Once again we have articles in today’s paper about proposed high-density projects in our towns. It seems that we are seeing more of these developments than before in recent memory. 

As residents take hard stances for or against these kinds of proposals, it seems that there is a fine line between the pros and cons, and a line that cannot always be defined.

Sure, we want to see new businesses come into Sullivan County, and more people, not only adding to the tax base but also adding in intangible ways to our community—bringing their contributions to our neighborhoods. 

But with new business and increased population comes the need for housing, and local officials have been sounding the alarm for the past few years about the need for housing. 

While politicians butt heads over what type of housing and where it should go, it seems some companies are taking it into their own hands. 

Formaggio Cheese in the Town of Fallsburg is proposing a 32-unit housing development that will be used for their employees. Representatives from the company say they are continuing to grow, and they need a place for their employees to live (see story on page 1A). 

And another project is being proposed in Liberty in the hamlet of Swan Lake—a 150-unit residential development. This joins the growing tide of large-scale residential developments being looked at in the Town of Thompson, Village of Monticello and most towns across the county. 

Will they follow the Town of Bethel’s lead and enact a six-month moratorium on high-density building? 

In Liberty, planning board members raised concerns about the proposed Swan Lake development, citing a protected environmental area and questioned whether the town’s infrastructure could support it (see story on page 1A). 

And that remains a central question to development—will the infrastructure be enough? When plugging in to water and sewer systems, how much will be used, and does it pose concerns of depletion. 

Of course there is a process when a project comes here, going before the planning, zoning and town boards, with environmental reviews and engineering reports. It’s a lengthy process and one that should be allowed to flow smoothly.

The line between responsible development remains fine, but we hope residents can see both sides.