The latest news in the glacial saga of the maybe-someday-to-be-built Belleayre Resort happened yesterday -- the resort's developer, Crossroads Ventures, filed its revised environmental impact analysis of the proposed Shandaken resort project with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The Catskill Mountain News, the Times Herald-Record, and the Daily Freeman all had the story.
According to the Daily Freeman's Jay Braman, who also wrote the CMN story, this is the first sign of life for the project in three years:
Crossroads attorney Dan Ruzow said the document was filed with the state Department of Environmental Conservation early last week.
The state agency has 45 days to review the document to determine if it adequately addresses all of the environmental concerns raised three years ago, but Ruzow said Crossroads will not hold the agency to that timeframe.
Although the DEC may decide to approve or deny the project's latest iteration, there's still a big obstacle standing between Crossroads Ventues and breaking ground: New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
Last May, DiNapoli refused to approve a state purchase of 1,200 acres of land in Shandaken from Crossroads Ventures because, he contended, the price was $1.4 million more than the land was worth. According to the Catskill Mountain News, DiNapoli wrote:
“While I understand that you have identified this as a priority project important to the Catskills economy, environment and watershed, you have not provided justification that adequately supports such a large premium over the fair market value calculation done by your staff after gathering information, which included professional appraisals. You may resubmit this contract for further review if value factors change significantly,” he added.
As far as we know, Crossroads hasn't reduced its asking price, DiNapoli hasn't changed his position, and without the land deal, nothing can happen.
