Pond Eddy river rest parking area proposed

David Hulse
Posted 8/21/12

GLEN SPEY, NY — Lumberland Supervisor Nadia Rajsz on June 10 queried the town board about how the town might develop parking for a proposed scenic overlook, near a proposed river rest site for …

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Pond Eddy river rest parking area proposed

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GLEN SPEY, NY — Lumberland Supervisor Nadia Rajsz on June 10 queried the town board about how the town might develop parking for a proposed scenic overlook, near a proposed river rest site for boaters, in Pond Eddy.

The overlook would be sited on the remaining New York abutment of the 1904 bridge, after the completion of a new downstream bridge and demolition of the existing structure. Pennsylvania’s construction of the new bridge is expected to begin in 2016, and continue through 2018.

Sullivan County planner Heather Jacksy said a potential river rest site is on land near the new bridge.

River rests, authorized in the Upper Delaware River Management Plan, differ from river highway access sites, and do not provide road access.

Rajsz said that the Local Water Front Redevelopment Project (LWFRP) grant program is “looking at potential access sites.” Citing existing accesses in Barryville and Long Eddy, she said that Pond Eddy is “not as easy.”

Planning efforts initially looked at using the PA construction access to the river following completion of the new bridge, but Rajsz said “PA is not going to leave their staging area.”

A study of several other nearby sites has been done and engineer Brad Cleverley presented drawings for a 10-space parking area for the scenic overlook on a recommended 2.81-acre site, between the Hollow Road intersection and the Millbrook Inn.

Councilman Joe Carr was concerned about pedestrian safety in crossing between the parking area and overlook. “People get hit on (State Route) 97,” he said.

Jacksy said state approval would be required for a crosswalk.

Asked about the likely unauthorized use of the area by liveries and boaters who might simply cross the highway and over the guiderail, Rajsz replied, “The liveries are our economy.”

“People do what people do,” Jacksy said.

Rajsz said the land would serve not only for parking, but would also enhance the existing and adjoining town park in Pond Eddy. She said grant funding is available for the land, which has an assessed value of $36,400, but she did not believe the owner wants to sell.

Attorney for the town Danielle Jose-Decker suggested that aside from outright purchase, easements for parking and other uses could be arranged, offering tax breaks for the property owner.

In other business, following a public hearing, the board authorized a cleanup of trash, determined to be a health risk, at the 265 White Rd. property of Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2013-TT2, of St. Paul, Minnesota. The property was said to be occupied by squatters, whom the owners plan to evict. The estimated $800 cost of the cleanup will become a lien against the property, if not paid in the next tax bill.

Separately, Rajsz reported that the Supervisors’ Association is waiting for the county legislature’s response to its letter seeking sharing of county revenues from the proposed gambling casino to be built in the county.

Rajsz, who is an announced candidate for the county legislative seat now held by Kathy LaBuda, said that association members have followed up the letter with “direct questioning,” at a legislative meeting and have had no response.

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