TOWN OF WOODSTOCK
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION
45 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, NY 12498
Agenda for the Meeting of
January 21, 2026
Call to Order
WEC Members Present
Guests Present
Approval of the Agenda
Consideration of Minutes
Susan M. Paynter, Chair
Arlene Weissman, Vice-Chair
Julia Blelock
Laurie Kirby
Evan Neumann
Joe Otters
Kenneth Panza, Secretary
WEC meeting of January 7, 2026, previously updated and distributed
Correspondence
Announcements
Invited Guest Speaker
Cory Smith, neighbor, Terramor property
Old Business
Letter endorsing the undesignated rail segment for trail use only – Laurie Kirby
Review of public environmental priorities outreach survey – Arlene Weissman & Evan Neumann
Review of 2026 priority list and action plans
Landfill Biofilter Project MOU – Laura Ricci
WEC/WLC collaboration – Arlene Weissman & Julia Blelock
Earth Day – Susan Paynter
Update Climate Smart Communities – Susan Paynter
New Business
Update on Terramor property development – Susan Paynter & Cory Smith
Site Characterization Investigation at Saugerties Landfill
Public be Heard
Agenda for WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
Adjournment
Next scheduled WEC Meeting,
Wednesday, February 4, 6:00 PM,
Comeau Great Room

TOWN OF WOODSTOCK
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION
45 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, NY 12498
Susan M. Paynter, Chair
Arlene Weissman, Vice-Chair
Julia Blelock
Laurie Kirby
Evan Neumann
Joe Otters
Kenneth Panza, Secretary
The Open Meetings Law requires: Minutes of meetings of all public bodies shall be available to the
public in accordance with the provisions of the freedom of information law within two weeks from
the date of such meeting except that minutes taken pursuant to subdivision two of this section shall
be available to the public within one week from the date of the executive session.
Minutes for the Meeting of
January 21, 2026
Call to Order
A quorum being present, WEC Chair Susan Paynter called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
WEC Members Present
Susan M. Paynter, Chair
Arlene Weissman, Vice-Chair
Julia Blelock
Laurie Kirby
Joe Otters
Kenneth Panza, Secretary
Guests Present
Term: expires 12/31/2026
Term: expires 12/31/2026
Term: expires 12/31/2026
Term: expires 12/31/2026
Term: expires 12/31/2026
Term: expires 12/31/2026
Cory Smith, Resident, Raybrook Dr.
Deb Adelman, Resident, Raybrook Dr.
Peter Wortmann, Resident, Raybrook Dr.
Linda Setchell, Climate Smart Task Force
Marcel Nagele,
Woodstockers United for Change
DWSP2 Working Group
Linda Lover,
Woodstockers United for Change
Approval of the Agenda
Minutes for the WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
Agenda, as modified, approved by unanimous consent.
Consideration of Minutes
Minutes for the WEC meeting of January 7, 2026, previously updated and distributed, were
approved by unanimous consent.
Correction to the Minutes of January 7, 2026
Acting Chair noted the January 7, 2026 meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Archive of 2026 WEC Minutes
Archive of 2025 WEC Minutes
Correspondence
None received
Announcements
None
Invited Guest Speaker
Cory Smith, resident on Raybrook Dr., explained a new proposal to develop a property in the
Town of Saugerties adjacent to Raybrook Dr. Several years ago, Terramor presented a proposal to
use this property as a high-end, luxury camping site. For a variety of reasons, Terramor withdrew
their application.
On November 18, 2025, Solo Holidays, LLC, submitted to the Saugerties Planning Board a
proposal for a 9-lot subdivision on 70-acres on the former Terramor property with single access
from Route 212 on Cottontail Road. The smallest parcel proposed is 3 acres and the largest is 26
acres. This proposed use is the least impactful from the past two previously presented for these
parcels.
In October 2020, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in
consultation with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), announced it will conduct Site
Characterization at the Saugerties Town Landfill site. Due to detections of 1,4-Dioxane1,
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)2, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)3 in groundwater
1 1,4-Dioxane is a man-made, clear liquid solvent used in various industrial processes and found as a trace byproduct in
some consumer products like detergents, cosmetics, and shampoos, often formed during ethoxylation. Known as a probable
human carcinogen, it poses health risks through ingestion or prolonged exposure, potentially harming the liver, kidneys,
and respiratory system, and is a common groundwater contaminant due to its stability and mobility in water.
2 Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a man-made chemical, part of the broader PFAS family, known for repelling water,
grease, and stains, leading to its use in non-stick cookware, carpets, and firefighting foams; however, it's a persistent
"forever chemical" linked to potential health risks like certain cancers and developmental issues, with global production
largely phased out but environmental contamination remaining a concern,
3 Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent, man-made chemical in the PFAS family, known for repelling water,
oil, stains, and grease, used in products like Scotchgard, carpets, and firefighting foams, but phased out in many places due
to health concerns like liver damage, immune effects, and potential links to cancer, as it doesn't break down easily and
accumulates in the body and environment.
