Asbestos Concerns Arise Amid Plans for Cabin Demolition in Ulster

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News Summary

Environmental sampling results have raised asbestos concerns for nine cabins in Ulster as the town prepares for demolition and navigates legal challenges.

Asbestos Concerns Arise Amid Plans for Cabin Demolition in Ulster

In a developing story from the Town of Ulster, New York, officials are grappling with the implications of environmental sampling results on nine long-unused cabins located at 338 Glenerie Blvd. The cabins, which had observed little to no action for years, are now at the center of a controversy following recent tests conducted by Paradigm Environmental Services, based in Latham. The findings from these tests arrived just last week, and they are expected to play a crucial role in guiding the Town Board on the next steps post-demolition.

Asbestos Testing: The Key Findings

The asbestos testing conducted involved taking samples from multiple areas within the cabins, including ceilings, walls, flooring, and additional spots that might harbor asbestos materials. The tests extended to heating systems and pipes that could have been wrapped in the hazardous substance, ensuring a comprehensive approach to identifying potential threats. Furthermore, the exterior paint on the concrete block foundation was also sampled, as it has been documented to contain asbestos in many properties of similar age and condition.

While the results are expected to provide clarity on how to proceed with the demolition, Supervisor James Quigley has confirmed that there is currently no quantification of the results. This uncertainty looms large over plans for disposal, which could balloon the costs to a staggering $300,000 if a facility specifically designed for hazardous waste is required.

Neighborhood Complaints and Legal Struggles

The 1.3-acre property has not only raised asbestos alarms but has also become a focal point for community complaints. Residents nearby have voiced concerns about ongoing work carried out by the property’s owner, Catello Viviani, who acquired the land for $104,000 during a 2018 Ulster County tax sale. The town had previously issued a notice in July 2022 citing 14 violations against Viviani. These infractions include construction debris, untidy lawns, and the storage of junked vehicles, sparking further frustration amongst neighbors.

Due to mounting concerns, environmental testing was initiated after the town secured a search warrant from the town court. This legal move was deemed necessary to prevent potential arrests for trespassing, as Viviani has been described as “a little high-strung.” In November 2024, the state Supreme Court granted the town permission to take corrective action on the property after Viviani’s failure to adhere to a stop work order.

Controversy Continues Over Zoning Rights

Amidst the chaos, the community is left wondering about the future of the once-popular summer camp cottages. Town officials are now looking to establish that the previous use of the property cannot claim any zoning law grandfathering. Supervisor Quigley believes that the two-year span of commercial activities leading up to the county’s foreclosure in 2017 extinguished any rights to continue operating summer camp cottages on the property.

In a bid to navigate this complex situation, the town is preparing to file an action with the state Supreme Court. With the future of the property hanging in the balance, the unfolding tale of these cabins has all the ingredients of a gripping community drama—one that involves asbestos risks, legal entanglements, and the clashing aspirations of a neighborhood.

The Path Forward

As the Town Board awaits the interpretation of the environmental sampling results, the fate of the unused cabins at 338 Glenerie Blvd remains uncertain. With potential repercussions for both the community and the property owner, this case serves as a timely reminder of the hidden dangers posed by asbestos and the critical importance of adhering to environmental safety standards.

As the town prepares for the next steps in pursuing justice and safety for its residents, vigilance and awareness about the lingering impacts of such hazardous materials will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of discussions.