WURTSBORO – Shalom Lamm, the major developer who has undertaken a number of large projects in the Mamakating area, is hoping that the development project at the former Kaufman Farm could prevent the Monticello School District (MSD) from closing Emma Chase Elementary School. The 72-unit development could add 40 or more new elementary-age students, which would increase the current enrollment by ten-or-more percent.

The 85-acre parcel will see townhomes built that should be attractive to young families who are looking for a first home, as the 1,600 square-foot units would contain either two or three bedrooms, making them suitable for those who have one or two children.

"We hope to be a tremendous feeder to the school," Lamm said.

This influx of children, Lamm hopes, will make it more difficult for MSD to close the school, a facility many feel is an important keystone in the Village of Wurtsboro.

Lamm and his team are also planning to build a sidewalk which would link the new development to the school, thereby making it easy for children to walk to and from class. Lamm is also planning on several other amenities which should help integrate the new development into the village. A pair of tennis courts — along with a half-dozen or so attendant, off-street parking spaces — will be available for use by village residents. There will also be a jogging path that will loop around a pond that will be built on the property. The pond will also have a bench or two so pedestrians and joggers can take a break and enjoy the view.

The larger overall plan for the development, Lamm feels, could also provide a boost to Sullivan Street businesses, some of which have felt the pinch of a badly performing economy.

"People [who live at the new development] would be able to walk over to Sullivan Street," Lamm said.

Lamm feels that the addition of new homes will help revitalize the area, as many of the new residents would frequent the businesses in Wurtsboro, and that the newly reopened Mamakating Library (which is another of Lamm's projects) will act as an additional draw.

"We're hoping that an influx of 150 to 180 people will help drive businesses and restaurants on Sullivan Street," he said.

Lamm also says that he feels strongly about giving something back to the community, especially if you're a developer who is asking a village to give up one of its last major open spaces.

"When you're putting your footprint somewhere, it's important to, A, do it lightly, and, B, give something back to the community," Lamm said. "It's something you probably hear from me ad nauseam; I just believe in it."