Page 2
Minutes for the WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
samples, the site has been designated as a Potential State Superfund Site (“P Site”). This
designation requires the completion of a Site Characterization to determine if the site meets the
criteria for placement on the New York State Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites.
Fact Sheet: Site Characterization Investigation at Town of Saugerties Landfill
The goal of a Site Characterization is to assess the presence of hazardous waste and whether that
waste poses a significant threat to human health or the environment.
Previous Saugerties Landfill Investigations:
DEC’s Division of Materials
Management performed groundwater
sampling in October 2017 as part of the
Inactive Landfill Initiative, a program
to assess solid waste landfills for the
potential presence of emerging
contaminants (e.g., PFOA, PFOS, and
1,4-Dioxane) and ensure protection of
public health and the environment.
Results from that investigation
indicated 1,4-Dioxane, PFOA, and
PFOS concentrations in groundwater
above the State’s stringent maximum
contaminant levels (MCLs). The MCLs
are as follows: 1 part per billion (ppb)
for 1,4-Dioxane, 10 parts per trillion
(ppt) for PFOA, and 10 ppt for PFOS.
To fully examine exposure pathways,
including drinking water supplies, DEC
in consultation with DOH identified
and offered free sampling for PFOA,
PFOS, and 1,4-Dioxane to 94 parcels
with private drinking water wells in the
vicinity of the landfill. A total of 79
properties with private wells have since
been tested to date. Based on those test
results, bottled water is being provided to 57 property owners.
DEC will continue to test properties within the attached Area of Interest/Map 2. If you are within
the targeted sampling area designated in light blue on Map 2 and are uncertain if your well has
been sampled, please reach out to DOH at the contact information provided on Page 1.
Old Business
Letter Endorsing Undesignated Rail Segment for Trail Use Only
The focus the WEC meeting of December 3, 2025, was a presentation by the Friends of Catskill
Mountain Rail Trail on the proposal to connect the Ashokan Rail Trail to the Kingston Linear Park
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Minutes for the WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
by utilizing a 1.8-mile undesignated section of the former Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor
between Route 28A in Stony Hollow and Basin Road.  The former Ulster & Delaware Railroad is a
single track railbed that would need to be widened to accommodate both trail and rail shared use.
The railbed in the undesignated section passes through federally-regulated wetlands and between
narrow rock cuts, where widening the railbed could impose enormous financial cost and
environmental disruption. A single use, rail or train, would avoid rebuilding the undesignated
segment.
Resolution: approve sending a letter to the Woodstock Town Board and the Ulster County
Legislature, Trails Advisory Committee supporting a trail-only policy along the undesignated
section as the only environmentally sound way to achieve the benefits of trail connectivity.
Resolution introduced by Arlene Weismann, seconded by Julia Blelock.
Voted
Affirmative
Susan M. Paynter, Chair
X
Voted
Opposing
Abstain Absent
Arlene Weissman, Vice-Chair
X
Julia Blelock
X
Laurie Kirby
X
Evan Neumann
Joe Otters
X
X
Kenneth Panza
X
Resolution adopted; six affirmative, one absent.
Review of Public Environmental Outreach Survey
A summary of the results of the public outreach survey from the Scarecrow Festival and results
obtained from the WEC Facebook page were reviewed and discussed. The following focus areas
were identified:
Flood resilience and mitigation
Arlene Weissman
Ken Panza
Habitat protection
Julia Blelock
Laurie Kirby
Responsible Building and
road construction
Julia Blelock
Laurie Kirby
Liaison Tree Committee
Joe Otters
Page 4
Minutes for the WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
Expanded forestry protection law Joe Otters
Pollinator Pathway
Joe Otters
Big Deep & Little Deep
Evan Neumann
Shady Dump/10 Church Road
Susan Paynter, Julia Blelock, Arlene Weissman,
Laurie Kirby, Marcel Nagele
Landfill Biofilter Project
The Town Board will consider the Landfill Biofilter Project MOU at its February 3rd meeting.
Mary Lambert and Dr. Sehrish Asghar from the Hudson Valley Regional Council will present, via
Zoom, the biofilter project at the February 3rd town board meeting.
WEC/WLC Collaboration
"WLC drinkable rivers" refers to the Woodstock Land Conservancy's
2026 program, "Ecologies of Water," featuring the book Drinkable
Rivers by Li An Phoa and Maarten Van Der Schaaf, which promotes
awareness and action for healthy waterways through events, workshops,
and citizen science, connecting local water health to global efforts for
clean, living rivers.
The DWSP2 working group agreed to make a brief (10-to-15-minute)
presentation, in conjunction with the Woodstock Environmental
Commission at the WLC event, “How Is the Sawkill?” on Saturday,
March 14, from 5 to 7:30 PM at Mountainview Studios. DWSP2 will
co-host a table with WEC.
Page 5
Earth Day – April 25
Minutes for the WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
Consider partnering with Woodstock Land Conservancy for Earth Day activities.
Climate Smart Communities
Susan Paynter, Julia Blelock and Arlene Weissman have formed a working group to consider the
next steps for Woodstock’s participation in the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program.
