Shandaken Takes Lead on Mountain Jam - Discusses Concerns About Potential Phoenicia School Lease

SHANDAKEN — The Town of Shandaken Town Board held a special meeting on March 27 to review a request to be the lead agency for the Mountain Jam Festival, scheduled to take place at Belleayre Mountain and adjoining lands. on June 20 to 22. The board declared their intent to be the lead agency, which would involve a 30-day period for other agencies to object, and then a public hearing would be held.

The board also discussed the mass gathering permit process, which involves separate permits from the county and state, the need for emergency services to be contacted, including local police and fire, and access to water and food.

A resolution was proposed to designate the project as an unlisted action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and to declare the town's intent to serve as lead agency.

Regarding the Phoenicia School, the town needs to get professional estimates for repairs based on a commercial appraisal report, and consider hiring a commercial roofer or construction management firm to provide a more accurate estimate of the costs.The goal is to determine the potential costs of repairs over the next five to ten years, and to decide whether leasing or purchasing a building is the more cost-effective option, as concern about affordability was expressed by board members, particularly if the town would be responsible for maintenance costs. The town will reach out to several companies to get estimates and find a construction management firm that can provide a professional estimate of the overall costs.