SUNY Cobleskill Landscape Students Compete at National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Colorado

                                            SUNY Cobleskill Team Members at NCLC 2025

COBLESKILL — Students from SUNY Cobleskill’s Landscape Contract (BT), Landscape Development (AAS), and Plant Science programs participated in the 49th Annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), held March 19 to 22 in Fort Collins, Colo. The event brought together nearly 800 students from more than 50 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada for a week of hands-on competitive events, networking, and professional development.

Competing since the 1980s, SUNY Cobleskill continues to demonstrate its commitment to hands-on learning by fielding a team of students who apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. The competition spans a wide range of categories, including design, installation, business management, equipment operation, and plant sciences, giving students the opportunity to test their abilities and gain valuable industry experience.

“Participating in an event like NCLC gives our students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to challenges in a live setting,” said Tim Marten, Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor. “They have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, connect with peers from across the country, and gain insight into the expectations of top employers. Seeing them take on these challenges and grow through the experience is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

The Landscape Contracting and Landscape Development degree programs at Cobleskill, along with the Plant Science programs, prepare future leaders to excel across the diverse spectrum of landscape and green industries. Our graduates shape sustainable environments by designing, building, and managing landscapes, green spaces, restoration projects, campuses, and public park systems. Cobleskill students gain the knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of a dynamic industry while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient world.

Our alumni have gone on to establish firms, become executives and managers at some of the best companies in the industry, and even be elected president of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Cobleskill is one of nine NALP-accredited Bachelor's level programs in the U.S. and Canada. No other school in New York or New England is accredited by NALP.

 

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SSCS Update

By Tori Edwards 

SHARON SPRINGS - SSCS elementary student presented a marvelous Morning program on Friday March 28th. With the second-grade class show casing a spectacular presentation of the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.  

The monthly Positive Spartan Awards went to Warren Ducharme.  

The student council food drive went well with several boxes delivered to the Sharon Springs Food Pantry.  

The Sharing & Caring Program food basket sign up is until Friday April 4th at 2pm. This is only for SSCS residents with school aged child in the household. Please contact Mrs. Keaney at (518) 284-2266 ext. 106 for assistance. Kindergarten signups will be held on May 27th and May 28th in the Sharon Springs Central School Auditorium. Contact Ashley Puding at (518) 284-2266 ext. 114 to begin registration.  

April 10th elementary school students will be holding their Annual Talent Show at 8:20am.  

Keep up the great work students! Let’s go Spartans!!

 

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Chance Auction at Spa Ritz Luncheon

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club will celebrate mid-spring at its next luncheon meeting on Friday, April 11th at the Office for the Aging’s “Spa Ritz” meal site at the Sharon Springs Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. 

The Silver & Gold Senior Club positively contributes to the lives of so many! Members of this social club come from surrounding areas including Sharon, Cherry Valley, Cobleskill, Ames, and beyond.

With Seniors of all ages, this group is always open to new members! This is a great place to make new friends and catch up with the community! The after-lunch activities change monthly and are always something to mark the calendar for! Last month was an instructional demo from the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad for AEDs.

For the April Luncheon, expect a delicious and nutritious meal of baked chicken with cranberry glaze, wild rice, carrots & red peppers, cauliflower, fruit, and 1% milk served at noon. The senior club’s monthly business meeting will be conducted after lunch. The April gathering will conclude with an ever-popular chance auction of items donated by senior participants.

Individuals interested in attending the April 11th Silver & Gold Luncheon must register by calling the Spa Ritz meal site at (518) 284-2883 from 10 AM - 2 PM on Friday, April 4, Monday, April 7 or Wednesday, April 9. Area seniors interested in more information about the club should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse (137 Beechwood Road) M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2:00 PM. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

It was another cold one this past week with lows dipping below freezing with more of that on the way. The rain brought warmer temperatures that will stick around until early next week. Look out for more rain in the coming week with the chance of possible snow for Tuesday and a temperature drop again! 

