Call for Letters to NYDEC to Keep Guinan's Building a Public Space - DEADLINE DEC. 24

As the Garrison Station Plaza group, which owns the old Guinan's building, makes preparations to convert it into primarily office space, Garrison resident Mary Ellen Yannitelli has sent a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requesting they reject the project on the grounds that such a conversion will have a substantial impact on the environment and character of the surrounding area.

Mary Ellen asks that anyone supporting the effort to keep Guinan's old building as a pub, cafe, restaurant or other public gathering spot also email or mail NYDEC by Dec. 24th and says her letter may be used as a template. Here's who to direct it to:

Joseph R Murray
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

In her letter, Mary Ellen calls into question specific "no" answers provided by Garrison Station Plaza in its application to change the building's purpose:

19. Will Proposed Action affect the character of the existing community? {NO}

13. Will proposed Action affect the quantity or quality of existing or future open spaces or recreational opportunities? {NO}

20. Is there, or is there likely to be, public controversy related to potential adverse environment impacts? {NO}

Earlier this year, a proposal to turn the building into a restaurant & pub was rejected by the board of Garrison Station Plaza, which said financing was inadequate based on the rent and financial guarantees it need for such a project. This followed a wave of public controversy and media coverage about the community's concern related to potential adverse impact to the character of the existing community.