Problems in Snow Valley

I received the following e-mail and would like to share it with the citizens of Fishkill. Dear Fishkill Ridge Caretakers & Friends, The letter below, received 5-7-12, comes from Cheryl Miller, an out-of-state resident, amateur herpetologist and frequent visitor to Fishkill Ridge. We met last fall just before the deadline of the Montfort eviction notice that was executed by the lessee. Some of the remaining residents are disabled and underage. They have lived through the mildest winter in years (or ever), remaining there months after the eviction notice. Some of the residents may have no where else to go; some may be ‘hiding out.’ But whatever the reason, this is a public health crisis and huge social tragedy. Not only that… Snow Valley is located downstream from SDS&G, that much closer to the Village of Fishkill Public Water Supply. Last fall some of us witnessed a hole in the ground (=sand and gravel) near Clove Creek which some residents use to dispose of their personal sewage. This pit is located at the north end of the property, near Clove Creek. I am writing you all first of all to inform you. Second, I’d like some suggestions on what to do next. Best, Peter Peter Rostenberg Fishkill Ridge Caretakers. Hi Peter, I have visited Snow Valley a few times over the past 2 months to check in on the remaining residents as well as the resident snakes. I am appalled at the conditions of Snow Valley. On my first visit in April of this year, there were still apx 6 - 7 remaining households on site, which included CloudWalker and his family. As you know most of the trailers were not able to be moved with their owners, so they were left behind at Snow Valley. It appeared that the trailers were in the process of being "disasembled" at that point in time. Trash and trailer parts were everywhere. I was informed that there was no running water in the public area and it was stated that Joe, the elderly veteran resident had not showered in some time. As of yesterdays visit, the premises appeared to have fewer residents hanging on, but the condition of Snow Valley had deteriorated significantly from my last visit. Frank and Donna Martino (they still have no where to go), Grover and a few straglers whom I had never seen before were still there. I am not sure what happened to Joe, but I believe that he is still there as well. CloudWalker and family were leaving yesterday. They decided to pack it up because they could not take it anymore. I am glad that there children are out of the hell hole. Nia Moni expressed concern about the methods being used to dispose of the "trash" and motor homes. Some of it may have been carried out by a hired company, probably the recyclable money making metals, but the remaining parts are now being thrown in a very large pit and burned. There are pieces of motor home parts, including insulation, scattered everywhere. According to CloudWalker, on the day in which the "hired company" appearently disposed of tires in this pit, a very large black plume of smoke was filling the sky. He was surprised that the fired department was not summoned to investigate this matter as it must have been visible for some distance. All of this activity is taking place within very close proximity to Clove Creek, as you well know. You must get down there ASAP and find out why the Town Officials and the property owners, as well as Ally (the lessee) are allowing this to happen. I am concerned as it is obvious that no one is overseeing this. The Town of Fishkill is once agian conveniently turning its back on Snow Valley, and in doing so the Clove Creek Aquifer. It is a disgrace to see what has happened to that place. If you thought it was bad last fall, just wait.......it makes you want to vomit. I wish I had taken pictures.....they speak a thousand words. Cheryl