Cochecton hears public comment on river access

By TOM KANE

LAKE HUNTINGTON — An old river access point, now defunct, which the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wants to open, was discussed by the Cochecton Town Board at its meeting last Wednesday evening, February 6.

The access has not been open for use for a number of years.

Members of the audience recalled how the access at Newman Road next to the Damascus Bridge was frequently used by town residents in past years.

“Many children used to go down there and enjoy the river,” said board member Daisy Smith.

Members of the audience and several board members said the access might bring more visitors to Cochecton where two businesses—Reilly’s Ice Cream Parlor and the luncheonette—might be reopened.

“The Scenic Byways will bring people along Route 97 and it would be good if we had the access,” Smith said.

The owner of adjacent property, Kim Whitener, and her attorney, Jeffrey Weinstein of New York City, attended and spoke against the proposal.

“The town has nothing to do with the access,” Smith said. “It’s a DEC issue, but they want to know how we feel about it.”