THE OPPORTUNITY

An upstate developer planned to build an expansive apartment complex with entertainment amenities and associated infrastructure on a large tract in the lower Catskill Mountains. The area had served as a vacation and entertainment mecca since the late 19th century. The planned development would occupy 30 acres of a dramatically-sloped wooded property.

THE CHALLENGE

The project required multiple permits which triggered state and federal review for effects on archaeological sites and historic buildings. State and federal agencies were concerned that Native American or historic archaeological sites might exist on the property. The visual setting of any historic houses nearby might be affected by the new construction.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S began with a reconnaissance-level study which demonstrated to the review agencies that no significant historic buildings stood within view of the project. PS&S developed an archaeological testing program to determine whether any archaeological sites were present. To reduce the cost, PS&S proposed that areas of excessive slope need not be tested. With the agencies’ approval, PS&S implemented the proposed testing methods. The archaeological survey, along with detailed historical research to explain several anomalous features and established the absence of any significant sites. This cleared the way for approval by all agencies involved.