By Jeanne Sager
HORTONVILLE — October 17, 2003 – The Town of Delaware is going to court.
After North Branch contractor Andy Parsons allegedly broke the law by clear-cutting a number of acres on the mountaintop outside of Callicoon, the town has decided to head to the courts to decide the best way to rectify the situation.
According to town officials, Parsons did not approach the Planning Board and apply for the appropriate permits before deciding to destroy all the trees along a swath of forest overlooking the hamlet.
When called in by the Planning Board to discuss the matter, Parsons first claimed he only cleared three acres, split up on different parcels of land – which made his move legal according to town zoning.
But further studies revealed he’d cut at least five acres in one section and possibly more. Planning Board members and residents who live in the vicinity of Parsons’ land have also alleged that he didn’t cease and desist with cutting when ordered to do so by the town.
The Delaware Town Board has now instructed Town Attorney Ken Klein to institute legal action against Parsons, in a response to the violation and as a means of directing compliance.
Unable to speak on the matter because of the legal status, Town Supervisor Bill Moran told a packed house at Wednesday’s regular town board meeting that this should send a message to those who are thinking of violating town zoning.
“I think after this is finished, they won’t,” he said.
Moran was unable to respond to the Friends of Callicoon Mountain, residents of Callicoon who submitted a petition demanding something be done to stop Parsons.
“We are doing our best to address this,” he said simply. “Unfortunately, it is after the fact.”