When you’re late, you’re late

ELDRED, NY — Sometimes when you’re just a couple of hours late, it can set you back one month.

Such was the outcome of the late filing of site plans by LaBella Associates, which arrived after hours on the evening of June 13. According to Highland Planning Board chair Norm Sutherland, while he now has the plans on hand, they did not arrive on time. Sutherland, who was appointed as chair in March, has instituted a 10-day-in-advance agenda publication, whereby all materials for the planning board to consider must be in by 5 p.m., the end of that workday.

“I don’t want anyone from the public to get the impression that we are catering to a large corporation. I know from my experience in bidding for work through Sullivan County, if you’re not in by the deadline, you are not even considered for the job,” Sutherland said.

The plan review is for the redevelopment of the 425-site Kittatinny Campgrounds in Barryville into a national family-resort campground brand called Camp Fimfo, owned and operated by Northgate Resorts and Sun Communities. Plans include changing the tent sites to RV-style cabins, each with electric, water and sewer; and the building of water elements and athletic and recreational facilities. A ground-hugging mountain coaster has also been proposed which, according to planning board member Jeff Spitz, is not currently mentioned in the town’s zoning.

No action was taken when the preliminary plans, submitted for the May 24 meeting, lacked details of the proposed infrastructure improvements.

“I haven’t reviewed the plans yet,” Sutherland said, “as they may be making changes now that the due date is July 18 at 5 p.m.”

Undoubtedly, if they are resubmitted, they will be on time.

While the planning board has a standing meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month, if there is no business in front of the board, there is no meeting. When alerted on Wednesday morning to social media messages encouraging residents to attend the June 22 meeting and protest the large-scale transformation of a landmark camping facility, town clerk Sue Hoffman put the “no meeting” notice on the front page of the town’s website. Agendas and minutes are available at https://townofhighlandny.com/meeting-minutes.

The project has an anticipated completion date of December 31, 2024.

See the links below for more information on the Kittatinny project.

Click here for information from LaBella Associates' presentation at the May 24 meeting of the Highland Planning Board.

Click here to for information on the project and an interview with Northgate Resorts Regional Operations Manager Brian Czarnecki.

Click here for a report on the initial acquisition.