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Kohl's Deal in Jeopardy

CHESTER, NY-Alleged environmental violations by development owner causes problems for Kohl's proposed project. Until the administrative judge rules in the next 30 to 60 days, construction is prohibited.

By John Jordan | Updated on August 04, 2000

Talk about a potential deal breaker. In April, Kohl’s, a Wisconsin-based discount retailer announced plans to build a 500,000 sf distribution facility here. Now comes word that the deal, and the 900 jobs that would have come with it, are in danger, due to environmental problems at the site.

On July 19, an administrative law judge recommended to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner John Cahill that Chester Industrial Park Associates, the owner of Chester Industrial Park, and V. Paulius and Associates of Allendale, NJ, the general contractor at the property, each pay $500,000 for violating state environmental law in 1966. They are charged with depositing a minimum of 50,000 cubic yards of fill within a 10-acre portion of state-designated, freshwater wetlands at the property. It is not known at press time if Kohl’s project abuts or is located within the wetlands area. Officials with V. Paulius could not be reached for comment, but according to the ruling, both parties have denied the accusations.

Ellen Stoutenburgh, a spokesperson for the DEC Region 3 office in New Paltz, tells Globest.com that the commissioner will most likely render a final decision within the next 30 to 60 days. She adds, “The proposed construction could be impacted by the commissioner’s decision.” No construction will be allowed until then. The company had hoped to break ground later this year.

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