative and planning tool recognizes the need for open space, which is often accomplished by the preservation of park land. Currently, the two major properties being considered up for re-zoning are, or encompass, open space park land.

Sustainable development should be addressed in any discussion of planning re-use of these properties. In fact, sustainability should become a major platform of any initiative for major development which is presented to the Town of Tusten. The town would do well to study and consider adoption of the Living Building Challenge, which can be viewed at www.Ilbc.org, as a development platform. I am a member of International Living Building Challenge, and I am willing to access any information that may be desired.

There are also infrastructure issues. Any major development of these properties will require major improvements in the storm water sewer system in the Town of Tusten. That this cost be borne by the taxpayers is unreasonable. If these properties go into heavy development, the burden of any infrastructure improvements should be borne by the developer. Consideration must also be given to upgrades of the Narrowsburg Water District. A hotel would, more than likely, need to have a fire sprinkler system installed. Can the current infrastructure of the Narrowsburg Water District handle the increased flow, and does it have the necessary pressure to flow adequate water for a suppression system?

The two parcels of school property that are driving this current “need” to rezone represent the labor, the love and the financial support of generations of the former Narrowsburg Central School District. Their desire was to provide the best facility to educate their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This land should not be sold at a distress sale to meet the financial goals of business. To do so dishonors the work of generations of families.

Our town council is charged by the State of New York with providing for the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town of Tusten. The commercialization of a neighborhood of single-family dwellings to meet the financial goal of a developer does not meet that standard. Commercial development of these properties as described by the proposed buyer/developer would forever alter the character of the neighborhood and the town. Is this a desirable change? Is the Town of Tusten willing to sacrifice its quality of life, its rural character, its sense of family and community?

Please use caution, common sense and wisdom in attempting to proceed with any zoning change that will affect such an important community icon and such a pleasant neighborhood. Consider also the potential added tax burden laid on the residents of the town. What can be done so that this does not become an albatross around the necks of our residents? Will this property be immediately placed back on the tax rolls? If not, then it is not a worthy project to pursue. I would ask that you not be blinded by promises of economic development that will ease the tax burden of the town and bring in well paying jobs. We only have to look at how Sullivan County has been duped by similar promises to know that we need to use extreme caution and sound process.

[Stephen Stuart is a resident of Tusten and a student, teacher and practitioner of sustainable building.]