PORT JERVIS, NY — Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker outlined his plans for the city in his fourth State of the City speech on January 31.

Although the city’s taxes are going to be increased, no services are cut, and Decker said there are plans to bring increased revenues through boosting tourism and outdoor activities, and luring other industries and retailers that will also bring jobs for residents.

U.S. Crane has been slated to develop the former Skyline Property on the top of the mountain in front of the entry to Elks-Brox Park in Port Jervis, and the Orange County Accelerator has been engaged “to identify other areas in the city leading to economic development.”

The Skyline property has already been developed as a “world class” mountain-biking venue, with the help of many volunteers. Other tourism projects in the works include the old D&H Canal Park and Riverside Park, the Railway and Canal Museum and many annual outdoor street festivals and venues that bring crowds and dollars to the city.

He said the White Water Kayak Park is in the permitting phase before the Army Corps of Engineers, and when it comes to the construction phase, it will most probably be put to a voter referendum.

Decker also said the city is securing an alternative income stream with vacant properties, solar energy and the sale of city properties. The planned installation of parking meters will also bring income to the downtown business area.

The alternative to raising revenues would be to cut services, but Decker said, “If we cut services we will see more garbage on our streets, we will see crime rise, everyone will see insurance rates escalate,and much more.”

The city’s housing stock is old, and Decker said property owners can get tax breaks if they improve their properties. Tax breaks are also available for city businesses.

While property values have started to rise in Port Jervis, many building are tax exempt, reducing city revenue. Decker said no help is available from other government entities, apart from a small amount from the county, and added the city could not keep afloat within New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s tax-cap limit.

Decker praised the Community Development Agency (CDA) and its director, Valerie Majinsky, who works to get grants for both the city and its residents, he said. “Currently the CDA manages eight working grants that include White Water Kayak Park permitting, a $600,000 sewer grant,” and others.

He also praised the Department of Public Works, led by director Jack Farr and his assistant Steve Duryea.

He noted that the city’s sewer system is 120 years old and in need of replacement. Decker said, “It will cost the city nearly $99 million in today’s money to replace the entire system, and the minimal sewer fee certainly doesn’t make a dent in the overall system, but we are forging ahead with writing grants and putting money towards a system that was neglected for over a century.”

Decker acknowledged Port Jervis has its share of crime, as do many other cities, but added that the Port Jervis police department is doing a great job, and praised Chief William Worden and Lt. John Fitzpatrick.

He said, “Our elite detective division is second to none and continues to proactively address the heroin epidemic. They have prioritized the aggressive targeting of narcotics dealers who sell heroin and crack cocaine that is often associated with deadly overdoses, thefts, burglaries, frauds, aggravated assaults and robberies and puts these suspects out of commission.”

Decker also lauded the Port Jervis Fire Department and the recreation department.

He also mentioned one of his wishes that he said he’s expressed to Orange County government: “My major request to the county has been to locate higher education here for our residents.”

Reminiscing about Port Jervis’ past, Decker went on, “I would frequently think about how we can make this city be as great as many of us remember it as kids. It was a hustling, bustling city with light industry and homeowners who took pride in where they lived. As we begin to see industry thriving and growing here and new industry being born this revival is on its way.”