One topic dominated Monday's Liberty Board Meeting: a potential planned unit development (PUD).

The board and concerned residents had a back-and-forth discussion about the proposal, which is unusual for such a meeting.

About six people spoke out with concerns, including the legality of a PUD, harm to the environment, utilities and possible traffic issues when trying to get to the nearby hospital in an emergency.

"People spell out what they like about Sullivan County, about Liberty, and it's the rural areas of the county. Swan Lake is beautiful!! This piece of land should not be developed," a resident said.

Board members assured the crowd they value hearing from them and that this is the beginning of a long process with no guarantee the development will move forward. There will be studies, planning board meetings, and at least two to three public hearings.