The Catskill Chronicle

To the Editor:

I am a resident of Narrowsburg and like the hundreds of people who attended town board and board of education meetings this past week, I care about my town, my neighbors, and the quality of life we all enjoy in Narrowsburg and the Town of Tusten.

We are deeply concerned about the consequences of the Sullivan West School District’s recent decision to award the winning bid for the Narrowsburg school to the Buto family, whose stated purpose is to bring a drug rehabilitation business into the center of the downtown district of Narrowsburg – across the street, by the way, from a bar.

It’s not clear the Butos possess the professional credentials or ability to operate under industry standards and, to date, neither they nor their attorney have been able to articulate any kind of meaningful vision for their business or Narrowsburg.

Because so many of us are so concerned and so troubled by the handling of the sale of the school to a group proposing a business that violates our recently enacted comprehensive plan and zoning laws, we have formed a citizens organization, Narrowsburg Organized for Responsible School Usage (NORSU). 

NORSU has retained an attorney and will not hesitate to hire other professionals to further our efforts. As recognized last Tuesday night by several people, including Councilman Lang, the school is the heart and soul of our community.  Lang and others were emphatic that we cannot let the school fall into the wrong hands. We will be working diligently to present a factual analysis of the realty on the ground as to what the sale of the Narrowsburg school to the Butos means. We will advocate for what we believe is right, legally correct, and best for the future of our community.

Iris Helfeld

Founding Member, NORSU

Narrowsburg