Threats to the Ridge Actions that should be taken to save the Ridge About the Shawangunk Ridge Coalition Media coverage about the Shawangunk Ridge Learn more about the environment of the Shawangunk Ridge Conservation efforts on the Shawangunk Ridge Recreation on the Shawangunk Ridge Maps of the Shawangunk Ridge Links to supporters and affiliated sites Search this site for information Contact information for the Shawangunk Ridge Coalition Return to our home page

A Unique Place of Beauty
Wallkill Valley Times, January 15, 2003

The Shawangunks have been called one of the last great
places on earth. That may be only a slight exaggeration.

The Shawangunk Ridge is a place of unique and
unquestioned beauty. It attracts an assortment of hikers,
bikers, climbers and photographers from throughout the
world. One of the centerpieces of the Shawangunk Ridge is
the 2,660-acre Awosting Reserve, located in the Towns of
Gardiner, Shawangunk and Wawarsing.

The Awosting Reserve is, for the moment at least,
unspoiled. That could change relatively soon. Owner John
Bradley has made plans to build 349 homes and an 18-hole
golf course on land surrounding Tillson Lake. The first
phase of the development calls for building 50 new homes
with the hopes of building approximately 300 more on two
to 2.5-, one- and .5-acre lots in Gardiner arid Shawangunk
The plans call for the homes, called retreats, cottages and
cabins, to be clustered in small communities connected by
cul-de-sac roads. The Tillson Lake area will also have a club
house, a beach site, a sports garden with a fitness center and
swimming pool and a mountain lodge for community dining.
The land that is not developed -totaling 1,753.43 acres
-will remain in a non-profit land trust called Awosting
Trust, where recreational access will be restricted to residents
of the development.

Bradley has called it a green development, with weekend
homes clustered in small communities connected by
cul-de-sac roads. The "cottages" will be between 2,000 and
4,000 sq. feet and located on lots ranging in size from a half
acre to two-and-a-half acres.

Critics see it in other terms, suggesting that in addition
to spoiling the landscape, it will become an enclave for the
ultra rich.

There are other concerns as well. What assurances can
the developers give that the "cottages" will remain in the
hands of Weekenders, and not go to year-round residents
who will increase the area's school population? Much of
the proposed development lies within the bounds of the
already-overcrowded Pine Bush School District. And there
are the usual concerns that accompany any large-scale proposal.

At full build-out, the housing development is expected
to use 20,000 gallons of water per day, and the golf
course is expected to use 50,000 gals per day. Opponents
of the plan suggest this estimate is too low.

The first concern, though, is the view, and how any
development along the ridge could cause permanent damage.
That may be the greatest obstacle, since any rejected
development plans can always be modified and resubmitted.

Lest the situation appear hopeless, one need only be
reminded of another mountaintop proposal two decades
ago. The Marriott Hotel chain had plans for condominiums
around Lake Minnewaska. Widespread opposition led to
acquisition of the property by the Palisades Interstate Parks
Commission via eminent domain [not true]. It is now a state park.

That could be where we are headed A place of unique
and unspoiled beauty, after all, should be enjoyed by everyone.
==============
This article has been text scanned. Some errors may have occurred.