To the editor [Northern Dutchess News]:
As a longtime member of our community, I am increasingly concerned about development proposals that could fundamentally alter the character of where we live and work.

On January 21, 2026, I attended a Clinton Town Hall Planning Board meeting focused on the ongoing review of the proposed Six Senses hotel, spa, and conference center. The project would develop approximately 32 acres of a 238-acre parcel located primarily in the Town of Clinton, with a portion in Hyde Park. For those unfamiliar with this proposal and its broader implications, a comprehensive overview is available at commonsenseshv.org.

I want to be clear: I am not opposed to growth or job creation. My concerns center on preserving the rural character of our area, protecting environmental health, managing increased traffic, and safeguarding the natural beauty that defines daily life here.

Given the scale of this project, a full SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) review appears necessary. One major issue discussed at the meeting involved wastewater effluent generated by the hotel and spa. The proposal would result in the daily discharge of approximately 18,500 gallons of treated wastewater into the Crum Elbow Creek. This creek flows through multiple communities and is a well-established fishing stream where people catch and consume fish.

What was not discussed—and should be addressed publicly—is whether this discharge could contain harmful substances such as PFAS or PCB-type “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in living organisms. This is a serious public health concern. The Planning Board should obtain this information and make it available for public review.

Another unresolved issue involved the remaining 206 acres of the parcel, largely composed of wetlands and steep terrain that appear unbuildable. The Planning Board reasonably requested a conservation agreement to permanently protect this land from future development. The applicant’s resistance to such an agreement raises concerns about possible future expansion. Many residents already believe the proposed hotel and spa are outsized for our community and would prefer a reduced footprint and lower intensity of use.

Finally, this application has exposed weaknesses in our zoning laws that may allow other projects to capitalize on these gaps. A current example is Milea Vineyards, which is seeking to expand at the former Clinton Vineyards property on Schultzville Road. The proposal includes a large restaurant footprint and a substantial asphalt parking lot.

Schultzville Road is designated as one of Dutchess County’s most scenic roads, valued for its historic character, tree canopy, and use by walkers, cyclists, and drivers. Increased traffic and commercial intensity would significantly alter its character and impact nearby residents.

Unless stronger protective measures are adopted, these developments do not bode well for our community. We must carefully consider our future and take deliberate steps to preserve the character, environment, and quality of life that make this area special.

Rudy Heintze
Town of Clinton