ELDRED, NY — In a split 3-2 decision, with chairman Norm Sutherland casting the deciding vote, the Highland Planning Board moved to order an Environmental Impact Statement for Camp FIMFO.

The packed crowd, many with stickers and small signs that advocated for an independent environmental impact statement, erupted in applause and breathed a sigh of relief as it became clear at the meeting's conclusion that additional study of the total project's impact would now be required.

After noting that the project review has been lengthy, Sutherland related that there are a lot of large projects in the county and that additional review was warranted as this project was equally as large.

In the motion to require an Environmental Impact Statement, Tim McKenna and Jeff Spitz voted in favor, while JT Vogt and Steve Bott voted no. The tie was broken by Sutherland who said, "We're not killing the project by any means."

"I just think it is something that needs to be done. I don't think it's a major hurdle, we have dump trucks worth of paper," Sutherland said.

A more in-depth story will follow.