Big Island may go to DEC

By TOM KANE

CALLICOON -— The Big Island, a large 96-acre island in the Delaware River, may be purchased by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Most of the island falls in the Town of Delaware, with a small parcel in the Town of Cochecton.

The island, which was the site of some of the earliest settlements of white people in the valley, is owned by developer Joe DeFalco, owner of the Top-of-the-World housing development near Callicoon.

The island, which has 5,000 feet of waterfront, is joined to the shore by a small slip of land. The property to be sold also has 24 acres on the shore.

DEC spokesman Fred Gerty reported the agency’s tentative plans to the UDC earlier this month, noting the purchase would hang on the availability of funding.