The calendar of events for Sharon has been published so please stay tuned for all the exciting updates on the Spring Awakening in Sharon Springs, Spring Into Summer in Cherry Valley, and the popular Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Summer Concert Series! 

The third Annual Kayla S. Black Memorial Easter Egg Hunt at Sharon Springs Central School is coming up fast, scheduled for Saturday, April 19th at 2:00 PM. With nearly ten thousand eggs hidden all over the SSCS grounds, this HUGE Easter Egg Hunt boasts tons of candy and big prizes to kids of all ages! There will be facepainting and photo ops with the Easter Bunny too! If you have any questions, please contact (518) 729-7410 or check out the sponsor, KNK Landscaping on Facebook for any updates.

Sunnycrest Markets is open with more vendors than ever! Visit yourself to see what all the excitement is about! They have affordable groceries, produce, bulk items, ready-made food, furniture, and much more! The nursery is now open selling seedlings, hanging baskets, and more! They are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow @SunnycrestMarkets on social media for updates, sales, and more!

The Sap House at Stone House Farm in Sharon Springs is BACK now through April 19th for their 25th Season of these beloved weekend Pancake breakfasts! For more information on Sap House, please contact (518) 284-2476. They are located at 305 Lynk Road, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. 

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider and have cider donuts, cider slushes, and more for purchase too! The hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Wren’s Earth Refillery is now open for business by appointment only through the winter. The shop is located at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs, NY. You can shop anytime at WrensEarth.com or call (518) 925-4860 for more information.

Parsons Vegetable Farm has limited seasonal items available like cabbage!! Check out their social media for more info! The Outrageous Snack Snack is closed for the season but we’re already looking forward to fresh donuts in the Spring! 

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. The new Spring/Summer hours will be coming soon! For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

 

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Local History - The History of Richmondville

 

 

By Wildert Marte

Today, we’re continuing our series by our student intern Wildert Marte, who read from the famous 1882 History of Schoharie County by William Roscoe.

When I started reading about Richmondville, I didn’t expect to find such a rich and detailed history. I knew it was a small town in upstate New York, but I didn’t realize how much it had changed over the years. I found an old write up about the town’s early days on RootsWeb, and it was like opening a window into a completely different time. It made me think about how people used to live and how different life was back then even in the same places we walk through today.

One thing that stood out to me right away was that Richmondville wasn’t always called that. At first, it was just called “The Corners,” and later “Bennettsville.” It wasn’t until William Richmond and his family moved there in the early 1800s that the name changed for good. William Richmond came from New York City around 1806 and helped shape the town into something more than just a few houses in the woods. He didn’t just move there—he built things, started businesses, and gave people jobs. That kind of work changes a place forever. The more I read, the more I saw how important water power was to Richmondville’s early growth. The Cobleskill Creek flows right through the area, and people back then knew how to use it. They built mills—lots of them. Woolen mills, cotton mills, sawmills, and more. They used the power of the creek to run machinery, and that created jobs and attracted more families. I was surprised by how many different kinds of businesses they had. There were tanneries, stores, and even a carding machine for wool. All of this happened before there were cars, highways, or even electricity. It made me realize how creative and hardworking people had to be just to keep things going.

I also learned that Richmondville had its struggles. Fires were a big problem back then. In 1850, a fire destroyed part of the woolen factory, which could have ended things for the town. But instead of giving up, the people rebuilt. They brought in better machinery, hired more workers, and kept going. It reminded me of what I read about Don Dales and how he brought life back to Hobart by starting a bookstore. In both stories, someone saw potential in a place that others overlooked. They weren’t chasing quick money, they were trying to build something lasting. Another big moment in Richmondville’s history was when the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad came through. Before that, it was hard to move goods in and out of the area. But once the railroad showed up, it opened a lot of doors. Businesses had more customers, people had more options, and the town felt more connected to the outside world. It’s funny to think that something as simple as a train could change everything, but back then it made a huge difference.

