The Hurley Town Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing a Route 28 gas station and convenience store first proposed seven years ago and already blocked by Woodstock because of potential traffic hazards.
While Tuesday’s vote lacks legal force, it’s a show of support for the Woodstock Planning Board, which was sued in February by the developers of the long-vacant site over its January decision to deny the proposal. The site is at the intersection of Basin Road, Zena Road and Route 28, across from a Stewart’s store.
“We agree with Woodstock, in that they denied the project,” said Hurley Town Board Member Debbie Dougherty. “We agree that is the correct decision.”
Town Supervisor Michael Boms said SNK Petroleum Wholesalers Inc. and 1105 Route 28 LLC are ignoring safety concerns posed by the gas station, once a garage and gas station run by former Woodstock Town Justice Rudi Baumgarten. It would bring congestion, be a struggle for 18-wheelers to navigate and increase the chances of accidents, he said.
“They don’t care about what the effect is on people driving on the road,” Boms said. “It’s going to cause a dangerous hazard,” he said.
There was an accident at the site “the other day,” said Hurley Highway Superintendent Michael Shultis.
SNK Petroleum didn’t respond to phone and email requests for comment .
The intersection is on a sliver of land that belongs to Woodstock, while the surrounding areas are within the borders of Hurley and Kingston. Hurley residents commonly drive on that section of Route 28.
Kyle Bredberg is an intern and contributing reporter. You can reach him at reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
