Comment from the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc.

Posted 4/28/21

The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway , Inc . ( UDSB) Committee expresses our organization ' s steadfast support for the preservation and restoration of the 1902 Milanville , PA - Skinners Falls , NY …

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Comment from the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc.

Posted

The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc. (UDSB) Committee expresses our organization's steadfast support for the preservation and restoration of the 1902 Milanville, PA-Skinners Falls, NY Bridge as PennDOT studies whether to repair, replace, or eliminate this historic crossing that is located a short distance off New York State Route 97 in our member Town of Cochecton

Replacing this architecturally unique and airy bridge featuring its single-lane, wood plank deck with an indistinctive, 40-ton concrete structure would forever change for the worse the quaint character of the bi-state communities that the bridge connects. Its well-deserved 1988 listing on the National Register of Historic Places should be honored and respected

The 2002 UDSB Enhancement Concept corridor management plan recognizes this bridge as a special part of the river valley's cultural story: Listed on the NRHP, this is a two-span, single lane iron bridge with a single mortared stone pier. Its construction is a variation of a Baltimore (Petit) through truss. It was built in 1902 by the American Bridge Company for the Milanville Bridge Company and linked the industrial and commercial center of Milanville with the New York and Erie Railroad. Its construction spurred a minor development at Skinner's Falls with the construction of a station and creamery. It was a toll bridge from 1902 to 1928.

This one-of-a-kind bridge stands testament to our historic and aesthetic values. It is also perfectly adequate in size and scope for the setting it serves, including small businesses, attractions, and visitors that are economic drivers for the regional tourism industry that we promote

The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway urges the rehabilitation and reopening of the Skinners Falls Milanville Bridge

Participating Municipalities: Village of Hancock, Towns of Delaware, Cochecton, Tusten, Highland, Lumberland and Deerpark, and City of Port Jervis, in Delaware, Sullivan and Orange Counties, NY 

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  • ircha

    You guys are spot on!!!!!

    In addition, some of the biggest beneficiaries of this quaint area aside from current residents are campers near the Skinners Falls Bridge.

    A bigger bridge or extra tonnage bridge would bring more traffic and larger vehicles to the area. This would directly add more harmful emissions and pollution to the atmosphere and be unhealthy for the campers trying to get away from the congested cities at an affordable price. Many of the campers of recent years have been recent immigrants into the country. I guess the powers that be are not that caring about the need for these immigrants to get some clean fresh air up in the country. You bet your bottom dollar that if this bridge were located near a private golf club or country club, this conversation would end. The bridge would be rehabilitated to its former historic glory. Systemic racism is a reality when it comes to these issues.

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