What I really liked about the RootsWeb article was how it showed how close the community was. They didn’t have big factories or chain stores, they had local shops, family run businesses, and people who knew each other. When something went wrong, they fixed it together. When something worked, everyone shared in the success. It made me think about how different things are now. Today, it’s easy to feel like you’re on your own, but back then, your neighbors were everything. Reading about Richmondville made me see how much things can change over time but also how some things stay the same. The buildings might be different and the industries might be gone but the spirit of working hard and caring about your town is still around. It also made me think about my own future. As a business major, I want to build something meaningful one day. And just like William Richmond or the people who rebuilt after the fire, I know it won’t be easy. But if you believe in what you’re doing and take the long view, it’s possible to create something that lasts. 

Richmondville might seem like a small, quiet place today, but its history proves that big things can happen in small towns. All it takes is one person with a vision, a community that  believes in itself, and the determination to keep going even when things get hard. That’s something I’ll try to remember as I plan for my future and maybe even visit Richmondville to see it all for myself someday.

 

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Sharon Springs Forward Small Project Fund Now Open for Applications - Register for Informational Session

SCHOHARIE COUNTY – Sharon Springs, a historic village in Schoharie County, has been awarded $2.25 million through the NY Forward initiative to revitalize its downtown while preserving its unique history and arts community.

As part of this effort, $300,000 has been allocated to the Small Project Fund, supporting historic renovations, public art, mixed-use housing upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements in the Village’s Historic District.

Grant Applications Open Until May 1st
SEEC is administering the fund, and interested applicants can submit proposals at seecny.org/small-project-fund. To assist applicants, SEEC will host informational Zoom sessions on Wednesday, April 9, from 7-8 PM. Register at seecny.org.

Applicants will receive support from an environmental specialist and a designer to optimize project impact. Reviews will take place in May, with award notifications expected in July and construction beginning in 2026.

For more information, contact Trish Bergan, SEEC Program Administrator at admin@seecny.org or 518-517-1700.

 

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Sharon Springs Event Calendar

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — Sharon Springs is gearing up for another memorable year with its 2025 Event Calendar courtesy of the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce. This year will promise a vibrant array of activities for locals and visitors alike. 

From the charming seasonal festivals to unique cultural gatherings, this picturesque and bucolic Village is set to host events that highlight its rich heritage, close-knit community, and spirit. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to this hidden gem, the upcoming schedule offers something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate!

Breakfast at the Sap House at Stone House Farm through April 19th.

Beekman 1802 Presents Baby Goat Tours - April 5, 12, 19, 26 & May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Visit beekman 1802.com for details.

Annual Great Book Giveaway - April 5 at the Sharon Springs Free Library.

Spring Awakening - April 12. Seasonal shops reopening in the Village!

Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Presents the Dance Festival May 2-3 at the Sharon Springs Central School. Visit klinkhart.org for details.

Hero Fund America Presents Tour for First Responders on June 6-8 for a Road Rally & fundraiser!

SSCS Alumni Banquet June 14th at the Coach Doig Gym.

U-Pick Lavender & Events Mid-June thru July at Slate Hill Lavender Farm. Visit slatehill-lavenderfarm.com.

Garage Sale Days on July 26. Contact the United Methodist Church for more information.

Klinkhart Music in the Park Summer Music Series is free to the public every Wednesday evening at Chalybeate Park. Schedule of Concerts: July 2 - Melody Makers, July 9 - CV6, July 16 - Stompin' on 2nd Street, July 23 - Annie & the Hedonists, July 30 - Double Barreled, and Aug 6 - Lucia & Levi.

Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Presents Oscar Wilde Memorial Lecture at the Sharon Springs Free Library on August 1. Visit klinkhart.org for details.

Sharon Springs Harvest Festival on September 20-21. Join us for our biggest celebration of the year featuring vendors, food trucks, live music, and more!

Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Presents the Poetry Festival on October 16-18. Visit klinkhart.org for details. 

Trunk or Treat on October 31 at the Sharon Springs Central School Oval.

