TOWN OF DEERPARK – The Lower Huguenot Neighborhood Alliance is challenging the Deerpark Planning Board’s declaration of negative environmental impact on a large-scale project proposed for the former New Hope Farms property in the hamlet of Huguenot.
Xin Shi Ji Corporation, New Century Film Distribution and New Center Film Public Foundation, all operating as New Century Film, initially won approval for an eight-room hotel and restaurant, but then announced plans for an 85-room hotel in a converted barn, two new restaurants, two new 10,000 square foot film studios, and a four-story parking garage.
The neighborhood group has filed an Article 78 proceeding in State Supreme Court demanding a full environmental review, not the negative declaration, because of the scope of the plans, said attorney John Barone.
“They overlooked the negative impacts to water quality and supply, ecological impacts to insects, fish, wildlife and habitat, the Neversink River itself, as well as community character and recreation such as the fly fishing community,” he said.
Barone said beyond that, New Century is also building in the flood plain and is proposing a new wastewater treatment plant, all of which requires a proper environmental review.
