Al Sorrentino of ACS Design discusses his plans for "The Jungle"
The Village Design Review Board has posted a public hearing notice for 4pm on Wednesday July 6th for consideration of a request from William Alsup Jr. , with Alfonse Sorrentino as a co-applicant, to get permission to demolish five buildings that are part of a parcel of land under contract to Sorrentino in the East End of the Village. This is in the area familiar to most as “The Jungle” across from ” The Wasp” snack bar and where the former NAPA auto parts store was, including the old Woodstock Railway Station behind it.
It’s not clear that Alsup or Sorrentino will, in fact, take down the buildings if the purchase goes through. However, Sorrentino says he thinks the original request is being made by Mr. Alsup, of which he is now a party, to clear up any issues related to historical structures.
The property is in the Village Design Review District and has been the subject over the years to debate and conjecture about its future as it has remained in Mr. Alsup’s hands unimproved. There have been offers on the land including an offer by a group of Woodstock investors who established a trust for that specific purpose, but for various reasons, all previous deals fell through.
Now, there appears to be some serious traction holding in a pending deal between Woodstock’s Sorrentino, the principle of ACS Design/Build, and Alsup. So much so, with money down, that at a recent Village Trustees field hearing, Sorrentino was invited by Chair Candace Coburn to informally outline his plans for developing the property. He reiterated today what he said then, that he wishes to move forward “in a community-oriented way.” He added, “There is so much positive we can do there. I want to emphasize that.”
At the time of the site visit, Sorrentino said his short-term goal — in addition to making sure a Village snow dump below the parcel is moved — is to eventually “clean up the site” so that a grassy view to the Ottauquechee River might soon be visible to those driving into the Village. Long-term, he outlined ideas for possible commercial and residential uses of the property, which measures out at just over an acre. . These ideas might include bringing in a microbrewery or a local cheesemaker, something attractive to visitors but also to locals. He described the project as an unprecedented opportunity.
Perhaps in conjunction with his development of the Alsup property — pending successful contract deliberations — the way might also be laid for the area that is currently the Village of Woodstock snow dump — in a flood plain and not buildable and not part of the Alsup property– to be turned into a Riverside Park. Sustainable Woodstock has been active in promoting that park measure while encouraging appropriate development of the whole East End.
Simultaneously, The Village Trustees are in talks with the Woodstock Inn about moving the very necessary snow dump area to a parcel of land owned by the Woodstock Corporation. Sorrentino says the Woodstock Corporation was hesistant to get behind the idea of supporting a new snow dump parcel until it had heard more about why it needed to be moved. Hearing that the adjacent property may now really be improved and developed, Sorrentino thinks the Woodstock Corporation is closer to supporting efforts to help provide an alternate place for Village snow.
Alsup (with Sorrentino as co-applicant) will have to get approval for possible demolishment of some buildings not just from the Village Design Review Board on July 6th but also the Village Development Review Board. Only then could the parties involved proceed despite the lack of a firm plan to do so. The second public hearing on the Alsup/Sorrentino request before The Village Development Review Board will be 7:30pm on Wednesday, July 13th. All meetings at the Town Hall.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Andrea Sand on June 29, 2011 at 17:38
A grassy view, maybe a microbrewery, near a riverside park — wow, wouldn’t that be a change!
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Posted by Julia Carlisle on June 30, 2011 at 09:29
Can’t wait to see what might happen over the next few years!
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Posted by Michael Stoner on July 1, 2011 at 09:24
This is a very exciting development for Woodstock! I wish Al good luck in working through the issues he’ll need to resolve to make this work. A riverside park with an associated business development as he mentions would be an awesome addition to the community.
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Posted by Alfonse Sorrentino on July 2, 2011 at 10:59
To my neighbors, a few points for clarification and some additional insight:
The contract to purchase the Alsup property is with Tanglewood Development Corporation of which I am principle, not ACS design/build Inc. The deal remains contingent on environmental studies now underway. Previous “phase one and two studies” have identified some minor issues which, at this time, do not appear to present insurmountable challenges. I remain hopeful no additional negative circumstances are identified by the ongoing investigation allowing the deal to move forward. I am optimistic it will.
The application for demolition referenced above was initiated by Mr. Alsup, well before Tanglewood Development Corporation committed to purchase the property. As I understand it, Mr. Alsup’s intention for submitting the application was not to raise all the structures, but to put an end to any speculation that potential historical designations may or may not be associated with the property and as a result, finally and unequivocally identify any implications, both impediments and/or advantages associated with a historic designation that could impact future development. Because of the new contract to purchase the property, my signature is now also required on the demolition application as a co-applicant.
I would like to take this opportunity to make clear, I currently have no definite plans, whatsoever, for the property. I committed to buying the land strictly relying on my intuition that there is finally enough momentum evidenced, by various integral community groups – and individuals, that something great can happen here. I want to be part of it; so I took the leap.