Small Business Saturday on November 29 to Support Sharon Springs' retailers.

Holiday Parade of Lights on December 5 at the Sharon Springs Central School and Sharon Springs Fire Department.

With a calendar brimming with excitement and fun, Sharon Springs invites you to join in celebrating the events that make the Village truly unique. Mark your calendars now, embrace the spirit of community, and get ready to make this year one to remember! For more information please visit www.sharonspringschamber.org.

 

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Richmondville Village Board To Hold Public Hearing On Budget

RICHMONDVILLE — The Village of Richmondville Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on the tentative 2025-26 budget on Thursday, April 10. It starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Richmondville Firehouse, 288 Main Street.

The board will present the tentative budget in advance of the state deadline of May 1 for villages to adopt budgets for 2025-26. Mayor Carl Warner Jr. and the Trustees have been busy in recent weeks holding budget workshop meetings and getting the budget numbers together.

 

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Catskill Center Protects Platte Clove Viewshed and Expands Platte Clove Preserve with Acquisition of Key Parcel

ARKVILLE — The Catskill Center has secured the last undeveloped parcel of land at the head of Platte Clove in the Town of Hunter, adding 3.6 acres to the existing 208-acres of Platte Clove Preserve. This acquisition ensures the continued preservation of this historic and scenic area and will help manage visitor use in the future.

“The opportunity to acquire this critical piece of land at the head of Platte Clove adjacent to our Platte Clove Preserve is a major step forward in our mission to safeguard one of the Catskills’ most treasured landscapes,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “Platte Clove has long been a place of inspiration, adventure, and ecological significance, and this addition will help ensure its natural integrity while improving our ability to balance preservation with responsible recreation.”

The Catskill Center has been at the forefront of land preservation in the Catskills for over five decades. As a nationally accredited land trust, the Catskill Center protects more than 2,000 acres through conservation easements and manages over 300 acres of its own preserved land. This recent acquisition builds on a long history of land stewardship in the Catskills, which began in 1974 with the donation of the first 100 acres that would become the Platte Clove Preserve.

Today, the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve is a renowned outdoor recreation destination, offering unparalleled scenic views, an impressive waterfall, and extensive hiking connections to the greater Catskill Park and surrounding state Forest Preserve lands. Visitors to the preserve can access a vista depicted in some of America’s most iconic 19th-Century landscape paintings at a designated site on the Hudson River School Art Trail, explore the 61-foot Plattekill Falls via the Waterfall Trail, or embark on longer treks along the Overlook Trail, which links to Devil’s Path, Echo Lake, and Overlook Mountain. On the north side of Platte Clove Road, the preserve is crossed by other popular trails, including the Long Path and Huckleberry Point Trail.

As the popularity of the entire Platte Clove area has grown in recent years, so too has the strain on its roads, public access areas, trails, and natural areas. Increased visitation has put added pressure on this historically and ecologically significant landscape, making thoughtful, sustainable management more critical than ever. The newly acquired 3.6-acre parcel is a pivotal addition, giving the Catskill Center the space and flexibility to better manage visitor flow, provide more interpretation, protect sensitive habitats, and ensure that the area remains both accessible and environmentally resilient well into the future.

Securing this land was made possible through the generosity of a dedicated donor, who provided key financial support to cover a significant portion of the cost. However, to complete the acquisition, the Catskill Center drew from its general operating funds and is now seeking additional support from donors to fully cover the expense of protecting and managing this key parcel of land. Donations can be made at catskillcenter.org/donate.

The Catskill Center looks forward to working with the Town of Hunter, Greene County, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, our local elected officials, and community members to protect, interpret and manage visitation in this area.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Working collaboratively with partners like the Catskill Center is critical to advancing New York State’s efforts to protect open space. DEC is grateful to the Catskill Center for its efforts to protect and enhance access to the magnificent Platte Clove Preserve. As New York State works to meet its goals to preserve 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 while providing additional opportunities to access the outdoors, acquisitions like this parcel in Platte Cove strengthen our ability to protect scenic and ecologically important areas, provide high quality visitor experiences, and boost local economies.”

