Members of Hasidic communities, such as the Skver, seek to raise very large families. It is not uncommon for adherents to bear eight to ten children. This requires successive expansion with each generation. The original community was founded in 1954 by 20 families on 130 acres of land. In 1961, the Village of New Square was incorporated, and expanded by annexation.
The plan to build a satellite community on 440 acres in Spring Glen can only be the beginning of an expansive land grab by a community that will grow exponentially. It is unrealistic to believe that with the historical population growth, these 440 acres alone will satisfy the needs of the growing community. Rapid expansion is assured with annexation and condemnation of adjacent properties. If the Village of Kiryas Joel is any example, rapid growth along with poor planning, will sprawl the community in a haphazard manner, destroying natural resources and the rural character of the town.
Many of the properties will probably be claimed under a tax-exempt status of being a house of worship. The village, not only will avoid contributing its fair share toward public, tax funded services, such as fire, police and schools, it will have many residents who depend upon public assistance to support their large families. This will affect all of Sullivan County residents.
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