Local Control! Forestburgh and Mamakating Show Fallsburg the Way Forward
Dear Friends
A shift is happening in Sullivan County—and Fallsburg needs to pay attention.
In just one week, two towns, Forestburgh and Mamakating, stood their ground against inappropriate, large-scale development. Both communities relied on the strength of their local laws, the integrity of their planning processes, and, most importantly, the voices of their residents. The message couldn’t be clearer: when towns enforce their zoning codes with consistency, transparency, and courage, they can protect their character and future.
Forestburgh: A Win in Federal Court
On July 9, the U.S. District Court ruled in favor of the Town of Forestburgh in a high-profile legal battle with Lost Lake Holdings, LLC (LLH), a development group seeking to bypass environmental and zoning protocols for a massive resort-style housing project. After purchasing the property from previous developers who had undergone a lengthy approval and environmental review process, LLH attempted to materially change the scope and nature of the development, pivoting to high-density, full-time housing without the prior environmental safeguards.
The town pushed back, and LLH sued—claiming religious discrimination because the principals of the group are Hasidic Orthodox Jews. While the court acknowledged the sensitivity of those claims, it ultimately found that the town’s actions were lawful, appropriate, and consistent with local and state land use law.
This ruling affirmed what residents and Forestburgh leaders had argued all along: zoning is not discrimination. Upholding local codes, requiring proper environmental review, and stopping unauthorized construction is not only legal—it’s responsible governance.
Supervisor Dan Hogue put it plainly: “We will continue to represent the interests of Forestburgh residents… and remain focused on ensuring that any development within the town complies with the law and the community’s long-term vision.”
That’s leadership. That’s local government doing its job.
Mamakating: A Vote of Confidence in the Public
Just days later, on July 16, Mamakating’s Town Board voted down a set of proposed zoning amendments that would have opened the floodgates for fast-food restaurants, self-storage units, and smaller lot sizes near Exit 112. Despite some officials expressing support for “pro-business” policies, they listened to overwhelming community feedback and chose restraint.
As Supervisor Michael Robbins stated, “There are some things that we still like in the law, but there are things we don’t like.” Councilman Peter Goodman added that the zoning needs a more thoughtful, studied approach with public participation. “Your input made a big deal,” he told residents.
This wasn’t anti-growth. It was pro-community.
What Fallsburg Must Learn
Forestburgh fought in court. Mamakating fought through process. But in both cases, town leaders chose to respect and enforce their zoning codes rather than yield to pressure—be it political, financial, or litigious. They understood that zoning laws aren’t just bureaucratic hurdles; they are the safeguards that protect water, land, quality of life, and the public trust.
Fallsburg is at a crossroads. Development proposals continue to pour in—many from absentee developers who don’t live here, don’t send their children to local schools, and don’t have to deal with the consequences when wells run dry or septic systems overflow. Town residents have shown up, raised their voices, filed FOIL requests, submitted comments—but all too often, it feels like no one is listening.
If Fallsburg wants to reclaim its future, we must:
Demand full enforcement of current zoning laws—without fear or favor.
Insist on independent hydrogeologic and environmental studies before any major development is approved.
Push for transparent planning and zoning board processes, with written findings, documented votes, and adherence to the Town Code and SEQRA law.
Reframe the narrative: being “pro-business” does not mean abandoning our responsibility to current residents or the environment.
Reject the false choice between growth and protection. Forestburgh and Mamakating prove we can have both, when it’s done right.
The path forward isn’t easy. But it is clear.
Towns like Forestburgh and Mamakating have drawn the line and defended it, in courtrooms and town halls alike. It’s time for Fallsburg to do the same.
There will be an election for Town Board this fall. Several current members will be running for re-election. Fallsburg Future has decided to publish a weekly newsletter highlighting the issues that face the residents and the town. Each newsletter will highlight a particular topic of concern as well as an overview of a particular issue. We have had technical issues with our email service. It has been corrected and you are able to respond to this email.
Fallsburg's Future is a community network of concerned Fallsburg residents established in January 2016. Its Mission is to help guide the urban development of the town of Fallsburg and its five hamlets, to promote its sustainable economic development, protect the fragile beauty of its natural habitats and enhance the opportunities and quality of life for all its residents and visitors. We hope to curb the suburban sprawl that is threatening to overwhelm the town’s physical infrastructure and destroy the natural beauty that the area depends on for its future development. See us on Facebook and our website Fallsburgsfuture.com.