Sean Mahoney, Supervisor of the Town of Hunter said, “The Town of Hunter applauds the Catskill Center for their continued dedication to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Platte Clove located within our Town. This acquisition is a significant step in ensuring that one of the most breathtaking and historically rich areas of the Catskills remains protected for future generations. As visitation to our town and region continues to grow, we recognize and appreciate the importance of thoughtful stewardship and sustainable management. We are grateful for the Catskill Center’s leadership in conservation and look forward to working together to balance preservation with responsible recreation.”

Daryl Legg, Greene County Legislator said, “I am very excited about the purchase of the property next to the old Griswold Farm by the Catskill Center. This creates an excellent opportunity for strengthening the relationship between the NYSDEC, Catskill Center, and the Town of Hunter for improving access to the popular trailheads at the top of Platte Clove. In addition, the County has a project to repair the Devil’s Kitchen Bridge just to the east of this property and the purchase of this property creates new opportunities to assist with this work. The purchase of the property is a win for everyone on the mountaintop.”

David Kukle, President of the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway said, “Exciting news and applause for all that made this happen, a positive beginning for 2025. The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development’s savings of this unique property, adjacent to Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve and the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway, located at the head of Platte Clove Gorge (Devil’s Kitchen) and the historic stone arched bridge is very important as this property is central to the history and future experiences of Platte Clove. This purchase will go far in furthering the missions of the Catskill Center within the Catskills. We look forward to the plans that the Center is developing that will enhance the safety, educational and interpretive learning experiences for the visitors that visit our sensitive natural resources. Their foresight of planning and investing in the protection of sensitive lands needs to be replicated throughout the Catskills where necessary.” 

Land Trust Accreditation 

The Catskill Center is an accredited land trust, having recently renewed accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Accreditation is a distinction of the Catskill Center’s excellence and ability to permanently protect the natural spaces we love. The existing 208-acre Platte Clove Preserve was generously donated to the Catskill Center by the Griswold family beginning in 1975 for the permanent protection of the extraordinary flora, fauna and geologic and historic features present on the property. Today, visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails, a stop on the Hudson River School Art Trail, and a stunning 61-foot tall waterfall. To learn more, visit www.catskillcenter.org/platte-clove-preserve.

 

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MTC Cable Introduces Expanded Services with New Affordable Content Tiers

MARGARETVILLE — MTC Cable is proud to announce exciting advancements in our cable tv  offerings, designed to provide customers with greater flexibility, value, and accessibility. In May of 2024, we  launched MTC Cable +, an app-based streamed version of our traditional Cable TV lineup, which has already  transformed how our customers enjoy entertainment. This innovative service delivers exciting new features  and expanded viewing options through Wi-Fi-connected devices in the home. Now, in April of 2025, we’re expanding the viewing options by introducing two new content tiers to meet the  diverse needs of our customers: 

• Essentials Package: Starting at just $9.95 per month (when bundled with standalone broadband), this  package includes Hyper Local Programming and over 300 theme-focused channels, offering incredible  variety and value. 

• Stream Plus Package: Starting at $19.95 per month (when bundled with standalone broadband), this  comprehensive package includes everything in the Essentials Package plus over 40 live-streamed  national channels including favorites like Hallmark, Lifetime, History, Outdoor channel and more!  

To make the most of these new packages, MTC recommends pairing them with the Force One Set-Top Box, at  only $5.95 per month, this powerful device delivers enhanced performance and a seamless viewing  experience. With the Force One, customers can easily access all their favorite channels and streaming content  in one place, ensuring an intuitive and hassle-free experience. DVR Recording available for packages Stream+  and above on your favorite shows, enjoy a vast library of free and subscription-based content and its sleek  design ensures less wires and hassle in the home.  

