Lumberland updates moratorium

By DAVID HULSE

GLEN SPEY — Rio Dam Road residents were out in force on December 12 to support a town board resolution for a new six-month moratorium on the development of campgrounds in Lumberland.

Earlier this year, a sale of property adjoining the upscale Rio Dam Road for a campground was rumored, which prompted vigorous opposition among residents.

The uproar led to the town board’s decision for the first moratorium in June, as a zoning amendment was considered to find an appropriate place to locate new campgrounds.

Several Rio Dam road residents spoke in favor of the extension saying a campground would deflate property values and damage the quality of life in the neighborhood.

Realtor and developer Don Hunt, who originally subdivided much of the Rio Road property involved and was the rumored seller to a campground developer, did not appear and has not commented publicly about any transaction.

Supervisor John LiGreci said the town would protect the area. “We’ve spent five months trying to protect your property values and quality of life. We will not let anything happen to let your property depress in value or jeopardize your way of life,” he said.

In other business, LiGreci said he would contact the Governor’s office to see what is holding up the state’s preparation of management plan for the Mongaup River wildlife management area. His action came in response to a complaint from Pond Eddy resident Richard Hotzler about the winter season closure of the parking area at the new Mongaup river access.

Hotzler complained that the confluence of the rivers is one the best places to fish. He doubted the stated reason for the closure: concern for disturbing the bald eagle population. “Is the [National] Park Service going to close down their [planned, nearby] visitor center in the winter?” he asked rhetorically.