Smith: “… a jewel for recreational tourism in Ulster County …”
KINGSTON – After two hours of public comment from about 50 residents,
many arguing that a series of resolutions be adopted without amendment,
they got their wish at Tuesday night’s Ulster County Legislature
session.
The Ashokan Rail Trail will be built, as currently proposed.
During the lengthy public comment, the sentiment was to do just what was done. Many said it is a reasonable compromise between rail proponents and trail advocates.
Kevin Smith is chairman of the Woodstock Land Conservancy.
“The Ashokan Rail Trail is going to be a jewel for recreational tourism in Ulster County and the Catskill Park,” Smith said. “Under your adopted policy, your current policy, in a few short years, it could connect to a countywide network and the 750-mile Empire State Rail Trail. This will be something that people with travel from across the country to enjoy. They will come indeed from across the ocean. Those of us who are lucky enough to live here with get to enjoy it every day year-round.”
Democrat Legislator Manna Jo Greene was among a small number wanting
to preserve some rail. She attempted to amend each of the four resolutions
in the same way.
“Allowing the railroad to get to the reservoir is absolutely the best thing for economic development and tourism in that area,” Greene said. She argued for preserving a mile of rail from Basin Road to mile marker 11.1.
Only a few other legislators agreed. All amendments failed.
The four resolutions included a negative SEQRA declaration, amending the execution of contracts in excess of $50,000 for construction, planning and engineering and environmental services.