“We’re committed to providing flexible, enriching, and cutting-edge entertainment options to our customers,”  said Glen Faulkner, General Manager at MTC Cable. “With these new packages and the added capabilities of  the Force One Set-Top Box, we’re delivering on our promise to meet the evolving needs of our customers.” 

MTC Cable’s expanded services reflect our ongoing mission to enhance the customer experience, offering  unmatched convenience and value. To learn more about our new packages and features, visit  www.mtctel.com or contact us at 877-727-2288. 

About MTC Cable 

MTC Cable is a leading provider of broadband, cable TV, and phone services in the Central Catskills Region,  offering innovative solutions to meet the needs of today’s connected households. With a focus on customer  satisfaction and technological advancements, we strive to deliver exceptional service and value to our  communities.

 

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Potential RV Park In Fleischmanns Raises Concerns - Negotiations Paused, DOH Permit Application In Works

By Mary A. Crisafulli

FLEISCHMANNS - Mountain Jam Festival organizers have been advertising and selling tickets for guests to camp RVs at the Fleischmanns Village Park on Wagner Avenue for over a month, but have yet to obtain proper permits. The festival is scheduled for June 20-22 with campsites available for up to a four-day pass.

Trustee Miguel Martinez-Riddle reports having "received a barrage of local complaints from both residents of the village and people who use our park."  Martinez-Riddle is concerned the campsite is not permitted under local zoning laws. He points to several regulations which include site plan review, special use permits, and special rules for campsites in historic, flood, and residential districts.

"While I am not against accommodating such uses of Village property in the future, they should be planned out and set up properly in advance, and not in the park," Martinez-Riddle said, "I believe the people pushing this through, under the cover of darkness, with no community input and no enforcement of our zoning laws are short-sighted and do not value the gift that is the Fleischmanns park."

Martinez-Riddle believes the proposition "clashes with the original intent of the Fleischmanns family when they gifted this space to the village."

The park was donated to the village by Julius Fleischmann back in 1914. The original agreement included a clause that the area be used for a baseball park and athletic purposes only, be free to the public, and never be sold or sublet.

However, Mayor Samuel Gil said the agreement was adjusted in 1934. Gil said the park was used for a similar arrangement a few years back for the Kansas City BBQ Festival which was planned two years in a row. "We will be reviewing all the zoning laws and regulations and any special items that will prevent us from using the village park," he said.

Mountain Athletic Club Vintage Base Ball Manager Collin Miller says the park holds historic value in addition to not being permitted for sublet. Miller has played 19th-century baseball in Fleischmanns since 2007. With a 130-year baseball history, Miller said the park was recognized by the State and National Historic Places Registry in 2021.

"If there is an interest in using the land to generate revenue for the village, it is the mission of the Mountain Athletic Club Vintage Baseball Club to create opportunities for such events to occur, but obviously not if the field is unplayable due to improper use," said Miller, "It's a soccer and baseball field first."

If a permit is requested, Gil said the village will set several clauses in the contract including 24-hour security, a fence around the park to prohibit entry into the creak or surrounding properties, no campfires, no free-roaming pets, and quiet time from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m. The Delaware County Sheriff's Department will be contacted to increase patrolling of the area during camping duration. Gil plans to require organizers to hire a local landscaping company to return the fields to their original or better state. In addition, he hopes to obtain a $7,000 rental fee for the park.

"Everything will be done properly and for the betterment of the Village, whether it happens OR not," Gil concluded.

Although Gil is preparing for a potential permit request by organizers, the village is not currently engaged in contract negotiations. Organizers must first obtain proper permits from the New York State Department of Health (DOH). DOH Public Information Officer Marissa Crary said no permit application has been submitted to DOH for the campground. "The Health Department is aware of the planning and has communicated requirements to the municipality and the event organizers."

More information regarding specific requirements can be found by visiting regs.health.ny.gov/content/subpart-7-3-campgrounds.

Ulster County has taken the role of lead agency regarding health and safety regulations for the festival.

A public informational regarding the festival is scheduled Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shandaken Town Hall, 7209 NY-28.

 

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