The Delaware Riverkeeper Network is calling on the Town of Highland Planning Board to hold an additional public hearing on the Camp FIMFO draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), citing a lack of proper notice and timing as required by the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). The proposed Camp Fimfo project is a proposed campground along the Delaware River in Barryville, NY. The name of the camp is an acronym for ”fun is more fun outside.”
We spoke to Maya van Rossum, leader of Delaware Riverkeeper, about the request for an additional hearing.
In a letter to the Planning Board, the environmental advocacy group argues that the town did not provide the required 14-day notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area. Delaware Riverkeeper contends that the notice was not published in a local newspaper by December 4, despite the requirement that it be published at least 14 days before the hearing. The group also points out that the public hearing was held earlier than allowed by SEQR regulations, which stipulate that the hearing must take place no less than 15 days after the filing of the notice of completion of the draft EIS. The notice was published on December 4, making December 19 the earliest possible date for the hearing.
The Town of Highland Planning Board is accepting public comments until Friday, January 10, on the draft
EIS for the proposed Camp FIMFO project.
Image: A billboard on Route 97 in the Town of Highland, N.Y., promotes the planned conversion to Camp FIMFO. (Credit: Delaware Currents)
Here is a letter template to send, just copy and paste. Send to
PLANNINGBOARDZBA@townofhighlandny.com
Dear Highland Planning Board,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed Camp FIMFO project and its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). I have several questions that I believe require thorough answers before this project can proceed:
How does this large-scale corporate resort align with the concept of “traditional camping” that our area is known for?
In what ways does this extensive development benefit our town and the future of the river corridor? Please provide specific, measurable impacts.
Can you provide accurate wastewater management figures based on realistic capacity estimates, including weekday usage?
How does a massive resort situated on the river align with the rural character of our town?
What contingency plans are in place for the numerous cabins located in a flood zone in the event of an extreme weather event? Has a full-scale evacuation drill been conducted for these “temporary RVs”?
On what grounds is FIMFO exempt from adhering to the River Management Plan and our town’s comprehensive plan?
The current plans include several areas marked for “Future Expansion.” This contradicts previous statements that the presented plan was final. Can you explain this discrepancy?
These questions highlight significant concerns about the project’s impact on our community and environment. I respectfully request that the planning board carefully consider these issues and provide detailed responses before making any decisions on the Camp FIMFO proposal.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
It has been made abundantly clear by the amount of public outcry, that the residents do not want this complex in the Upper Delaware region. Residents are deeply concerned about the water usage and impact on wells, the light and noise pollution levels, and the impact on the river. The people who do want this project to go forward DO NOT LIVE HERE.
Once a project like this is permitted to go through there is no going back. This project would destroy the integrity of the area. Sullivan County has seen a significant increase in economic development since the Covid epidemic.
I invite you to listen to the song “The Dreaming Tree” by Dave Mathews. .I think it accurately captures the essence of what the community has been expressing..
Thank you for your time and attention.