NARROWSBURG, NY — The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) on September 5 agreed to forward its latest review of the Town of Highland’s zoning plan to town officials.

The review again notes the town’s lack of compliance with the requirements of the river-management plan (RMP), which has been back-and-forth between the town and the UDC for several months. The 25-page document, created by the UDC and the National Park Service staff, was devised as a means of highlighting ways to fix the issue.

The review was also created as a new, perhaps final, attempt to elicit a formal response to numerous UDC queries about problems with the zoning plan.

Other member frustration about the time and staff effort devoted to Highland’s zoning was apparent. Berlin Township delegate Al Henry suggested that the UDC simply send the review along with a formal letter noting a final UDC finding of non-compliance—something others have been hesitant to do.

Fremont delegate Jim Greier has warned that a UDC non-compliance decision could prompt towns like his—which feel they have already conceded too much to river planning—to take actions similar to Highland.

Highland delegate Andrew Boyar did not attend recent committee and full council meetings and has likely not to have seen the new staff review. He has stated that after some three years of efforts to become compliant and a lot of money spent, Highland officials are loathe to reopen the issue.

Additionally, Greier and Lumberland delegate Nadia Rajsz did not attend the September 5 meeting. The only no-vote on the motion to forward the “advisory” came from Jeff Dexter of Damascus.

In other business, New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) delegate Bill Rudge reported that after several meetings, the DEC has decided to secure Sullivan County against long-term obligations for any work the county is willing to undertake to correct problems at the former Barnes Landfill.

“Everyone has been afraid to touch it for fear they will wind up owning it,” he said. “The town is concerned about the costs. We’re not criticizing the town in anyway.”