Town officials in Forestburgh, Sullivan County, are contesting allegations from the New York State Attorney General’s Office that they implemented zoning regulations specifically to obstruct a housing development intended for Hasidic Orthodox Jews.
The attorney representing Forestburgh asserts that their zoning laws allow religious uses across all districts, contradicting claims of targeted exclusion.
Phillip Pantuso from the Times Union speaks with Jason Dole about the situation.
Mr. Pantuso was asked to discuss/present the story of the critique of Forestburgh’s zoning by NY Attorney General. His information was incorrect and superficial showing no knowledge of the content of the letter from the Attorney General nor of the Town’s response.
It appears his research was limited to the one page press release from the AG’s office, which unfortunately misstated the AG’s letter to the Town. To even begin presenting this story the most basic investigation requires reading the AG’s letter, the response of the Town Supervisor, Dan Hogue, and the lengthy response by the Town’s attorney. Speaking to the writer of the letter from the AG’s letter, to the Town Supervisor, and to the Town Attorney would seem to a basic requirement for someone presenting the story on the radio.