Clinton Planning Board votes 5‑2 to extend Six Senses DEIS deadline

Six Senses works through 275 consultant comments

Six Senses is addressing roughly 275 comments from Nelson Pope Voorhis, the board’s environmental planning consultancy, on the September DEIS version. Comments range from minor typographical errors to missing data on studies, mitigation strategies and community impact. Under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, a DEIS is adequate only if it meets the final written scope and provides agencies and the public the information needed to assess impacts, alternatives and mitigation.

Board debate over declaring the DEIS incomplete

Consultant Polidoro suggested the board declare the DEIS complete only after every item satisfied to the consultants’ approval, shifting the completeness decision to the consultants. When the board rejected that proposal, Polidoro asked that the vote be deferred to a later meeting to avoid an official “incomplete” ruling. Board member Jack Auspitz asked, “Is there any significance in declaring something incomplete?” and Polidoro replied it matters to the applicant for reporting purposes. Members Richard Levin and Jack Auspitz expressed sympathy for Six Senses, with Levin noting his corporate background helps him understand the need to report progress. Chairman Paul Thomas remained unconvinced, saying he prefers to follow the regulated process and that restarting the DEIS evaluation would not necessarily save Six Senses time.

Six Senses pledges to meet DEIS requirements

Six Senses representatives told the board they will keep working with consultant Nelson Pope Voorhis to bring the Draft Environmental Impact Statement to completeness, even as the planning board retains final authority over the decision.

The project has faced significant local resistance, multiple lawsuits, and intense scrutiny from local officials, underscoring why the board’s delayed completeness decision matters for the applicant and the community.

Clinton Foundation’s local initiatives highlighted amid board decision

Its mission is to care for young children and support families during a crisis, striving to be a leading voice for child‑abuse prevention and to transform the community into a safe, stable and loving place for all children.