The agreement between the Town of Schoharie and Cobleskill Stone Products will meet stiff resistance next Wednesday.
Opponents of the settlement are expected at the town board meeting next Wednesday to voice objection to the agreement that would allow an expanded quarry in exchange for several concessions.
Despite the anticipation of a large crowd, the meeting is still scheduled to be held at the Schoharie town hall at 300 Main Street, beginning at 7pm.
In exchange for ending future legal battles with the town, CSP would get the right to expand its mining area near Rickard Hill Road. Cobleskill Stone would also agree to give several concessions but several leaders of the group Save Our Schoharie scoffed at the proposed concessions.
Peter Johnson, the treasurer for SOS, noted that most of the "alleged" concessions regarding reduction of dust and noise would be covered by a state Department of Environmental Conservation permit.
"They're not concessions because they're nothing for Cobleskill Stone to give away," Mr. Johnson said.
Bob Montione, chairman of SOS, agreed that other concessions are already required by state law.
One is that CSP would cover the rear of their trucks with tarps. This is already required by the state, he pointed out.
"I don't see that as a concession."
Another concession would be that CSP would sweep the streets to "reasonably" keep down dust.
Mr. Montione pointed out that according to its 2010 permit, no dust was to leave the CSP facility.
That new concession would actually "loosen their permit requirements," Mr. Montione stressed.
The proposed settlement notes that CSP filed plans in 2014 to downsize the quarry expansion by providing a 600-foot buffer from Warner Hill Road. Those plans are currently under review by the DEC.
The quarry expansion would force the re-location of Rickard Hill Road through the proposed buffer area and next to Lasell Park and would remove a key tree stand, according to Mr. Montione.
In the end the new proposal would increase the expansion by about eight acres, he noted.
"They are actually expanding the area not reducing it," Mr. Montione argued. "That's not a concession."
CSP would also donate land to the village to expand Lasell Park for $1.
The town should receive a much more valuable piece, he countered.
"That's the least valuable piece of land they would have offered them. I do not see that as a plus for the town."
Under the agreement, the town's concessions would be immediate while those of CSP would be in two to 30 years, Mr. Montione noted.
The settlement is "not in the best interest of the town and village of Schoharie," Mr. Johnson added. "It's just a deal."
Many people have become weary over the legal battles that began in 2005 and want the issue resolved, Mr. Johnson conceded.
"But this isn't the way to end it."
The town has spent more than $500,000 in legal fees since 2005 and could spend another $100,000 more if the issue goes to trial.
The town, Mr. Montione added, would get no money in the agreement for past expenses and would have to pay to enforce the stipulations in the agreement.
"As far as we can tell, this is all about money," he said. "I'm not sure how much money they're saving."
Both men noted that the town can accept donations to help for future court battles.
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Montione are both hoping for a large turnout at the April 13 meeting.
Save Our Schoharie's page on Facebook has outlined the issues with the concession and a petition has been started on change.org.
A direct mailing is being done to town residents and flyers are being left at homes.
"The people of the town need more time to consider," Mr. Johnson added.
There is no reason that town board members need to sign the agreement at their April 13 meeting, he said.