My current efforts are to finally and certifiably identify the real pollution issues, formulate and price a remediation plan, resolve pending historical constraints, impact favorable zoning changes, encourage the relocation of the snow dump with my vision for future uses and as resources are available, clean up the parcel – this will likely include removing the structures anyone would consider to have outlived their usefulness, but not all.
From a greater community perspective – The Alsup land and the Village “Snow Dump” land, located below it and along the river, is inextricably one. Sustainable Woodstock has done a commendable job in identifying what could happen at OUR riverfront land rather than a dump. If their good work brings us nothing more than simple open public green space along the river, they have succeeded where generations before have not. Their extensive efforts are appreciated and without them, I would not be having a conversation about the Alsup property today. Along with the Village Snow Dump, the current stagnation and neglect, of this precious limited resource, is an affront to our community self-respect and dignity and has been so for far too long.
I am aware there are a few residents with the mindset that the status-quo is acceptable, because they believe change will affect their wallet – to them I suggest, you are shortsighted… The revenue generated with increased Village commerce and increased property value will benefit everyone. Meaning – YOUR INDIVIDUAL TAX BURDEN WILL BE DILUTED AND REDUCED (this includes the monies needed to relocate and operate the new dump). This is not to mention, establishing a place we can congregate, enjoy and be proud of – collectively.
Looking forward; if we don’t do what is responsible on our own, it will be only a matter of time before we are legally held responsible, by the state and federal agencies, for our irresponsible abuse of our local environment and specifically, polluting the waterway. Our hypocrisy should be an embarrassment to every Village resident, especially juxtaposed to the birthplace of environmental stewardship in our nation and our national park. One only needs to stand along the river in April, below the thirty foot mound of polluted black snow as its runoff enters the river, to realize this practice should not continue.
I diverge – but I can’t have the conversation about one parcel without considering the other; their boundaries exist only on paper…
At this time, I envision the Alsup cleanup to include removing the conspicuously dilapidated buildings, with an eye to reusing the primary structure, the gray clapboard, so called, Freight Building. This change will breathe new life into the east end and I am sure will add to the community sentiment that something good is coming. Imagine turning the corner at Maplefields someday and seeing across the river to Billings Farm, Mt. Tom and the hills of Pomfret; instead of the blight we have been forced to live with for decades! People have a tendency to block out what we don’t want to see – Next time you drive by please take notice – what a conspicuous invitation for something far better.
Other than that, I have no plans – only ideas. I just now am undertaking a process of inquiry that will shape the future of this almost unprecedented redevelopment opportunity in our historic Village. I can represent, unequivocally, as an almost thirty year resident and business owner, it will not be driven by goals inconsistent with the good of our Village; the home of my young family and friends, with whom I will be sharing this new place for the rest of my life and well after I’m gone. This endeavor will only flourish with the benefit of a positive consensus of the community.
Opportunities exist to develop housing, or more retail space, or both. But my vision is a little different than other concepts I have seen or heard contemplated at various times over what has regrettably become decades. In my mind I envision a reconnecting of the Village to the River and beyond, fostering vistas to the significant assets of Billings Farm and the National Park. This can be accomplished with two or perhaps 3 commercial – light industrial businesses that will complement the small shops of the Central Commercial District serving as both a counterpoint and anchor. I hope these businesses prove to be regional destinations drawing more people to our Village as well as serving local residents. They should produce good jobs and utilize local sustainable commodities; all of which benefits our entire community.
There you have it – I have never blogged before. So, I hope I haven’t over-blogged or clogged your blog or exercised any other poor internet etiquette I may not be aware of. But, come on people; let’s finally do something good for ourselves and those who come after us. The time has finally come – if not now, I fear never – This is one of those rare opportunities to enrich our lives, sustain our economy and please our senses that is rarely attainable.
Thanks for following my ramblings. I hope to see you and your family at a riverfront concert some summer night, potentially slurping a micro-brew with dinner while your kids drool over a locally produced ice cream cone… or something like that!
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Posted by Stella Sorrentino on July 3, 2011 at 14:25
I think your foresight for the use of this land is exactly what Woodstock needs. I’m sure it will only add to the charm of the village. Woodstock, as I know it, is very community oriented
and adding a place for the residents to enjoy together will surely be welcomed. Good luck in your venture!
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Posted by Alfonse Sorrentino on July 4, 2011 at 07:43
Thanks mom…
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Posted by Michael Stoner on July 4, 2011 at 08:00
Al, thanks for your post (and no, I can’t see that you committed any flagrant breaches of Internet etiquette, so rest easy on that score!).
You’re right about the value of this parcel and the huge difference that an appropriate development would make for our community. Like many others, I’ll be eager to see how your plans progress and look forward to that microbrew and dinner.
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Posted by Peggy Fraser on July 6, 2011 at 13:29
Wow – this is very exciting! As part of the Woodstock Garden Club Civic Beautification Committee,
I foresee a very lovely gateway to the Village & the wonderful Woodstock community. Bravo to Al for his vision, commitment & energy.
Peggy Fraser
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