Delaware Riverkeeper Network Demands Additional Camp FIMFO Hearing

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)