New Business
Update on Terramor property development
Site Characterization Investigation at Saugerties Landfill
See discussion above.
Public be Heard
Adjournment
Next scheduled WEC Meeting,
Wednesday, February 4, 6:00 PM,
Comeau Great Room
Attachments
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth S. Panza, Secretary
Woodstock Environmental Commission
Letter Endorsing Undesignated Rail Segment for Trail Use Only
Page 6
Other Meeting Announcements
Minutes for the WEC Meeting of January 21, 2026
Monday, Jan. 26, 7 to 9 pm, "Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey"
Woodstock Land Conservancy is partnering with Woodstock NY Transition and Woodstock
Jewish Congregation to host the 2026 Film and Discussion Series. The first event will be held Jan.
26 from 7-9 p.m. with a free screening of "Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey". Attend in person at
the Woodstock Jewish Congregation or through Zoom.
Reservations required for Zoom.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 12:00 – 1:00 pm,
“Stream Management and Turbidity Reductions in the Upper Esopus Creek Watershed.”
A presentation by Jason Siemion and Donald Bonville, the United States Geological Survey
(USGS). Stream stabilization projects are used by watershed managers in the upper Esopus Creek
watershed to disconnect streams from fine-grained sediment sources. Fine sediments can make
stream water turbid or cloudy. The AWSMP has supported studies that shed light on the ability of
stream restoration projects to reduce turbidity in streams.
Webinar Link
The AWSMP is hosting webinars in January and February highlighting developments in applied
research and stream management practices. The webinars will focus on knowledge developed
through AWSMP grants for research and monitoring projects.
Saturday, February 7, 10 am to 2 pm, Repair Café — Toss it? No way!
Woodstock Community Center, 56 Rock City Road, Woodstock
Hosted by Woodstock NY Transition and the Woodstock Environmental Commission
Saturday, March 14, 5 to 7:30 pm at Mountainview Studios, “How is the Sawkill?”
Woodstock Land Conservancy's 2026 program, "Ecologies of Water," features the book, Drinkable
Rivers by Li An Phoa and Maarten Van Der Schaaf, that promotes awareness and action for
healthy waterways through events, workshops, and citizen science, and connecting local water
health to global efforts for clean, living rivers.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Stream Project Funding Available
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) is now accepting applications
for stream projects to restore channels, improve infrastructure, boost flood resilience, provide
education, and carry out planning and research studies.
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program accepts SMIP grant applications during
three funding rounds each year. The next regular funding round will be announced in January 2026
with a deadline in mid-March. About $1,000,000 is available each year for stream and flood
mitigation projects.
AWSMP Projects and Funding
Page 7
TOWN OF WOODSTOCK 
ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION 
45 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, NY 12498 
To: 
Woodstock Town Board
Trails Advisory Committee, Ulster County Legislature
January 21, 2026
Susan M. Paynter, Chair
Arlene Weissman, Vice-Chair
Julia Blelock 
Laurie Kirby 
Evan Neumann 
Joe Otters
Kenneth Panza, Secretary 
In Support of Trail-Only Designation for U&D Corridor Undesignated Section
In April 2024 the Woodstock Town Board approved a resolution (see attachment)
supporting trail connectivity between the City of Kingston and the Ashokan Rail Trail, and
requesting that Ulster County fulfill its mandate to work towards accomplishing connectivity
along the U&D Corridor. One stumbling block in the way of achieving this is the controversy
over the undesignated section of the U&D Corridor between mileposts 8.33 and 10. We write to
urge you to support a trail-only policy along this section as the only environmentally sound way
to achieve the benefits of trail connectivity.
The health and environmental benefits of the Ashokan Rail Trail have been demonstrated,
and the multiplier effect on these benefits of connecting with the wider network of pedestrian and
bike trails, in Ulster County and beyond, are widely accepted. The undesignated section is a
crucial and irreplaceable missing link in connecting the ART with Kingston and with New York
State’s growing trail system, and hopefully in the future with Woodstock: the Towns of
Woodstock and Hurley are already cooperating in a feasibility evaluation for the proposed
Woodstock-West Hurley (WooHu) trail to connect Woodstock with the ART.
An alternative proposal for the undesignated section comes from Catskill Mountain
Railroad and envisages a dual-use rail-with-trail corridor. This would come at a high
environmental price. Much of this section simply has no room for both railroad and shared-use
walking/cycling trail. Approximately half a mile of it is on a narrow high-fill track with wetlands
on both sides. Another segment is in a narrow and deep rock cut. Both these segments would
need considerable widening to achieve rail-with-trail standards, involving blasting, massive
mounts of fill, and destruction of wetlands, and incurring millions of dollars of additional cost.
A trail-only designation for this publicly owned property would provide more benefits for
the public, and the project can be designed so that Catskill Mountain Railroad also gets an-1
extension of its tracks and the benefit of a terminus connecting with the ART and local
businesses.
We support a trail-only designation as the only feasible way to give Ulster County
residents the benefits of a connected trail system.
Sincerely, 
Woodstock Environmental Commission-