Visioning the Upper Delaware Region

The future includes you!

By ANOTHONY RITTER

As the Town of Tusten’s Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for the past eight years and an operator of a fishing guide service that caters to visitors from the tri-state metropolitan region who visit our area from April through November, I have witnessed progressive growth up and down the river valley.

And I can tell you first-hand, these are exciting times all along the Upper Delaware River Valley.

Thirty-year-low interest rates have spurred the real estate sector in Wayne, Pike and Sullivan Counties. New homes are being built and large tracts of land are being sold with subdivisions planned for the future.

For the past 100 years, this region has welcomed tourists escaping from the drudgeries of urban areas. However, what we are seeing at present is the engine of entrepreneur—many of whom are originally from New York City—that are investing time, efforts and money in the valley. These men and women are buying and restoring run-down buildings, opening restaurants and retail stores and breathing life into our main streets that were once vacant and deserted.

In addition, most, if not all, of these towns and hamlets have been improved with grassroots efforts to beautify their surroundings by working with a central idea and focusing their efforts outward to reach various groups. All this contributes to building community cohesiveness and making a positive difference to the area’s growth.

Both the aftermath of 9/11 and the economic recession in New York City have curtailed airline traffic to far away holiday destinations. The urban tourist now opts for a more affordable and closer locale for vacations, often choosing the Catskills and Poconos.

This fact, along with the additional media coverage, has brought more visitors to our region.

I know, for a fact, that many of my clients who have never been up to our area, return for another visit annually and some possibly make the financial commitment to plant roots here.

It is important for those of us living in towns along the river valley to continue to be part of the process in making our towns a vibrant and dynamic place to live.

In the Town of Tusten, our master plan, zoning codes and laws are in place thanks to many efforts from our officials and residents.

The challenges that will in all likelihood come before us in the future can be handled if we actively participate in planning, zoning or town board meetings.

By attending these meetings, to both listen and to express one’s opinions regarding topics such as ridgeline development, sprawl and other facts that might come before us, will strengthen a town’s foundations going forward. 

Participation also applies by volunteering your time in different areas of town life—such as beautification committees or chamber of commerce functions.

I am fortunate to be part of an Upper Delaware River community and to make a living from it. 

However, that comes with a price. The bill that is due is our collective responsibility, and each of us has a contribution toward making our towns a better place to live for the present and the future.