Community Opposes Logging Town Properties

By Mary A. Crisafulli

BOVINA - Several Bovina residents attended the Jan. 14th Town Board meeting to express concerns regarding possible logging of town property. Community upset was sparked after the board discussed logging the 65 acre property that houses the highway department salt shed and transfer station. The idea was proposed following the rejection of a grant application to update the existing playground through the O'Connor Foundation.

The main concerns included issues with water drainage, soil erosion, and damaging valuable hiking land. Several attendees indicated they lived below the town property that has a steep slope. Two residents pointed out that the recently updated Comprehensive Plan noted the community values trees and cares about protecting the environment. "Most of us came here because we enjoy the trees," one resident said, "Losing that would be damaging to all of us." Another attendee noted that town assets should be reserved for sale only for emergencies.

While the majority of individuals pleaded for the logging discussion to cease, one person felt it could be logical for the town to log some of the property to improve the playground for other families. They noted that loggers are required to pay attention to water runoff and other environmental factors.

During consideration of the comments, Supervisor Tina Molè assured attendees the discussion was "very preliminary" , noting it was a quick ten-minute discussion as a potential option for increasing revenues. It was one option mentioned after being denied grant funding, she said, "It is disappointing it has become such a controversial thing of the last month."

Councilmember Jillian LaFever, who is heading the playground project, echoed Molè adding the town is simply researching potential assets. LaFever is still pursuing other funding opportunities including re-applying for the O'Connor grant.

Highway Superintendent Edward Weber, who had reached out to logging companies, noted that the loggers would be required to follow New York City Watershed regulations and would not clear-cut the property.

Molè also noted that the Watershed Agricultural Center (WAC) would walk the town through the entire process for review. However, she reiterated that nothing has been decided.

Several residents against logging volunteered their services to fundraise or research grants to fund the playground project. Members of the Bovina 5K Planning Committee wrote a letter to the board stating their willingness to donate the proceeds of the 2025 run for playground updates.

LaFever is reviewing alternate fencing options to reduce costs.

In another discussion, the town was asked to consider placing automated external defibrillators (AED) at the community center. The device is used to treat a person experiencing heart conditions such as cardiac arrest when the heart stops working. Other community organizations asked to participate include the church, library, historical society, and Veterans Affairs.

The council's main issues with having the AED is regarding liability and use. Councilmember Marni Greenberg said the machines require a trained operator to be available at all times. Molè will contact the town attorney for clarity on liability issues.

The town held its organizational meeting prior to the regular meeting where several appointments and designations were made. The following appointments were made: Councilmember Evelyn Stewart-Barnhart, deputy supervisor, Ed Weber, dog control officer, Ray LaFever, town historian, Ed Weber, driveway access inspector, Dr. Michael Freeman, health officer, Dale Downin, code enforcement officer, Christa Schafer, bookkeeper and budget officer. Carrie Hewitt Choquette was appointed as planning board representative court clerk, registrar of vital statistics, and deputy town clerk. Alyson Phillips of Young, Summer Law Firm was appointed town attorney. David Jawlkower was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term ending Dec. 2029. Don Farly was appointed to the Planning Board for a term ending Dec. 2029.

Delaware National Bank of Delhi and Wayne Bank will serve as the official depositories. The Mountain Eagle was designated the official newspaper.

Acting advisors will remain the same - Jillinne LaFever, transfer station and playground, Evelyn Stewart-Barnhart, audit and finance, Marni Greenberg, audit and planning board liaison, Dominic Gullow, highway, Tina Molè, buildings, and Cathie Hewitt, community hall scheduler.

Meetings will remain the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the community hall except November. The next regular meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.