NEVERSINK – Talks continue between New York City and the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) regarding ongoing watershed land swap and economic development efforts, according to Neversink Deputy Supervisor and Councilperson Ric Coombe.

Coombe explained that land swaps are a key component of a previously executed agreement between the Town of Neversink, Delaware County, New York City, and the Catskill Watershed Corporation. The intent is to identify municipally-owned land within the watershed that could be exchanged in ways that benefit both local communities and watershed protection efforts.

“One of the key components that we received in our agreement … was that land swaps would be part of the focus and economic development going forward,” Coombe said.

He credited a former commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection with directing the city to begin identifying eligible parcels for potential swaps through mapping and GIS analysis. While not every parcel would result in a swap, Coombe said the city has been working diligently to compile a list.

The city also hired McKinsey & Company to study economic development opportunities in the watershed, with the goal of identifying areas where city and local priorities align. Coombe noted that while the city may not be inclined to fund traditional infrastructure improvements such as road work or streetscapes, it may be open to collaboration on broader initiatives, including sewer capacity expansion, workforce housing, or development tied to appropriately swapped parcels.

Locally, Coombe discussed ongoing conversations regarding city-owned land near the Route 42 park ballfields. Town officials are exploring the possibility of acquiring property near the fields to improve parking conditions, which have been described as hazardous due to the lot’s proximity to a high-speed roadway.

Following recent discussions with the city’s easements division, Coombe said the city is not interested in entering into a long-term lease for the parking area but is open to a land swap arrangement.

“They conceptually are in agreement on that idea,” Coombe said, explaining that the proposal would involve exchanging a small portion of town-owned land below the ballfields for a similarly sized parcel better suited for parking.

A wetlands study is expected to take place once weather conditions allow, likely in late March or early April.

Coombe emphasized that watershed land swaps are complex and require city approval, state review due to conservation easements on city-owned properties, and potentially a special act of the State Legislature if parkland is involved.

“This could be a decade-long process,” Coombe said. “It’s not a small thing.”

Still, he expressed optimism that a municipally driven land swap could serve as a model for other watershed communities.

“Neversink was the first ever to get a piece of land out of contract from the city when we got the ballfields,” Coombe said. “If there’s a good chance, we could try to be the first land swap. I think it’s beneficial to the entire watershed. It’s also beneficial to the town.”

With no questions for Coombe from the public or board, Town Supervisor Chris Mathews thanked Coombe for his continued work on the matter.