Andrea Macko is reporting for Porcupine Soup Interested parties turned out November 22, for the first of two public hearings held at the former Durham Elementary School, on the proposed Bosque Subdivision. Approximately a dozen people spoke, the majority of them opposed to the project. Many of the speakers took issue with the town board’s October decision to issue a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review, thereby finding that the 95-acre subdivision will have little to no environmental impact. Margaret Doherty spoke on behalf of the community group, Cornwallville Residents for Rural Preservation, saying the project will have “significant negative impact” on land, wells, traffic, noise, light, wildlife, aesthetic and historical value, and community character. Bosque Development of Hudson has submitted a proposal to the town of Durham to subdivide 95 acres of land that border Strong and Cornwallville roads. The project includes the construction of 12 high-end homes and a farming operation. Doherty said her organization over the past months, has collected 271 signatures from Durham residents opposed to the subdivision. “We hope that as lead agency, you will finally address the concerns of the majority of our residents within the Cornwallville community,” she told the board. Patrick Ciccone, chair of the Durham Historic Preservation Commission, noted that the project footprint is larger that the core hamlet of Cornwallville. “And its area comprises a significant portion of the total area of the Cornwallville Historic District,” he said. Other speakers addressed issues ranging from traffic safety, light pollution, and noise. Cornwallville Road resident Jim Stone was the only person to speak in favor of Bosque. “There is a reason Durham is dying… because we won’t allow change,” Stone said. “Places that don’t allow change, they die.” A second public hearing will take place at 6 p.m. on December 11, in the former Durham Elementary School. The public may also attend remotely via telephone at 1-503-300-6830 conference code 114503. Read more at porcupinesoup [dot] com.