NY - AG Investigating Satmar Housing Project in Bloomingburg

Pine Bush, NY - According to Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office is conducting an investigation into the 396-unit housing project currently underway in Bloomingburg.

Times Herald Record reports that the statement by Gunther—-who also said she recently spoke with officials from the AG’s office—-comes just a week after Orange County Legislator and Pine Bush school board member Roseanne Sullivan submitted a letter requesting an investigation by Schneiderman’s office.

In her letter addressing the project which most believe will house primarily Satmar Hasidim, Sullivan wrote, “The approvals were obtained through the misrepresentation of the facts and circumstances of the proposed development.”

Bloomingburg residents, as well, have requested an inquiry, citing “egregious misconduct” on behalf of Bloomingburg officials, who they say have shown a “blatant disregard for the law, freedom of information laws, open meeting laws, conflicts of interest, voting irregularities as well as concerns of financial improprieties.”

Over 200 residents packed last month’s Planning Board meeting at Village Hall, where developer Shalom Lamm was slated to give a presentation on a proposed all-girls private school—-one that would service the housing project, while possibly taxing local Pine Bush finances .

That meeting was abruptly canceled after it was determined by officials that not everyone in attendance could properly hear the presentation.

“I almost feel like it’s some kind of stall tactic or something,” Bloomingburg resident Kimberly Romer said after the meeting.