Hughes Energy withdraws application to build plant in Goshen

During a public hearing on amending Chapter 80B of the town code, it was announced that Hughes Energy Group has withdrawn its application to build a pilot facility to convert solid waste into fiber in the town of Goshen.

Supervisor Joseph Betro made the announcement at the September 12 town board meeting when a resident pressed him on whether the change in town code was being made to accommodate the energy company. Betro said the state DEC ruled that Hughes’ purpose was redundant, as the technology to convert solid waste into fiber already existed and more testing was not necessary.

The public hearing brought out 10 or so speakers from the public who feared the change in town law would allow another waste facility in the town. Betro told The Chronicle that such speculation was “fear and fabrication” and the only practical impact of the law was to allow IWS to make improvements at their site on Hartley Road.

As of 2014, the law states solid waste facilities must be on a state or county road and IWS is on a town road. This became an issue when the company went before the planning board in February to do work on their site. The new code would specify that already existing locations are grandfathered into town code.

That didn’t stop the public from venting their suspicions at the town board.

One resident said, “If approved this expansion could pave the way for another dump site on the 17M corridor.” She said the town already has two superfund sites.

Another resident said, “We already have two toxic landfills in Goshen. Please don’t play games with the water and our land and houses.”

Yet another said, “The idea of expanding any kind of solid waste in this town would be unforgiveable.”

Betro said the code adjustment is limited in scope. Some members of the public complained that IWS has not been a good neighbor and the town should not be accommodating them.

Betro acknowledged IWS was in arrears to the town and operating without a permit since 2011 but said the town has made a $200,000 settlement with them and that they will be getting a permit now. He told The Chronicle he did not know why the code enforcement officer under the previous administrations had allowed IWS off the hook.

The town board adjourned the public hearing until September 26 when it will continue.

Other business

Also on September 26 the town board will hold a public hearing to discuss passing a law to allow them to override the state’s tax cap. Betro said he was unsure whether the town would need to surpass the tax cap but mentioned that insurance premiums and retirement costs were way up this year.

In other news, the board voted to increase Carter Hauling permits from $100 to $150. They postponed a discussion on hiring a new part-time clerk until September 26.

The board approved a water system for the Maplewood Village project development. After the developer builds the water system it will be turned over the town of Goshen.

The board also agreed to sign a master agreement with Kimley-Horn Engineering and Landscape Architecture of New York, P.C. for professional services.