Orange County Transit has been trying to connect to the Village of Walden’s sewer system for some time now, and after a very close vote, they just received an extension from the Walden Village Board regarding this matter.

In 2020, John Mensch, owner of Orange County Transit, approached the board about working on their site.

“We’re committed to buying the property, and we’re looking for some time frame to work through this process. I come before you because I’m looking for a relief, because of the timing, that I can still operate my business and transport the kids with the local two school districts, at the same time going through the process of Planning Board making the changes as requested,” said Mensch, in regard to the site in the Village of Walden on Route 52.

Since then, representatives for Orange County Transit have been in front of both the village board and the Walden planning board.

Orange County Transit most recently approached the village board with updates as well as requesting an extension from them to connect to their sewer system. Orange County Transit representative Anthony Mirando explained that they are already connected to water and paying fees for that, but are having waterline issues.

Mirando, on July 18, gave the village board an update. He also stated some background on the extension and waiver requests.

“As you may recall back in April, before trustees considered an extension request at that time, we had asked for a year, granted three months, with the understanding that there were some new board members joining us and with the understanding that we’d meet with the village immediately thereafter, as well as evaluate the request from this board to pursue sewer waivers, which we also addressed,” said Mirando.

He also stated that they’ve been in contact with the Department of Transportation (DOT)
“In terms of commencing the sewer and water infrastructure work, we had gotten to the end of the process [a] while back when DOT suddenly asked for a use and occupancy license permit, which we hadn’t known about previously,” Mirando stated. “The end of June, early July, I personally spoke with DOT for the first time and they’re completing the process. All appears to be that they’re going to issue us the use and occupancy permit.”

Mirando also noted that they were looking for a 12-month extension request.

Trustee Ralph Garrison asked about other issues, stating that he knew it would come up either way throughout the meeting. “How are we looking at the other items that you guys are doing down there, some lighting issues and things like that?” asked Garrison.

“After that period [May], Orange County Transit shut off the light that was subject to the complaint per the village’s request. Orange County Transit is also coordinating to install the lighting project site plan,” Mirando responded.

Trustee Becky Pearson shared some concerns about the site plan not being completed despite being approved a couple of years ago.

“Your site plan was approved by the planning board [on] August 16, 2021 which was two years ago already. Those site plans could be worked on except for that sewer,” Pearson stated. “Why can’t that get done before your sewer line?” She asked.

Mirando stated that they have worked on some things, but added that they didn’t want to dig and do certain projects until the sewer line is worked out.

“Some of the things you said have been done, some of them haven’t because there’s work that has to get done on the site in order for the sewer and water [to get done],” Mirando said.

Later on, Deputy Mayor Willie Carley asked if, granted the extension, it would actually take 12 months. While Mirando couldn’t say exactly, he did note that millions of scenarios could happen.

“I think it’s very unlikely that everything will be done in six months in my head. I’m just being honest, but it doesn’t have anything to do with lack of due diligence on your part or ours. I think it’s just simply where it is,” said Mirando.

Trustee Pearson then asked Carley about her issues with the site plan.

“Are you gonna work on the site plan so that the site plan at least gets going and finished and they could have that all done?” Pearson asked Carley.

“We acknowledged that there’s other things that need to be done, but we’re specifically talking about sewer and water, the extension of that or not, and today’s the last day so if you say no, they still need to have it done,” Carley stated in response.

Village Attorney David A. Donovan then gave a breakdown of what Pearson and Carley were discussing. “The request tonight relates to an extension of time for the water and sewer connection that’s set forth in paragraph seven of that agreement [land use agreement from 2019-2020]. What it says is, you can deny an extension request if the property was not diligently pursuing the sewer water connection. So, that’s where you’re at now, if there’s issues regarding site plan compliance, the legal answer to that is they can be pursued in a different form, either through the building department or trying to enforce that,” said Donovan.

Trustee Kristie Hall then asked if they’d consider an extension to November. “Why don’t we go till November right before winter really kicks in and see where they’re at. They’re waiting for those permits, [and] obviously, we have to wait for that, but then we’ll have a better idea come winter if they’re able to do it or not,” Hall said.

Village Mayor John Ramos also weighed in, stating his support for the extension, “You have done what you were supposed to do. You come here religiously, you know and talk to us. I’m all for you knowing the extension for Orange County Transit, and we may get lucky and next week you may have your permits.”

When it came to the vote, there were three no’s and four votes for yes. Because it was four to three, the motion passed, and Orange County Transit received a 12-month-extension to connect to Walden’s sewer line.

Orange County Transit will continue to visit the board monthly on this.