If granted, a stay would at least temporarily keep these earthmovers from moving earth
GOSHEN – Buoyed by this week’s Appellate Division decision upholding a Town of Goshen citizen referendum on Legoland, the attorney representing opponents said now is the time to start campaigning.
Michael Sussman addressed the usual standing-room-only crowd in his small conference room, Thursday afternoon, and was optimistic.
“I think we are still in a position to win, so let’s not imagine there’s no chance.”
Sussman said the immediate mission is to seize the opportunity.
“Really, this is the only time that people in this community have as a group, in this town, are going to have a chance to vote on this project and that’s what this vote is about for us. It’s ‘do you want this or don’t you want this’. Even though that’s not officially what it is, that is what it is.”
Sussman will be back in court today, seeking a stay that would, for now, stop Merlin Entertainment, which is already clearing land, in its tracks. He rehashed the major longstanding complaints against the town board and planning board, including what he argues is a “predisposition” to approve Legoland even before any scoping sessions.
He said he’s fully aware Merlin is a very big corporation with substantial resources and likely will seek ways around any obstacles, including preparing new site plans.
Phil Royle, the director of development for Legoland New York referred all questions about the potential referendum and related litigation to the town.
“We are moving ahead as we continue to build Legoland New York,” he said. “The town’s SEQRA review included an alternative for the construction of the park without the purchase of town-owned lots. The changes are not substantial and would not delay Legoland New York from opening in 2020.”
Royle said the sale of the town-owned land would “provide income and additional water resources to the Town of Goshen, addressing long-term water shortage concerns in the Arcadia Hills community.”
