Some problems with the Long Eddy river access proposal

Karen Gibbons and Peter Reich
Posted 8/21/12

As two of the “several residents” in Long Eddy who are against improving the access (almost 200 people have signed the petition), we are moved to speak in order to clarify our point of view. We …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Some problems with the Long Eddy river access proposal

Posted

As two of the “several residents” in Long Eddy who are against improving the access (almost 200 people have signed the petition), we are moved to speak in order to clarify our point of view. We bought our Long Eddy home 30 years ago, lovingly renovated the property, and ran a B&B here for 18 years. We have strong opinions about the expanded river access proposal affecting the road leading to our home.

When we first heard of the idea of improving the access we were all for it. When the Delaware Highlands Conservancy(DHC) was involved, as fans and supporters, we felt confident that it would be a boon to the enjoyment of our beloved river. However, when we saw the proposed “concep”’ plan and began to learn more about the project we began to have some major reservations.

First, the proposal drawing does not even show our road or the other houses that make this spot a lovely residential enclave. Perhaps if this project were actually located in an isolated area without access to other parking, the sketch would make sense. However, as it is currently drawn the access itself is not improved at all, instead, the two-way road we depend on is made into a one way road with the other direction being diverted through a parking lot. Yes, we now occasionally pause while boaters turn around in our road, but if this plan goes through we will instead be forced to drive through the parking lot to get to out to Route 97.

More important, and to our surprise, given the DHC’s involvement, are the environmental concerns. The plan calls for nearly an acre of asphalt placed in an area that currently acts as a real live bioswale during (ever more) frequent floods. The current house is set well back on the property, yet was damaged in the 2006 flood. (Yes, all the houses on our road were damaged in that terrible flood, however theirs was not salvaged because of neglect caused by the age and infirmity of the owner. The property came up for sale when the owner died and could still be a very lovely residential property, on the town’s tax rolls). The area that is designated for parking would at best cause polluting run off from vehicles, and at worst would be at risk for debris and garbage polluting the river and causing maintenance headaches. Additionally, no mention is made of what will happen with existing utility poles or how the storm drain will be managed. It should be noted that the “short term” solution sketch shown in Friday’s Sullivan County Democrat looked far more sensible, but is clearly not meant to be permanent.

I would love to see Long Eddy’s businesses grow; however it seems that fishermen don’t typically use the two restaurants in town. River visitors who are enjoying a meal can park at either establishment and easily walk to the landing. Also, if what one person in town says is true, and up to 45 drift boats park in Long Eddy at a time (this has never been witnessed by us), then even with parking for four to five trailers in a riverfront parking lot, Long Eddy still has a big problem.

A beautiful boat landing can only be an asset to Long Eddy. A new parking lot for fishermen and boaters might be a good idea, but a parking lot on a residential lot on the banks of the Delaware? Other properties are available to create parking; an asphalt surface on the banks of the river seems like a big mistake.

[Karen Gibbons and Peter Reich are residents of Long Eddy, NY.]

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here