Saugerties Proposes Expansion of Glasco Ponds Stormwater District

Saugerties, New York, is moving forward with plans to expand the Glasco Ponds Stormwater Management District. The proposal aims to include nine additional properties in a district that has been under development for over a decade. A public hearing held on October 15, 2023, attracted limited attendance, with only two residents voicing concerns regarding the notice period for the meeting.

Resident Michael Sasso, who is also a candidate for a seat on the Town Board, expressed frustration over the lack of notification. “I’m positive if anyone else in my neighborhood knew about this, they’d be here tonight,” he stated. The public hearing notice was approved during the board’s meeting on October 1.

The stormwater district encompasses a developed area along Bromley Road, Broadway Road, and Harrison Court. Supervisor Fred Costello explained that the original project was initiated over ten years ago, marking the first subdivision to receive stormwater management approval in the area. The current hearing addresses the addition of new lots to the existing district, a necessary step as the second phase of development is now complete.

While the public notice indicated that there would be no capital costs associated with the expansion, Sasso raised concerns about potential maintenance expenses, which would be funded through townwide taxes. He noted that the ponds have remained in good condition, primarily due to maintenance efforts by the Highway Department. “The ponds are still in pristine condition after five years because the Highway Department’s been taking care of them simply by mowing,” he remarked.

Costello responded by stating that property owners should not be held responsible for issues caused by developers. “It’s an easy riddle to solve when the pond is encompassed by one owner,” he said. “When it is shared infrastructure, it is a little bit more challenging.” He emphasized that the initial public hearing process allowed for community input, establishing best practices for managing shared costs of stormwater improvements.

The economic implications of adding more homes to the district also came into focus during the discussion. Costello highlighted that increasing the number of properties could lead to lower maintenance costs for all residents involved. “Adding additional homes should reduce the costs of the maintenance of the district for everyone involved,” he stated.

The need for a stormwater district is underscored by the challenges faced in nearby neighborhoods such as Barclay Heights, established in the 1950s and 1960s. Costello pointed out that failures in these older developments create complications due to outdated infrastructure. “One of the lessons of Barclay Heights is that when there is a failure there, we’re challenged,” he said. He added that without proper easements and consistent outfalls, repairs become both time-consuming and costly.

As the proposal progresses, it remains crucial for the community to remain informed and engaged. The potential expansion of the Glasco Ponds Stormwater Management District reflects ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure and address the challenges posed by stormwater management in Saugerties.