By Fred Stabbert III
HORTONVILLE – The Town of Delaware heard about a new program designed to improve the Delaware River Corridor at its meeting last Wednesday night.
Heather Jacksy, associate planner from the Sullivan County Division for Planning talked about the $82,050 state grant was recently awarded to the Sullivan County Planning Dept. to develop a plan for the 76-mile stretch of the Delaware River from Hancock to Port Jervis.
After developing the plan, each New York State municipality will have to do a verification that all legal documents agree with the plan, then adopt it
They then may apply for other grants to implement it Jacksy said.
Jacksy has been working with a steering committee which has representatives of each municipality along the way.
“I have reached out to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, also,” she said.
Before a standing-room-only crowd of 40 town residents, Jacksy brainstormed on how to improve the Town of Delaware’s river corridor.
The ideas brought forth were:
• Something to stop flooding;
• Improve alleys along Main Street;
• Eradicate knotweed;
• A scenic overlook from Route 97;
• Rehabilitation of Callicoon train station;
• Boat launch;
• Clean up flood debris; and
• Planting shade trees in Callicoon Creek Park.
“We’re hoping to have the plan done by December,” she said. “Towns can then apply for state grants to finish the projects.”
Litterpluck planned
The county-wide Litterpluck Day will be this Saturday, April 30.
“I will have clear garbage bags available outside the town hall,” Town Clerk Tess McBeath said. “The Cochecton Transfer Station will accept the garbage free of charge on Saturday, April 30 through Saturday, May 7. They are open Saturday and Wednesdays from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.”
The township also set the dates for the Town Clean Up. The dates are June 4 and 5 at the Town Barn in Hortonville from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Donations for drop-offs will be accepted.
Creek Park update
The Callicoon Creek Park committee reported that the Callicoon Farmers Market will be held this Sunday, May 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the park on Audley Dorrer Drive.
There will also be a plant swap on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the park.