Developer Shalom Lamm and his associates have claimed that Lamm's Bloomingburg development, marketed as a Satmar village, was always meant to be a development like the one currently being built. They have also denied hiring Duane Rowe, a local builder and politician, to front for the development and hide Lamm's and Satmar's involvement. Here is the entire confidential agreement between Sullivan Farms and Rowe that appears to prove that Lamm and his spokespeople have been lying to locals – and to the New York Times and other media.
The confidential retention agreement dated May 2006 between Sullivan Farms and Duane Rowe. It specifies that Rowe would be acting as Sullivan Farms' straw man.
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The entire agreement with signatures as a PDF file. (You can download it or right click to open in a new window or tab. That should allow you to read it online rather than opening your PDF program):
Download Confidential retention agreement between Duane Rowe and Sullivan Farms May 2006
Map of the proposed Sullivan Farms and Willow Hawk Golf Club development. Please click to enlarge:
An article from the Sullivan County Democrat dated May 12, 2006 regarding the development. Rowe is acting as if the development is his. Also note the development is for condominiums and a golf course, not for single family townhouses built to accommodate large haredi families:
Big Plans For Little Village
By Nathan Mayberg • Sullivan County Democrat
BLOOMINGBURG — May 12, 2006 – A major development of townhouses, condominiums and a golf course has been proposed for the Village of Bloomingburg. The land currently borders the village boundary in the Town of Mamakating.
Former Town of Mamakating Supervisor Duane Roe, who is also a major builder in the town, is proposing the development. Roe presented his preliminary plans during a joint meeting between the town and village last week.
The details are in the early stages but could include 140 townhouses and condominiums on the property of more than 200 acres at Winterton Road. The development is currently being advertised to include a 9-hole golf course, clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools and restaurant. The gated community would be operated by a homeowner’s association. The golf course would be open to the public.
Town Supervisor Charles Penna said the project “could be a good thing” but added that the plans are all in their early stages. He said that he believed the development would be for seasonal homes.
Roe’s desire to annex to the village is likely due to the village’s sewer lines, although Roe could not be contacted as of yesterday. Plans for building water lines in the village have also been discussed. At the joint meeting, Roe reportedly offered to assist in the development of a water line and revitalizing Main Street.
Roe has an option to purchase property owned by E. Tetz and Sons, who operate a sand and gravel mining business adjacent to the proposed development.
Summitville resident Eileen Weil said she and others believed the project could be a benefit to the town but was worried that if Roe bought out property owned by Tetz, it could lead to further mining in Summitville.
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