Fire training plan is cause for concern

Dear Editor: I’m am concerned about the proposed Ulster County fire training center on Cottekill Road in Stone Ridge.

First, the county’s preliminary environmental assessment makes no mention of wetlands adjacent to the proposed site.

Second, the assessment utterly disregards the impact this proposed facility will have on a minority religious center (Vivekananda/Ridgely) located next to the site.

Third, the plans disregard local zoning statutes.

Town of Marbletown residents are certainly supportive of utilizing existing classrooms and facilities at SUNY Ulster to educate our local volunteers. What is concerning is this location, the disclosure, and the county’s ultimate plans here and what other projects they have in mind (EMS training, helicopter transport that’s been proposed in the past, etc.).

So residents are raising their concerns here, fearful of another shoe to drop soon. Given the sites available and any statistical analysis of census data/ logistics, the county as lead agency for environmental review should recognize they’ve overlooked quite a bit here.

Local residents support their firefighters. However, better sites can be identified. When county officials are less than forthcoming with their planning, or flatly ignore and/or redirect its citizens, then local residents should and will voice their concerns. Brian R. Appleton

Stone Ridge