Annexation Set for Sept. 30
After years of negotiation, the date set for Port Jervis to annex two Deerpark properties is Sept. 30, said Mayor Kelly Decker. In 2016, he had estimated that full development of annexed properties could generate over $1 million in revenue that would be split between the two municipalities, as new businesses would have access to Port Jervis infrastructure unavailable in Deerpark. He had also pointed out the 18.1% Port Jervis poverty rate at the time that new higher paying employment opportunities could offset. Residents cited concerns such as threats to snapping turtle habitat, runoff, conflict of interest and a liquor store opening in their neighborhood.
“The land is vacant—there’s been nothing there since the discovery of America,” Deerpark Supervisor Gary Spears had joked. Business had been discouraged by lack of infrastructure.
How did Sept. 30 become the date of deal completion?
“That is the deadline Barton & Loguidice gave us for when they could have the annexation completed,” Decker said, referring to a firm that does planning, engineering and landscape architecture.
One of the two properties ultimately involved includes six of 10 parcels of 116.8 acres from Dick’s Concrete, bordering Ryan St. and NYS Route 209. Beyond the six parcels, two parcels are part of Port Jervis already, and two will be used for an access road. That land is zoned for industry and light industry.
The other property, owned by Equity Homes, a developer based in Long Island, is 24.5 acres, part of which is already in Port Jervis. The land is between Maple Ave. and County Route 15, and the zoning there is for service and commercial uses.
“The city agreed to accept them in the annexation with that zoning in place.
Both are positioned to go to the planning board this year,” said Decker.
Both have plans to build on their property and make use of the city infrastructure to which annexation gives them access.
“City water, sewer and storm facilities go to the properties. The property owners develop the infrastructure on their property and then hook to us,” Decker said. “They haven’t built anything on their properties. When they do, they build right to the city hookup and then contact the city to hook up.”
The connection is made at the property owners’ expense as determined by the Port Jervis Department of Public Works, according to the extent of the hookup, Decker said.
“Development of the [Equity Homes site] will be consistent with the Neighborhood Mixed Use District it abuts,” according to the Port Jervis city website. “Proposed development includes a hotel, restaurants and a gas station, with the potential for grocery store, bank, dry cleaner, or medical offices.”
Zoning for Dick’s Concrete property allows for such uses as manufacturing, recycling, distribution, data management and warehousing, among others. Port Jervis and Deerpark will share the tax revenue that results from the new businesses.