Town of Rochester’s Rural Character & Road Safety at Risk – STOP the Rav Tov Expansion on Cherrytown Rd
Updates & Calls To Action
Update: 4.24.2026
Hello everyone,
We wanted to send a quick update regarding Rav Tov/Pine Grove's appearance at the 4/27 PB meeting. The applicant was present and represented by their two attorney's (Jeffrey Kaplan & Eric Treene) as well as their Engineer, Andrew M. Millspaugh from Sterling Engineering.
It's hard to fully articulate everything that happened in the 2+hrs that was spent discussing this project. But here's what we feel are the most pertinent take-aways.
1. True Definition of the Size and Scope of the Project. Especially the Population Discrepancy (570 vs. 770 people) The original Rav Tov 30 Cherrytown application stated the facility accommodates 570 people across 126 rooms. The number 770 surfaced later, which blindsided the PB. During the meeting, the applicant (Heshy) clarified that the 570 figure referred only to campers, an additional ~220 family/staff who use a separate secondary dining room, a distinction that had not been clearly communicated before. The board was understandably frustrated by this as they are a year into reviewing this project and only now receiving full clarification.
2. Water & Septic Use. The biggest technical dispute is over gallons per person per day:
The camp's engineer argued 36 gallons/day is appropriate, citing the Ulster County Department of Health and comparable camps
The board's engineer countered with 55–75 gallons/day, based on New York State standards for boarding school-type uses
Notably, the same county health official had cited 55 gallons/day for a nearly identical project just a year earlier (we're assuming this was the Villa Veritas project), which the board found hard to reconcile
The camp argued lower usage is justified because campers bring their own linens (so less washing is occuring), sessions are only 3 weeks at a time, and meals use disposable plates/cups
It is important to remember that a Planning Board gives permitting for a use to the land, not to the applicant. One could argue that, given this legal fact, "bringing in linens" and "using disposable cutlery" are irrelevant to the ultimate decision as enforcement in perpetuity would be virtually impossible.
The board wants a full hydrogeological study with drawdown tests to assess aquifer impact. The applicant was resistant to this, arguing their new building won't increase water use
3. SEQR Process & Legal Sparring The applicant's attorney argued the board should only look at the delta, meaning the environmental change caused by the new building specifically and not the camp's overall operations. The board's attorney disagreed, arguing the Planning Board is obliged under SEQRA to look at the cumulative impacts over time of a proposed land use, especially since this is a Type 1 action as the proposed project has a higher likelihood of causing significant adverse environmental impacts compared to other projects, requiring a more thorough review.
The applicant also raised RLUIPA (federal religious land use law), suggesting delays and a Positive Declaration could constitute a burden on religious exercise. The board's attorney pushed back, noting RLUIPA cases typically involve outright denial, not environmental review.
Outcome: The board voted 5–0 to issue a Positive Declaration, meaning they've formally determined the project may have significant adverse environmental impacts, triggering a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. This doesn't stop the project, but it requires a much more rigorous and expensive review going forward, including public scoping sessions.
The overall tone of the meeting was definitely one of mutual frustration. The board feels it has been getting inconsistent, piecemeal information for over a year, while the applicant feels the board has overreached by scrutinizing the entire camp operation rather than just the proposed building.
We would encourage you to watch the recording which can be accessed HERE. The link should take you right to the start of the applicant's time with the PB but if not the timestamps are 1:24:14 - 3:36:55.
We are unsure of when the applicant will be appearing before the Planning Board again as they have quite a bit to do. We will keep you posted when more information is released!
With deep appreciation,
The Town of Rochester Alliance
If you would like to receive timely updates and documents directly, please follow the link below ↓
With deep appreciation,
The Town of Rochester Alliance
A 42,000sq ft banquet hall threatens Rochester’s rural character, road safety, and water supply.
Now is the time to act. The Planning Board is sworn to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all residents — and they need strong public support to make the right decision for the entire community.
Say NO to this oversized development — sign the petition protect our town, our neighbors, and our future.
*** Please note: Change.org will ask you to donate money to promote the petition. The Alliance does NOT see this money, it goes directly to Change.org so that they can boost the petition. We greatly appreciate everyone who donated to promote this petition with Change.org but your signature and sharing the petition with friends & neighbors is more than enough!
The Town of Rochester is facing a development proposal that would permanently alter the agricultural, scenic, and historic character of Cherrytown Road — and put the health, safety, and welfare of our community at risk.
The applicant seeks to construct a 42,000 square foot banquet and event hall at Pine Grove/Rav Tov. This massive commercial-style project is completely out of scale with our agricultural area, rural roads, and neighborhoods.
Here’s why you should care:
• It does not align with our Town’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The proposal does not align with standards for commercial design, landscaping, aquifer protection, parking, traffic, signage, or setbacks..
• It threatens our water. The project lies within the Aquifer Protection Overlay District. Town law requires a hydrogeological study when water use exceeds 1,000 gallons/day. We feel with dual kitchens, classrooms, and space for 500+ people, this threshold will be exceeded many times over — putting our wells and aquifer at risk of contamination.
• It endangers drivers and pedestrians. Cherrytown Road and adjoining roads cannot safely handle the traffic volume and bus congestion from large-scale events.
• It undermines our rural and agricultural identity. The R-5 Rural Conservation District was designed to preserve farmland and community character — not mega-sized banquet facilities.
• It repeats past harms. Neighbors have already experienced disruption from Rav Tov/Pine Grove’s activities, including noise, unsafe traffic for drivers and pedestrians, trespass, debris and damage to crops via helicopters. We feel this expansion will only make these impacts worse.
Why we must say NO to this expansion:
✅ First, sign the petition to show that residents stand united against this oversized development. Please include your mailing address (and email/phone if possible) so we can keep you informed of next steps.
✅ Attend the next Public Comment Planning Board Meeting: PLEASE CHECK the TOR Planning Board’s Agenda & Minutes pageHEREto stay up-to-date on future meetings! We will update here as soon as we have confirmation via the Planning Board's site. If you would like to see the additional submitted docs, renderings, etc., you can follow this LINK.
✅ Submit your written comments to: PBZBA@townofrochester.ny.gov, kgundberg@townofrochester.ny.gov, eenouen@townofrochester.ny.gov and mlchristianalaw@aol.com