(first published August 2020) In the middle of a depression, it is sad to see some folks still all too eager to deny others getting decent jobs. Anti jobs, anti local community, anti essential services (whose jobs are significantly paid with tax revenue from local businesses). And should the coalition of Catskill Mountainkeeper, Woodstock Land Conservancy, and Open Space Institute prevail in stopping the planned 850 Route 28 project, they will 'gleefully' 'own' their reputation as job-and-revenue killers, and be even more emboldened to continue their business-hostile campaign unabated.   These groups have promised that 'only-a-green-passive-recreation' approach to business in the 4 county Catskill region is 'permissible' in their view. But they haven't produced nearly the jobs promised over the last 10 years - a meager 2,000 PART TIME/SEASONAL, and some full time, jobs in the Catskills exist that are remotely related to recreation/hospitality, as per

Take a look at the current site where 850 Route 28 plans to build: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmmLIXhPCNM The 850 Route 28 proposed project will create pre-cast concrete infrastructure for use in local aging roads and bridges. It will be situated within a formerly abandoned open rock quarry in the Town of Kingston. The existing forest cover and surrounding hills will conceal the site from view on Route 28 and adjacent properties. It will create many new opportunities for local residents and surrounding areas, add significant new local tax revenue, and remediate an unproductive mine with watershed and other improvements. The development will use innovative 'green' materials and techniques in construction and operation, and plans to seek LEED 'green' certification. For more information visit: http://850route28.com ​ #850route28 ​ #townofkingstonny ​ #HudsonValleyinfrastructure ​ #route28ulster ​ #ulsterforbusiness ​

When approved for development, 850 Route 28 expects to hire the following type and number of positions: Truck Drivers 22 – per building (2 buildings) Machine (forklift) operators 5 Welders 4 Steel shop foreman Layout foreman 3 Quality control 2 – per building Shop foreman 1 – per building Project manager 3 Crane Operator 1 – per building Mechanic 2 Batch plank operator 2 Batch plant mechanic 2 Bucket loader operator 1 Concrete labor 12 – per building Engineer 2 Drafters 3 Office administrator 1 – per building Paralegal 1 Sales 3 Local vendors/business services that will be needed: Plumbers Electrician Steel supplier Welding supplier Building materials Local banking Gas station Car mechanic Truck mechanic Framer Office supply Solar panel installer Electrical supply Certified testing Learn more about the Kingston Opportunity: http://850route28.com/opportunity-kingston

Did you know that Bridges in the Hudson Valley area that are poor/structurally deficient carry approximately 2.6 million vehicles each day? A DAY! And that sixty-four percent (1,634 of 2,551) of locally and state-maintained bridges in the Hudson Valley area have been rated in fair condition. A fair rating indicates that a bridge’s structural elements are sound, but minor deterioration has occurred to the bridge’s deck, substructure or superstructure. As communities champion 'buy local', we should be doing so with our infrastructure. Why outsource jobs, tax revenue and pride in local sourcing to other states or even other countries, when we can make bridge deckings and road infrastructure right here in Ulster County. 850 Route 28 will make what is needed for our local roads and bridges here. What's made here stays near! Learn more about the poor condition of our local roads, and support having them repaired with local sourcing rather than ship those jobs elsewhere! http

DID YOU KNOW that when built, the 850 Route 28 buildings will have rooftop solar panels for co-generation, and it will account, to start, for 45% of site’s total electric consumption? That's alot of solar panels, and installation and maintenance will be done by local contractors! Learn more about the Sustainability of the 850 Route 28 project: http://850route28.com/sustainable-green-project #850route28 #ulstercountyjobs

LED LIGHTING will be installed at 850 Route 28 when built - for the buildings and site. There are at least 5 good reasons to use LED in commercial settings: Energy efficiency — Perhaps the single most important advantage LEDs offer is their lower energy consumption compared to older types of lighting. Because they need only a fraction of the power used by traditional bulbs, LEDs can quickly deliver significant savings in utility costs. For property owners and managers with bigger commercial buildings, it’s easy to see the potential of replacing a large quantity of bulbs. Changing out old bulbs for LEDs has the added benefit of contributing to a facility’s environmental friendliness by reducing its consumption of natural resources and the amount of emissions it produces. Simple maintenance — Changing a burnt-out bulb at home isn't a huge project. But that changes when the bulb is 50 feet above your head. That’s another reason LED lights make sense in large industrial spaces. Their t

Dear Kingston Community I am very excited to share with you information about our proposed project. This opportunity will include significant benefits for the Town of Kingston, where I was born and raised. Thirty years ago I had to leave the area due to the lack of job opportunities and found myself in NYC where I learned the construction business from the ground up. Eventually, I went on to form US Crane and Rigging, a NYC based company of which I am immensely proud. I never forgot my beginnings, and still have family in the Town of Kingston. A few years ago I purchased a home locally and spend as much time here as I can. Like so many of you, I enjoy the outdoors, the beautiful landscape, and community we call home. My proposed plan for 850 Route 28 project will help locals and future generations have job opportunities I did not, and take pride in making something used in the Hudson Valley – roads, bridges and infrastructure. This project will also add very much needed tax income for

When 850 Route 28 is built, Rainwater Harvesting will be the predominant water source used for concrete processing. (photo shown is for reference only) THE WATER CONSERVATION BENEFITS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING The rainwater that falls on your roof and property is essentially free. All it takes is a method to harvest it into a tank or cistern for later use. Rainwater harvesting significantly reduces dependence on municipal or well water. For communities that rely on imported water to supply their needs, collecting rainwater that falls naturally in the community can reduce the need for imported water. Rainwater harvesting helps utilities reduce peak demands during summer months, saving treated water for more important and appropriate water uses. While rainwater can be a perfect primary water source for many uses and situations, it is also a great backup water supply for emergency situations. THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING Rainwater harvesting can reduce stormwater

  Did you know that ambient dust dispersal will be controlled by spraying grounds with collected rainwater at the 850 Route 28 site? This will ensure that neighboring properties are not inconvenienced during site construction. Learn more about ways that 850 Route 28 is working to make the project sustainable and be a good neighbor: http://850route28.com/sustainable-green-project

850 Route 28 will plant many trees and install wall sound and visual barriers at key locations nearest operations to limit noise, and to blend into the landscape. The extensive forest cover at the 850 property will be predominantly left untouched, ensuring the very existence of the plant and operation will be unseen by surrounding properties. Proposed trees for planting include Eastern White Pines - used by NYS Forestry and are the most widely planted trees in the United States. They were known as the “tree of great peace” by some Native American tribes. The White Pine Tree is able to block sound with its thick trunk and large cones. The White pine can be planted in a variety of climates, and it is really one of the best trees you can get if you’re looking for a sound barrier and a visually pleasing tree. Learn more about 850 Route 28's sustainable and green approach to development: http://850route28.com/sustainable-green-project

  850 Route 28 site will be a pre-cast CONCRETE manufacturing facility, NOT A CEMENT factory, as some have called it. There is a significant difference. Cement is an ingredient of Concrete. Creating cement is a much more industrial process than what 850 Route 28 intends to create. Cement will NOT be made on the site of 850 Route 28. Instead, cement will be brought in, and added to the mixture to make pre-cast concrete infrastructure pieces used on local roads and bridges - What's Made Here Stays Near. NOTE: one of the ingredients that 850 Route 28 plans to use is recycled CRUSHED GLASS, which will help to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the facility. This, along with using solar power, capturing rain water off rooftops, and other sustainable features, will help to ensure the project is a showcase for how to fabricate infrastructure in the future. Want to learn more about 850 Route 28 project? http://850route28.com