Readers Who Write: Letters to the Farmers — October 2025

October marked the close of our second month publishing Founding Farmers, and we’re grateful for the growing engagement from our readers. Our mission remains straightforward: to make public information easier to access and understand. Much of what we report is already available through official channels, but collecting, reviewing, and interpreting that information takes time that many residents simply don’t have. By presenting it clearly and contextually, we aim to make civic engagement more accessible and meaningful for the communities of Southern Ulster and, increasingly, Northern Orange.

This recurring section highlights notable comments, letters, and submissions from readers. We welcome contributions of all kinds and will respect any request for anonymity or privacy. Submissions can be sent through Messenger on our Facebook Page, via email at [email protected], or via a comment on any of our posts. We will always respect requests for anonymity or privacy.

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J. Stephen Casscles, Esq. wrote to us following the article regarding action the Town took to limit event hosting by its wineries.

I am disappointed at the actions of the Town of Marlborough and its Building Department, especially how it comes during the high volume harvest season. What the Building Inspector and Town have failed to consider when issuing this letter is that :

1) Pursuant to the NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control Law section 76 and 76-a, which is the section of law that authorizes the operation of a winery and farm winery, respectively, it is clearly stated in that law that such winery and farm-winery are allow to conduct event to sell wine, that includes parties, weddings, talks, wine appreciation and educational programs so all of such activities are very legal and in fact encouraged. Specifically ABC Law section 76-a (4)(d), states that “A licensed farm winery (this also applied to a commercial winery) may engage in any other business on the licensed premises subject to such rules and regulations as the liquor authority may prescribe. In prescribing such rules and regulations, the liquor authority SHALL PROMOTE THE EXPANSION AND PROFITABILITY OF WINE PRODUCTION AND OF TOURISM IN NEW YORK, THEREBY PROMOTING THE CONSERVATION, PRODUCTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL LANDS…” It was the intent of the authors of this section that activities such as public events and activities were specifically allowed.

2) Under the NYS Law that establishes Agricultural Districts, similar language appears to limit the ability of a local municipality to limit the kinds of events and activities that can promote such agricultural businesses and the production of agricultural products and their sale.

I am very familiar with with provisions of law since, as the Counsel to Senators Jess J. Present and William J. Larkin, Jr, I helped to draft these provisions of law for a good part of my legal career in the NYS Senate (1986-2018). I do hope that these comments help to adversely affected agricultural businesses.

Several community members also joined the discussion on our Facebook page, including Chip Kent of Locust Grove. To clarify, our article makes no allegations regarding Locust Grove. We referenced the property only to note its approved uses as a point of comparison with the businesses affected by the recent enforcement actions. Locust Grove remains a valued contributor to Marlborough’s agricultural and economic community.

I am the owner of Locust Grove Brewing Company and I don’t appreciate the false accusations. The fact of the matter is that we are a legitimate business and have the paperwork to prove it and it is on file with town.

Kayleigh Bozzo shared comments regarding her business, Nostrano Vineyards. Records show that no official communication from the Town to any of the affected establishments was properly logged, contributing to the uncertainty and lack of transparency surrounding these actions. The Building Inspector’s office confirmed to Founding Farmers that no additional correspondence occurred beyond what was already made public.

I’d like to clarify a few points regarding the recent discussion. The town has required that farms and wineries cease hosting non-agricultural events if they do not have an approved site plan for those activities. As Erica previously mentioned above; Farms and wineries located in R-1 zoning are exempt from a formal site plan only for agricultural uses. Many of us are actively working to update our site plans to remain compliant while continuing to operate our agribusinesses, which are an important part of this community. I don’t see an issue with the town enforcing existing laws and local businesses working to remain compliant.

Speaking for Nostrano Vineyards, we have had an approved site plan since our inception. We were notified this summer of the updated Code provisions and in turn notified to update that plan in accordance with the Code Provisions Applicable to Agricultural Buildings and Premises (effective May 2020), which require that agricultural structures comply with certain codes when used for commercial purposes. To be clear we were also notified in advance of receiving the official cease and desist letter, so we would not be caught off guard. Those are the facts, and they don’t seem to be reflected in some of the recent comments I’ve seen circulating throughout community posts.

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Gillian Grater sent the below responding to our article about Mr. Molinelli’s retirement from the Town Board.

I am Justin Graters Fiance. I am fully aware of why Edward Molinelli killed Justin Grater. This is still in full investigation with the ADA. Ed knows a lot of people. Politics are corrupt. If this is not handled appropriately I will be releasing all evidence I have of the issues between Justin Grater the boss of Ed Molinelli especially that prior week and why Justin cancelled his Saturday Morning meeting he normally has with his team “because he did not want to have to deal with Ed.” This is NOT over and I will not stop fighting for Justice for Justin. Ed Molinelli’s drivers license has been permanently revoked by NY State.

We want to be sensitive to Mr. Molinelli’s health challenges but acknowledge the circumstances of Mr. Grater’s death are very unfortunate. We wish both families wellbeing in this very challenging time.

Founding Farmers attempted to confirm if the Town of Newburgh has referred the investigation to the district attorney, however they’re unable to disclose any information due to the investigation still being active.

Until next time,

The Founding Farmers