Early Christmas on Mohegan Lake

The 2014, Second Annual Mohegan Lake Ice Fishing Derby and Skating Extravaganza is upon us.  I got a few laps in with my father, who is visiting yesterday.  Remember to have some idea what you are doing, take care and use the buddy system.  Weather looks like it won't be safe for the next week, but this--as the subject alludes to--was an early Christmas present. 

Rejoice and make an offering to the gods of cold, cold weather. 

Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing 12/12/2013

It's important to note that the ZBA will likely be taking action on the Faith Bible application this week.  The application has been closed for about 3 months or so, but still no decision after two meetings.  It will be exciting to hear from former building inspector and current ZBA member, William Gregory. 

Expect a quick turnaround approved zoning variances Thursday and a Planning Board meeting on December 23rd (I know, right, shouldn't they postpone that meeting in observance of the Christmas holiday?).

One reason it is believed that the application has been closed for so long with no decision (very rare)  is the applicant's grossly deficient SEQR application; a small sampling of our objections are at the bottom of this link.

Substantive Compliance
Aldrich v. Pattison 107 AD2d 258 (2d Dept 1985)
Where the question is the adequacy or content of the environmental review conducted, rather than whether the right steps were followed, agencies need to substantially comply with both the letter and spirit of the law. Where an agency has made a reasoned decision on a thorough record, the court will not substitute its judgment, but will allow the agency to exercise some discretion. See also Jackson v. UDC 67 NY2d 400 (1986).

Mmmmmm...uncoordinated review: so meaty. It looks like we may be blessed this year to have a long and spirited Christmas Eve-Eve in front of the Planning Board.

Moose Hit on The Taconic In Fahnestock

This site has been dormant for a few months. Glad to be back. Expect lots of news on several subjects--very soon. In the meantime, please enjoy this Journal News piece on the dead moose. Photo courtesy of the NYSDEC: