Board appeared intent on delaying hearing

Dear Editor: I attending the July 15 meeting of the town of Kingston Planning Board meeting about the proposed 850 Route 28 project. Attendees were wanded by security, asked to sign in, and then seated in the meeting room.

The meeting was never called to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was not recited. The minutes from the previous meeting were not read. Business regarding the solar power company was conducted quickly, and then we were told we would need to wait for almost half an hour before the Route 28 project could be discussed.

At the end of that time, without any discussion among the board members, the attorney announced that the room’s capacity had been exceeded and the meeting was canceled.

Of course, the pretext that the room was over capacity was absurd on its face. Since we were all wanded as we entered, and asked to sign in, it was obvious how many people were interested in this meeting. And there were at least as many people at the June meeting, which proceeded without incident.

Because the meeting was never officially called to order, and yet official business was conducted, I can only assume this was a deliberate effort by the Planning Board to delay the hearing. This seems like a gross misstep.

I hope the Planning Board will find a more appropriate venue for this crucial meeting. In June, we were told no larger venue was available. I trust that is no longer the case and that this meeting can be rescheduled quickly.

Sarah Wenk Kingston