Residents ask for brook remediation

By TOM KANE

HORTONVILLE, NY — A petition by the residents of Kohlertown in the Town of Delaware was presented to the town board on September 15, urging the reconstruction of the brook that runs through the hamlet.

Mark Murphy, representing the hamlet’s residents, said Hess Brook frequently floods and encroaches on their homes because its course has been altered over the years.

“The floods are growing in both frequency, magnitude and intensity and the town has not done enough to correct these problems,” the petition said.

A serious flood occurred this August 12, with past floods on September 13, 2003 and a major flood in January of 1996, it said.

“The brook has developed a second stream that has been cutting through our properties,” said a homeowner who did not wish to be identified. “The town should return the stream to its former course.”

Bill Moran, town supervisor, assured Kohlertown residents that the town would correct the problem. He also mentioned two other brooks—Joe Brook in Hortonville near the town barn and North Branch Creek near the Robisch Hill Road bridge—need similar work.

The town will have to pay for the work out of its general fund since it is not eligible for FEMA funds.

“The governor has to issue a state of emergency for FEMA to come in,” Moran said.

Work will begin as soon as permits are issued by DEC, Moran said.

The Callicoon Creek will receive similar corrections next spring, he said.

Dubrovsky work halted

In other town business, developer Marc Dubrovsky has been ordered to cease work on his proposed development at Kenoza Lake.

“He expanded a 4,000 foot logging road, widening it without permission or hearing the planning board’s standards,” said Delaware Code Enforcement Officer Bill Buckmaster.

Dubrovsky will not be fined.

The planning board will hold a public hearing on the project at its next meeting on October 13 at 7:30 p.m.