The Highland Planning Board has unanimously accepted an updated Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Camp FIMFO project, moving the proposal into the public comment phase.
The DEIS, a key component of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), examines the potential environmental impacts of the project.
The initial DEIS, submitted by Camp FIMFO in June, prompted requests for clarifications and revisions from several entities, including the National Park Service, the Upper Delaware Council, Keystone Engineering, and the planning board itself.
According to a report by River Reporter, these clarifications were first requested in July. Camp FIMFO responded to these inquiries in August, with follow-up responses submitted in October following additional requests in September.
During a public workshop on November 13, the board determined that the revised DEIS addressed all concerns adequately.
On November 20, the board voted unanimously to accept the updated document, which incorporates responses to all inquiries. This decision opens the public comment period and initiates the next step in the SEQR process: a public hearing.
The proposed project involves a $40-plus million investment by Northgate to transform the Kittatinny Campground in Barryville into a resort featuring 148 RV park models and 64 permanently placed structures.
Each RV model would include individual water and sewer hookups and remain in fixed locations. Planned amenities include an aquatic play area, mini-golf course, bouncing pillow, and sports courts, alongside a new septic system to replace the existing infrastructure.
A public hearing is scheduled for December 18 at 6 p.m., with the venue expected to be either the town hall or Eldred High School. Written comments on the DEIS will be accepted until at least January 10, 2025.
The SEQR process for this project began last year when the planning board issued a “positive declaration,” indicating the potential for significant adverse environmental impacts. This designation required Camp FIMFO to prepare an environmental impact statement as part of the review process.
