New Paltz (N.Y.) board asks for more info on housing project

The town board has filed a Freedom of Information request with the Ulster County Industrial Development Agency, seeking information about the agency's involvement with the developer of the proposed Park Point housing complex.

The FOIL request comes on the heels of the IDA's decision to grant the developer, Wilmorite, a 25-year tax abatement for the $60 million SUNY New Paltz project, a move the town board has opposed.

The project's fate has been in limbo since the IDA approved an abatement April 9, only days after the town planning board refused to grant Wilmorite environmental approval unless it agreed to pay its taxes in full. Specifically, the FOIL asks for all information surrounding the creation of an abatement category geared to dormitories that was accepted by the IDA well after Wilmorite's plans became known. Continue>>>