UPDATE (March 2026): A MAJOR STEP FORWARD 🚨

After hearing strong community concerns, the Town of Wawarsing has withdrawn the proposed local law that would have fast-tracked this 182-unit development.

This is a big win for our community — and it happened because people spoke up.

The Town Board did the right thing by listening.

Now we need to make sure the Planning Board does the same.

The project itself is NOT gone.

There is still a two decades old site plan that was recently brought back, even though it was approved under outdated rules.

We are continuing this petition to make sure any development on this site follows current laws, full environmental review (SEQRA), and real community input.

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The Town of Wawarsing wants to pass a new law to fast-track a 182-unit mega-development in Kerhonkson at the intersection of Route 209 and 44/55 — on the Rondout, in a FEMA flood zone. 

The plan includes 7 three-story buildings and a clubhouse. This would be one of the largest housing developments ever built in Ulster County. Kerhonkson’s population is only about 1,700 people — this could increase it by up to 30%.

This project was supposed to be housing for seniors (55+) more than 20 years ago. But it was never built. Now it's getting fast-tracked as MARKET-RATE apartments for all ages - with zero affordable units planned.

There's also been zero study of what this huge development would do to our community:

SCHOOLS - TRAFFIC - TAXES - WATER - SEWER - POLICE - FIRE - EMS

FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE - NATURE - WILDLIFE - WETLANDS - THE RONDOUT 

Even the Ulster County Planning Board said the Town should take a closer look. They said more study is needed and that it should include affordable housing.

We need time for community input, not an unstudied rush job. We need affordable housing in a common-sense location, not a market rate mega-plex in a FEMA floodplain. Some of us still remember how this site was completely flooded during hurricane Irene.

Residents of Wawarsing, Rochester, and Ulster County are concerned about this project. It's in the Rondout Valley school district and will affect traffic on the roads we all use. 

It also raises serious concerns when the Town changes zoning laws to help a single large development and an out-of-town developer — instead of focusing on the real housing needs of our own community. 

On top of that, Wawarsing Estates could be grandfathered in under old zoning and environmental rules that no longer apply to new projects today.

Here is how you can help

• Sign the petition
• Let others know and share on social media - Nextdoor, Facebook, etc
• Stay informed for next steps

We need the right housing, in the right place, for the right reasons — housing that serves our local community.

We are residents of Wawarsing who care deeply about our town, our people, and the Rondout. Questions or ideas? Email us at hello@wawarsingcitizens.com

Want updates about this issue and future community meetings? Join our email list HERE.

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