Kaufman pleads for no landfill expansion

By TOM RUE
MONTICELLO - Former county board of supervisors chair David Kaufman asked Monticello officials to join him in actively opposing expansion of the Sullivan County Landfill, at an October 20 village board meeting.

Noting that his family owns property near the site, Kaufman voiced concern over diminished quality of life in the village if the county's plan to double the size of the present site, in order to handle Ulster County trash, is implemented. County officials say new revenues are needed to keep taxes down.

"I'm astounded that the people of the Village of Monticello are not speaking out on this issue. This is of great concern," said Kaufman.

Kaufman's plea did not fall on deaf ears. The mayor, trustees, and village attorney explained steps which the village has recently taken to protect the village's interests.

Trustee Michael Levinson showed Kaufman a four-page letter by the village's land use consultant Tom Mayer, outlining concerns over the plan.

"I'm really concerned, because the quietness is deafening," Kaufman said. After the meeting, he spoke with residents about the landfill.

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