“A group nearby residents and business owner are suing the town, as well as Pyramid Corp., over the March 26 clear-cutting of land slated to host a Costco store and gas station next to the Crossgates Mall along Western Avenue.
Thomas and Lisa Hart, Kevin and Sarah McDonald and Red Kap Sales, which operates an existing nearby gas station in the area, contend in federal court that Crossgates owner Pyramid Corp. and affiliates violated the federal Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts, as well as the state Environmental Quality Review Act when they removed trees from the site.
“Defendants’ actions have caused an irretrievable commitment of resources and irreparable damage to the environment,” reads the complaint filed by James Bacon, the group’s New Paltz-based lawyer, in federal Northern District Court.
The Harts and McDonalds live near the site of the clear-cut area.
“Mr. McDonald chose his home’s location as the quality of life and security this neighborhood provides was ideal with less traffic and peaceful surroundings,” the complaint says.
The 8-acre site in question is adjacent to Crossgates Mall.”
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Karlin, Rick. Albany TImes Union 28 April 2020.
* Article 78 is attached to article